Shadow Labyrinth Successfully Takes Pac-Man Into Metroidvania Territory - Preview

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When Bandai Namco first showed off Shadow Labyrinth, I was confused. I understood the concept of the game and its metroidvania roots, but the connection to Pac-Man was an odd one. I wasn't exactly sure how the classic Pac-Man could be reborn into a darker, hardcore 2D action platformer. And yes, seeing a little yellow ball that resembles Pac-Man flying around you and watching a giant shadow-like Pac-Man erupt from your mouth to devour objects in front of you is very jarring. Yet, I was given a chance to actually play the game, and by the end of my time, I was sold on Bandai Namco's vision.

Recently, I had the chance to try Shadow Labyrinth and see how the game is first-hand, and it was much better than what I was expecting initially. I played through two portions in my time with it, a longer 1.5 hour-ish section going through a cave and lab system, solving puzzles, checking out a town, and fighting a boss, and a short, tougher boss battle to showcase how difficult the game could get.

First off, I just want to praise the art direction and atmosphere. I love the darker setting for a game like this, and it works so well with the art style to create a creepy world that is enjoyable to run through. The mix of darker undertones and vibrant colors pairs with the 2D artwork wonderfully. I am a sucker for atmosphere and vibrant colors, so Shadow Labyrinth just popped to me the second I booted it. The scenery just pops without bringing in a cheerful vibe, and I was all in.

I also love how the game was translated from Pac-Man to what it is now. The reimagining of our titular yellow-ball protagonist is interesting, while the ghosts getting their new looks is really interesting. At the end of the first, longer portion, I got to fight the pink ghost who was controlling this crazy machine trying to kill me.

The game definitely has a nice mix of combat, puzzles, and progression, which didn't feel overwhelming. The gameplay and controls are very tight, to the point where I felt how precise my platforming needed to be. It just highlighted how much I suck at timing my jumps and figuring out where I have to land, but when I finally did, it was so satisfying. Combat was just a tight, using a mix of light attacks, special abilities, and dodging to take down all the enemies I encountered.

One thing I really appreciate is actually my little Pac-buddy. The yellow Pac-Man-like orb that floats around with me also goes out and eats up whatever the enemies drop, so I don't have to go over and collect them. It made fighting more enjoyable without me fearing I would miss out on any drops, especially as some fell to a different platform, and I did not want to go backtracking to get one orb. These are currency that can be used to purchase upgrades and such, so I very much wanted all of them if I could.

I will say that I got a little lost when going through the puzzle section, but after careful planning, I was able to figure out the solution. It didn't take me nearly as long as I thought it would, and I felt the puzzle was well thought out. On top of the solid puzzles and platforming, the enjoyable combat helped round out the gameplay to make it overall a blast. It's definitely a difficult game though, and combat can be brutal, but it never felt impossible, which I appreciated.

When I first heard of Shadow Labyrinth, I was a little worried, but the preview event left me confident that Bandai Namco knows what they are doing. The artstyle is brilliant and I love the combat and puzzles, even though it can be difficult. There's so much to be excited about that I immediately wishlisted the game after playing through the preview, and I can't wait for the release.

Shadow Labyrinth can be pre-purchased for $29.99 ahead of its July 17th release.

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