Bandai Namco's latest revelation at the Game Awards 2024 has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The announcement of Shadow Labyrinth, a 2D action-adventure game set to debut in 2025 across multiple platforms, marks a significant departure from the classic Pac-Man we know. This new game brings a grim and eerie tone that completely transforms the beloved franchise.

Uncover the Mysterious World of Shadow Labyrinth

Game Origins and Genre Shift

The origins of Pac-Man have always been tied to family entertainment. However, with Shadow Labyrinth, Bandai Namco aims to attract a new generation of fans. By delving back to the maze concept, which is at the heart of Pac-Man, they discovered that the 2D action-platformer genre was the perfect fit. This decision led to a total genre and tone shift, setting Shadow Labyrinth apart from anything the series has ever seen before.In the game, a character known as the "Swordsman" roams through 2D environments, with a glossy orb in the shape of Pac-Man hovering above. This visual alone gives a glimpse of the dark fantasy adventure that awaits players. It's a departure that has both excited and puzzled fans, as they eagerly await more details about this unexpected twist on the Pac-Man legacy.

Internal Development and Producer's Insights

Shadow Labyrinth is being developed internally at Bandai Namco by a team with a long history working on the Pac-Man series. Producer Seigo Aizawa, who previously served as the producer of Pac-Man 99, brings his expertise to this surprising project. He explains that the goal is to introduce a brand-new kind of player to the world of Pac-Man.Aizawa breaks down the series into three fundamentals: the maze concept, the eat concept, and the ability for the table to flip suddenly. While he doesn't explicitly mention Metroidvania, his description of the game aligns with this genre. The game has a main story, but also allows players to explore the map in a nonlinear fashion, collecting gadgets and expanding their abilities. The maze concept has been twisted to refer to the specific 2D Metroid-style map, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.

Hidden Details and References

The team is keeping specific details under wraps, but one interesting revelation is the identity of the glossy orb. It's not actually Pac-Man but a companion character named Puck. This reference to the series' original name, Puck Man, adds a touch of mystery to the game. There's still much to uncover about Puck and its motivations for helping the Swordsman.Moreover, Shadow Labyrinth shares similarities with Amazon's Secret Level series. The game was already in development when Amazon pitched their concept, creating a perfect opportunity for a tie-in. This connection only adds to the intrigue surrounding Shadow Labyrinth.

Release and Impact

Although Shadow Labyrinth wasn't conceived as an anniversary release, the team believes it is the perfect game to celebrate Pac-Man's 45th anniversary. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, the game is set to deliver on the core theme of "make impact" for the series next year.Judging by the shocking trailer, it's clear that the team is on the right track. With its unique blend of dark fantasy, action-adventure, and Pac-Man elements, Shadow Labyrinth is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world when it releases in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.