Shadow Labyrinth Reviews
Shadow Labyrinth is recommended for all Metroidvania fans looking for original Pac-Man-themed elements. Bandai Namco's latest effort manages to entertain with complex gameplay and a different take on the famous franchise. It's just a shame about the somewhat flawed checkpoint management and some sections that might discourage newcomers.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth isn’t just a good Pac-Man game, it’s one of the most inventive revivals in Bandai Namco’s portfolio. It reimagines a classic without disrespecting it, fusing narrative ambition with tight, thoughtful gameplay. The story may surprise longtime fans, but it never feels forced. It’s a game that asks, what if Pac-Man had something to say, and then gives you the tools to listen and play. However, it feels like it could have been... more? Especially in a genre that's already oversaturated with top-tier indie games.
Shadow Labyrinth is built on a compelling concept—reimagining Pac-Man within a Metroidvania framework—but ultimately struggles to bring that vision to life. Although there are flashes of creativity and thoughtful design, they’re frequently undermined by clunky platforming, uninspired visuals, imprecise combat hitboxes, and a convoluted narrative that fails to captivate. What might have been a bold and refreshing reinvention instead becomes an uneven experience weighed down by its own ambition.
Shadow Labyrinth offers engaging exploration and smart level design but much of the potential is lost to clunky controls, poor hitboxes, and a subpar audiovisual presentation.
Review in German | Read full review
Nostalgia for a character like Pac-Man can only do so much, and I fear the uneven nature of Shadow Labyrinth could prove too off-putting for most.
All in all, Shadow Labyrinth makes for a pretty bog-standard metroidvania. This clever twist on the Pac-Man Maze makes room for some cool ideas, but so much of the best stuff about Shadow Labyrinth gets diluted by straightforward metroidvania design so that it doesn't differentiate itself from the rest of the pack (sorry). Supplemented by awesome translations of classic Namco games, there's still a lot of cool stuff here and there. But frustrating mechanical and meta game choices make it hard to really connect with this world.
Shadow Labyrinth is a surprising twist on the PAC-MAN formula, blending classic maze gameplay with Metroidvania exploration, a curious story, rewarding world design, and enough variety and challenge to keep both newcomers and genre veterans engaged.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
With "Shadow Labyrinth," Bandai Namco delivers a solid Metroidvania that scores highly both in terms of gameplay and atmosphere—more or less regardless of its unusual combination with the "Pac-Man" series.
Review in German | Read full review
The best thing about Shadow Labyrinth is the unusual idea of transforming Pac-Man into a metroidvania and also a minigame that reinvents the classic format we know. The adaptation in itself is successful and the execution delivered a competent game, but one that lacks relevant highlights that make it above average in the genre, marred by unnecessarily long areas and low-quality visuals.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth is a dark and gritty Pac-Man spinoff that somehow manages to be one of the best Metroidvanias in recent memory.
Shadow Labyrinth is a solid 2D Metroidvania and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Its edginess has a lot of spunk and charm, level design is solid, platforming is varied, and progression is paced well. If you dig the idea of PAC-MAN eating people as you explore a world purveyed in turmoil, this one’s worth checking out. ∎
Shadow Labyrinth offers stylish combat and nostalgic nods in a dark sci-fi setting, but stumbles with uninspired level design and a barely-there Pac-Man identity
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth is a great idea. However, poorly defined hitboxes, inconsistent mechanics, and over-inflated difficulty bog down what could have been a great experience.
Shadow Labyrinth is an intriguing and enjoyable take on the Pac-Man franchise. There is a solid Metroidvania there with it, but some design choices hold it back from being a truly great game.
Shadow Labyrinth is not just a reimagining of PAC-MAN—it's an experience that blends nostalgia and modern design within a dark, mysterious, and explorative atmosphere. It’s a solid experience for fans of mystery and metroidvania-style games, but not the ideal choice for those seeking fast-paced action or straightforward storytelling.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
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.
While Shadow Labyrinth may not end up being a part of some folks' Metroidvania Mt. Rushmores like Hollow Knight or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, it stands strong in what it's trying to do despite its issues, and the Pac-Man mechanics lend themselves well to the genre. I'm eager to see how it evolves from here.
Combining elements of soulslike, metroidvania, and the retro charm of Pac-Man, the game delivers a solid, creative, and visually striking experience. The narrative is engaging, filled with mysteries and Easter eggs that will surely please longtime Bandai Namco fans.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth is a bold reinvention of a beloved arcade icon. Bandai Namco delivers a challenging and rewarding metroidvania with great level design, deep combat, and a tough but fair difficulty curve, while its few flaws stem from design choices rather than bugs. A must-play for genre fans, especially those who once roamed arcades decades ago.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth shows that it's possible to explore classic franchises and create something new at the same time. Rather than playing it safe with a remaster of a title, Bandai Namco has taken a risk by completely reimagining one of gaming's most classic titles.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review