Bandai Namco Studios is gearing up for the release of “Shadow Labyrinth,” a gripping 2D action platformer that puts players in control of Swordsman No. 8, who is whisked away to an enigmatic planet by the mysterious character, Puck. Together, they navigate a world filled with secrets and colossal bosses, all while trying to complete a mission where many have previously failed. The game seeks to redefine the Pac-Man legacy by venturing into darker realms, promising a distinctive experience that both new and seasoned PAC enthusiasts will be eager to dive into when it makes its debut on July 18.
It’s hard not to notice the striking resemblance between Puck and Pac-Man, and in “Shadow Labyrinth,” you’ll witness a daunting, shadowy Pac-Man devouring fallen adversaries. But don’t be fooled; the Pac-Man inspiration here runs deeper than appearances. Our team passionately focused on what it truly means to craft a Pac-Man game from the ground up.
The maze, second only to the fame of Pac-Man himself, is a cornerstone of the franchise. Our goal was to translate this aspect into a broader experience where not only the characters but also their surroundings play a critical role. The alien planet, when viewed from a distance, unfolds into a vast maze reminiscent of the original game’s setting. Set against a backdrop of deep space darkness, “Shadow Labyrinth” intensifies these challenges. The further you delve, the tougher survival becomes. You’re in it to reach the finale or be consumed in the process.
Approaching a traditional Pac-Man arcade cabinet presents you with just a joystick—a simple interface for guiding Pac-Man. However, as you advance through each stage, expertly dodging ghosts becomes a test of skill. In “Shadow Labyrinth,” players are armed with an array of weapons and abilities, yet the controls retain an intuitive feel. We wanted to echo that straightforward charm and offer players the freedom of choice regarding their exploratory paths. Like in its arcade predecessor, the game’s action cranks up to a fever pitch, blending straightforward controls with a dynamic exploration that draws players right into the heart of the maze.
“Shadow Labyrinth” introduces three distinct modes of play. With Swordsman No. 8, you’ll be engaged in strategic combat and dexterous dodging. The Mini Puck mode shifts focus to uncovering hidden paths, staying true to Pac-Man’s exploratory legacy. The third mode, akin to the iconic Power Pellet, features GAIA—a towering robotic ally capable of unleashing immense force. GAIA devastates strong foes, shatters barriers, and can even consume enemies. However, like a Power Pellet, its force isn’t limitless, requiring strategic use to “turn the tables” on your foes.
At its core, Pac-Man is about consuming—whether it’s dots, power pellets, or ghosts. We wanted to push this concept further in “Shadow Labyrinth.” Not only can you eat your enemies for victory, but doing so yields resources crucial for evolving and strengthening your character. This shift from prey to predator mirrors the quintessential Pac-Man experience but with a fresh twist.
Worried about running into familiar ghostly foes? Fear not. In “Shadow Labyrinth,” sinister G-Hosts have taken over the planet’s creatures and machinery, resulting in formidable adversaries worthy of the original ghosts. They’ll challenge you in epic boss battles inspired by classic Pac-Man ghosts, including a yet unrevealed take on Pinky.
The game draws inspiration from a rich lineage of genre-defining games, while seamlessly integrating elements from Pac-Man’s DNA. Observant players will notice subtle hints linking “Shadow Labyrinth” to the UGSF (United Galaxy Space Force) timeline, a shared universe weaving through many of Bandai Namco’s space-centric games. Venturing through this expansive map, you might encounter foes reminiscent of the Dig Dug and Bosconian series, among others.
“Shadow Labyrinth” lands on the PlayStation 5 starting July 18, promising an exciting addition to the gaming landscape.
