Lecture Notes: Merge Crafter Review

Introduction

• Topic: Review of the new game "Merge Crafter" by the 5 FM team
• Development Duration: Created in half a year
• Game Type: Merge puzzle game with elements of exploration

Main Gameplay Mechanics

• Objective: Unlock and merge new lands
• Two Main Puzzles:
  • Home Island
  • Dungeon

Differences Between Puzzles

• Dungeons:
  • Types: Forest, Cave, Desert
• Home Island:
  • Features NPCs guiding quests
  • Upgrading camp
  • Locked parts of the island open by experience

Game Changes and Feedback

• Improvement: Game has evolved significantly from its first version
• Developer Feedback: Developers have been receptive to beta tester feedback, leading to changes and fixes

Gameplay

• Plot: Simple and intuitive
  • Explore dungeons
  • Complete NPC quests
  • Unlock new parts of the island
  • Create more items and matches
• Tutorial: Guides players on gameplay and mechanics
• Stages in Dungeon:
  • Trance
  • Altar
  • Chest

Resources and Progression

• Resources: Gathered from dungeons for base improvements
• Dungeon Depth: Deeper levels yield new and powerful types of trees and items
• Home Island: Require unlocking territories and dealing with bandits for passage
• Biomes: Different biomes have unique items (e.g., forests have eggs, caves have bee cakes, deserts have shovels)

Tool and Database Improvements

• Tool Upgrades: Discover new ways to improve tools for a fee
• Merge Mechanics:
  • Three items to one
  • Five items to two (more experience)
  • Eight or more items to three (even more experience)
  • Sequential merging creating chain merges

Conclusion and Verdict

• Overall Impression: Positive
• Strengths: High responsiveness from developers
• Rating: 9.5/10

Closing

• Thank You Note: Thanks for watching and contributing
• Sign-off: See you later