The Merlies has been announced for Nintendo Switch and will arrive on the console this month. Developed by Darjeeling Productions in collaboration with Blue Ramen Studio, the game offers a 2D exploration adventure without combat, where a group of birds must rebuild their community using the remnants left behind by humanity.
The concept is certainly an unusual one. Although The Merlies describes itself as a metroidvania, there are no enemies or traditional battles along the way. Players control a small community of birds that was scattered by a storm and must explore a colorful world to find its missing members.
Each Merlie has unique abilities that can be used to overcome obstacles and reach new areas. As the group grows and learns new skills, previously inaccessible paths become available, expanding the world and opening up new exploration possibilities.
The challenges come from the environment itself. Thorns, rocks, trees and other elements of nature can make the journey more difficult for the birds. While dealing with harsh weather and collecting items, players will also need to make sure none of their companions gets left behind.
Human trash becomes treasure
After human civilization disappeared, nature began reclaiming the world. For the Merlies, however, the remnants of the old world represent an opportunity.
Objects discarded by humans can be repurposed into structures for the community. A lamp can become a house, while an ice cube tray can take on a new life as a storage facility. Giving familiar everyday objects completely different purposes is one of the game’s most interesting ideas.
Beyond decorating the village, the resources collected throughout the journey can also be used to house and train the Merlies, preparing the group for future expeditions. In other words, picking up pretty much everything you find might be a good idea — even when you have absolutely no clue what it is going to be used for.
An optimistic post-apocalyptic world
Visually inspired by comic books and children’s picture books, The Merlies takes a colorful and welcoming approach to the post-apocalyptic setting. Think of it as a cozy game set in the remains of a devastated world, where the goal is less about surviving the apocalypse and more about cleaning up humanity’s mess.
The developers describe the experience as a “solarpunk” adventure built around cooperation, solidarity, recycling and repurposing. Rather than embracing the dark and grim tone commonly associated with post-apocalyptic stories, the game focuses on a community trying to build a better future with whatever resources it can find.
The Merlies will launch digitally for Nintendo Switch on September 29, 2026.
Source: Nintendo Everything