Merge Dragons is a puzzle game developed by Zynga. It was released in June 2017. The game belongs to the genre of puzzle and strategy, and it combines elements of match-three puzzles with the concept of merging objects.

Gameplay: Merge and Heal

In Merge Dragons, players are transported to the mystical world of Dragonia, a land filled with magical creatures and ancient mysteries. The objective of the game is to restore life and beauty to the barren lands by matching and merging various objects, such as plants, artifacts, and dragon eggs.

Merging Objects: The core gameplay mechanic revolves around merging objects. Players are presented with a grid-based level filled with various objects, such as plants, sculptures, and dragon eggs. By dragging and dropping objects on top of each other, players can merge three and more identical objects to create a new object. For example, merging three small plants will create a larger plant.

Dragon Power: Dragons play a vital role in Merge Dragons. Players can collect dragon eggs, hatch them. Dragons can be used to interact with the game world, harvest resources, and merge objects.

Object Healing: Many objects in the game start out withered or inactive. These objects can be healed or activated by finding two other identical items or by using an Essence of Life. Activated land and objects can be merged with other items.

Quests and Levels: Merge Dragons features a progression system through quests and levels. Players embark on quests that guide them through the game's storyline and objectives. Each quest consists of multiple levels, and players must complete the goals within each level to progress further. The challenges become progressively more difficult as players advance, requiring careful planning and strategy.

Camp Construction: In addition to puzzle levels, players also have a personal camp as a base camp. The camp also needs merged objects in order to expand it. The rewards obtained by passing the level will appear in the camp for players to use.

Challenges: Difficult Levels

Level Objectives: Each level in Merge Dragons! has specific objectives that players must complete to progress. These objectives often include tasks such as merging specific objects. The levels become progressively more difficult, requiring players to strategize and plan their moves carefully to achieve the goals.

Complexity of Merging: As players progress through the game, the merging mechanics become more intricate. They must merge objects strategically to create higher-level items, which in turn unlock new possibilities and rewards. The challenge lies in identifying optimal merging paths, as merging objects haphazardly may lead to suboptimal outcomes or block potential merges.

Graphics: Visually Stunning

Merge Dragons impresses with its visually stunning graphics. The vibrant and colorful world of Dragonia is beautifully rendered, capturing the imagination with its whimsical landscapes and charming characters. The attention to detail in object design and dragon animations enhances the overall visual appeal. The game's aesthetic brilliance elevates the immersive experience, making players feel truly connected to the magical realm.

Abundance of Content

The game boasts an abundance of content, ensuring hours of gameplay and continuous discovery. With hundreds of levels to explore, each with unique challenges and objectives, players will find themselves consistently engaged.

Potential Shortcomings

In-App Purchases: Merge Dragons! employs in-app purchases, which can be a drawback for some players. While it's possible to progress without spending real money, the game's design and progression system may tempt players to make purchases to speed up progress or obtain exclusive items.

Play Limits: Games use trophies to limit the number of actions a player can take in a given amount of time. This limits the number of times a player can play and creates long wait times.

Slow Progression: As players advance in the game, the difficulty ramps up, requiring more time and effort to complete levels. The progression can feel slow and grindy, especially without in-app purchases.

Summary

Merge Dragons is an enchanting mobile game that excels in addictive gameplay, strategic depth, and visually stunning graphics. However, time constraints and slow progression may be potential drawbacks for some players. Despite these shortcomings, Merge Dragons remains offer entertainment for those seeking a casual gaming experience.