BBC’s Merlin is a family oriented TV show, so when the news came about a game based on it, it was assumed that it wouldn’t be the most advanced. That being said, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing and deciding to make it a Facebook game will (hopefully) help fans across the globe connect through the game. The graphics are more than adequate considering the platform, and you get the feeling you’re playing a purchased online game. You can tell the details in the faces and the clothing and the different places you go to are designed well to give a different feel to it fitting the mission you’re on at that time. The creators behind Merlin: The Game, Bossa Studios, previously won a BAFTA for best online browser game for Monstermind, a PvP game which is also on Facebook.
Merlin: The Game is an RPG set in an interpretation of Camelot. You play either a male or female character and kick it off by learning the ‘how to’ of the game, which is very simple. You click around with the mouse to move forward and also to slay enemies. After a few practice rounds you get to meet Merlin, who brings you with him to Camelot. Here, you will be introduced to the other characters of the show, and by interacting with them you’re given various tasks and things to perform, such as fighting off giant spiders (arachnophobia warning) and skeleton armies. You increase in experience (XP) and earn money from the executed tasks, money that you can purchase potions, abilities, armour and weapons for. By clicking on a map you can see your missions lined up across Camelot, and revisit previously completed missions to gain more XP and money.
The conversations used in the game feel recognisable to that of the lingo used in the show, so fans will be pleased to see small remarks and lovable bickering, especially between Arthur and Merlin. You’re given the feeling of being a part of their world, something I imagine the majority of the people playing this game are looking for. As in the show, Merlin’s abilities are unknown to Arthur and Gaius tries to guide a sometimes annoyed Merlin, who in his turn uses his knowledge to help you. Always weary of Arthur discovering the truth, he uses his own experience to give you hints on how to act.
As a fan of BBC’s Merlin, you’ll enjoy seeing your favorite characters come to life in this online game. The music is also fitted to the tone of the show, and you’ll even recognise some of the sound effects from it. I would have rather had the cast’s voices instead of having to read the conversations, however. Maybe next patch.
Other than that, Merlin: The Game is a fun and simple game, and I hope it can give fans the feeling of that little extra treat you find at the bottom of a cereal box.
Merlin: The Game will go live in time for Merlin Series 5, and you can follow the brilliant Bima on Twitter @GeekByDefault.
