So doing the math on my worst-possible-completion versus the higher scores... are you guys really finishing the game with no deaths AND 40 - 60 seconds left on the clock?

I'm seriously impressed.

This was with 4 deaths and 72 seconds left on the clock...

Whoa! So to FINISH with 72 second, what sort of benchmark do you guys have for each level?

I think the couple times I beat the last level, I only had 50 seconds, or so, going into it.

I'm curious what a pro-level finish is for each level, so I can know where improvements are worthwhile.

Holy hell!!!  I am going into the last level with 50 seconds at most.  I know I could save a few seconds here and there but can't even fathom cutting that much time off.

I don't really track the time for every level to be honest, usually I feel pretty good if to start the last level I have around 95 seconds or better...

This is just me:

Level 1 - end with ~53 seconds left
Level 2 - end with ~45 seconds left
Level 3 - end with ~63 seconds left
Level 4 - end with ~70 seconds left
Level 5 - end with ~65 seconds left
Level 6 - end with ~56 seconds left

This is all assuming you don't get a single wand. Getting a wand or two bumps you up quite a bit. The first couple levels you have to move the marble down faster than the screen can 'spawn' the game board in front of you.

I just started the last level with 64 seconds total.... had 35+ seconds on the clock when I reached the disappearing block run.  Managed to die like 6 times and burn it all up

I HATE that second curvy stretch with a passion!



EDIT TO ADD: 

107,470

Finally joined the big leagues!

I had 13 deaths on this one and lucked out with THREE wands!  (and the fact that I finished with exactly 30 seconds, means it would have been a close shave without them!)

Had a monster 70+ seconds at the beginning of the final race.

I saw at least 10-20 seconds worth of places I screwed up, so I'm finally seeing how the big points are possible.

171,810

Thats one death and finishing with 75 seconds left on the clock...

Nice improvement for me. I had a wand pop at the goal and I dont think I got any points. Poop.

update:

95,880

I didnt realize your final score got penalized by deaths

now that i know, ill have to be more careful and attempt to beat this

also, this is my FIRST time ever beating this game. A Game i have played and loved for many many years since i was a kid...just was never able to beat it...so i am PUMPED about that, at the very least!

To you guys that aren't beating the game, yet, make sure you're getting your 3k - 5k bonus from the hopscotch patterns on the practice level!

(it is possible to do without dying, but the associated penalties for dying don't matter if you don't beat it, and each second is only worth 100 pts on that level, since they don't carry over  -- i.e. a second saved on the "beginner stage" carried through the entire game is worth 1500 pts, whereas a second saved in the final stage is only worth 1100 pts)

I don't think I'm even going to play again. Hahaha. Congrats on the 170k+.

I also just realized that all the tier 1 guys from last 6 months comp arent in the top 10?!?!

this is great to get new players into it...but...i want to see some love from my companions from last tourney!

For me,I just wasn't able to put a good enough run in SMB and for this game...I've just never been a fan of it and I've never beaten it,much less gotten anything that resembles a good score. I should be able to change that in the next few weeks but this week....not going to happen.

UPDATE: 52,780

I'm pretty much coming to the realization I'm not going to beat this game and that's what is going to be needed to get a top 10 this week. So, yeah, this will probably be it for me now barring a miracle. Good luck to anyone who is still making a run this week and congrats to all who have completed it.

I think there are currently two "non-beat" slots in the top 10, but they'd still require making it to the final leg of the last level.

173,020

1 Death 76 Seconds left on the clock...

I'd like to beat Randal's score but I'm doubtful its gonna happen.

^I have no doubt it's doable. Just not by me anymore, I'm hideously out of practice.

I didnt even realize that was your score! Lol. Yeah, I hadn't played this game in over 15 years until this week. That was an awesome score you put up.  I'm gonna need to get pretty lucky to pass it though...

I need to cut down on my "stupid death" count.

I can consistently beat the game, now, but I seem to always end up with 10 deaths, or so, and my big score was when I had all 3 wands, and I haven't been nearly so lucky, since.

20,950
busy with school and motorcycle projects this week, finally got to check the thread today though man y'all are kickin' ass at this game nice work. can't wait to see how it ends up!

I can't even get a part point this week. My system freaks out mid level 5. Tried 2 copies of the game and a power pack. Same spot ever time. Weird.

So funny story...never played the game, first time playthrough die score something around 8,000 get to the score board and there I am with 10,500. I am thinking I must have gotten bonus points. Do a reset and play again same thing happens. Power off, power on, play again same thing happens. I get tired of entering my user name and just put "A" playthrough and discover that "Ali" is a generic name on the high score board. Stupid me, should have started with something more unique.

47,510 Hope I get more playtime. Would love to beat it. Is there anyway to make your marble go faster? Sometimes it feels slow.