The legendary figure of Merlin has been recounted in countless stories since his first appearance in the 10th century alongside King Arthur. My introduction to Merlin occurred long before I was old enough to see the film Excalibur. The wizard’s enduring power and mystique piqued my interest when a strategy game bearing his name was released.
The Hand of Merlin is a strategy title that presents a cosmic interpretation of the classic Merlin narrative. Players recruit a party of up to three companions to embark on a mission to safeguard multiple worlds. The journey involves uncovering personal truths, acquiring valuable treasures, and developing the capabilities of both the player character and the team to overcome various perils.
The Hand of Merlin diverged from my initial expectations. Based on the trailers, I anticipated a gameplay structure similar to that of Fallout, featuring free-roaming exploration of a large map culminating in encounters. However, THOM presents a world map from which players select their destinations. Upon arrival, a text-based encounter unfolds, with a random generator determining the specific events and characters encountered. These encounters present varying degrees of opportunity and risk, allowing players to choose to fight or flee, though sometimes the choice is predetermined.
Opting to engage in combat transitions the game into a more conventional isometric strategy format, providing a clear view of the characters. The battles are visceral and well-executed, initially featuring relatively weak enemies. As the game progresses, the scale and danger of the opponents escalate. Acquiring magical spells and superior weaponry enhances the overall gaming experience. Aligning with typical strategy game mechanics, players can program their characters to react to enemy actions during their turns. This strategic approach is paramount, as many adversaries will significantly outmatch the player’s team in raw power.
Players will continuously discover various items to enhance their character and team, necessitating careful consideration due to the need for specific abilities to effectively neutralize certain enemies. Success in completing the mission may require multiple attempts.
Despite its text-driven nature, the narrative remains engaging and richly detailed. As mentioned earlier, the world is open for exploration, resulting in a non-linear plot progression. Prioritizing the development of the player character and their team is highly recommended before confronting the more formidable enemies.
The Hand of Merlin was tested on the Xbox One X, exhibiting no performance issues. Loading times were minimal, and the combat sequences flowed smoothly even during intense action. While the graphics may appear somewhat simplistic, the animations are well-crafted, and the battles provide ample entertainment.
In conclusion, The Hand of Merlin presents a vast game world filled with extensive upgrade options and compelling encounters. However, the reliance on text-based interactions outside of combat may leave a somewhat underwhelming impression. Recognizing that this is an independent title without the extensive resources of a AAA production, the final assessment remains positive.
Versus evil provided a review code for this analysis. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence.
