


Additionally, each level in the game has a "Par Time" to beat, and if they are all bested an achievement is earned. The idea is to reach the finish, but some require gems to be collected before the exit can be used. There are roughly 60 single player levels which are split into three difficulties: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. A great deal of dexterity is required in order to navigate the levels without falling off the edge of the floating stages. The marble can also jump in order to scale structures and "Blast" which, when sufficiently charged, allows the player to reach greater heights than usual or influence the direction of rivals in multiplayer. It is, however, completely 3D rather than from a 2D isometric viewpoint, so has full camera control on the right stick. It is strongly reminiscent of Marble Madness in that the player assumes control of a marble and must steer it to the level's exit, avoiding various obstacles and using power ups along the way. After being part of the Arcade Hits section of the Xbox Live Marketplace beginning on Decem(discounting it to half price) and releasing downloadable multiplayer levels in late 2008, the game (and all DLC) was removed from the Xbox Like Marketplace on Febru(due to the re-launched GarageGames's loss of the game's rights). The sequel to Marble Blast Gold, Marble Blast Ultra features 60 levels (with some recycled from the predecessor), enhanced high-definition graphics, new power-ups, and a multiplayer mode for up to eight players. Marble Blast Ultra is a 3D action/puzzle platformer developed and published by GarageGames for the Xbox 360 (via Xbox Live Arcade) on Janufor 800 msp ($10).
