Magic Maze Full Review: A New Board Game Experience Created by Silent Cooperation

Use silent cooperation in a magical labyrinth to conquer the shopping mall within the time limit. Magic Maze is an innovative real-time cooperative board game that redefines traditional cooperative games.

In this article, we'll provide a thorough explanation based on our own experience playing this unique game, from its appeal to points to be aware of. We're sure to provide useful information for those considering purchasing Magic Maze or those looking for a new type of cooperative game.

Game Basics

Magic Maze is a real-time cooperative board game released by Sit Down! in 2017.

Magic Maze is a real-time cooperative board game released by Sit Down! in 2017. It is a noteworthy title, ranking 754th overall and 224th among family games on BGG, with an average rating of 6.9.

Basic specifications:

• Players: 1-8 (4 recommended)
• Playtime: 15 minutes
• Ages: 8 and up
• Game type: Real-time cooperation, limited communication

Core game mechanics:

Each player is only responsible for moving in a specific direction (north, using an escalator, exploring new areas, etc.), and all four characters must work together to control them. Four adventurers - a wizard, a warrior, an elf, and a dwarf - must steal equipment from a labyrinthine shopping mall and escape within the time limit.

The biggest feature of this game is the rule that "talking is prohibited under normal circumstances." Communication is limited to expressing your intentions using the red "DO SOMETHING" pawn. This restriction creates a unique sense of tension and a fresh experience not found in traditional cooperative games.

Magic Maze: A revolutionary cooperative gaming experience

Magic Maze offers a new cooperative gaming experience that sets it apart from traditional games.

Breaking new ground in cooperative gaming

Magic Maze ingeniously solves the "quarterback problem" that exists in cooperative games: in typical cooperative games, experienced players tend to give instructions to others, but in this game, this is physically impossible.

"Recently, I was at a friend's house planning to play Revive, a heavyweight economics game, but I thought, 'If I want to have some real fun tonight,' so I brought Magic Maze. It ended up with three adults laughing their heads off after failing the first three missions in a row," as evidenced by this game's pure fun .

The perfect balance of ease and depth

The shortest game time is 2.5 minutes, and the longest is about 15 minutes. This short time is one of the biggest attractions. The 17 scenario system allows you to learn the rules step by step, and the game continues to change.

The beginner's campaign (Scenarios 1-7) gradually introduces the basic rules, followed by Scenarios 8-17, which increase in difficulty and complexity, starting with a simple "get item, escape" mission and gradually adding security cameras, special abilities, and more complex map structures.

A unique sense of tension and accomplishment

Magic Maze is a game of inhibition and delight : suppressing your desire to communicate during the game, finding temporary relief during breaks, and finally feeling delight at the end of the game.

"When a big red pawn is slammed in front of you and your teammates are glaring at you with big eyes, it's nerve-wracking pressure."

However, this tension is what makes the game so enjoyable, and the sense of accomplishment when you succeed is exceptional.

Flexibility to accommodate a wide range of people

Playing with six or more players is great fun, and with the right preparation the full game experience is fantastic with seven or eight players, although four players strikes the ideal balance between chaos and total anarchy.

Concerns and solutions

While Magic Maze has great appeal, there are a few things to be aware of.

A game that chooses people

Issues: Magic Maze can be frustrating for easily confused players who are not used to time limits and simultaneous actions.

Tips: We recommend that you start with Scenario 1, where conversation is free, for your first playthrough. Also, once you have gained enough practice with the beginner scenarios, you can move on to more complex rules.

Physical constraints

Problem: It's difficult for 4-6 large adult hands to move around on small tiles at the same time, so hands tend to stay on the board and players wait for space to move.

Solution: If there isn't enough room to sit around the table, stand instead of using chairs! Standing allows more players to access the game area.

Recommended for these people and occasions

We will introduce the player demographic and scenes where Magic Maze shines the most.

The ideal player

Family Gamer: Customers say, "This cooperative board game is super fun and effective at teaching teamwork," and "The game is easy to learn and offers multiple difficulty levels." Fun for the whole family, ages 8 and up.

Co-op enthusiast: "Our group really enjoys and loves co-op games, but for some reason they often don't work out. We're always looking to try new co-op games. Magic Maze was a really fun and engaging new co-op experience."

Short game fans: "I like that even though it's a strategy game, it's played in relatively short 'rounds,'" says one player, making it useful in situations where time is a constraint.

Best play scene

Party Game: "A great game for a group of people! Lots of laughs with a progressive storyline that never gets old with replayability."

To end a gaming session: Perfect for a change of pace after a heavy game, it's the perfect option for when you really want to have fun.

As an icebreaker: Even if players are meeting for the first time, communication naturally emerges as they work together toward a common goal.

Expected effects

Magic Maze replaces heroics with more strategic thinking, improving teamwork and problem-solving skills . It's also a fun-filled game that can help build group cohesion.

Magic Maze is an innovative take on traditional cooperative games. If you're a fan of cooperative games with a twist, Magic Maze is worth giving it a try - you won't be disappointed.

We would like all board gamers who are looking for a short, intense cooperative experience to try out this unique world of "silent cooperation."

Link to the official rulebook

Check the product on the online store page

Free shipping throughout Japan. Orders placed before 3pm will be shipped the same day.

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Reference source/quote source

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2. #167 – Magic Maze
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14. How to Play Magic Maze Board Game & Review - Jesta ThaRogue
15. Magic Maze Rules - Learn how to play with our quick rules