Alexs (Almost) Foolproof Solution to Mazes – Article
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by Alexander Tait |
Alex’s (Almost) Foolproof Solution to |
I am often amazed at the vehemence with which people speak of mazes in the adventure game. I have to admit that I felt baffled by the maze at one time. These days, though, I apply a principle to mazes that assists with all but one type of maze. It is only the odd maze that presents a challenge.
My principle for mazes is the “turn left rule”. I favor turning left but it is up to the individual which direction to choose. The only requirement of this principle is that you must turn the same direction when given the opportunity. Be sure to reverse all directions in this article if you elect to use the “turn right rule”! I apply the “turn left rule” to every game that I play. In effect, I treat every game as though it were a maze.
THEOREM: Here’s the theorem in a nutshell. When walking down a corridor, the aim is to walk straight until an exit or passage presents itself on the left. At this time, turn left and follow the passage until another room or passageway presents itself on the left. So far, so good.
Following the above component of the principle, it is evident that the “turn left rule” obviates continuing straight unless there is a possible turn on the left. In other words, if you cannot turn left, go straight. This should still be fairly straightforward (very punny!).
Should you reach the end of the passageway and there is no possible left turn, turn right. In other words, if you cannot turn left or go straight, turn right. Everyone who has good orienteering skills should be right at home with all this.
Should you be at the end of a corridor and unable to turn left (and no longer able to go forward), and unable to turn right, the only possibility is to turn around and follow the passageway back. When traveling back, what was on the right is now on the left so continued application of the “turn left rule” will ensure that all passages are found.
In summary, following this hierarchy of steps will solve 90% of mazes in games:
1. When it is possible to do so, turn left.
2. If there is no turn left option, continue straight.
3. If it is no longer possible to carry on straight, turn right.
4. If none of the options in steps 1-3 is available, turn around and walk back the way you came using the turn left i.e. return to step 1.
For all those people who love to explore when they see something interesting on the right side, utilization of this theorem necessitates using patience. Although you may not be able to examine it immediately, have no fear, it will be on your left sooner or later!
Incidentally, should you find a door on your left that enters into a room you have already been in, disregard the door and carry on.
COROLLARY: Some mazes are a little sneakier. Should you end up back where you started and you feel you didn’t find everything you should have, there is something you can do to alleviate the effects of these mazes.
When you arrive back where you started, turn around and go back the way you came. Take the first right turn you can take and then apply the “turn left rule”. Continue until you return to where you began.
Those of you who are more astute will realize that there are some mazes for which none of this will work. This occurs when a maze is not a fully enclosed maze and allows you to go around in circles.
There is no real solution to this type of maze except to map it and work out that you are going around in circles. Should you ascertain that you are going in circles, try applying the corollary.
Good luck!
