Experience the Holiday Spirit with Minos: Home A-Labyrinth

As I immerse myself in the world of Minos: Home A-Labyrinth, a festive twist on the upcoming maze-building roguelike game, I can’t help but shout, “That’s not a minotaur, that’s a stand-in for the child star of a classic 90s Christmas movie!” Developed by Artificer, the free holiday reskin of Minos offers a unique and entertaining experience for players. The demo, which is a playful parody of the beloved film “Home Alone,” is available for free play until the full game’s release next year.

According to Artificer, the inspiration for the festive revamp came from player feedback during playtests of the original Minos demo. Fans noted the similarities between the game and the iconic holiday-themed movie, prompting the developers to create a special holiday version of the game. In a Steam post, Artificer shared, “For the Christmas season, as a joke (and a very calculated marketing ploy), we hacked a portion of our own unreleased game into a festive, legally-distinct homage to that vibe, and decided to release it for free today.”

Having enjoyed the demo of the standard version of Minos earlier this year, I couldn’t resist diving into the holiday-themed version. In Home Alone Minos, players take on the role of a deity assisting a young character (reminiscent of Kevin McCallister) in defending their home against pesky burglars. The gameplay involves strategically rearranging walls and traps in maze-like houses to thwart the intruders and protect the child from harm.

Just like its predecessor, Home Alone Minos features a simple yet engaging gameplay structure that challenges players to outsmart the enemies. The traps, once dungeon-like elements, have been creatively reimagined to suit the festive theme. From shotgun ballistas to makeshift flamethrowers, the arsenal of traps adds a whimsical touch to the gameplay experience.

With each house in a snowy neighborhood serving as a new level, players must navigate through different waves of enemies to emerge victorious. The holiday twist on the game adds a fun and refreshing element to the gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of the original Minos demo.

If you enjoy the holiday version of Minos, be sure to wishlist the full game on Steam for its anticipated release in 2026. Dive into the world of Minos: Home A-Labyrinth and embrace the festive spirit with this unique and entertaining gaming experience.