snip
I think you're conflating a
retro style with
differences from VVVVVV. Internal scripting can't do anything that couldn't be done in the main game, and custom graphics are generally used to make graphics as retro-styled as VVVVVV is. The current movement isn't really toward "modern" styled levels per se, but rather toward
divergence from VVVVVV, which can of course take countless forms.
That said, there's still been a definite increase in levels with complex stories. I can't really speak for anyone else, but for quite awhile, I personally prided myself on creating simple, gameplay-focused levels with minimal-to-nonexistent storylines.
Then, of course,
Overdose happened. Here's something interesting: Almost all of the gameplay in that level was handled by Lollipop. I was almost completely focused on story, primarily concerning myself with gameplay only where it would serve that story. This was an almost complete role reversal from my previous work.
Here's the key. At this point, I had gotten fed up with the prevalence, even
demand for levels that very closely resembled the original game (dimensional destabilization! crewmates kidnapped! go to a polar dimension to save 'em!). So I came up with a story that hadn't been seen in a level before: starting with a ridiculous opener, then gradually peeling back layers revealing tragedy, depression, and regret. When I released it, I was really worried it would be rejected because of how utterly
weird it was.
Instead, it turned out that
the people demand novelty. And here's the point I'm meandering towards:
I think that this novelty and innovation is crucial. I think that it's amazing that people are diverging from the source material. I think that incredible and valuable stuff is being made because people are constantly trying to push the limits.
I think that it's wonderful that people are creating art.
Here's a thread from 2011. It's nearly as old as the game itself, and indeed hasn't been posted in for longer than any other level thread (except a WIP thread). It's an adaptation of
Schindler's List of all things in the form of a VVVVVV level. Nearly six years ago, increpare was doing the same thing we are now: pushing the limits.