Labyrinth ?-??-82

 

Before Starpath settled on a final name, Escape From the Mindmaster was originally known as Labyrinth.  One of the earliest Starpath catalogs features Labyrinth on a list of future titles.  This prototype only consists of one load, but actually has some actually gameplay implemented unlike the earlier prototype. 

There are three separate mazes in this build, but the third maze cannot be completed.  This version adds the life counter and timer below the directional arrow along with the Alien Stalker which were missing from the earlier prototype.  This prototype further refines the key idea by making the player have to pick up keys hidden in the maze to open doors.  Keys also disappear once used, unlike the earlier prototype. This version also contains a new gameplay element in the form of wrenches which must be picked up to destroy beams that block certain passageways.  The key and wrench ideas were dropped from the final version in favor of the peg puzzle for unknown reasons.

 

Differences

There is no title screen
The mazes are completely different
There is no Peg Puzzle to solve on each level.  Instead the player must find a key to unlock the door to the next level.
The timer counts down incredibly fast and rolls over
The player is invincible
The Sliding Force Field appears on the first maze
There is a wrench item which can be picked up
There is a strange 'beam' which blocks passages.  This beam can be destroyed with a wrench.
The music is very different
There is no warning sound when the Alien Stalker is near
There are only three mazes.  The third maze cannot be completed.
The staircase screen between levels does not show the players score
There is a 'false door' on the second maze which takes the player back to the start of the maze.  If you do not have a key for the door you are trapped.

 

Force Fields right away!

 

A Key?

 

No score summary on the staircase screen

 

Wrenches?!?!

 

What the heck is that?

 

Apparently it can be destroyed with a wrench

 

 

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