Hello, fellow players!
"The Merlies," a cute bird platformer developed by Darjeeling, the team behind "Labyrinth City Detective," is now officially available on Steam! Published globally by ARTE France, with GCORES PUBLISHING handling the PC Steam release in China. The Steam China price is 74 CNY, with a 20% launch discount bringing it down to 59.2 CNY!
The game will also launch simultaneously on the Nintendo Switch platform, with the Asian version releasing on October 1. Are you ready to embark on a new journey with the little blackbirds?
A Final Journey for the Birds
A fierce storm scatters the underground-dwelling little blackbirds to every corner of the continent. Set in a microscopic world where humanity has disappeared, players will lead these wise, red-hat-wearing communal creatures on a mission to reunite their lost kin and build a vibrant new home.
The game constructs a vast and intricate 2D platforming world. Starting from lush forests, your footsteps will traverse muddy swamps, arid deserts, and other distinct biomes. Facing complex and treacherous natural environments, feet alone are not enough to overcome obstacles—along the way, you will recruit several little blackbird companions. By utilizing their skills (such as pulling, diving, and grappling hook climbing), you can reach corners of the map that were previously inaccessible; discover various decorations and collectibles, rescue more trapped companions, and find hidden paths to new areas.
Cute Hand-Drawn Art & Solarpunk
Similarly set in a post-human world, "The Merlies" features a "Solarpunk" style that stands in stark contrast to the gloom of traditional wastelands. Nature has reclaimed the Earth; instead of sandstorms filling the sky, the scenes are bathed in sunlight and lush greenery sprouting from ruins. As the journey unfolds, the little blackbirds will discover various abandoned human items across the vast world, while their former creators have long vanished.
But that doesn't matter, as the little blackbirds are masters of turning trash into treasure. In the game, you will lead them to collect over 20 unique human discards: water bottles are transformed into vegetable farms; egg cartons become beds for various mushrooms; and non-functional lamps turn into village squares. As these ingenious structures rise one after another, more new features will be unlocked. You will gradually build your humble initial village into a bustling settlement full of vitality.
All these beautiful visions are brought to life under the distinctive hand-drawn comic art style of the French game team Darjeeling. With no enemies or combat in the game, this delicate brushwork easily evokes classic French traditional hand-drawn animation. Amidst bright and warm tones, a touch of old-world tranquility is blended in, making the process of giving new life to discarded items feel like a fairytale healing experience. As Darjeeling hopes and evaluates for this title: This is a world that is both grand and filled with beauty and melancholy. You can explore at your own pace, and understanding nature and balance will be key to your progress in the adventure.
Early sketches of The Merlies
Traveling in Flocks
To enrich this natural journey, "The Merlies" has partnered with "Birdwatching Notes" and "Bug Terrarium" to release a bundled package. Purchase now to enjoy an additional discount.
"Birdwatching Notes" is a relaxing and healing desktop idle game. Here, you can freely arrange birdhouses in different scenes, attracting and collecting over a hundred types of cute birds based on real species. It's a must-play treasure for bird enthusiasts!
"Bug Terrarium" is an insect terrarium-themed idle simulation game where you can raise and breed over 300 types of bugs. Worried that these bugs might become a buffet for the little blackbirds? Rest assured, the little blackbirds are very picky eaters—they only eat delicious berries from the forest!
In addition, "The Merlies" has partnered with another indie gem published by ARTE France, "30 Birds," to release another bundle! This is a highly creative puzzle game where the story unfolds vividly on the surfaces of rotating lanterns. In this wonderful adventure filled with Persian mythology vibes, you will meet various eccentric bird friends, solve层层 puzzles, and ultimately save the mysterious goddess Simurgh. Welcome to experience it together!
Game Now Available, 20% Off Launch Sale
"The Merlies" is now officially available on PC via Steam, with support for Mac and Steam Deck!
Launch Special: Enjoy a 20% off launch discount! Originally priced at 74 CNY, now only 59.2 CNY!
Multi-platform release: The Nintendo Switch version will launch simultaneously on September 29 (October 1 for the Asian region).
Control Recommendation: As a platformer adventure game, using a controller is recommended for the smoothest exploration experience (keyboard controls are also supported).
Steam Store Page:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2521160/_/
Head to the Steam store page now to grab the launch special and start your natural journey!
The Merlies Coming Soon to Xiaohongdao
Additionally, after launch, "The Merlies" will participate in the offline Xiaohongdao event hosted by Xiaohongshu. Friends are welcome to come and play with the Merlies~
Address: Fuxing Island, Yangpu District, Shanghai
Date: 2026.10.02-10.06
Booth: Indie Game Zone — S03 S04
For more updates, Chinese localization news, and release information, we will continue to post through GCORES PUBLISHING and the game's official social media accounts.
Follow the game's official social media:
Official QQ Group: 1083486873
Bilibili: TheMerlies
Xiaohongshu: TheMerlies
Douyin: TheMerlies