Labyrinths series
In line with the concept of the first reviewed proposal – Labyrinths. Minotaur – players look for Ariadne in the deepest dungeons of the maze, in the second – Labyrinths. The beginning of the road – they are trying to find the way out of the maze. For this purpose, the basic and possibly additional (slightly more difficult) goals are implemented – the same in both games. First of all, the player has to go from the wind rose to the infinity triangle, and find, among others, on the way. keys to locked doors.
To effectively prepare for the game, you need to take a map of labyrinths (we start with the one marked with number 1) and place it on the table so that the front and back covers touch the table. Then, take the pointer and hold it so that its end touches the wind rose visible on the map (it must not be torn off the map!). During the game, we fold and unfold the map fragments in such a way as to effectively wander the labyrinth (we do it only along the bends that are already on it; we do not fold and unfold the map fragment on which the indicator is located). We walk along white paths, we walk up and down stairs and under other paths (provided we stay within one road all the time). In addition, we can also climb ladders, and also use them to descend.
In some labyrinths, we come across a locked door that can only be opened with a matching key (of the same color and symbol). In addition, we can also use portals that allow us to move to another part of the maze (in this situation, we also move the indicator). What’s more, thanks to them we can travel both ways. Remember that each subsequent map has a higher and higher level of difficulty, which makes our bookstore’s offer more attractive! The game ends when we reach the infinity triangle with the pointer. Fortunately, if we fail, we can scan the QR code and find out the path that leads there.
About the details
After completing the labyrinth, fold the map back to the starting position – the diagram on the last page will help us in this (very, very practical!). The manual also includes a description of the scoreboard (it is attached to the game along with a pen with an eraser), on which we mark our tasks. There are map numbers, as well as primary, secondary and end goals. After completing any of the listed ones, mark the appropriate box with a tick – ✓. The manual also includes a description of the last page of the map with an explanation of symbols. I suggest that you read the discussed part of the manual before the game.
The series mentioned in the introduction – Minotaur and the Beginning of the Road – differ from each other mainly due to the colors: the first one is ground area, with temples, dungeons, cells, while the second one is different lands: seaside, desert and mountainous with caves.
Subjectively
The newest games from the New Bookstore by Pablo Céspedes and Víctor Hugo Cisternas ( Dogs Alone , Los Tesoros del Rey Pirata ), with illustrations by Joan Guardiet and Àlex Santaló ( Minotaur ) and Ivana Gahona ( The Beginning of the Road ), will appeal to all lovers of solo play, although – as it should be noted – not only to them. Labyrinths can also be played with family and friends, making decisions together (although I , due to the size of the map, especially recommend playing solo – everything is clearly visible and nobody is covering anyone, not especially of course!).
Both games fit in medium-sized, spacious boxes. However, if we want to take the labyrinth maps only, we can put them in a book and take them on vacation. We read the instructions only once – it is the same for every proposal in the series. The authors recommend the age of players 7-107 years, while the game (one map) is calculated for about 15 minutes, so we need a total of less than two hours.
In conclusion, I recommend the games from the Labyrinths series. The multidimensional map has many passages, dead ends and hides almost countless puzzles. It is very aesthetically made and will serve us for many years if we store it properly. Despite the fact that the replayability of the game is relatively low (it is easy to remember the way to the goal, which may make the next games less interesting for us), the authors encourage replaying by attaching the already mentioned laminated scoreboard and a dry pen with a sponge. For my part, I recommend that you do not go through all seven (or even fourteen) labyrinths at once, but give yourself a multidimensional pleasure – you will not get tired, you will notice many details and appreciate the work put into arranging the labyrinths. And the fun will last longer!
