Pac-Man during its more than 40-year history, it has seen quite a few releases and interpretations. From its origins as a classic arcade to some of the more experimental games later, Pac-Man enjoyed a legendary journey. But despite the enormous breadth of records, and even when they diverged from common standards, Pac-Man has never strayed so far from its core genre principles and colorful cartoony nature.
Now, however, Shadow Labyrinth aims to overturn Pac-Manthe status quo. Premiering at this year's Game Awards, Shadow LabyrinthThe reveal trailer showed a very different version of the brave yellow guy than what most fans are used to. Shadow LabyrinthThe announcement comes shortly after Amazon and Blur Studios Secret level episode “Circle”, which served as a prequel to it. With a sinister setting and a style of play that exceeds expectations, the upcoming title promises a never-before-seen side of the puck. Pac-Man Bandai Namco Entertainment America Brand Marketing Manager Knoa Piasek and Producer Seigo Aizawa spoke with Game Rant about the intent and design Shadow Labyrintha menacing presentation of the character and the world.
Relatives
Secret Level's terrifying Pac-Man episode is getting its own game
Circle, the terrifying Pac-Man episode of Amazon Prime Video's hit animated series Secret Level, is getting its own video game.
Shadow Labyrinth developers discuss a sinister take on Pac-Man
With its terrible vibrations, Secret levelreflection Pac-Man probably came as a big surprise to most viewers. Shadow Labyrinth will feature the same hostile world seen in Kruse and its versions Pac-Man it seems less friendly. When asked about the decision and ideas behind this new direction for IP, Aizawa explained:
If you think about it
Pac-Man
you know it's a legendary and family game. We wanted to take a fresh look at it and create a darker version of Pac-Man and the world to attract a new audience. We covered the key elements of the maze and food concepts, and how in an instant the tables are turned and Pac-Man becomes the alpha predator. This is an idea
Shadow Labyrinth shot.
Piasek added that early feedback for Shadow Labyrinth sometimes it was extreme. Some fans fully embraced his vision, while others were more surprised by the drastic change in style and presentation. However, that was exactly the goal, Piasek said.
All this time our strategy has been to shock people. There's a little pun in there with the character being called Pac and Pac-Man being the original name of Pac-Man. We want people to say, “What a puck? This is exactly the answer we are looking for.
Shadow Labyrinth will still contain hints of the classic Pac-Man aspects
One notable change is that players will assume the role of a humanoid character in the Shadow LabyrinthFencer #8 They will be accompanied and guided by Puck, his version of Pac-Man. Zhanrava Piasek admitted that for now Shadow Labyrinth looks very similar to a Metroidvania game, it is called a 2D action platformer. Aizawa stated that this approach was well suited to the task of introducing a “darker Pac-Man” in conjunction with Shadow Labyrinthemphasis on the well-known elements of the labyrinth and consumption.
And while he's looking to explore new ground for the franchise, Shadow Labyrinth will not leave Pac-Manroots behind completely. Aizawa noted that there will be various inclusions and mechanics that bring back familiar aspects, pointing to an example from the trailer:
If you look closely, you'll see the moment when the swordsman turns into a puck, and it shows a classic
Pac-Man
movement. We have this little mix. Once the fans play the game, I think it will speak for itself. They will see and talk about it, and
Pac-Man
There will be Easter eggs and information.
Shadow Labyrinth thereby seeking to preserve important components Pac-ManDNA, venturing into more mature tones and themes to provide a unique and intriguing experience for long-time fans and new audiences alike.
Shadow Labyrinth has a 2025 release period for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
