The Merlies, a 2D adventure game developed by Darjeeling and Blue Ramen with co-production by ARTE France, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where small, expressive birds known as Merlies must rebuild their community after the disappearance of humanity. Unlike the usual bleak settings of the genre, The Merlies offers a colorful and whimsical approach, with a vibrant world filled with nature and remnants of human civilization transformed into structures for the birds to explore and build upon. The game is scheduled to release on September 29, 2026, for PC and Mac via Steam, as well as Nintendo Switch, at a price of 19.99 €. The game blends exploration, platforming, and construction elements, drawing inspiration from Metroidvania mechanics, where new abilities unlock previously inaccessible areas. However, it is described as "Wholesomevania" due to the absence of enemies or combat. The Merlies are depicted as small birds with distinct personalities and roles, such as cartographers, gardeners, and sculptors. Their animations and interactions add charm, though some players have noted issues with the AI, where the birds sometimes fail to follow commands or get stuck in the environment. The Merlies features a base management system where collected items are used to decorate and improve the birds’ home. However, this system has been criticized for being limited and somewhat redundant. Technical issues have also been reported, including bugs that cause elements of the environment or characters to lag or freeze, particularly on Nintendo Switch. Some players encountered a critical bug that prevented progression, requiring a patch to resolve. Additionally, the game's mechanics, such as managing the Merlies and collecting items, are described as laborious and sometimes frustrating, with controls and processes that could be simplified. The game's soundtrack is praised for being engaging and contributing to the overall relaxing atmosphere. However, the lack of depth in base management and the repetitive nature of exploration—requiring players to return to previously visited areas—are noted as drawbacks. The narrative is set in a future where humanity has vanished, and the Merlies navigate a world reclaimed by nature, interpreting human-made objects as resources and landmarks. The Merlies has received mixed reviews, with praise for its artistic direction and creative concept. However, it has faced criticism for technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of depth in certain mechanics. Some players feel the game has potential but needs improvements in optimization and gameplay design to fully realize its vision.