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The secret Pac-Man reimagining is Shadow Labyrinth, a dark science-fiction action-platformer starring Swordsman No. 8 and a mysterious orb called PUCK. Its connection to Amazon’s Secret Level is direct: the Pac-Man episode is a prequel to the game, and the project was already in development when the show’s creators spoke with its developers.
What was the secret Pac-Man game?
Bandai Namco revealed Shadow Labyrinth at The Game Awards on December 12, 2024, linking the previously enigmatic Pac-Man episode of Secret Level to a full game. The publisher called it “a broad departure from any previous PAC-MAN game.” Instead of a cheerful arcade maze, it is a dark, maze-filled alien world and a single-player 2D action-platformer.
You play as Swordsman No. 8, with PUCK—a floating orb that recalls Pac-Man—as a guide. The familiar ideas are transformed rather than simply repeated: pursuit and maze navigation become part of an adventure about fighting hostile creatures, consuming enemies, gaining abilities, solving puzzles, and uncovering the truth about the planet and PUCK. The game also draws on other Bandai Namco arcade properties, including Galaga, Dig Dug, Bosconian, and Splatterhouse. These are publisher descriptions of the game, not independent review findings. Bandai Namco’s official game page
How does it connect to Secret Level?
The Pac-Man short is an official prequel to Shadow Labyrinth. The show’s creators did not start with a finished game and invent a tie-in afterward: in a December 13, 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Secret Level creator Tim Miller said the game concept already existed when the team spoke with its developers.
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- 🎮Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed Bandai Namco title, ensuring an authentic gaming experience.
- Nostalgic Gaming: Relive the classic Pac-Man experience with this miniaturized arcade game featuring authentic gameplay, graphics, and sounds. This pocket-sized game features a high-resolution 2.75-inch full-color vertical display, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classic gameplay.
- 🔋 Portable Gameplay: Powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included), this portable game lets you enjoy Pac-Man adventures on-the-go
- 🎯IMPORTANT NOTE: Peel off the protective screen sticker before use. Press START/CREDIT to add coins to start game. Built-in speaker: Volume control and Adjustable screen brightness for better gameplay.
- 🎵Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you enjoy Pac-Man on the go on your own privately.
Miller described the premise they were shown as a swordsman in an apocalyptic wasteland, Pac-Man as a mobile gun platform, and mutant ghosts. That unusually bleak take prompted the reaction in the headline. Miller told Entertainment Weekly: “What they showed us was so f—ed up and off the hook.” The line refers to the game concept the team encountered, not a review of the released game. Entertainment Weekly’s interview with Tim Miller
When did Shadow Labyrinth launch, and where can you play it?
Shadow Labyrinth launched on July 18, 2025. Bandai Namco currently lists it for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The official game page also lists an update dated November 11, 2025 that added Explorer Mode.
Rank #2
- RETRO GRAPHICS: Immerse yourself in nostalgia with the Arcade Classics Pac-Man’s classic arcade graphics that look just like the original!
- AUTHENTIC GAMEPLAY: Use the joystick to guide Pac-Man through the mazes as you collect Pac-Dots and power-ups. Just don’t get caught by those sneaky ghosts!
- FULL COLOR SCREEN: With a brighter, full color screen that makes it easy to see the characters and dots, you’ll be cruising through those mazes like a pro.
- CLASSIC MUSIC: Pac-Man fans will love the authentic music and sounds that play just like the original arcade game.
- SHARE AND COLLECT: Arcade Classics are a must-have retro toy for collectors or for anyone looking to share this classic toy with the next generation!
What editions and difficulty modes are available?
Publisher-announced editions
Bandai Namco’s July 2025 launch announcement described these formats and editions. This records what the publisher announced at launch; it does not confirm present-day retailer stock.
| Format or edition | What Bandai Namco announced |
|---|---|
| Digital Standard Edition | Digital standard edition. |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | Digital deluxe edition. |
| Physical Standard Edition | Physical standard editions for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. |
| Secret Edition | A physical edition with collectibles. |
| Collector’s Edition | Announced as exclusive to Bandai Namco Entertainment America’s store at launch; current availability is not established. |
The announcement does not establish current stock or regional availability for these editions. Check the platform, edition contents, region, and seller before buying. Bandai Namco’s launch announcement
Rank #3
- 🕹 Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed Bandai Namco title, ensuring an authentic gaming experience.
- 🎮 Iconic Characters: Guide the beloved yellow PAC-MAN character through mazes, eating dots and power-ups. Features artwork inspired by the original PAC-MAN arcade cabinet.
- High Resolution: This collectible game features a high-resolution 2.75-inch full-color display, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classic gameplay.
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm headphone jack lets you enjoy PAC-MAN on the go on your own privately.
- 🔋 Portable Gameplay: Powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included)
Explorer Mode or Veteran Mode
The official game page identifies the original mode as Veteran Mode and says Explorer Mode reduces combat and exploration difficulty. Choose Explorer if you want a less demanding experience; Veteran preserves the original difficulty setting. Bandai Namco’s page does not provide a numerical difficulty comparison. See the official game page for the mode details
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How long is Shadow Labyrinth?
Before release, producer Seigo Aizawa estimated the game at about 30 hours. Speaking through translators to Entertainment Weekly, he said: “It’s about a 30-hour game, so there are many ways to beat the bosses and to explore the maps.” Treat that as a pre-release estimate from the producer, not a measured completion time or a guarantee for every play style. Aizawa also said, “We wanted to make the game quite difficult to complete.” Read the full interview
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 14 Classic Games Included: Play PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Pac-Land, Mappy, and more—14 built-in titles deliver hours of iconic retro arcade fun at home
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Real-feel joystick and buttons let you dodge ghosts, eat pellets, and chase high scores just like you did in the arcade
- Crisp 17-Inch Display: BOE color monitor brings every glowing maze and character to life with sharp visuals that stay true to the original arcade look
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete with players across the country by posting high scores online using built-in Wi-Fi—no quarters required
- Deluxe Cabinet Design: Over 5 feet tall with a light-up marquee, molded faux coin door, and sleek cabinet that adds retro style to any game room or space
Rank #4
- A World of Fun Run, chomp, butt-bounce, and more to meet PAC-LAND's challenge and charm! From B-Doing Tree Tops to ice skating in Snowy Mountain, and taking aim from the PAC-Marine deep in the Ocean. Rev roll in Paradise Meadows, Flutter jump over lava in the Volcano, and PAC-Dot attack through Ghost Island! PAC-MAN is ready for action!
- Remade for all PAC Players! With modern graphics, expanded levels and PAC-Village, quality of life improvements, and voice acting - it's the fan favorite remade from scratch with the original recipe. But Re-PAC means more: new actions for PAC-MAN, updated boss battles, characters, collectables, customizations, even a 2-player mode!
- In PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, Adventure is back on the menu!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
