Shadow Labyrinth is one of those games that feels like it came from my high school sketchbook. It's a dark, gritty take on Pac-Man, for crying out loud. Put that on 2010s YouTube and watch the money roll in while you embrace a time where the site wasn't filled with AI slop.

Yet, it's also come out at a bizarre time- with games like Blasphemous and Hollow Night around, the Metroidvania space is pretty competitive. It's a genre that's exploded in recent years with innovations and fresh ideas, which unfortunately means that to jump into that pool invites some comparisons.

Title: Shadow Labyrinth

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios

Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

The Joy Of Something New

Thankfully, for the most part Shadow Labyrinth knows to play to its strengths. Shadow Labyrinth is at its best when it is showing you what cool new way it's found to reinterpret something from Pac-Man. I'm especially a fan of the G-Hosts- literally the game's take on Pac-Man's classic ghosts.

There's also the grinding itself, where Swordsman 8 can turn into a Pac-Man styled object running along the track. It makes for some fascinating platforming, since you're able to choose the arcs for your jumps and even do spin attacks on enemies who get too close.

I'm glad these aren't just gimmicks, either- in many maps, there's no greater satisfaction than finding the switch to turn on a rail, then finding out following it takes you to some kind of secret or shortcut. It's a new way to feel the ultimate high of this genre: inconveniencing yourself in the now to save yourself in the future.

There's also the signature devour mechanic- letting Swordsman 8 consume enemies for crafting materials as well as filling up the powerful GAIA form. I kind of wish this one was a little better out of the box- even something as simple as letting devouring extend your timer if you're already in GAIA form would have made the mode much more fun to play with.

Still, having it be yet another avenue to unlocking more cool stuff is greatly appreciated- GAIA can run through hazards with ease, unlocking even more secrets if you've been snacking like you've got a report due in the morning.

Shadow Labyrinth Verdict

On the ideas front, Shadow Labyrinth is absolutely fascinating. It's cool to see a gritty take on a classic IP that isn't just about violence- a genuine story is being told here.

Yet, it's in the execution that the game tends to fall a little short. Both the animations and the dialogue feel like they could use an extra coat of polish, with the way Puck talks in particular often times feeling more like a placeholder before the local theatre kid takes a crack at it.

Despite that, however, the game has an amazing amount of charm going for it. You always think you've settled into whatever adventure Shadow Labyrinth wants to be right up until you see Puck grow and turn black before swallowing the next boss whole, and you're reminded you don't know where this game could possibly go next.

• Presentation: 6/10
• Gameplay: 8/10
• Content: 8/10

Final Score: 7.5/10

Game reviewed on PS5. Review code provided by Bandai Namco Entertainment SEA