Labyrinth is a game that features moving mazes, adding a unique level of puzzle complexity as players search for treasure.

The main gameplay in Labyrinth involves re-arranging a maze layout by sliding new pieces in from the top or sides, which shifts everything in the accompanying the row or column, changing the paths and dead ends within the maze.  Each piece can be rotated, and the ultimate goal is to provide a clear path for your marker to the desired treasure, while preventing your opponents from doing the same.

The game does feature a backstory to attempt to provide context to the different puzzle levels, and it is unintentionally such an enjoyable cliché: A young archaelogist’s finds out his father has been kidnapped when he receives a mysterious package in the mail containing the other half of the amulet he has worn all his life.  He then must travel the world and retrace the travels of his father, who is also an archaeologist.

The puzzles themselves require a special type of strategic thinking, and it took awhile for us to get understand the best tactics.  This is not a game that involves quick moves or thinking, but rather rewards thoughtful gameplay and strategy.

Where Labyrinth is really able to shine is as a multiplayer game.  Many DS games are single-player experiences, but the gameplay in Labyrinth is perfect for the type of “pass and play” multiplayer that is best for DS games.  The result is that up to four players can enjoy a multiplayer game on only one DS.

Labyrinth is a great multiplayer DS game that puts an emphasis on strategy and critical thinking.  There is a learning curve involved to figuring out the best tactics and strategies for the games, so players may get easily frustrated the first few times playing, but once everyone is able to get the hand of it, Labyrinth is a perfect family-friendly DS game that can be played alone or with others.