Mercury Meltdown, a title hailing from the mid-2000s, plunges players into a world of liquid physics, quirky challenges, and puzzle ecstasy. Developed by Ignition Banbury, it's a sequel that promises to take the original's premise and polish it to a gleaming finish. But does it manage to keep the mercury flowing smoothly, or does it merely spill over its lofty ambitions?

At its core, Mercury Meltdown is a puzzle-platformer. Players are given control of a blob of liquid mercury, directing it around intricate mazes, defying gravity, and dodging perilous obstacles. The game plays with the concept of states of matter, allowing your mercury blob to split, combine, and even change color. The aim? Navigate each level and reach the finish line with as much mercury as possible.

The premise itself is inherently intriguing. Not many games let you play as a sentient puddle of liquid metal, after all. And for the most part, the game delivers on the novelty of its central concept.

Mechanically, Mercury Meltdown offers a variety of challenges that keeps things refreshing. Players aren't just tasked with reaching the end of the maze. They're also prompted to deal with switches, enemies, and gates that require color combinations. This is where the game truly shines. Mixing colors by merging different mercury blobs becomes an essential and enjoyable part of the experience. It's satisfying to watch the blobs coalesce and separate, each maneuver orchestrated to precision.

The physics of the game are commendably accurate. The mercury moves, splits, and recombines in ways that feel real and tangible. It's this authentic liquid behavior that forms the backbone of many puzzles, demanding the player's keen observation and timing.

Aesthetically, Mercury Meltdown is a product of its time. The graphics are serviceable, adequately showcasing the vibrant mazes and the shimmering mercury. However, they might not be groundbreaking or particularly memorable. That said, the graphical fidelity is more than enough to keep players immersed in the game's challenges.

The soundtrack, while not necessarily award-winning, is fitting. It complements the game's ambiance and pacing, ensuring that players stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed or bored.

Yet, for all its gleaming pros, Mercury Meltdown isn't without its flaws. Some levels, especially those in the later stages, can feel overly punishing. The margin for error is so thin that it can occasionally feel more frustrating than challenging.

Controls, at times, might feel slightly imprecise. Directing the mercury with precision is vital, and there are instances where the controls don't feel as responsive as they should. This issue, combined with some of the more challenging levels, can lead to moments of exasperation.

Mercury Meltdown, while a product of its era, offers a unique puzzle experience that many modern titles could learn from. Its combination of fluid physics, engaging mechanics, and the sheer novelty of its premise make it a game worth revisiting. While it might occasionally tread the line between challenging and frustrating, the satisfaction derived from solving its intricate puzzles more than compensates for any temporary spills.

Is it a perfect game? No. But it's a testament to the creative potential of the medium, reminding players that sometimes, the most unexpected premises can lead to the most rewarding experiences.

Fun Factor: 85/100
Mercury Meltdown's very premise is its biggest draw. Controlling a blob of liquid mercury in a puzzle-platformer setting is not something you come across every day. The game is consistently inventive, and the fun of navigating through the mazes, merging and splitting your mercury, is undeniable. While there are instances of frustration due to its challenging nature, the majority of gameplay is delightfully entertaining.

Visual & Sound Quality: 72/100
Graphics and sound are functional, doing their job without any particular flair. The game's visual aesthetics, though not groundbreaking, adequately convey the vibrant environments and the shimmering liquid mercury's tactile feel. The soundtrack and effects are suitable but unremarkable. They neither detract from nor significantly enhance the experience.

Replayability: 78/100
The game provides a decent level of replay value. Those seeking to master every level, collect all bonuses, and achieve optimal scores will find themselves returning to the mazes multiple times. The game's structure, with its color-combining challenges and various obstacles, ensures that there are always new strategies to explore and refine. Yet, for some, once the game's levels are conquered, there might be limited incentive to return.

Level of Challenge: 88/100
Mercury Meltdown doesn't shy away from testing players. Its escalating difficulty ensures that players are always on their toes, seeking the most efficient path and strategy. Some might argue the game occasionally teeters on the brink of being overly punishing, but for puzzle enthusiasts, the complexity might be seen as a welcome challenge. The game truly demands precision, observation, and patience.