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Shadow Labyrinth is a Metroidvania platformer where you embody a soul who can’t wield a sword with traditional hands. Instead, you use a mechanical arm to assist you. One of the standout features of the game is a twisted rendition of the classic Pac-Man, allowing you to consume your foes whole.
The game encompasses a variety of expansive areas, and, as is typical of the genre, your progress is often restricted by specific abilities. However, you’re bound to enjoy the adventure from beginning to end, especially if you remember a few tips to enhance your gameplay.
Explore Every Path
When diving into a Metroidvania like Shadow Labyrinth, taking a linear approach just to follow the main storyline doesn’t do the game justice. The true enjoyment lies in navigating a vast world where not all paths are necessary for completion, yet many hide the toughest challenges.
Along the main route, you might face some formidable enemies and a couple of minibosses. But it’s in these side paths that you’ll encounter truly unique and tough adversaries waiting to test your skills. Plus, there’s a rewarding treasure waiting at the end of those paths.
Most yellow and red crystals, which contain vital items for HP increases and regeneration, are often tucked away in these side areas. By exploring them, you not only make the main quest easier, but you’ll also understand why Shadow Labyrinth is such an exceptional game.
Activate Gaia Mode When Needed
After defeating your second main boss, an older version of PUCK, you acquire a special ability that allows you to transform into a giant mech. You start the game as this powerful creature, showcasing its capabilities, but activating it requires some setup.
A mech icon will appear in the top-left corner when it’s ready for use—this is your lifeline in critical situations. At times, you may find yourself near defeat, surrounded by enemies. In these moments, activating Gaia gives you an advantageous escape.
Gaia can even help you take down minibosses early in the game before its activation timer runs out.
Collect Materials Whenever Possible
Aside from being an unstoppable mech, Gaia has a unique ability: you can devour stunned or defeated enemies. However, you only have a brief window to do this before their bodies disappear. Consuming enemies not only recharges Gaia, but it also provides essential materials.
These materials are crucial for upgrading your abilities and purchasing various perks throughout your journey in the Labyrinth. Early in the game, be sure to consume every enemy you encounter. This foresight prevents future hunting missions for materials.
Keep in mind that while Gaia can consume enemies directly in front of it, it can’t reach through walls. Timing is key here—it uses up a lot of your ESP, and inappropriate use can leave you vulnerable.
Pay Attention to Your Map
As you wander through Shadow Labyrinth, you’ll likely pass by special items hidden from view, either behind walls or otherwise concealed. Fortunately, your map can assist during these moments. Check it frequently, as certain items will be marked even if you can’t see them directly.
Close proximity may reveal hidden paths and other items you might need. This feature also aids in locating destructible walls, guiding you in the right direction.
Regenerating HP Is Challenging
One of the appealing aspects of a Metroidvania is its souls-like design where you save only at specific checkpoints. In Shadow Labyrinth, there are different types of checkpoints: some have an orb, while others do not. The orb-less checkpoints allow HP regeneration but don’t refill your life tank or give you teleport options.
If you die at these checkpoints, you’ll revert back without a way to heal, making certain areas quite perilous if you’re not careful.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Enemies
With HP recovery being difficult, learning your enemies’ behaviors is crucial for progression. While many smaller foes have similar patterns, larger enemies often have unique abilities.
For instance, the bigger warriors encountered in the Sky-High Tree strike slowly but pack a punch, while smaller foes tend to swarm and utilize quick dash and jump attacks. Recognizing these patterns will help you avoid traps and counter effectively.
Repeat Boss Fights
On your journey, you’ll face numerous bosses. Some will have notable introductions, while others may unexpectedly block your path. The nice part is you can redo certain boss fights.
Whenever you spot a yellow skull icon on your map, it indicates a miniboss you’ve already defeated. Reentering that area will reignite the fight, allowing you to farm materials for essential items, enhancing the game’s replay value.
Your Dash Provides Strict Immunity
From your initial encounter with bosses, you’ll quickly notice their formidable, agile attacks that often cover a wide area. Mastering the dash is essential for evading these threats. When you trigger a dash, you gain almost a second of immunity, allowing you to evade incoming assaults.
Though the timing might take a little practice to master, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find dodging becomes second nature as you progress through the challenges of Shadow Labyrinth.
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