"Marbles on Stream" is a competitive physics-based marble racing game where players build their own tracks and race against others online. With a variety of track pieces and obstacles, each race is a new challenge to navigate through. The game also features Twitch integration, where viewers can influence the race by controlling elements on the track.
Engaging and interactive gameplay that allows viewers to participate by typing '!play' in chat, making it a great tool for streamers to connect with their audience.
The community is supportive and friendly, creating a welcoming environment for both new and experienced players.
The game offers a variety of modes and customization options, including a track builder, which enhances replayability and creativity.
The monetization model is criticized for being expensive, with high costs for skins, track builder access, and other in-game purchases, which can deter casual players.
Many players report issues with the user interface being confusing and not user-friendly, making it difficult to navigate and understand how to play.
The game requires a Twitch account to play, which limits accessibility for those who do not wish to stream or do not have a Twitch account.
gameplay
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
64%
18%
The gameplay is characterized by its engaging community interaction and unique mechanics, making it a standout in casual gaming and streaming. While it can become repetitive over time and lacks depth compared to traditional titles, the addictive nature and ability to entertain viewers enhance the overall experience. Graphics may be modest, but the focus on community engagement compensates for this shortcoming.
“Its graphics may be modest, but the unique gameplay mechanics and engaging community interaction outshine many in the genre.”
“This game works wonderfully as a way to engage your community not only in the chat, but also in the gameplay itself... the way it has built my community I am very thankful for.”
“Highly addictive gameplay, excellent animations, sound, and 3D graphics.”
“Repetitive gameplay – while fun in bursts, Marbles on Stream can become repetitive over time.”
“As a delightful blend of casual gaming and interactive streaming, this title stands out from its peers with its innovative concept, yet lacks depth in gameplay mechanics when compared to more traditional titles.”
“Most skins cost 100 coins and you get 15 coins per 3 hours of gameplay, or a faster way to earn coins is to stream the game.”
humor
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding joy in the unpredictable antics of marbles and the chaotic nature of gameplay, which often leads to laughter during streams. Many users highlight its ability to engage communities through funny moments and lighthearted banter, making it a great addition to streaming sessions. Overall, the game's comedic elements contribute positively to the experience, despite some critiques regarding in-game purchases.
“We play this in my stream community, it's very funny and a positive addition to any stream!”
“Even though there's only a small handful of us in the community, it's still absolutely hilarious.”
“It's funny and sometimes crazy and unpredictable, but I recommend it :)”
graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
50%
21%
The graphics of the game are generally described as modest or lacking depth, yet they are complemented by unique gameplay mechanics and a vibrant community atmosphere. While some players appreciate the colorful and pleasant visuals, others find them to be basic and in need of improvement. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose but are not the standout feature of the game.
“Genshin Impact is really a colorful game with pleasant graphics, but the colors are muted and don't hurt your eyes or brain.”
“Great game with awesome graphics.”
“Highly addictive gameplay, excellent animations, sound, and 3D graphics.”
“Overall, the design is not the greatest in terms of graphics, but it does get the job done.”
“Its graphics may lack depth, but its mechanics and community atmosphere more than compensate.”
“Its graphics may be modest, but the unique gameplay mechanics and engaging community interaction outshine many in the genre.”
monetization
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
50%
29%
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players highlighting the removal of quality-of-life features and the introduction of expensive in-game purchases, including NFTs, which many consider predatory. Users describe the monetization as greedy and reminiscent of cash grabs, with comparisons to notorious practices seen in other games. Overall, the consensus is that the monetization system detracts from the enjoyment of the game, making it feel less free and more exploitative.
“My only wish is that the in-game purchases weren't so darn expensive.”
“Very well put together, but there's weird monetization going on for the track builder in which you buy a season pass to unlock all the parts, which I am not a fan of.”
“The only negative I can say about this game so far is that the monetization system is pretty egregious.”
“The developers are getting involved with NFTs, and the already-predatory monetization of this game does not bode well.”
“This has to be one of the worst monetization ideas I've ever seen.”
“Marbles on Stream is a horribly monetized 'free' (read: not at all free) mobile app that's been dumped on Steam as a cash grab.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
38%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with players noting a shift towards monetization through NFTs and missions that are inaccessible to the average player. Many feel that the lack of engaging narrative elements detracts from the overall enjoyment, and there is a desire for more inclusive missions that reward players without requiring financial investment.
“The developers have gotten into NFTs and have started missions, but for the average player, it's not easy to understand or participate as it requires a financial investment and knowledge of how wallets and NFTs work.”
“There is no story.”
“There is no story.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The music in the game receives mixed feedback; while some players enjoy the energetic and thematic tracks, particularly for streaming, others find the lobby music annoying and express a desire for additional genres like eurobeat. Overall, the soundtrack has the potential to enhance the gaming experience but could benefit from further refinement.
“With the right music blasting, this is the dopest game to have on streams!”
“How could you not like a little race with some Rainbow Road music theme in the background?”
“Friday night metal hangout with 66samus and marballz for a free song request is the best!”
“Even if those were fixed, the game design itself needs some polishing, and the lobby music is also annoying.”
“I wish there were some eurobeat music.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be extremely time-consuming, often requiring significant dedication akin to having a "second life." While some attempt to streamline the process with shortcuts, many still find it tedious and micro-managing. However, the community is noted for its friendliness, with racers often engaging positively during streams despite the grind.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“I tried doing as suggested and using the hide cards hotkey in the past, but it honestly just felt tedious to micro-manage it.”
“It's also nice to note that the winners of the season get rewarded; that's why you will see a lot of people 'grinding' their placements. But don't be fooled by this; the game's community is very friendly, and more often than not, racers will stay on stream interacting with others.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
While the graphics may not be particularly deep, the game's mechanics and strong community atmosphere create an engaging and enjoyable experience for players.
“Its graphics may lack depth, but its mechanics and community atmosphere more than compensate.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game runs smoothly on Linux, but users report high GPU usage, particularly with an RTX 2060 Super. Some issues include expensive in-game shop prices and minor bugs in the marble customization menus.
“Runs great on Linux if you were wondering.”
“Cons: The game puts a heavy load on the GPU (RTX 2060 Super), the shop is expensive, and the marble customization is a bit buggy in the menus.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express mixed emotional responses to the game, with some feeling uncomfortable due to intrusive developer interactions during streams, while others find humor and attachment in the absurdity of the gameplay, such as racing marbles with a character's lifeless corpse. Overall, the emotional experience ranges from discomfort to a quirky sense of attachment.
“Then race the marbles and get emotionally attached to 'Joe Swanson's lifeless corpse.' See who wins, repeat as many times as you want, and you have the sport ever.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
150%
Users report mixed experiences with optimization, noting that some systems, like the 965m, can run the game smoothly despite Steam indicating otherwise. Overall, performance requirements appear to be easily met for many players.
“I don't know why Steam is saying my system can't run this when I clearly can. I swear Steam lies... I am using a 965M and it runs smoothly.”
“System performance requirements are still easily met.”
“The system performance requirements are still easily met, but the game struggles with optimization.”
“Despite meeting the minimum specs, the game runs poorly and feels unoptimized.”
“The optimization is lacking, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”