As a derivative project of competitive sport, Marbula 1 has been contested for four seasons since 2020. Pure racing instinct makes every team participating in this event enjoy it, but this is never a happy Sitcom of the whole family. The reason why this competition causes blood to swell is precisely based on the relative strength and tension of each battle.
Entanglement, pursuit, debate, redemption. This theme is presented one after another on every weekend of Marbula 1, from Europe, America, Asia to Africa... 20 teams crossed most of the land of Pinball Planet and arrived at the track in 10 weeks. The top drivers are facing each other head-on on the field, while the team's logistics team is at odds off the field.
At Marbula 1, every season is fantastic, but this season's Marbula 1 is the most "unique" one in history. Every turning point is beyond people's imagination, and every battle is a multiple game between history and the present, between ideals and reality. The astonishing cries of fans made the entire paddock tense, and the waving of the checkered flag was announcing the arrival of the end…
The "Stories of Marbles" series is another comeback after the Marble League 2022 documentary "The Dawn of the 100th League Match". We will present you with the Marbula 1 Season 4 series documentary "Driving towards the Ultimate".
Chapter 1 Returning to the Peak
This is the darkest year.
“Hazy! The 17th place finish marks the finish line, which also means that Hazers will be ranked 17th in the team's standings this season.”
“Latest official announcement: Hazers captain Hazy will leave the team on paid leave, Misty will take over his position, and new player Murky will become a reserve for the team.”
“Foggy! No, Hazers are out of the qualifiers and they won't be able to compete in Marble League 2022 at Draklin.”
“Misty! This was her most serious mistake, Captain Hazers once again failed in the final round. They ranked fourth from bottom in Showdown and missed the Marble League 2023 race seat ahead of schedule.”
……
(2023.2.22/Huaze/Yunzhiding)
Smokey (coach of the Hazers): “For a long time, I couldn't accept this reality. Winning the championship for Hazers was the dream of many team members, but every time we reached the most critical point, a series of bad luck knocked on our door.”
Misty (Hazers captain): “We feel angry, we feel regretful. But there is nothing that can be changed. We accept defeat, but this will not be a permanent state.”
Smokey: “In 2023, we knew we had missed Marble League's journey ahead of schedule. So, at the beginning of the year, Marbula 1 became a goal that the team must strive for. But the problem is: after only ranking 17th in the team last season, we don't know if we will be invited again.”
Shade (Hazers Team Manager): “Hazers must enter Marbula 1 Season 4, which will be an important milestone in changing the team's history. I am very clear: as a team manager, you need to strive for all available resources at any cost.”
“I also promise to help Hazers get the Marbula 1 invitation letter for next season.”
(2023.2.22/Subow/Raspberry Racers Base)
“Yes, I think we had a great conversation. Don't worry, I will supervise the construction work. Thank you, Jelle! We will contact you later.”
Pi (Raspberry Racers Fleet Manager): “Wow, this was a successful negotiation. Now, I can confidently tell you. In 2023, Marbula 1 Season 4, Raspberry Racers will officially return.”
“Raspberry Racers missed the journey of Marbula 1 Season 3, which is the first time since Marble League 2016 that the team missed the World Series!”
Pi: “Last year, after negotiations, the team decided not to participate in all the races of Marbula 1 Season 3. After we were only one body away from the Marble League 2021 championship, the team wanted to rest again. However, the biggest problem with all closed training is that they cannot compete with top teams and maintain their form.”
“For a world-class team like Raspberry Racers, it is hard to understand that they will not be able to compete in the World Series. When we want to return, nothing can stop us.”
Coach Raspberry Racers: “I am well aware that although the team has performed well in the league, we are not the most competitive team in Marbula 1. Therefore, in order to achieve success this season, the team needs to first reconsider their driver lineup.”
Barry (former Raspberry Racers player): “Raspberry Racers' journey to Marbula 1 was never easy. In Marbula 1 Season 1, Razzy and Rezzy became the team's top choices, and neither player performed well. Relatively speaking, Rezzy ran better throughout the season, but after finishing at the bottom of the Marble League 2020 marathon, the team ultimately chose to kick her out and trade her for Ruzzy.”
“At Marbula 1 Season 2, Razzy and Ruzzy teamed up. Ruzzy once received a podium at Arctic Circuit, and you would think: Oh, okay, finally Raspberry Racers found a driver who can challenge the podium position. But Ruzzy didn't score a single point in the remaining five races throughout the season, except for this one, which is also one of the worst scoring results in the league.”
“So, they also have Rizzy and Rozzy who have not run Marbula 1, the two players with the lowest league points in the team. Simply based on last year's league results, Rozzy was the one who performed better, but Rozzy's long-distance performance has never been tested. As for Rizzy, his Marblocross in Marble League 2021 were also the bottom, which also caused the team to lose the league championship that season. So, for the entire team…”
“I don't know why the Raspberries are returning to Marbula 1.”
Berry: “I know it will be a headache for me for a while. But besides the two drivers on the list, there are many other things we can use to improve the team's performance. For example, a new training plan for Marbula 1 and an advantage of playing at home. For this season's Marbula 1, we really need.”
A brand new Razzway.
(2023.2.22/Accellaise/Speedy and Rapidly's Private Heights)
Quickly (Savage Speeders head coach): “Good morning, guys. I think you should have already had breakfast. Have you had it? It's great, so now, let's go home and do a home visit.”
Quickly: “Savage Speeders is the most successful and well-established team in the world. We won the first Marble League championship, we won the first Marbula 1 championship, and we were also the first team to achieve a second consecutive league championship. All of this is an honor and history.”
“But the problem is that since 2020, the team has experienced the biggest pain period in history. In the past two years, we have achieved two 12th places, and we have never had the experience of reaching the top of the standings in any competition. By Savage Speeders' standards, this is unacceptable.”
Production team: “What do you think caused this situation to occur?”
Quickly: “If you have won an award, you will establish your own logic for doing things. You follow that path and even if you encounter setbacks, you want to repeat the already successful rules. However, the world will change, and perhaps it is time to admit that the rules we have long believed in are no longer the best way to win.”
“In Marbula 1 in the past three seasons, we have 'Savage Speeders Twin' Speedy and Rapidly. They were the best partners and won the championship of almost all major competitions for the team. However, in Marbula 1 in the past two seasons, Rapidly's score is not enough to let the team return to the championship. At the same time, he has also involved Speedy's state. If our captain can't concentrate on the game, it will make the team disorder Feet.”
“Out of emotions, Speedy and I both gave Rapidly 100% trust; but out of reality, we cannot have a player with insufficient skills appear on the team's roster for the new season. So today, I need to try to solve this problem.”
Speedy (Captain Savage Speeders): “Quickly, how do you feel after a tiring journey?”
Quickly: “Accellaise is always so sunny and has a pleasant climate. What about Rapidly?”
Speedy: “He went to the best restaurant in town to take out lunch, and we could have a good lunch together in the pavilion in the backyard.”
Quickly: “This would be the best way. But, Speedy, you know why I came specifically to Accellaise on the eve of your return.”
Speedy: “We need a conversation, of course.”
Speedy: “So what you mean is, he won't be able to participate in this year's Marbula 1?”
Quickly: “I will give Rapidly the opportunity for pre-season testing. But I think it's time to make a change. You don't need a burden; I need a more powerful option.”
Speedy: “He's never my burden.”
Quickly: “But he's your responsibility. Speedy, Rapidly will distract you. I can guarantee that he will still help us win this year's league, but we all know how to win the championship.”
Speedy: “Perhaps... if his performance in this pre-season test still doesn't satisfy us, I won't interfere with your decision further.”
Quickly: “Your support will be my biggest victory.”
Speedy: “You are the coach, and that means I will respect your decision. However, we all hope that things won't get worse than before.”
Quickly: “Changes and unknowns are always scary. But I am well aware that for Savage Speeders, the regret and anger of not winning the championship are even more frightening. We haven't been able to achieve any major event metrics for two years, so this season's Marbula 1 will be a milestone to help us return to the peak.”
(2023.4.16/Marbula 1 Season 4 Single Official Announcement Day)
Heinz (Professional Sports Commentator): “A brand new Marbula 1 season has been finalized. Today, April 16th, the competition officially announced all the sub stations, participating teams, and player lists for the new season. Wo, what is your opinion on the latest list for this season?”
Wo Xia Shuode (professional sports commentator): “There's too much information in these two lists. It's really difficult for me, but there are a few interesting places. For example, Raspberry Racers and their home return as the opening game, this is big news.”
Heinz: “But the most shocking thing on this list is probably Hazers' choice. They had already reserved a driver's seat before the start of this season, but head coach Smokey boldly chose two brand new drivers! Wo, what are they thinking?”
Wo Xia Shuode: “No one knows what Hazers are thinking. But that's Hazers, isn't it? We'll see their performance in the season opener.”
Dim (Hazers, team reporter): “So, coach. Why did we choose Misty and Cloudy to play together this season? Isn't Smoggy a more experienced choice?”
Smokey: “I have the data feedback I have received. Misty and Cloudy are the best partners, and they have combined to win gold medals in the Jousting of Marble League 2021. They are very close and have a desire to win trophies. This season's Marbula 1, Hazers will usher in a new era. I believe that this is the foundation of all my decisions.”
“Haze News: Smokey's Future, Legend or Puppet”
“Leader Review: Stupid Donkey from Huaze! Smokey's Chaotic Decision Making”
“HA Sports: We Have an ‘Outstanding’ Coach”
“The tomorrow of Hazers depends on when Smokey leaves the team.”- Hazers columnist Skr.
（2023.4.29/Rubow/Razzway Qualifying）
Tide (former Oceanics coach/Marbula 1 invited commentator for Pinball Sports Network): “Welcome, Raspberry Racers is returning with their new Razzway! Audience friends, the unveiling of Marbula 1 Season 4 will officially take place in the ancient city of Rubow! Are you ready?”
Letty (Sports City reporter): “Speedy, in the new season, your biological brother Rapidly was not selected for Savage Speeders' Marbula 1 squad. What problems will this have for you?”
Speedy: “I will focus on myself, starting from the opening game of a good season. Everything else will be resolved over time.”
Wang Goal (former editor in chief of Marbula 1 column/current freelance writer): “Berry, this season you unexpectedly returned to Marbula 1, and last season Turtle Sliders, who 'unexpectedly' replaced you, lost their Marbula 1 seat this season. What do you think?”
Berry: “Perhaps this is the paddock, they want a better team to appear on the field. Turtle Sliders is not without the opportunity, but their abilities are not enough to make the team stand tall in Marbula 1. This is cruel, but it may happen to each of our teams, except for some special cases that can be left behind solely by popularity. Therefore, we must show results to ensure that Raspberry Racers does not appear on such a blacklist after the season ends.”
Cloudy (Hazers player): “Razzy, this is a very beautiful track.”
Razzy (Captain Raspberry Racers): “Thank you! Cloudy, I hope you perform well. We have retained most of the layout of this track, Smoggy has won here before, so perhaps you can also show a similar debut result.”
Cloudy: “I hope so too, and I wish you a smooth debut after your return.”
Quickly: “The way the audience treats Marbula 1 is always so direct, cheerful, and passionate. But will the athletes also be like this? Of course, personally participating in it naturally creates a barrier. When you try to refresh the fastest lap on the track, every detail makes you extremely sensitive, anxious, and irritable. Only the most outstanding drivers can withstand this pressure and try to break through themselves.”
Tide: “At the beginning of the qualifying season, we can see Raspberry Racers captain Razzy, who is playing at home, will start cruising. This is her third Marbula 1 season. There were some collisions, but she got purple in the third leg, leaving us with a foundation.”
Berry: “Razzy. Okay, now we can take a break and see where we will be in the first half of the round.”
Razzy: “I'm trying to push to the limit, hoping we can smoothly enter Q2.”
Berry: “As you wish, Razzy! We have locked in Q2. Did you hear the cheers from the home fans.”
Razzy: "Of course, let's keep moving forward.”
Tide: “Currently, Q1 is over, and Momo and Orange have secured the starting position in Q2. Rookie Cloudy is ranked fourth, home game Razzy is sixth, and Savage Speeders captain Speedy will be in ninth. We are about to enter the Q2 round and decide the starting position for the main race after three laps.”
Quickly: “Last season, we repeatedly missed Q2 in qualifying, and the lack of a good starting position was an important factor affecting the team's performance. Therefore, this season, when we can steadily enter Q2, it is time to showcase the weapons the team has prepared.”
Tide: “Starting from Q2, the lights go out and start. Wow, Speedy, he even overtook a few cars in the first stage! The Savage Speeders captain has amazing overtaking skills, he overtook one, not enough, and immediately followed the leading Momo.”
“Orange launched a fast attack, but Speedy was adept. Savage Speeders and O'rangers competed, and old opponents competed against each other. Speedy, he surpassed in the last leg! The Wild Races will lock in tomorrow's Razzway's first row start. Perfect Q2! Speedy is unstoppable.”
Quickly: “Speedy, it's really exciting, that's what we've always wanted. Let's challenge the championship tomorrow.”
Speedy: “I agree. Now, we will fight for the championship
Smokey: "That's why Savage Speeders are so difficult to deal with. They have an excellent coach and a history level driver. But we have Cloudy, and she quietly ranks fourth in qualifying, right behind Speedy. I think that gives us a chance to surpass.”
(2023.3.6/Huaze/Office of Shade)
Shade: “I have already communicated with the Marbula 1 team, and the team's historical record is enough to give us a chance to prove ourselves for a season, and even, we have the opportunity to continue playing at home.”
Smokey: “I knew you could do it.”
Shade: “But Smokey, do you have any thoughts on the new season's Marbula 1? Hazy has already left, which means we definitely need new players to take over.”
Smokey: “We need to make a new face. That's what I told you after last year's Marbula 1. I think the team lacks the courage to burn their boats, and the most obvious feeling I had last season was this. They are not satisfied with their position, and they are also slightly dissatisfied with each other.”
Shade: “They need a leader to boost morale, and I think Smoggy can meet that.”
Smokey: “Smoggy... he's doing well, you know, but it's just good. Moreover, I don't see much rapport with his teammates from him. The competition with Hazy throughout the season has been bad enough, and he has always wanted to be the backbone of the team. Last year, I partnered him with Murky to use his experience to lead new players, but the results were not ideal. He wanted to use his personal abilities to drive the team, which also makes sense.”
“If we want to win next season, we need two players who can be close and cooperate with each other to achieve each of our goals.”
“So, what do you mean by Misty and Cloudy?”
Smokey: “They are very in sync and always support each other. Moreover, I believe Misty was our best player at a certain stage in the past, and Cloudy is now our best player on the team. If I were to decide on the seats for the two drivers, I would let them play.”
Shade: “There has never been a precedent in the history of Marbula 1 where a team changes its two drivers at the same time. I have some concerns that such a choice is conditional on sacrificing the team's performance.”
Smokey: “But what's worse? Shade, we've had the worst year and there's nothing to lose. This team has the ability to compete for the championship, but this is not the point to discuss competing for the championship. If we can get tenth this season, we can continue to be on the Marbula 1 roster for next season. But from 17th to 10th, this is already a big improvement. The team needs a new experience, they need it Treat every game as the first one, Misty and Cloudy have never failed in Marbula 1, while we have. So, nothing can be said to be a loss! We need to rewrite the story of the first chapter.”
Shade: “You're right, Smokey. I'll support your decision, just like I've been doing in the past.”
Smokey: “Thank you. If there are any responsibilities that need to be taken on, I will also stand up. If Hazers can be wholehearted, then we can create some new values.”
（2023.4.30/Rubow/Razzway Grand Prix）
Sublime (Captain Limers): “Raspberry Racers' return to Marbula 1 did surprise us a bit, as they have never been able to achieve success in Marbula 1. Perhaps the past two seasons have not been very convincing, but if all three seasons can only rank lower, other teams can comment in the future: because of the Marbula 1 strength of Raspberry, they are definitely not the best team in the world. This itself is harmful and not beneficial.”
“So, Sublime, what do you think their final season ranking will be?”
Sublime: “Out of a lively mindset, ranked 20th! This will be the best. Because our worst result is only the second to last Marbula 1, if Raspberry comes in at the bottom. What qualification do they have to say they are stronger than us
Razzy: “We are not returning to Marbula 1 to lose this seat again. Some critics believe that we cannot win the top spot in this project, so we train day after day to bring the new generation of Razzway back to the calendar. If you can pass the brutal training within Raspberry Racers, then there is no reason not to succeed.”
Tide: “Razzway's fruit is now ripe, and I'm sure the Grand Prix will also be very exciting. In this competition, Momo and Speedy will start from the front row, followed closely by Orange and Cloudy. At home, Raspberry Racers captain Razzy, who successfully made it to Q2 yesterday, started in the tenth place. This is a dangerous but full of opportunities starting grid. How many points can she bring back to the home team today.”
Tide: “The lights go out and start running! Razzy's handling was not ideal, as she completely lost her rhythm amidst the chaotic traffic. Entering combination turn 9 and 10, Razzy fell to 15th!”
Razzy: “My feeling is not very good, there are too many things to deal with, I will try to recover some positions now.”
Berry: “Don't worry, we're still in the points area, and you still have twelve and a half laps to play.”
Tide: “The fourth lap is downhill! Speedy overtook Momo to lead the race. The fans of Savage Speeders on site are boiling.”
Quickly: “This is the real Speedy!”
Smokey: “Cloudy, focus, don't be afraid of confrontation, use it, we need to gradually move forward from the Peloton, looking for opportunities.”
Cloudy: “Okay.”
Tide: “In the seventh lap, we entered turn 11, and after the turn, the four players couldn't tell each other apart. Wait! Cloudy broke through the encirclement, it's a 1 over 3! The magical dance steps are as elegant as dragonflies skimming the water.”
Tide: “Now, Cloudy is trying to launch an attack on Speedy. Can she go over? Captain Savage Speeders handed the lead position to this rookie.”
Speedy: “She's doing well, tell me how much time is left
Quickly: “There is still one-third of the competition left. Can you find a chance to surpass Cloudy?”
Speedy: “Perhaps you don't need to ask this question.”
Tide: “Look at the situation of turning around this time, Speedy wants to surpass Cloudy who didn't catch the center of the bend. Speedy is one step faster! Passing was completed before entering the combination turn. Immediately after, Cloudy seized the advantage of the straight lane and overtook him again, but Speedy fiercely closed the door and told Cloudy, “Why am I the driver championship of Marbula 1 Season 1.”
Smokey: “Don't be distracted, control your emotions. You still have a chance. In the last lap, let's turn defeat into victory.”
Cloudy: “Okay.”
Quickly: “Speedy, very beautiful counterattack, pay attention to maintaining distance from behind, Cloudy is very close to you.”
Speedy: “I won't give her a chance, not today.”
Cloudy: “Chasing Speedy is difficult, but I think he underestimated our will and determination to win. He believes through experience that we are easily defeated. But we are no longer the Hazers of the past.”
Tide: “As the entire game entered the final lap, Cloudy was still chasing Speedy, watching the match in the combination turn. Cloudy surpasses the past! And gave Speedy an identical closing action. She is telling Speedy: Why am I the champion of the Marbula 1 Season 4 Opener!”
Smokey: “When Cloudy crossed the line, I didn't actually think about anything. Yes, we have experienced the darkest era in the past year, but it is precisely because of the clouds that all the anxieties will be swept away. This is the best way to start the season, announcing the return of Hazers with a sub championship.”
Cloudy: “Tinkle, coach, open the door and see what gift I have brought back for you.”
Smokey: “Champion? No, no, no, a driver who can win the championship is my biggest achievement!”
Misty (Hazers team captain): “Cloudy! You are the best!”
Shake: “Smokey, you're right. I see new hope in this Hazers.”
Smokey: “Don't worry, now let's try to achieve our next goal.”
Razzy: “Can we get points for this game?”
Berry: “Yes, Razzy, thank you for your dedication throughout the entire game. Although we are only in 15th place, if we make our debut at home and earn points, we have reason to improve in the coming season.”
Razzy: “We must do better.”
Berry: “As we imagine.”
Letty: “Speedy, you had a very exciting performance in the main game. How do you think this will affect Savage Speeders' entire season.”
Speedy: “I would like to express my gratitude to the team for their pre-season preparations, but personally, this has never been a result worth celebrating. We are here to become winners rather than losing any possible points. I must demand higher standards of myself and hope to satisfy the supporters of Savage Speeders throughout the next season.”
Savvy (Savage Speeders team manager): “He did a great job, judging from the entire race.”
Quickly: “But he's Speedy, and I know he won't accept any 'success' except for the championship.”
“So, we must win the championship this season, which is the best solution.”
Quickly: “Yes, we have an ace who is still strong today. But unlike in the past, this season we have a pair of ace cards, which is why we need you - Swifty, are you ready?”
Swifty (Savage Speeders player/Marbula 1 Season 4 rookie driver): “I think so, coach.”