Shadow Labyrinth, Pac-Man’s Sci-Fi Metroidvania, Launches July 18, 2025
Bandai Namco reveals a darker, exploration-driven take on its iconic franchise during Nintendo Direct, showcasing innovative mechanics and a mysterious storyline.
- Shadow Labyrinth reimagines Pac-Man as a side-scrolling Metroidvania set in a dark sci-fi world, departing from its traditional arcade roots.
- The game introduces unique mechanics like Phase Shifting, allowing players to switch control between the Swordsman and Puck, a yellow sphere inspired by Pac-Man's original name.
- Players can merge with Puck to form the Gaia Form, a powerful mech that enhances combat abilities against formidable enemies.
- Character progression includes consuming enemies to unlock perks, adding depth to exploration and gameplay.
- The narrative follows a protagonist waking up with no memory in a hostile alien maze, tying into Amazon's 'Secret Level' series as part of a broader storytelling initiative.