Labyrinth: The War on Terror, 2001 - ?
- Players
- 1-2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.7 / 5
- Year
- 2010
About the game
Labyrinth is a card-driven strategy game for 1-2 players simulating the ideological and military struggle between the U.S.-led coalition and global jihadist movements following 9/11. Using event cards, hand management, and area control across the Middle East and beyond, players balance military action, governance, and ideology to shift the world's course. Its solo mode lets a single player face off against the game system itself. With broad scope and near-endless card combinations, it draws frequent comparisons to Twilight Struggle for fans of card-driven conflict games.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's wargaming fans rate Labyrinth as one of the sharpest designs for exploring a genuinely difficult modern conflict, with real replayability from its event deck. Its solo variant is unusually well developed for the genre. The subject matter is heavy and political, which won't suit every table, and the rules carry real weight for newcomers to card-driven wargames. Recommended for serious wargamers who want a thoughtful, high-commitment simulation.
What we like
- Deep, replayable card-driven system with a huge variety of outcomes.
- Strong solo mode uncommon among two-player wargames.
- Tackles a complex modern conflict with real thematic depth.
- Draws favorable comparisons to celebrated titles like Twilight Struggle.
Keep in mind
- Long playtime and high complexity demand serious commitment.
- Politically charged subject matter may not suit all groups.
- Steep learning curve for players new to card-driven wargames.
Who it's for
Wargamers and history enthusiasts 16+ who enjoy card-driven strategy games, playable solo or head-to-head.
