You control a marble and lead it through a series of obstacles to complete the level. Who knew something this simple could be so fun?
The marble is controlled by the thumbsticks, the A button is jump, RB is for double jump, and RT is to activate powerups. The object of the game is to get your marble to finish line while trying to not fall off the edge of this 3D world, all within par time. Powerups are available to you, as is your blast meter which increases your jump. There are three difficulties to choose from and a total of sixty levels.
Obstacles are there to prevent you from reaching your goal. In the easier levels they are few and far between, but as you progress they make some levels near impossible. These obstacles include such things as fans that blow your marble off course, and bumpers which can bump you off the edge. These can be avoided, but some obstacles such as ice, and moving objects increase the games difficulty ten fold, as everything you’ve learned in previous levels is thrown out the window.
The actual objects and surfaces are nothing special, visually, but the backgrounds some levels have, and the movement of the marble is very impressive. Structures and surfaces are very dull and could have used some more creativity, as could some of the obstacles.
The audio of Marble Blast Ultra is very well done. The sounds of the marble are very engaging and are different on corresponding surfaces. For a game that really doesn’t need music to be fun, MBU has fantastic in-game music. The fast-paced, energetic, smooth sounds can really keep you from getting too frustrated and the pleasant sounds are something you will like to hear.
Powerups add a definite kick to the game, as you’re able to do things such as fly, and do a super jump with your marble because of them. They also include Time Travel, which stops time for a few seconds while you progress, Gravity Modifier, which flips the 3D surface, and super-speed.
Along with an engaging singleplayer, there is also a decently fun online multiplayer. The goal in multiplayer is to collect gems in a certain amount of time, all while avoiding the seven other players in the room with you. The online was somewhat weak and really could have used some different modes. Also, playing through the game on some kind of co-op splitscreen would have meant a lot more enjoyment.
Achievements in Marble Blast Ultra are very exciting at first, as a lot can be earned early. But they do get frustrating later on as some levels are unattainable, so far. This is the best Xbox Live Arcade game I’ve played yet, and for only 400 Microsoft Points, you can’t go wrong with this.
Dave writes: "Marble Blast Ultra will always be intertwined with the launch of XBLA; the excitement of getting games digitally, immediately; the sudden new avenue for getting Gamerscore, and the hidden gems lost amongst the dross."
This week Brad (@Bgamer90) from Brad David Productions joins Mike (@AssaultSuit) and Aaron (@Ind1fference) to talk about: Nintendo Switch, Rock Band 4, X-play, Vegas Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, This is Vegas, Call of Duty, DSi, The Walking Dead, Heroes, Moonlight, I am Not Your Negro, Microsoft, Sony, Xbox 360, PS3, Perfect Dark Zero, Marble Blast Ultra, Backyard Billiards, Rocket League, Halo Wars 2, WiiU, Bomberman Act Zero, Nintendo, A Pixel Story, Bleed 2, Guts and Glory, Shift Happens, Alwa’s Awakening, Vaccine, Resident Evil, Psychonauts Rhombus of Ruin PSVR, Double Fine, Alan Stone, Giantbomb and more.
In the 12th episode of GO!, without using the Xbox One, the guys have to find and collect a collectible that goes towards an achievement.
good review; these types of games are crazy addictive.