By Sagar V. Mankar 
Bandai Namco’s iconic character, Pac-Man, is stepping into a bold new era with the upcoming release of Shadow Labyrinth, an edgy 2D action-platformer set to launch in 2025. Known for his bright yellow appearance and the unforgettable “waka-waka” sound, Pac-Man is one of the most recognizable gaming icons, standing alongside legends like Mario and Sonic. However, this new game presents a version of Pac-Man unlike anything fans have seen before.
Announced at The Game Awards 2024, Shadow Labyrinth marks a significant departure from Pac-Man’s traditionally family-friendly image. This time, Bandai Namco is taking inspiration from darker titles like Elden Ring while maintaining a fresh and innovative approach. The game ties directly to Episode 6 of Prime Video’s Secret Level series, which premiered on December 10, 2024. In this prequel episode, viewers were introduced to the mysterious floating orb, P.U.C.K., and the character of Swordsman No. 8.
According to producer Seigo Aizawa and brand marketing manager Knoah Piasek, Shadow Labyrinth isn’t just a stylistic shift—it’s a deliberate choice to reimagine Pac-Man’s core gameplay. Aizawa explained in an interview with Rolling Stone that the maze, a fundamental aspect of classic Pac-Man games, served as the foundation for the game’s design. While the term “Metroidvania” might come to mind due to the game’s exploration-heavy style, Aizawa and Piasek emphasize that Shadow Labyrinth leans more toward traditional 2D action-platformers like Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest.
Interestingly, the game’s title does not include the name “Pac-Man.” This decision was made to appeal to a broader audience, particularly those who might not have played the classic arcade games. However, Piasek noted that fans will inevitably refer to it as “that dark Pac-Man game,” and the team is comfortable with that.
Set in a harsh, Ice Age-inspired world, the game challenges players to navigate treacherous environments, solve puzzles, and battle grotesque monsters. The connection to Pac-Man’s iconic eating mechanic remains intact, with Swordsman No. 8 consuming bosses via a massive, color-inverted Pac-Man figure to gain strength. Piasek hinted at deeper lore, suggesting that external forces might have played a role in shaping the monstrous threats in the game.
For long-time fans, Shadow Labyrinth represents a dramatic shift, but Bandai Namco assures players that the essence of Pac-Man is still present. Aizawa emphasized that the goal of this project aligns with the theme of Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary: “To make an impact.”
Set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, Shadow Labyrinth will arrive as a complete package with no planned DLC. It’s clear that Bandai Namco is aiming to create a memorable experience for both old fans and newcomers.
Sources: Rolling Stone, Prime Video, The Game Awards 2024