Madness and the Minotaur Solution

About this Madness and the Minotaur solution

This solution is for Madness and the Minotaur on the TRS-80 Color Computer. It gathers together help pages, maps, and a walkthrough. Help page by Brian Tritico. Maps by Stephen St. John. Walkthrough by Computer Archeology.

Foreword

Keep in mind that Madness and the Minotaur changes every time you reload the program. The objects may be found in different rooms, learning the spells may require different objects, and the monsters may be encountered in different rooms and killed with different combinations of spells and objects. A general strategy and map are more useful than a step-by-step walkthrough.

General Tips

Make a Map

The Labyrinth is a four-level structure with 64 rooms on each floor. Drawing a map as you explore is essential. Note every exit from each room and which rooms you reach via each direction.

The Oracle

Use ASK ORACLE whenever you find the wandering Oracle. His riddles hint at which objects and spells you need to obtain certain items or kill specific creatures. The advice changes each game, so always consult him early.

The Eight Spells

Learn all eight spells — VETAR, CROM, MITRA, AKHIROM, OKKAN, ISHTAR, BELROG, and NERGAL — as early as possible. Enchanted rooms are marked by the message "The air is crackling with enchantment." Carry the right objects when you enter to automatically receive the spell.

Creatures

Seven creatures inhabit the Labyrinth: the Minotaur, Hydra, Troglodyte, Scorpion, Satyr, Sprite, and Nymph. Six of them carry treasures — but which one holds what changes with each game. If you are bitten by the Scorpion, you will need the right spell to cure the wound. The Sprite can teleport objects to random rooms; kill it early if you can.

Managing Your Inventory & Energy

Use INV to check what you're carrying. Heavier loads drain your energy faster. Use SCORE to check your condition. Rest or find food when your strength is low. Turn your LAMP OFF when not needed — it burns oil, but can be refilled.

Jumping & Blocked Passages

Use JUMP when prompted. If the ground shakes and doors block, use BACK within 15 seconds to retreat, or rely on the CROM spell to open the passage. Some rooms require diagonal movement up or down.

Winning

Collect as many of the 16 true treasures as you can and escape the Labyrinth into the forest. You earn five points per treasure for carrying it, and five more for each one you take out with you — plus ten points per spell learned. Maximum score: 240 points.

Madness and the Minotaur Help Page

Brian Tritico's comprehensive help page covers strategies, hints, and detailed gameplay tips:

Madness and the Minotaur Help Page — by Brian Tritico (btritico@yahoo.com)

Maps

Stephen St. John has created detailed maps of the Labyrinth:

Madness and the Minotaur Maps — by Stephen St. John

Complete Walkthrough by Computer Archeology

Christopher Cantrell's Computer Archeology site includes a thorough, complete walkthrough based on a deep analysis of the game's source code:

Complete Madness and the Minotaur Walkthrough — Computer Archeology