Pac-Man leaves the classic mazes to enter a challenging world of platforms and dungeons
An unexpected leap
Yes, Pac-Man received a radical change and this time he doesn’t come alone. In a surprising teaser, we see him accompanying a new character: The Swordsman. Together they star in a game that, although it is labeled as 2D action platformsdrink clearly from the waters of Metroidvania Yes roguelikein the style of Dead cells Yes Hollow Knight.
The character traveled to long road since its debut in arcades in 1980. What started as a simple and addictive game, the goal of which was pure success: eating, escaping from ghosts and surviving in a maze. Little by little the character evolved, he gained eyes, arms and legs (and also Mrs. Pac-Man), becoming a true video game star.
Now, with a design that pays homage to his classical roots but in a modernized version, Bandai Namco renamed it as Discoa nod to its original name Puckmann in Japan. And even if in the past he has thrown himself into other genres such as racing Ridge Racer or fights Super Smash Bros., Shadow labyrinth is something completely different: a 2D challenge full of exploration, action and dungeons.
An explosive mix of styles
The teaser of Shadow labyrinth It only lasts a minute, but it was enough spark the hype. From the first second there is a dark and provocative air that reminds us of the best roguelike. Both The Swordsman AS Disco (Pac-Man) They travel through labyrinthine dungeons full of enemies and deadly traps.
The game seems to be a well thought out mix:
- Puck acts as a guide in this new world, remembering its labyrinthine origins and collecting points (or what appears to be Energy pellets).
- The Swordsman, for his part, manages to lethal greatsword capable of attacking enemies in all directions, in a style that could rival Dead cells or Halls and Sanctuary.
- The combination between the two characters is fundamental, right from the end of the teaser merge their skillsrevealing a terrifying and powerful version of Pac-Man with a design worthy of the darkest fantasy tales.
“To survive in this maze, you must eat“, says the closing teaser, making it clear that the essence of the game it is still alive, but with a focus much more adult and stimulating.
A tribute to the classics with a modern twist
The influence of games like Hollow Knight Yes Dead cells It is evident: interconnected dungeonsdeadly enemies and a combat system that rewards skill and patience. But him nostalgic charm of Pac-Man is present in subtle details, such as the act of eat enemies and collect items on the map.
Furthermore, the section artistic of the game deserves a separate mention. Far from the labyrinth of flat colors, from the dungeons this new delivery they look dark, vibrant and full of detailcreating an environment that invites both exploration and survival.
The combination that no one expected, but that everyone wants to play
What Pac-Man enter fully into a similar genre Roguelike Metroidvania This is undoubtedly a risky bet Bandai Namcobut also one of the most exciting. By giving the character a new purpose and companion, they created a classic surprise us again.
The idea of driving The Swordsman through a infernal labyrinthwith Pac-Man (Puck) at his side, it seems as strange as it is brilliant. Who would have thought that the friendly comecocos Could he become an essential ally in a world full of dangers?
More alive than ever
Against this new game, Bandai Namco it doesn’t just celebrate one of the most famous people iconic of video games, but also reinvents it for a new generation of players. Longtime fans will find references to classical labyrinthswhile new players will have to face a modern and dark challenge that has nothing to envy of the giants of the genre.
Will we find ourselves faced with a new classic? Everything points to yes. What is clear is this the franchise hasn’t said its final wordand in 2024 his the most ambitious adventure until today.