Shadow Labyrinth – A Haunting Throwback With Metroidvania Bite

A Spooky Surprise With Retro Roots

If you’ve been following the Secret Level series, you might remember the eerie episode focused on the darker side of Pac-Man. That vibe now echoes through Shadow Labyrinth — a neon-drenched, ghost-haunted action platformer that channels nostalgia while reaching for its own identity. Developed by an indie team with a clear love for classic arcade titles, this upcoming metroidvania invites players into a world filled with glowing corridors, possessed entities, and more than a few surprises.

Ahead of its July 18 release, we were granted early access to a hands-on version of the game. Here's what we uncovered inside the labyrinth.

Gameplay: Classic Design Meets Creepy Complexity

At its core, Shadow Labyrinth follows the tried-and-true metroidvania formula: explore interconnected zones, defeat enemies, collect upgrades, and backtrack with new abilities. But what makes this game pop is how it infuses those mechanics with distinctly retro flair.

Very early on, you’re introduced to neon traversal lines — shimmering trails that let you reach otherwise inaccessible areas. These evoke the essence of old-school Pac-Man tunnels, right down to the satisfying “waka-waka” audio feedback. It’s a clever design element that not only tickles the nostalgia nerve, but also adds an extra layer of strategic movement.

Combat starts out manageable, but don’t be fooled — Shadow Labyrinth quickly becomes punishing. Enemies evolve from simple ghosts to massive monstrosities that demand careful timing, evasive tactics, and well-executed strikes. It’s not uncommon to find yourself overwhelmed, especially during mid- and late-game encounters. This game is no casual stroll through the haunted arcade.

A Story That Absorbs — Literally

Unlike many metroidvanias that lean heavily on environmental storytelling, Shadow Labyrinth actually tries to spin a plot — albeit one that unfolds slowly. You play as a sword-wielding wanderer trapped in a cursed neon maze, guided by a mysterious orb named Puck. This floating companion offers cryptic commentary, helps you unlock new paths, and occasionally morphs into a monstrous black sphere capable of absorbing enemies whole.

This absorption mechanic is central to progression. Defeating foes sometimes lets you consume their essence, gaining new powers or materials for upgrades. Think of it like Kirby meets Hollow Knight — it’s equal parts cute and creepy. Later in the game, you’ll rely heavily on this system to craft your build and overcome increasingly grotesque boss encounters.

The game also pays homage to retro classics in subtle ways: enemy designs hint at Dig Dug, Slaughterhouse, and, of course, Pac-Man, while the level layout evokes 8-bit mazes twisted into something darker and deadlier.

What Doesn’t Work (Yet)

Despite all the fun we had, Shadow Labyrinth isn't without its flaws. Most notably, the controls feel inconsistent. Button inputs sometimes register with a delay, which can be fatal in a fast-paced platformer where twitch reflexes are key. In more intense segments, this led to unnecessary deaths and some mild controller-flinging frustration.

The animation quality also leaves room for improvement. Movements often appear stiff or puppet-like, making enemies and even the protagonist feel more like cardboard cutouts than living beings. While this may be intentional to preserve the retro aesthetic, it doesn’t always gel with the game’s more atmospheric ambitions.

Another issue: navigation clarity. The game offers little guidance on where to go next. While this open-endedness can be great for exploration, it often results in tedious backtracking. With some minor tweaks — like better signposting or a subtle in-game map — this could be solved.

Still Worth Watching

The version we played is technically a preview build, meaning there’s still time for the developers to iron out these issues before launch. And honestly? The potential is definitely there.

When Shadow Labyrinth is firing on all cylinders, it delivers a tight, challenging metroidvania experience with a unique personality. The blend of horror vibes, clever mechanics, and arcade inspiration makes it feel both fresh and familiar. It’s not afraid to take risks, and even its rougher edges come with a certain indie charm.

Final Thoughts

Shadow Labyrinth doesn’t try to reinvent the metroidvania genre — it’s a love letter to it. From its glowing, ghost-infested corridors to its sharp difficulty spikes and quirky lore, it has all the ingredients for cult status. If the developers can polish the controls and animation before release, this could easily become a standout title in the 2025 indie lineup.

Whether you grew up gobbling pellets in arcades or just love a good challenge, Shadow Labyrinth is one to keep on your radar.

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