Marble Madness
| Developer: Electronic Arts | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Electronic Arts | Sound: |
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| Year: 1986 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Arcade | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 2 simultaneous | Rating: |
8/10 | |
One of the oldest hits on arcade machines (released by Atari Games in 1984). You control a marble in an isometric 3D environment, aiming to reach the exit within a given time while avoiding numerous obstacles along the way. Despite having a two-player simultaneous mode, the game suffers from a short lifespan (only six levels).
The genesis of this game is very interesting. The developers changed direction several times, starting from a mini-golf project (playable with a touchscreen!), before shifting to a 2 vs 2 marble race inside animated circuits. The trial version did not satisfy them, and they settled on the time-trial concept we know (borrowed from Pole Position), in a static environment, less ambitious than initially planned, but with a particularly refined aesthetic.
In fact, the 3D rendering, quite impressive for its time, is actually a visual illusion. The scenery is formed of a mosaic of eight-pixel tiles, duplicated dozens of times. It’s a true optimisation feat, given the numerous technical constraints. The physics are also remarkable, which becomes apparent especially when colliding with a certain black marble…
When discussing significant milestones in the history of video games, particularly in terms of graphics, one might not immediately think of Marble Madness. That’s a mistake! And if I’m ever asked the tired question “Is video gaming an art form?”, my response will naturally be a headbutt, followed by citing this game as an example. After all, it ends in five minutes, so one must find some intention…
Regarding this Amiga version, perhaps nostalgia speaks; I find the soundtrack brilliant, even superior to the original arcade version.
A rumour claimed that a hidden level existed, accessible from the first level by jumping over a ramp. Yes, it exists, but only in the Commodore 64 and Apple II versions. Furthermore, it can only be completed in two-player mode.
A sequel was developed and planned for release in 1991 on arcade machines, but it unfortunately never made it past the prototype stage. These prototypes are still in the hands of collectors, so it’s possible that Marble Madness 2 may surface one day on emulation sites…
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