Sure thing, let’s dive into this. Imagine Pac-Man, yeah that little yellow muncher, getting a whole new gig. Not just running a maze but joining something like, I don’t know, a Metroidvania? Okay, picture this: someone says, “Hey, let’s make Pac-Man 2!” and instead of dodging ghosts, you’re chucking rocks to guide him left or right. Weird, right? But not what we’re talking about here. That’s an odd take. Anyway, let’s get back on track.
Shadow Labyrinth. Heard of it? I got my hands on this demo at PAX East 2025. Fun times. So there I am, sitting with a Nintendo Switch in handheld while the dude next to me – probably another caffeine-hyped journo – is eyeballing a PC setup. Maybe he wanted the big screen. So, this game is tight with the Amazon show Secret Level, which means if you wanna know why you’re swatting at demons, you might wanna binge that first. For real, it’s like homework for gamers.
Quick geek-out moment: Shadow Labyrinth on Switch is running at this “cool” 30 FPS. I mean, gotta love Nintendo, but sometimes it’s like they’re stuck in the past. Meanwhile, Mr. Big Screen PC is floating on a smooth 60 FPS. Honestly, not a deal breaker, but when you’re mid-battle and things get real, smooth feels better. Side note, and get ready for this – Switch 2 (yes, the sequel to the switchy switch) will hit that sweet 60 FPS mark.
Let’s hit pause and talk about meat and potatoes – platforming, combat, and the goodies. You’re Swordsman No. 8, a name that screams “protagonist.” Jump, dash, get from A to B like a parkour champ. Now throw in some hooks, rails, and surprise – oh, look, you’re a mini Pac-Man devouring pellets. Fun and slightly chaotic. There were buzz saws, which, no surprise, I’ve decided are no one’s best friend. They had a challenge section – full-on gauntlet mode – and maybe it was the crowds, the noise, or my avocado toast kicking in, but I bailed. Skills need peace!
Combat time! Basically, you’re juggling moves like a pro once you remember what buttons do what (thank you, onscreen move list). We’re talking attacks, dodging, healing – a dance with danger, if you will. And turning into a mega Pac-Man to chomp enemies? That’s just chef’s kiss. Let’s not forget the parry move – handy against big ugly bosses. I swear one looked like it moonlighted from Metroid Dread.
So I dusted off the boss, went all Pac-Man and munched him to gain a laser move. Why? Because next, I was zapping walls and feeling like a superhero. Then, outta nowhere, special enemies pop up. Can’t slice ‘em, so what do you do? If you’re me, you slack off until your buddy figures out it’s time for the ol’ grapple hook trick. Pump these baddies full of air till they pop – Dig Dug style! More cheers when we discovered other Bandai Namco winks and nods were scattered around. Hoping for Galaga, fingers crossed.
On July 18, Shadow Labyrinth is dropping not only for Switch, but its sequel, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series magic, and Steam. Three rad editions, one that comes with a black light – secrets revealed, anyone? Price tags hang at $30, $40, and the full $60 for the map-loving fans who want it all.
All said and done, Shadow Labyrinth has caught my curiosity. Somehow, this blend of gritty maze-running Metroidvanian madness with beloved Bandai Namco faces just works. Hollow Knight lovers, take note, because you might just dig this ride.
