Set to launch on July 18, 2025, Shadow Labyrinth reimagines the venerable Pac-Man franchise as a dark, Metroidvania-style action adventure. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game celebrates Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary by flipping its bright arcade roots into a moody, sci-fi labyrinth filled with grotesque creatures and cosmic mystery. Players assume the role of “Swordsman No. 8,” guided by Puck, an orb-like companion that basically embodies the Pac-Man we all know and love but drips with unsettling menace. Together, the duo explore winding tunnels, unlock new abilities, and confront both platforming puzzles and bloodthirsty foes in a 2D world powered by the Unity engine.
Gameplay
Shadow Labyrinth blends open exploration with linear arcade-style bursts. Traversal tools such as surface-walking jumps, speed boosts and Puck-powered fusions, allow Swordsman No. 8 to cling to walls and ceilings in homage to maze-running mechanics. When fused, the pair become GAIA, a hulking mecha form capable of devastating enemy hordes. Periodically, the game morphs into “the Maze”. These are episodic arenas where players must consume ghosts in lightning-fast sequences that channel the frenetic energy of Pac-Man Championship Edition 2.
Visuals and audio
Visually, Shadow Labyrinth juxtaposes stark, retro-style corridors against cutting-edge lighting effects. The developers aimed into creating environments that feel ominously alive as well as trigger nostalgia now and then. Deep caverns glow with phosphorescent flora, while neon-lined passages pulse to the beat of ambient electronic, sometimes ‘shredding’, soundscapes. Pac-Man’s iconic “waka waka” cues resurface every so often to underscore key moments in the game. It should reminds players of the series’ past as they venture into uncharted, shadowy depths.
The antithesis of Pac-man
Originally conceived in 2020, the project sought to broaden Pac-Man’s appeal by embracing darker themes and richer world-building. Producer Seigo Aizawa described the game as the “antithesis” of prior Pac-Man titles. Which is a bold creative statement aligned to the 45th anniversary theme of “making an impact.” To drum up anticipation, Bandai Namco released Secret Level: Circle, an animated prequel short on Amazon Prime Video’s anthology series. It introduced Swordsman No. 7 and Puck navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland, setting the stage for the main game’s arrival.
Release Information
Shadow Labyrinth will be available across all major platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The title will launch as a complete experience, with no planned post-launch DLC. This seems a testament to Bandai Namco’s commitment to delivering a self-contained, 30-hour journey right out of the gate. Pre-orders are already live on all digital storefronts.
