Marble Blast Ultra
Evagret Homestead
Marble Blast Ultra: A Fun and Challenging 3D Puzzle Game
If you are looking for a game that combines puzzle-solving, platforming, and racing, then you might want to check out Marble Blast Ultra. This game is a 3D puzzle action game that involves rolling a marble through various obstacles and gaps to reach the finish line. It is a sequel to Marble Blast Gold, and it was released in 2006 for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It features 60 levels, enhanced graphics, 2 new power-ups, and a multiplayer mode. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Marble Blast Ultra, including what it is, how to play it, and where to find it.
What is Marble Blast Ultra?
Marble Blast Ultra is a game that challenges your skills, reflexes, and creativity. It is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or experience. Here are some of the aspects of Marble Blast Ultra that make it a unique and fun game.
The history and features of the game
Marble Blast Ultra was developed by GarageGames, a company that specializes in creating games using the Torque Shader Engine. It was originally released on January 25, 2006 for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It is the sequel to Marble Blast Gold, which was released in 2002 for Windows and Mac OS. Marble Blast Ultra has improved graphics, sound effects, and music compared to its predecessor. It also has two new power-ups: Ultra blast, which allows you to perform a double jump and increase your blast meter; and Mega marble, which makes your marble bigger and able to knock other marbles off-course. The game also has a multiplayer mode, where up to 8 players can compete online in collecting gems within a time limit.
The gameplay and modes of the game
The gameplay of Marble Blast Ultra is simple but addictive. You control a marble using either a keyboard/mouse or an Xbox controller. Your goal is to roll your marble from the start pad to the finish pad as fast as possible, while avoiding obstacles such as gaps, walls, fans, bumpers, mines, etc. You can also collect gems along the way to increase your score. You can use power-ups such as super jump, super speed, gyrocopter, etc. to help you navigate through the levels. There are 60 levels in total, divided into three categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level has a par time that you can try to beat. You can also find Easter eggs hidden in some of the levels.
The game has two modes: Single player and Multiplayer. In Single player mode, you can play through the 60 levels at your own pace, and try to beat your own records or compare them with other players on the leaderboard. In Multiplayer mode, you can join or host online matches with up to 8 players. The multiplayer mode has only one mode: Gem hunt. In this mode, you have to collect as many gems as possible within a certain time limit (three to six minutes). There are three types of gems: red (worth one point), yellow (worth two points), and blue (worth five points). After a group of gems is collected entirely, another set of gems appears elsewhere on the board. You can use power-ups to interfere with other players or gain an advantage.
The benefits and drawbacks of the game
Marble Blast Ultra is a game that has
Marble Blast Ultra is a game that has many benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of them:
- The benefits of the game are:
- It is fun and challenging. The game offers a variety of levels that test your skills, reflexes, and creativity. You can also customize your marble with different skins and trails.
- It is easy to learn and play. The game has simple controls and intuitive mechanics. You can also adjust the camera angle and the sensitivity of the marble.
- It is affordable and accessible. The game costs only $10 on Xbox Live Arcade, and you can download it directly to your Xbox 360 console. You can also play it offline or online with other players.
- The drawbacks of the game are:
- It is repetitive and frustrating. The game can get boring and annoying after a while, especially if you get stuck on a level or lose a multiplayer match. Some of the levels are also too hard or too easy.
- It is outdated and unsupported. The game was released in 2006, and it has not received any updates or patches since then. It also has some bugs and glitches that affect the gameplay. The game was also removed from Xbox Live Arcade in 2011 due to a legal dispute between GarageGames and InstantAction, the former owners of the game.
- It is limited and incomplete. The game has only one multiplayer mode, which can get boring after a while. It also lacks some features that were present in Marble Blast Gold, such as custom levels, level editor, and time trial mode.
How to play Marble Blast Ultra?
If you want to play Marble Blast Ultra, you need to know how to control your marble, use power-ups, and complete levels. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you master the game.
The controls and power-ups of the game
The controls of Marble Blast Ultra are simple and easy to learn. You can use either a keyboard/mouse or an Xbox controller to play the game. Here are the basic controls for both options:
| Keyboard/Mouse | Xbox Controller |
|---|
| WASD or arrow keys: Move marble | Left stick: Move marble |
| Spacebar: Jump | A button: Jump |
| Mouse: Look around | Right stick: Look around |
| Left mouse button: Use power-up | X button: Use power-up |
| R key: Restart level | Back button: Restart level |
| Esc key: Pause menu | Start button: Pause menu |
The power-ups of Marble Blast Ultra are special items that give your marble extra abilities or advantages. You can find them scattered throughout the levels, or you can buy them from the shop using gems. Here are the power-ups available in the game:
- Super jump: Allows you to jump higher than normal.
- Super speed: Allows you to move faster than normal.
- Gyrocopter: Allows you to hover in the air for a short time.
- Super bounce: Allows you to bounce off walls and floors without losing speed.
- Shock absorber: Allows you to land safely from high falls without bouncing.
- Ultra blast: Allows you to perform a double jump and increase your blast meter.
- Mega marble: Makes your marble bigger and able to knock other marbles off-course.
- Invisibility: Makes your marble invisible to other players in multiplayer mode.
- Tornado: Creates a tornado that sucks up nearby gems in multiplayer mode.
- Mine shower: Drops mines on random locations in multiplayer mode.
The tips and tricks for the game
The tips and tricks for Marble Blast Ultra are strategies that will help you improve your performance and score in the game. Here are some of them:
- Use power-ups wisely. Power-ups can help you overcome obstacles or gain an edge over other players, but they also have limited uses and durations. Use them only when necessary or beneficial, and don't waste them on easy levels or when you have a lot of them.
- Learn the levels. Each level has its own layout, obstacles, and secrets. Learn the best routes, shortcuts, and hidden gems for each level. Practice the levels until you can beat the par time or get a gold medal.
- Use the blast meter. The blast meter is a feature that allows you to blast your marble in any direction by pressing the jump button while in the air. You can use it to correct your mistakes, avoid hazards, or reach higher places. The blast meter is filled by collecting gems or using the ultra blast power-up.
- Watch the replays. You can watch the replays of your own runs or other players' runs on the leaderboard. You can learn from their mistakes, strategies, and techniques. You can also challenge yourself to beat their records or times.
The best levels and achievements for the game
The best levels and achievements for Marble Blast Ultra are the ones that are the most fun, challenging, and rewarding. Here are some of them:
- The best levels for the game are:
- King of the Mountain: A level that involves climbing a steep mountain with various obstacles and power-ups.
- Marble It Up: A level that involves rolling through a series of loops, ramps, and jumps.
- Ordeal: A level that involves surviving a series of traps, mines, and enemies.
- Thrill Ride: A level that involves riding a roller coaster with twists, turns, and drops.
- Ultimate Time Trial: A level that involves completing all 60 levels in one run.
- The best achievements for the game are:
- First Place: Win an online match with at least 3 other players.
- Gem Collector: Collect all 1500 gems in the game.
- Marble-fu Master: Knock off 5 other players in one online match using the mega marble power-up.
- Par for the Course: Beat the par time for all 60 levels.
- Ultimate Marble Master: Get a gold medal for all 60 levels.
Where to find Marble Blast Ultra?
If you want to play Marble Blast Ultra, you need to know where to find it. Unfortunately, the game is not available on Xbox Live Arcade anymore, but there are some alternatives and unofficial versions that you can try. Here are some of them:
The original and official version of the game
The original and official version of Marble Blast Ultra was released on Xbox Live Arcade in 2006. However, it was removed from the service in 2011 due to a legal dispute between GarageGames and InstantAction, the former owners of the game. If you bought the game before it was removed, you can still download it from your download history on your Xbox 360 console. If you didn't buy it before, you can try to find a physical copy of the game on eBay or other online marketplaces.
The alternative and unofficial versions of the game
The alternative and unofficial versions of Marble Blast Ultra are fan-made projects that aim to recreate or improve the game. Some of them are:
- Marble Blast Platinum: A mod for Marble Blast Gold that adds new levels, features, graphics, and music to the game. It also has a custom level editor and a multiplayer mode.
- Marble Blast Online: A browser-based version of Marble Blast Ultra that allows you to play online with other players. It also has a level editor and a chat system.
- Marble Blast Fubar: A standalone version of Marble Blast Ultra that has improved graphics, physics, and gameplay. It also has new levels, power-ups, modes, and achievements.
The community and support for the game
The community and support for Marble Blast Ultra are groups of fans and developers that love and appreciate the game. They provide help, feedback, resources, and updates for the game. Some of them are:
- Marble Blast Forums: A forum where you can discuss anything related to Marble Blast games. You can also find news, guides, downloads, videos, and more.
- Marble Blast Wiki: A wiki where you can find information about Marble Blast games. You can also find tips, tricks, secrets, trivia, and more.
- Marble Blast YouTube: A YouTube channel where you can watch videos of Marble Blast games. You can also find tutorials, reviews, challenges, and more.
Conclusion
Marble Blast Ultra is a 3D puzzle action game that involves rolling a marble through various obstacles and gaps to reach the finish line. It is a sequel to Marble Blast Gold, and it was released in 2006 for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It features 60 levels, enhanced graphics, 2 new power-ups, and a multiplayer mode. The game is fun and challenging, but it also has some drawbacks, such as being repetitive, outdated, and limited. The game is not available on Xbox Live Arcade anymore, but there are some alternative and unofficial versions that you can try. The game also has a community and support that provide help, feedback, resources, and updates for the game.
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have covered the following points about Marble Blast Ultra:
- What is Marble Blast Ultra? The history and features of the game, the gameplay and modes of the game, and the benefits and drawbacks of the game.
- How to play Marble Blast Ultra? The controls and power-ups of the game, the tips and tricks for the game, and the best levels and achievements for the game.
- Where to find Marble Blast Ultra? The original and official version of the game, the alternative and unofficial versions of the game, and the community and support for the game.
Call to action for the readers
If you are interested in playing Marble Blast Ultra, you can try to find a copy of the original version on eBay or other online marketplaces. You can also try some of the alternative and unofficial versions that we have mentioned in this article. You can also join the community and support for the game by visiting the forums, wiki, or YouTube channel. We hope you have enjoyed this article and learned something new about Marble Blast Ultra. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Marble Blast Ultra:
- Is Marble Blast Ultra still playable on Xbox 360?
Yes, if you bought the game before it was removed from Xbox Live Arcade in 2011, you can still download it from your download history on your Xbox 360 console. However, you will not be able to buy it or download it if you didn't buy it before.
- Is Marble Blast Ultra available on other platforms?
No, Marble Blast Ultra was only released for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. However, there are some fan-made projects that aim to recreate or improve the game on other platforms, such as PC or mobile devices.
- What is the difference between Marble Blast Ultra and Marble Blast Gold?
Marble Blast Ultra is a sequel to Marble Blast Gold, which was released in 2002 for Windows and Mac OS. Marble Blast Ultra has improved graphics, sound effects, and music compared to its predecessor. It also has two new power-ups: Ultra blast and Mega marble. The game also has a multiplayer mode, where up to 8 players can compete online in collecting gems within a time limit.
- How many levels are there in Marble Blast Ultra?
There are 60 levels in total in Marble Blast Ultra, divided into three categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level has a par time that you can try to beat. You can also find Easter eggs hidden in some of the levels.
- What are the best power-ups in Marble Blast Ultra?
The best power-ups in Marble Blast Ultra depend on your preference and situation. However, some of the most useful power-ups are: Super jump, which allows you to jump higher than normal; Gyrocopter, which allows you to hover in the air for a short time; Ultra blast, which allows you to perform a double jump and increase your blast meter; Mega marble, which makes your marble bigger and able to knock other marbles off-course; Invisibility, which makes your marble invisible to other players in multiplayer mode.