The Merlies on Nintendo Switch is a cozy, exploration-driven Metroidvania that centers on reuniting a scattered flock and rebuilding a new home.
The game casts players as the leader of a group of small bird-like characters called merlies after a storm destroys their nest.
Across non-linear rooms and connected areas, you locate additional merlies and collect human objects that become structures and decorations for the nest.
Gameplay and design
The game's Metroidvania elements stem from its non-linear exploration: areas initially out of reach become accessible once you find tools or recruit a certain number of merlies.
Unlike traditional Metroidvania titles that emphasize combat, The Merlies foregoes enemies entirely.
Instead, challenge is delivered through parkour-style puzzles that require careful environmental traversal and teamwork between the merlies.
Mechanics and controls
Players begin with three merlies and no tools.
As you free more merlies, the flock gains new abilities and items—one early recruit carries an umbrella that enables controlled gliding and interaction with fans to float upward.
Structures you find in the world are human objects (a sensu, a music box, a jug) that must be carried back to the nest.
To simulate weight distribution, merlies must pick up objects from specific positions; you control a single merly directly while the rest follow, but you can split the group with the D-pad and whistle them back together.
Stacking mechanics allow merlies to form vertical platforms and to throw the top merlie higher.
Quality-of-life and presentation
The Merlies provides an always-available map and menu-based fast travel, removing the need to return to camps to transition between areas.
The art style is frequently cited as charming: individual merlies have distinct designs, and environments reward exploration with decorations and structures to place in the nest.
The game’s pacing gradually unlocks new areas, tools, and merlies, keeping progression steady without overwhelming the player.
Verdict and value
The Merlies is described as a cute and inviting take on exploration-heavy platforming—trading combat for puzzles and cooperative movement.
The review score cited is 8.5, and playtime can run up to about 10 hours.
At the reported price of $20 on the Nintendo eShop at press time, The Merlies offers a focused, family-friendly Metroidvania experience well suited to Switch players who enjoy cozy, puzzle-oriented indie games.
The game casts players as the leader of a group of small bird-like characters called merlies after a storm destroys their nest.
Across non-linear rooms and connected areas, you locate additional merlies and collect human objects that become structures and decorations for the nest.
Gameplay and design
The game's Metroidvania elements stem from its non-linear exploration: areas initially out of reach become accessible once you find tools or recruit a certain number of merlies.
Unlike traditional Metroidvania titles that emphasize combat, The Merlies foregoes enemies entirely.
Instead, challenge is delivered through parkour-style puzzles that require careful environmental traversal and teamwork between the merlies.
Mechanics and controls
Players begin with three merlies and no tools.
As you free more merlies, the flock gains new abilities and items—one early recruit carries an umbrella that enables controlled gliding and interaction with fans to float upward.
Structures you find in the world are human objects (a sensu, a music box, a jug) that must be carried back to the nest.
To simulate weight distribution, merlies must pick up objects from specific positions; you control a single merly directly while the rest follow, but you can split the group with the D-pad and whistle them back together.
Stacking mechanics allow merlies to form vertical platforms and to throw the top merlie higher.
Quality-of-life and presentation
The Merlies provides an always-available map and menu-based fast travel, removing the need to return to camps to transition between areas.
The art style is frequently cited as charming: individual merlies have distinct designs, and environments reward exploration with decorations and structures to place in the nest.
The game’s pacing gradually unlocks new areas, tools, and merlies, keeping progression steady without overwhelming the player.
Verdict and value
The Merlies is described as a cute and inviting take on exploration-heavy platforming—trading combat for puzzles and cooperative movement.
The review score cited is 8.5, and playtime can run up to about 10 hours.
At the reported price of $20 on the Nintendo eShop at press time, The Merlies offers a focused, family-friendly Metroidvania experience well suited to Switch players who enjoy cozy, puzzle-oriented indie games.
