When pondering of reinventing the basic videogame Pac-Man, there are just a few methods to go about it. You might make Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures, controlling Pac-Man not directly by pointing him left or proper whereas pelting him with rocks. That’s a nasty interpretation of the character. Or you possibly can flip him right into a supporting character in a Metroidvania named Shadow Labyrinth. That is the extra fascinating possibility. A preview construct of Shadow Labyrinth was proven off to the press at PAX East 2025. I performed the sport on a Nintendo Swap in handheld mode, whereas one other media member gave it a go on a PC construct utilizing a giant display. The title makes use of an episode of the Amazon present Secret Degree as a prequel, so followers ought to watch that if they need some backstory for the journey. Whereas enjoying, I observed Shadow Labyrinth ran at 30 FPS on Swap, a sadly widespread incidence for Nintendo’s growing older {hardware}. It ran at 60 FPS on PC. It’s not a deal breaker, however there may be an emphasis on fight within the recreation, so issues would possibly really feel smoother on different platforms. Fortunately, the Bandai Namco consultant confirmed the title will run at 60 FPS on Nintendo Swap 2. The demo of Shadow Labyrinth showcased the meat and potatoes of the sport: platforming and fight. Platforming concerned the protagonist (Swordsman No. 8) leaping, double leaping, and dashing from level A to level B. Thrown into the combo had been grapple factors you possibly can connect to and rails you possibly can trip whereas remodeling right into a tiny Pac-Man (PUCK), full with pellets to gobble up (and buzz saws to keep away from). There was even a platforming gauntlet part that the Bandai Namco representatives stated we might strive, however I gave up after just a few makes an attempt. A conference will not be the place to hone one’s expertise; I require full solitude to enhance. Fight was the opposite factor of Shadow Labyrinth that made up the core gameplay. Fortunately, the demo had a transfer record onscreen in case you forgot what button does what. You’ll be able to assault, dodge, heal, shoot, use particular expertise, or flip Pac-Man into an enormous to devour enemies. Attacking feels good and fluid, and the problem feels good, not overly punishing. You’ll be able to even use a parry as one among your particular expertise, which was excellent to make the most of towards the massive dangerous above. It seems to be like that first boss in Metroid Dread, doesn’t it? After defeating the boss, I devoured him as much as achieve a laser assault. This proved useful, as the following part had a wall I needed to blast with stated laser to advance. Within the subsequent maze-like space, particular enemies native to that area appeared that would not be killed by your sword. Think about my delight when my colleague found out you had to make use of your grapple hook to pump them stuffed with air till they exploded. That’s proper, there’s an homage to Dig Dug in Shadow Labyrinth. I confirmed with the rep that different Bandai Namco titles can be referenced in several zones. I hope to see some references for Galaga and Rolling Thunder. Shadow Labyrinth will launch on July 18 for Nintendo Swap, Nintendo Swap 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection X|S, and Steam. Three totally different editions can be out there for buy, together with one which incorporates a black mild to disclose secrets and techniques on a map! The costs are $30, $40, and $60 for the Normal, Deluxe, and Secret Editions. Nabbing the one with the hidden pictures is a steal for lower than $100. I walked away from my time with Shadow Labyrinth intrigued. A gritty Metroidvania that includes a bevy of Bandai Namco IPs doesn’t sound prefer it ought to work, however it does. And any recreation with Hole Knight as an inspiration is one to anticipate.