Bandai Namco introduces Shadow Labyrinth: A Sci-Fi Twist on PAC-MAN This July

Introducing Shadow Labyrinth

Get ready to dive into the world of Shadow Labyrinth, the upcoming 2D action platformer from the creative minds at Bandai Namco Studios. Players will step into the shoes of Swordsman No.8, who gets summoned to a mysterious planet by the enigmatic Puck. Together, they’ll embark on a mission that has stumped many before them, uncovering secrets and taking on massive bosses along the way. It’s a daring twist on the classic Pac-Man formula, and it’s sure to excite both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Mark your calendars—this dark adventure lands on July 18, 2025!

A Familiar Face with a Fresh Twist

Now, if you’ve had a peek at Puck, you might notice he bears a striking resemblance to our beloved Pac-Man. And let’s not overlook that jaw-dropping image of a colossal, shadowy Pac-Man devouring a fallen foe! But the inspiration behind Shadow Labyrinth goes deeper than just aesthetics. The team has worked diligently to redefine what it means to be part of the Pac-Man universe, ensuring that every element resonates with the essence of the original.

The iconic maze is perhaps the most recognizable aspect of Pac-Man, second only to the yellow orb himself. In Shadow Labyrinth, we’ve taken that principle and expanded it into a sprawling map that’s essentially a massive maze in its own right. Just like in the classic arcade game, players will need to familiarize themselves with their surroundings to outsmart their enemies. Set against the backdrop of a dark and mysterious planet in the depths of space, the stakes are high—survival means facing tougher challenges as you delve deeper into the labyrinth. Will you make it to the end, or will you become another lost soul in the shadows?

Gameplay That’s Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

When you approach a classic Pac-Man arcade machine, the joystick feels familiar and simple, right? The challenge arises as you navigate through the chaos of dodging ghosts. In Shadow Labyrinth, we wanted to capture that balance. Players will have a variety of actions and weapons at their disposal, but we’re committed to ensuring that controls feel natural and intuitive—like that trusty joystick. Plus, we want to empower players to choose their path, exploring the labyrinth at their own pace.

Shadow Labyrinth features three separate modes of play. As Swordsman No.8, you’ll master the art of weaponry and dodging. Then there’s Mini Puck mode, where you can explore hidden paths that are just out of reach. But the real game-changer is our version of the Power Pellet: GAIA, a formidable robotic giant. With GAIA, players can take down enemies that might otherwise be too tough, break through barriers (think Super Pac-Man), and even consume foes. But just like those beloved Power Pellets, this power isn’t limitless. You’ll need to strategize to “turn the tables” on your enemies.

Eat to Progress, Grow to Dominate

In the spirit of Pac-Man, where eating dots and ghosts is essential to level up, Shadow Labyrinth expands this concept. Here, you can choose to consume enemies instead of simply slashing them down. Each foe you eat will provide different resources, which can be used to enhance your abilities. So, in Shadow Labyrinth, it’s not just about survival; it’s about evolving from prey to apex predator. Are you ready to feast your way to victory?

Meet the G-Hosts

And what about those pesky ghosts? Fear not! Shadow Labyrinth introduces the G-Hosts—parasitic organisms that have taken control of the planet’s monsters and machines, creating terrifying new foes. These encounters serve as epic boss battles, reminiscent of the original arcade game’s antagonists. You’ll face off against G-Hosts inspired by classic Pac-Man ghosts, like Pinky, in twisted and challenging confrontations.

A Shared Universe Awaits

As players navigate the expansive world of Shadow Labyrinth, they’ll also uncover hints that link this game to the broader UGSF (United Galaxy Space Force) timeline. This interconnected universe draws from various Bandai Namco space-themed titles, and you might just spot familiar enemies from the likes of Dig Dug and Bosconian.

So, are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey? Shadow Labyrinth is set to launch on July 18, 2025, and you can pre-order it now for Playstation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam, available in both Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions. Get ready to explore, consume, and conquer!