Alt text: The image displays the cover of a game called "Mertwig's Maze Gamefolio" for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons series, by Tom Wham, intended for 2 or more players ages 10 and up. On the cover, colorful illustrations depict a whimsical cartoon scene with a surprised knight, a wizard, a pink creature, and a towering, friendly-looking dragon outside a large orange castle with towers. The TSR logo is visible, indicating the game's publisher. The game is placed on a wooden surface.
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Mertwig’s Maze (1988)

ByMichail

Mertwig’s Maze

Mertwig’s Maze is a fantasy board game for 2-9 players designed and illustrated by Tom Wham and published by TSR in 1988. The game is set in the Kingdom of Mertwig, a location invented for the game, in north Faerûn’s.

Why is Mertwig’s Maze Popular?

Mertwig’s Maze is a lighthearted fantasy board game that has gained a following among board game enthusiasts. The game is known for its humorous touches, which are up to Tom Wham’s usual style. The game is also praised for its well-written rules, which are placed exactly where players need them, on the cards and boards.

Game Components of Mertwig’s Maze

  • Game board
  • 9 player pawns
  • 9 player cards
  • 9 player screens
  • 1 Mystic Musk-Ox pawn
  • 1 Mystic Musk-Ox card
  • 1 Mystic Musk-Ox screen
  • 1 die1 deck of 60 cards

Game Setup of Mertwig’s Maze

Each player chooses a pawn and takes the corresponding card and screen.

The Mystic Musk-Ox pawn is placed on the Mystic Musk-Ox card.

The deck of cards is shuffled and placed face down on the board.

The die is rolled to determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics of Mertwig’s Maze

Players take turns rolling the die and moving their pawn that number of spaces.When a player lands on a space, they draw a card from the deck and follow the instructions on the card. Cards can instruct players to move to a different space, hire a henchman, or collect a royal item. Players can also hire henchmen to help them in their quest. The game ends when a player collects two royal items and confronts the Mystic Musk-Ox in the royal palace maze.

Game Objective of Mertwig’s Maze

The objective of Mertwig’s Maze is to collect two royal items and confront the Mystic Musk-Ox in the royal palace maze to win the game.

Game Components of Mertwig’s Maze

  • Folded paper map (the main board)
  • Eight paper minor boards
  • 190 event cards
  • 100 die-cut counters
  • Cardstock storage folder
  • One small ziplock storage bag

    How To Setup Mertwig’s Maze

    To set up the game, all players start in the town on the map, where they equip themselves with weapons, magic, and companions. The game includes an outer cardboard cover and a stapled rules booklet, similar to TSR adventure modules of the time.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Players move into the wilderness randomly or towards one of the seven minor boards, as directed by event cards.
  • Combat with monsters is triggered by encounter cards.
  • Players can attack each other to gain royal items.
  • Character movement is determined by dice rolls (1d6).
  • Doors can be locked, requiring players to roll 1d6 to unlock them.

    Objective

  • Each player must collect two items proving their royal heritage: a royal treasure and a royal birthmark.
  • Once these items are collected, the player can enter the royal palace maze to confront the final enemy, the Mystic Musk-Ox. Defeating the Mystic Musk-Ox wins the game.

    Player Experience

    Mertwig’s Maze offers a fun and whimsical experience, characteristic of Tom Wham’s design style. The game is filled with humorous touches and well-written rules. However, the gameplay is heavily randomized through card draws and dice rolls, making it more suited for short, casual gaming sessions rather than long-term strategy.

    Pros

  • Simple and Fun: Easy to learn and play, making it a great option for a short diversion.
  • Whimsical Design: Tom Wham’s signature humor and art add to the game’s charm.
  • High Replayability: With numerous event cards and random movements, each game can be different.

    Cons

  • Randomized Gameplay: Much of the gameplay is based on chance, which may not appeal to players seeking strategic depth.
  • Packaging Issues: The original packaging was criticized for being inadequate, unable to store all the components properly.

    Personal Thoughts on Mertwig’s Maze

    Mertwig’s Maze is ideal for players looking for a light-hearted, casual gaming experience. It is particularly suitable for groups who enjoy a mix of adventure and humor. While it may not offer the complexity some gamers crave, it remains a delightful and entertaining option for those seeking a fun, easy-to-play game. The game’s unique blend of board game and D&D adventure elements makes it a standout in the realm of 1980s fantasy gaming.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl