CD-i Version licensed by: Ravensburger Film + TV GmbH
Published by: Philips Interactive Media Deutschland GmbH
Original release: 1994
Genre: Digital adaptation of the classic boardgame "Master Labyrinth"
CD-i type: Digital Video Optional; Plays without Digital Video Cartridge but offers enhanced graphics when a Digital Video Cartridge is detected
Original price: 100 NLG
Releases: Originally released in a standard jewelcase (audio cd format), European exclusive release
Language: A fully dubbed and translated German version exists (catalogue 8130039). The other European (8100225) version is multi-language: The text and manual is in French, Dutch and english.
Emulator: Not working in CD-i Emulator v0.53b5
Developer Profile: Audio Visuelle Medien Studio AG / HQ Interaktive Mediensysteme GmbH also released Scotland Yard on CD-i
Description from the developer:
In the depths of an ancient castle lies a mysterious labyrinth of ever changing passages. Wizards have gathered here to take part in a battle of tactics. Naturally each of them wishes to find the greatest treasures by skillfully changing the pathways in order to reach the next treasure. He who accumulates the most points, wins and can enter himself in the Book of Masters.
Game Facts:
Master Labyrinth is one of the first discs that work both as a base-case CD-i title and as a Digital Video CD-i title, in both ways giving a unique experience. As a base-case version, the boardgame is shown topdown, just as you play the boardgame Master Labyrinth. When the game detects a Digital Video Cartridge, it gives you the opportunity to explore the game from the first-person perspective, showing Digital Video sequences for every move.
Master Labyrinth was one of two boardgames by Ravensburger that received a CD-i edition. The other boardgame was Scotland Yard, developed by the same team/company in 1993.
Review:
Boardgame adaptations on CD-i were pretty popular in the Nineties. Next to Othello, Sargon Chess, Backgammon and Battle Ship, German boardgame company Ravensburger licensed at least two of its boardgames to developer Audio Visuelle Medien Studio AG, who joint development with HQ Interaktive Mediensysteme GmbH to create Scotland Yard in 1993 and Master Labyrinth in 1994 on CD-i. The game is technically nice, with the same style and layout in both games.
The big plus of Master Labyrinth is its ability to show Digital Video as an optional extra. But in the gameplay, it looks more like something to show off, as it doesn't add anything to the gameplay and in my view, it detracts from the experience. It is nice to see that it was incorporated, though. It plays rather quickly and the animations are nice. You can play with up to four players, turn by turn. In the end, I prefer to play the real boardgame. The CD-i edition doesn't add a lot to the experience.
From the Disc
Most CD-i Games have "Abstract", "Bibliographic" and "Copyright" details on the softwares disc itself, any interesting information in these files can be found below.
Copyright: Copyright 1994 Ravensburger Film + TV GmbH. Developed by Audio Visuelle Medien Studio AG / HQ Interaktive Mediensysteme GmbH. Published by Philips Media Deutschland GmbH
[Thanks, Patrick Selten, Mobygames, Catawiki, Omegalfa, Reddit, Philips CD-i Zone]