Discover Shadow Labyrinth: The Dark, Mind-Bending Pac-Man Metroidvania You Didn’t Expect
The warped grimdark Pac-Man game still hinges on its arcade roots
If you’re curious about a fresh yet twisted take on Pac-Man, Bandai Namco’s new game Shadow Labyrinth might catch your eye. This title flips the classic yellow arcade icon into a dark, sprawling Metroidvania adventure filled with eerie mazes, bizarre monsters, and deep lore. It’s a bold move that tries to blend nostalgia with modern game design.
- A neon-lit, grimdark reinterpretation of Pac-Man in a Metroidvania style
- Exploration-heavy gameplay with cryptic story elements and challenging bosses
- Mix of classic arcade maze segments and contemporary action-adventure mechanics
- Released July 18 on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S
From arcade simplicity to a complex labyrinth
Shadow Labyrinth takes the simple concept of Pac-Man—eat dots, avoid ghosts—and spins it into a *dark, sci-fi journey*. You play as Swordsman No. 8, lost in a world of techno ruins and shadowy caves. Your sidekick? Puck, a robotic companion inspired by Pac-Man’s iconic shape. Together, you dive into a story packed with retro gaming Easter eggs and cryptic lore, including mech bosses called G.HOSTs and nods to unexpected titles like Splatterhouse.
The narrative intentionally feels confusing at times, with mysterious aliens and poetic logs that encourage you to get lost in the maze rather than rushing through. This design echoes the atmospheric mystery found in games like Elden Ring, where much is left unsaid, and players fill in the gaps themselves.
Exploration and challenge go hand in hand
If you love getting lost in dense maps, Shadow Labyrinth delivers. The game features non-linear paths, secret areas, and no mission markers, which can be both exciting and frustrating. Movement involves grappling mechanics that require precise timing—miss the mark, and you might meet a quick demise. Rail sections add variety but can be tricky to master, with obstacles that demand careful navigation.
Combat is where the game shines with multiple layers of strategy. Managing an ESP gauge that acts as both stamina and magic points forces you to balance offense and defense. You can unleash special attacks, dodge, or even transform into a giant mech once powered up. Defeating bosses requires more than just button mashing; it’s about timing and resource management.
On the downside, the parry system feels unreliable and was quickly abandoned by many players. Still, the combat overall offers satisfying depth and challenge.
Classic arcade moments shine brightest
Despite all the new twists, the best parts of Shadow Labyrinth are those that bring you back to the original Pac-Man experience. The game includes side challenges that recreate the frantic, dot-chomping action of the arcade classic. These sequences are abstract and vibrant, filled with neon colors and pounding beats, capturing the urgency and simplicity that made Pac-Man timeless.
These mini-games stand out because they don’t over-explain or overcomplicate—they let you enjoy pure arcade fun without worrying about story or mechanics. It’s a reminder that sometimes less really is more.
Final thoughts
Shadow Labyrinth is a *weird and ambitious* experiment that tries to honor Pac-Man’s legacy while pushing it into new territory. It’s not perfect—some design choices feel forced, and the story can be overwhelming—but it’s never boring. If you’re into Metroidvanias, retro vibes, and don’t mind a bit of confusion, it’s worth a look.
The game launches on **July 18** for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S. If you want to dive into a neon-lit, grimdark maze with a robotic Puck by your side, Shadow Labyrinth might just be the strange adventure you didn’t know you needed.
