| Marble Blast Gold | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Monster Studios and GarageGames |
| Publisher(s) | GarageGames |
| Engine | Torque Game Engine |
| Platform(s) | Linux, Mac OS X, Windows |
| Release date(s) | May 9, 2003 |
| Genre(s) | Puzzle and Platform |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Everyone |
| Media/distribution | 1 CDs/Download (PC, Mac, and Linux) |
| System requirements
400 MHz processor (x86) /G4 processor (PPC), 64 MB RAM, Sound Card, SVGA Graphics Card, DirectX/OpenGL |
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Marble Blast Gold is a 3D platformer game. It was pre-installed on some Apple Inc. computers like the iMac and iBook. It is also available for Windows operating systems as well as various Linux distributions. The sequel, Marble Blast Ultra was released a few years later for the Xbox 360 platform, and features improved graphics and new features.
Contents |
Basic gameplay involves moving a marble from a start pad to an end pad, without falling out of bounds. Levels may contain hazards to make this more difficult. The player controls the marble spin, and therefore movement, and can also make the marble jump. There is a variety of power-ups available to the player, which are collected by touching them with the marble. Some levels must be completed within a Qualification time, to increase difficulty. Each level also has a "Gold Time," an additional challenge to complete the level in a specified time-frame. Many levels require a number of gems to be picked up before the level can be finished. There are 100 levels, divided by difficulty: 24 Beginner, 24 Intermediate, and 52 Advanced.
There are 7 power-ups available to the player. Non-inventory power-ups are activated automatically on acquisition, and inventory power-ups are activated by the player. Only one inventory power-up can be held at a time, although multiple power-ups can be in effect at the same time, if acquired and activated before the previous power-up expires.
Hazards are scattered throughout levels to make it more difficult to stay in bounds, and to finish levels. Most hazards can also be used by the player to their advantage, usually to launch them upwards, or increase their velocity. Hazards in Marble Blast Gold include:
There are various friction surfaces through the game, increasing or decreasing traction of the marble rolling on them. Higher frictions allow the marble to start and stop rolling, and change direction more easily, and also allow the marble to climb steeper slopes. The marble rolls slightly slower on higher frictions. Lower frictions make it more difficult for the marble to start, stop, and change directions. Frictions in Marble Blast Gold include:
Marble Blast Gold allows support for user created custom levels, which may be shared between users. To date there are over 1,850 custom levels for Marble Blast.[1]
On GameRankings Marble Blast Gold received an 8.4/10 rating, "Addictive gameplay and appealing levels lead to some of the best fun that $14.99 can buy".[2] On Gametunnel, the game was rated 9/10 overall, "Marble Blast Gold is another great entry into the marble genre and a showpiece for the Torque engine. Highly recommended!".[3] On GamersInfo, the reviewer noted "The game can be a lot of fun, especially if you are the type that likes to challenge your hand-eye coordination."[4]
On February 1, 2011, Marble Blast Gold was removed from the GarageGames store and is no longer available to purchase. The license to the MarbleBlast franchise is retained by IAC.
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