Website Review - ATLANTIS UNDERGROUND

Not knowing exactly what something is or what you'll be doing when you get there is a great device to pull visitors deeper into
a website. Leks Bronks' Atlantis Underground, "…a personal deviation from reality…" is a mysterious, enticing website that
uses this creative hook like a sly master.

The best part? AU's logo is extraordinary: a bewitching ornate eyeball that seems to be a figurative window into the mind of
Leks Bronks. Its fiery spirit constantly bombards visitors' minds into questioning, "What exactly is the Atlantis
Underground?" I'm still not sure myself what it is, but its mystique causes a persistent thirst to explore the root of its
meaning.

I love the intricate mosaic in the background of the home page. Its duality in design is blatant, but is exactly its charm. They
look like adrenaline-charged Rorschach drawings. The artwork of AU has great appeal to a broad audience with appealing
illustrations, mostly cartoon-like, portraying cuddly fantasy creatures, while erotica boasts glorious scenes of indulgence. I
love the digital distortions, or mosaics, in all the key locations… classic!

The RPG is where the meat of the content is. In Odorikuruu, the RPG area of Atlantis Underground, patrons can make their own RPG homepage where they can display their character's stats, artwork, stories, and more! In AU, there is a lot to see and do! As a small bit, the navigation bar is well executed. For first time users, it could be menacing to see buttons with unfamiliar
topics, or language for that matter. But the rollovers prove very useful and clever as clear definitions hide underneath. It seems
like privileged information is being shared as these exotic words are translated before your eyes. An even greater gift is achieved… a very subtle acceptance into the AU society. The entire website has just undergone an admirable facelift, but
some tinkering has not been for the better. What happened to the beautiful logotype? It had a great style, it was colorful, it had
those great backwards letters… it's what initially interested me in AU and now it's gone! And besides the buttons being way too big now, what is that big panel on the left… a window? The digital Rorschach mosaics have also been removed on the inside spreads, as has some of the appeal of the home page. The new icons are inside round buttons now. I have to struggle to see them now.

As a website designer, sometimes I see websites that I would just love to get my hands on for one reason or another, whether it be great content or flavorful design. For me, Atlantis Underground dangles both of these carrots! Many magazines and TV shows do specials on "One's To Watch". After you visit, continue to watch this one, Leks continues to evolve his unique vision to keep pace with his elaborate mind. He could just be taking us on a fabulous journey into his mind… maybe that is truly the "Atlantis Underground"? We'll have to wait and see.

Link: http://www.atlantisunderground.net