Gaming Union writes "Archer Maclean's Mercury was originally released in 2005 for the PlayStation Portable on UMD. However, the game has returned once again and it has been re-released on the PlayStation Network. The game was originally developed by the aptly named Awesome Studios and is essentially a puzzle game that combines an interesting mix of player control and quick thinking.
Initially the game may seem very similar to Marble based puzzle games, but it's actually very different. Since the controlled object isn't a solid, but instead a liquid, it adds a whole new experience to getting around a level. It's very easy, for example, to have the Mercury separated into smaller pieces by going around a corner the wrong way. However, will the mercury stick to together long enough to make it worthy of being a solid title, or will it just slide away over the edge?"
Siliconera writes "What else does Ignition have on their plate besides El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron? It appears a new version of Archer Maclean’s Mercury."
Really enjoyed the PSP version's of this, Hope the dont mess the it up on Ps3/360.
Indeed. Probably the most underrated PSP game out there in my opinion. Mercury is so amazing. I enjoyed Meltdown, but still way prefer the art style of the original. I preferred the progression and level/puzzle design in Meltdown though.
Though I'm sure it's unlikely they'll shy away from the very hippie-friendly art style of Meltdown, there's a part of me that hopes they make it in the art style of the original. That also seems like the best way to show off the HD graphics. :D
Either way, can't wait to learn more about this game at E3 :)
Hi-Score writes: "Puzzle games have always been a great fit for handheld gaming, the high score mechanic and low system requirements leading to some of gaming's finest moments. Whereas Lumines became a new interpretation of the classic Tetris formula, Mercury much like Super Monkey Ball can trace its roots back to marble madness.
The game tasks you with the challenge of moving a blob of mercury from one end of a stage to the other by tilting the stage itself, in a manner very similar to Super Monkey Ball. However the way in which the gelatinous blob of mercury moves couldn't be more different, sloshing about as you would expect and dividing into smaller blobs upon striking certain objects. The simple idea leading to you attempting to get as much of the original mercury blob from start to finish as possible..."
PixelatedGamer.com writes, "Overall Archer Maclean's Mercury just doesn't play as well as it ought to. Everything feels like a little more work is required. The graphics, even by puzzle game and handheld standards, are a little lackluster. The time limits seem too harsh and don't allow for the practice and exploration that would allow for the time challenges to seem fair. The time limits also mean that the game is way too short as you have to rush through the game's stages and worlds, of which there are 7 (but one is a tutorial and another must be earned by beating the pre-programmed high scores which seems impossible and entirely not worth it). Even the controls, the one thing a puzzle game shouldn't really have to worry about, are counter-intuitive with face buttons controlling camera pan and zoom, shoulder buttons doing a quick view switch and the analogue pad tilting the level."
Definitely sounds solid. Worth picking up if you don't own it already.
Sounds interesting.