You lose a level, you lose XP? That's not cool. Not really very helpful. Puts you in a worse situation than you were in the first place .... when you lost.
I have to say, after the really well done intro, the first view of a level was a disappointment... blocky and spritey. But the gameplay itself is really good, and that's what really matters. 5/5 A lot like Gemcraft Labyrinth in gameplay (particularly the level handicapping!), with the added aspect of champion and faction specialties and rewards.