The Dark Pac-Man Reboot Features a Hidden Classic Pac-Man Game

Sure, check it out:

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Okay, so get this. Bandai Namco is doing something wild with Pac-Man. You’ve got this new game, Shadow Labyrinth, and it’s like… what even? It’s a 2D action platformer, but then BAM! It sneaks in some real Pac-Man action. I know, right? The game’s got this whole Metroid-ish sci-fi vibe, all dark and mysterious. But then, like a plot twist nobody saw coming, you get this thing called the Maze. And let me tell you, if you squint your eyes a bit, it screams Pac-Man Championship Edition 3. Seriously.

So, here’s the deal. You’re controlling this dude, Swordsman No. 8. Sounds all mysterious, doesn’t it? And he’s got this guide, Puck, who’s shaped like Pac-Man. They’re on this alien hunt, trying to be the king of the alien jungle or something. Anyway, scattered throughout the game, you’ll be tossed into these legit Pac-Man maze levels. Imagine a mash-up of that Championship Edition stuff—eating pellets, dodging ghosts—with some new twists. There are jumps now, boost pads, and even ginormous ghost bosses. And those mazes? Totally different kinds.

So yeah, in case Shadow Labyrinth didn’t exactly hook you the first time, maybe give that trailer a watch. Might mess with your head in a fun way.

Oh, dates! Almost forgot. July 18, mark it. You’ll find this on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Windows PCs, and Xbox Series X. Go get lost in those mazes. Or, you know, at least pretend you’re a ’80s arcade champ for a bit.