Okay, so… here’s what happened. I was at this gaming thing, PAX East 2025, and stumbled onto something weirdly cool. Shadow Labyrinth. I know, sounds ominous, right? Anyway, it’s this new twist on Pac-Man. Not kidding. Like, what?! But wait, let me back up. Pac-Man, but make it Metroidvania. Interesting, huh?
So, I grab a Switch (because, well, this is what I do at conventions—no judgey eyes please) and it’s running this Shadow Labyrinth thingy at 30 FPS. I’m thinking, “Is this slow motion or my eyes playing tricks?” But the guy on the PC next to me gets it nice and smooth at 60 FPS… Annnd I’m jealous. But, hey, excitement ensues when rumor whispers about Switch 2 handling it at 60 FPS. Fancy that!
Here’s the thing: Bandai Namco’s plonking Pac-Man not as the main guy but as this quirky sidekick role in some twisted maze of platforming challenges. Seriously, I tried hopping around this maddening gauntlet of spinny blades and death traps but kept face-planting. Maybe it’s me? (Note to self: practice solo, not in a busy hall, not surrounded by judging eyes.)
Side comment! Combat—it’s kinda slick. You get this mishmash of dodging and bashing that feels just right. There’s this boss (imagine a giant angry version of your haunted microwave) and once it’s down, poof, you munch it whole like some Pac-tribute, gaining laser powers. Laser tongue! Sounds bizarre, but cool. And then there’s this Dig Dug reference… you literally inflate enemies till they go boom! Can’t make this up.
Then, poof, magic happens. Hidden Namco bits sprinkle the levels—hope we see some Galaga love. Oh, and they’re tossing a black light thingy in with a special edition. Who doesn’t want secret maps glowing in the dark? Freaky but intriguing.
July 18. Mark your calendars, or don’t—I’m not your mom. It’s releasing everywhere… Switch, Xbox, you name it. Price tags? $30 to $60. Maybe skip a couple fancy coffees and grab the shiny version.
So, yeah. Shadow Labyrinth. It’s like twisting the familiar into something oddly fresh. Maybe it’s just me… but I’m feeling kind of hyped. Can’t explain it. But seriously, if you liked Hollow Knight, maybe keep an eye on this one. It’s one of those things that shouldn’t work, but does. Go figure!
