Bandai Namco is back in the game, and they’ve twisted their iconic classic into something dark. Set to release on July 18, 2025, for the PS5, Xbox X|S, Switch, and PC, Shadow Labyrinth is a Pac-Man game that’s seen the evils of the world, but you can’t decide if it’s fighting against it or creating it. This 2D-action platformer is weird, moody, and definitely one to look out for if your a fan of the Pac-Man universe.
What’s Going On In The Labyrinth?
In Shadow Labyrinth, you play as a mysterious swordsman named Swordsman No.8 (original, right?)—a soldier suffering from amnesia who’s landed on a planet that is a literal maze. Don’t worry, though; you have a guide! Meet Puck! This mysterious floating entity looks like someone fed Pac-Man a diet of nightmares and neon. The gameplay consists of three things: slicing anything that comes your way, solving the environmental puzzles as Mini Puck, and going full Kaiju as GAIA—Puck’s mega transformation that destroys everything in its way.
This isn’t just a nod to Pac-Man’s maze-running legacy; it’s a full-on reimagining with a focus on action-adventure gameplay. Bandai Nameco used elements from the OG Pac-Man game (arcade) and then broke the dial when it wouldn’t go past 100. It looks like Pac-Man went to Samus for style tips.
It’s All In The Presentation
The Shadow Labyrinth trailer showed a fantastical new world for players to enjoy—dark corridors, glowing hazards, and occasional monologues that make you question the character’s sanity. There’s definitely an atmosphere, and it’s leaning hard into mystery. The bosses look chunky, more detailed version of bosses from older platformers, the actions are flashy but not overwhelming (yay!), and every piece of this world feels like it’s hiding something. I guess our job is to find out what it is.
Also, the music? I’m a sucker for a good beat that gets my blood pumping for these games! It gives off retro-sci-fi chils. If this is what Bandai Namco does when they want to spin their classics into a weird action thriller, we’re 100% here for it.
Why You Should Pay Attention
But, let’s be real for a bit—as much as the idea of Pac-Man getting a mature upgrade, this could end in disaster. But honestly? It looks like it’ll work out unless the devs have done something extremely annoying that makes players swear off Pac-Man all together. The gameplay has way more variety than most revamped retro games, and it delivers on the cryptic teasers, so Shadow Labyrinth might surprise a lot of players out there.
It’s also a refeshing step back from a familiar IP strategies. Bandai Namco isn’t just throwing Pac-Man into a mobile game or party title and calling it a day, no! They’re taking risks! And that might be what they need to stand out into today’s gaming world.
Final Thoughts
Shadow Labyrinth is probably the strangest glow-up Pac-Man has ever seen, but it’s also one of the most indie-like games we’ve ever seen from a major publisher. The trailer’s mix of tight platforming, layered gameplay, and haunting vibes have piqued our interests, and also our anxiety, but in the best way.
With the release set for July 18, the countdown has begun! Whether you’re a seasoned platformer fan or just wondering what the heck a Pac-Man is, Shadow Labyrinth should be one to watch out for. This one could be a surprising hit or a wild ride, at least!
