Good game: Marble Madness for the NES

Game Play Mechanics- The game play involves getting to the end of each level before the time runs out. This mechanic works well as it encourages many playthroughs in order to get the fastest time. The player is given infinite lives, but dying cost precious time.    

Sound- The sound is very good in this game. All of the music of the arcade version has been properly converted and is a pleasure to listen to. The music also help the levels come to life as it properly reflects the tone and overall design of its assigned level.  

Game Flow- The game starts off on an easy level. In this level you are able to get accustom to the controls. There are also no enemies or hazards to worry about. Each level after that will become increasingly difficult to complete. Each level will also introduce features not seen in other levels, keeping the game fresh and challenging. 

User Interfaces- The game uses the D-pad to control the marble and the “A” button as acceleration. Despite the original arcade machine having a trackball, the NES version is able to provide quick and responsive controls. There is also an option to modify the angle you are controlling the marble, to accommodate different user play styles.    

Level Design-The level design of Marble Madness is it strong point. Each level is wildly different, each having it own challenges, enemies and colour schemes. Some levels have gravity reversed as other levels have hammers that come up from under the ground to hit you. The different levels are so wildly different that they encourage players to gets there fastest time, only so they progress further can see what levels lie ahead.      

Story/Quality of Writing- There is no apparent story in the game. It is almost meant to be abstract.   

A.I. – The enemy A.I is very good in this game. Out of the other versions of Marble Madness, I personally found that this one had the “fairest” A.I. Whenever an enemy killed me, I felt as if it was my fault, not a flaw in the game. Defeating the A.I also takes strategy as you must try to dodge their attacks and return with a counter attack all when racing against the clock.