Labyrinth

Name: Labyrinth
Programmer(s): Scott Schram
Publisher: Brøderbund Software
Year: 1982

Description:

Labyrinth was an action-adventure game released for the Apple II computer in 1982 by Broderbund Software. The game placed players in control of a small character who must navigate through a series of increasingly complex mazes while avoiding enemies and collecting treasures.

The game's main objective was simple but challenging. Players had to guide their character through each maze to reach the exit while collecting diamonds scattered throughout the levels. The twist came from the various monsters that patrolled the corridors. These enemies moved in predictable patterns, requiring players to study their movements and time their actions carefully. Contact with any enemy meant instant death and a return to the beginning of the level.

What made Labyrinth stand out was its clever level design. Each maze started simple but grew more complex as players progressed. The game featured over 20 different mazes, each with its own layout and enemy placement. Some levels included special power-ups that temporarily allowed players to defeat enemies or move faster. The game also featured a level editor, which was unusual for games of that era. This allowed creative players to design their own mazes and share them with friends.

The controls were straightforward, using the Apple II's keyboard arrows to move the character in four directions. Players could also drop bombs to destroy certain walls or enemies, but these were limited in number. This added a strategic element, forcing players to decide when to use their precious resources.

Graphically, Labyrinth used the Apple II's high-resolution mode to display crisp mazes and characters. The game ran smoothly despite the computer's limited 48K of memory. Sound effects were minimal, consisting mainly of beeps and tones when collecting items or encountering enemies. However, these simple sounds effectively communicated important game events to players.

Labyrinth proved popular among Apple II owners who enjoyed puzzle and action games. It challenged players to think ahead while also testing their reflexes. The combination of maze navigation, enemy avoidance, and resource management created gameplay that remained engaging through multiple playthroughs. The included level editor extended the game's life significantly, as players could create endless new challenges.

The game influenced later maze games on the Apple II and other platforms. Its balance of action and strategy, combined with the innovative level editor, made it a memorable title in the Apple II library. While simple by today's standards, Labyrinth demonstrated how clever design could overcome technical limitations to create an entertaining and lasting gaming experience.