So, picture this: you’re pondering a new spin on Pac-Man. Classic, right? But what if instead of the usual, there’s this wild game called Shadow Labyrinth? Okay, there’s Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures, where you chuck rocks to steer him left and right—honestly, not the best take, if you ask me. Anyway, Shadow Labyrinth sounds way cooler. Seriously.
So, I got a sneak peek of Shadow Labyrinth at PAX East 2025. Played it on my Nintendo Switch in handheld mode—while this other dude was on a PC with a huge screen. Random fact: it’s got this Amazon show, Secret Level, tied in as a prequel. No idea why that’s interesting, but it kinda is. The Switch version rolls at 30 FPS, kinda meh compared to the PC’s 60 FPS. But don’t worry, the rep promised it’ll hit 60 FPS on the upcoming Switch 2. Hallelujah.
Oh, this game? Total mash-up of platforming and combat goodness. Remember Swordsman No. 8? He’s doing double jumps, dashes, and swinging from grapple points like nobody’s business. And get this—every now and then, you’re this mini Pac-Man munching pellets and dodging buzz saws. Tried a gnarly platforming section, nearly rage-quit. I’d need a hermit cave to nail all those moves, for real.
Combat, though—pretty slick. Grateful for the move list on-screen, ’cause I’m forgetful. Attack, dodge, heal—all the jazz. Felt smooth, not like getting pummeled over and over. There’s this parry move—I swear it saved my hide against a boss that reminded me of something out of Metroid Dread. I’m not even kidding.
Then, you vaporize the boss with a laser move and smash through a wall. Totally satisfying. Hit a snag with these quirky regional enemies—couldn’t just slash them. Then, boom! My buddy hooks one, pumps it up like a crazy balloon, and pop, it’s gone. A total Dig Dug nod, so they say. Wonder what other games they’ll nod to? Holding out for a Galaga cameo.
Mark your calendars, my friends: July 18, Shadow Labyrinth drops. Pretty much everywhere worth playing—Switch, PS5, Xbox, you name it. Three editions up for grabs. And wait, one has a black light for secret map stuff? Twenty bucks says I’m gonna buy that.
Left the demo all hyped. Who’d think mashing Bandai Namco’s gigs into a gritty Metroidvania would work? But it truly does. And any game tipping its hat to Hollow Knight? I’m so in.
