Secret Labyrinth (1998) – Board Game Guys

Secret Labyrinth

“Secret Labyrinth” is a board game published by Ravensburger in 1998, as part of the Labyrinth series, which began with the original Labyrinth game in 1986. The game was designed by Max Kobbert and is suitable for two to four players aged 7 and up.

Why is Secret Labyrinth Popular?

The Labyrinth series, including Secret Labyrinth, is popular due to its innovative maze mechanism and the involvement of well-known movie characters. The first Labyrinth game was inspired by the 1986 movie “Labyrinth,” directed by Jim Henson, which has lived on in the hearts of fans for decades. The movie’s storyline and characters are incorporated into the game, making it appealing to fans of the film.

Game Components of Secret Labyrinth

1 circular playing board

6-piece large ring

4 regular pieces

2 pieces with holes

1 middle ring

1 center ring

18 Mystery cards (7 Treasures, 7 Trolls, 4 Mythical animals)

4 Paper items

4 Rock items

4 Scissors items

4 Wooden playing pieces (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow)

1 Specialty 6-sided die (2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4).

How To Setup Secret Labyrinth

To set up **Secret Labyrinth**, begin by assembling the circular board using the large ring, regular pieces, and pieces with holes. Each player chooses a wooden playing piece and places it at the starting position on the board. Shuffle and deal the Mystery cards to each player, ensuring each has a set of treasures or trolls to collect. The rock-paper-scissors items and the specialty die are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The first player to collect seven treasures or seven trolls wins the game.

Moving Pieces: Players move the unattached pathway tiles to create pathways for their pawns to move and acquire treasures shown on their cards.

Combat System: When two players meet, they engage in a rock-paper-scissors combat to determine who can steal treasures or trolls from the other player.

Collecting Treasures: Players must navigate the changing maze to reach their treasures and return to their home space.

Player Experience

**Secret Labyrinth** offers a dynamic and interactive experience, combining strategic thinking with a touch of luck. The circular board and combat system add a fresh layer of complexity compared to the original Labyrinth game. Players need to think ahead to create pathways, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and use the rock-paper-scissors combat to their advantage.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of maze navigation and rock-paper-scissors combat keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.

Quick Games: With a 30-minute playtime, it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Cons

Luck Factor: The rock-paper-scissors element introduces a significant luck factor, which might not appeal to players seeking more strategic depth.

Complex Setup: Assembling the circular board can be a bit time-consuming and may deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on Secret Labyrinth

**Secret Labyrinth** is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, light-hearted experience with a bit of strategy. It’s perfect for those who enjoy maze games and are open to the unpredictable nature of rock-paper-scissors combat. However, players seeking deeply strategic games may find it less appealing due to the luck element involved. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay.

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