MARS in PLATINUM TIME

The object on this level is to make as few passes across "Dozer Alley" as possible. A jet start is not necessary on this level. As a matter of fact, I highly recommend that you do NOT try to use the jet start. Break the lower spheres first because they are the riskiest. Better to be "tagged" by a dozer early, than to waste a platinum run trying to break the eighth sphere.

To get the three highest spheres, Backlash needs to be stable with all four wheels on the ground. Start on the opposite side of Dozer Alley from the spheres. Position yourself directly south of the sphere. Enter the ditch perpendicular to Dozer Alley with a good amount of speed.

This technique should give you plenty of height to reach the three farthest spheres. If you are too high, you can brake in midair with the B button. Cross "Dozer Alley" between the ditches along the level corridor after breaking each one to get ready for the next far sphere. The reason for this is that you will save a lot of time that you would otherwise spend waiting for Backlash to "regain firm footing" if you go through a ditch. Also, the Dozers don't enter the narrow corridors between the ditches, so you are less likely to be "tagged".

One other important note: Always move the camera so you can see your next target. This level will get frustrating in a hurry if you keep missing the sphere because you can't see it. The best time to adjust the camera angle is when Backlash is still in the air, just after you break a sphere.

Here's how to get a platinum time:

1. Break the sphere that is right in front of you to the north.
2. Go to the bottom of the north ditch and turn to the left. Angle up the side to get the second sphere. Be careful of the Green Dozer. You don't have to hit the sphere head on. Just graze it if you need to, to avoid the Green Dozer.
3. Continue diagonally across Dozer Alley and drive south through the corridor. Turn right and drop into the southwest ditch and break the sphere directly to the north.
4. Turn left at the bottom of the northwest ditch and avoid the Blue Dozer as you take out the sphere.
5. Drive through the south ditch and turn left. Keep Backlash on level ground as you drive east to the Yellow Dozer area. Enter the center ditch at an angle and take out the sphere being guarded by the Yellow Dozer.
6. From the north, take out the sphere on the far east side. You are now left with the highest three spheres.
7. Drive to the southern plateau and get Backlash steady, then turn north and aim for the far east sphere. Drive through the ditch perpendicular to Dozer Alley and launch Backlash. Be ready to air brake if necessary to avoid flying over the top of the sphere.
8. Turn left and head south, staying on the level corridor between the ditches. Keep Backlash on all four wheels. Make a U-turn to the right, line up for the far sphere in the center and launch.
9. Turn to the left and stay on the corridor as before. Break the last sphere just like the one before to stop the clock.

MARS in WORLD-CLASS TIME

This level has the potential to become one of your favorite levels if you let it. One of the biggest challenges to this course is to change the camera angle so you can see where you're going. The best time to change the angle is when Backlash is still in the air just after breaking a sphere. I change the angle for EVERY sphere, including the first one. I want the camera to be directly behind Backlash as I launch for the next sphere.

Here's what you need to do to get a record time:

I still don't advocate using a jet start on this level unless you are gunning for a time under 1:00. Yes, folks, it is possible (I just haven't done it yet). But... if you simply must get a jet start, it is possible to reach the far sphere to your left. From there, you're on your own. Another option you may consider, is to use a jet start to break the sphere in front of you and land in the ditch on the far side of the alley. You can shave off a little bit of time if you can master it. Here's how I got under 1:10...

1. Break the sphere that is right in front of you to the north.
2. Go to the bottom of the north ditch and turn to the left. Angle up the side to get the second sphere. The Green Dozer is guarding this one heavily, so I like to get this one early.
3. Continue diagonally across Dozer Alley and drive into the southwest ditch and launch out diagonally at the low sphere on the far west end. Avoid the Blue Dozer.
4. Turn right at the bottom of the northwest ditch and turn straight south to break the sphere there.
5. Drive south through the level corridor and turn right. Get your speed up and aim slightly to the left to reach the far sphere. Turn right as you break it to pick up some time on the way to the Yellow Dozer area.
6. Drive through the north ditch and if you keep your speed up, you can launch diagonally at the low sphere guarded by the Yelllow Dozer.
7. Drive into the south ditch to take out the eastern sphere. Make sure you are lined up perpendicular to the ditch and launch to the left of the sphere. Turn to the right and crash through the sphere. When you land, you'll be halfway to the far east side of the level. Drive south and turn for another high sphere.
8. Turn north and launch big to take out the sphere on the far side. Do not brake! Aim slightly to the right and make a U-turn to the left as you break it.
9. Drive south along the corridor being careful not to get tagged by the Yellow Dozer. You're nearly home free. Turn right and drop into the ditch to launch big for the last sphere. Brake if you need to. Just don't miss it, it's the last one.