Marble It Up! Ultra review (PS5)

Marble It Up! Ultra, the latest offering from The Marble Collective, continues the legacy of marble-based platformers almost four decades after Marble Madness. Channeling the essence of classics like Marble Blast and Super Monkey Ball, Ultra dives into wild and challenging levels that form the basis of its enticing gameplay. With over 100 handcrafted levels, smooth controls, and captivating visuals, the game features a fun solo experience while also venturing into multiplayer mayhem. Let’s delve into the vibrant world of Marble It Up! Ultra on the PS5 and see if it can truly roll with the best.

The premise of Marble It Up! Ultra is simple, yet addictively engaging. Players navigate a ball through an array of intricate obstacle courses, aiming to reach the exit before time runs out. Drawing inspiration from titles like Super Monkey Ball, the game presents a rewarding blend of linear and exploratory levels. With an impressive mix of remastered and new stages, the single-player campaign offers more than 100 levels, which feature elements like gravity shifts, bouncy floors, and game-changing power-ups. The gradual increase in complexity provides a satisfying difficulty curve that’s perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players, showcasing that the development team has plenty of experience in this genre.

The power-ups in Ultra add an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay. From enhanced jumps to speed bursts, these abilities introduce strategic depth, enabling players to devise clever routes with shortcuts and improve their times. The allure of the leaderboards or at least improving upon your time is further intensified by challenging bonus levels that unlock based on your performance. Acquiring gold ranks on various levels not only gives access to these bonus stages but also rewards players with a plethora of unlockables. These include a diverse collection of marbles, trails, and hats, offering both visual variety and an incentive for those who enjoy saving up these types of extras.

The game’s multiplayer mode, however, is a mixed bag. While the local multiplayer component is notably absent, the cross-platform online modes feature intriguing concepts like gem collection and marble soccer. These offer a fun diversion and a glimpse into the potential of a community-driven experience, but without a local way to play we’re not sure how much lasting appeal this will have – though we playtested the cross-platform with a Switch and that was a blast even though it would require picking up two versions of the game.

In terms of presentation, Marble It Up! Ultra features an abstract visual style. The levels feature creativity and diversity, especially in their gameplay designs – though there’s room for improvement from a visual design perspective. Similarly, the soundtrack complements the gameplay but might lack distinct motifs for each level, resulting in a pleasant but forgettable auditory experience.

The controls exhibit a learning curve due to the game’s surprisingly weighty physics. While this might feel a bit challenging initially, it adds depth to mastering the levels and overcoming precision-demanding hurdles. It also gives you the sense you’re in control more than in games where the marbles bounce around a little more freely. The game’s visual cues and user interface provide unspoken guidance as well, making the experience accessible and enjoyable even for those new to the marble-platforming genre.

Marble It Up! Ultra carves its place in the world of marble-rolling games, offering over 100 well-designed levels that invite players to improve their times and skills. With its addictive gameplay, a variety of unlockables, and engaging power-ups, it’s easy to see why players would be drawn to its charm. While the multiplayer mode’s long-term appeal might be uncertain, the core single-player experience is captivating and rewarding for enthusiasts of both platformers and competitive time trials. Whether you’re a marble pro or a novice eager to dive into marble rolling, Marble It Up! Ultra is undoubtedly a rollercoaster of fun.

Score: 8.0/10