Beating Gold Times is not a requirement for progression in the game. Some levels feature a Qualify Time in order to increase difficulty, and all levels feature a Gold Time, where players must finish the level below a specific time-frame.
Collecting gems is a requirement in some levels before players can complete the level. Some levels even contain hazards to hinder the player’s progress and powerups to help him pass various challenges. Marble Blast Gold revolves around controlling a colourful marble around different stages, with the goal getting to the end pad while avoiding falling off the level (Out of Bounds). Marble Blast was originally released in December 2002 for Windows (Mac and Linux were released a month afterwards), and an expansion for it, Marble Blast Gold, replaced it May 2003. If you’re here you probably know Marble Blast Gold, which is the game this website is dedicated after.