Labyrinth: The War on Terror, 2001 – ?

GMT Games, Asterion Press, Bard Centrum Gier · Board game · 2010

1–2 · best 2 Solo 180 min Weight 3.7/5

100.0 rating Ludopedia

7.6 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 11.17

100.0 rating Ludopedia

7.6 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 11.17 Ask about Rules

Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy dense, thematic wargames that make you think, Labyrinth is a perfect fit for simulating the complexity of the War on Terror.

Highlights

Deep strategic simulation
Relevant and complex theme
Engaging solo mode
Clever card-driven dynamic
High replayability

Keep in mind

Steep learning curve
Long play time
Theme can be sensitive

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About the game

What you do in a play session

In 2001, the world seemed to have entered a period of calm after the Cold War, but reality was quite different. In the Middle East and South Asia, an Islamic revival was underway, and resentments against US support for anti-Soviet tyrannies in the region soon erupted into a new struggle against the West. Wealthy Saudi fanatic Usama bin Laden declared holy war against America in 1996, culminating in devastating terrorist attacks in 1998 and 2000. By 2001, al-Qaeda had orchestrated even more impactful strikes within the US Homeland, hoping to ignite a global Muslim uprising. The Western response to those September 11th attacks would reshape international affairs worldwide.

Labyrinth places you at the heart of this Islamist jihad and the global war on terror. With broad scope and ease of play, the game offers a never-ending variety of event combinations, reminiscent of Twilight Struggle's dynamic. It portrays not only US efforts to counter extremists' use of terrorist tactics but also delves into the wider ideological struggle, including guerrilla warfare, regime change, democratization, and much more. It's a strategic simulation for those who enjoy diving into complex and historically dense themes.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

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Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players

1 REC

2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher GMT Games, Asterion Press, Bard Centrum Gier, Rawstone, Udo Grebe Gamedesign

Designer Volko Ruhnke

Artist Donal Hegarty, Leland Myrick, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan, Volko Ruhnke

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

10,503owners

2,123wishlist

339want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

What is the average playtime for Labyrinth?

Get ready for a strategic session! Labyrinth typically takes between 3 to 4 hours to play, so it's a game to dedicate some serious time to and dive deep into the experience.

How many players can play Labyrinth?

Labyrinth is designed for one or two players. It shines equally in its solo mode, where you control the US against the system, and in the direct confrontation between the US and Jihadists.

What is the complexity level of Labyrinth?

It's a medium-to-heavyweight game (3.69/5 on BGG). It's not for beginners, but for those with some experience in wargames or complex strategic games, the learning curve is rewarding.

Are the components of good quality?

As a GMT Games wargame, Labyrinth typically comes with high-quality components, including a sturdy map, detailed tokens, and well-illustrated cards that help immerse you in the theme.

Is Labyrinth based on historical facts?

Yes! The game is a strategic simulation of the War on Terror, based on real events and geopolitical dynamics from 2001 onwards. It aims to portray the complexity of the conflict with thematic accuracy.

Are there any expansions for Labyrinth?

Yes! Labyrinth has expansions that add more content, scenarios, and enhance the game experience, such as 'Awakening 2010-' which updates the conflict to more recent events.