Marble Blast Ultra Review

By Kristan Reed Published 14 February, 2006

Losing my lonely rolling marbles.

Version tested: Xbox 360

Xbox Live Arcade, how we love it. We're only half joking when we say that were it not for the plethora of ridiculously addictive titles available to dip into on during a spare moment, the 360 would be gathering dust by now. The irresistible instant fix allure of pick-up-and-play titles like Geometry Wars Evolved, Bejewelled, Hexic and Zuma kept us going through one of the dullest starts to a year in living memory. Factor in our undimmed competitive streak that ensures the need to claim the bragging rights in Gamerscore achievements and high scores, and it's no wonder it's the only thing gamers want to talk about these days.

But the problem with this quick fix gaming malarkey is that we need more fuel to fire our craving for instant thrills. Frankly, Microsoft can't get 'em up on the Live Marketplace quick enough. Needless to say, we were hungry to devour one of the most recent additions to the ever-growing line-up. Perhaps predictably, Marble Blast Ultra is another dusted down, updated version of a previously available Xbox Live Arcade offering, but one that definitely shouldn't be ignored.

Immediately recognisable to oldies as GarageGames' latest homage to crusty old mid 80s arcade hit Marble Madness, it's a direct evolution of the 'roll the ball to the goal' formula of old, rather than a subtle reinvention in the mould of the excellent Super Monkey Ball or Archer Maclean's Mercury.

Astro Boy

'Marble Blast Ultra' Screenshot cheating

Surely that's cheating?

In keeping with practically every Xbox Live Arcade title ever released, the concept is as effortlessly simple as they come, but all the better for it, frankly. In this instance, each course is set in an 'astrolabe arena suspended high in the clouds' with the idea to roll your marble to the goal, negotiating ramps and traps galore, with the occasional requirement to also collect a finite number of gems along the way. Each of the 60 available levels have a (fairly generous) par time which you can challenge yourself against, but unless you're hellbent on unlocking every Gamerscore achievement known to mankind, there's no real obligation to rush.

To aid you in your seemingly simple quest, a bunch of power-ups appear where needed, with things like a super jump, mega ball, speed boost, helicopter and the like making it possible to negotiate otherwise impossible hazards. Throw in crazily designed courses, icy sections, moving platforms, pinball bumpers, levels that you have to literally flip 90 degrees to properly explore and every other kind of gaming evil known to man and you'll get an idea of what to expect in Marble Blast Ultra.

Inevitably, with only 60 courses to complete it's not going to last all that long - especially once you factor in how easy the first 30 or so really are. The beginner courses are largely insultingly easy, and it's only as you inch towards the more advanced courses that the experience lasts more than a couple of minutes per course. The game's secret weapon - perhaps inevitably - is the time attack element, and although beating your own best time isn't a big incentive, we guarantee that once you get a few mates playing it, you'll all be desperately trying to shave off precious seconds to show everyone who's boss. It's only then that the true charm of the game shines through, and it becomes apparent how evil some of these courses really are.

Bag it

'Marble Blast Ultra' Screenshot lose

We're about to lose our marbles, again.

In addition, there's also an online multiplayer version for up to eight players, which isn't quite as exciting as you might expect, but fun for a while. Essentially the idea is to grab gems ahead of your opponents within a specified time limit, using whatever power-ups to your advantage. With ten courses to choose from, there's certainly fun to be had, but it feels like more of a frantic-but-lightweight diversion to the main event than something you'll play in preference to the main single player game.

You'd certainly never buy a Live Arcade Game based on its technical prowess, but Marble Blast Ultra certainly looks the part, and represents a massive improvement on the almost shareware-esque standard of old. Replete with delightful shader effects, GarageGames has done a decent job of producing a (literally) very polished looking effort with a simplistic style that works. And a special mention for the excellent squeaky sound effects when you're slipping frantically on the ice. Lovely stuff.

For the money Marble Blast Ultra is definitely worth a look, and even if you can't bring yourself to shell out for it, there's a decent demo to sample first. Sure, it's not going to win awards for its longevity, but its instant playability and rampantly addictive qualities make is damned near irresistible. A fitting update to an enduring classic.

8 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (55) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Tejstar #1 6 years ago

    Me loves this game!

  • Fatfish #2 6 years ago

    1st.........sweet!

    Brilliant game and deviously addictive. Well worth the money. 9/10 for me. Multiplayer is good fun too.

    Anyone tell me how to complete the last level, under par time on the hardest difficulty setting? I'm stumped!!

  • Fatfish #3 6 years ago

    Damn it........foiled by Tejstar!!

    Oh well, 2nd and 3rd ain't bad.

  • Carlo #4 6 years ago

    Would a game like this benefit from a motion/tilt sensor control?

  • SeesThroughAll #5 6 years ago

    What? No posts about EG's anti-MS bias?

  • OllyJ #6 6 years ago

    excellent EG, thanks hopefully you'll keep these arcade reviews coming!

    again thank!!

  • velocity_girl #7 6 years ago

    loved marble madness - but this aint that good...

    I definitely agree MS need to increase number of titles on Arcade but not so sure about - "You'd certainly never buy a Live Arcade Game based on its technical prowess"..

    does that include the upcoming live arcade game Hoopworld which uses unreal engine? and was amazed by Geometry Wars gfx.. more so than PDZ etc

  • macksed #8 6 years ago

    eurogamer arent listening to me, so ill tell you here. the ps3 isnt going to come with a hard-drive. its on the official website at http://www.p laystation.com/business.html

    its at the bottom of the product outline of the playstation 3.
    there, i said it - although im not sure how many ppl will read this here.
    oh well.
    Edited by 1 at 14/02/06 @ 15:26

  • Darkedge #9 6 years ago

    found it fun for 5 mins but no longer - downloaded demo, played, deleted.

  • Furbs #10 6 years ago

    Dont forget the EG review score modifier; +/- 3 points if a game is quirky, non-mainstream or original, regardless of the games quality :)

    And SeesThruAll, I still dont think theres an active bias, but there was another sly dig at the 360 in the opening paragraph.

  • Feanor #11 6 years ago

    It's not really sly at all. They're clearly stating that the 360 doesn't have many good games out at the moment. EG aren't the only ones with that opinion, and it's not exactly a shock for a new console to take a while to get going with a lot of great games.

  • paulf #12 6 years ago

    judging by your post ManicMiner it sounds just like the original marble madness

  • #13 6 years ago

    I agree with Feanor, they're only telling the truth Furbs.

  • morriss #14 6 years ago

    What? No posts about EG's anti-MS bias?

    Take note of the reviewer/writer!!

    Couldn't agree more with the score.

    I want a T-Shirt the says GYROCOPTER!! on it!

    ..or MEGA MARBLE!!

  • macksed #15 6 years ago

    oh, ignore me then :(

    erm - not literally - reverse psychology u see, dont ignore me, please, please?
    Edited by 1 at 14/02/06 @ 15:29

  • trevd72 #16 6 years ago

    I got this for the little lad, was not that bothered by it until 2 nights ago and I have to say it is pretty fun. just trying to beat the times is cool. ithink all the games should be 400 points each though. this is a tad dear.

  • LetsGo #17 6 years ago

    Hahaha! Best X360 game is a XBL Arcade one.

    Classic :).

  • Furbs #18 6 years ago

    So am I missing something or are the original Xbox, PS2, GC, and PC heaving with quality recent releases then? :)

    Edit: That wasnt aimed at LetsGo btw, although it does kinda follow on ;)
    Edited by 1 at 14/02/06 @ 15:16

  • OllyJ #19 6 years ago

    I think there has been plenty of games and features to keep me happy since xmas.


    personally I think this console is great, it's easy to get into and all the achievements/gamerscore/leaderboards/live arcade really makes a difference to me.

    I will most definately get a PS3 but I do have my doubts that it will be my personal preference, 360's features really bring it to life.

    there's plenty of great games that have a long lifespan out at the moment so I see no reason why it would collect dust....

  • Xerx3s #20 6 years ago

    "It's not really sly at all. They're clearly stating that the 360 doesn't have many good games out at the moment. EG aren't the only ones with that opinion, and it's not exactly a shock for a new console to take a while to get going with a lot of great games."

    What exactly makes a good game? One that entertains and is fun to play? If so, i would say that PD0 is a blast on live and Doa4 is alot of fun with yer mates, etc; etc. Sure, they are not instant classics that you would still play in 3 years time, but fun anyway imo.

  • lefizz #21 6 years ago

    the truth of the matter is that the 360 launch titles are wearing a little thin.
    For most of us PDZ wore thin in about 2 sittings, and the release schedule isnt exactlly on fire at the moment. Until thing like gears and far cry preadtor come out i am left with the odd round of PGR3 and live arcade. It is perhaps the greatest part of any console i have ever played. I couldnt give a sh@t what anyone else says, i have had far more fun out of space station/ hexic/ geometry wars/ bejeweled etc than is remotely decent. The thing is these game are all pretty well put together, very addictive and they really suite the mood after you have finished a hectic day at work. Something about then just suite the chilling out mood even if they themself can get pretty full on

    Long live Live Arcade.

    phil

  • gizmo #22 6 years ago

    I might get this if its as good as Halo ;)

  • reality_cheque #23 6 years ago

    "old mid 80s arcade hit Marble Madness"

    Thanks EG, now I feel older than ever... stop mentioning decades of release, dammit! :p

    @ManicMinerUK: Sorry mate, you must be rubbish :p I've finished probably 90% of the levels under par time, first time.

    @Macksed: That's because you've posted about the PS3 in an X360 article. Make a forum post or something. (besides, I'll believe what the PS3 has for specs when I or somebody I trust to give me an honest answer have one to try)

  • macksed #24 6 years ago

    ure right reality_cheque, this is a stupid place to put bout the ps3, but its hard to find somewhere current bout the ps3 to put it. anyways, IF any of you are 360 fanboys u shud be happy:D

  • DrDamn #25 6 years ago

    Post in the PS3 threads but only if you want to be olded Macksed.
    linky

  • thegamesthething #26 6 years ago

    regardless of the lack of review, for me GW is the best game on arcade so far, 10/10 on every criteria except value for money, on which it scores 168/10 (and still rising)

  • macksed #27 6 years ago

    olded? - - nooooooooooo
    how many ppl read that though? (not that too many ppl wanting to no bout ps3 are reading this)
    but im pretty sure (not totally) - that it isnt old news that the ps3 wont come supplied with a hard drive. meh

  • captainrentboy #28 6 years ago

    Found beginner and intermediate level piss easy on this game,I think I got through nearly everyone on my first go,except that hop,skip,jump level,god that annoyed me.And for the guy who said you go right back to the beginning every time you die,you don't,there are handy checkpoints throughout each of the trickier ones.

  • Eighthours #29 6 years ago

    Shame you haven't reviewed GW:RE, lads. Surely that would get a 9?

    Incidentally, my girlf just wants to play Hardwood Backgammon all the frickin' time! :(

  • DrDamn #30 6 years ago

    @macksed
    Yep olded I'm afraid. There is fairly extensive discussion on that thread of the point you are making (it's over 100 comments long). Even k.o.t.i was olded when he posted on Jan 26th.

    @captainrentboy
    Is hop,skip,jump level 39? One with a jump then gyro & big jumps? I got 12.54 seconds on that last night - well chuffed. Gyro'ed right to the end of the level. :-)

  • #31 6 years ago

    Furby wrote:

    "So am I missing something or are the original Xbox, PS2, GC, and PC heaving with quality recent releases then? :)"

    Quality? That's subjective. But the fact that the xbox 360 has had 3 games released since Dec 2nd is the point I think Tom was trying to make.

  • Darren #32 6 years ago

    Marble Blast Ultra isn't bad but it's definitely not 8/10 material either. The levels vary in their quality, some are excellent but many border on average, and some are so bad that they're near impossible to complete. As for the multiplayer it's fun... for about 15 minutes and then it becomes dull.

    Nope, this is a 6/10 game in my opinion, especially as it costs nearly £7.

  • macksed #33 6 years ago

    dammit! oh well, i'll live, i hope

  • DrDamn #34 6 years ago

    Ah come on "especially as it costs nearly £7"? Think of the dross out there for full price. Stuff at £50. You pay £7+ to go see a film these days at the cinema.

    I only cost me £5.70 too (2100 MS points in a local shop for £15).

  • bloke #35 6 years ago

    Of course, then nice thing about "try before you buy" is that you try it.........then delete it if you don't like it.

    /encourages more people to try Mutant Storm :-)

  • nomaad #36 6 years ago

    I love this game. The multiplayer is really fun for a quick laugh as well.

  • Stormflood_UK #37 6 years ago

    Anyone got a link to a site that shows how to do 2 minute levels in 2 seconds? I like to think I have a working brain, but I can't see how any human achieves times quicker than it takes to actually get the damn marble up to speed.

  • Fozzie_bear #38 6 years ago

    So am I missing something or are the original Xbox, PS2, GC, and PC heaving with quality recent releases then? :)

    Well, ps2 is a bit disappointing - but 24 and a new singstar are on the way \o/

    GC isn't even funny any more.

    Tons of stuff on pc. More than i've got time to play - even if i could buy everything i wanted.

    X Box - couldn't give a sweaty rat's cock.

  • tengu #39 6 years ago

    "Well, ps2 is a bit disappointing"

    Only if you settle for European release lameness :) US releases of late have been excellent.

  • macksed #40 6 years ago

    2 things:

    1) i might have been olded here, but on TVG they just posted this news thanks to me (as they say in the article)

    2) this game sounds an awful lot like Marbles Vast Mantra to me, but thats just my opinion

  • onyxbox #41 6 years ago

    I'm not too impressed with the 360 so far but I have to say I've got this sneaky suspicion that this Live Arcade thing is going to be it's savior and this is why I think this...

    Us gamers are getting a bit tired of it all, you know... shooting each other in the face, playing the same games dressed in different clothing etc. we've done 3 years of that and I've certainly had enough, call it fatigue I guess.

    With this in mind I think people are ready to get back to basics... take a bit of a break from it all (not forever but for a while) and back to some twitch gaming... gaming that doesn't demand 2hrs of your life just to get to a checkpoint.

    I already think the DS taps into this need, it doesn’t feel like effort, it’s short, sweet, feels like a breath of fresh air and I get the feeling Live Arcade offers this too.

    I don't know if any of this makes any sense but perhaps someone else on this thread can better articulate what I'm trying to say.

  • captain-future #42 6 years ago

    @Furbs: more like +/- 10 EG modifier.

  • tengu #43 6 years ago

    But... that makes no sense...

  • trevd72 #44 6 years ago

    to the people here that bang on about how easy it is.....the difficulty is in the competition on the leader boards. thats where the replay value is. you could spend hours competing against your friend list trying to shave seconds of the first 3 levels alone.

  • DrDamn #45 6 years ago

    @onyxbox

    I agree. I love the way I can power up the X360, play a few games from a nice selection, then power down without even getting up from the sofa. No twatting around with discs etc. It's great time filling gameplay.

  • OllyJ #46 6 years ago

    I just discovered how to actually play Hexic last night, I fear "proper" games are going to get a backseat until I get some acheivements!

  • EGBartonFink #47 6 years ago

    I wonder what mongtard gave this a rating of 1 in the user ratings?

    Someone who hasn't played the game perhaps?
    Disgruntled Sony fanboi?

    Idiot maybe?

  • reality_cheque #48 6 years ago

    I predict all of the above (a retarded fanboi too stuck up his own arse to accept that a 360 game he's never even seen before might be good)
    Edited by 1 at 15/02/06 @ 13:50

  • Rambaldi #49 6 years ago

    Ok, so this is better than Amped3, Condemned, PDO, DOA4, Full Auto etc. and as good as PGR3 and COD2?

    Right.

  • reality_cheque #50 6 years ago

    Dunno about all of them, but I find this more fun than PD0, Full Auto and Condemned, not played PGR3 but it'd say it's a little bit less fun than COD2.

  • Furbs #51 6 years ago

    Well dont forget, Marble Blast costs about 10% of what those games do, so I guess the reviewer is factoring that in to the equation. Otherwise there'd be no point reviewing XBLA games.

  • reality_cheque #52 6 years ago

    Indeed Mr Furbs (as I am assuming you're a Mr), if you factor in price this is more fun than any other non-XBLA game EVER.

  • morriss #53 6 years ago

    Of course he's taking the fact that it's an XBLA game into account.

    It's 8/10 in comparison to the price. Which I feel is about right. A very good XBLA game.

  • Rambaldi #54 6 years ago

    If ya say so, but I've finished all the afore mentioned games (inc. marble blast) and..yeah..whatever.

    /sticks Full Auto on again and grins like cheshire cat :)))

  • reality_cheque #55 6 years ago

    Is Full Auto twelve times the fun Marble Blast is? :p

    I didn't like FA myself.

  • gtevans #56 6 years ago

    How do you power off the xbox with the controller?

  • reality_cheque #57 6 years ago

    Hold down the guide button, you get the option then to either turn off the console or just that controller (and when you shut down the console, it turns all of the pads connected to it off - damn nice touch imo)