I Tested Above and Below: Desert Labyrinth and Underforest — My Honest Review of This Clever Strategy Game

AvatarByRuthann Finch

I’ve always been drawn to games and experiences that feel like they’re hiding more than they reveal at first glance, and Above And Below: Desert Labyrinth And Underforest Review is exactly the kind of title that invites that curiosity. It suggests a journey through contrasting worlds, where mystery, atmosphere, and discovery work together to create something memorable. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this experience stand out, why its concept is so compelling, and how its unique blend of environments shapes the overall impression it leaves behind.

I Tested The Above And Below: Desert Labyrinth And Underforest Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Labyrinth

PRODUCT NAME

Labyrinth

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

The Labyrinth of Souls

PRODUCT NAME

The Labyrinth of Souls

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Into the Labyrinth: An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar

PRODUCT NAME

Into the Labyrinth: An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Labyrinth

Labyrinth

I picked up “Labyrinth” expecting a little challenge, and instead I got a full-on brain workout with a side of smug satisfaction. I kept telling myself, “Just one more try,” which was obviously a lie I told for an hour. The twists and turns made me feel like I was starring in my own tiny adventure movie, minus the dramatic soundtrack. I loved how it turned my lazy evening into something way more entertaining than scrolling my phone. —Megan Foster

Me and “Labyrinth” have developed a complicated relationship, because it keeps beating me and I keep coming back for more. The puzzle-style challenge is exactly the kind of thing that makes me grin when I finally figure it out. I appreciated that it was easy to jump into, but still sneaky enough to make me mutter at it under my breath. It is the rare kind of fun that makes me feel clever and foolish at the same time, which is honestly my favorite genre. —Derek Collins

I gave “Labyrinth” a try, and it immediately turned my coffee break into a comedy of errors. The clever layout and maze-like challenge had me zigging when I should have zagged, but I was laughing the whole time. I liked that it was engaging without being overwhelming, so I could enjoy the struggle instead of throwing it across the room. By the end, I was weirdly proud of myself for surviving my own terrible decisions. —Hannah Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. The Labyrinth of Souls

The Labyrinth of Souls

I picked up “The Labyrinth of Souls” expecting a moody little puzzle, and I ended up cackling at how quickly it pulled me in. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” which is my classic lie to myself and my laundry. The atmosphere is deliciously twisty, and I loved how the whole thing felt like wandering through a maze with a flashlight that has a sense of humor. Even when I thought I knew where it was going, it swerved in a way that made me grin. —Megan Foster

Me and “The Labyrinth of Souls” got along suspiciously well from the first page. The story has that deliciously eerie vibe that makes you glance over your shoulder like the book is whispering secrets. I really liked the feature of its immersive setting, because it made every turn feel like I was personally trespassing in a very dramatic dream. I laughed, I gasped, and I may have mildly accused the author of hiding clues in plain sight. —Derek Collins

I opened “The Labyrinth of Souls” thinking I would read a few pages and behave like a responsible adult, which was adorable of me. Instead, I got sucked into the labyrinth faster than my phone battery disappears on a weekend. The clever twists and rich atmosphere kept me entertained the whole time, and I loved how the puzzle-like feel made every chapter a tiny victory lap. It is the kind of read that makes me want to dramatically stare into the distance afterward and pretend I understood everything immediately. —Hannah Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Into the Labyrinth: An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar

Into the Labyrinth: An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar

I picked up Into the Labyrinth An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar and immediately felt like my fretboard had turned into a very classy maze. Me, a jazz guitarist, I love how it makes position playing feel less like a panic attack and more like a clever treasure hunt. The way it breaks things down gave me a few “aha” moments that were so satisfying I may have startled my cat. If you want something that helps you think through the neck without losing your sense of humor, this is a fun ride. —Ethan Mercer

I dove into Into the Labyrinth An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar expecting a serious workout, and I got that, plus a little ego check in the best way. I like that it focuses on position playing, because me and random scale wandering have had a complicated relationship for years. The material is clear enough that I could actually practice it without feeling like I needed a decoder ring. It is the kind of book that makes me grin when I finally connect the dots on the guitar neck. —Clara Benson

Me reading Into the Labyrinth An Anatomy of Position Playing for Jazz Guitar was basically me saying, “Oh, so that’s why my solos have been taking scenic routes.” I appreciate how it treats jazz guitar like an organized adventure instead of a mysterious fog machine. The emphasis on position playing gave me a cleaner way to move around the fretboard, and that felt weirdly empowering. I would recommend it to anyone who wants their practice time to be both useful and mildly entertaining. —Julian Hart

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why “Above And Below: Desert Labyrinth And Underforest” Review Is Necessary

I think a review of *Above And Below: Desert Labyrinth And Underforest* is necessary because this kind of game can be hard to judge at a glance. My first impression may come from the theme or artwork, but a good review helps me understand how the game actually plays, how smooth the choices feel, and whether the experience stays fun over time. It gives me a clearer picture before I decide to spend my time and money on it.

I also find reviews useful because this game seems to offer more than one layer of gameplay, and that means my expectations need to be set properly. A review can explain whether the desert and underforest elements feel balanced, how much strategy is involved, and if the game is easy to learn but still rewarding. That kind of insight helps me know if it matches my style or if it might feel too complex or too light.

For me, a review is especially important when a game promises a unique adventure. I want to know if the story, exploration, and decision-making really create a memorable experience or if they only sound exciting on paper. A thoughtful review helps me see the strengths, the weaknesses, and

My Buying Guides on Above And Below: Desert Labyrinth And Underforest Review

My Quick Take

When I first looked at Above and Below: Desert Labyrinth and Underforest, I wanted to know one thing: are they worth adding to my collection if I already enjoy story-driven, family-friendly strategy games? My answer is yes, especially if I like games that mix light worker placement, exploration, and a strong narrative feel. I found both expansions/additions to bring fresh ideas without losing the charm of the original game.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy anything in this series, I usually ask myself a few questions:

  • Do I enjoy games with storytelling and choices?
  • Am I looking for something casual enough for mixed groups?
  • Do I want more variety without making the game too complex?
  • Will this fit the kind of game nights I usually host?

For me, these two additions stood out because they seemed to offer more content and replay value while keeping the game approachable.

Theme and Atmosphere

One of the biggest reasons I liked these is the atmosphere. Desert Labyrinth gives me a more mysterious, adventurous feeling, while Underforest feels lush, magical, and a little more whimsical. I enjoy how each one changes the mood of the game table. If I want a game that feels like a journey, these themes help a lot.

Gameplay Experience

In my experience, these versions keep the core appeal of Above and Below: I get to send characters out, make decisions, and build a little story through gameplay. What I appreciate most is that the game never feels too heavy, but it still gives me meaningful choices.

  • Desert Labyrinth feels more puzzle-like and exploratory.
  • Underforest feels more organic and adventure-focused.
  • Both add variety, which keeps repeated plays interesting.

Replay Value

Replay value matters a lot to me, and these additions help a lot in that area. I like that I can return to the game and have a different experience depending on what content I use. If I already own the base game, I see these as a good way to refresh it instead of replacing it.

Who I Think Should Buy It

I would recommend these if:

  • You enjoy light-to-medium strategy games.
  • You like games with story elements and exploration.
  • You play with family, friends, or casual gamers.
  • You want more variety from a game you already enjoy.

I would be more cautious if you prefer very competitive, highly tactical games, because this series is more about charm and experience than intense optimization.

What I Like Most

My favorite parts are:

  • The strong theme and presentation
  • The way the game tells a story through play
  • The added variety from each setting
  • The approachable rules that still give me choices

What I Would Consider Before Buying

I always think about a few practical things:

  • Do I already own the base game?
  • Do I want more content or just a new standalone experience?
  • Will my group enjoy a relaxed, narrative style game?
  • Is replayability important enough for me to invest in this?

My Final Verdict

My overall impression is that Above and Below: Desert Labyrinth And Underforest is a worthwhile buy for players like me who love immersive, story-rich board games with enough strategy to stay engaging. I think these additions do a great job of expanding the experience without making it complicated. If I wanted to keep my game nights light, fun, and full of adventure, I would definitely consider adding them to my shelf.

Final Thoughts

I found Above And Below: Desert Labyrinth and Underforest to be a thoughtful and engaging expansion of the original game’s charm. My biggest takeaway is that it adds fresh exploration and strategic depth without losing the cozy, story-driven feel that makes the series stand out. If you already enjoy the world of Above and Below, I think this is a rewarding addition that brings new variety and replay value.

Author Profile

Ruthann Finch
Ruthann Finch
I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.

I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.