Mercury Meltdown (preview)
Developer: Ignition Banbury
Publisher: Ignition Entertainment
Release Date: 29/09/2006
Players: 1 + multiplayer, not tested
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After the very enjoyable, highly addictive and incredibly challenging PSP puzzle launch game, Mercury, it was only a matter of time before we saw a sequel. Naturally the game follows the same path as the original, but the developers have added lots of new features and gameplay additions to the game, and it has also changed significantly in the visuals department.

The game now takes on a cell-shaded look; including the mercury itself, but it does still move and act like the substance. Even the front end and the themed levels have an all-new appearance, moving away from the high-tech look of the original to a more cartoon feel. Presumably they’re trying to attract a younger audience with this new look, and it’s certainly pleasing to the eye.

New game features include conveyor belts which can carry the mercury vertically meaning many new level ideas are possible; there are slippery and grippy surfaces now, and you can make the mercury harder, softer, and even completely solid like a steel ball which will then ride along rails throughout the levels. The clever colour changing switchers, teleporters and enemies are back too, so there is plenty of variety throughout the game. From the in-depth preview code I have played, I thought it was superb and a great progression from an already well-made and enjoyable original – the developer could have just spat out another 50 levels with the exact same game, but they have really gone to town and delivered something much better than that.

Mercury Meltdown has near identical controls and camera to the original, so on occasion camera adjustment is necessary to make sure you can see everything, but it is more intelligent to zooming in and out when your mercury gets split into multiple pieces.

The final game promises wifi multiplayer mode, party games such as racing along tracks (which is in the preview and is enjoyable and should be a real laugh with a group of people), and lots of unlockable stuff too. Expect a full review upon release.


by: DC

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