The Game of Maze (1990) Board Game

The Game of Maze was first released in 1990 and was designed by Sara Finch and Leslie Scott. It was published by Oxford Games, Ltd. The game revolves around navigating a maze to reach a specific goal, making it a great choice for those who enjoy strategy and problem-solving.

Game Components of The Game of Maze

Game Board: Depicts a hedge maze.

Pawns: Each player has two pawns.

Dice: Two dice are used for movement.

Garden Implements: Obstacles on the board that require exact count to land on.

Player Tokens: Indicators for the starting and middle positions of the maze.

How To Setup The Game of Maze

To set up the game, each player chooses a color and places one pawn at the beginning of the maze and the other in the middle, as indicated by the man and woman tokens on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll and Move: Players roll both dice to move one or both of their pawns.

Movement Rules: Pawns can move in any direction, but each piece can only be moved once per turn. Using both dice on the same pawn is allowed.

Doubles: Rolling doubles earns an extra turn.

Garden Implements: Players must land on these spaces by exact count to move through them.

Banishments: Landing on a space occupied by another player’s pawn sends that pawn to a corner or the center of the maze.

Game Objective: The first player to get both pawns on the same space (by exact count) wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing The Game of Maze can be a dull experience due to its simple mechanics. However, the banishment feature adds a significant strategic layer, as it can drastically change the game’s outcome. Players often find themselves constantly sending each other’s pawns to opposite sides of the board, which can prolong the game. The kingmaker problem is also present, where players with no chance of winning can influence the outcome by banishing other players.

Pros

Unique Theme: The hedge maze theme is distinct and visually appealing.

Strategic Depth with Banishments: The ability to banish other players adds a layer of strategy and interaction.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Cons

Dull Gameplay: The game is largely based on rolling dice and moving pawns, which can be repetitive.

Kingmaker Problem: Players who are out of the game can still affect the outcome.

Long Games: Constant banishments can significantly extend the game duration.

Personal Thoughts on The Game of Maze

The Game of Maze is for those who enjoy light, family-friendly games with a touch of strategy. While it may not be the most engaging game for experienced players, it offers a simple yet occasionally challenging experience. The game is best suited for casual gamers or families looking for a straightforward, easy-to-understand game. However, its simplicity and potential for long, drawn-out games may not appeal to those seeking more complex or dynamic gameplay.

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