Say This Title Ten Times Fast

Miriel the Magical Merchant is a unique and shockingly brilliant idea: take the beloved Diner Dash formula, crank the clock back hundreds of years, and throw in some magic! If I came off as sarcastic, I didn't mean to. This is a great product fueled by a wonderfully original idea. And if that weren't enough to seal the deal, they've thrown in some great decision-making elements where your choices can drastically affect the gameplay.

Will you help me?

Miriel is a shy, hardworking girl that happens to have magical powers that only serve to complicate her life. When you first bump into her, she's on her way to her job at the store and she could use your help. This is where you're faced with your first decision, but there's definitely a right answer and a wrong answer. If you agree to help Miriel, then you'll jump right into the gameplay, serving patrons at the market. If you say no - the specific line is "No, go away" - then there isn't really anywhere to go from there and you'll be kicked back to the start screen.

Harsh, I know. But don't think that all decisions are like this, this is simply a test run. And to be honest, replying to little our sweet little heroine with "go away" is pretty harsh itself. In later decisions, there are is no right answer; each choice will continue the game and affect gameplay differently.

I'll give you an example. After you and Miriel really clean up at the market, she proposes that you two go into business together, opening shops all throughout the kingdom. Now, you can't say no to her, but you do get three choices. You can do it for free, agree to her terms of splitting the profits fifty/fifty, or demand that she pay you 90%. Even if you choose the last option, she'll agree, but very reluctantly. This affects you personally (racking you with guilt) and it will affect the game later down the road.

Service with a Smile

The gameplay in this product is very straightforward and easy to learn. When customers ask for products, you need to shoot to the back counter and click on them to "order" them. Once they're in, simply grab them, give them to the customer, and collect your money. This is all accomplished with a series of clicks. At the beginning, all that is available are eggs, buckets of water, and sacks of flour. As time goes on you'll offer more products and your customers will start purchasing multiple instances of each item.

A Magical Adventure

Miriel the Magical Merchant is a fantastic game for multiple reasons. The gameplay is as addictive as it gets; this is the best twist on old gameplay that I've seen in a long time. The decision-making system is implemented well and makes it worthwhile to play through multiple times. And best of all, the story is entertaining and engaging, unfolding at a perfect pace as the adventure goes on. Well worth a purchase!