A Look at the Games From Bandai Namco
Anime Expo 2025 was a weekend that brought together many titans of the entertainment industry. Among the standout exhibitors was Bandai Namco, whose multiple setups near the front entrance made their presence impossible to miss. From model kits to card games, Bandai Namco had plenty to offer. Of course, one also can’t overlook the many amazing video games they were showcasing during the weekend.
At Anime Expo 2025, I had the opportunity to tour Bandai Namco Entertainment, their video game publishing division. There, I demoed all their upcoming titles scheduled for release this year.
Shadow Labyrinth
Developed in celebration of Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary, Shadow Labyrinth offers a darker reimagining of the iconic character. Swordsman No. 8 awakens beside a floating yellow orb named PUCK, on a mysterious planet scattered with the remnants of ancient wars. Players must explore the wreckage of a long-forgotten intergalactic conflict that began long before their arrival. As they traverse this alien world, they’ll face dangerous creatures and evolved monstrosities. Shadow Labyrinth is set to launch for all major consoles and the PC on July 17th, 2025.
Unlike the Pac-Man games we all know, Shadow Labyrinth is a Metroidvania adventure. Right from the start, I appreciated the responsive controls as there was no delay between input and action. During my playthrough, I explored every corner of the level while sampling all aspects of the gameplay mechanics. At the same time, I got a sense of the puzzles I’d encounter and the challenges players will face. The demo concludes with a boss fight that demanded several rounds of trial and error before I finally defeated it.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is the first new entry into the Digimon Story series in ten years. Players take on the role of an agent who must stop an apocalyptic event by venturing between the human world and the Digital World. The game features more than 450 Digimon to fight, collect, and tame while acting as an entry point for newcomers to the franchise. Digimon Story: Time Stranger is set to launch for all major consoles and the PC on October 2nd, 2025.
During my playthrough, I began in the center of town and made my way toward the sewer. Before continuing further, I upgraded my Digimon and ensured the right ones were ready for upcoming encounters. I then explored the level, searching nearby areas for loot, hidden rewards, and alternative passages. Along the way, I battled enemy Digimon and gradually strengthened the ones in my roster. At the end of the stage, I encountered the bosses I needed to defeat. Once the battle was over, the demo session came to a close.
I’ll be honest, I’ve never played a Digimon game, and my only exposure to the franchise was the anime. Even then, I’ve only watched the first season. So, while I can’t compare this to past titles, I was able to view it with a fresh perspective. Overall, it felt welcoming to all players, even those unfamiliar with the series, and the gameplay was easy to understand.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a roguelite adventure that puts players in the role of Towa, a priestess of Shinju who has to lead the Guardians on a quest to save their village from Magatsu’s evil influence. Explore distant, mystical lands where beauty hides danger, and only courage can carry you forward. Guided by Hitoshi Sakimoto’s stirring melodies, uncover ancient powers, forge sacred weapons, and build bonds with eight unique companions. Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is set to launch for all major consoles and the PC on September 18th, 2025.
The demo begins with players selecting two characters and learning about their combat skills and core gameplay mechanics. Once I was ready, I entered a random portal and advanced to the next stage of the world. Upon entering each stage, I battled every foe that stood in my way. Once the area was clear, I searched for loot before moving on. After progressing through a few different stages, I eventually confronted the boss. It was an intense fight, but in the end, I was defeated and had to start over from the beginning.
Patapon 1+2 Replay
A remaster of the classic PlayStation Portable titles, Patapon 1+2 Replay brings them to modern consoles and the PC. It’s a rhythm game where players use the 4 Mystical Drums to command the Patapons and lead them into battle. Players must use strategy along with the power of rhythm to lead their Patapon’s to victory.
Patapon 1+2 Replay was a different experience for me, as I rarely play rhythm games. I’ll admit, I struggled at first due to my lack of familiarity with the genre. However, by the time I started to grasp the gameplay, I managed to make some progress in leading the Patapons. Despite the learning curve, I genuinely enjoyed the game’s vibrant visual design and catchy soundtrack. Overall, if you played the original or are a fan of rhythm games, Patapon 1+2 Replay is definitely worth checking out.
More from Bandai Namco Entertainment
Besides the games on the expo floor, guests could get their photo taken with a replica of the Motorcycle Forma from Code Vein II. Guests could also learn more about the upcoming titles and get some free merch just for playing a demo or wish listing them.
This special report is part of 8Bit/Digi‘s coverage of Anime Expo 2025. If you attended the event, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Disclaimer: Anime Expo provided me with a pass for the weekend.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
