When pondering of reinventing the traditional videogame Pac-Man, there are a couple of methods to go about it. You might make Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures, controlling Pac-Man not directly by pointing him left or proper whereas pelting him with rocks. That’s a nasty interpretation of the character. Or you may flip him right into a supporting character in a Metroidvania named Shadow Labyrinth. That is the extra attention-grabbing possibility.
A preview construct of Shadow Labyrinth was proven off to the press at PAX East 2025. I performed the sport on a Nintendo Swap in handheld mode, whereas one other media member gave it a go on a PC construct utilizing an enormous display screen. The title makes use of an episode of the Amazon present Secret Stage as a prequel, so followers ought to watch that if they need some backstory for the journey. Whereas taking part in, I observed Shadow Labyrinth ran at 30 FPS on Swap, a sadly frequent prevalence for Nintendo’s growing old {hardware}. It ran at 60 FPS on PC. It isn’t a deal breaker, however there’s an emphasis on fight within the recreation, so issues may really feel smoother on different platforms. Fortunately, the Bandai Namco consultant confirmed the title will run at 60 FPS on Nintendo Swap 2.
The demo of Shadow Labyrinth showcased the meat and potatoes of the sport: platforming and fight. Platforming concerned the protagonist (Swordsman No. 8) leaping, double leaping, and dashing from level A to level B. Thrown into the combo have been grapple factors you may connect to and rails you may trip whereas reworking right into a tiny Pac-Man (PUCK), full with pellets to gobble up (and buzz saws to keep away from). There was even a platforming gauntlet part that the Bandai Namco representatives stated we might attempt, however I gave up after a couple of makes an attempt. A conference just isn’t the place to hone one’s abilities; I require full solitude to enhance.
Fight was the opposite component of Shadow Labyrinth that made up the core gameplay. Fortunately, the demo had a transfer checklist onscreen in case you forgot what button does what. You possibly can assault, dodge, heal, shoot, use particular abilities, or flip Pac-Man into a large to devour enemies. Attacking feels good and fluid, and the issue feels excellent, not overly punishing. You possibly can even use a parry as one in all your particular abilities, which was excellent to make the most of in opposition to the massive unhealthy above. It appears to be like like that first boss in Metroid Dread, doesn’t it?
After defeating the boss, I devoured him as much as acquire a laser assault. This proved useful, as the subsequent part had a wall I needed to blast with stated laser to advance. Within the subsequent maze-like space, particular enemies native to that area appeared that might not be killed by your sword. Think about my delight when my colleague found out you had to make use of your grapple hook to pump them stuffed with air till they exploded. That’s proper, there’s an homage to Dig Dug in Shadow Labyrinth. I confirmed with the rep that different Bandai Namco titles will probably be referenced in numerous zones. I hope to see some references for Galaga and Rolling Thunder.
Shadow Labyrinth will launch on July 18 for Nintendo Swap, Nintendo Swap 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection X|S, and Steam. Three totally different editions will probably be obtainable for buy, together with one which comprises a black mild to disclose secrets and techniques on a map! The costs are $30, $40, and $60 for the Commonplace, Deluxe, and Secret Editions. Nabbing the one with the hidden photographs is a steal for lower than $100.
I walked away from my time with Shadow Labyrinth intrigued. A gritty Metroidvania that includes a bevy of Bandai Namco IPs doesn’t sound prefer it ought to work, nevertheless it does. And any recreation with Hole Knight as an inspiration is one to anticipate.
