A success sequel throughout the sixth era of online game consoles, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC goals to scratch that nostalgic itch. Followers of 3D platformer collectathons could have “A World of Enjoyable,” not less than till the very finish. For brand spanking new gamers, or these with fleeting reminiscences of the unique, aka me, what does this supply 20-plus years later?
Not like the first entry, I can briefly evaluate the unique (a Participant’s Alternative GameCube sport) and this upgraded model. In addition to the fashionable graphics (particularly noticeable on Swap 2), there may be extra speech. A number of the aesthetic modifications are minor — a powered-up Pac-Man now grows large as a substitute of simply glowing — however the total presentation feels properly modernized. The controls are higher, too. The digicam is noticeably faster, and now Pac can kick with no need to leap first. Essentially the most nice shock is the addition of two-player co-op! Use the only Pleasure-Con 2 (the primary time our family has activated Swap 2’s mouse mode) or, even higher, a full second controller to assist Pac-Man as a robotic drone. It’s not as concerned gameplay-wise (suppose Donkey Kong Bananza), however sucking up collectibles and beautiful enemies is entertaining and useful.
Whereas the sport has a plot, few, if any, will play this for its story, which may generously be described as ill-advised. Pac-Land’s in hassle, and you need to gather the golden fruit scattered about on the finish of every world. A number of the between-stage cutscenes between Pac and Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde are okay (Pac is fairly darn likeable in spite of everything), however the story is solely pointless. For those who loved the primary sport, you’re prone to get pleasure from this one simply as a lot, if no more. And for those who missed its predecessor, no worries. You may leap in and never really feel misplaced.
Levels happen in acquainted however diversified environments. A few of Pac’s strategies, like grabbing ledges, swimming (with or with out flippers), or controlling the Pac-Sub, might require further observe. However the core moveset is improved, and Pac’s shadow makes leaping from excessive platforms breezier than ever. Accumulating fruit has all the time been his MO, and you’ll ensure that the ultimate apple or strawberry shall be on a hard-to-reach platform. Grabbing all of them (or breaking each crate, defeating each enemy, and many others.) is an elective problem, certain to maintain completists busy.
Pac’s most memorable transfer, arguably, is the on-rails Pac-Dot Chains, curler coaster-type segments that allow you to arrive at areas you’d in any other case have to succeed in with extra issue. It was a blast after I was younger, and it’s nonetheless a blast at this time. However whether or not you’re sneaking previous sharks within the ocean or ice skating simply quick sufficient to keep away from being crushed by an avalanching big snowball, these controls fulfill. There are even 3D mazes you’ll be able to play for factors, true to Pac’s origins.
Returning to variations, modifications have been made to make the sport simpler past simply tightening the controls. Exhausting Pacs’ well being will nonetheless ship him again to the final checkpoint, however you now not have to reacquire gadgets you’ve collected. That’s a considerate strategy to present respect for the participant’s time. Far much less considerate (however type of comprehensible given the curious spikes) is the inclusion of a Fairy (simple) mode. Reasonably than granting Pac extra well being, the devs have made him “immune to break.” That’s too simple, and a poor repair for an uneven issue curve. I solely enabled it (reluctantly) for the final pair of boss fights that overstayed their welcome in genuinely terrible style. Warning: You may’t return to Pac-Village after beating stage 6-3 till you beat the ultimate boss.
Talking of alterations, the degrees on this sport have additionally been altered and “expanded.” As I nonetheless personal the unique (and it had been so lengthy since I final performed it), it’s much less jarring, however I can see followers disillusioned in change for change’s sake. However returning to the bosses, I think some will depart universally unhealthy impressions. They’ve elongated issue with out the satisfaction of besting them, which means they’ll be remembered as burdensome encounters you’ll be glad to be performed with. Followers will voice their opinion, and hopefully, the inevitable Pac-Man World 3 Repac could have extra stability for previous and new gamers alike. Hopefully it’ll have a correct (non-game-key card launch) too.
In most respects, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is the definitive strategy to play the best-selling sequel. However a number of of the extent and boss alterations show questionable at greatest (particularly the latter), and the straightforward (immune) mode is a large step again from its extra balanced predecessor. Bandai Namco could be sensible to deal with each in an replace asap. The sport principally makes up for these errors with its aesthetic and management enhancements. Add time trial leaderboards, two-player co-op, and loads of new and returning extras with some enjoyable unlocakables, and you’ve got an journey which may maintain you enjoying.
