PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC brings its own brand of classic 3D platforming to Nintendo Switch. It’s time to be adventurous like in 1999.
Before starting this review, please note that my Pac-Man World memories begin with the second entry. I still own this entry for the Gamecube. As such, there are few comparisons to the original. But honestly, if you have nostalgia, this game is probably already on your wishlist. And if you’re feeling nostalgic for this type of game in general, Re-PAC is a good product. Unless you don’t mind playing a “modernized” game that feels closer to Y2K horror than COVID horror.
The story is simple at best and silly at worst. At least the main villain, his Toc-Man, is the cool-looking robot Pac-Man. It’s a rescue mission. Can you complete your mission to save the Puck family? Thankfully, story doesn’t matter in this type of title. It’s all about fun gameplay.
As you progress through various themed areas (pirates, ruins, etc.), you may develop a love-hate relationship with Pac-Man’s moveset. For example, bouncing an enemy with his bat is consistently very cool, but doesn’t have the exact same effect if you need it for platforming. Likewise, spinning rolls are neat until the puck doesn’t fully register on the target and ends up losing a life in the void. These controls are responsive and tight by modern sensibilities, but they are not. However, they are timeless and can be quickly mastered by seasoned gamers. You can also remap them. This is a welcome option.
There is a lot of variety in the stages, but I think the developers only had a few ideas because you get used to it quickly. Whether or not this game is truly a “classic” is debatable though, there are plenty of classic elements in the gameplay style. 3D Mazes provides some fun for early Pac-Man fans and breaks things up nicely in a fun way.
A free life and good health are within reach, but the challenges come from being a perfectionist. For example, how eager are you to backtrack and open a fruit-locked gate? Also, the camera can lead to jump misjudgments, which can quickly fail in some areas. However, checkpoints certainly help. If you fail 3 times in a row, the game will suggest “easy mode”. I put it in just in case, but it is a small inclusion. I rarely used Enhanced Flutter Jump with this mode enabled, but the mere thought of using that option must have worked like a mental crutch. But again, dozens of backup his lives will be created soon.
The “updated visuals” are… pretty enough. It’s a shame that some of the colors look more muted, but Pac-Man itself looks much better.HD Rumble tricks my brain into thinking it looks better than it actually is. go figure. The means to switch between performance and resolution modes is buried in options. I’d ask someone who sticks with that sort of thing to elaborate, but I’d say it’s not the smoothest game. However, with a few exceptions, PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is generally a slow-paced game.
Musically, there’s an update fleshing out the iconic Pac-Man jingle with a tune that fits the theme. I didn’t know Tommy Tallarico was the composer of this game!This isn’t my favorite of his work, but one of his space-themed tracks comes pretty close. If you have more than 20 years of nostalgia, I think you have more favorites. It’s a shame there’s no in-game music player, but at least you can adjust the volume of the music and sound effects separately.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Pac-Man is one of the most important characters in video game history. He is very well known and loved. That alone might be enough to get you his latest release. For those who liked the early days of 3D platformers, PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC will prove to be a good release that grows with its outdated aspects. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and $29.99 is a fair launch price for a physical game.
