super fun puzzle game! the idea is simple but very effective! having to manage both the good and evil smilers was a really engaging challenge, making positioning and sacrificing very important facets of the decision making process of the game! love how, unlike in other merging games, this is more of a fixed length experience where you aren't trying to go on as as possible but rather have a specific target value in mind, makes for more of a refreshing experience! also love how merging into a pink smiler is considered another ending rather than a game over state, although its just a matter wording it doesn't make me feel as bad for reaching this outcome, makes me feel less bad xd. also i only realized this afterwards, but i had no idea that you can merge with diagonal neighbors, only thought it was restricted non-diagonal neighbors (i don't play too many merging games so don't remember if this is normal or not). the game would have probably been a lot easier for me had i known xd, but this was still a nice challenge!
the art is super good too, love the vibes! the smiley's animations are amazing, the happiness on their face shifting to concern as they get cornered by the evil smileys (also well animated) is a really nice touch! the colors also have a very pleasant saturation to it, makes it really easy on the eyes!
overall super fun, managed to get both endings after a while (managed to get a super lucky merge that didn't result in the smiley turning evil)! still have no idea how to get the secret ending though, might try to go for it after the jam! great work!
