Bandai Namco has revealed a new look at Shadow Labyrinth, its upcoming 2D sci-fi action platformer with a surprise twist—it’s heavily inspired by Pac-Man. In celebration of the franchise’s 45th anniversary, the publisher dropped a brand-new “Maze Reveal” trailer today that shows just how deeply the DNA of gaming’s most iconic yellow circle runs through this dark and dangerous world.
A Warrior, A PUCK, and One Hell of a Maze
In Shadow Labyrinth, you play as Swordsman No. 8, a lone soldier navigating a hostile alien planet filled with tight corridors, relentless enemies, and a mysterious talking companion named PUCK. Sound familiar?
That’s because PUCK isn’t just a helpful orb—he’s a manifestation of classic Pac-Man mechanics and energy, reimagined in a sci-fi horror setting. With his help, you’ll devour enemies, escape monstrous threats in maze-like environments, and eventually face off against the game’s giant glitching boss, the G-HOST Bug—a terrifying, corrupted take on Pac-Man’s ghostly nemeses.
Gameplay weaves together traditional platforming and fast-paced action with strategic consumption-based mechanics reminiscent of the original arcade legend. If Pac-Man were a cosmic horror metroidvania, this would be it.
From the Arcades to the Abyss
Shadow Labyrinth isn’t just a Pac-Man homage. According to Bandai Namco, it draws on decades of the publisher’s arcade legacy, with subtle and not-so-subtle references baked into its world design, mechanics, and narrative. Expect a steady drip of reveals leading up to launch, teasing the many inspirations hidden within its dark corridors.
The game will be available in both Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions across all platforms.
PAC-MAN Day Celebration Highlights
Bandai Namco is going all-in for Pac-Man‘s 45th birthday, and Shadow Labyrinth is just the start. Here’s how the company is celebrating:
- Pac-Man Cookbook featuring game-inspired recipes
- Krispy Kreme collab with Pac-Man-themed doughnuts and a 25-cent Original Glazed® dozen promo
- Sports partnerships with the LA Angels and Club América
- A nationwide blood drive with the American Red Cross as part of the “Make imPACt” campaign
Shadow Labyrinth launches July 18, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for most platforms are available now.
