Pac Man has experienced a whole series of publications and interpretations over the course of its more than 40-year history. From its beginnings as an arcade classic to some more experimental games later: Pac Man has had a historic journey. But despite the sheer breadth of the entries, and even if they deviated from general standards, Pac Man never really strayed far from its core genre ideas and colorful, cartoonish nature.
But now, Shadow maze wants to turn it upside down Pac ManThe status quo. Premiere at this year's Game Awards, Shadow mazeThe reveal trailer showed a very different version of the brave yellow guy than most fans are probably used to. Shadow mazeThe announcement came shortly after Amazon and Blur Studios. Secret level Episode “Circle”, which served as a prequel to it. With a menacing setting and a gameplay style that exceeds all expectations, the upcoming title promises a never-before-seen side of the puck. Pac Man Knoah Piasek, brand marketing manager for Bandai Namco Entertainment America, and producer Seigo Aizawa spoke to Game Rant about the intent and design behind it Shadow mazeis menacing representation of the character and the world.
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Secret Level's horrific Pac-Man episode is getting its own game
Circle, the spooky Pac-Man episode of Amazon Prime Video's hit animated series Secret Level, is getting its own video game.
Shadow Labyrinth developers discuss the dark version of Pac-Man
With its horror-like vibes, Secret level's representation of Pac Man must have been a big surprise for most viewers. Shadow maze will feature the same hostile world seen in “Circle” and its version of Pac Man That seems anything but friendly. When asked about the decision and idea behind this new direction of the IP, Aizawa explained:
If you think about it
Pac Man
You know, it's legendary and a family-friendly game. We wanted to reimagine it and create a darker version of Pac-Man and the world to reach a new audience. We looked at the key elements of the maze and eating concepts, and how the tables turn in the blink of an eye and Pac-Man becomes the alpha predator. That's the idea behind it
The setting of Shadow Labyrinth.
Piasek added the early feedback Shadow maze was extreme at times. Some fans fully accepted the vision, while others were more surprised by the drastic change in style and presentation. But that was exactly the goal, said Piasek.
Our strategy all along was to shock people. This is a little pun where the character's name is Puck and Puck Man is Pac-Man's original name. We want people to say, “What the fuck?” “That’s exactly the answer we’re looking for.”
Shadow Labyrinth will still contain shades of classic Pac-Man aspects
One notable change is that players take on the role of a humanoid character Shadow mazeSwordsman No. 8. They are accompanied and led by Puck, his version of Pac-Man. Regarding the genre, Piasek admitted this Shadow maze Although the game looks a lot like a Metroidvania game, it is touted as a 2D action platformer. Aizawa explained that this approach fits well with the challenge of introducing a “darker Pac-Man” combined with Shadow mazeThe focus is on the well-known labyrinth and consumer elements.
And while it aims to explore new avenues for the franchise, Shadow maze won't go Pac Man's roots completely behind him. Aizawa noted that there will be various inclusions and mechanics that draw on recognizable aspects, pointing to an example from the trailer:
If you look closely you will see a moment where the swordsman transforms into Puck and that is what this classic shows
Pac Man
Movement. We incorporated this little mix. When fans play the game, I think it will speak for itself. They'll see it and talk about it, and
Pac Man
Easter eggs and references will be there.
Shadow maze therefore tries to retain important components of Pac Manwhile venturing into more mature tones and themes to provide a unique and intriguing experience for both long-time fans and newer audiences.
Shadow maze has a release window for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
