Mertwig’s Maze (1988) Board Game

Mertwig’s Maze is a board game that was released in in 1988. It is designed for 2 to 6 players and has a runtime of approximately 100 minutes. The game falls under the categories of adventure, exploration, fantasy, fighting, and maze. The designers of the game are David C. Sutherland, III, Stephanie Tabat, and Tom Wham, with artwork by Tactical Studies Rules (TSR).

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

Players start in the town on the map, where they equip themselves with weapons, magic, and companions. Each player selects a character and prepares for their journey into the wilderness. The setup involves distributing the necessary components, such as the main board, minor boards, event cards, and counters.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Random movement and event card draws

Combat encounters with monsters

Player vs. player combat

Exploration of various dungeons and chambers

Game Objective

Players must collect two royal items: a royal treasure and a royal birthmark.

With these items, players must navigate to the royal palace maze to confront and defeat the final enemy, the Mystic Musk-Ox. The first player to achieve this wins the game.

Player Experience

Mertwig’s Maze offers a fun and light-hearted gaming experience, often described as a “beer and pretzels” game suitable for short, enjoyable sessions. The game is filled with humorous touches and well-written rules, making it easy to pick up and play. However, the game’s reliance on random card draws and die rolls can make the gameplay somewhat unpredictable and less strategic.

Pros

Humorous and whimsical design by Tom Wham

Easy to learn and play

Supports a large number of players (2-9)

Engaging and light-hearted gameplay

Well-integrated with the Forgotten Realms setting.

Cons

Packaging issues; components do not fit well in the supplied storage bag

Final stages of the game can drag on

High level of randomness, which may reduce strategic depth.

Personal Thoughts on Mertwig’s Maze

Mertwig’s Maze is ideal for players looking for a casual, entertaining board game that does not require a deep understanding of complex rules. It is particularly suited for groups of friends or families who enjoy light-hearted, adventurous games. However, those seeking a game with more strategic depth or less randomness may find it less appealing. For collectors and fans of retro games, Mertwig’s Maze remains a charming and nostalgic piece of gaming history.

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