Pac-Man World: Re-Pac is a 3D platforming game was released in 2022 for PS4, PS5, XSX/S, XBONE, Switch, and PC. It was developed by Now Production and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, and also a full remake of 1999's 3D platforming game titled as Pac-Man World for PS1.
Before we had Nintendo's Mario and SEGA's Sonic as a primary mascots for video game industry, there was a Bandai Namco's Pac-Man that was all started back in early 80's. In the year around 1980, a Japanese video game designer Toru Iwatani had created the arcade game called Pac-Man, a maze-action game where you take control of titular yellow round-shaped hero must eat all the dots inside an enclosed maze while avoiding four colored ghosts such as Blinky (red), Pinky (pink), Inky (cyan), and Clyde (orange) that pursue him around the maze.
During the game's release, it became a widespread critical and commercial success making Pac-Man a cultural video game icon and also listed as one of the greatest video games of all time.
The game's success had turned into a Namco's major franchise spawned with numerous of several sequels, merchandise, two television series, and a hit single "Pac-Man Fever" by Buckner & Garcia, and it also credited Pac-Man as a first video game mascot and flagship icon of Bandai Namco Entertainment.
I remembered my old day when my brother had bought the first desktop computer with Windows 95 OS being running on, and comes with software disk that includes the game which I first discovered Pac-Man as a young kid.
As playing on the Win95 computer, it is very simple game where I've used the arrows button on the keyboard to control Pac-Man roaming through the mazes while eating the dots and trying to run away from those colorful ghosts won't stop chasing you around which is why I loved the hell of the game because it's fun and addicting at same time that kept me playing over an hours.
In around my age of 20s when I had both the PS3 and PS4 in 2010s, I began to play other titles such as Pac-Man Championship Edition DX and 2 which many calling it one of the best Pac-Man games ever made applauded the game's addictive nature, replay value, intense gameplay, electronic soundtrack, and for being a vast improvement over the original, so that is absolutely true because with the addition of score attack, time attack, and ghost combo really adds the game's overall fun factor which is why it really holds up well as today's standards.
There's one of the game that I did heard of it before, but never actually played it which is a Pac-Man World for PS1. When I had several of PS1 software titles being played on my PS3 slim, I was originally planned to get interested in picking up a PS1's copy of Pac-Man World, but sadly it didn't happen because I've just found out the news from Bandai Namco Entertainment had announced the full remake of the original title through a Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase in June 2022 which is why I decided to get it on PS4 version which I had now instead, just like I did a same with the other Bandai Namco's remakes such as Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series which I also did reviewed the game in 4 months back.
So what's makes Pac-Man World: Re-Pac caught my eye? as a massive fans of 3D platformer genres, it's one of the first Pac-Man game had shifted into a 3D platforming genre rather than a traditional maze-action stuff that we saw from the previous entries in the franchise which I think it's sounds like a neat idea to have a yellow round-shaped hero being on a different route makes it really interesting to play.
With 6 different worlds, wacky looking levels, discovering hidden secrets, completing bonus stages, and you name it which is why I've been spent playing the game for days to get a full completion of 3D platforming campaign.
So is the full remake any good? let's find out all the pros and cons that really give the game's a full justice.
So without go further do, let's start the review.
Presentation
The synopsis of the game's plot are same from the 1999's original game, as it started with Pac-Man's family and friends are seen bringing presents to celebrate Pac-Man's 20th birthday until the whole party went clashed by groups of ghosts kidnapping all of Pac-Man's family and friends.
After the incident, Pac-Man arrives home and noticing everything completely wrecked until he grabs one of many leaflets flying around his home learned that his family and friends are being taken to place called Ghost Island.
Pac-Man then sets out his adventure to rescue them and defeat the ghosts.
There's not very much of the storywise in the game besides the opening cutscenes shows the entire family and friends are spending their great times celebrating Pac-Man's 20th birthday, since we all know the game's franchise started back in the early 80s, until those terrible ghosts coming to ruin the party and captured them all, which causing Pac-Man sets out his adventure to bring his family and friends back in home, so I really liked the simple opening scene in the game which really adds the game's charm.
I find Pac-Man as a character are pretty likable especially with his true form design in 3D game with his added outfits such as orange gloves and red boots which makes him just as appealing and recognisable as his 2D counterpart from the original 1980's game which displays him as pizza-shaped figure.
I wouldn't mind with the supportive NPCs being featured in the game such as his pet dog Chomp-Chomp is now re-named as Pac-Buddy, Pooka is one of the character from other Namco's classic such as Dig-Dug, Pac-Baby is now re-named as Pac-Sis, the elderly Professor Pac, little kid Pac-Jr is now re-named as Pac-Boy, and of course Pac-Man's wife Ms. Pac-Man is now been replaced as Pac-Mom due to licencing conflicts between Bandai Namco and AtGames had took place in 2019-20 which is why Bandai Namco had decided to change it to avoid the lawsuits, so that's kinda shame that we won't able to see Ms. Pac-Man being featured in the game instead we have Pac-Mom as a replacement for now on, oh well.
I also liked the groups of ghostly villains in the game such as Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde are the 4 original enemies from the series previous entries are also been featured in the game.
Blinky appears to be as the quite an aggressive red ghost, Pinky shown to be a pretty looking pink ghost, Inky depicted as a goofy and slow-headed blue ghost, and of course Clyde portrayed as the un-intelligent and bit milder orange ghost.
The main villain in the game that I finding it look cool and down right imitating, so that is Toc-Man which appears to be a enormous robotic-looking Pac-Man with huge ugly metallic teeth, has large fists, spiky boots, rear-wings, and of course big eyes with heavy eye-brows. He's one of the leader of his homeplace Ghost Island was responsible for sending his minions to clash the birthday party, as well as plotting to capture not just the Pac-Man's family and friends, but also Pac-Man which the group of ghosts had failed to capture one which enraging Toc-Man, as he blames them for ruining his plans causing the group of ghosts had to start over by taking down the yellow round-shaped hero.
The entire presentation of the game itself appears to be a brightful and colorful settings which I really liked how the game took place in different locations mixed with tropical and mysterious themes around the environments.
You have pirate ship area filled with tropical looking sea-water and sands, solid looking layouts, wooden houses and bridges, creepy-face landmark from background, and pirate ships. Ruins area has old-fashioned jungle stuff like dark ruins cave, ancient wall-sculptures, lava-pit, long waterfalls, and some environmental pillars.
Space area took place in the far far away galaxy such as futuristic looking space station, floating platforms, bunch of beam lasers, falling asteroids, and of course massive planets at the backgrounds.
Funhouse area is a carnival themed stages filled with spinning and twisted roundabout platforms, bunch of clowns flying around with planes, floating balloons, there are really big rides and prize-winning stuffs going on, and has funky-looking buildings.
Factory area has industrial stuff going around like drones that lifts bunch of crates, thermal pipes that steams out smoke, and large cooling fans that moves very slow at the backgrounds. Then lastly Mansion area has Halloween themed stages scatted with the crooked castle, enemies appears to wore Halloween dresses, falling leaves onto floor, candles been lit on ground, floating caskets, scary looking trees, and smoky backgrounds.
These are really good looking design that the younger audiences will love these kinds of style that appeals to them just like any of other 3D platformers tends to be wacky, comical, and cartoony that makes Pac-Man World looks amazing for its presentation design.
Overall, it has charming opening sequence, likeable characters, and amazing presentation design.
Gameplay
The game sets in 6 different worlds with each 4 levels to complete, which you take control of Pac-Man in 3D perspective levels as your main goal is to beat throughout the stages and defeating numerous of bosses in each worlds.
You move Pac-Man around by pushing with the left stick or go for the old-school with d-pad which ever way it suits your playstyle.
You hit cross button to jump to reach platforms, but rapidly pressing the cross button will make Pac-Man bounce on the floor which acts as ground pound attack on the enemies, as well as breaking objects such as crates or boxes, hitting the switches which activates the new path such as stairs and bridges, and of course jumping on trampolines to reach long-distance platforms. While in mid-air, you hold the square button to float through the platform in 2 seconds.
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 larged-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 sloppy platforms, and activating moving platforms such as ramps and gates.
You can also re-configure the controls by going on the option menus which you can re-map the button layouts which ever way it suits your playstyle because I always preferred having dash button being placed on R2 trigger.
Pac-Man are also accessing to the new abilities such as metal suit which allowing him to walk underwater in limited time, but you can also use this abilities which works effectively against any of metallic enemies.
While the game's objective is to reach at the finishing goal that leads to the next level, you may also want to explore around the levels to uncover the hidden secrets such as 3D maze-levels icon that transfers you into the 3D maze themed plays similarly to original 1980's game, rescuing your family and friends that been held on captive in the steel cage, and collecting all 6 letters that leads you to the bonus stage.
These can be found in each levels where you will need to find one of any fruit item or Galaxian icon that unlocks the door, the item such as key that unlocks the steel cage to set your family and friends free, and 6 of the each letters can be found somewhere in the levels if you can able to spot it while exploring around the level, so gathering all collectable items and secrets gains you with the high scores when completing the stage.
After completing the main stage with all 6 letters been collected, you're entering into the bonus stage where you had to collect all remaining fruits to gain more bonus scores in time limit, and you may also encountered with the jackpot mini-game if you have collected some tokens from the level, so you will need to complete the jackpot mini-game by lining up 3 matching icons on slots machine which awards you with extra lives.
So far, the remake had improved upon the controls allowing Pac-Man can now walk in all directions as opposed to the original's 8 directions with left stick, as well as being able to move slowly when the left stick is tilted slightly adding a precision to its movement controls making easier to play for the newcomers.
Pac-Man now can automatically sinks into water downward, and hitting the button to go upward just works better overall.
I find the hover jump ability is rather too short and slow which lasted 2 seconds in mid-air which is the weakest part in the game unless you have easy mode turned on which I will discuss the part for later on the review.
I got to say it plays pretty good entirely because I find each of the worlds had some great platforming stuff which involve collecting items, discovering hidden secrets, and simplistic level design that are not overly big, but keeping the levels feels more linear makes it easier for younger audiences able to enjoy platforming game.
It had numerous of enemies in each worlds such as bunch of ghosts dressed up in different outfits (such as pirates, construction workers, and Halloween costumes depending on which types of world you're playing on), walking sliver cannons, skeletons that welds pirate's sword, flying creatures such as parrots and bats, creepy-crawling spiders, blocks of guys that welds club, some puff-fish and sharks that swims around underwater, space-hovering creatures that spins around with 3-ways electrifying stuff, big-rounded blue alien uses their shield projector, clowns flying around with planes, and a tiny-little robot with a torch on the head.
I also liked the design for its numerous of traps and hazards in each worlds such as cannon ball that shoots directly to you from the front screen or background, round-shaped spikes everywhere underwater, hitting deadly ground-switches causing large rock falls onto your head, lava-pit pops out the firery objects, a swinging spiky-logs, a statue that blows out flaming-torch, a lasers beam, a falling asteroids from above, a wall of clowns that blows out purple smoke, and big-huge mallet.
These are the stuff that I've mentioned above really focuses on evading hazards and defeating enemies without taking damage are the only way to get past through the levels giving a good enough challenge that keeps you playing throughout the levels.
The bosses in the game does have really cool segments such as the Windbag the pirate ship at the background firing his cannons, Anubis chases you with long hand sticking out while evading bunch of traps, there's cool shoot-em-up stage similar to Namco's classic such as Galaxian where you must shoot down the robotic bugs before battling with King Galaxian, there's clown racers level similar to Kart racing games where you must beat the opponents by reaching to 1st position to win the race, and the Krome Keeper firing multiple of rockets, as well as blasting out double lasers are certainly my favourite part of the game that keeps it quite entertaining to play.
The remake also introduces easy mode which adds more platforms to specific areas making easier to progress, as well as Pac-Man's hover jump ability extended to 20 seconds in length as opposed to normal mode lasted 2 seconds in length, but it's still kinda too slow, so it can be togged through in pause menu. These features only recommended to those who are new to the platforming games, but be warned having the easy mode turned on resulting the high-scores being excluded, so if any of you wanted to gain more high-scores in each levels I highly recommended to have the easy mode turned off.
While I've managed to enjoy the entire quest mode, I also did enjoy the 3D maze stages that kept me busy playing especially playing on the marathon mode which I love spending time gobbling up all pellets while avoiding bunch of ghosts chasing me around.
The downside is that the game is ridiculously short especially aiming with the 100% completion which took about 6 hours to beat the game, so I wish they should have added a 1 or 2 more brand new worlds sounds like a great addition to the remake.
Thankfully the game does comes with two different ending, as well as obtaining magic key as bonus rewards depending on how you progressed the playthroughs such as how many people you have rescued, how many 6 letters you've collected, how many 3D maze levels you have beaten, and how many the total scores in each levels you have obtained which adds a fair replay value that keeps you busy with the game entirely.
So far, I had a blast to play the entire quest mode filled with fun platforming action, has good bonus stages, collecting things, and really entertaining boss battles is the reason why I had fun playing throughout the game.
Overall, it has great platforming levels, cool boss segments, and some additional stuff such as 3D maze stages.
Graphics
The graphics are just looking solid for its environmental design and visual overhauls, thanks to Unity engine that re-creates the game from the ground up just makes it look better on the modern-day platform including both the PCs and consoles.
I was amazed with twisty 3D scrolling effects that rotates around the levels showing off unique the angles of environmental levels, and I also loved the looks of overall 3D level design starting from foregrounds to backgrounds such as in Pirate area where you see pirate ship at the background, as well as the farris wheels in funhouse area is just done pretty good job.
Each of the levels really nailed with the use of special effects such as the glowing light that follows Pac-Man in the dark places of ruin area, the drones that uses the spotlight in industrial area, and the smoky clouds from the background in mansion area which they did a splendid job with the lighting and shadow techniques.
The character's animation are looking amazing which I got to say I really liked the overhaul looks of the character such as for example: Toc-Man is looking less diseased like from original PS1 version, it made Windbag look more cartoonish feat, and the Krome Keeper is looking more serious looking villain which is why I liked the changes in the remake.
As you can see I'm playing with the PS4 version which runs on 1080p resolution and 60fps performance, same goes with XBONE, is quite good enough to play it on previous generation consoles, where as PS5, XSX/S, and PC version runs on 4k and 60fps are perfect for the 4k screen.
Switch on other hand runs on 1080p in docked or 720p in handheld, and 30fps which is not quite a butter smooth as the other console platforms in terms of performance and screen quality ran and looked better on the Playstation and Xbox systems.
Overall, it has solid environmental design, visual overhauls, twisty 3D scrolling effects, splendid special effects, and amazing character's animation.
Music and Sounds
The game does retain a original soundtrack from the original PS1 version, which was composed by Todd Dennis, with slight bit of alterations.
The jazzy title theme song does sounds like it's coming from Saturday afternoon TVs show or maybe something like that which is pretty fitting for Pac-Man universe.
There are some of the soundtrack that sounds something quite similar such as "Crazy Cannonade" sounds like it belongs to Nickelodeon's Spongebob Squarepants, "Anubis Rex Battle" gives me sort of Crash Bandicoot vibes to it, and "Far Out" is kinda sounds much like the Super Mario Galaxy aesthetics to it.
When I say slight bit of alterations, there are some of the original music are now slightly pitched higher in the remake which I understand some people may not like the way the soundtrack been changed and some others may like the changes.
To me, the rest of the soundtrack are actually pretty good for the 3D platforming aesthetics, and I also liked the new track called "We Are Pac-Man" sang by Kaho Kidoguchi in both Japanese and English version, while the Chinese version was sang by Ann Una which I got to say it's another great song for Pac-Man franchise since the iconic 80's hit single "Pac-Man Fever" by Buckner & Garcia.
The sound effects does have really great use of cartoonish sounds design in entire levels, and let's not forget the recognisable jingles that made Pac-Man quite famous for its "WAKA WAKA" chant while gobbling up all pellets.
It's kinda bummer that it didn't include the full voice acting for the remake, as opposed to 1999's original PS1 version did have it which makes it really interesting for the characters, so I wish they should have done the same by adding the full dialogue on the remake just like with the originals.
Overall, it has a good soundtrack and great sound effects, but please add the full voice for next time.
Special Features
The game does have some cool unlockables in the quest mode, such as 3D maze stages which can be unlocked by obtaining the 3D maze item in each levels that I've mentioned on above before, and it also has marathon mode where you must clear all entire 3D maze stages, and most surprisingly the best part of the game is the original mode where you get to play the original 1980's arcade Pac-Man is just sounds amazing to have it included in the game.
It also shares with 2 Paid DLCs such as Jukebox which you can enjoy listening the entire original soundtrack, and it has DLC skin called Chrome Noir Chogokin.
So far, the unlockables stuff is pretty great especially having to include the most iconic arcade classics from the 80's is the biggest highlight of the feature.
Overall, a impressive features.
Advantages
Amazing presentation design
Great platforming levels
Cool boss segments
Enhanced visuals
Good soundtrack
Impressive unlockable features
Disadvantages
Weak hover jump
Short-length quest
Missing full voice acting
Final Verdict
Presentation 8/10 - charming opening sequence, likeable characters, and amazing presentation design.
Gameplay 7.5/10 - great platforming levels, cool boss segments, and some additional stuff.
Graphics 8.5/10 - solid environmental design, visual overhauls, twisty 3D scrolling effects, splendid special effects, and amazing character's animation.
Music and Sounds 7.5/10 - good soundtrack and great sound effects.
Special Features 8/10 - has 3D maze-stages with marathon mode, original 1980's arcade game, and some DLCs.
Overall 7.5/10 - Pac-Man World: Re-Pac is a good remake title which the fans of the original PS1 version will 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.
The game is quite pricy which cost about £35 or more on both the physical and digital releases, so don't expect the sales goes down because the price of physical copy might go up pretty soon which you may want to consider grabbing a copy ASAP before it gets too expensive or get it cheaper on digitally instead so keep an close eye on the future digital sales.
That being said, I've enjoyed the game and I am hoping Bandai Namco to make another Pac-Man World remake titles such as 2 and 3 in the future perfect.
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