Shadow Labyrinth is a Dark Side-Scroller with Pac-Man, Out in 2025

Bandai Namco teased a Pac-Man-related surprise for The Game Awards and revealed it during the pre-show. Based on the opening, you would think this is a dark Metroidvania title with side-scrolling elements, combat, and platforming. However, there’s also a dark Pac-Man-like companion traveling alongside the player. Check out Shadow Labyrinth below.

While it seems out of nowhere, Shadow Labyrinth appears to be based on the Pac-Man short from the Secret Level anthology series. It does explain why the latter took a body horror approach to the beloved arcade series as you control Swordsman No. 8 and work alongside PUCK, a sinister floating entity.

There’s the usual pellet consumption, but the latter can also possess the former to consume their enemies, including bosses, mutating into a nightmarish entity.

We’re just as confused as you are, but you can’t fault Bandai Namco for trying something new. Shadow Labyrinth launches in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.