Remember when Pac-Man’s biggest problem was a ghost named Blinky? Fast-forward to 2025 and Bandai Namco decided that wasn’t nearly dark enough. Enter Shadow Labyrinth — the game where Pac-Man gets a brooding rebrand as a mysterious swordsman guided by a floating orb named Puck (gee, wonder who that looks like). Instead of gobbling pellets in cheerful mazes, you’re slashing through a bleak alien labyrinth dripping with gothic vibes and heavy lore dumps. It’s Pac-Man meets Metroid Dread after a Hot Topic shopping spree.
The Good: Sci-Fi Drip and Maze Nostalgia
Atmosphere that slaps: The environments feel eerie and alive. Eerie temples, alien ruins, and sneaky Namco Easter eggs make exploration satisfying.
- Soundtrack and nostalgia: Moody electronic tracks hit hard, and when those classic “waka-waka” maze segments pop up, the nostalgia is electric.
- Combat and traversal: Sword swings, dodge-rolls, and the over-the-top GAIA mech transformation add flair and depth. It’s the most athletic Pac has ever been.
The Weird (and Not Always Wonderful)
- Story bloat: You’ll need a graduate degree in sci-fi technobabble to follow all the lore. It’s ambitious, but sometimes exhausting.
- Clunky moments: Platforming can feel floaty, and Puck’s rail-grinding mini-games occasionally test your patience.
- Tone whiplash: The game wants to be deadly serious one minute and campy arcade fun the next. The tonal mood swings can be jarring.
But one thing’s clear: Shadow Labyrinth isn’t a lazy nostalgia grab. It’s a bold experiment that’s messy, fascinating, and memorable.
Final Verdict
If you want a weird, atmospheric Metroidvania that’s unlike anything else, Shadow Labyrinth is worth your time. Just go in expecting some clunky jumps and overly dramatic lore dumps. This isn’t your dad’s Pac-Man — this Pac journals about cosmic horror and listens to synthwave playlists at 3 a.m.
Review Score: 7.5/10 – Bold, brooding, and occasionally brilliant (but not for everyone).