Bandai Namco surprised fans at the Game Awards 2024 with the reveal of Shadow Labyrinth, a dark fantasy 2D action-adventure game starring Pac-Man. Launching in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this unexpected entry promises a grim and eerie twist on the beloved arcade classic.
The trailer showcases a shadowy world reminiscent of Hollow Knight, featuring a mysterious “Swordsman” navigating labyrinthine environments with a glowing, Pac-Man-shaped orb hovering overhead. This dramatic departure in both genre and tone marks a bold new direction for the franchise.
MaagX spoke with producer Seigo Aizawa, who shed light on the game’s development and Bandai Namco’s vision for attracting a new generation of Pac-Man fans. Aizawa, previously the producer of Pac-Man 99, explained the team’s focus on reimagining the core elements of Pac-Man for a modern audience.
Redefining the Maze: Exploring Core Concepts
“We aimed to reach players unfamiliar with Pac-Man,” Aizawa explained. Returning to the series’ roots—the maze—the team landed on the 2D action-platformer genre as the perfect vehicle for a darker, more mature Pac-Man experience.
While visually distinct, Shadow Labyrinth retains the DNA of the original. The game emphasizes the “maze concept,” the “eat concept,” and the sudden shifts in gameplay that define the series. Aizawa hinted at a Metroidvania-style structure, encouraging nonlinear exploration to collect gadgets and enhance abilities. The “maze” in this context refers to the interconnected map design that encourages exploration.
Puck: A Familiar Face Returns
Aizawa revealed a fascinating detail: the Swordsman’s guiding orb is not Pac-Man himself, but a companion named Puck, a nod to the franchise’s original name, Puck-Man. This enigmatic being has resided within the maze for ages, their motives for aiding the Swordsman shrouded in mystery.
The Secret Level Connection: A Prequel Story
Fans of Amazon’s Secret Level anthology series might recognize similarities between Shadow Labyrinth and its Pac-Man episode. Aizawa confirmed the connection, explaining that the game’s development predated the series, creating a unique opportunity for a prequel story.
“The Shadow Labyrinth concept originated four years ago,” Aizawa stated. “During production, Amazon approached us about Secret Level. We proposed Shadow Labyrinth, and they developed their interpretation as a prequel.”
Celebrating 45 Years of Pac-Man with Impact
While not initially planned as an anniversary title, Shadow Labyrinth became the perfect way to commemorate Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary. The team acknowledges that this darker take might not appeal to all fans, but they remain committed to the anniversary’s core theme: “make impact.”
A Bold New Chapter
With its unsettling atmosphere and intriguing premise, Shadow Labyrinth is poised to leave a lasting impression. This audacious reimagining of Pac-Man promises a thrilling adventure for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Shadow Labyrinth will launch in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
