Bandai Namco has released a dark and entertaining Metroidvania starring a possibly nefarious incarnation of Pac-Man, titled Shadow Labyrinth. The game takes place in a dystopian universe, 45 years after the events of the original Pac-Man arcade games.
Players control Swordsman No. 8, who is guided by Puck through various environments with the goal of escaping the planet and completing a mission. The story is full of references to Namco’s extensive timeline, including Galaga, Dig Dug, and Xevious. However, the narrative can be confusing at times.
The gameplay is solid, focusing on melee combat with a focus on exploration. As players progress, they unlock new abilities and customization options. However, some sections may become frustrating due to unclear hit detection and punishing fail states.
One of the standout features of Shadow Labyrinth is its transformation into a giant mech called GAIA. This feature allows for creative gameplay and can be used to bypass hazards in tough battles.
The game runs smoothly on both Switch 1 and 2, with the latter offering improved visuals at 4K resolution. The overall experience is enjoyable, making Shadow Labyrinth an interesting addition to Pac-Man’s lore.
Source: https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/71736/shadow-labyrinth-switch-2-review