Pac-Man has starred in many different types of games since becoming an arcade legend, but Bandai Namco’s upcoming metroidvania might be the weirdest game yet. The iconic hero with an insatiable appetite will star alongside a swordsman in Shadow Labyrinth, an action-oriented side-scroller with a T for Teen ESRB rating. During a Nintendo Direct in March, Bandai Namco announced that Shadow Labyrinth will release on July 18 for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Preorders are live now for three physical editions, including a limited Secret Edition that comes with multiple collectibles for only $60.
PC players can save on Steam key preorders for the standard and Deluxe Edition at GameSpot sister site Fanatical.
At this time, Shadow Labyrinth’s physical standard and Secret Editions are exclusive to Nintendo Switch and PS5. It’s unclear if Bandai Namco will publish physical editions for Xbox Series X at a later date.
Shadow Labyrinth Preorder Bonuses
All preorders for Shadow Labyrinth include the “Original Arcade Sound FX” bonus. As the name suggests, this DLC unlocks Pac-Man’s sound effects from his arcade glory days.
$60 | Releases July 18
Shadow Labyrinth’s Secret Edition is only $60. This limited-edition release comes with the base game, preorder bonus, and the following physical and digital collectibles:
- Digital art book
- Digital soundtrack
- Enamel pin set
- 18 x 12-inch double-sided map poster
- Blacklight keychain
- Glow-in-the-dark sticker sheet
- Iridescent sticker sheet
- Booklet case
Preorders for the Secret Edition are available at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.
Shadow Labyrinth is also getting a $100 Collector’s Edition that’s exclusive to the Bandai Namco Store. This version includes a Shadow Box, Collector’s Box, and Art Journal and is available for Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC (Steam key).
The upcoming 2D action-platformer takes place on a planet ravaged by war. Like all metroidvanias, there’s a focus on uncovering hidden secrets and unlocking new powers. You play as Swordsman No. 8–it’s unclear what happened to the previous seven swordsmen, but probably nothing good–and will square off against a variety of alien monsters with the help of your very hungry companion Puck (Pac-Man).
Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Merch
Shadow Labyrinth is part of Bandai Namco’s 45th anniversary celebrations for the legendary arcade hero. The upcoming game isn’t the only exciting Pac-Man product on the horizon, though. A collection of Banpresto plushies featuring Pac-Man and the Ghosts are up for grabs at Amazon. A few of the Ghosts released earlier this year, while Pac-Man is slated to launch on April 25.
Pac-Man Plush Preorders
If you are as hungry as Puck, you can preorder Pac-Man: The Official Cookbook in hardcover format for $30 at Amazon ahead of its May 13 publication by Insight Editions. A Kindle ebook edition is also up for preorder for $13.
