TIGSource: Meril

Meril

ithamore — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:13:00 +0000

Meril is Sasakoge’s (translation) latest game. The main character is a little Japanese girl who must use her trusty clover chain to swing her around to collect all the durians (which look more like dust bunnies) before time runs out. There are 24 levels that incorporate just a few obstacles and badies well enough to keep things interesting. Each level requires a slightly different strategy to complete, and each feels like it has its own flow.

The gameplay is more intuitive than in the Vertical we covered last September, which was the first game I thought of when I began playing Meril. Some time ago, Alan Gordon released Vertical 0.6a with some nice additions such as space mode, but Meril is still more complete and fluid especially with game pad support. So, it would be better to compare it to Bionic Commando or to using the grappling hook in Super Metroid.

Source: Vector-Game Reviews

"Meril" by ithamore

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:25:34 +0000

That’s wonderful. 0.6a was a huge improvement over the original, so I’m looking forward to how much better the new version will be.

Since you called the original a toy, I would call 0.6a a collection of toys. Will the new Vertical reach game-hood? A larger collection of toys wouldn’t be bad though.

"Meril" by Alan Gordon

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:40:18 +0000

You realize that I have to one-up this with a new Vertical release now, don’t you?

"Meril" by Miscellamer

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:05:40 +0000

On the site, Google translates the game as “Meril: the phosphorous chi that comes”. Stupid. The game was good.

"Meril" by King_N

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:45:47 +0000

Never mind, it works now. yay.

"Meril" by King_N

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:17:28 +0000

…how do you even start this thing? up and down keys work but I can’t do anything else…

"Meril" by haowan

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:01:36 +0000

would be good to get a few more entries in that sidebar, three isn’t enough!

"Meril" by Echo

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:58:28 +0000

Alrighty then :) Just wondering.

"Meril" by Derek

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:48:50 +0000

Echo, it’s a problem with Typo that we’re looking into. Maybe just have to install the new version. It has something to do with comments and the frontpage not being able to talk to each other correctly.

I wonder if it has to do with the “Recent Comments” sidebar thing, actually. Probably not, but let me take it out for a while and see what happens…

"Meril" by Echo

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:42:34 +0000

Oh, totally off topic, but while I think of it - anybody else getting those “undefined method `=’ for nil:NilClass” when they visit the page? What’s that about? :| Dave: Took me a minute to get it too - move down to the second option, z and x are the keys.

"Meril" by DrDerekDoctors

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:32:32 +0000

I’m surprised that no-one thought to just let you attach the grapple to thin air in these games before. It’s a very clever solution to the inherent challenges in level design in these kinds of games.

"Meril" by Dave

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:29:53 +0000

Am I the only one that can’t even start the game? The up and down arrow keys work and so does the y-axis of my joystick, but nothing I press on either the joystick, mouse, or keyboard will actually start the game from the menu.

"Meril" by Jad

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:12:16 +0000

Well, level 12 is hellish. The game really puts you through some heavy stuff later on ; A;

"Meril" by Chris L

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:42:11 +0000

Kay, I know we’re supposed to be all about new ideas and discourage the reuse of old ideas… But all I was thinking during the video is how awesome it would be if this was a Bionic Commando sequel or remake.

"Meril" by ithamore

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:39:07 +0000

Yes, the game is free: it is freeware.

Meril is more about building momentum (which is why the levels are more open than Umihara Kawase’s) and the clover chain can connect to almost anywhere, so it is different of course. The ledge grabbing/climbing, however, is a nice addition to platforming.

As for what I said in the post, I still can’t pass level 9, so I’m not sure if it becomes redundant later on. Also, the backgrounds add wonderfully to the game.

"Meril" by Shawn

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:24:21 +0000

I really like the degree of control when you walk off a ledge.

I agree with Lollerskater though, I miss the ability to retract… I couldn’t use the hook to climb vertically like I can in umihara.

"Meril" by Lollerskater

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 04:54:03 +0000

It looks like an up-to-date version of Umihara Kawase at first glance, but playing it really brings out the difference in game play. I have to say though I do miss the option to retract your cord, but I guess I shouldn’t play both games right after each other. :)

"Meril" by FireSword

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 04:34:58 +0000

is this a free game or just a demo?