Shadow Labyrinth: A Mixed Reception and a Hopeful Update
In a curious twist of the gaming narrative, Shadow Labyrinth has emerged as a peculiar entry in the Metroidvania genre, featuring none other than the iconic Pac-Man in a grimdark setting. While some may dismiss it as a collective hallucination fueled by our digital indulgences, the evidence—trailer, Steam page, and reviews—suggests that this game is indeed a tangible reality.
However, the reception has been less than stellar. Shadow Labyrinth appears to have made a rather muted impact, with its launch met by a chorus of critiques. Players have voiced their frustrations regarding poor controls, sparse save points, and punishing difficulty spikes. Such issues have contributed to its lukewarm presence on Steam, where only a handful of reviews have surfaced.
In response to this feedback, Bandai Namco has rolled out an update aimed at addressing these concerns while also introducing a new gameplay mode. The existing mode has been rebranded as “Veteran Mode”, allowing players to switch between modes at their convenience, a feature that is sure to be welcomed by many.
The update also brings significant improvements to the game’s controls. Players can now enjoy enhanced mid-air control after jumping, along with a dedicated button for vertical jumps, which Bandai Namco claims will minimize accidental inputs. The developer has stated that the update is “designed to enhance your enjoyment of the game,” a sentiment that, while reassuring, does not fully tackle the core issue highlighted by reviewer Abbie Stone.
Stone’s critique pointed to the narrative as a major shortcoming, describing it as “an overly-talky technobabble festival, rife with clichés and dull stock characters.” She noted that while the game attempts humor, its self-serious tone often detracts from the experience, leaving players bewildered rather than entertained.
This narrative struggle comes at a time when the Metroidvania genre is dominated by the likes of Hollow Knight: Silksong, which has overshadowed many contenders, including Shadow Labyrinth. Other titles such as Possessor(s) and Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree have also graced the genre this year, yet they too have found it challenging to capture the spotlight amidst Team Cherry’s insectoid triumph.
