Item: Labyrinth: The War on Terror
Rating: 95
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

95/100

Labyrinth: The War on Terror is an absolute triumph of digital board game adaptation. Designed by Volko Ruhnke, this game manages to tackle a heavy, complex subject matter with incredible tactical depth. The asymmetrical gameplay—playing as the United States trying to spread democracy vs. the Extremists trying to exert influence—creates a tense tug-of-war that feels different every single time you play.

The UI is clean and does a great job of managing the 120+ event cards, which would be a nightmare to track manually. While the learning curve is undeniably steep, the included tutorials are excellent at breaking down the core concepts of cells, prestige, and regional stability. This isn't just a game; it's a deep simulation of modern geopolitical conflict that demands your full attention. For fans of strategy and history, it is a must-own.

Reviewed on: Wed Feb 26 2025

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. Finally, a game for grown-ups. Labyrinth isn't about quick reflexes or watching numbers go up; it's about the agonizing friction of history and politics. This is a direct port of the board game, and it maintains every ounce of that complexity. You’re constantly weighing the cost of military action against the need for soft power and stability. It captures the 'asymmetric' nature of modern conflict better than any other title I've played.

The learning curve is a vertical cliff. Even as a veteran of strategy games, I had to run through the tutorial twice. But once it clicks, it's incredibly rewarding. The AI is competent, which is a rarity for digital board games, and the interface—while dense—is functional once you learn the shorthand. It’s not 'fun' in the traditional sense; it’s stressful, challenging, and intellectually stimulating. That’s exactly what I want from a serious strategy game.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Incredibly deep and authentic simulation
High replayability due to card-driven events
Excellent AI for solo play

Extremely high barrier to entry
Interface is very busy on smaller screens
Subject matter may be too heavy for some

Technical Report

Performance: Solid performance, though it can drain the battery on older devices due to the heavy AI calculations.

Accessibility:

Comprehensive in-game rulebook
Tutorial mode

Audience Fit

Buy if: You are a history buff or a hardcore strategy fan who enjoys games like Twilight Struggle.

Skip if: You want a quick, casual game or find complex rulebooks off-putting.

Similar Games:

Twilight Struggle
Plague Inc.
Rebel Inc.

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative gamer
Hardware: iPad Pro (M2)
Playtime: 40 hours
Status: Won as both US and Jihadist on Hard AI

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1438485859

$9.99 9+★4.3 23 reviews

Author : Playdek, Inc.

Pubish Date : Sun Oct 23 2022

Last Update Date : Sun Jan 25 2026

Support Languages : English, French, German, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish

Genres :

Version 1.0.5.172Sun Jan 25 2026

Fixed notification issues.
From the award-winning designer and ex-CIA intelligence analyst Volko Ruhnke, Labyrinth: The War on Terror combines an emphasis on game play with a multifaceted simulation spanning recent history and the near future.
The game takes players inside the global war on terror. Immersive game design has you leading the US to neutralize cells, maintain international support and encourage democratic reform.
An extensive variety of card driven event combinations fuels Labyrinth’s asymmetrical design, creating deep complexity that unfolds with every turn while maintaining an ease of play that increases engagement with every decision.
Labyrinth portrays the U.S. efforts to counter extremists’ tactics, as well as the wider ideological struggle – guerrilla warfare, regime change and more.
Key Features:
• Card Driven Mechanics – 120 event cards provide never ending combinations. The outcomes vary per round and take great effect on the flow of the conflict.
• Asynchronous Online Multiplayer – The system allows for seamless competition from head to head – if both are available – to respond when ready, and longer matches based on timer settings per game.
• Beginner’s Tutorials – Overview tutorials take you through the basics of playing the game.
Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
From the award-winning designer and ex-CIA intelligence analyst Volko Ruhnke, Labyrinth: The War on Terror combines an emphasis on game play with a multifaceted simulation spanning recent history and the near future.
The game takes players inside the global war on terror. Immersive game design has you leading the US to neutralize cells, maintain international support and encourage democratic reform.
An extensive variety of card driven event combinations fuels Labyrinth’s asymmetrical design, creating deep complexity that unfolds with every turn while maintaining an ease of play that increases engagement with every decision.
Labyrinth portrays the U.S. efforts to counter extremists’ tactics, as well as the wider ideological struggle – guerrilla warfare, regime change and more.
Key Features:
• Card Driven Mechanics – 120 event cards provide never ending combinations. The outcomes vary per round and take great effect on the flow of the conflict.
• Asynchronous Online Multiplayer – The system allows for seamless competition from head to head – if both are available – to respond when ready, and longer matches based on timer settings per game.
• Beginner’s Tutorials – Overview tutorials take you through the basics of playing the game.

Ratings & Reviews

4.3 out of 5 with 23 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Labyrinth: The War on Terror takes players inside the global conflict of the early 21st century. Combining deep gameplay with multifaceted simulation, the game features an asymmetrical design where the US and Jihadist sides have completely different goals and mechanics. With 120 event cards, players must navigate guerrilla warfare, democratic reform, and international support. The digital version includes asynchronous online multiplayer, challenging AI, and detailed tutorials to help players master its complex systems.