When it comes to gaming icons, few have stood the test of time like Pac-Man. From 1980 to 2025, the yellow fellow has remained a hit. Trapped in a maze, endlessly eating pills, power-ups and ghosts, it’s a simple formula that still works. But what if there’s more to Pac-Man than just Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde? That’s where the Amazon series Secret Level comes in, especially the episode Circle, which acts as a prequel of sorts. It’s a dark, savage tale set in a world where it’s eat or be eaten, a bold tonal shift for Bandai Namco’s beloved mascot. A few months later, Bandai Namco dropped a trailer for Shadow Labyrinth.
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At first glance, it looked like a standard Metroidvania action-adventure. Nothing groundbreaking. But look closer and you’ll see Shadow Labyrinth is the game Circle was leading to. Yes, it’s part of the Pac-Man universe, but it’s also a reimagining of its core ideas.
That alone had me intrigued. But after going hands-on, it’s clear this game is something special. It blends fresh ideas with nostalgic threads to create something wild.
Mazes Amazed Me
You play as Swordsman Number 8, accompanied by Puck, as you explore a vast maze-like world. Even after scouring every corner, it still feels like you’ve missed something.
You’ll face tougher enemies, traps and bosses while upgrading your abilities and uncovering the mystery that brought these two characters together. Honestly, the story pulled me through just as much as the tight gameplay. Each piece of lore adds depth to what’s really going on.
Dual-Pac Attack
Gameplay splits into two main parts: exploration and combat. You’ll search for hidden paths and secrets, then test your sword skills in battle.
It’s no walk in the park. You’ll need precise timing to dodge, block and strike. It’s not quite a Soulslike, but it shares some DNA. The Swordsman isn’t a tank, he can only take a few hits.
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Dodging is essential. Once you’ve evaded your foe, you can unleash combos with your blade and “active arm”, earned later in the story, so no spoilers.
You’ll also control a mech called GAIA. It’s devastating against smaller enemies and helps you hold your ground against tougher ones. GAIA also lets you cross otherwise unreachable areas.
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To activate GAIA, you must charge a bar. How? By eating fallen enemies. You enter a cycle of battling, feeding, unleashing chaos, and repeating.
Saving the Day
Save points come in two forms. Small ones double as fast travel (costing Aurora), while large hubs let you upgrade, re-spec and respawn all enemies—much like Dark Souls bonfires.
Strategy is key. You’ll need to plan how to reach new areas with the resources you have. Getting there is pointless if you can’t move forward.
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Boss battles are standout moments, each testing the skills you’ve learned. Sub-bosses also respawn after a few deaths, adding extra challenge as previously clear paths become repopulated.
Modern Mania
Visually, the game is striking. Its unique art style flows through every area and enemy. It’s far from generic. The sound design is excellent too, with a tense score that builds perfectly during boss fights. There are also clever nods to the series’ past.
Overall, I had few complaints. The only real issue was the in-air movement, which can be unpredictable and led to a few frustrating deaths.
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Shadow Labyrinth probably wasn’t on anyone’s 2025 bingo card. But Bandai Namco have taken a beloved character and gone wild, crafting something bold and impressive. It stays true to the series’ core while exploring a whole new genre.
A brave move, and one that’s absolutely paid off. Waka Waka.
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