Three Key Takeaways:
- Shadow Labyrinth suffers from repetitive combat and vague storytelling, undermining its dark, ambitious tone.
- Exploration is hampered by bland environments, unclear navigation, and slow progression.
- Pac-Man’s reimagining offers intriguing concepts, but most are left underdeveloped or poorly executed.
Bandai Namco’s Shadow Labyrinth, released shortly after Amazon’s Secret Level anthology aired its surprisingly dark Pac-Man: Circle episode, aims to reimagine the iconic pellet-muncher for a new generation. With horror-infused storytelling and Metroidvania-style gameplay, it’s an ambitious attempt to blend nostalgia with modern design. Unfortunately, that ambition falls flat under the weight of frustrating mechanics and a story that confuses more than it compels.
A Promising Setup Undermined by Cryptic, Bloated Storytelling
Shadow Labyrinth places players in the robes of an amnesiac swordsman summoned to assist “Puck” (a twisted version of Pac-Man) in escaping a hostile world. The setup teases mind games, manipulation, and a descent into madness—but the execution is all murky exposition and sci-fi technobabble. There’s little narrative payoff, and players are given minimal agency. Even the United Galaxy Space Force cameos—from Dig Dug to Xevious—feel underused and out of place in a world that never truly comes alive.
Combat Falters With Repetition and Poor Checkpointing
Core gameplay features dodging, basic combos, and stamina-based heavy attacks, but the combat is plagued by issues. Enemy variety is painfully low, and many foes are simply reskinned versions of previous ones. Inconsistent hitboxes, touch damage, and sparse checkpoints make even standard encounters frustrating. Boss fights drag on, emphasizing endurance over tactics, with little strategic depth to speak of. Limited healing options and long respawn routes only add to the tedium.
Also read: 10 Marvel Powerhouses Who Could Have Defeated Thanos in Avengers: Endgame
Exploration and Level Design Offer Glimpses of Potential
Despite the labyrinthine map and occasional platforming puzzles that recall the elegance of Celeste, Shadow Labyrinth struggles with pacing. The early game is overly linear, and even when it opens up, sluggish progression and visually repetitive areas reduce the joy of discovery. Environmental variety is minimal, often cycling through industrial and cave zones with few distinguishing features. Navigating the world becomes a chore, not a thrill.Pac-Man DNA Is Present—But Often Mishandled
There are brief glimmers of creativity, such as sections where players control Puck in classic Pac-Man fashion, complete with “waka waka” sound effects. The Maze dimensions—fast-paced Pac-Man tributes packed with vibrant visuals—are surprisingly fun, albeit constrained by awkward platforming and unclear objectives. However, attempts to blend horror with nostalgia, like Puck’s grotesque post-boss transformations, are relegated to cutscenes rather than integrated into gameplay, squandering much of the concept’s potential.
Conclusion: A Misfire Wrapped in Nostalgia
Shadow Labyrinth had the chance to redefine Pac-Man for a mature audience, especially after the success of Pac-Man: Circle. Instead, it delivers a bloated, frustrating experience with little reward. Despite a few inventive moments and nostalgic nods, it fails to rise above genre mediocrity.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
