As the speed increases, the amount of time the player has to react to obstacles decreases significantly. This increases the difficulty dramatically even when objects remain in their original positions. In many cases, high speeds are used to create tension during climaxes.

Conversely, slow-paced sections are often used to reset the tempo and allow the player to regain their reflexes. However, slow speeds can still be difficult if they are accompanied by mechanics like gravity reversals or sudden camera moves.

Speed ​​also affects how the music is synchronized. Tracks with a dense beat are often suited to fast-paced levels, while tracks with a lighter tempo are often used in slow-paced levels.