Video games - Marble Blast

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	Video games - Marble Blast

Marble Blast is a 3D puzzle game involving a marble, available for the PC (namely Windows, Mac OS X and Linux). It gained popularity when it came pre-installed on many new Apple computers including the Mac mini and iMac G5.

An updated version, Marble Blast Gold, was also released adding 28 new levels and introduced "gold times" for players to beat. A graphically enhanced version was made available for the Xbox via the Xbox Live Arcade. In addition, a sequel, Marble Blast Ultra, was released for the Xbox 360 on January 25, 2006, also via the Xbox Live Arcade service. This new game sports new levels, spruced-up graphics, and a multiplayer mode.

Gameplay

The basic gameplay involves rolling a marble around a 3D obstacle course from start to finish, avoiding the many hazards littered about. The obstacles are normally intended to throw the marble off the edge of the level, thus causing the player to "lose" and be forced to restart the level. Some levels also involve collecting gems, which must be collected before the level can be completed. Other levels may have a time limit which must be beaten. Power-ups are available on some levels which provide help to the player. The levels are completed once the player reaches the purple finish line. There are 100 levels, which are divided into three different difficulty levels. Levels must be played in order and the player must "qualify" for the next level to be available. Custom levels are also available to download.

Power-ups

There are many power-ups in the various levels. They are:

Super Speed: Gives the marble a single burst of extra horizontal speed.
Super Jump: Gives the marble a single higher vertical jump.
Super Bounce: Gives the marble a larger rebound.
Shock Absorber: Stops the marble from bouncing.
Time Travel: Pauses time, normally for five seconds, and helps the player qualify to "win" the level or surpass the "gold" time..
Gyrocopter: Allows the marble to glide for a short period of time.
Gravity Modifier: Rotates the playing field, enabling the marble to roll on what would have otherwise been the wall.

Controls

There are two main controls to learn in the game, the ball's control and the camera control. By default the ball is controlled by the W, A, S, D keys while the camera is controlled by the mouse or arrow keys; a setup similar to that of popular first-person shooters. Pressing the mouse button activates power ups. Settings can be configured to the user's preferences.

Obstacles

There are many obstacles in the game. They are:

Level's edge: If the marble falls off a platform and nothing is there to catch it, it will go out-of-bounds and the level will automatically be restarted.
Moving objects: The marble can get bumped off its course and sometimes the level itself by any moving object.
Tornadoes: These suck in, lift, and release the marble, often depositing it in bad places.
Trapdoors: These open up after a few seconds, dropping the marble to an undesirable place, often out of the level.
Mines: These blow up on contact, throwing the marble in random directions.
Fans: These blow the marble in the direction of the fan, often off the edge.
Bumpers: These repel the marble on contact, again, usually off the edge.
Surfaces: Along with normal terrain and regular traction, there is also grass with high traction (often an advantage), slippery mud, and outer space, where there is minimal traction. There are also terrains made for aesthetic purposes, like asphalt.

Gold times

With the "Gold" version of Marble Blast, "Gold Times" were introduced. A "Gold Time" is a shorter time than required, which you can try to reach for a challenge. Some of these times are very difficult to accomplish, meaning the player must completely master the level in order to beat it. Sometimes, knowing how to properly use power-ups and when and where to jump is the key to success.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Marble Blast ]

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