Welcome to the January 2026 installment of AnonyMouse’s App Pick of the Month. This month, my pick is Theseus & the Minotaur, a strategy-based puzzle game that delivers a thoughtful and challenging experience on iOS. I chose this app because it immediately reminded me of one of my most loved games from years ago—Robo-E, a title that has long since disappeared from the App Store. Ever since then, I’ve been hoping for something similar, and Theseus & the Minotaur feels like a natural evolution of that idea, offering even more depth and challenge.
At its heart, Theseus & the Minotaur draws inspiration from the classic Greek myth. You play as Theseus, navigating a maze while being relentlessly pursued by the Minotaur. Every move you make through the maze is mirrored by the Minotaur in a predictable way, creating a constant sense of tension. Success depends entirely on understanding how the maze works, anticipating the Minotaur’s movements, and planning your route carefully to avoid capture.
Theseus & the Minotaur is not a game built around speed or reflexes. Instead, it asks you to slow down, think carefully, and plan every move. Each step matters, and one poorly planned decision can quickly put you in danger. For players who enjoy thoughtful, planning-focused gameplay and problem-solving, this game quickly becomes absorbing.
One of the things that stands out about Theseus & the Minotaur is how intentionally it’s designed. Each level feels handcrafted, introducing new layouts and mechanics that build on what you’ve already learned. Progress isn’t about trial-and-error alone—it’s about learning the rules of the maze and using them intelligently to stay one step ahead of the Minotaur.
The game is designed as a calm, turn-based experience. It doesn’t rely on timers or reflex-based mechanics, allowing you to approach each puzzle at your own pace and focus entirely on strategy and planning. Once you understand how movement works, you can begin to think several steps ahead, which makes solving each puzzle especially satisfying.
While this style of gameplay may not appeal to everyone, it will likely strongly resonate with players who enjoy classic puzzle and strategy games. If you remember Robo-E fondly and have been wishing for something in that same spirit, this game will likely feel very familiar—in a good way.
The game is free to download and includes optional in-app purchases. These are not required to enjoy the core experience, and you’re free to engage with the puzzles through pure logic and experimentation if that’s how you prefer to play.
Why I’m Picking Theseus & the Minotaur This Month
I’m picking Theseus & the Minotaur this month because it fills a niche that isn’t always easy to find on mobile. It’s a game that trusts the player, challenges the mind, and stays focused on thoughtful design rather than distractions.
Just as importantly, it’s simply fun and addictive. There’s something very satisfying about carefully navigating the maze, predicting the Minotaur’s movements, and finally reaching safety. On top of that, it taps into a strong sense of nostalgia for me. The gameplay brings back the same kind of enjoyment I had with Robo-E, which makes this experience feel both familiar and exciting at the same time.
It may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy strategy-heavy, logic-based puzzle games, it offers a deeply satisfying experience. The free price makes it easy to try, and the deliberate pace makes it easy to stay engaged.
That’s why Theseus & the Minotaur is my App Pick of the Month for January 2026.
Download the App
Theseus & the Minotaur is available now on the App Store.
Platform: iOS Price: Free to download, with optional in-app purchases
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/theseus-the-minotaur/id6755919560
AppleVis iOS App Directory: https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/games/theseus-minotaur
Now It’s Your Turn
Have you tried Theseus & the Minotaur yet? Does it remind you of older strategy puzzle games like Robo-E, or is this your first time playing something like this? I’d love to hear how you’re finding the puzzles, what strategies you’ve discovered, and whether the challenge hooked you. Share your thoughts with the community!
Comments
robo-e
just a quick note i have redownloaded robo-e from my purchase history so it can still be gotten.
Thanks
I saw this one on Applevis and resisted downloading it as I suspected it was going to require a little more mental effort than my lazy brain can cope with. But I am tempted to at least give it a try after this.
Anyway, thanks for another suggestion - I look forward to these posts each month.
Thanks
Thanks Thomas for another good suggestion. I’m definitely going to give this game a go.
It’s also a lesson to me not to judge a book by its cover. I think I passed over this game without even reading the description properly, thinking, based on the name, that it was likely another magic battling RPG type game which I don’t typically love. But in fact it sounds like a game I’ll enjoy.
Dave
@Karok RE: Robo-E
Hi Karok,
Wow, what a surprise! I had checked a few times before and saw that it was gone from the App Store, so I really thought Robo-E had disappeared for good. But you’re absolutely right—it’s back! It might’ve just been user error on my end, or maybe there was a temporary issue before the developer fixed things, but either way, I’m just happy to have Robo-E back.
I went ahead and re-downloaded it, and now that I think about it, the issue probably started when I got my new iPhone last summer. It wouldn’t download on the new device, and then I couldn’t even find it in the App Store, so I assumed it was gone.
Thanks so much for pointing it out to me—I really appreciate it! Robo-E is now sitting right next to Theseus & the Minotaur on my phone, and I love them both. I’m a big fan of these kinds of games where some levels are genuinely challenging and take a while to figure out.
Thanks again for letting me know that Robo-E is back!
no problem
I don't think it's actually back as can't find it when search but still in my apps list. i never got round to playing it yet, either this or theseus but i may do, give my brain a work-out.
Totally stuck but obsessed with the game!
I love this game! Just wish that the star system would be more accessible. Not easy to know when you get awarded stars when replaying a level. Other problem I'm having is that I'm stuck on level 2 in chapter 2. And, since there is no way I can find to skip a level and try next one, I'm not able to play this. Really hoping someone can help out with this level, maybe in private post so not to spoil it for others. Thanks for any help and for this great game.