Developer: NOW PRODUCTION
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (reviewed)
Publication date: 26 Aug 2022
Price: $29.99 – Available Here

Overview

A cynical gamer would say that the number of releases, remakes and remasters would mean that most of the game industry is creatively bankrupt these days. And while there is a small truth, there is another angle that is barely mentioned. I can relive my childhood again! Seriously, it feels great to see a game I played 15-20 years ago making its way back into modern systems. PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is one of those games. A remake of Pac-Man World from 1999 with updated user interface, improved visuals and refined platforming.

Story

PAC-MAN returns home on his birthday to discover that the Ghosts have kidnapped PAC-MAN’s family and friends and ruined his party. It’s not mandatory to save all members of your family (if you’re heartless), but it does have a significant impact on the end of the game. There is also a major villain known as Toc-Man, shielded behind an army of bosses that you must take out to get to him. But the road to him will be anything but easy (and short). A large number of mazes, collectibles and ghosts will cause you to fail as much as possible in your path.

Gameplay

While I played on PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PACit reminded me of another game and its series from my early years – the Crash Bandicoot trilogy. It actually has a lot in common with PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC. They both have a main hub where you can choose the order of the levels you want to play. After every few levels, there is also a boss fight that serves as a gatekeeper to other areas and hubs.

Compared to the original, this game comes with a huge list of changes and improvements. Pac-Man now has a hover jump ability that allows him to float briefly in the air, making it easier to jump over large gaps. Eating a power pellet turns Pac-Man into Mega Pac-Man, turning him into a giant version of himself. In this form, Pac-Man can not only eat ghosts, but also destroy stage objects, and temporary platforms appear to help Mega Pac-Man bridge large gaps. I should also mention better swim controls and the inclusion of the easy mode. It adds more platforms known as “easy blocks” to specific areas, making it easier to progress; as well as Pac-Man’s hover jump ability is expanded. Easy mode can be switched via the pause menu.

Images

In these kinds of remakes, the addition of things like widescreen support, 4K resolution and polished visuals is a given. However, whatever visual advancement you see in PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is nothing to write home about. The best description of visual enhancements is like going from a PS2 game to a PS3 game. Sure, the progress is there, but it will hardly make you stop in your tracks while you play the game. I did notice a large number of enemies repeated in later stages as well as the assets. Seriously, why do you find lots of pirate level wooden chests in later levels that they obviously don’t fit in?

audio

If you compare this section with the original game, it is clear that there are some differences. How striking they are depends entirely on whether you’ve played the Pac-Man World not at all. In any case, some sound effects have changed while the soundtrack is pretty much the same. The same and just as good, though. All the soundtracks are mostly themed depending on the hub or world you’re playing in, although it can get a bit repetitive later on. Especially if you’re as bad at platforms as I am, so you have to repeat some sections over and over (and thus listen to the same tune).

General

While PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a barebone remake and it hardly brings anything new to the table in terms of gameplay, it makes up for it in other parts of the game. Platforming is precise and the whole game has a finely tuned difficulty that is accessible to everyone, while in later stages it is moderately challenging without appearing unfair.

The visual aspect of the game (especially if we consider it in the context of a remake) leaves a lot to be desired, but that all takes a back seat once you get into the game. The core of the game of PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is something that almost never needs to be changed as it is all about fun and engagement. This is arguably one of the most accessible PAC-MAN games on PC, and it’s a perfect entry point for anyone looking to dig deeper into this franchise.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.