Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition PS5 Review

 

Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition is a 2D artillery tactical game was released in 2024 for PS5, PS4, XSX/S, XBONE, and Switch 1.

It was both developed and published by Team 17, and it is a re-release port of 1999's original game previously released for PC.

Before I begin reviewing the game, we are looking back to the mid-90s at the time we didn't had an internet to download stuff from the browser, so we instead we are relying on owning a physical copy of PC games off from a retail computer store via the floppy disk or CD software to install on Windows home computer then running with the MS-DOS software to play various of PC games is what we grew up with the old-fashioned home computer.

PC gaming is quite simple back in the mid-90s and early-2000s when we had most of the PC software titles goes on sales in 1-year after the game's launch release whether you see it at the supermarket store, electronic shop, local pound shop, and of course the PC store, so this is what I've discovered the game for my windows 95 computer which is Worms.

It is a 1995's artillery tactical game where you take control of group of Worms goes on war to battle against their rivalry, so their goal is to use their arsenals to kill each other until the last team survives declared victory. 

It is a simple turn-based title that became quite popular among with the PC gamers has gained many praises and had sold almost 250,000 copies at the following release in 1995. 

The success of the first game has ported to other platforms including PS1, Saturn, Genesis/MD, SNES, Amiga, Jaguar, and GB.

In 2 years later, Team 17 had bought the 2nd installiment titled Worms 2 to the PC platform had contained the notable improvements including new weapons and customisation options, online play support, and of course the visual style has changed it to more cartoony approach as opposed to first original game's pixelated sprite work.

It gained critically acclaimed reception at the release was highly praised for its expanded customisation, online matches, has level editor tools, the visual design choices, and of course the delivering sense of humour filled with great one-liners and laughs is what really adds the game's charm.

In around the year of 1999 is where the series popularity had began to applaud with the 3rd installiment titled Worms Armageddon for PC, PS1, N64, DC, and GBC has jam packed of new content including additional weapons, high level of customisability, and a series of new single-player mode such as training practices, campaign missions, and of course the deathmatch battle.

It was universally acclaimed by video game critics and has been labelled as being one of the greatest games of all-time lists, as well as being one of the best game in the whole series being loved by many fans.

In 25 years after the 1999's original game, they began to celebrate the 25th anniversary with the Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition for modern platforms release in 2024, so what does it mean to us who grew up playing the classic artillery game? well we are taking a look of the re-release port to see if the game did actually meet the today standards which is why I am here to review the PS5 copy of Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition whether the 25 year old game (now 26) is good enough to worth an re-visit on the modern consoles or is it better off sticking to the original's 1999 version on old platforms instead.

So without go further do, Let's start the review.

Presentation

The game's 25th anniversary is meant to celebrate the 1999's original classic are packed with many content such as the main actual game, 3 playable emulated titles such as the SNES and Genesis/MD version of 1995's Worms, GBA version of Worms World Party, and of course GBC version of Worms Armageddon, and lastly the behind-the-scenes gallery which tells you the history of how the Worms series all started.

What I liked about the behind-the-scenes content is how well the timeline interface has presented on the screen showing tons of images, text, year, and details are easy to follow these navigation and of course it had a video footage displaying the members of Team 17 talks about their previous experience on the development of the whole series from start to end which I really liked getting into learning about the historical video game series that involves tiny little worms goes on war against their enemy worms in turn-based strategy featured on home computer is something that really interesting to watch these documentary.

Sadly this package does not include a various of cinematic FMV sequences like the PS1 and Dreamcast version of 1999's original has multiples of funny video sketches was completely absent on 25th anniversary edition which is kinda bummer because I would love to re-watch these hilarious video of Worms doing a comical stuff like the ping pong match segment, jackpot game goes disaster, battle between pirate and rival, and of course the camcorder with bazooka on it is something that I wish it was all included on this package to add-up nostalgia. 

On to the main game itself, I really liked the cartoon-style of worms on this game as opposed to 1995's original pixeled-art which I believe it is the best way designed to make them look more appealing and recognisable.

Having the cartoon-style character really adds-up their personality and humour is making them look more likable which is the reason why I love having a worm character as a tiny-little creature does something really stupid moves is something I adore them.

I say I really liked the various of stage presentation filled with many themes and settings to choose from such as desert, dungeon, easter, forest, fruit, hospital, jungle, music, space, beach, hell, city, snow, construction, and etc.

It also has randomly generated terrain in multiplayer match which allowing you to create a random maps based on the chosen theme for replayability.

Overall, it has interesting behind-the-scenes content and cartoon-style presentation design.

Gameplay

On the main menu screen, you will have wide selection of menus to choose from such as the single-player mode is where your goal is to complete all tasks on each modes such as training, campaign mission, and deathmatch.

You have quick match mode where you'll be battling out against the computer A.I players on the quick game with default match setting, where as you can challenge your friends or players through local or online play with customisable match settings.

You can also create or customise your team with different names, colors, voice, icon, and etc. as well as customising the game's set of rule settings such as time rounds, win counts, and health points...oh you can create your own weapon schemes with the options of weapon crates availability, ammunitions ranging from limit to infinite, damage hit points, and of course toggle on or off on each weapons you want to use it for the match.

You'll playing as the team of worm in completely zoomed-out side-scrolling perspective as your main objectives is to fight against all your opponent's team until the last one of the team survives will declared victory. 

For controls, push the left-stick or d-pad left/right button is to move worm and using with the left-stick or d-pad up/down button is to aim up and down which you see the crosshair being displayed on the screen.

Push the right-stick controls is to move camera around the screen and also used as cursor pointer icon for some weapons like airstrike or teleport as an example.

Press the square button is to make worm jump forward or double tap it for jumping backwards, where as the triangle button is to jump up-straight or double tap it for backflip jump, so these are designed for jumping on the reachable platforms.

Press the left trigger button is to bring up the weapon selection menu on screen which allowing you to select any of weapons you want to use it.

After selecting the item "worm select" from the weapon menu display, press the right trigger button to switch any of your team members will display the rotation icon on screen. 

To fire the weapon, press and hold then release square button to launch fire which you will see the firing meter range on screen meaning the longer you hold the square button then the bigger range you make fire.

Your enemies will take damage depending on which kind of weapons you've used will range between highs or lows points, so when their health points is reaches zero then they die in the battle displaying their tombstone icon and they can also instantly die by drowning on the water as well as flying off-screen.  

You can also keep an eye on the wind pressure icon on the bottom-right of the screen which displays the strength of the wind pressure meaning when you're fire the weapon like bazooka will affect the landing range like it shoots backwards or forwards due to high level of wind pressure. 

You will also keep an eye on the timer displayed on the bottom-left of the screen meaning you had to finish your turn quickly as possible before the timer runs out, so finishing your turns in the right time or making your time go wasting will led your opponent team to take turns for their next move. 

So far, these default control layout is quite straight-forward to play because all you do is to make move, aim, and shoot at your enemies are quite simple and easy to learn thing which is fine for those who are much used with the default control settings, but it may be the problem with the others who are looking for the custom controls option which unfortunately it lacks the feature in the anniversary edition meaning you won't able to change the button layouts to suit your playstyle and there are no option to change the speed of the cursor pointer which happens to be too fast as an default just makes it difficult to control, but that doesn't necessary mean it hurts your overall experience of the game because despite the lack of custom controls option, the actual gameplay of the whole is still plays decent enough which I had no issue with controlling worms throughout the match once you get used with the default control layouts, so the more you getting hang of it the better you can able to play and just enjoy the game as it is.

I really liked the strategic battle system that involves taking turns on each teams will have their time to think of their first move before the enemy will make their next move, so you will have a wide selection of arsenals that could be useful for the combat strategy such as you have bazooka is just a basic launcher that fires the enemy deals half or quarter of damage where as you have homing missiles that launched onto the enemy with the targeting mark being displayed.

Then you will have grenades or cluster bombs which allowing you to throw up in the air high then lands on the ground before the timer reaches zero will cause to explode them in pieces takes half of damage.    Then you have a heavy duty weapons that deals a severe damage on the enemies such as you have dynamite, holy bomb, 5 pieces of banana bombs, salvation army, and well...sheep.

Then you have a firing ranged weapons like pistol, shotgun, uzi, and minigun which deals between light or mid-damage attack.

Then you will have a close range attacks like fire punch, dragon ball, suicide bomb, kamikaze, and of course the prod which deals a light damage. 

There are a numbers of air weapon attack such as the airstrike that launches the air missile from above, where as the sheep airstrike and carpet bombs made a massive damage that bounces anywhere on the ground.

There are some useful utilities for strategic use like you have ninja ropes that allows you to fire a grappling hook on top of the terrains for climbing and swinging, the girder that allow you to make bridge path to get across the platform, the blowtouch and drill allowing you to make a underground paths, the jet pack allowing you to fly on jet in the air for temporary time, and of course the teleport device allowing you to teleport to the other side of the area.

Lastly there are tons of silly weapons that are quite hilarious to use like the concrete donkey that landed on the spot and bounces up and down, the nuclear test that causes to sank down the terrain, the earthquake that causes to shake the whole stage, and of course the armageddon that completely destroys everything on-screen.

These are the weapons that worked really well on the match just made a great balance of the range system and damage hit points that do not disappoint at all.

I also loved the customisation of the match settings and generated maps which gives me an option to change the rule of the match game such as the time, rounds, and health to fit the match play, and having to randomise the terrains of maps with different themes and settings really adds up the game's replayability, and of course the option to create the weapon schemes for the weapon availability like numerous of crates, ammunitions, damage hit system, and of course having to toggle all weapons on or off is the kind of artillery games we like to play on both the local and online matches.  

I would also praise the single-player campaign are filled with a tons of fun mission to play through such as you had training mission is where you had to complete each of the basic training like target practices and how to learn to use these weapons, and you have these campaign mission had a set of objectives to complete like grabbing a crate before time runs out and defeating these groups of enemy teams as the main goal of the mission, and finally a deathmatch where you had a series of matches to battle against the computer A.I ranging from low to high difficulty system in order to gain a higher ranking position as possible is something that I can able to enjoy the whole game.

I had many great time of playing games like Worms Armageddon that I had a big nostalgia on this because I would never forget the moments that this game had give us a wonderful laugher of doing something funny on the match like accidentally pressing the wrong button causing to misfire your weapons ending up killing yourselves, spamming a same silly big weapon to tease your opponents, trolling your teammates by giving them a friendly fire, and of course accidentally falling off stage is something that the game are really means to us.  

Overall, it has simple and strategic battle system, tons of epic weapons, and various of fun game modes for both single-player and multiplayer.

 

Graphics

We all know that Worms: Armageddon had the best looking visuals for its 2D environmental features filled with many bold details of structures and objects around the maps, the size of the randomised terrains has different kinds of big and small spaces, the textures of the foreground has the finishing smooth on the surfaces, and of course the background details has a nicely made layouts just makes the whole design of the 2D levels look simpler and easy to see things around the maps.

I also liked the cartoony-approached of worms are being nicely animated with facial humour and being a tiny little object is something that I find these guys quite appealing for this artillery game.

I wanted to praise the use of destructible effects with tons of explosions going on and has many damaged layouts all over the places being impacted by heavy duty weapons.  

As a anniversary edition for modern platforms, I can give it a credit for having a feature to support a full 4K resolution that not only it makes the whole visuals look cleaner, but it also expands the game's on-screen size that made these stage appears to look larger which I really liked how the game really look on the big 4KTV screen.

I say the actual game's performance is fully perfect for all console platforms including both of the 8th and 9th-gen systems are all run on full 60fps with no issues whatsoever.

Overall, it has fantastic level environments, nicely made animation, and supports full resolution for large on-screen size. 

Music and Sounds

The original soundtrack from the 1999's original game has the amazing theme song on the starting menu which is sort of a remix of the most memorable theme tune from the earlier Worms games we know back then, and we also had a in-game music which really adds up the mysterious and intense atmosphere that really fits the scene of the worms fighting for their survival just sounded really good on the battle.

It was composed by Bjorn Lynne, a veteran of the Worms series composer, created the fantastic score that defines the whole series.

The use of sound effects are very well done for its ambience noise effects and destructible sound collision of weapons and stages are perfectly well designed, and of course the series was best known for its classy voices of worms army filled with many fun one-liners and humours to taunt their opponents is something that I find it quite amusing to hear a random stuff from those tiny little guys.           

Overall, it has amazing music and sounds, and classy voice-lines. 

Special Features

The game offers a free update patch that adds a cool content to this package, so it has 3 emulated titles including SNES and Genesis/MD port of 1995's game Worms, GBA port of 2001's game Worms World Party, and of course GBC port of 1999's game Worms Armageddon.

It also has all behind-the-scene gallery are filled with timelines, concept-arts, images, and video to discuss the history of Team 17's beloved series.

It also has a cheat option to activate on the option menu titled "BoggySentMe" which unlocks all the weapons and schemes for local play, and all content such as missions and elite rank medals.

For physical owners, there are a collector's box edition which packed with many cool goodies such as double-sided poster, 3 pin badges, 1 double-sided coin, sticker sheet, and weapons guidebook.

Overall, a stunning overall package. 

Advantages

Cartoon-style presentation and character's humours.

Cool customisation for match settings and randomised generated maps.

Fun single-player modes for campaign mission and deathmatches.

Perfect for both local and online multiplayer.

Simple and strategic battle gameplay.

Tons of epic selections of weapons to select and choose.

Fantastic visuals and amazing sounds.

Free update content package.

Disadvantages

Lack of customisable control options.

Missing all funny FMV sequences.

Final Verdict

Presentation 7.5/10 - interesting behind-the-scenes content and cartoon-style presentation design.

Gameplay 7.5/10 - simple and strategic battle system, tons of epic weapons, and various of fun game modes for both single-player and multiplayer.

Graphics 8/10 - fantastic level environments, nicely made animation, and supports full resolution for large on-screen size. 

Music and Sounds 8/10 - amazing music and sounds, and classy voice-lines.

Special Features 7.5/10 - free update content packed with 3 emulated games, behind-the-scenes gallery, cheat option for weapons, schemes, and missions, and of course the collector's box edition.

Overall 7.5/10 - As I loved the 1999's original game back in the good old PC gaming days of the late 90s or early 2000s era, Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition as a today is still an remarkable package just aged really well is due to simple battle gameplay, had tons of insane arsenals, many great modes for the single-player campaign and of course the multiplayer with customisable match settings, weapon schemes, and map generated terrains is something that is worth for replaying the game again after 25 years since our throwback nostalgia on Team 17's all-time greatest classic.

Even though the lack of customisable control options for modern platform release and missing all funny FMV sequences from PS1 and Dreamcast version is quite of bit let down for some of you guys which I was hoping they will consider adding it to this for the future patch updates, so who knows when?

So that being said it's still a very good game which is still worth playing as the today standards.

The physical collector's box edition for PS5 and Switch 1 are retailed for maybe less than £50, where as the digital releases for PS Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop cost around £25.

Is this the game worth for replaying it again after 25 years? the answer is yes because it's still remains one of the all-time classic artillery game is an easy recommendation for all players and casuals will likely to enjoy this title as today.   

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Sonic Racing Crossworlds PS5 Review

 

Sonic Racing Crossworlds is a Kart Racing Game was released in 2025 for PS5, PS4, XSX/S, XBONE, Switch 1&2, and PC.

It was developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA, and it is a 12th title of all-previous Sonic racing games. 

We all know SEGA had fair shares with many great racing titles starting with the mid-80s arcade hits like Outrun which not only it showcasing the super-scaling effects but also a fast, simple, and fun arcade racing game with tons of replayability, and then all the way to early-90s we had games like Virtua Racing becoming a first racing title showcasing the use of 3D polygon visuals featuring a 3rd-dimentional track design and 3rd-person perspective view of vehicle which is quite new for the 90s arcade gaming at its time, then it get really better with later titles like Daytona USA and SEGA Rally Championship became a pinnacle of 3D arcade racing genre that got really popular at the release that made everyone remembers SEGA as the king of their arcade racing games.

Not only SEGA did create the individual racing titles, but they also then come up with the idea of creating a racing game featuring the iconic video game mascot Sonic the Hedgehog with the Sonic Drift for SEGA Game Gear in 1994.

It's basically a Mario-Kart style racing game for SEGA's handheld system featuring playable racers with Sonic and his friends as they race to the finish line with 18 tracks themed after levels in 1991's Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sadly it wasn't well received at the release was criticised for difficult gameplay and lack of overall fun factor, same goes with Sonic Drift 2 was released in 1995 are also had a similar middling reviews still not as fun to play.  

In 1997, SEGA had bought Sonic R for SEGA Saturn became a first racing game to feature 3D computer graphics which had a mixed reception at the release but it's not terribly bad racing title which can be a good fun for the casuals who are into with the racing games.

Then the later ones in mid-2000s like Sonic Riders and Sonic Rivals for 6th-gen system has received mixed reception but also became a commercial success at the release.

SEGA then decided to improve upon the Sonic Racing games with the Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing in 2010 for 7th-Gen system and PC featuring Sonic and many SEGA's playable rosters is where it all got started to become better than the all previous Sonic racing titles.

It was positive reception at the release for its driving gameplay controls, multiples of great game modes, and of course the fun overall multiplayer.

Then the next installiment was made in 2012 with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed for 7th-Gen systems and PC had done something better for its innovation of vehicle transformation mechanic, various of great game modes, and additional improvements over the first game is what makes the second title being my favourite in the racing series. 

Then we had Team Sonic Racing was released in 2019 for 8th-gen consoles and PC are totally going on different approach making it a first game only features Sonic characters but not including the SEGA rosters from different franchise, so I say it wasn't as good in comparison with the predecessor but overall it's still a fine racing game which I wish they could have gone back to its roots like the previous Sonic Racing game that we much liked.

SEGA had then bought a 2025's title such as Sonic Racing Crossworlds for both 8th and 9th-gen consoles as well as PC which many had said it's one of the better racing title than the previous installiment featuring large playable rosters including 3rd-party guests and returning style of 2012's title for gameplay mechanics is all praised by fans and critics which gives me the reason to own this kart-racing title for PS5.

Is this racing title worth any of fun? let's all find out how the latest Sonic Racing game really plays it well for its whether the overall fun factor is entertaining enough or not and how much they putting much effort on quality gameplay, visuals, and content.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The game starts out with really cool cinematic opening intro showing Sonic and his friends going for the race as they drives through the portal which traverse and teleporting into other worlds.

I really liked how it shows many good parts of the sequences such as everyone flying on the mid-air in the slow-motion before landing on the race track, starts chucking their attack items at the opponents, the driver just catching-up to them, likes to crashing on each other, and there are tons of crazy destructibles going on is just simply fun to watch the openings. 

As I enjoyed watching the opening intros, you are greeted to the title screen in which after you hit the start button which takes you to the main menu which displays any of your favourite character you've selected sitting on their vehicle at the racing track course, so I also want to mention the customisable menu which allowing you to customise cars which changes the appearance of the driver's vehicle to display how the car really looks.

It had many types of wheels, bumpers, attachments, colors, and decals to choose from and you can however add it to your vehicle that suits your style which is the reason that I really liked having to play a racing games that gives you a choice of customising the themes and appearance of the vehicle looked really nice on the menu display.

I got to praise the game for its cast of characters being featured as the playable roster, so starting off with the base rosters which has Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Silver, Big, Blaze, Charmy, Cream & Cheese, Rouge, Vector, Espio, Omega, Dr. Robotnik, Metal Sonic, Jet, Sage, Storm, Egg Pawn, Wave, Zavok, and Zazz, where as the season pass rosters from Sonic Prime has Nine, Dread, and Rusty Rose, as well as pre-order bonus character such as Werehog.

It also featured the playable guest characters starting off with 1st party rosters such as AiAi (Super Monkey Ball), Hatsune Miku, Ichiban Kasuga (Yakuza Like A Dragon), Joker (Persona 5), Nights, Tangle, Whisper, and 6 more characters yet to confirm, where as the 3rd party rosters from season pass has Spongebob and Patrick from Nickelodeon's Spongebob Squarepants, Steve, Alex, and Creeper from Minecraft, Pac-Man and Ghosts from Bandai Namco's Pac-Man, Mega Man and Proto Man from Capcom's Mega Man, and 6 more characters yet to confirm.

I say the overall presentation in the game is quite stunning which I really liked the choice of race maps and locations they included in the game.

It has standard tracks such as E Stadium, Rainbow Garden, Water Palace, Wonder Museum, Metal Harbor, Ocean View, Apotos, Colourful Mall, Mystic Jungle, Sand Road, Kronos Island, Northstar Islands, White Space, Market Street, Donpa Factory, Chao Park, Radical Highway, Urban Canyon, and Aqua Forest, where as the crossworld tracks has Sky Road, Roulette Road, Kraken Bay, Magma Planet, Dino Jungle, Cool Edge Night, Dragon Road Night, Digital Circuit, Cyberspace, White Cave, Galactic Parade, and Sweet Mountain.

The DLC tracks which includes Minecraft, Bikini Bottom from Spongebob Squarepants, and Pac-Village & Maze from Pac-Man Worlds 2.

Most of the race maps are being well structured on environmental design sides depending on any stages that shares the own style of themes like there are quite a bit of the bright and colourful in some areas and some others are can be sometimes dark and gloomy in some ways which is why I really liked having the kart racing game with different themes on each race track.  

So far, the game's presentation delivers many great racing rosters, has really amazing numbers of race maps to participate the match race and grand prix, and of course the cool cinematic opening is just makes the Sonic Racing Crossworlds a stunning looking racing title that is designed to impress for those who previously enjoyed the first two Sonic racing games of the early-2010s era.

Overall, it has cool opening intros, great cast of characters, and stunning overall presentation.

Gameplay

The game has various of modes such as Grand Prix which has 7 base cup + 3 extra cup to complete the championship event. 

Race Park has various of match types such as triple team match (4 vs 4 vs 4) with ring grab or tap boost, double team match (6 vs 6) with shootouts or dash plates, and of course 3 free-for-all matches such as quick match, extreme match, and custom match.

Finally the Time Trial which is simply a time challenge where your goal is to beat it for the new record to earn the highest rank as a reward.

It can be played on single-player solo or 4-player local split-screen and 12-players online matchmaking.

You take control of any of playable roster in 3rd-person perspective view, so in order to beat your opponent your main goal is to race through track on each lap and get to the finishing line at the end in whoever gets the 1st position declared winner. 

Push the left-stick controls or press the d-pad left or right button is to steer around, but you can also these controls for air-trick moves while in mid-air.

Depending on which are two control settings you have selected to suit your playability, so I'm gonna make the label easy by including the brackets for alternative controls where as without brackets are the standard controls.

Hold the cross button (or right trigger) is to accelerate which drives forward, and holding the circle button is to use brake or reverse to go backwards.

You can perform the drift controls by holding the right trigger (or left trigger) then pushing left or right-stick controls which allowing you to drift your car on the sides of the track, but there are a gauge meter appeared on the screen which is used as dash boost meaning the more you drift your car then the higher your gauge meter goes higher then release the drift button to use boost.

Your vehicle has ability to automatically transformed onto 2 forms such as flight form which allowing you to fly on above if the track are empty, so while flying tilt the left-stick down to ascend and tilt it up to descend.

Then you have boat form which allowing you to ride on water track, so while on water hold the right trigger (or left trigger) to charge the gauge meter then release it to jump, but your jumping distance will increase depending on how long the gauge meter was charged. 

You can also look behind by holding the square button to use rear view for surroundings such as how far the opponents close to your position. 

Press the left trigger (or cross button) is to use items such as weapons to attack your opponents or the ability to use like shields or boost as an example.

If that's not enough then I will list the items that are used for combat and ability that are designed to use it for the match race such as boost gives you a burst of speed, laser will make you move at high speed toward the machines ahead, drill will move you automatically toward the finish line, warp ring will warp you to the machine ahead and crush things, monster truck transformed you into massive vehicle allowing you to crush opponents, boxing glove will launch green for rocket punch files straight ahead and bounces off walls or red for homing punch will lock-on and attack the opponent ahead, slicer will split the machine in half, throwable bomb that increases its size the longer it's held so the larger the bomb become the bigger will explode, king boom boo will attack the opponent in 1st position, slime blocks the vision of the other opponents which reduces their speed causing them to drop their items, weight drops on the opponents in 1st or 2nd position which crushes them, dark chao forcibly grants items to all opponents, void will attract and grab items like rings from farther away, shield will temporary protect you from opponent's projectiles, tornado will not only to protect you from projectiles but also deal damage to opponents on contact, spiked iron ball can be thrown ahead or placed behind on the track, and lastly the magnet that can be thrown ahead or placed behind on the track which attracts opponents.

I also wanted to talk about the use of gadgets, an additional enhancements for your vehicle can be customised at the customisation gadgets menu which are designed to attach your gadgets to the custom cars and unlock special abilities to use during races, so some gadgets are unlocked after multiple races.

I will list the gadgets item that benefits your driving ability such as ability to swap stock items, item stock increases to 3, start the race with a warp ring, your attack, defense, boost, and hazard items will appear more often, rocket punch will become bigger for large projectile attack, ultimate drift charge will add a 4th level allowing you to charge all 4 levels to unleash an powerful boost, speedy air trick will perform air tricks faster, technical drift will allow drift charge to fill faster in land form, perfect drift boost will release as soon as the gauge meter is filled to boost even faster, switching quick charge completely fill the drift charge with a switch drift while drifting in land form, collision boost will collide with a machine to get a boost, slipstream enhancement will extends the range of slipstream, and others useful gadgets to add on your customs.

 

So far, the driving controls plays it really smooth especially having an option to change control configuration which I've switched the standard control scheme to the alternative control option is because I preferred having the drift and accelerate on both the trigger buttons and using the cross button to use items which makes it easier to play than using the standard control option. 

I say the drifting control works really well which I liked how the gauge meter system actually works on racing game because this gives me the ability to drift then boost at the same time which really helps me to boost my acceleration for speed, and these drifting are also feels responsive keeping tacked-on the road nicely without having to fall off stage or going off-road.

While the controls plays really smooth, I say the choices of weapon and ability items are actually pretty good for most part with effective attacks on opponents and gaining enough speed is just a straight-forward to use these kinds of helpful items during the race.

I am glad that the game has finally returned the form of the first two game, as you can tell that the transformation of the vehicle is just like you see from Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed where your car has transformed onto 2 forms like plane and boat depending on the design of the race track and then you have the crossworlds segment where you get to select any of two-paths traveling ring before you're reaching to the second lap, so I really liked having to travel to other worlds with different kinds of wacky and fun stages going on is something that I can able to enjoy this kind of kart racing game.

The best thing about this game is the customisation of cars with gadgets and modifiers because these gadgets gives you the enhancements that adds up the additional upgrades to your car and like I've mentioned about customising your car's appearances with different types of wheels, body, and stuff are also improves upon your class's stats such as speed, acceleration, handling, power, and boost which also helps the player's attributes to make their cars drive faster, smoother, and better which is why I really liked having a kart racing game with customisation options to improve the vehicle's performances and having a different playstyle in which you are not being stucked with default stats like most of the early kart racing game. 

I got to praise the various of game modes including the grand prix match which I really enjoyed playing the championship matches for both solo or versus, where as the race park has many great number of group matches including both the triple team or double team matches where teams of players earn points by completing specific challenges such as collecting the most rings or hitting the most opponents with items.

My favourite part of these race matches is got to be a solo or team rivals where you get to challenge these guys for the individual or group matches is something that I would like to play a racing game that features the rivalry challenge. 

Having to defeat the rivals will award you with the tickets which you can able to spend these points to unlock various of gadgets, decals, and wheels is something that keeps me playing the game every whole hours of day in order to unlock the whole thing is what I loved about racing games in general. 

I also liked the time trial challenge that involves beating for the new records is something that I like to practice through the race tracks in order to get a best record to earn highest rank as a reward that keeps me playing the game overtime.   

Then of course it had multiplayer in which you can able to play with your friends or anyone you know through the local 4-player split-screen or 12-player online matches with cross-platform support.

I forgot to mention that you can change speed class mode ranging from normal to super sonic speed which effects on the overall difficulty, such as the normal speed is slow but acceptable for casual players, high speed is good for keeping the pace of speed on balance, sonic speed is quite fast which is recommended for competitive matches, and of course super sonic speed is much more faster and chaotic action which I kinda much prefer playing on both sonic speed and super sonic speed is because this is how most of the SEGA racing titles works...ever heard of blast processing? sure you do guys it's mother f***ing Sonic Racing game everyone it's supposed to be played fast which I love it.     

Overall, it has smooth driving controls, cool customisation gadgets and has different class systems, and of course various of fantastic game modes for local and online play.

Graphics

I say the graphics in this game did good in some parts which I really liked the environmental stages that are crispy detailed for its textures surfaces on the structures, objects, and roads.

Some of the stages has different kind of environmental sizes, so some has larger landscape on backgrounds then the others are tad short and simple, and finally these tracks can be wide or narrow on-screen with curvy spaces.

The use of special effects sure has quite flashy and more glossy feel to add the boldness of game's visuals to appear more brighter and colorful throughout the game's environments just looks quite nice on the stages.     

The character's animation is looking amazing with silky-smooth frame movements just feels responsive during the race match with no signs of jankyness whatsoever, but I do want to point out the certain parts in some stages because there are some of the background animation that has few flaws such as the Casino Park stage where you can see the slow frames of falling coins below and some jets in Metal Harbour are quite has a bit of choppiness that didn't look too good, where as the foreground animation on many stage are completely just fine with no issue whatsoever.

The game's performance may vary on some platforms depending on how well the game can able to run on consoles, so let's start out with the 9th-gen systems.

The PS5 (both base and pro) and XSX/S (X model) offers a choice between graphic mode and performance mode, so the graphic mode provides full-on 4K resolution with 30fps which appears to have a sharper visuals but it is definitely not recommended for fast paced racing game as opposed to the performance mode ran on 1440p/1080p resolution with 60fps appears to be much stable and cleaner experience is the best way to play the racing game with better performance option.

The XSX/S (S model) are also perform just as well with the performance mode option running on 1440p/1080p resolution with 60fps seems to be quite a good news for those who owns the S model may not going to have an issue when playing the game.     

The Switch 2 has 1440p resolution on docked mode and 1080p resolution on handheld mode running on 60fps ran so much better in comparison with the Switch 1 are quite inferior which ran on 1080p on docked mode and 720p on handheld mode with 30fps had suffered with numerous of blurriness and missing graphical details making it the weakest of all console platforms which is why playing on Switch 2 version is the best way of playing racing titles for those who preferred to play mostly on Nintendo platform. 

The 8th-gen consoles such as the base PS4 and XBONE has 1080p resolution with 30fps where as the pro version such as PS4 pro and XBONE (X model) had upscaled to 4K resolution with 30fps which appears to be look better than the Switch 1 but not quite as good in comparison with 9th-gen consoles.

I say the PC version has an superior video configuration with the support of VSync that keeps the game fully stable and eliminates these screen tearing issue, 60fps to keep the game performance faster, and of course having the higher quality visuals, full native resolution, and anti-aliasing option that cleans out the bluriness and looks neater on the monitor screen.  

That being said, the graphics are still quite decent overall for latest PC and 9th-gen console hardware which performed really well as opposed to the previous platforms are quite mostly had an issues on Switch 1 but not terribly bad on PS4 and XBONE side is something to consider better off sticking to the 9th-gen or PC platform instead.

 

Overall, it has great environmental stage design, nice special effects, amazing character's animation, and very good performance for 9th-gen systems.

Music and Sounds

The original soundtrack in the game has some quite decent music and some are okay at best, so the opening theme song of the game are not quite bad which did however deliver really good instrumental and oh boy I'm quite surprised that I did not expect to hear James Bourne, as some of you may recognise him as the lead singer of pop-punk band Busted, did perform the song which is an odd choice for Sonic racing games but it actually worked to be fair.     

I say I rather much preferred the in-game soundtrack on many stages such as E Stadium, Rainbow Garden, Water Palace, Urban Canyon, and Blizzard Valley are sounds fantastic and quite has the energetic level to amp up the atmosphere, where as the Ocean View is a terrific cover of two likable songs from the 90s-era Sonic games such as Toot Toot Sonic Warrior (Sonic CD) and Super Sonic Racing (Sonic R) is definite my favourite of the whole soundtrack.

It was composed by Takahiro Kai did a tremendous job with his original score for this game that never feel let down because it's sounds quite amazing overall.

The sound effects in the game is excellent for it's vehicle's motor sounds, swoosh dash panels, collision noise of weapons and projectiles, and of course the surrounding sounds of environmental stage are perfectly well designed because it really fits not only the game's atmospheres but also sounded quite perfectly on sound system equipment just booming around the room are just awesome to hear thing. 

Overall, it has decent soundtrack and excellent sound effects.

   

Special Features

The game features unlockable content such as the both free and season pass DLC characters, has numerous of skins, decals, gadgets, and stuff for vehicle customisation, and of course several of unlockable soundtracks from various of Sonic games. 

Overall, an impressive overall content.

Advantages

Has great playable rosters

Stunning presentation

Smooth driving controls

Cool customisation gadgets and different class systems

Fantastic game modes for local and online play

Great visuals and decent soundtrack

Disadvantages

Stiff background animation

Sluggish performance on 8th-gen systems (9th-gen is better in comparison)

Final Verdict

Presentation 8/10 - cool opening intros, great cast of characters, and stunning overall presentation.

Gameplay 8.5/10 - smooth driving controls, cool customisation gadgets and has different class systems, and of course various of fantastic game modes for local and online play.

Graphics 7.5/10 - great environmental stage design, nice special effects, amazing character's animation, and very good performance for 9th-gen systems.

Music and Sounds 8/10 - decent soundtrack and excellent sound effects.

Special Features 8/10 - both free and season pass DLC characters, has numerous of skins, decals, gadgets, and stuff for vehicle customisation, and of course several of unlockable soundtracks from various of Sonic games.

Overall 8.5/10 - Sonic Racing Crossworlds is a triumph return to its formula of early 2010s like the first two Sonic racing game for 6th-gen console that we all loved back then, so this is could be another best entry of the Sonic racing series that does the whole job right.     

With many great rosters to play, useful customisation and class systems for vehicles, and has various of enjoyable game modes for local and online play is something that the Kart racing fans will appreciate how amazing the recent Sonic racing game really has to offer such a good thing. 

I am happy to say that I did not fully regret to play this is something that the game has bought the light of my day is the reason why I managed to enjoy this game for whole hours of fun.  

The physical copy for all console platforms are cost between £30 and £40, where as the digital releases for PS Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam are just £65.

Is this game a must play for racing game fans and casuals? absolutely I think it's a worthy purchase for those who are looking for a fun racing title or someone who are into with the kart racing game as an genre makes this game an easy recommendation for all players.

    

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Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac PS5 Review

 

Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a 3D Platforming Game was released in 2025 for PS5, PS4, XSX/S, XBONE, Switch 1 & 2, and PC.

It was developed by Now Production and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, and it is also a full remake of 2002's 3D Platforming Game titled as Pac-Man World 2 as well as the sequel to 2022's remake of 1999's original titled as Pac-Man World Re-Pac. 

Around 3 years ago, I've previously reviewed the 2022's remake for PS4 which I've praised the game as a good remake title which the fans of the 1999's original version will likely to appreciate with the visual overhaul and improved controls, while still retains with great platforming levels, cool boss segments, and has unlockable features are quite good enough to recommended to those who loves platforming games in general.

If you haven't previously seen my review on Pac-Man World Re-Pac for PS4 then the link is down below to check it out first: 

https://zeeshanmirzasblog.blogspot.com/2023/01/pac-man-world-re-pac-ps4-review.html

So going back to this now, I am here to review the second installiment which is why I've picked up the PS5 copy of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac to see if the sequel does add-up anything better with the new content and enhancements, so the stuff will be answered on this review because we are taking a look of the 2025's remake to see what the game has to offer in terms of platforming adventures, visual presentation, challenging gameplay design, and of course the additional features.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The story sets in the present day begins with the colourful group of 4 trouble-making ghosts such as Blinky, Clyde, Inky, and Pinky had sneaked into the Pac-Village, a homeland of Pac-People, at night to cause mischief as they began to steal the shiny magical objects known as the golden fruit are used to protect the Pac-Village, but unfortunately the removal of the magical golden fruit had caused to release the powerful evil ghost knight named Spooky from the tree and commands them to aid his plan to eliminate all Pac-People and their homes, so the ghosts accepts the agreement and each one takes the golden fruit with them as they follow the Spooky's commands.

In the next morning, Pac-Man had receive the terrible news from Professor Pac informs him that the golden fruit was stolen by the ghosts and urges him to go on the quest to retrieve all the stolen golden fruit in order to save Pac-Land before its too late.  

The opening story in the game is quite positive which I really liked the idea of how the ghost villains had unexpectingly releases the evil ghost knight from the tree which gives Spooky an advantage to conquer the Pac-People's home land as his plans.

I also liked the backstory set in 100 years prior to the game's events mentioned by Professor Pac had told Pac-Man about the history of magical golden fruit is the important reason to keep the Pac-Land protected from the evil hands of purple ghost knight, which is why Pac-Man had agreed to go on his adventure to retrieve all the stolen golden fruit that the ghosts had kept with themselves.

It is a simple and easy to get into story that I absolutely liked the beginning of the opening scene right just before getting ready for the platforming adventure.   

The characters are likable throughout the campaign especially like Pac-Man is an iconic mascot hero we all know since from the beginning of the early 80s of golden-age arcade with waka-waka around the maze with full of pellets that made him recognisable, so what do I think about Pac-Man as the character in this game? the answer is that I still liked him as a character who has light-hearted personality and fun adventurer goes on his exciting quest.

I also liked the 4 coloured ghosts villains which has Blinky the red ghost who is the leader of ghosts gang and also portrayed as the most aggressive ghost known to have a short tempered but also a good friends with his ghosts, then you have Pinky the pink ghost are the only female ghost and appears to be pretty as she attempts to have a crush on Pac-Man, then you have Inky the blue ghost is often depicted as a goofy and slow-headed ghost are not quite as strong compared with Blinky but also quite good at teamwork with the ghosts, and finally Clyde the orange ghost is quite something else who is not quite clever and also chickened out from chasing after Pac-Man making him one of the most bashful of all ghosts.

I say Spooky is incredibly look badass because it's sort of like Kirby's Meta Knight on steroids so judging with the heavy-bulk armor and his strengthy power that made him look menacing and strong which I quite liked his appearance and portrayal as the vicious brute villain.

The presentation for whole game is looking fantastic which I described these settings as bright, colourful, and cartoony for sceneries and design-wise, so I say I really liked the environmental stages and structures on each worlds.

It has paradise meadows filled with bright day environment such as green grass on the ground, shorter broadleaf trees, and many colourful plants.

The tree tops has large sized trees and logs, and of course the tree house just fits the style of forrest site.

The snowy mountain are the cold environment region are covered with snow, frozen water, and of course the icy ground.

The volcano are the hot environment area filled with ground lava, magma chamber, and of course the tomb structures.

The ocean is a underwater site with sea animals including sharks and jellyfish, sea plants and sand on the ground, and of course massive-sized shipwheck underneath the ocean water.

The ghost island is a halloween-style place filled with night-time environment such as haunted houses, graveyards full of tombs, swamp areas, and of course bunch of minions like ghosts, bats, spiders, and skeletons wandering around. 

Then lastly a Pac-Village are the home land of Pac-People filled with houses, arcade club, garden full of fruits, and of course the outdoor stuff like statues used for collectable figurines and tree that holds the golden fruits. 

Overall, it has simple opening story, memorable cast of characters, and fantastic presentation settings.

Gameplay

On single-player playthrough, you'll start off with the overworld map where you get to select any of stages on each worlds, so you're playing as Pac-Man in 3rd-person perspective as your main goal is to beat the stage and defeat each bosses in order to retrieve all golden fruit they stole from the Pac-Village.

You have 2 difficulty options to select that suits your playstyle such as the adventure mode is basically regular difficulty for those who are fully experienced with the 3D platforming games with the greater level of overall tougher challenge, where as the fairy mode is genuinely easy with assist hover jumps, adds platforms to difficult gaps, and infinite health are only for less experienced players.

Push the left-stick controls or d-pad buttons to move Pac-Man around, and push the right-stick control to rotate the camera system.    

Press the cross button to jump used for jumping on the platforms, but rapidly pressing the cross button will make Pac-Man bounce on the floor which acts as ground pound attack on the enemies, but you can also perform a high-jump by pressing the cross button while bouncing in mid-air at the same time as when you see yellow-circle symbol on the screen touches and flashes Pac-Man causing him to bounce-up high works mostly better for higher platforms.

The bounce are also used for breaking objects like boxes, hitting ground switches to activate things, and of course jumping on trampolines to reach long-distance platforms. 

You can also use flutter while in mid-air to float through the platform by holding the right-shoulder button which lasted in 2 seconds. 

Pac-Man has ability to use flip-kick by pressing the square button which used as an melee attack on enemies or then again breaking objects and hitting switches on the wall. 

You can use those Pac-dots as a throwable attacking item by holding the circle button while aiming with left stick, then let go the circle button to throw which works effectively depending on which types of enemies that are immune to the Pac-dots except ghosts which cannot be hurt by throwable Pac-dots or jumping on them.

The only way to defeat the ghosts is to use large-sized power pellets that turns Pac-Man into a mega-sized form allowing him to eat ghosts, who turned fully blue becoming vulnerable against large-sized Pac-Man, in limited time. 

Pac-Man can also perform charge dash by holding then let go the triangle button which can be used as dashing attack on enemies, reaching up the slippery-slope platforms, and activating moving platforms such as ramps and stuff.

Pac-Man can able to hold on cliffs such as gaps and ropes, so you can able to let go, climb, and cross through the ropes in some stages. 

Pac-Man are also has ability to swim underwater by pressing the right-trigger and right-shoulder button to float up and dive down, where as the cross button used as dive dash allowing him to traverse through or used as dash attack on enemies.

So far, the controls plays really great with smooth analog movement, fine camera rotation, and of course the timing of bouncy jump just feels right to play, so you can also re-configure the control layouts on the option menu which also really helps anyone who mostly prefers the customised controls over the default controls makes it suitable for their playstyle.

Aside with the controls, I wanted to talk about how good the single-player adventure really is that something that made the game quite fun for its stage action segments, overall design layouts, challenges, and of course the boss battles.

Each of the stages had shares with many chaotic things that are doing something better than the first original game, so you may encounter with a massive-sized snow boulder came rolling down like Crash Bandicoot style and you had to do a skating segments to race through the stage while dodging all these hazardous objects in snowy mountains stage.

Then you had the ocean stage where you had to avoid getting caught by large-sized shark may give you an instant kill, and my favourite part has to be a yellow submarine segments which is basically a rail-shooter style action where you had to shoot down many enemies and hazardous objects to avoid taking damage until you've reached at the finishing goal. 

In ghost island, you had one of the puzzle area of maze where you had to rotate the paths in order to get through the blocked stage, and you had to destroy all of wormwood's hosts to defeat him.    

I also wanted to praise the overall stage design which I really liked how the platforming games are designed to make it looked dangerous for curtain areas such as the tree tops stages are filled with buzzsaws and gas hub on the logs to avoid touching these obstacles, and you have to jump on these trampolines to being able to reach the platforms from far distance and higher heights, and of course you need to get across these ropes without falling off the stage.

In snowy mountains, there are slippery floors that made you trip or fall over the gaps, you could sometime fall into the icy pond for instant death, and there are multiples of snow boulders or ice particles at above came tumbling down at you in some areas.

In volcano, you need to get across these large platforms without falling off stage, trying not to touch these hot lavas on the ground, and evading all these traps like flames and fiery objects in some areas.

In ocean, there are multiples of spike bombs, propellers, and electrifying sea animals to avoid contacting them.

In ghost island, there are full of swamps in some area that may suck you down under may lead instant death, and there are flying bats wandering in circle may come in your way while going through the squared-shaped platforms. 

These stage segments and design layouts is quite positive that really adds up the overall challenge, but if its not enough to impress you then you got to love the post-game stages which adds up a difficult layouts and also expands the stage design into a large-sized portion that makes it look impossible but also a chance to beat the stage may going to satisfy your platforming experience.

I also liked the task challenge in each stage where you have to complete each of the objectives such as gaining high score, collect all fruits, defeating all enemies, and of course breaking all boxes which is totally fine for most part, but to be honest on this thing that kinda drags my fun part away which is the time trial challenge where you had to beat the stage in short time in order to get a new record, so having a new record will reward you with the each medals like bronze, silver, and gold depending on how long takes you to beat the stage, but unfortunately it turned out the time trial challenge is quite a frustrating time to gain the gold medal is due to unforgiving time record length may require you to memorising the stage patterns and avoid repeating all the faults until you're finally being able to beat the time trial stage takes you more than 2 to 3 hours to solve is something that I cannot enjoy as much in comparison with the task challenge are simply not as hard. 

I got to say that I really liked the boss battle in each worlds such as you have Clyde controlling with killer frog has ability to use tongue grabber which can drags you inside and began chewing you in pieces, where as on golden form uses the tongued spike ball as an weapon.

Then you have Inky uses the metallic owl for not only to fly around but also throws metallic feathers directly at you where as on golden form fires the laser beam and 5-shot golden feathers.

Then you may encounter with Pinky had a mecha-polar bear firing multiples of missiles, where as the golden form fires the ice beam around the circle.

Then you'll be facing with Blinky in the heavy metal concert with his mecha-spider firing the 4-floating musical notes directly at you, where as golden form fires multiples of fire balls, spider webs, and of course the extended musical notes projectiles.

Then you'll be facing all 4 ghosts gang with their mega-whale which fires sea missiles and laser beam, where as the golden form which shoots out massive range of sea beam and then you'll entered inside the body of mega-whale are full of laser projectiles to avoid while trying to destroy the core covered with golden cogs.

Finally you'll be facing Spooky has ability to shoot multiples of fire balls and lightings, summoning bunch of skeletons, decoying his two version of himself, and finally his golden form unleashes his projectiles makes the patterns difficult to dodge things.

The post-game stages are also had a same bosses but has different attacking patterns and obstacles to evade that made these bosses much more tougher and badder than was before which makes the overall challenge quite high-up to the level is just insanely chaotic but damn near good fun to play.

As I love the stage and bosses, I also liked the replay-values where you can able to re-visit the stages that you're already completed which means you can able to do things like collecting all fruits or completing tasks which unlocks the collectable items like vending machines which unlocks the collectable figurines which requires enough tokens to reveal each figures so that you can place your favourite figurines outdoor as an display statues, then you will have collectable music items which stored onto the juke box to listen your favourite original soundtrack, then you will have key item which unlocks bonus maze challenge plays really similar to traditional Pac-Man game which can be played on arcade club centre, and finally these arcade cabinets which lets you play these classic Pac-Man games from the past such as the original arcade Pac-Man, the isometric maze-style action Pac-Mania, and of course the SNES's puzzle game Pac-Attack.

I really loved these kinds of content that has unlockable stuff that made my reason to play this game that offers really cool thing being included on this package.

I got to mention the DLCs level pack based on SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog are also an welcome edition to this game which is quite unexpecting to see a collaboration between SEGA and Bandai Namco had agreed to bring the blue blur's iconic stage into a yellow-chomping platforming game, just like they did a same with the yellow-chomping hero being included on recent blue-blur's racing game is something that is cool to have a 3rd-party guest in video games.

Overall, it has great controls, fun and challenging platforming stages, entertaining boss battles.

Graphics

The graphics in this game is just look so good in details depending on how these environmental stage design, textures and surfaces, colours and effects, and the overall animation really compares to the 2002's original game.

The key difference is that the stage design in this remake tends to be look larger in comparison because the 2002's original game is slightly bit a narrow-side and has less detailed layouts due to 6th-gen hardware's limits, where as the remake has many background layouts and has open-wide levels to make it look fully spaced which I really liked the additions that made the game look appealing on many stages.

I say the details on stage environments tends to be a bold and sharp just adds up a cartoon feel with great use of textures and surfaces appears to be look fine in many areas.

The use of colours are brightful and clean that keeps the environments simple and nicely balanced without making any wrong level of roughness and smoothness, and I also liked the use of special effects in some areas like the shade of shadows, shiny and glittery particles, and sharp lighting effects are done it quite decently.

The character's animation is quite solid for its movements and expressions are amazingly job well done on cutscenes and in-game action, and of course the overall character's design appears to be look better than the 2002's original game...no pun intended, guys. 

The game's performance for PS5, XSX/S (X series), and PC are fully ran on 4K native resolution with 60fps delivering a smooth overall experience, where as the XSX/S (S series) runs on 1440p resolution with 60fps are also quite acceptable.

The Switch 2 has 2 options such as performance mode which targets at 1080p resolution with 60fps for better gameplay where as the resolution which targets at 4K resolution with 30fps are genuinely not as good in comparison with PS5 and XSX/S for visual performance, so stick it to performance mode instead if playing on Switch 2.

The PS4 and XBONE ran on 1080p resolution with 60fps which still maintains the good framerate but has lower resolution compared to PS4 Pro which succeeds to 4K resolution with same 60fps. 

Sadly the Switch 1 can ran up to between 720p and 1080p resolution with 30fps is by far the weakest of all consoles is not quite nearly smooth as the PS4, XBONE, and Switch 2 in comparison. 

Overall, it has bold and sharp environments, solid animation, good usage of colours, and good performance.

Music and Sounds

The soundtrack in this game is very good which I really liked the light-hearted adventurous score that really fits the style of platforming games.

It almost sounds like the combination of Thomas the Tank Engine and Crash Bandicoot been mixed together seems to work well on many stages, so some music can be cartoony, some can be epic, and some can be catchy to listen is something that I would adore the rest of the soundtrack.

While it was composed by David A. Logan, he was not involved in the 2024's remake project which is why all his original soundtrack from the 2002's original game are all included in this game to add faithfulness that made Pac-Man World 2 sounds decently.

The sound effects are also good with the use of bouncy noises, comical sound design, and cartoony environmental effects that matches the stage presentation and platforming segments, and I got to say that the voice casting in this game are pretty did a great job especially we had the original voice actor, who previously voiced the titular yellow-chomping hero from 2005's Pac-Man World 3, reprising his role as Pac-Man which I am glad this remake has finally adds the full voice acting that was never featured in the 2002's original game.  

Overall, it has very good soundtrack, decent sound effects, and great voice acting.

Special Features

Then again that I've mentioned before, the game has many collectables including fruits and figurines, soundtracks, bonus maze stage, 4 classic games, and of course the Sonic the Hedgehog DLC pack includes level and costume.

Overall, a stunning overall package.

Advantages

Fantastic presentation settings

Fun and challenging platforming stages

Entertaining boss battles

Has replay-values

Solid graphics 

Very good music

Stunning collectable and unlockable features

Disadvantages

Time trial is not great

Switch 1 version has poor performance (stick to other consoles instead)  

Final Verdict

Presentation 8/10 - simple opening story, memorable cast of characters, and fantastic presentation settings.

Gameplay 8/10 - great controls, fun and challenging platforming stages, entertaining boss battles.

Graphics 8/10 - bold and sharp environments, solid animation, good usage of colours, and good performance.

Music and Sounds 8/10 - very good soundtrack, decent sound effects, and great voice acting.

Special Features 8/10 - collectables including fruits and figurines, soundtracks, bonus maze stage, 4 classic games, and of course the Sonic the Hedgehog DLC pack includes level and costume.

Overall 8/10 - As I previously enjoyed the 2022's remake of the 1999's original game, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is one of the better remake and also better sequel than the predecessor in terms of stage design, platforming segments, boss battles, and overall content are the main reason to enjoy Pac-Man's platforming adventure.  

Nothing wrong with chomping up bunch of ghosts, eating and throwing pellets around, collecting all fruits, and of course jumping and bouncing on the platforms is something that keeps me playing this game overnight.  

I was hoping the team will consider making another future remake project with the 2005's original game titled as Pac-Man World 3 just to see if anything is just a good as this game has to offer.

This game could cost about between £30 to £35 physically for PS5, XSX/S, and Switch 1 & 2, where as the digital releases on PS Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop cost £35, while Steam cost cheaper with £25. 

Is the game an recommendation for everyone? I say for platforming fanatic yes it is an definite play because it's a fun and charming 3D platforming action that will never disappoint for those who loves to play platforming video games is the good reason to own the game.

  

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