Shadow Labyrinth Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review: Pac-Man’s Metroidvania Adventure Tested on New Hardware

Shadow Labyrinth Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review: Pac-Man’s Metroidvania Adventure Tested on New Hardware Shadow Labyrinth marks a bold reimagining of Pac-Man, taking the iconic maze-chase gameplay into uncharted territory on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed and published by Bandai Namco, this ambitious title stands as one of the most experimental releases related to the Pac-Man franchise.

Shadow Labyrinth combines the spirit of classic Pac-Man with Metroidvania-style exploration, creating a unique action-adventure experience for fans and newcomers alike.

This review evaluates the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, focusing on both its gameplay innovations and its performance on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. Building on the legacy of Pac-Man’s rich history dating back to the early 1980s, Bandai Namco’s new title references the enduring popularity of spin-offs and remakes such as Pac-Man World and Arcade Archives Pac-Man.

Longtime fans may recall memorable platformers and maze-based challenges, but Shadow Labyrinth distinguishes itself by integrating narrative and mechanics inspired by contemporary action RPGs. The game opens with a cryptic, cinematic sequence where players wield an unnamed mech, battling through a series of enigmatic encounters.

Shortly after, control shifts to Swordsman No.

8, traversing labyrinthine caves and high-tech ruins.

Players are accompanied by Puck, a Pac-Man-inspired robotic companion who introduces sword combos, dodging, and the traditional maze-chase segments woven seamlessly into the adventure—a notable achievement in level design praised in industry circles.

Bandai Namco’s developers have managed to preserve the essence of Pac-Man, ensuring these retro sections enhance rather than detract from the action-adventure flow. One of Shadow Labyrinth’s standout mechanics is the ability to transform between forms.

As players progress, they unlock the power to morph into a mech, consuming defeated enemies for crafting items—a clever twist that sustains engagement beyond the familiar gameplay loop.

While the early stages may appear simplistic, the title quickly ramps up the challenge, though some boss battles can feel unbalanced, with difficulty spikes or prolonged encounters that may frustrate some players. Checkpoint placement has drawn particular attention.

Two varieties exist: full save points that restore health and items, and basic checkpoints that merely track progress.

Bandai Namco has acknowledged player feedback, with some reviewers noting that the lack of nearby checkpoints before boss battles can result in tedious repetition after each defeat. Visually, Shadow Labyrinth is a study in contrast.

Character animations, boss designs, and Puck’s expressive character model stand out as high points, reflecting Bandai Namco’s commitment to animation quality.

Yet, environmental backdrops and regular enemy designs oscillate between inspired and visually underwhelming, occasionally marred by low-resolution textures.

These inconsistencies are magnified on the Nintendo Switch 2, where the developer’s choice of post-processing for depth sometimes results in blurry or unattractive backgrounds, especially when the game zooms in or is played docked at 4K. On the audio front, Shadow Labyrinth surprises with a jazz-infused opening track and strong in-game sound design.

While the soundtrack is effective, it is not as likely to see play outside of the game itself.

The Deluxe Edition’s digital artbook and soundtrack are locked in-game, not available for external export—a notable limitation for collectors. Technical performance on Nintendo Switch platforms is mixed.

The Switch 2 Edition targets 4K resolution at 60fps when docked, though performance is more consistent in handheld mode.

In docked mode, downgrading output to 1440p improves stability—a rare workaround previously seen only in titles such as Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition.

Load times are significantly improved when comparing Switch 2 to the original Switch hardware. An existing bug in the Switch 2 Edition locks the game’s resolution to handheld settings when moving from portable to docked mode, which developers are expected to address in future updates.

Comparatively, the Steam Deck version excels, achieving 90fps handheld and higher when docked, while the PS5 version remains capped at 60fps despite robust optimization elsewhere. Ultimately, while Shadow Labyrinth stands as an ambitious addition to both the Pac-Man franchise and the Nintendo Switch 2 library, its technical inconsistencies and sometimes frustrating checkpoints prevent it from reaching greater heights.

Still, for action-adventure enthusiasts eager for a handheld experience with roots in gaming history, Bandai Namco delivers a compelling if imperfect package.

With promised updates and continued support, Shadow Labyrinth could yet evolve into a modern classic. Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.

Review copy provided by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Final Score: 7/10

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