Bandai Namco Unveils Maze Gameplay in Pac-Man Spin-off Shadow Labyrinth

Bandai Namco has marked Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary by showcasing the maze sections featured in Shadow Labyrinth, an upcoming sci-fi themed spin-off that reimagines the classic arcade formula. Beyond Pac-Man references, Bandai Namco confirms the game will include numerous nods to other classic Namco titles throughout the experience.

The new trailer revealed that Shadow Labyrinth will incorporate sections designed to resemble traditional Pac-Man stages, though these maze segments will feature different layouts and additional gameplay elements.

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Shadow Labyrinth is scheduled for release on July 18 across multiple platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC.

The anniversary timing coincides with Pac-Man’s public debut, which began with focus testing in Shibuya on May 22, 1980—exactly 45 years ago today—before its official Japanese release in July 1980. Originally titled Puck Man before its name change, designer Toru Iwatani’s creation established several gaming firsts, including serving as one of the medium’s first major mascots and pioneering the use of cutscenes for storytelling, power-up mechanics, and deterministic AI that responds to player movement patterns.

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What mazes will you discover in the darkness of Shadow Labyrinth?

Take on its many challenges and become more powerful to prepare for what awaits on this mysterious planet.

Shadow Labyrinth releases July 18th. Pre-order now at https://t.co/U0JoTxqoBd pic.twitter.com/XJP9JFl81r

— PAC-MAN (@officialpacman) May 22, 2025

First revealed at The Game Awards in December, Shadow Labyrinth is described as “a genre-twisting alternate take” on Pac-Man, combining 2D action platforming with the franchise’s core mechanics. Players control Swordsman No 8, who must consume everything possible to survive on a hostile alien world, guided by a companion named Puck—described as a “mysterious yet recognizable figure” who explains the character’s goal of escaping this dangerous environment.

The Pac-Man franchise has expanded to over 40 games throughout its history, with recent entries including Nintendo’s multiplayer-focused Pac-Man 99, the acclaimed Pac-Man Championship Edition series, and the comprehensive Pac-Man Museum+ collection featuring 14 classic titles.