Shadow Labyrinth Review: Pac-Man’s Bizarre New Adventure on Nintendo Switch

Shadow Labyrinth Review: Pac-Man’s Bizarre New Adventure on Nintendo Switch Pac-Man is no stranger to reinvention, but few transformations are as striking as Shadow Labyrinth—Namco’s latest experiment with the iconic character.

Released for Nintendo Switch in 2024, Shadow Labyrinth transports the classic yellow hero from maze-chasing ghosts to the atmospheric caverns of a dying planet, delivering a bold 2D action-platformer that aims to shake up both Pac-Man’s legacy and the expectations of genre enthusiasts. Developed by Namco, Shadow Labyrinth departs dramatically from the traditional Pac-Man formula.

Instead of navigating familiar mazes, players step into the shoes of Swordsman No.

8, a prisoner mysteriously rescued by a robotic Pac-Man called PUCK.

The narrative quickly becomes unconventional, beginning with a mech battle and weaving through cryptic cutscenes and enigmatic characters.

As the adventure unfolds, it becomes clear that PUCK’s mission is tied to the fate of the world, with the player’s role shrouded in intrigue. While Shadow Labyrinth’s storytelling is ambitious—throwing players headfirst into its surreal universe—some may find the narrative disjointed.

The presentation introduces inventive elements to Pac-Man lore, but the plot struggles to maintain a steady rhythm, potentially leaving players searching for greater coherence.

As one reviewer put it: the developers deserve praise for expanding Pac-Man’s world, but the story could have been delivered in a more engaging manner. Gameplay marks a stark departure from Pac-Man’s roots.

Gone are the constricted mazes and familiar ghosts; in their place are sprawling, Castlevania-inspired environments populated with inventive enemies.

Players will jump, dodge, and fight their way through a gauntlet of linear stages.

Leveling up occurs at checkpoints and in-game shops, allowing the purchase and crafting of vital upgrades.

However, checkpoints can be spaced far apart, forcing frequent replays of lengthy sections—an issue that can dampen the overall experience, especially when forced to backtrack after challenging boss encounters. Despite these frustrations, Shadow Labyrinth introduces unique mechanics that keep players engaged.

PUCK’s ability to travel along "D-lines" allows for rapid movement, energy pellet collection, and access to new areas—a nod to classic Pac-Man gameplay that feels fresh within the platformer context.

There are even free downloadable content options that update these sections with iconic Pac-Man arcade sound effects, further celebrating the franchise’s history. Another compelling twist is PUCK’s ability to devour defeated enemies, reminiscent of his arcade origins.

Consuming foes provides valuable resources for upgrades but requires careful energy management, as missed opportunities can render fights more punishing than necessary. On the technical side, Shadow Labyrinth is well-optimized for Nintendo Switch and offers a free upgrade for Switch 2 owners.

The game’s visuals evoke the signature Pac-Man style through dark, atmospheric backdrops punctuated with bursts of color, and longtime fans will appreciate the scattered nods to Namco’s arcade heritage.

While animations can appear somewhat mechanical, they suit the game’s robotic aesthetic. Ultimately, Shadow Labyrinth is a bold reimagining of a gaming legend.

Pac-Man’s transition from arcade icon to action-platformer hero will likely divide fans.

Those craving classic gameplay may prefer compilations like Pac-Man Museum+, but players seeking originality and challenge may find Shadow Labyrinth’s experimental spirit worth the journey.

With its unique mechanics, stylish presentation, and unconventional storytelling, Shadow Labyrinth earns a solid place in the pantheon of modern Nintendo Switch platformers, even if it sometimes stumbles along the way.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Namco Shadow Pac-Man Nintendo hardware platformer Shadow Labyrinth Adventure Switch 2 Pac-Man Museum+ PUCK