My Played Video Games Review: Young Merlin for the Super Nintendo

Young Merlin is an adventure video game that was released for the Super Nintendo in 1993. It was developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Games.

This is one of the most charming games from the 1990s. From the beginning, it crafts a unique atmosphere that feels like stepping into an animated cartoon. However, it's not all smooth sailing; the game throws some tough challenges your way, especially when figuring out how to navigate through tricky situations.

The Story

Merlin is a young sorcerer whose magical abilities are about to face challenges. Drawn into the mystical realm where elves and fairies converge in the deepest parts of the forest, Merlin finds himself entrusted with the destiny of the Enchanted Lands. His adversary is a Shadow King, wielding powerful magic and commanding strange minions that pose a threat to Merlin. The battle commences, pitting good against evil, darkness against light. Spells will be cast, demons must be conquered. Thus, the legend of Young Merlin begins.

The Graphics and Sound

In simple terms, the graphics of are excellent, holding up well even against later SNES releases. Every sprite and structure was beautifully drawn, creating a seamless visual experience. The use of cartoonish graphics, from rushing waters to riding mine carts, contributed to the game's charm.

The audio added to the youthful vibe, with background tracks maintaining an upbeat feel throughout. While not particularly memorable, they avoided becoming repetitive. The sound effects were decent, except for the kid's somewhat annoying yelp when attacked. Overall, both graphics and audio blended well to create an engaging experience.

The Gameplay

In simpler terms, Young Merlin is mostly about solving puzzles and doing a lot of backtracking, meaning you have to go back to previous areas often. The puzzles, once solved, give a satisfying feeling, but the game's focus on backtracking can be a bit tedious. Fighting is minimal, and you don't get much practice until facing major bosses. Some sections with regular enemies are like confusing mazes, especially the Mines Section. The game involves a lot of returning to previous locations, like the waterfall at the start. If there was less backtracking or an easier way to move between areas, the gameplay would be more enjoyable.

Replayability is mediocre. It will keep you busy for a while, but once you finish it, there's not much reason to play it again. It's good for the first time, on a rainy day, or if you rediscover it in your closet after a few years. However, it's not the kind of game you'll play frequently. The real value comes from the initial playthrough and the occasional revisit every few years.

My Verdict

I would suggest Young Merlin only to those who enjoy a lot of backtracking and solving puzzle games. It's not outstanding, but it's not terribly bad either—a pretty average experience overall.

Play it on the great highly coveted Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a needed emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!