```xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<game>
  <title>M2 Blocks - 2048 Merge Puzzle</title>
  <slug>m2-blocks-2048-merge-puzzle</slug>
  <short-desc>Drop and merge number blocks in this addictive 2048-style puzzle! Strategically combine tiles on a 5x8 grid to aim for a high score.</short-desc>
  <categories>
    <category>Puzzle</category>
    <category>Strategy</category>
    <category>Number Game</category>
  </categories>
  <keywords>2048 game, merge puzzle, block puzzle, number game, M2 blocks, HTML5 game, strategy game, falling blocks, column merge, brain game, puzzle game, free game</keywords>
  <content>
# About M2 Blocks - 2048 Merge Puzzle

M2 Blocks - 2048 Merge Puzzle is an engaging and addictive brain teaser that cleverly combines the popular 2048 merging mechanic with falling block gameplay. In this HTML5 game, players are challenged to strategically drop numbered blocks into a grid, aiming to merge identical blocks to create higher values and achieve the highest possible score.

The game takes place on a 5-column by 8-row grid. Players see a "Next Block" preview, which will be a block with a value of 2, 4, or 8. The core objective is to prevent any column from filling up to the top. Each successful merge not only creates a higher valued block (e.g., two 8s merge into a 16) but also adds the value of the new block to your score. With its simple controls and deep strategy, M2 Blocks offers endless fun and a great way to train your brain.

## How to Play

The goal of M2 Blocks is to score as high as possible by merging blocks with identical numbers.

1.  **Dropping Blocks:** Observe the "Next Block" shown at the top of the screen. Click on one of the five columns on the game canvas, or use the corresponding number key (1-5), to drop the block into that column.
2.  **Block Behavior:** The block will fall until it lands on another block or reaches the bottom of the column.
3.  **Merging:** After a block lands, the column is processed. If two vertically adjacent blocks in that column have the same number, the lower block will absorb the upper block, doubling its own value (e.g., a 2 on top of a 2 will result in the lower block becoming a 4, and the upper 2 disappearing).
4.  **Chain Reactions:** When blocks merge and disappear, any blocks above them in the same column will fall down. This can lead to further merges in a chain reaction, rapidly increasing your score.
5.  **Scoring:** Your score increases by the value of the newly formed block after a merge (e.g., merging two 8s to make a 16 adds 16 points to your score).
6.  **Game Over:** The game ends if any column becomes completely full, meaning a block is placed in the topmost row (row 0) of that column. Your final score will then be displayed.
7.  **Restarting:** You can restart the game at any time using the "Restart" button, either during gameplay or from the Game Over screen.

## Features

- **Addictive Merge Gameplay:** Combines the satisfying merging of 2048 with strategic block-dropping mechanics.
- **Strategic Depth:** Requires careful planning of where to drop blocks, considering the current grid state and the upcoming block.
- **Simple Controls:** Easy to learn with one-click/tap mouse controls or intuitive 1-5 number key inputs for column selection.
- **Clear "Next Block" Preview:** Shows the value of the upcoming block (2, 4, or 8), allowing for better strategic decisions.
- **Vibrant Block Design:** Blocks are color-coded based on their numerical value, making them easy to distinguish.
- **Responsive Experience:** The game canvas adapts to different screen sizes for comfortable play on desktop or mobile.
- **Instant Feedback:** Visual cues for merges, score updates, and temporary messages (e.g., "Column is full!") enhance gameplay.
- **Game Over & Restart:** Clear game over screen displaying your final score, with an easy option to start a new game.

## Controls

- **Mouse:** Click on the desired column (out of 5) on the game board to drop the current "Next Block" into it.
- **Keyboard:** Press the number keys '1', '2', '3', '4', or '5' to drop the current "Next Block" into the corresponding column (1 for the leftmost column, 5 for the rightmost).

## Tips & Strategies

- **Plan Ahead:** Always pay attention to the "Next Block" preview. Try to anticipate where it will be most beneficial or how it can set up future merges.
- **Keep Columns Low:** Avoid letting any single column get too high, as this limits your options and brings you closer to a game over. Try to distribute blocks somewhat evenly or focus on clearing tall columns.
- **Set Up Chain Reactions:** Look for opportunities where a single merge will cause blocks above to fall and create subsequent merges. This is a great way to score big and clear space.
- **Build From the Bottom:** If possible, try to create higher value blocks towards the bottom of the columns. This keeps them out of the way and provides a stable base.
- **Don't Block Yourself:** Be careful not to drop a low-value block on top of two matching higher-value blocks that you were about to merge, or in a way that prevents crucial future merges.
  </content>
  <faq>
    <question>How do I save my progress in the game?</question>
    <answer>This version of the game tracks your score for the current session. If you close the browser or refresh the page, your current game progress will be reset.</answer>
    
    <question>Can I play this game on mobile devices?</question>
    <answer>Yes, this game is designed to be responsive and is fully compatible with mobile browsers. You can tap on columns to drop blocks.</answer>
    
    <question>Is this game free to play?</question>
    <answer>Yes, the game is completely free to play in your browser.</answer>
  </faq>
  <specifications>
    <multiplayer>false</multiplayer>
  </specifications>
</game>
```

An interactive game created with AI assistance