Minos Review
Build the perfect labyrinth, then watch it tear heroes apart in Minos.
Minos. Credit: Artificer / Devolver Digital
Minos, from developer Artificer and publisher Devolver Digital, is a strategy roguelite with a fantastic hook. Heroes are invading the labyrinth of Crete, and you have to protect it. You play as both Daedelus, architect of the famous maze, and Asterion the Minotaur, its protector. It’s a great core idea, and the mechanics actually deliver on it.
Each run has you defending your labyrinth against waves of heroes. Before each wave, you update the maze from outside as Daedelus, laying down corridors and setting up trap chains. Then, as Asterion, you move through the labyrinth while invaders trek through, stepping in to manipulate things from the inside when needed. It’s less about brute force and more about funneling enemies straight into your fiendish deathtrap. Seeing your trap design turn trespassers into mincemeat is deeply satisfying.
Minos. Credit: Artificer / Devolver Digital
The game has a learning curve, preferring experimentation over hand-holding. That said, tinkering with the maze is fun, and failure just pushes you into another run. If you enjoy planning and optimizing, this one is for you. It can feel a little repetitive at times, but not enough to push me away.
Visually, Minos isn’t very impressive. Its stylized look prioritizes clarity, which matters given the pulled-back, isometric perspective. Performance was mixed on my Steam Deck until I dropped the graphics settings significantly.
Minos succeeds in its blend of tower defense, roguelite, and sandbox builder thanks to strong systems and clever thematic framing. It gives you room to be creative, and it feels good when your plans come together. This isn’t my favorite Devolver release, but it still clears their usual bar.
Minos
A clever and satisfying strategy roguelite, even if repetition keeps it from hitting higher. Another great release from Devolver.
