Shadow Labyrinth

Shadow Labyrinth is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and set for release on July 18, 2025. While it is part of the long-running Pac-Man series, it represents a bold reimagining of the franchise, shedding the bright, arcade-style aesthetic in favor of a darker, story-driven experience. In this game, players take on the role of “Swordsman No. 8” and navigate a massive, maze-like world filled with enemies, platforming challenges, and unlockable abilities. With its heavy emphasis on exploration and progression, many have categorized it as a Metroidvania, a genre known for interconnected worlds and ability-based exploration.

Gameplay in Shadow Labyrinth blends familiar mechanics from the Pac-Man universe with modern action-adventure design. The player is guided by an orb named Puck, who can fuse with the swordsman to allow traversal across walls and ceilings, mimicking the classic Pac-Man movement style. The game also introduces GAIA, a large mech form the player can use to take on massive foes. Occasionally, the game shifts into an arcade-style maze mode, requiring players to eat ghosts in a nod to Pac-Man Championship Edition 2. This fusion of traditional and contemporary gameplay aims to create a unique experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Development of Shadow Labyrinth began in 2020, with the goal of expanding the Pac-Man audience by offering a darker, more mature take on the series. The development team, which includes Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada, focused on three original concepts from the very first Pac-Man game: the maze, the act of consuming enemies, and sudden shifts in gameplay. To reflect this tonal and thematic shift, the game’s title deliberately omits the Pac-Man name, inviting players unfamiliar with the series to approach it with a fresh perspective.

A key part of the game’s identity lies in its art direction and lore. The developers describe the game’s atmosphere as inspired by an “Ice Age” theme, featuring enemies that are not just ghosts but monstrous native creatures from the game’s world, as well as hybrid beings fused with entities from other realms. This move further distances the game from its arcade roots, positioning Shadow Labyrinth as a more intense and atmospheric experience. The story is also expanded through a prequel episode of the series Secret Level, titled “Circle”, which introduces “Swordsman No. 7”, a predecessor to the game’s main character.

Shadow Labyrinth was officially revealed during The Game Awards 2024 and later spotlighted during a Nintendo Direct in early 2025. As part of the 45th anniversary of the original Pac-Man, the game aims to make a significant impact by offering a complete, standalone experience. No downloadable content or post-launch expansions are planned. The project’s producers view this bold reimagining as a celebration of Pac-Man’s legacy, by turning expectations on their head and delivering something both familiar and entirely new.