Warrens of Random: A New Paranoia Maze Run Loaded With Anxiety

Mazes are designed to mislead those who wander into them, but this game takes it to a much more stress-inducing level. Warrens of Random is a straightforward, strategic, and minimalist-style game in which you search for a way out of 20 mazes. Simple right?….Well, if you call white walls that trigger claustrophobic paranoia simple, then yes.

Warrens of Random: The Stress is On

Spawning within a random maze, you must search around the massive, blank, white walls to find the exit and escape. For the Warrens of Random demo, you’re given 20 different mazes to complete. Remembrance is the main strategic tool in your belt as you maneuver throughout the pathways, trying not to get turned around. If you get lost, a dot will ping every 5 minutes on the location of the exit. The goal is to solve the mazes as quickly as possible; however, it’s easier said than done.

Beware those who have a sensitivity to hard contrast, light, and noise. This game is warned to have complete silence with very loud jumpscares in the mix. Protect your hearing, folks, and make sure the volume is reasonable for you. I would also be wary of the chance of vertigo for those who are susceptible to motion sickness due to the frequent changes in lighting. This last part is my personal caution, not from the developers, but it appears some parts can trigger photosensitive individuals.

Putting The Random In Exit Strategy

The game ends when you complete all 20 maze puzzles, but not all exits lead to the next level. Some exits will sometimes spawn you back into a maze you’ve already solved, forcing you to repeat the same maze again. This is where your memory is put to the test because the solved mazes you complete hold the same layout. Mapping and mesmerizing the maze design will give you an advantage if you’re spawned back into the previous puzzles.

You’re Not Alone

Alright. So, remember the maze’s design while hunting for the exit to solve all 20 mazes. Seems easy right?… Well, the Warrens of Random trailer for the demo’s release gives a warning: “One last thing. Don’t let him find you.” There’s a reason this game is labeled a horror game because you’re racing for your life while being stalked. If he catches you, you die.

The Modes in The Maze

Saudade Software, the devs of Warrens of Random, offer up different modes that will give those speedrunners and record breakers some challenges. So far, there are three different modes in the game for the players to choose from.

• Normal Mode: Default mode where you’re given three lives and can ping the dot for the exit every five minutes. The game saves your spot if you return to the main menu.
• Hard Mode: You’re given one life; you can’t ping for the exit; and the chances of respawning into a previous maze are high. There is also the feature of the exit appearing in a different location compared to the previous run of that solved maze.
• Speedrunner Mode: One life without spawns, pinging, and saves. It’s all about speed!

Prepare to Be A-Maze-d!

Warrens of Random is a simple concept that triggers a sense of confusion, paranoia, and frustration. The minimal design and use of black and white give an uncomfortable and unnatural sensation as you try to search for a way out. With the fear of the next jumpscare and being apprehended by a mysterious stalker, the game provides an ultimate stress-inducing survival experience. Although a full release date isn’t listed, the demo is available on Steam for you to enjoy, especially for you adrenaline junkies.