# The Hand of Merlin

> 2021 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q106775781](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106775781)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-hand-of-merlin

## Summary
*The Hand of Merlin* is a turn-based strategy video game developed by Croteam and Room-C Games, released in 2021. It combines indie game design with single-player gameplay, available on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X/S.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: June 14, 2022 (for Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X/S).
- **Developers**: Croteam (founded 1993, Croatia) and Room-C Games (Croatia).
- **Genre**: Turn-based strategy video game.
- **Platforms**: Microsoft Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch.
- **Publisher**: Versus Evil.
- **Game Mode**: Single-player.
- **Ratings**: ESRB Teen (Blood, Violence, Sexual Themes), PEGI 16.
- **Review Scores**: 72/100 (OpenCritic Top Critic Average), 64% (OpenCritic Critics Recommend).
- **Distribution**: Digital download via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop.
- **Unique Traits**: Indie game with "Great on Deck" verification for Steam Deck.

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms is *The Hand of Merlin* available on?
A: The game is available on Microsoft Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

### Q: Who developed *The Hand of Merlin*?
A: It was developed by Croteam and Room-C Games, both Croatian video game studios.

### Q: What is the genre of *The Hand of Merlin*?
A: It is a turn-based strategy video game with single-player gameplay.

### Q: What are the age ratings for *The Hand of Merlin*?
A: The game is rated ESRB Teen (for Blood, Violence, Sexual Themes) and PEGI 16.

### Q: Where can I buy *The Hand of Merlin*?
A: It is available digitally on Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop.

## Why It Matters
*The Hand of Merlin* stands out in the turn-based strategy genre by blending indie creativity with polished gameplay mechanics. As a product of Croatian developers Croteam and Room-C Games, it showcases the growing influence of Eastern European studios in the global gaming industry. The game’s availability across multiple platforms, including Linux and Steam Deck, highlights its accessibility and technical adaptability. With a focus on single-player experiences, it caters to players seeking deep strategic challenges without multiplayer distractions. Its ratings and reviews indicate a well-received title, contributing to the diversity of strategy games available today.

## Notable For
- **Indie Development**: Created by two Croatian studios, demonstrating the global reach of indie game development.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Available on Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
- **Turn-Based Strategy**: Offers a pure single-player strategy experience in a genre often dominated by multiplayer titles.
- **Steam Deck Verification**: Certified as "Great on Deck," ensuring optimal performance on Valve’s handheld device.
- **Critical Reception**: Achieved a 72/100 score from top critics on OpenCritic, indicating strong reviews.

## Body
### Development and Release
*The Hand of Merlin* was developed by Croteam and Room-C Games, both based in Zagreb, Croatia. Croteam, founded in 1993, is known for the *Serious Sam* series, while Room-C Games is a smaller indie studio. The game was released on June 14, 2022, for Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X/S, with subsequent releases on other platforms.

### Gameplay and Genre
The game is classified as a turn-based strategy video game, emphasizing single-player gameplay. Players engage in strategic decision-making, typical of the genre, with a focus on tactical depth and narrative-driven experiences.

### Platforms and Distribution
*The Hand of Merlin* supports multiple platforms:
- **Microsoft Windows** (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store)
- **Linux** (Steam)
- **PlayStation 4**
- **Xbox Series X/S**
- **Nintendo Switch** (Nintendo eShop)

The game is distributed digitally, with no physical release mentioned in the source material.

### Ratings and Reception
The game holds an ESRB rating of Teen, citing content such as Blood, Violence, and Sexual Themes. It also carries a PEGI 16 rating. Critical reception has been positive, with an OpenCritic Top Critic Average score of 72/100 and a 64% recommendation rate from critics.

### Technical Details
- **Steam Application ID**: 600610
- **Nintendo Switch Title ID**: 010097D015936000
- **Microsoft Store Product ID**: 9pnb74t96654
- **PlayStation Store Concept ID**: 10003345

The game is verified as "Great on Deck" for Steam Deck, ensuring compatibility and performance on Valve’s handheld device.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "The Hand of Merlin",
  "description": "A 2021 turn-based strategy video game developed by Croteam and Room-C Games.",
  "url": "https://www.roomcgames.com/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106775781"],
  "gamePlatform": ["Microsoft Windows", "Linux", "PlayStation 4", "Xbox Series X", "Nintendo Switch"],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Croteam"
  },
  "genre": "Turn-based strategy video game"
}

## References

1. PCGamingWiki
2. Nintendo eShop
3. Steam
4. OpenCritic
5. Nintendo Game Store
6. GameSpot
7. [Great on Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
8. Game World Navigator
9. Q124398839
10. GamesMeter.nl
11. PlayStation Store
12. Q117506892