Marble Saga: Zuma marble gaming entertainment at its best
The simplicity of match-3 games is what makes them so easy to pick up and
play, ideal for occasions when you just want to kill a little time. Being a fan
of the genre I was happy to find Marble Saga when looking through the download
charts on Google Play. Based on Zuma marble games that have come before it, the
developers, ITREEGAMER have released their own take on the puzzle game.
Gameplay: The aim of the game is to clear the screen of marbles. The marbles
are destroyed by matching at least 3 of the same colour with one that you have
fired, as some marbles are grouped into more than 3 when they appear one screen.
The marbles travel around the screen on a predefined track, coming out of a
feeder making its way towards the black hole. If a marble reaches the black hole
then I’m afraid it’s lights out for you. The marbles are fired from a central
cannon by tapping anywhere on the screen. In a very Puzzle Bobble-eque way you
can change between your current and next marble colors by tapping on the cannon
itself which added greatly to the gameplay.
Each level has a different track layout and thus difficulty. What really
makes this game thoroughly addictive and a joy to play are the power
marbles which randomly appear on a particular marble and are activated by
matching at least three of the same color much like normal marbles. The power
marbles have special abilities ranging from slowing down the marble train;
reversing the direction; power arrow which destroys all marbles it touches; to
fire bombs which detonate upon matching.
Marble Saga really comes into its own in the later levels where it’s crucial
that you set up your chain combos. Doing so not only gives you additional points
but also reverses the marble chain back filling the destroyed marbles. You
really have to think on your feet whether to take your time to set up your
combos or to fire off marbles as fast as you can disregarding the benefits of
the chain combos. In practice you have to do both depending on the
situation.
Presentation wise Marble Saga gets two thumbs up. The graphics are sharp,
smooth and nicely themed. I have to particularly mention the star of the game,
the marbles themselves, are excellently designed and animated. The texture
design of the marbles give a convincing rolling effect when moving and the sound
of the marbles hitting each other is pleasing to say the least. One crucial
indicator of music quality for puzzle games is how annoying it gets after
extended play and I can I never felt like I had to turn it on mute which must
mean it aint half bad.
Verdict: 4/5 Marble Saga is a very addictive and enjoyable match 3 puzzle
game, with over 108 challenging levels will have you returning time and time
again. Just make sure you don’t lose your marbles!
Developers: ITREEGAMER
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