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The Merlies

The Merlies

Released: 9/29/2026

The Merlies, a community of tiny birds, got scattered across the land by a huge storm! Explore a colorful charming 2D universe and unlock new hidden passages as your Merlies squad grows and learns new skills, in a metroidvania-like gameplay. Use each Merlies’ specific abilities during your exploration in this poetic adventure game. While being beautiful, the world of The Merlies isn’t the most welcoming one. Your Merlies remain fragile little fellows exposed to the dangers of Nature. No creature or fight will be on your way but every thorn, every rock, every tree becomes an obstacle to overcome. Sometimes, the path will be hard to find, hidden in this wild and bucolic maze. And be careful not to lose one of your Merlies on the way! Throughout your exploration, you’ll encounter remains of a long gone civilization. Lucky you! For one man’s junk is a Merlies’ treasure! Collect scraps to create and decorate your village, accommodate your Merlies and train them to get ready for exploration!

The Merlies, a community of tiny birds, got scattered across the land by a huge storm! Explore a colorful charming 2D universe and unlock new hidden passages as your Merlies squad grows and learns new skills, in a metroidvania-like gameplay. Use each Merlies’ specific abilities during your exploration in this poetic adventure game. While being beautiful, the world of The Merlies isn’t the most welcoming one. Your Merlies remain fragile little fellows exposed to the dangers of Nature. No creature or fight will be on your way but every thorn, every rock, every tree becomes an obstacle to overcome. Sometimes, the path will be hard to find, hidden in this wild and bucolic maze. And be careful not to lose one of your Merlies on the way! Throughout your exploration, you’ll encounter remains of a long gone civilization. Lucky you! For one man’s junk is a Merlies’ treasure! Collect scraps to create and decorate your village, accommodate your Merlies and train them to get ready for exploration!

The Merlies, a community of tiny birds, got scattered across the land by a huge storm! Explore a colorful charming 2D universe and unlock new hidden passages as your Merlies squad grows and learns new skills, in a metroidvania-like gameplay. Use each Merlies’ specific abilities during your exploration in this poetic adventure game. While being beautiful, the world of The Merlies isn’t the most welcoming one. Your Merlies remain fragile little fellows exposed to the dangers of Nature. No creature or fight will be on your way but every thorn, every rock, every tree becomes an obstacle to overcome. Sometimes, the path will be hard to find, hidden in this wild and bucolic maze. And be careful not to lose one of your Merlies on the way! Throughout your exploration, you’ll encounter remains of a long gone civilization. Lucky you! For one man’s junk is a Merlies’ treasure! Collect scraps to create and decorate your village, accommodate your Merlies and train them to get ready for exploration!

Critics
77
Steam
89

Score Breakdown

77.0

Critic Average

3 reviews

89

Steam User Score

63 reviews

N/A

Metacritic User Score

Less than 20 reviews

Disparity Breakdown

Steam Disparity
-11.9
Metacritic Disparity
N/A
Combined Disparity
-11.9

Average of both sources

Review Timing

3 launch window (100%)0 late (0%)

Review summary

Updated Oct 18, 2026

Based on 3 scored critic reviews, critics give this game an average score of 77.0/100. Critics score this game 11.9 points lower than Steam users.

How these comparisons are calculated
Sources behind this summary(3 recent of 3)+
  1. Zack GulinelloviaThe Punished Backlog
    Oct 7, 2026·Launch window
    75/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -13.9 pts
  2. Justin NationviaNindie Spotlight
    Oct 2, 2026·Launch window
    76/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -12.9 pts
  3. Rahe NumaviaGamesCreed
    Sep 30, 2026·Launch window
    80/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -8.9 pts