Shadow Labyrinth Review

Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D action platformer that reimagines the legacy of Pac-Man, first introduced in Amazon’s Secret Level episode, “Pac-Man: Circle.” It follows the journey of Number 8, an enigmatic soul summoned from another dimension by a mysterious entity named Puck.

Together, the pair must navigate an ever-shifting labyrinth and challenge the Almighty, a mechanical deity whose rule is characterized by a brutal regime. Their only hope lies in awakening the Spear of Light within the Black Tower, a legendary weapon capable of taking down the Almighty.

As the story unfolds, players will explore treacherous terrain, unravel Puck’s cryptic motives, and confront the fate of a world. Prepare to wield your blade, embrace the unknown, and descend into the haunting depths of Shadow Labyrinth!

Eat or Be Eaten

Shadow Labyrinth deepens the Pac-Man reimagining by delivering a dark and desolate world filled with monstrous foes and intriguing story beats. Echoing the eerie tone set by the aforementioned Secret Level episode, playing through the early sections of the game should offer clarity to the many questions left from the show, which strengthens the connections between the two.

Players will take control of Number 8, a summoned soul armed with an ESP sword, healing, and dodge mechanics. With Puck’s assistance, players unlock a feature that allows them to devour enemies to absorb their powers, an obvious nod to the trademark Pac-Man mechanic.

Traversing the maze-like regions of the world will require a more on-the-nose representation of Pac-Man, where players will turn into an orb that can scale through railed surfaces and consume Ora pellets that serve as both currency and progression tools.

Shadow Labyrinth‘s save systems include checkpoints for quick recovery and Mira Crystals for upgrading skills and for resurrecting fallen enemies, blending in some soulslike elements into the mix. Although, unlike many genre titles, death carries no penalty. Instead, Number 8 respawns at the nearest save point, offering a more forgiving experience but sacrificing challenge for seasoned players.

Shadow Labyrinth fills in the “action” part of the game with a three-slash combo system and a stun meter, rewarding players who can prioritize timing and technique. One interesting mechanic is that the game will let players choose a playstyle if they favor blocking or parrying, but only activate one at any given time. Blocking generates a force field that drains energy while active, whereas parrying exposes enemies to bonus damage without consuming energy. Parrying certainly has its advantages, which might make it the preferred approach for many.

Players will also gain access to GAIA, which is basically a mechanical beast immune to attacks, capable of devouring foes, and enabling Number 8 to traverse deadly terrain or handle boss battles with ease. While the transformation time is limited, it is long enough for players to take advantage of this powered-up state to conquer obstacles or tough bosses.

The Great Escape

Surprisingly, Shadow Labyrinth is a dense Metroidvania filled with secrets, hidden rooms, and rewarding loot that make exploration worthwhile. As players guide Number 8 through the labyrinth, rare items and stat-enhancing gear can be uncovered, while a roaming trader also offers opportunities to exchange currency and elusive gems for powerful PERKs that allow for deeper character customization.

Boss battles serve as standout set pieces, blending bullet hell mechanics with basic dodging and slashing to create action-packed encounters. These bosses offer great designs that definitely jive with the overall theme and tone of the game, and while some fill almost the whole screen, the challenge level leans on the more accessible side rather than punishing players with extreme difficulty.

Despite its strengths, Shadow Labyrinth isn’t without drawbacks. Platforming inconsistencies get in the way of combat fluidity, particularly in situations where attack mechanics behave differently across surfaces.

Additionally, the lack of death penalties and predictable boss patterns may turn away hardcore Metroidvania fans looking for something a little bit more challenging, especially with the look and feel of the game being as brooding as it is. At some point, Number 8 begins to feel too powerful, stripping most of the challenge away.

Another aspect of the game that falters is in enemy and level design, with limited variety leading to repetitive encounters and reused mid-bosses. Although the claustrophobic maze setting complements the game’s dark themes early on, it begins to feel monotonous in the latter stages.

What elevates Shadow Labyrinth is its compelling narrative and worldbuilding. The story, centered on Number 8 and Puck, will certainly hold your interest, with Thebes’ journal entries painting a fantastic interconnected universe with Bandai Namco’s broader IPs.

The unexpected yet effective integration of Pac-Man adds a familiarity to the experience, transforming the icon into a central figure in a dystopian universe. While the concept could have had less impact, Shadow Labyrinth sustains its momentum through strong storytelling and imaginative design, making this reimagining feel satisfying and fulfilling.

Verdict: Buy It!

Shadow Labyrinth offers a compelling Metroidvania experience that reimagines a classic character in an entirely new light. Though its appeal may vary depending on player preferences, the game delivers an engaging adventure anchored by a strong narrative that hooks players until the end. While later levels may lose some of their initial spark, the journey remains rewarding thanks to its atmospheric design and thoughtful storytelling amidst repetition and the lack of doing something new.

For fans of reinterpreted IPs and rich lore, Shadow Labyrinth is well worth exploring, as it hints at a deeper, interconnected Namco universe begging to be discovered.

*Shadow Labyrinth was reviewed on a PS5 using a review code provided by the publisher.