Shadow Labyrinth on PlayStation 5 is an ambitious reimagining of PAC-MAN that morphs the arcade icon’s DNA into a dark, atmospheric Metroidvania. Published by Bandai Namco, it’s a bold effort that leans into modern genre staples while preserving subtle traces of its arcade heritage. As Swordsman No. 8, players traverse an alien world with the help of PUCK, a mysterious orb that channels both nostalgia and new lore. The game’s narrative setup is thin on exposition but rich in intrigue, with strong environmental storytelling that slowly peels back layers of a forgotten galactic war.
Gameplay-wise, Shadow Labyrinth successfully blends exploration, platforming, and skill-based combat in a satisfying loop. Initially, it feels methodical and a little slow, especially with limited mobility options and enemies that hit hard. But as new abilities are unlocked, combat becomes fluid and deeply engaging, with an arsenal that rewards experimentation. The devs have smartly implemented mechanics where devouring enemies grants power, adding a clever gameplay rhythm that echoes its PAC-MAN roots without feeling gimmicky. While this transformation mechanic is rewarding over time, some players may find the early hours too punishing or slow to open up.
The game’s labyrinthine world is one of its strongest aspects, full of hidden paths, challenging platforming sections, and meaningful backtracking. Visual storytelling is key here – while dialogue is sparse, the environments speak volumes, and the alien world feels handcrafted rather than procedurally generated. The level design rewards curiosity but can occasionally frustrate with lack of signposting, which may require some patience, especially during the tougher platforming stretches.
Combat builds steadily over time, with a customizable skill set that lets you shape your preferred playstyle. Parrying, slashing, and ranged attacks all feel responsive, and late-game fights are particularly satisfying. However, not every weapon or upgrade feels equally useful, and the lack of a fast-travel system can cause a few pacing issues when backtracking through previously explored zones.
From a visual standpoint, Shadow Labyrinth impresses with a moody aesthetic drenched in shadows and neon glows, invoking comparisons to genre highlights like Hollow Knight and Metroid while establishing its own identity. The environments have a distinct alien decay to them, lending a sense of mystery to every biome. Musically, the game walks the line between eerie minimalism and retro-inspired tracks, though the audio mix sometimes buries sound cues that could be helpful in combat.
In the end, Shadow Labyrinth stands out as a unique twist on a classic franchise – one that dares to reinterpret PAC-MAN not through nostalgia, but through reinvention. While it may not be the most accessible entry point for newcomers to the genre due to its demanding difficulty curve and sparse storytelling, it offers a compelling journey for seasoned fans of Metroidvania titles. With rich world-building, rewarding progression, and a visual identity all its own, this is one retro revival that doesn’t play it safe – and is all the better for it.
Score: 7.6/10
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