Shadow Labyrinth Reviews
Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania that is also a re-imagining of Pac-Man, taking place in a dark sci-fi world of classic Namco arcade games. The classic Pac-Man gameplay works surprisingly well in this new format. It has a slow start, but once it clicks, you are treated to a great Metroidvania. The difficulty can get quite high, and while not everyone likes that, I loved how rewarding the game felt. It needs a few updates to sort things out, but it's still a great time—I can't stop playing.
Shadow Labyrinth on Nintendo Switch is a strange and surprising game. It works as a remix and delivers a familiar experience, changing its mold. Which is a good thing.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
When all is taken into account, you're in for an exceptional adventure - one that strays far from the classic Pac-Man formula. It’s bound to thrill many players, though it might leave some old-school fans a bit disappointed or at least confused.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth is a bold reimagining of a classic icon, but whilst it offers moments of inventive fun, it mostly stumbles in execution. When it leans into its Pac-Man-inspired mechanics and mixes up the formula, the results are often clever and enjoyable, but unfortunately, too much of the experience is bogged down by uneven pacing and a difficulty that feels more frustrating than rewarding. It’s not a bad game by any means, but it’s hard not to feels disappointed about the missed opportunities within the gameplay and the potential it could have had. For genre fans and curious Pac-Man diehards, it’s worth a look, but it’s hard to recommend when there are simply so many better Metroidvanias out there.
Shadow Labyrinth has some ideas that really connect, but the game they’ve been placed within rarely feels more than serviceable. Once you gain some power-ups and can take advantage of the full suite of abilities you have, it’s fine, but seldom interesting, and, considering how unique its premise is, that’s a problem. There are much worse games in the genre, but there are so many better options available that I expect Shadow Labyrinth will be mostly remembered more for just how weird it is, rather than the journey it offers.
Shadow Labyrinth is a missed opportunity. The concept—reimagining Pac-Man as a dark metroidvania—is bold and intriguing, with promising ideas like mech transformations and classic mazes. But the execution falters: sluggish pacing and minimal character progression make it hard to stay engaged. The level design also takes too long to get interesting, a major flaw for any metroidvania. In the end, it’s an ambitious experiment with untapped potential that needed a stronger push to truly shine.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Debuting a good Metroidvania isn't easy, and Shadow Labyrinth succeeded. Overall, I consider my experience with the game to be good, and I see room for further improvement in several ideas. Furthermore, the protagonist's unique identity could prevent the title from falling into oblivion. Puck is as interesting as the universe in which this story takes place. Running through labyrinths chasing ghosts became even more dangerous in Shadow Labyrinth, which didn't fully deliver, but could be the beginning of a new series that will add a lot to the Metroidvania scene.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth succeeds in the most difficult task: creating a strong identity by reimagining a media icon and more. It is a game made with passion, ideas, and courage, which manages to transform a legend like Pac-Man into a chiaroscuro symbol, tragic and deeply human. Imperfect, true, but one that leaves its mark. A true love letter, deconstructed, to the iconic Pac-Man.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth takes Pac-Man in a bold new direction in a way that feels natural in a weird way. It still maintains much of the original charm we’ve all adored. Even though the game is challenging and asks a lot of you, the rewards make it well worth it. The usage of the UGSF can often be hit or miss.
At a glance, Shadow Labyrinth may just seem like a startingly different take on Pac-Man for shock value, but it still follows the core tenets of the original game: mazes, creature consumption, player choice in navigation, and a power-up in the form of GAIA that effectively swaps the roles of prey and predator. Despite the gameplay systems needing some refinements, Shadow Labyrinth is a genuinely stellar action metroidvania that stands near the genre's best.
Shadow Labyrinth is a traditional Metroidvania, and in its simplicity it doesn't completely overturn the genre's hallmarks: it reworks them to appeal to everyone, without ever truly making it a miracle.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It's not a bad game, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find myself frustrated several times because I saw so much more potential. If you've already exhausted the entire genre, there's plenty to find in 'Shadow Labyrinth.' It just takes a very long time for the game to truly open up.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Shadow Labyrinth isn't a must-play, but it's certainly one of the more unique ones. Those willing to overlook its flaws might uncover a few satisfying surprises in its shadowy corridors. Just don't expect to love every twist and turn.
Shadow Labyrinth is a bold, stylish, and surprisingly emotional reimagining of Pac-Man's legacy that exceeds expectations in nearly every department. A few technical blemishes and pacing issues aside, it's one of the freshest Metroidvania in recent memory.
Shadow Labyrinth is often experimental, surprisingly expansive, and intriguingly designed with easter eggs and secrets deeply buried and coded into its DNA. The game is often at its best when it takes a more linear approach and does come a bit unstuck by its ambition when it tries to take on too much. Despite its challenging difficulty, and some control frustration, there’s a lot to unpack and enjoy with Shadow Labyrinth that makes it a must if you’ve been a long-term fan of the yellow dot and Bandai Namco games, or you’re just looking for an interesting new Metroidvania that tries to do things a little bit differently.
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