Pac-Man Spin-Off Enters a Shared Universe with Ace Combat and Galaga

Bandai Namco has updated the United Galaxy Space Force timeline for the first time since 2014 with the inclusion of Shadow Labyrinth, a dark platformer Pac-Man spin-off. It’s a shared universe that includes Bandai Namco’s other franchises like Ace Combat, Dig Dug, and Galaga.

According to the timeline, Shadow Labyrinth takes place in the year 3333 after the conclusion of The New Space Order War, which is an unreleased and canceled RTS game from Bandai in 2009. In 3333, Puck, who takes the form of a PAC-type support android, and Swordsman No.8 are summoned to the timeline to uncover the mysteries of this universe.

Shadow Labyrinth is also a follow up to the Pac-Man level episode of Amazon’s Secret Level, an anthology series based on video games. The game was featured in the March 2025 Nintendo Direct where it was revealed to be releasing on July 18. It will launch for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.

This Pac-Man spin-off serves as Bandai Namco celebrating the franchise’s 45th anniversary, and it’s getting a special edition filled with collectibles, including an enamel pin set, blacklight keychain, and glow-in-the-dark sticker sheet.