When considering of reinventing the vintage online game Pac-Guy, there are a couple of techniques to move about it. It’s essential to make Pac-Guy 2: The New Adventures, controlling Pac-Guy not directly via pointing him left or proper whilst pelting him with rocks. That’s a foul interpretation of the nature. Or it is advisable flip him right into a supporting persona in a Metroidvania named Shadow Labyrinth. That is the extra fascinating choice.
A preview construct of Shadow Labyrinth used to be proven off to the click at PAX East 2025. I performed the sport on a Nintendo Transfer in hand held mode, whilst some other media member gave it a pass on a PC construct the use of a large display. The identify makes use of an episode of the Amazon display Secret Degree as a prequel, so lovers must watch that if they would like some backstory for the journey. Whilst enjoying, I spotted Shadow Labyrinth ran at 30 FPS on Transfer, a unfortunately commonplace incidence for Nintendo’s growing old {hardware}. It ran at 60 FPS on PC. It’s not a deal breaker, however there may be an emphasis on fight within the sport, so issues would possibly really feel smoother on different platforms. Fortunately, the Bandai Namco consultant showed the identify will run at 60 FPS on Nintendo Transfer 2.
The demo of Shadow Labyrinth showcased the beef and potatoes of the sport: platforming and fight. Platforming concerned the protagonist (Swordsman No. 8) leaping, double leaping, and speeding from level A to indicate B. Thrown into the combination had been grapple issues it is advisable connect to and rails it is advisable trip whilst reworking right into a tiny Pac-Guy (PUCK), whole with pellets to gobble up (and buzz saws to steer clear of). There used to be even a platforming gauntlet segment that the Bandai Namco representatives mentioned lets take a look at, however I gave up after a couple of makes an attempt. A practice isn’t the place to hone one’s abilities; I require whole solitude to enhance.
Fight used to be the opposite part of Shadow Labyrinth that made up the core gameplay. Fortunately, the demo had a transfer checklist onscreen when you forgot what button does what. You’ll be able to assault, dodge, heal, shoot, use particular abilities, or flip Pac-Guy into an enormous to eat enemies. Attacking feels great and fluid, and the trouble feels good, now not overly punishing. You’ll be able to even use a parry as one in every of your particular abilities, which used to be easiest to make use of in opposition to the massive unhealthy above. It looks as if that first boss in Metroid Dread, doesn’t it?
After defeating the boss, I wolfed him as much as acquire a laser assault. This proved useful, as the following segment had a wall I needed to blast with mentioned laser to advance. Within the subsequent maze-like house, particular enemies local to that area gave the impression that might now not be killed via your sword. Consider my pride when my colleague discovered you had to make use of your grapple hook to pump them filled with air till they exploded. That’s proper, there’s an homage to Dig Dug in Shadow Labyrinth. I showed with the rep that different Bandai Namco titles shall be referenced in several zones. I am hoping to look some references for Galaga and Rolling Thunder.
Shadow Labyrinth will unlock on July 18 for Nintendo Transfer, Nintendo Transfer 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Sequence X|S, and Steam. 3 other editions shall be that can be purchased, together with one who accommodates a black mild to show secrets and techniques on a map! The costs are $30, $40, and $60 for the Usual, Deluxe, and Particular Editions. Nabbing the only with the hidden photographs is a scouse borrow for lower than $100.
I walked clear of my time with Shadow Labyrinth intrigued. A gritty Metroidvania that includes a bevy of Bandai Namco IPs doesn’t sound find it irresistible must paintings, however it does. And any sport with Hole Knight as an inspiration is one to look ahead to.
