When considering of reinventing the basic videogame Pac-Manthere are just a few methods to go about it. You would make Pac-Man 2: The New Adventurescontrolling Pac-Man not directly by pointing him left or proper whereas pelting him with rocks. That’s a foul interpretation of the character. Or you might flip him right into a supporting character in a Metroidvania named Shadow Labyrinth. That is the extra attention-grabbing choice.
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 a giant display screen. The title makes use of an episode of the Amazon present Secret Degree 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 older {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 combination had been grapple factors you might connect to and rails you might 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 may attempt, however I gave up after just a few makes an attempt. A conference will not be the place to hone one’s abilities; I require full solitude to enhance.
Fight was the opposite factor 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 an enormous 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 good to make the most of in opposition to the massive unhealthy above. It appears like that first boss in Metroid Dreaddoesn’t it?
After defeating the boss, I wolfed him as much as achieve 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 would not be killed by your sword. Think about my delight when my colleague discovered 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 You dew in Shadow Labyrinth. I confirmed with the rep that different Bandai Namco titles will likely be referenced in several zones. I hope to see some references for They present and Rolling Thunder.
Shadow Labyrinth will launch on July 18 for Nintendo Swap, Nintendo Swap 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Sequence X|S, and Steam. Three totally different editions will likely be accessible for buy, together with one which accommodates a black gentle 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, but it surely does. And any recreation with Hole Knight as an inspiration is one to anticipate.
