The world of gaming has gone through tremendous transformations since its inception, and the Merlin game (also known as Merlin The Electronic Wizard) is one such piece of electronic gaming history that has managed to hold a special place in the hearts of many. Launched in 1978 by Parker Brothers and released in 1979 by British company Palitoy, Merlin quickly became a popular handheld game, captivating players with its simple yet addictive gameplay. We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to explore the allure of this iconic game, the impact it had on the gaming industry and of course look at the value and collectable nature of vintage consoles.
The Birth of Merlin
The Merlin game, also known as Merlin The Electronic Wizard, was designed by former NASA employee Bob Doyle, along with his wife Holly, and brother-in-law Wendl Thomis. The game was created during the era of handheld electronic games, which saw devices like the Mattel Auto Race and the Milton Bradley Simon gain popularity.
With its distinctive red plastic casing, the Merlin game stood out from its competitors, and its compact design made it easy to carry around and play on the go.
The Six Games
Merlin featured six different games that players could enjoy, including Tic-Tac-Toe (Three-in-a-row), Music Machine, Echo (similar to Simon), Blackjack 13, Magic Square, and Mindbender (Secret Number). The game’s interface was made up of eleven buttons, which doubled as a 3×3 grid for Tic-Tac-Toe, and a row of LEDs above the buttons displayed the game status. Merlin’s success largely came from its easy-to-understand gameplay, which was accessible to people of all ages. Players could spend hours trying to master each game, and the challenge of beating their own high scores kept them coming back for more.
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- Three in a Row or Tic-Tac-Toe (also known as Noughts and Crosses):
Tic-Tac-Toe was a classic game even before the arrival of electronic devices. Merlin brought this timeless favorite to the handheld format, allowing players to compete against the device itself. The 3×3 grid of buttons on Merlin served as the Tic-Tac-Toe board, and players took turns with the computer, trying to get three in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. - Music Machine:
The Music Machine game turned Merlin into a pocket-sized synthesizer. Players could create their melodies by pressing the buttons that represented different musical notes. The game allowed users to compose a sequence of up to 48 notes and play them back. This simple feature introduced many people to the world of electronic music, showcasing the creative potential of handheld devices. - Echo or Follow Me (similar to Simon):
Echo was a memory game that tested a player’s ability to remember and repeat sequences of flashing lights and sounds. The device would generate a random sequence, starting with one light and sound, and the player had to replicate the sequence by pressing the corresponding buttons. With each successful round, the sequence would become longer and more complex, challenging the player’s memory and focus. - Blackjack 13:
This game was a simplified version of the classic casino card game, Blackjack. In this version, the goal was to reach a hand value of 13 instead of the traditional 21. Players would ‘hit’ to receive additional cards, trying to reach as close to 13 as possible without going over. The game offered a fun, risk-free way to enjoy the thrill of Blackjack and practice basic strategy. - Magic Square:
Magic Square was a number puzzle that challenged players to arrange the numbers 1-9 in a 3×3 grid so that the sum of each row, column, and diagonal was equal to 15. The game provided an endless source of entertainment, as there were many possible solutions. Players could spend hours trying to find new ways to solve the puzzle, honing their problem-solving skills in the process. - Secret Number or Mindbender:
Secret Number was a code-breaking game inspired by the classic board game Mastermind. The computer would generate a secret four-digit code, and the player’s goal was to guess the code by inputting their own four-digit sequence. After each guess, the device would provide feedback in the form of red and green lights, indicating how many numbers were correct and in the right position (red) or correct but in the wrong position (green). Players had to use logic and deduction to crack the code within the given number of attempts.
- Three in a Row or Tic-Tac-Toe (also known as Noughts and Crosses):
While it may not have had the advanced graphics or intricate gameplay that today’s gamers are accustomed to, the Palitoy Merlin game was groundbreaking in its own right. It was among the first electronic handheld games that truly captured the imagination of the public, demonstrating the potential of the gaming market.
Merlin’s popularity helped pave the way for a new generation of handheld gaming devices, including the Nintendo Game & Watch series and, eventually, the iconic Game Boy. The game’s simple interface and engaging gameplay showcased the importance of user experience in electronic gaming, a principle that remains crucial to this day.
Collecting the Merlin Game
With its unique design and nostalgic charm, the Merlin game has become a sought-after collectible for both gaming enthusiasts and collectors of vintage electronics. Original units in good condition can fetch a pretty penny, and the game’s history makes it a popular conversation piece among those who remember the early days of electronic gaming.
A later, blue version was created and was called Master Merlin and had Nine All New Challenging Games.
Master Merlin, released in 1981, was an upgraded version of the original Palitoy Merlin game that boasted a larger, more advanced design. The device featured a new set of nine games, including some more complex versions of the original games, such as 3D Tic-Tac-Toe and Super Mindbender, alongside completely new games like Cryptogram and Seek & Destroy. Master Merlin’s enhanced gameplay options and additional challenge levels catered to players who had already mastered the original Merlin and were looking for a more demanding gaming experience.
The Merlin game may be a relic from a bygone era, but its impact on the gaming industry is still felt today. As we immerse ourselves in the world of virtual reality and next-generation consoles, it’s important to remember the humble beginnings of electronic gaming and appreciate the innovation and creativity that brought us to where we are now. The Merlin game, with its simple yet captivating gameplay, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and collectors alike.
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Palitoy Merlin games on ebay / Parker Brothers Merlin games on ebay
