Pac-Man’s Terrifying Episode by Secret Level Is Set to Become Its Own Game

Overview

The upcoming game Shadow Labyrinth draws inspiration from Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode, rather than the other way around.
Scheduled for a 2025 release, this game will coincide with the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man.

Announced as part of the celebrations for Pac-Man’s landmark anniversary, Shadow Labyrinth represents a fresh and innovative chapter in the franchise.

Warning: This section contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Secret Level (titled Pac-Man: Circle).

While Circle retains the essence of Pac-Man, it takes a bold, creative direction, using the endless maze as a symbol of futility. This reinterpretation presents the main character not as the beloved yellow icon but rather as a distressed figure pursued by sinister forces.

Shadow Labyrinth was officially unveiled during The Game Awards 2024 on December 12. Positioned as an action platformer with a focus on exploration and non-linear gameplay, this title offers players a diverse experience. As they navigate through the game, players will encounter formidable bosses that, when defeated, grant new abilities. This dynamic allows access to areas that were previously unreachable. While Bandai Namco has chosen not to label Shadow Labyrinth as a “metroidvania,”the gameplay mechanics may invite such comparisons from the community.

Shadow Labyrinth Influenced Secret Level’s Pac-Man Episode

Although there is a connection between Shadow Labyrinth and Secret Level’s Circle episode, the former is not merely an adaptation. The development of Shadow Labyrinth dates back to 2020, well before the initiation of the Secret Level project. When Bandai Namco received a proposal from Amazon Blur Studio to create a Secret Level episode, it presented its existing Shadow Labyrinth concept, leading to a collaborative agreement. Consequently, Circle functions as a prequel to the upcoming game.

Shadow Labyrinth is set to feature approximately 30 distinct boss encounters, each designed to challenge players with unique abilities and strategies. While the gameplay largely strays from traditional Pac-Man styles, there are segments where the character can revert to a puck form, echoing classic mechanics. Game producer Seigo Aizawa emphasizes that the game is crafted to be difficult yet fair; if players struggle against a boss, exploration often proves to be a beneficial strategy for returning better equipped for the challenge.

Although a specific launch date has yet to be confirmed, Shadow Labyrinth aims for a 2025 release to align with the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man on May 21, 2025.

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