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Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D action platformer game, based on the concept of the original Pac-Man game. The game is developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in commendation of Pac-Man's 45th anniversary.
Compared to previous Pac-Man material, Shadow Labyrinth departs from the usual colorful, family-friendly tone of the series and features an original, dark and gritty take on the original Pac-Man arcade game's concept. Due to the nature of the game's theme and environment, it lacks the Pac-Man name in its title.
The game was teased on the Pac-Man social media accounts a day prior to The Game Awards 2024, and then formally announced at show. The game is scheduled for release on July 18, 2025.
Plot[ ]
A humanoid creature known as Swordsman No. 8 with no memories awakens from a stasis chamber in an underground complex. He is greeted by a floating yellow droid sphere, PUCK, who is "chosen" as the instrument of its will and guides the swordsman to a giant tower to uncover the mysteries surrounding the alien planet they are trapped in.[1] [2]
Gameplay[ ]
Gameplay of Shadow Labyrinth. The player guides Swordsman No. 8 through a vast labyrinth.
Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D "Metroidvania"-style action platformer where the player controls the unidentified Swordsman No. 8 through a mysterious labyrinth filled with monsters, guided by a droid orb known as PUCK, in order to escape a monster-infested "maze". Swordsman No. 8 must use his sword to defeat the numerous monsters residing within the labyrinth. Throughout the game, Swordsman No. 8 will gain new abilities and items to aid combat and traversal throughout the labyrinth. The Swordsman can fuse with PUCK to power-up and defeat large scale enemies, such as PUCK fusing with Swordsman No. 8 to create a large shadow blot that can devour giant enemy characters. The Swordsman can also turn into a Power Pellet for PUCK and turn into a powerful mech known as GAIA, allowing heavy damage to boss characters. As well as use in combat, the Swordsman can ride PUCK and traverse across neon maze walls, allowing both to scale and safely travel across high and dangerous terrain. The game does not have a set path on progression, allowing the player to explore the game world in any order.[3]
A pre-order bonus DLC which will launch with the game will allow the player to toggle sound effects originating from the original Pac-Man.