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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D action platformer and a genre-twisting alternate take on the iconic Pac-Man.

    As Swordsman No. 8, awoken by a floating yellow orb, PUCK, on a mysterious planet where relics from past wars remain, you are chosen to become the instrument of its will. To survive you
    Shadow Labyrinth is a 2D action platformer and a genre-twisting alternate take on the iconic Pac-Man.

    As Swordsman No. 8, awoken by a floating yellow orb, PUCK, on a mysterious planet where relics from past wars remain, you are chosen to become the instrument of its will. To survive you will discover many secrets, start preying on your enemies, and become the apex predator as embrace your true purpose.

    Search the remnants of an age-old intergalactic conflict, started long before your arrival, and discover new powers and abilities. Use them to traverse an alien world as you battle dangerous creatures and evolved monstrosities.

    Team up with PUCK, and dive deeper into the maze of a mysterious alien world. Find out the truth behind your presence in this world, what does PUCK want and why it chose you.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Aug 1, 2025
    90
    Shadow Labyrinth's strengths lie in its bold reinvention of Pac-Man as a cosmic horror tale, with tight combat and a richly detailed world. The UGSF connections are a treat for Namco fans, nostalgic callbacks without pandering. It’s a love letter to Namco’s arcade roots, twisted into a dark, ambitious epic that swings for the fences. For those craving a fresh take on a classic or just need a solid Metroidvania, it’s a haunting journey worth taking. While Bomberman's grimdark reinvention was a huge misfire, it's surprising just how much Shadow Labyrinth works as a strange and twisted take on such a cartoony concept.
  2. Jul 17, 2025
    85
    Shadow Labyrinth is a bold reinvention of a beloved arcade icon. Bandai Namco delivers a challenging and rewarding metroidvania with great level design, deep combat, and a tough but fair difficulty curve, while its few flaws stem from design choices rather than bugs. A must-play for genre fans, especially those who once roamed arcades decades ago.
  3. Jul 17, 2025
    75
    Shadow Labyrinth is a solid 2D Metroidvania and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Its edginess has a lot of spunk and charm, level design is solid, platforming is varied, and progression is paced well. If you dig the idea of PAC-MAN eating people as you explore a world purveyed in turmoil, this one’s worth checking out.
  4. Jul 17, 2025
    70
    Shadow Labyrinth is a great idea. However, poorly defined hitboxes, inconsistent mechanics, and over-inflated difficulty bog down what could have been a great experience.
  5. Sep 4, 2025
    60
    Shadow Labyrinth doesn't quite capture the chaotic charm of Pac-Man. The game seems intent on proving that a dark reinterpretation of this universe can work, but it doesn't really seem ready for it.
  6. Jul 29, 2025
    60
    Shadow Labyrinth is a hard game to nail down. It does some cool things here and there but is bogged down by poor level design and tedious Metroidvania game play. I wanted to love it, but came away just slightly entertained. The price helps, only clocking in at $29.99 makes it easier to swallow. I wish it was better, but at worst, it is a decent “one of those” that fails to capture the magic of the genre.
  7. Oct 28, 2025
    50
    On paper, Shadow Labyrinth is a Metroidvania game that doesn't do anything wrong, but the result is just an average game. It doesn't excel in any area: the gameplay is mediocre and the graphics are uninspiring.