Pac-Man, the iconic arcade hero, has always thrived in mazes filled with adversaries. So, the transition to a Metroidvania style in Shadow Labyrinth might not seem like a huge leap. However, this new adventure takes Bandai Namco's beloved character into a dark, sci-fi universe that may surprise casual observers, making it difficult to recognize the classic arcade star within this new context. This side-scrolling Metroidvania closely follows the genre's typical blueprint, allowing players to navigate through a labyrinthine map filled with various pathways, many of which remain inaccessible until new abilities are acquired.
The combat in Shadow Labyrinth begins with a simplistic feel, but as players progress, the introduction of new abilities and upgrades adds layers of complexity. This familiar structure is executed competently throughout the game. The expansive and intricate game map is packed with secrets and unreachable areas, enticing players with the promise of hidden treasures. Like many titles in the Metroidvania genre, Shadow Labyrinth takes some time to gain momentum. Players will find that unlocking new abilities, such as an air dash, parry, and grappling hook, enhances gameplay significantly, though it may take a few hours to reach that stage.
The story initially feels sparse, placing players in the role of Swordsman No. 8, a soul brought into existence by Puck, a floating yellow orb. The overarching mystery of the game's setting—the strange planet you explore—unfolds gradually, but the narrative lacks depth and engagement, often bogged down by an overload of forgettable proper nouns and character names. Therefore, the gameplay and design must carry the weight of the experience. While much of the game adheres to the expected elements of a Metroidvania, the unique touches related to Pac-Man provide a refreshing lift.
Throughout the game, specific locations feature rails that allow players to navigate as Pac-Man, engaging with the environment in a familiar way. This mechanic opens up new areas and introduces a refreshing variety to traversal. Additionally, players can transform into a mech by charging up, a limited-time power-up useful for dispatching enemies or delivering significant damage to bosses. This charging mechanic involves consuming defeated enemies, which also yields resources necessary for purchasing or crafting items and upgrades. Upon defeating a boss, Puck transforms into a nightmarish black-and-red version of Pac-Man and consumes the foe, granting players new abilities. Such elements inject much-needed distinctiveness into Shadow Labyrinth, helping it stand out in an otherwise standard Metroidvania experience.
The game features a variety of environments, including harsh metallic facilities, expansive desert landscapes, and towering trees, offering a visually diverse experience. While some areas exhibit an appealing art style, others may appear blurred or lackluster, giving off a cheap impression. This inconsistency extends to the enemy designs as well—while there are some intriguing foes and bosses, the animation quality and certain character designs can feel underwhelming. For hardcore Bandai Namco fans, however, there are likely to be several Easter eggs and references scattered throughout.
As players delve deeper into the game, they unlock stages that more closely resemble classic Pac-Man gameplay. These arcade-style sequences provide a fun diversion that breaks up the main game’s formula, offering some of the most enjoyable moments in Shadow Labyrinth. However, the high energy and immediate satisfaction of these stages serve to highlight the bloat present in the primary gameplay, which stretches on for tens of hours. While this duration is typical for a Metroidvania, Shadow Labyrinth struggles to maintain the quality necessary to justify such extensive playtime.
Platforming and combat can often feel lackluster. While improvements surface later in the game, thanks to acquired abilities and perks, they never reach the level of precision players might hope for. Additionally, the game's checkpoint system leaves much to be desired, with major save points appearing infrequently. This design choice turns backtracking into a tedious chore, requiring players to traverse large distances to access new items or areas that may not prove particularly rewarding.
Recommending Shadow Labyrinth can be a challenge. Though there are enjoyable elements present, they are often overshadowed by the game's overall mediocrity as a Metroidvania action title. At its best, the game shines when it embraces its Pac-Man roots, but it frequently feels bogged down by conventions of the genre that it struggles to innovate upon. In conclusion, while the title offers moments of fun, players may find themselves yearning for a more polished experience.
