Based on watching a few player streams, and having seen an issue with one particular level for some time now, I finally decided to do a small update on just this level.
There are no real new code changes in this update, it is just level updates on two defiance levels, and some updates to effect visualizations.
Visualization
Visual updates were mostly focused on draw order of some transparent effects, to make some things draw through and sort with clouds better, but the pulse gates also saw a bit of a larger change, where the particles used to indicate their push direction and strength got an overhaul, to better and clearer show the direction, and to render better with other transparencies. To me the new version here on the screenshot is a lot clearer, but it is even more so when in motion.
Levels
The level with the largest edit is the level "Desire", which has seen the first pulse gates edited to introduce the concept of different trajectories before it's a life and death situation.
Then two checkpoint pickups have been moved on to new small challenges using the energy plated walls, so there are safer environments to learn some aspects of them before the larger section at the end of the level. As none of this affects anything that is used in top speed runs, these edits should be fine.
I also adjusted the lighting slightly and filled out the background a bit. Though, the background is not custom made, so it's not the strongest background by any means, but I think it feels a bit less empty at least.
The other level that got a minor edit is the level "Desperation", which just got the first life pack moved on to a minor challenge using the pulse cores, before they are used in a scenario that could kill you. Just letting players learn them in a safe environment.
EDIT: Did a small update to lighting in Chains, and fixed clarity in a section, as well as two hints. Nothing big, but should improve things a bit.
Also added a pulse filed and energy wall in the Nostalgia level, before they are used in an actual challenge, but still in a way that makes it likely for players to interact with them.