Fruit Merge Catalogue

Fruit Merge Catalogue is a digital puzzle game released in 2023, developed by the independent studio Noodlecake Games. The game is classified as a merging simulation, where the primary objective is to combine identical fruit items to create new, larger fruit varieties. The catalogue aspect refers to a comprehensive in-game encyclopedia that records every fruit type discovered by the player. The game features a minimalist visual style, with flat, colorful 2D graphics and a clean user interface. It is available on mobile platforms (iOS and Android) and operates on a free-to-play model with optional in-app purchases for cosmetic items or utility boosts. The core loop involves dragging and dropping fruit onto a grid-based board, with the goal of filling the catalogue by reaching the highest possible fruit tier. The game includes no narrative or character progression; its sole focus is the systematic merging and collection of fruit species.

Gameplay is initiated by selecting a fruit from a queue at the bottom of the screen. The player drags this fruit onto a 6x8 grid board. Two identical fruits placed adjacent to each other (horizontally or vertically) automatically merge into a single, larger fruit of the next tier. The grid has limited space; if the board becomes full and no merges are possible, the game ends. The player controls the placement of each fruit by tapping and dragging a finger (on touchscreens) or using a mouse cursor (on PC versions). A preview of the next fruit in the queue is displayed. The catalogue is accessed via a button in the top-right corner, showing all discovered fruits in a linear progression from smallest (e.g., a cherry) to largest (e.g., a watermelon). Each fruit entry displays its name, tier number, and a visual icon. The game provides no undo or rewind functions; each placement is permanent. Scoring is based on the number of merges performed and the tier of fruits created, with higher-tier fruits awarding more points. The interface includes a score counter at the top and a progress bar indicating how close the player is to the next catalogue milestone.