Marble Blast Ultra: the addiction
by Davey Jackson · 09/12/2006 (1:47 am) · 11 comments
The crux of this .plan is to give a shout out to all the high skill MBU players I've been kicking it with on XBLA. Overall the quality of top tier players is raising significantly, and I really digg it.
I have a confession to make a about Marble Blast... I don't play single player. I don't. Racing against the clock just isn't my game. It's the same reason my Grand Turismo skilz dropped off after I left my set of gamer roomates: I thrive on P v P. Sure getting the achievements, going up the leader boards and finding the easter eggs is kewl; but hitting a super speed+mega-marble combo on Horizon for the 5 pointer is what I'm about!
I love the game. And I love that it makes me laugh all the time.
I just got out of a high competition room with some of the best players I've met. Not only do they have rock solid games and high passion, they're also cool to chat with and don't talk constant S*!t And I really appreciate that... especially because I'm a S*!t Talker. Sure, Tim Aste might have the corner on being the uber-griefer, and Brian Ramage has the team frag medal of honor, but my verbal abuse skilz are on right up there with with Ben Garney's. (Though I will say that a dis from Ben hurts just a little bit more because Ben is not someone who you would usually expect to have any kind of "Game" --in the street sense--). Ahh yes good times in the Blast Club. So word up to all my homies I've been roll'n with in the 10pm-1am slot.
Some notes on MBU multi-player strategy:
Gem to Power Up Ratio
I think Pat Wislon was the first person who got me thinking of "Gem to Power Up Ratio" (I'll abbreviate this GtPUR). The GtPUR is the measure of how many gems a power up is worth. On each level of MBU, their is a different GtPUR rating for each power up on the level. I don't want to make this too complicated ,so, I'll give a couple of examples and let you fill in the rest. Here are some examples of the best and worst power ups on thier respective levels and thier GtPUR rating:
King of the Marble: Super Speed GtPUR = 2 and Gyro Chopeter = -3
Zenith: Gyro Chopter GtPUR = 3 and Super Speed = 1
Skate Battle Royale: Super Jump GtPUR= 2 and Mega Marble= -1
In some ways the GtPUR measures how many gems you should expect, on average, when you use the power up. It can also be used to figure out how many points you'd give up on in order to get a particular power up. The latter point here is particularly important because you have to know when to cut your losses and set yourself up for the next spawn.
Defensive, Offensive, Control and Counter Blasting
In single player Marble Blast Ultra you learn all about how to use your blast to improve your time and save yourself from falling off the edge. Because of this you have natural training in using blast to control YOUR Marble, (Control Blasting). However, in multplayer you have to learn when to use blast to push OTHER people's Marbles out of the way (Offensive Blasting.) Additionally, you need to learn when to protect gems your about to collect (Defensive Blasting) and how to offset someone else's Offensive Blast with a counter blast (Counter Blasting).
It's All About the Route
Fundamentally, Multi-player MBU is about getting the most gems in a single pass. Racing across the level to collect 1 gem isn't going to cut it. You need to constantly create and memorize routes that will let you get 3, 5, 7 or more points in one pass. My personal best is an 11 point shot on Horizon (though this shot could be stretched to 14 with the rebound and a super jump grap : ))
Use your respawn for position
There is no penalty for falling off the edge in Multi-player, so use your respawn for position and control. Many new users don't realize they can push the "A" button to respawn faster. Also, BIG HINT, your respawn point will be based on the last thing you hit before you went out of bounds. This is really useful on levels with big cross-court shots like Gems in the Road or Sprawl. Also, letting yourself fall off on Zenith to regain control on he respawn is usually a LOT easier than fighting the ice.
For the pro's I usually roll with none of the above is Big news, or super enlightening. However, I did want to mention these strategy points to highlight some elements I really appreciate in Top Tier MBU players.
So, it's been a pleasure roll'n with ya, and I look forward to seeing you in an MBU game on XboX Live!
I have a confession to make a about Marble Blast... I don't play single player. I don't. Racing against the clock just isn't my game. It's the same reason my Grand Turismo skilz dropped off after I left my set of gamer roomates: I thrive on P v P. Sure getting the achievements, going up the leader boards and finding the easter eggs is kewl; but hitting a super speed+mega-marble combo on Horizon for the 5 pointer is what I'm about!
I love the game. And I love that it makes me laugh all the time.
I just got out of a high competition room with some of the best players I've met. Not only do they have rock solid games and high passion, they're also cool to chat with and don't talk constant S*!t And I really appreciate that... especially because I'm a S*!t Talker. Sure, Tim Aste might have the corner on being the uber-griefer, and Brian Ramage has the team frag medal of honor, but my verbal abuse skilz are on right up there with with Ben Garney's. (Though I will say that a dis from Ben hurts just a little bit more because Ben is not someone who you would usually expect to have any kind of "Game" --in the street sense--). Ahh yes good times in the Blast Club. So word up to all my homies I've been roll'n with in the 10pm-1am slot.
Some notes on MBU multi-player strategy:
Gem to Power Up Ratio
I think Pat Wislon was the first person who got me thinking of "Gem to Power Up Ratio" (I'll abbreviate this GtPUR). The GtPUR is the measure of how many gems a power up is worth. On each level of MBU, their is a different GtPUR rating for each power up on the level. I don't want to make this too complicated ,so, I'll give a couple of examples and let you fill in the rest. Here are some examples of the best and worst power ups on thier respective levels and thier GtPUR rating:
King of the Marble: Super Speed GtPUR = 2 and Gyro Chopeter = -3
Zenith: Gyro Chopter GtPUR = 3 and Super Speed = 1
Skate Battle Royale: Super Jump GtPUR= 2 and Mega Marble= -1
In some ways the GtPUR measures how many gems you should expect, on average, when you use the power up. It can also be used to figure out how many points you'd give up on in order to get a particular power up. The latter point here is particularly important because you have to know when to cut your losses and set yourself up for the next spawn.
Defensive, Offensive, Control and Counter Blasting
In single player Marble Blast Ultra you learn all about how to use your blast to improve your time and save yourself from falling off the edge. Because of this you have natural training in using blast to control YOUR Marble, (Control Blasting). However, in multplayer you have to learn when to use blast to push OTHER people's Marbles out of the way (Offensive Blasting.) Additionally, you need to learn when to protect gems your about to collect (Defensive Blasting) and how to offset someone else's Offensive Blast with a counter blast (Counter Blasting).
It's All About the Route
Fundamentally, Multi-player MBU is about getting the most gems in a single pass. Racing across the level to collect 1 gem isn't going to cut it. You need to constantly create and memorize routes that will let you get 3, 5, 7 or more points in one pass. My personal best is an 11 point shot on Horizon (though this shot could be stretched to 14 with the rebound and a super jump grap : ))
Use your respawn for position
There is no penalty for falling off the edge in Multi-player, so use your respawn for position and control. Many new users don't realize they can push the "A" button to respawn faster. Also, BIG HINT, your respawn point will be based on the last thing you hit before you went out of bounds. This is really useful on levels with big cross-court shots like Gems in the Road or Sprawl. Also, letting yourself fall off on Zenith to regain control on he respawn is usually a LOT easier than fighting the ice.
For the pro's I usually roll with none of the above is Big news, or super enlightening. However, I did want to mention these strategy points to highlight some elements I really appreciate in Top Tier MBU players.
So, it's been a pleasure roll'n with ya, and I look forward to seeing you in an MBU game on XboX Live!
#2
09/12/2006 (10:12 am)
Oh noes, my secrets! I did a blog post about how to play MBU smartly as well with tactics as the focus. 
#3
09/12/2006 (10:22 am)
what? no burning man review?
#4
09/12/2006 (6:25 pm)
Burning Man review TBA. Highlights include: Fire Snake! Belgium Waffle Fire, and a distinctly spiritual near death experience in Pat's now deceased car.
#5
09/12/2006 (6:51 pm)
I'll have to try some more MBU strategy ... I haven't played in a while. 
#6
And nice to meet you today! Too bad MBU doesn't have split screen or I'd challenge some GG hobos at work.
Marble it up!
09/12/2006 (7:44 pm)
As my second most played game on my 360 (behind Halo and just barely in front of Oblivion), I'd say I'm pretty good at MBU... I haven't played since I started the internship though ;) I absolutely hate single player because I feel like I need to find a route to get at least into the top 200... still working on most of the levels. And by hate, I mean love...in a hateful way.And nice to meet you today! Too bad MBU doesn't have split screen or I'd challenge some GG hobos at work.
Marble it up!
#7
09/13/2006 (12:24 pm)
Dude...that colourful description of the ... talents of the GG staff...I have SO got to come down there some weekend (read: tuesday and wednesday are me weekend) and talk some shit.
#8
"Gem to Power Up Ratio"
In horizon holding on to that gyro copter can either make or break your level. I'm still debating that, because sometimes I hold on to it and neglect the super speed to get to the reds and a blue never spawns where a gyro copter is usefull, but other times a blue spawns and there's no time to go get one. Then the superspeed cross court bounce comes in. Decisions decisions.
"It's All About the Route"
My main strategy is take the high ground. Basically if I'm in a map such as sprawl, I try and stay on the top level at all times making it easier to see and get to gems. That's how I win at this map. Bouncing off ramps to stay up top is a big help.
"Use your respawn for position"
This is most effective in gems in the road. Basically if you fall anywhere in the middle near the slide, or hit the platform in the middle anywhere near the slide, it will respawn you back on top in the middle. This makes for easier access to the next set of gems. Instead of running over for a super jump, or using a gyro copter, just fall off the map and turn yourself in the direction of the gems and bust your ass over there.
After playing close to a billion hours of marble blast, you get to memorize these things. What to do where and at what time to get there faster. It's the same as you would in single player, but who wants to spend their time trying to shave 2 seconds off their time when you can go online and perfect your next method of stealing blue gems out from under deeeeeeeeeznuts. :)
cheers.
09/15/2006 (2:51 am)
I have to say that marbling it up with our late night marble crew has been my best online gaming experience on the 360. Everyone has their own expertise at different maps which keeps it interesting, everyone tries to pull new bullshit moves to grab the blue gems, while maintaining a steady level of conversations and trash talk. We'll be kickin it up a notch now that your modem is fixed and you won't be dropping from the game every 2 minutes. We should seek out a 5th marble to expand and keep us on our toes. "Gem to Power Up Ratio"
In horizon holding on to that gyro copter can either make or break your level. I'm still debating that, because sometimes I hold on to it and neglect the super speed to get to the reds and a blue never spawns where a gyro copter is usefull, but other times a blue spawns and there's no time to go get one. Then the superspeed cross court bounce comes in. Decisions decisions.
"It's All About the Route"
My main strategy is take the high ground. Basically if I'm in a map such as sprawl, I try and stay on the top level at all times making it easier to see and get to gems. That's how I win at this map. Bouncing off ramps to stay up top is a big help.
"Use your respawn for position"
This is most effective in gems in the road. Basically if you fall anywhere in the middle near the slide, or hit the platform in the middle anywhere near the slide, it will respawn you back on top in the middle. This makes for easier access to the next set of gems. Instead of running over for a super jump, or using a gyro copter, just fall off the map and turn yourself in the direction of the gems and bust your ass over there.
After playing close to a billion hours of marble blast, you get to memorize these things. What to do where and at what time to get there faster. It's the same as you would in single player, but who wants to spend their time trying to shave 2 seconds off their time when you can go online and perfect your next method of stealing blue gems out from under deeeeeeeeeznuts. :)
cheers.
#9
09/20/2006 (2:48 am)
LOL
#10
12/31/2006 (6:15 pm)
hi guys,,,,great website....i am an absolute MBU nut i absolutely crave it come 3 in the afternoon i actually look forward to finishing work to get online and play it....i have everyachievement....did level 60 in under a minute!!! but i am a little dissapointed that the update has fallen flat on its face...i am gutted...was really excited about it...what happend guys???? i am sure i speak for thousands of blasters when i say if u dont want us to have it free then charge us!!! we will happily pay!!failing that get MBU 2 ON THE GO WITH ANOTHER 60 LEVELS!!! ..........MBU is the only live arcade game that i truly believe you could box and shelve it and it would sell....how about doing another MBU game with say 300 levels and a multiplayer live option and sell it like all the rest for 50 gbp i know you would sell millions ...the game is beautiful especially in hd the reflections are awesome....i need another fix!!! 
Associate Simon Love
You are right, this is the only game I have bought for Live Arcade (Aside from geometry wars) and everytime my friends come over, we can do nothing but play it online, passing the controller, and laughing all the time.
We usually play halo, Marble blast is about to claim Halo's crown as ultimate time waster :)
Cool plan though, put into words several things I have pondered about. How can you not enjoy this game?