Shadow Labyrinth, first impressions of the next great PAC-MAN Metroidvania
We have played the prequel to Prime Video’s “PAC-MAN: Circle” a futuristic Metroidvania with great nods to different franchises.
When we saw the episode of “PAC-MAN: Circle” in Prime Video’s Secret Level series in season 1, episode 6, many of us were puzzled about what had happened to one of Bandai Namco’s most iconic characters. Now with Shadow Labyrinth, we can understand what is behind the Swordsman in this new Metroidvania-style game, and thanks to an invitation from the studio, we were able to play for 3 hours.
What is Shadow Labyrinth about?
It is the year 3333, and on a mysterious alien planet, Puck has summoned you to defeat a dominant artificial intelligence. This environment is the sequel to the famous Prime Video episode in a 2D action platformer with exploration and combat, taking elements from the iconic PAC-MAN. In this installment we will have to discover, explore, fight, and evolve to stop being prey and become a predator. All will lead us to fulfill Puck’s goal and discover why we have been summoned.
How is Shadow Labyrinth played?
This installment is a platformer with many elements that can classify it as a Metroidvania, although many things reminded us of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. In this preview, we explored three areas:
- Land of the Fugitives
- Frontline Base
- Bosconian Ruins
What we were able to see of the title is that it focuses on dodging, parrying, and several special abilities that we can alternate from the main menu in a sort of perks. This means that we can switch between skills and customize the Swordsman as best suits us.
It is important to note that the element of exploration will be key to advancing in the game, as this allows us to find objects that help us to evolve Swordsman, as well as paths that can lead us to secret places. Something that we really liked is that it has a very original mechanic in which to move from one point to another. We will “turn” into a mini PAC-MAN to pass through energized walls that will allow us to reach places that we cannot reach on foot.
During the demo, we also had the opportunity to fight against a couple of major enemies, which let us see the great depth that Shadow Labyrinth will have in terms of gameplay, not to mention that these enemies are great nods to franchises like Splatterhouse or PAC-MAN itself!
This game, which will be released on July 18 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, feels like a fresh approach that is welcome and will be even more enjoyable on mobile platforms such as those from Kyoto or laptops such as the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and others.
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