After 45 years since Pac-Man first appeared, Bandai Namco is finally addressing a long-standing question: “What if it were a 2D Metroidvania?” If you’ve been curious about this, your wait is almost over. The answer arrives with Shadow Labyrinth,set to launch on July 18.
At PAX East 2025, we got a sneak peek of the game and spoke with Seigo Aizawa, the producer at Bandai Namco. He explained how this new version stays true to Pac-Man’s essence despite its gritty Metroidvania style and challenging boss battles. While it may look different, players will still enjoy the classic maze-running experience they know and love.
Explore the New Maze
In Shadow Labyrinth, players find themselves in an unfamiliar world filled with dangers. They are guided by a creature resembling Pac-Man that provides abilities necessary for survival in this harsh environment. To better understand what lies ahead, viewers can watch Amazon’s episode of Secret Level, which serves as a prequel to the game.
Aizawa shared that their goal was to attract new fans: “We wanted to create something fresh,” he said. “Our aim was to engage those who have never played Pac-Man before.” The idea of “Dark Pac-Man” emerged during development; combining dark themes with maze exploration fits perfectly within the Metroidvania genre.
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This game moves quickly for its genre; every action requires careful thought. However, at its core, Shadow Labyrinth remains true to what makes Pac-Man special. Players navigate through intricate environments instead of viewing them from above as in conventional games.
the familiar act of eating everything returns but takes on a darker twist here. After defeating enemies, players can transform into a powerful form that allows them to consume foes for new abilities—a design choice meant to highlight three key elements associated with Pac-Man: eating, mazes, and power-ups.
Your companion also has unique skills while traversing these mazes. Some paths feature rails that require you to become that iconic yellow sphere from earlier games—though these rails are fraught with traps designed to hinder your progress! Evading these dangers becomes essential for survival.
Connections Within Gaming History
The setting of Shadow Labyrinth connects back into familiar territory while introducing fresh elements. Bandai Namco utilizes their Universal Gaming Simulation Framework (UGSF) narrative device across many titles they produce—this connection adds depth and familiarity throughout various games in their lineup.
During my demo session's conclusion after defeating one major boss character I stumbled upon an Easter egg referencing Dig-Dug along with some nostalgic music!
Aizawa noted how interconnected all these titles are thanks largely due UGSF framework; while Shadow Labyrinth takes place far into future compared previous installments like Dig Dug which occurred thousands years prior! As gamers advance through storyline remnants other beloved franchises will appear occasionally serving either subtle nods or playing larger roles within plot itself.
The gameplay experience thus far has been impressive based on my time spent exploring it! There exists clear progression typical found within Metroidvanias allowing unlocking numerous new skills altering player capabilities significantly over time.
Boss encounters provide thrilling challenges against formidable foes alongside platforming sections feeling almost like separate mini-games altogether—all aspects working harmoniously together creating enjoyable experience overall surprising given unconventional nature initial concept presented here!
While maintaining dark edgy tone throughout journey taken via Shadow labyrinth retains strong ties original pac-man identity making sure fun remains priority even amidst chaos encountered along way! This bold attempt aims capture wider audience introducing innovative take beloved franchise—and judging by early impressions Bandai Namco might just succeed delivering something truly unique!
< p >< em > Shadow labyrinth launches July eighteen across multiple platforms including PC PlayStation five Xbox series X/S Nintendo Switch plus upcoming Nintendo Switch two!
