However, the progression system presents a significant caveat. Gameplay is gated by a star-based energy system. Completing merge tasks consumes stars, and players frequently need to accumulate large quantities to unlock the next story segment. This design creates pronounced waiting periods or incentivizes in-app purchases to continue. While the merge puzzles themselves are straightforward and satisfying for short sessions, the narrative momentum is often interrupted by these resource walls. Reviews indicate that many players enjoy the core story and presentation but become frustrated by the heavy reliance on timers or microtransactions to maintain a reasonable pace. The in-app purchase descriptions could also be clearer regarding currency conversion, as some users note.
Ultimately, for someone prioritizing a chilling story in their puzzle game, Haunted Merge offers a compelling package. Its strengths in audio-visual presentation and narrative commitment are evident. Yet, its enjoyment is heavily contingent on a player's tolerance for mobile game energy systems designed to limit continuous play.
Key Features
I'd have liked it so much more if you didn't need almost allll your stars for literally every tiny move... it sucks bc the storyline is great, graphics are great, voice acting great and it's fun. but there's just TOO much waiting.
★★★★★Verified User Review