PAC-MAN World: Re-PAC [Xbox]
Now Production’s recent release of PAC-MAN WORLD: Re-PAC is a remake of the 1999 PAC-MAN World; a title I have fond memories of, but never really considered as one that would be high on my ‘please remake this’ list. I’ve got lots of good memories of playing on a PlayStation Magazine demo disc (the very same disc that introduced me to Rob Zombie’s Dragula via Sled Storm’s demo), though even with a full copy of the game later down the line, I don’t remember very much of it at all.
So now, to the Re-PAC - you take on the titular role of PAC-MAN, and it just so happens to be his birthday. The evil TOC-MAN has sent the ghosts out to kidnap PAC-MAN - only, they’ve run into a problem: all of his family look so similar that they couldn’t figure out who to grab, so they’ve kidnapped them all! Each of the six worlds - ranging from pirate levels to space and more - follow a linear path, leading you through a variety of hazards as you look to rescue your PAC-family, destroy each of the TOC-MAN statues - and ultimately defeat the evil TOC-MAN himself.
As well as running and jumping around, PAC-MAN has a few moves in his arsenal that will help you get around (and deal with enemies). Butt-bouncing takes a little bit of getting used to - having not played a platforming PAC-MAN title in years - since it uses the same button setup as what would typically lead to a double jump, plunging me to my death repeatedly (yes, you’d think I’d learn). You’ve also got his Rev Roll, which you can use to power up a run to fire yourself up ramps to cross gaps, but also to wind-up little floating platforms to reach other areas. Chests located throughout the levels might give you power ups such as to trigger metal PAC-MAN, or they might include fruit that you’ll need to open gates - with levels often requiring a surprising amount of backtracking in order to get everything. Of course, there’s also the Power Pellets, that will transform you into Mega PAC-MAN, capable of munching dots and ghosts. Boss encounters are a lot of fun, and really have that retro-platformer feel - though they aren’t nearly as punishing as they were back in the original (though this is definitely a positive) - with each world ending with their very own Boss battle.
PAC-MAN World: Re-PAC looks far more polished than the original release, whilst managing to keep a firm hold of that classic look. Character designs are simple but fun, and levels are well laid out with plenty of little nooks and crannies for you to hunt down to find P-A-C-M-A-N letters and extra fruit. The catchy soundtrack throughout levels instantly took me back to playing this in childhood; in particular the Buccaneer Beach track, since this is what the demo disc had, and not having a memory card at points meant that I’d often replay starting levels - though the removal of the voice acting, instead opting for gibberish, was a poor choice. Adding in voices would have been better, even if not using the original recordings. Each area has their own distinctive themes, which you can choose to listen to in the main hub world via the Jukebox - if you pay for it. Having the Jukebox be an extra paid option (£2.49 on Xbox!) is a bit of a disgusting move, and whilst I do understand that it’s an optional extra, it doesn’t make it feel any less money-grabbing.
As well as the main story, Maze Mode is an alternate gameplay mode that you can access from the main hub world, allowing you to play through 36 maze levels (6 styled after each world), and once you’ve completed those you’ll then be able to do the Maze Marathon - which is, as it sounds, a marathon of mazes. You’ll need to work your way through all 36 mazes in a row to complete Maze Marathon, which thankfully isn’t as daunting as it sounds since it can be done in well under an hour.
There is also an Easy Mode option that will pop up if it appears that you’re struggling, giving you the ability to have a longer hover-jump and additional platforms to help you get around, hopefully making it less likely that you’ll lose lives needlessly, which is a great option if you’re not totally confident with the controls. Priced at £34.99 on Xbox, PAC-MAN World: Re-PAC comes in at the same price as both the Spyro and Crash remaster trilogies - which makes this one seem really expensive in comparison, given that it’s only one game. It is still an enjoyable time, particularly if you were a fan of the original - but I’d probably recommend picking it up on sale, if you can.
In the end, we decided to give PAC-MAN World: Re-PAC the Collecting Asylum rating of 8/10.
Are you interested in PAC-MAN World: Re-PAC? What do you think of it?
Let us know in the comments below!
- V x
Thank you to Bandai Namco for the PAC-MAN World: Re-PAC Xbox review code!
