The game costs just $1.99 and using the steam version gives you steam features:
Steam multiplayer networking is significantly faster than server networking.
Steam cloud for syncing your custom levels and stats across devices.
Auto updates - no needing to manually redownload and overwrite your old folder.
Java JDK included - no need to install java yourself, just click play and you're done.
You also support me with this small one time payment, so thank you!
PLEASE READ ALL THIS TEXT BEFORE SAYING "IT DOESN'T WORK"
The free version has all features except Steam specific features. The main reason to buy the game would be for steam multiplayer networking, which is much faster than servers. Your ping to my free server will be affected by your proximity to it, my server is hosted on US-WEST. If you live far away I recommend running your own server (this also reduces congestion on my server, so thank you!).
Make sure to download and install Java JDK 25, otherwise the game won't launch. This is just the java runtime since Mazified is coded in java. I do not include the JDK when serving downloads from my own servers as this massively increases the file size that I have to host (the java install is like 90% of the game size lmao).
Make sure to extract the zip file before running the game. Launch the correct file for your platform (Mazified_Launcher_Windows.bat or Mazified_Launcher_Linux.sh).
Windows might give you a security warning, this isn't because it's a virus, it's because the file isn't "signed". Look up what file signing is if you are curious.
Linux - you may need to open a terminal in the root of the extracted folder and run chmod +x Mazified_Launcher_Linux.sh and then re-open the file.
Run your own server for lower latency on server multiplayer. I do run a free server, but your mileage may vary on mine. My free server is hosted in the US-WEST region, so your physical location will determine your ping. You will need to download and install Java JDK 25 as well.