The guy who plays Grima Wormtongue in Lotr is great in both X-files and Voyager!!

It's kind of like the centerpiece, that catches the player's attention. It could be a huge machine in a factory, a fantastical tree in a park, a pyramid, a volcano. If the player thinks of this level, they will remember this.

A "hero asset" is a totally viable approach. If you feel like you are leaning too much into it, stop working on it for a bit. You could start again on the same concept, but add something that breaks up the space completely. A random object that forces you to readjust your concept.

Sometimes when I'm struggling with a premise or limitations, I'd write down things that I don't want to have in my design. You could possibly write down things that you find difficult, and try to find an approach from that angle. What would you say makes it hard for you to approach level design?

Playing around with some mechanics for a badminton game in godot. Took my inspiration from Skate, controlling the upper body with the right stick. Hold in one direction, then release the stick for a hit.