Shadow Labyrinth Review
Summary: Shadow Labyrinth is a sold Metrovania experience but fails a little on its execution.
3.5
Pac is Back!
Bandai Namco has genuinely thrown us a curveball with Shadow Labyrinth, a game that takes the beloved Pac-Man universe and spins it into a surprisingly dark and gritty Metroidvania. This isn’t your typical arcade spin-off as it’s a moody, sci-fi action-adventure that attempts to fuse classic nostalgia with modern gameplay ambition. But does this bold reimagining work? Read on!
In Shadow Labyrinth, you awaken as Swordsman No. 8, a silent protagonist guided by PUCK a sentient yet nefarious yellow orb that evokes Pac-Man’s iconic form, albeit with a cryptic and unsettling twist. The story unfolds through fragmented lore and environmental clues, hinting at a long-lost intergalactic conflict. While the narrative aims for depth, it often leans into ambiguity, leaving players piecing together a plot that can feel more cryptic than compelling. Fans of Namco’s broader universe may appreciate the “dark timeline” concept, but newcomers might struggle to connect with its scattered storytelling.
However at its core, Shadow Labyrinth delivers a solid Metroidvania experience, emphasizing exploration, ability progression and melee combat. The combat system offers satisfying moments, especially when transformations like GAIA (a powerful mech form) or Mini PUCK (a nimble maze-navigator) come into play. These shifts in playstyle are creative and inject bursts of variety, with Mini PUCK segments offering charming nods to Pac-Man’s arcade roots.
However, the execution isn’t always smooth as combat can feel clunky at times, with inconsistent hit detection and stiff movement. Difficulty spikes appear abruptly and resource management, especially for transformations can feel more punishing than strategic. While the game’s ambition is clear, its mechanics occasionally lack the polish needed to fully deliver on their promise. It’s an interesting premise and while it misses the gaming high, it still delivers that Metroidvania style of play well on both a PC and the Steam Deck which it is verified on.
Graphics & Audio
Visually, Shadow Labyrinth embraces a gothic sci-fi aesthetic that suits its tone well. Environments range from decaying alien ruins to sleek tech fortresses, creating a sense of scale and foreboding. Yet, despite strong art direction, some areas feel visually repetitive and the overall presentation doesn’t always match the richness of its gameplay concept. The sound design, on the other hand, is a standout. A haunting score sets the mood beautifully and the nostalgic chimes during Mini PUCK segments offer delightful callbacks to Pac-Man’s legacy. These audio touches elevate the experience and help ground the game’s identity.
Final Thoughts?
Shadow Labyrinth is a bold experiment by its developer and one that still deserves credit for its creativity and willingness to push boundaries. It offers a fresh, darker take on a beloved franchise, blending classic elements with modern genre conventions that almost suceeds. But while its ideas are intriguing, the execution is uneven and its narrative and gameplay may not resonate with everyone. However if you’re a Metroidvania enthusiast looking for something different, or a Pac-Man fan curious about a radically new direction, Shadow Labyrinth is worth exploring. Just be prepared for a journey that’s as mysterious and fragmented as the labyrinth itself.
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