Before we dive into the twisting corridors of Labyrinth: The Computer Game, the classic 1987 title, here’s a fun fact. Labyrinth was crafted by Lucasfilm Games and it represents one of their earliest licensed adventures. Yes, the same dream factory behind The Secret of Monkey Island. They teamed up directly with Jim Henson’s crew, giving the game that authentic movie flavor.
I can almost hear the chiptune rendition of “Magic Dance” already. All right—I’ve got Sara pressed up against the hedge maze entrance. The clock’s ticking; we’ve got only 13 minutes to scavenge coins, grubby goblins, and key fragments.
Labyrinth: The Computer Game’s gameplay thrills you through twelve movie-inspired regions—from the shifting Hedge Maze and spooky Firey Forest with teleport tiles to a dank underground tunnel network—while you guide Sara’s stone-throwing slingshot, upgraded for extra zing against Blobs and Ludo. Time management is critical: collect hidden time bonuses behind waterfall walls and in secret alcoves, or risk the dreaded “Time Up” and restart on your floppy disk.
Hot Tip: Always grab the time bonus right after defeating the second goblin in the first maze—those extra seconds saved me more than once!
I’m seeing the familiar Labyrinth gargoyle from the movie—just as menacing in 8-bit form. It blocks a side passage that leads directly to a coin, but you’ll have to dodge a trio of goblins first.
Speaking of dodge, notice how each enemy hit shaves off a chunk of time. One misstep in the underground tunnel, and I’m down 15 seconds. Ouch.
Labyrinth: The Computer Game delivers unforgettable retro thrills. From the heart-stopping panic in the Glowing Caves as shifting walls send your timer plummeting, to the bittersweet defeat after gathering eleven coins and key fragments. Only to discover there’s no time bonus in the castle proper. And finally the epic mirror-bounce duel against Jareth, the fire-bolt–hurling goblin king. This 1987 Lucasfilm Games classic blends dynamic maze puzzles, tight time challenges, and inventive boss mechanics into a truly cinematic adventure.
The mirroring trick at the end always reminds me of those dusty VCR tape tricks we used to play on neighbors—only this one costs actual progress.
A word on controls: diagonal movement isn’t pixel-perfect, so lining up a shot can be awkward. On the upswing, though, the responsiveness is solid for an Amiga-era title. And the graphics? Bright, cartoony sprites that capture the film’s essence without melting your retina.
Candidly, it’s got rough edges. The time limit, while thrilling, is brutal. If you’re new, you’re restarting—constantly—and the underground labyrinth feels like an endurance test rather than an adventure.
Indeed, that’s why I’d rate it a B. The game excels at creating that wild, cinematic chase feeling, but the steep learning curve and tight clockwork make it feel punishing. It doesn’t quite reach the groundbreaking heights of other Lucasfilm titles, but it’s a sturdy, atmospheric maze romp.
A B seems fair. It’s a solid adventure, but you’ll need patience—especially when you lose ten seconds because a Firey forest tile flickers you back to the entrance.
Still, few licensed games back then felt this faithful. Seeing Hoggle, Ludo, and even tiny Worm in 8-bit glory gives it charm. Plus, discovering secret rooms—often hidden behind illusory walls—is a thrill every time.
And after all the resets, there’s real satisfaction in hitting that final switch, watching the castle gates crumble, and seeing “You’ve saved Toby!” in chunky pixel letters.
Final thoughts: Labyrinth may not be flawless, but its blend of puzzle, shooter, and timed strategy stands out. Just be ready for a learning curve sharper than Jareth’s shoulders.
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