Maze

The Apple II computer had many maze games, but none captured the simple joy of exploration quite like "3D Maze" by Sirius Software, released in 1982. This first-person maze navigation game put players inside a wire-frame labyrinth where they had to find their way to the exit before time ran out.

In 3D Maze, you see the world through your character's eyes, looking down corridors made of green lines on a black screen. The game shows what's directly in front of you, with walls appearing as perspective lines that get smaller in the distance. You use the keyboard to turn left, right, or move forward one step at a time. The goal is straightforward: find the exit before your time limit expires.

The game starts with smaller mazes that take only a few minutes to solve. As you progress through the levels, the mazes grow larger and more complex. Some later mazes include over 100 rooms and multiple floors connected by stairs. Players must create mental maps or draw their own on paper to avoid getting lost. The time pressure adds excitement, especially when you realize you've been going in circles.

What made 3D Maze special was its smooth movement between rooms. When you pressed a key to move forward, the walls would animate as you walked, creating a convincing feeling of movement. This was impressive for 1982, when most games showed static screens that changed instantly. The Apple II's limited graphics meant everything was drawn with simple lines, but the 3D effect worked well.

The game included a maze editor, letting players design their own labyrinths to challenge friends. You could adjust maze size, add multiple levels, and set time limits. This feature extended the game's life far beyond its built-in mazes. Some players spent more time creating mazes than solving them.

3D Maze influenced many later games. Its first-person view inspired dungeon crawlers like "Wizardry" and "Might and Magic." The simple graphics proved that games didn't need detailed artwork to create immersion. Modern games like "Minecraft" still use similar block-based maze designs.

The game succeeded because it took a simple concept and executed it perfectly. While other Apple II games tried to do too much with limited hardware, 3D Maze focused on one thing: the thrill of being lost in a maze and finding your way out. Its clean design and smooth animation made it a favorite among Apple II owners who wanted a quick mental challenge between longer gaming sessions.