Merge Mansion is a popular puzzle game developed by Metacore Games and released in 2020. The game is available on iOS and Android mobile devices.The core gameplay revolves around merging items by matching similar objects on a board to create upgraded tools and materials. These are then used to renovate and restore an old, dilapidated mansion and its surrounding areas.As players progress, they uncover the history of the mansion and the secrets of its former inhabitants, the wealthy Boulton family. The story is told through conversations with the protagonist Maddie and her mysterious grandmother Ursula.Merge Mansion combines:
Relaxing merge puzzle gameplay
An intriguing mystery story about family secrets
Beautiful artwork and calming music
Hundreds of levels across 30 unique areas to restore
The simple yet addictive gameplay has made it extremely popular, with over 10 million downloads on Google Play alone.
Gameplay
The gameplay revolves around merging items on a board to create upgraded tools and materials. Here are the key gameplay mechanics:
The Merge Board
The main gameplay takes place on a merge board with a 6×6 grid of tiles
Tiles contain random items like bricks, planks, screws, etc
Items can be merged by dragging one item onto a matching item, combining them into an upgraded item
Merging items unlocks new tools and materials needed to progress the game
Completing Tasks
Each area has a list of tasks to complete, such as “Fix the Fountain”
To complete a task, specific high-level tools and materials are required
Players must strategically merge items to create the required tools to finish tasks
Completing tasks unlocks new areas and progresses the story
Leveling Up
Players gain XP each time they complete tasks or make special item merges
Leveling up unlocks new areas and features
Current max level is 42
Managing Resources
Actions like merging items consume energy, which replenishes over time
Players can use coins earned in-game to purchase more moves or energy
Gems are premium currency that can also be used for purchases
Story and Setting
Merge Mansion excels at combining simple gameplay with an intriguing mystery story to keep players engaged.
The Mysterious Mansion
The story revolves around the old, dilapidated Boulton family mansion which has been abandoned for over 20 years. Maddie has just inherited the estate from her grandmother Ursula and must restore it.
Maddie and Grandma Ursula
Maddie is the young protagonist determined to renovate the mansion of her ancestors.
Ursula, Maddie’s grandmother, helps her granddaughter but seems to be hiding secrets about the mansion’s history.
Uncovering Family Secrets
As Maddie explores and restores the mansion, she learns more about her mysterious family lineage and the secrets of the estate through conversations with Ursula.
Intriguing Storytelling
The story unfolds gradually through dialogue as areas are restored
Hidden clues hint at twists and secrets to uncover
Advertisements created an aura of mystery around Ursula’s motives
The unraveling mystery keeps players invested to push forward and learn more.
Areas and Environments
Merge Mansion contains a diverse set of environments and areas to explore on the grounds of the large estate. Each area has its own unique theme and tasks to complete.
Areas feature vibrant, detailed pixel art environments
Soothing natural color palettes create a relaxing atmosphere
Charming decorations like birds and deer liven up the estate
Hundreds of Levels
With 30 different areas, each with multiple tasks to complete, there are hundreds of levels to play through.The wide variety of environments to restore adds new gameplay challenges and keeps the experience fresh.
Development and History
Merge Mansion was developed by the Helsinki-based game studio Metacore Games. Here is an overview of its development history:
Pre-Launch
Development started around 2018
Went through extensive prototyping and testing
Art style changed multiple times in early development
Release
Merge Mansion launched on iOS and Android in January 2020
Quickly became popular in the hyper-casual puzzle genre
Updates
Regular content updates add new areas, features, and events
Special themed events held for holidays
Recently surpassed 10 million downloads on Android
Metacore Games has continued supporting the game with updates and new content, keeping players engaged.
Game Review and Ratings
Merge Mansion has received generally positive reviews praising its simple yet addictive gameplay and charming story. Here is an overview of professional review scores it has received:
Review Scores
Site
Score
TouchArcade
4/5
Pocket Gamer
8/10
Gamezebo
4/5
What Reviewers Like
Relaxing merge puzzle gameplay
Cute story and characters
Beautiful pixel art style
No ads or paywalls
Criticisms
Story could be more integrated
Item spawn rates can be slow
Occasional bugs
Overall, Merge Mansion succeeds at creating an engaging casual game with fun merge puzzle gameplay and charming setting.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and strategies to progress faster in Merge Mansion:
Merging Tips
Merge items as much as possible to gain XP and items
Prioritize merging items needed for current tasks
Items respawn faster if the board has empty spaces
Managing Resources
Only spend coins on energy refills and extra moves if really needed
Watch video ads to double coin rewards from tasks
Only spend gems on premium items like energy caps
Gameplay Strategies
Focus on completing one area at a time
Save high-level items until needed for tasks
Take advantage of daily rewards and events
Decorating Strategies
Place decorations last after completing tasks
Focus on decorating areas needed for quests
Move decorations around frequently for bonuses
Following these tips will help players optimize their gameplay and progress faster.
Verdict: A Relaxing, Charming Puzzle Game
The Good
Extremely accessible merge puzzle gameplay
Cute storytelling through character dialogue
Beautiful pixel art environments and animations
Hundreds of levels across diverse areas
No forced ads or pay-to-win mechanics
The Bad
Story feels disconnected from gameplay at times
Item spawn rates can be frustratingly slow
Occasional bugs or performance issues
Wrap Up
Merge Mansion succeeds at bringing innovation to the simple merge puzzle genre by integrating charming storytelling and environments. With relaxing gameplay, beautiful art, and endless content, it’s easy to see why Merge Mansion has become so popular.While it has some minor flaws, Merge Mansion is overall a polished and addictive casual game that provides the perfect way to pass time on mobile. Both puzzle fans and story lovers will find enjoyment as they restore the mansion and uncover its secrets.Overall rating: 4/5 stars