Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch Review, a Dark Version of Pac-Man

The first time I played it, I immediately thought of Pac-Man. Know dong the legendary Pac-Man game? But unfortunately, the review of Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch This is not as important asunyu and as cute as Pac-Man. If I may spill at the beginning, this game is less interesting and less addictive. Yes, but of course this is quite subjective and I will do the Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch review according to my experience while playing it, yes.

But, despite some of its shortcomings, there are certainly strengths to Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch review, especially when it comes to visuals and sound-The story. Oh, and one more thing, there is also a story idea that I think is very interesting even though it still has flaws. To find out more and complete, we just discuss it in the Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch review.

Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch Storyline

Okay, let's start the review with the storyline. You see, you can imagine Pac-Man, the yellow, snack-loving round guy, suddenly turning into a dark, vengeful character in a very gloomy metroidvania world. That's Shadow Labyrinth, Bandai Namco's unique reimagining of the short story of Pac-Man. Secret Level: Pac-Man Circle from Prime Video into a 30-hour 2D game - unfortunately, with a story that's more 'complicated' than the mazes you're used to seeing in Pac-Man.

But, here you don't play Pac-Man, but instead play the character of Swordsman-an amnesiac warrior-who is summoned from another dimension to help a mysterious being named Puck (yes, basically Pac-Man) escapes from a strange and deadly prison planet. But don't expect to understand the story. It's all delivered through mysterious dialog full of sci-fi jargon, and Puck himself feels more like a manipulative boss who takes you for a ride without much explanation.

To make matters worse, almost all the events in the story only "happen" around you. You're more of a passive spectator than a prime mover. Even when there's an important twist or emotional moment, the game rushes you to the next dungeon before you have a chance to digest what just happened.

Even so, Shadow Labyrinth has interesting moments through references to other Bandai Namco IPs. You can find Bosconian NPCs, enemies similar to Dig Dug or Galaga, and even callbacks to Xevious. Unfortunately, all that nostalgic potential is overshadowed by a narrative that's too heavy-handed and flat.

The story actually follows the progression of a classic metroidvania-you start off on a fairly linear path, but as you upgrade (grappling hook, air dash, double jump, etc), the world starts to become more visible. Unfortunately, the destination isn't clear, and the clues on the map are more like secret codes than helpful directions. It's not uncommon for me to stray into places that can't be accessed because I don't have certain upgrades. Plus, the two-tier checkpoint system is really complicated: one can fast travel, the other is just a respawn point with no item refills. Die? Get ready for a long walk.

What's most striking about the narrative is how slow and cold the pacing is. You can explore a dungeon, meet enemies, win, and then get a cutscene that you have to watch silently-without knowing who's saying what, why they're important, and why you should care about them.

The most exciting narrative highlight, in my opinion, comes from an area called MAZEs because it feels very much like classic Pac-Man but with a modern twist: colorful puzzles, speedy arcade music, and that famous ghost-eating gameplay. Here, the vibe Pac-Man Championship Edition DX feels really good. Ironically, this is the part that manages to channel Pac-Man's spirit into a new form that's still fun.

Unfortunately, the main story still feels one-sided: There's a lot going on, but it feels empty. Puck, initially seen as a threatening entity, is actively underutilized in the gameplay. Does he transform into a giant Pac-Man? There is, but it only appears as a gimmick after the boss fight, with no narrative or mechanics to support it. memorable.

Gameplay and How to Play Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch

As a metroidvania with dark overtones and twisted Pac-Man elements, Shadow Labyrinth presents a fairly complex but familiar gameplay for those of you who love 2D side-scroller games. But make no mistake, even though the mechanics seem "standard", the system in it is quite a test of patience-especially because of the cruel checkpoints and slow progression. Cruel here, I'd say checkpoint-It's too far away. So if it dies, well... it's a bit tiring to have to repeat it again. Here deh Explanation:

Adventure in the Maze World

Like a typical metroidvania game, you'll be doing a lot of walking, jumping around, opening new paths, and returning to old areas after acquiring new skills. The world of Shadow Labyrinth is divided into connected areas with many branches and hidden secrets. But don't expect clear directions. That's the point of this game:

• There are no automatic waypoints-you have to really pay attention to your surroundings.
• The dominant areas are caves and industrial bases; so don't expect any other aesthetic visuals.
• There are optional zones like the valley of poisonous flowers that can only be accessed late-game.

Navigation can feel repetitive due to the similar design of areas to each other, but there are a few puzzle in the area that make the adventure feel rewarding.

Battle System

Combat in Shadow Labyrinth is responsive enough, but doesn't offer much action which is addictive at the start. The combination of attack and skills-improved over time, but most combat still relies on reflexes and guts.

• Basic attack: A combination of 3 punches and a power attack.
• Dodging: Can roll to dodge, but eats ESP.
• Parry and air-dash: Unlocked through progression, making the fighting style more dynamic.
• Combination ESP as stamina makes you have to be careful. If you run out? You're in burnoutcan't dodge and skill.

Puck (Pac-Man) can join the fight too! Sometimes you can fusion into a mechanical dragon creature to destroy enemies. Unfortunately, this mode is only temporary and still feels button-mashy.

Checkpoint & Progression System

What really annoyed me was the two-level checkpoint system, which is prone to making you repeat yourself if you die.

• Miku Sol Checkpoint: Can upgrade characters, teleport, and refill items.
• Mini Checkpoint: Only for respawning, but not refilling health or potions.

You have to be smart in managing your resources because if you die and the checkpoint is far away, you might have to repeat the long path plus fight the same enemies again. Not to mention that there are many dead ends that can only be passed if you already have certain skills.

Puck & Waka-Waka Rail Transformation

In some areas, you can transform into the classic version of Puck and walk on a Pac-Man-style wall track, while eating pellets. Pellets can be collected as currency to buy upgrades.

Then there's the Rail system, which allows you to climb walls, pass through ceilings, and create new shortcuts. However, the navigation when you turn into Puck sometimes feels awkward, especially since the jumping controls are limited in direction (up, forward, diagonal only). One of the most unique features, but unfortunately underutilized and feels like a cute gimmick.

MAZE Mode - Fresh From The Oven Banget!

If you're getting tired of the usual dungeon crawling, this MAZE mode can be an okay choice to keep you playing. It's a Pac-Man arena-based mini-level that colorful with arcade-style.

• There are fun gimmicks like moving walls, fake PuckYou'll find puzzles, and enemies that can be thrown.
• The pumping arcade music and neon visuals are a highlight.
• Unfortunately, there is still a timer and some of the instructions are not clear, so you can get stuck without knowing what to do.

But honestly, this part is the most fun and the most "Pac-Man" feeling in the game.

Visual and Audio

From the beginning of its release, Shadow Labyrinth does sell its dark atmosphere and unique art style as its main attraction. And indeed, in terms of appearance and audio, this game has a pretty strong identity-though unfortunately not all aspects are executed consistently.

Visual Style: Gloomy, Detailed, but Repetitive

Visually, the game uses a "paper doll" animation style where characters and enemies look like two-dimensional dolls that are moved with strings. The impression of a "dark fairytale" feels quite thick, especially with the gloomy color palette and environmental textures full of industrial and biological nuances.

• Monster design are quite impressive, especially the mechanical enemies with intricate little details-gears, wires, even the little lights on their bodies come to life dynamically.
• Character animation feel a little stiff and floaty-as if their movements don't really blend in with the environment. But thankfully, this doesn't interfere too much with gameplay performance.
• Environment is quite interesting in the beginning, but unfortunately feels monotonous perhaps because it features the exact same environment in every scene. stage. Many areas are just variations of dark caves or high-tech facilities, only differentiated by the background color.

But, there is one area that stands out, and that is Valley of poisonous flowers. In contrast to the dark design and visuals of other environments, the valley is made brighter so it feels like "breathing" after coming out of the cave.

Sound Design & Music: Atmospheric but Less Memorable

On the audio side, Shadow Labyrinth is quite successful in creating the atmosphere of a dark and mysterious world. Sound effects such as the echo of the basement, the clanking of iron, and the sigh of the engine feel very fitting with the title of the game. Unfortunately, when it comes to memorable soundtracks, there doesn't seem to be one. soundtrack which is memorable.

Pros and Cons

Yes, as games go, there will always be advantages and disadvantages. Although I personally don't enjoy the game, maybe some of the advantages and disadvantages points below can change your mind to be interested in playing the game:

Pros of Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch

• Unique Concept: Pac-Man's reimagination in a metroidvania world that is dark so that the idea feels fres.
• Atmospheric Visual: The "dark fairytale" art style with its gloomy color palette and detailed monster designs creates a strong atmosphere.
• Supportive Sound Design: The sound effects also manage to build the atmosphere dark that fits.
• Fun MAZE Mode: This mode brings classic Pac-Man gameplay with a modern twist, which is the most fun part and feels very "Pac-Man".
• A Sense of Nostalgia: Many elements from other Bandai Namco IPs such as Bosconian, Dig Dug, and Galaga so Pac Man game players will feel a sense of nostalgia.

Shortcomings of Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch

• Complicated and Too Flat Story: The narrative is too heavy, there is too much sci-fi jargon, and makes the player more of a passive spectator.
• Confusing Navigation: There are no clear directions, the map is difficult to understand, and often leaves players lost.
• Checkpoint Too Far Away: The two-tier checkpoint system makes progression feel tiring, especially if you die and have to start over.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Monotonous area design and repetitive navigation make the adventure boring.
• Less Impressive Audio: Although atmospheric, the soundtrack is nothing memorable.

Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch actually has an interesting concept because here we can experience a Pac-Man-style game with a mysterious dark metroidvania world. Unfortunately, this interesting idea is poorly executed. The story feels too complicated and cold, the gameplay sucks due to cruel checkpoints and confusing navigation, while the atmospheric visuals and audio feel repetitive.

Even so, it still has its moments of fun with MAZE mode and best captures the essence of Pac-Man in a new format. If you're a Bandai Namco fan or just curious about this bold reimagination, Shadow Labyrinth is still worth checking out-though it's definitely not for everyone.