When pondering of reinventing the basic videogame Pac-Man, there are a number 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 would flip him right into a supporting character in a Metroidvania named Shadow Labyrinth. That is the extra fascinating choice.
A preview construct of Shadow Labyrinth was proven off to the press at PAX East 2025. I performed the sport on a Nintendo Change 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 enjoying, I seen Shadow Labyrinth ran at 30 FPS on Change, a sadly widespread prevalence for Nintendo’s getting older {hardware}. It ran at 60 FPS on PC. It’s not a deal breaker, however there may be an emphasis on fight within the sport, so issues may really feel smoother on different platforms. Fortunately, the Bandai Namco consultant confirmed the title will run at 60 FPS on Nintendo Change 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 would connect to and rails you would journey 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 mentioned we might attempt, however I gave up after a number of makes an attempt. A conference is just not the place to hone one’s expertise; 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 listing onscreen in case you forgot what button does what. You may assault, dodge, heal, shoot, use particular expertise, or flip Pac-Man into a large to devour enemies. Attacking feels good and fluid, and the issue feels excellent, not overly punishing. You may even use a parry as considered one of your particular expertise, which was good to make the most of towards the massive dangerous above. It appears to be like like that first boss in Metroid Dread, doesn’t it?
After defeating the boss, I wolfed him as much as acquire a laser assault. This proved useful, as the following part had a wall I needed to blast with mentioned 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 discovered you had to make use of your grapple hook to pump them filled 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 can be referenced in several zones. I hope to see some references for Galaga and Rolling Thunder.
Shadow Labyrinth will launch on July 18 for Nintendo Change, Nintendo Change 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection X|S, and Steam. Three completely different editions can be accessible for buy, together with one which accommodates a black mild to disclose secrets and techniques on a map! The costs are $30, $40, and $60 for the Customary, 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 sport with Hole Knight as an inspiration is one to anticipate.
