At Bandai Namco Studios, we’re thrilled to introduce our upcoming 2D action platformer, Shadow Labyrinth. In this game, players take control of Swordsman No.8, who finds himself summoned to a mysterious planet by the enigmatic Puck. Together, they embark on a mission that has seen many others fall before them. As they navigate the unknown, they’ll unearth secrets and face off against immense bosses in a battle for survival. This game dares to explore a darker take on the classic Pac-Man theme, promising an innovative experience that both seasoned fans and newcomers to the PAC universe will find captivating. Expect Shadow Labyrinth to emerge from the shadows on July 18.
If you’ve noticed, Puck bears a striking resemblance to Pac-Man. Imagine a colossal, ominous Pac-Man devouring a fallen adversary—Shadow Labyrinth draws deeply from the essence of Pac-Man, built meticulously by our team to redefine what it means to belong to this iconic series.
When you think of Pac-Man, visualizing the iconic maze is almost second nature. It’s not just the character that defines the game; it’s the maze that pulls you in. We wanted this same immersive feel in Shadow Labyrinth, where the map itself is a grand maze sprawled across a mysterious planet. Just like the classic Pac-Man, understanding this labyrinth is key to overcoming your foes. While the arcade game had its maze set in darkness, Shadow Labyrinth takes this concept further, setting our story adrift in the dark expanse of space, adding layers of challenge with each descending level. Your mission? Reach the end or risk being consumed in the attempt.
Controlling Pac-Man in the arcades is simple; all it takes is a joystick. Yet, as you delve deeper into each level, navigating around those Ghosts ramps up the tension. In Shadow Labyrinth, we’ve included a range of actions and weapons for players, but we aimed to keep player controls instinctive, much like that single arcade joystick. We empower players with choice, allowing them to determine their exploration path. And, akin to Pac-Man, as the action in Shadow Labyrinth intensifies, our approachable control scheme ensures a deeply engaging experience akin to the original arcade charm.
Shadow Labyrinth encompasses three distinctive modes of play. As Swordsman No.8, weapon mastery and nimble dodging become your forte. Mini Puck mode, on the other hand, is all about venturing into secret and otherwise unreachable areas. These modes feel quintessentially Pac-Man, but our third mode is akin to a Power Pellet on steroids: GAIA, the robotic titan with immense power. With GAIA, players can level otherwise formidable adversaries, break through barriers (a nod to Super Pac-Man), and even consume foes. However, like the Power Pellet, this power is finite and demands strategic use to shift the tide against your enemies.
In Pac-Man, relentless eating of Dots, Power Pellets, and Ghosts is key to advancement. Shadow Labyrinth builds on this, where not only is eating a means of defeating enemies, but it also serves to empower you. Instead of merely slicing your adversaries, you can choose to consume them, reaping resources unique to each foe. These resources allow you to enhance and evolve your abilities, propelling your transformation from prey into the master predator.
But what about the Ghosts? Fear not. In Shadow Labyrinth, you face G-Hosts—twisted parasitic creatures that commandeer monsters and machines, creating formidable new threats. These confrontations evolve into epic boss battles reminiscent of the original game’s arch-nemeses. Expect to come up against G-Hosts inspired by the likes of Pinky, who until now has remained elusive, transformed into formidable bosses.
Though rooted in the rich legacy of the genre and infused with Pac-Man’s DNA, eagle-eyed players have already pieced together that Shadow Labyrinth exists within the broader narrative of the UGSF (United Galaxy Space Force) timeline. This shared universe ties many of Bandai Namco’s space-themed games together. As you traverse the expansive world map of Shadow Labyrinth, you’ll encounter enemies that carry familiar traits from series like Dig Dug and Bosconian.
Mark your calendars—Shadow Labyrinth arrives on PlayStation 5 on July 18!
