Hello, dear players! We are thrilled to announce that the healing platform adventure game The Merlies will launch on Steam on September 29! Additionally, the Nintendo Switch version will follow shortly after, going live on October 1. Are you ready to embark on this heartwarming journey?
The Merlies is developed by Darjeeling, the creators of Labyrinthine Detective, published globally by ARTE France, and published for PC Steam in China by GCORES PUBLISHING. This is a combat-free, healing adventure game focusing on "2D exploration" and "building a village from scrap." In this bright and warm hand-drawn world, players will meet a group of cute bird-like creatures called "Merlies." You need to lead these little guys to build a vibrant new home within a massive outdoor labyrinth.
Agile and Light Platform Puzzles
A sudden storm has displaced the Merlies, who originally lived underground in communities. Reuniting with lost kin is the core driving force for exploring the world. Facing a massive and colorful 2D platforming map, players must cleverly utilize the unique talents of different Merlies (such as pulling, gliding, boomerang throws, etc.) to overcome environmental puzzles.
By directing the birds to climb intricate cables, jump onto fallen billboards, or step on giant mushrooms, players will uncover hidden passages within the natural landscape. As the adventure deepens, new map areas and teleportation nodes will gradually unlock, helping the clan explore this mysterious continent step by step.
Creative Ideas for Turning Trash into Treasure
Through the eyes of the tiny Merlies, everyday waste left behind by humans transforms into vast terrains and enormous treasures. The game features a deep resource collection and home-building system, where exploring and collecting "loot" is key to prospering your village.
Players can unleash their creativity to modify and upgrade items they pick up—for example, turning discarded ice cube trays into efficient storage spaces, assembling folding fans into exploration maps, or transforming pencil sharpeners into juice machines for the birds. As the journey progresses, the initial humble shelter will continuously upgrade, eventually developing into a fully functional, bustling, and prosperous settlement.
A Cute and Sunny Relaxing Adventure
The Merlies presents a vibrant and wondrous ecosystem thriving after the disappearance of humanity. The entire game features delicate, hand-drawn art, where sunlight, greenery, and micro-landscapes weave together to create a texture reminiscent of a children's picture book.
In this adventure, there are no fierce enemies, punishments, or survival pressures. Players can completely let go of real-world anxiety, immerse themselves in this extremely relaxing slow-paced journey accompanied by soothing natural sound effects, and discover rich story Easter eggs and collectibles scattered across the map.
Game Features
1. Progress freely at your own pace in a 2D map, enjoying an exploration-focused adventure journey.
2. Cleverly use the diverse abilities of different birds in your team to solve environmental puzzles along the way.
3. Step into a microscopic new world filled with optimism and vitality after humanity's departure.
4. Features delicate art throughout, offering a beautiful visual presentation with the charm of a children's picture book.
Officially launching on September 29. Add it to your wishlist now to secure the launch discount.
The Merlies will officially launch on September 29. Currently, the free demo is available for playtesting on Steam.
Head to the Steam store page now to download the demo and add it to your wishlist to lock in your launch discount!
Additionally, from October 2nd to 6th, The Merlies will participate in the Little Red Island event! We will continue to update more follow-up news, Chinese localization information, and release updates through GCORES PUBLISHING and the game's official social media channels.