Conference rusure::nintendo

    I have Marble Madness and so far it's exactly like the arcade version.
    Same screens and everything, of course I never could get very far, but
    maybe I"ll be able to now.  It has the same excellent graphics and 3D
    look as the arcade game too.
    
    Ron

    Perhaps I should've mentioned this in the base note, but how do you
    control the marble??  In the arcade version, you used a trackball which
    helped you battle the elements such as momentum, etc.  I'm just curious
    how well the game plays using the standard controller.
    
    - Skip

    You use the pad to control the marble and the A button gives it
    a super burst of speed.  I found that the ball was easy to control,
    in fact I liked it better than the trackball.
    
    The game also lets you select a 90 degree or 45 degree setting for
    the controller, depending on how you feel comfortable holding it.
    
    All in all, it's a very good game.  It's also just as hard to beat
    as the arcade version.

    the standard controller is better for this game than a trackball,
    it allows you to apply the "brakes" more controllably.
    
    so far Ive gotten to the 4th world but cant get thru it...I run
    out of time even if I fly thru it without dying.
    
    This game is amazing as a 2 player game, can be VERY
    competitive. Great tunes, too.  ;^)

    
    As you said I always run out of time after the fourth level.  Has
    anyone found a way to get additional time.  I know that almost all
    games have some secret way to get lots of extra lives or a way to start
    the game over where you last died.
    
    Frustrated but addicted....
    

    Any new Marble Madness Mavens out there?
    
    I got the game yesterday, so far I get through three screens and die on the 
    fourth... haven't found any bonus tricks yet. 
    
    It doesn't seem to be that much fun to just get 2 minutes into the game
    every time and then die and have to start at the beginning... but
    that's just my opinion. (if you've found a way to enjoy that, let us
    all know :-))
    
    jack
                 

    Well, my opinion of the game is changing, slightly.
    
    I've come to the realization that you have to get through each maze
    as quickly as possible, in order to add the saved seconds from each
    level to the available time to get through the next level.
    
    It still bugs me to have to start at the equivalent of 1-1 every time,
    though.
    
    jack
    

    Having started this particular note, I thought I'd give my report...
    
    I bought this last spring (shortly after hearing just a couple positive
    reviews) and I have enjoyed it very much.  The controls took a little
    getting used to but the graphics and music are exactly as I remember
    them from the arcade version.  And as someone said earlier, it gets
    *extremely* competitive for 2 players.
    
    I haven't played it in a while but I was able to get up to the last
    (sixth) race with some consistency; however, I could never get much 
    further.  I agree with .7 that you have to get through each level as
    quickly as possible to accrue enough time.
    
    Any Marble Maniacs out there who have actually beaten this game??
    
    - Skip

    
    
    Has anyone figured out why it sometimes gives you the Bonus 10 seconds
    sometimes?  I think it might have something to do with how far you go
    with out losing a marble.  Has anyone else noticed this.
    
    I have had the game for about 1 month now and always get to the
    "Ultimate Race" before running out of time.  I agree that the only way
    to get that far is that you MUST take all those 'short cuts' on some of
    the races.  
    
    It is good to see some discussion about this game...
    

    wanna post a short-cut or two?
    
    like how about on the intermediate race (the one with the pop-up vacuum
    cleaners)... seems like there oughta be a short cut there... like one
    of the vacuums?
    
    jack
    

    I played this for the first time Saturday. It was fun but I didn't
    like haveing to start at level 1 all the time. I guess no ones found
    away to continue the game where you run out of time. 
    
    
    Jeff

    New to NES and to M.M. can you use a joystick on this game?  If
    so, is it a lot faster than the regular controls??
    
    (all thumbs)
         Bob

I can't image getting through Marble Madness *without* a joystick.
/chuck

I play Marble Madness with a standard controller and, although I haven't
finished the game, I consistently make it to the Ultimate Maze.

I play with the 45 degrees option and I leave my thumb in the middle of the
direction control button.  Then, I just roll my thumb to increase pressure in
the direction I want to move the marble.