The Paper Labyrinth (Ultimate Quest/Charlie Wheeler) // Review

The Paper Labyrinth is a two-part puzzle book collection from Charlie Wheeler (Ultimate Quest). The Paper Labyrinth acts as part one, introducing you to the concept of a book-based maze of puzzles. Return to the Paper Labyrinth continues in the same vein and offers up more challenging avenues to explore.

Players: 1-4 // Age: 16+ // Playtime: 2+ hours

What you need: A pencil and a bookmark (or two).

First impressions

I thoroughly enjoyed working through Charlie Wheeler’s first instalment of The Paper Labyrinth series last year. I was pretty late to the party, but delighted to find such an innovative and engaging puzzle book to add to my collection. Its analogue gameplay and portability were a huge plus for me, making it very easy to transport. I played it on a train, a plane and by a swimming pool in sunny Cape Verde. So I was delighted to discover the existence of a sequel that quite literally picks up where the last book left off. I will cover both books in this review as they are, essentially, two parts of a whole experience.

Gameplay

As alluded to above, these are no ordinary books, and you won’t be working through the pages sequentially. A ‘how it works’ page briefly explains how to navigate the many pages of the book. It also tells you which page to go to to begin your quest. This first page contains a short riddle and a selection of different page numbers to visit. Each features a puzzle, with the solution taking the form of a word or letter. What you do with these, you’ll have to work out on your own.

Both books are full of riddles, cryptic clues and puzzles that will fire up your brain. Neither is particularly maths-heavy, but there are a few maths puzzles included. Each challenge is generally distinct, and I certainly came away feeling like there wasn’t too much repetition. There is a satisfying mix of linear and non-linear gameplay. Although you are ultimately following one true path through the book, there are times when a page will direct you to lots of puzzles that can be solved in any order.

I used a notepad for my note-taking; however, there is space provided in the back of each book to make notes as well. I would recommend having several bookmarks on hand as you navigate through the cleverly constructed maze of pages. It’s worth noting that Return to the Paper Labyrinth includes a bookmark mini-game, which functions both as a puzzle and a working bookmark.

You do need to have completed the first book to be able to start Return to the Paper Labyrinth. The second book picks up exactly where the last left off, with the final solution from The Paper Labyrinth used as the basis for a puzzle to unlock the second volume.

Difficulty & Hints

There is a hints section at the back of each book, with a separate section for solutions. The hints aren’t tiered. The solutions to all of the puzzles are also held within the book.

Given the labyrinthine nature, it is quite possible that from time to time you may find yourself a little lost. The ‘Route Checker’ section in the back of the book is very helpful for checking that you are on the right path.

Beyond the Paper Labyrinth

The Paper Labyrinth and Return to the Paper Labyrinth aren’t the only games set in this universe. The Power of Four takes the concept of the original puzzle books and expands it into a multiplayer experience for four. It challenges you to communicate effectively and complete seven challenges where you will each see only part of the puzzle – no sharing allowed!

There is also another Paper Labyrinth spin-off, Architect, which doesn’t require knowledge of the other games. It follows a similar maze-like structure; however, this time you also have to. work out which page is which to navigate the book.

Verdict