Shadow Labyrinth

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Cubed3
    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. MondoXbox
    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. XboxEra
    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.
  5. But Why Tho?
    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.
  6. IGN Brasil
    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.
  7. ZTGD
    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.
  8. SECTOR.sk
    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.