MBP Progress Update

A little while back, I reported that I'd completed Intermediate Level 12 (Roll Like the Wind). Since then, I've made it to Advanced Level 15 (Neon Tech). I must tell you, though, it's been an ordeal getting this far. In particular, I struggled a lot with Platform Race (AL9), spending as much as 4 1/2 hours cumulatively on that level alone. I'm cringing at the thought of Platform Race 2 (AL21). In the meantime, I'm grappling with the fact that I'm expected to complete several daunting tasks within 1 minute. I reckon I could do it with practice, but it's going to take some time.

In addition to some positive reinforcement, I would like to be aware of other levels that might give me trouble as I go further into the game. I believe my 3 big weaknesses are:

-Handling low-friction surfaces
-Precision wall- and edge-hitting
-Negotiating tight spaces and narrow platforms quickly

Steven wrote: A little while back, I reported that I'd completed Intermediate Level 12 (Roll Like the Wind). Since then, I've made it to Advanced Level 15 (Neon Tech). I must tell you, though, it's been an ordeal getting this far. In particular, I struggled a lot with Platform Race (AL9), spending as much as 4 1/2 hours cumulatively on that level alone. I'm cringing at the thought of Platform Race 2 (AL21). In the meantime, I'm grappling with the fact that I'm expected to complete several daunting tasks within 1 minute. I reckon I could do it with practice, but it's going to take some time.

In addition to some positive reinforcement, I would like to be aware of other levels that might give me trouble as I go further into the game. I believe my 3 big weaknesses are:

-Handling low-friction surfaces
-Precision wall- and edge-hitting
-Negotiating tight spaces and narrow platforms quickly

Low friction surfaces - are you jumping? Hold down space bar while you're on them, that helps a lot.
As for the other two, the only way to improve is simply practice

Nice job getting this far!
In terms of levels that may give you trouble (+ some past experiences)
Slip Up (AL17) is full of low-friction (ice). Jumping is key to navigate.
Platform Race 2 (AL21) is similar to Platform Race (obviously). Your experiences with Platform Race should help you somewhat however.
Quaked Path (AL22) is just weird to deal with.
Ice Path (AL24) is difficult to do the long way, but there is a big shortcut that bypasses most of the level - which is honestly easier to do than do the level normally.
Random Mayhem (AL34) has lots of 'Random Force' which is difficult to deal with unless you know what the 'Random Force' actually does. It isn't random, but what the friction does is 'counteract' your marble's momentum. For example, having forward momentum will mean the 'Random Force' will push you back (and vice versa, so having backward momentum will push you forward). The same happens when moving left or right.

This isn't a comprehensive list (depends what you find hard/easy), but you can always post if you need help!

Steven wrote: -Handling low-friction surfaces
-Precision wall- and edge-hitting
-Negotiating tight spaces and narrow platforms quickly

When on low-friction, jumping is key. Jumping helps to move around more.
Wall/Edge hitting + tight spaces/narrow platforms is just experience and muscle memory. (although others might be able to give you better tips )

I'm well aware of the jumping part for low-friction surfaces, and I always use it on such surfaces, but to do it quickly and precisely is a real challenge for me.

Steven wrote: I'm well aware of the jumping part for low-friction surfaces, and I always use it on such surfaces, but to do it quickly and precisely is a real challenge for me.

I would say that is again experience and remembering the physics of the marble. Quickness and accuracy overall generally is in this game.

I'm sorry I can't help that much apart from 'practice the game more'. Its just part of the game.

Wait did you actually beat Platform Race in the first day? Woooow. I'm pretty sure I skipped that one and failed for several days. :C Then I beat it and got the ultimate time shockingly somehow.

Pro Marbler wrote: Wait did you actually beat Platform Race in the first day? Woooow. I'm pretty sure I skipped that one and failed for several days. :C Then I beat it and got the ultimate time shockingly somehow.

Not in the first day. It was the second day. I had a strategy worked out (that would've worked eventually), but on one of my attempts, I ended up getting thrown off a bit, but somehow ended up dead center on top of a nuke that launched me to the finish.

I'm now working Neon Tech. I got very close on one of my attempts, and thus am pretty sure I can get it. However, I'm not going to be playing the game as much as I have been, because I have other things I want to do with my time. Also, I'm worried about those Expert Levels...

I really think Platform Race 2 should've been an expert level at least.

Also, I recall trouble with Thief and Morph. Yeahhhh. Morph is a fun one.

UPDATE:

About a month ago:


Just before 5:00 PM PDT, after I took a break from the game for about a month:

Congrats on making it that far, it's not easy and an uphill battle is definitely on the horizon!

Thanks. I'm now up to AL29 (just 7 levels away from the Expert levels). On one of my attempts at Neon Tech, I hit the finish with a time of precisely 1 minute; not even a millisecond off. Still, I was disqualified for not meeting the par time, so it looks like it expects you to get a time that is strictly under the par time. Nonetheless, I took a break from the game for about a month after completing AL20. Last night (April 24), I started playing AL21 (Platform Race 2), but couldn't get it. Just before 5:00 PM PDT (00:00 UTC) on April 25, after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, I completed the level, and after that, I completed 7 more (though not all in one sitting).