MERLIN is a remarkably intelligent computer.
Through light and sound he plays six different
games of chance, strategy memory logic and
skill. You can even teach him to play music!
As you compete with him, you’ll discover that
MERLIN is very talkative. He speaks with a unique
vocabulary of 20 electronic sounds. With these
sounds he challenges you to a game, responds
to your moves, and tells you when you’ve won, lost
or tied. It won’t take you long at all to become
familiar with each of MERLIN’s sounds.
Lights are part of the action, too! As you play you’ll
see that MERLIN uses lights to keep track of your
moves, to show you your score, and to remind
you, when you’ve finished playing, that you
haven’t yet turned him off.
Are you ready to match wits with MERLIN? Here
are the games he plays:
1. Tic-Tac-Toe. MERLIN’s aggressive tactics will keep
you on your toes in this famous strategy game.
2. Music Machine. Teach MERLIN to play a tune of
up to 48 notes and rests.
3. Echo. Repeat a tune of random notes that
MERLIN teaches you.
4. Blackjack 13. MERLIN is the dealer in this com-
puterized version of the classic card game.
5. Magic Square. Try to form a square of 8 lights.
This electronic puzzle changes constantly as you
play.
6. Mindbender. Discover the computer’s mystery
number. This game of logic is the ultimate chal-
lenge-to win you’ll have to read MERLIN’s mind!
Computer conversion of the original Parker Brothers handheld.
Another thing that really makes Merlin ’99 enjoyable for me is how it manages to stay interesting even after playing it multiple times. Many games feel repetitive after a while, but here, the experience still feels fresh because of the small details and different ways you can approach the gameplay. As you continue playing, you naturally start improving and understanding the mechanics better, which makes everything feel more rewarding. I also appreciate the balance the game maintains—it’s not too difficult, but it’s not too easy either. You can play it casually for a short break or spend longer sessions without getting bored. That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons why I keep coming back to Merlin ’99. Overall, it’s the kind of game that doesn’t just entertain you for a moment, but actually gives you a consistently enjoyable experience every time you play.
