Master Labyrinth (1991) – Board Game Guys

Master Labyrinth

Master Labyrinth is a board game for two to four players, published by Ravensburger in 1991. It was created by German psychologist Max Kobbert, who was inspired to create the moving board by the opening and closing of his own desk drawer. The game board forms a maze built of both fixed and moving pieces. The players rearrange the maze to their advantage by moving a row of pieces in turn. Each player has one token, which they move in the maze. The player’s goal is to collect treasures in the labyrinth and then return to their own starting position. The treasures appear in the cards that are dealt to the players at the beginning of the game.Master Labyrinth won the 1991 Mensa Select award, the 1991 Deutscher Spiele Preis, and the Spiel des Jahres special award for “most beautiful game”.

Why is Master Labyrinth Popular?

Master Labyrinth is popular due to its unique Gameplay Mechanics of Master Labyrinth and ever-shifting maze, which brings something unique to the table. The game is simple to play but involves enough decision-making and strategy to be fun and endlessly replayable. Its simplicity and strategy are what keep the game appealing after all these years.

Game Components of Master Labyrinth

Maze Tiles: L, T, and straight corridor tiles that form a dynamic maze.

Ingredient Tokens: Numbered chips representing ingredients that players must collect in numerical order.

Secret Recipe Cards: Each player has a card with specific ingredients for bonus points.

Magic Wands: Each player receives three magic wands to take extra turns.

Player Tokens: Tokens for each player to navigate the maze.

How To Setup Master Labyrinth

To set up *Master Labyrinth*, players start by randomly placing the maze tiles around the board, ensuring some tiles are fixed to the board. Each player chooses a starting position and receives a secret recipe card and three magic wands. The ingredient tokens are placed on the board according to their numerical order. The game includes one extra tile that will be used to shift the labyrinth during gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dynamic Maze Navigation: Players navigate through a maze composed of sliding tiles to collect ingredients.

Tile Sliding Mechanic: Players alter the maze by sliding tiles to create new paths and block others.

Ingredient Collection in Order: Ingredients must be collected in numerical sequence.

Secret Recipes for Bonus Points: Collecting specific ingredients on the secret recipe card awards bonus points.

Magic Wands for Extra Turns: Players can use magic wands to take an extra turn.

Game Objective: Collect ingredients in numerical order and accumulate the most points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

*Master Labyrinth* offers a blend of strategic maneuvering and magical theme, perfect for players who enjoy puzzle-solving and tactical planning. The game’s shifting maze and numerical ingredient collection challenge even seasoned players, making each playthrough a fresh adventure. Players can engage in strategic negotiations, such as making deals to help each other reach desired tiles, adding a social and interactive element to the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and foresight to collect ingredients in the correct order.

Dynamic Gameplay: The sliding tile mechanic ensures each game is unique.

Social Interaction: Players can negotiate and make deals to achieve their goals.

Easy to Learn: The game has a simple yet engaging ruleset.

Cons

Complexity for Young Players: The game is recommended for players aged 10 and above due to its complexity.

Luck Element: The random arrangement of tiles and ingredient placement can introduce an element of luck.

Component Quality: Some players might find the magic wands component less than ideal due to their tendency to roll around.

Personal Thoughts on Master Labyrinth

*Master Labyrinth* is ideal for players who enjoy strategic board games with a puzzle-solving element. It is a great choice for those familiar with the original *Labyrinth* game but looking for a more complex and engaging experience. The game’s blend of strategy, social interaction, and a touch of luck makes it appealing to a wide range of players. If you enjoy games that require planning and tactical thinking, *Master Labyrinth* is definitely worth considering.

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