I have to appreciate Bandai Namco’s recent attempts at reviving older IPs from the Namco side of its name. Even though I wasn’t the big fan of the Klonoa remasters, the sole fact Bamco gave that dormant franchise another shot was commendable. I feel like the same can be said about PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC. At its core, it’s not exactly the best of platformers available on modern consoles. But this is a straight up remake of a PS1 cult classic, a way to revive a glorious period of Pac-Man‘s history. I can’t be that mad.

The original Pac-Man World was a good, but unambitious platformer released way back in 1999. Even back then, games like Super Mario 64, Crash Bandicoot, and Banjo-Kazooie had already elevated the genre to new heights, but this title in particular was further proof that you could do more with Pac-Man than just a mere maze-like arcade game. It was limited in scope, something that would be solved with its superior successors, but it was cute and entertaining. PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC basically retains what made that original title stand out, without a lot of additional ambition.

PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC features your standard, linear “go from A to B but get additional items in the middle of the course” level format. The main objective is to simply reach the end goal, but collecting the “PACMAN” letters allows you to access a bonus level as well. Pretty standard stuff. After a handful of levels, you have to defeat a boss in order to move to the next world. With the exception of a ton of pellets scattered throughout a level, as well as special power pellets that allow you to eat up a ghost or two for a limited period of time, the game doesn’t try too hard to align itself with classic Pac-Man gameplay elements.

For the most part, it’s just a handful of puzzles and very simple platforming gauntlets in each level. PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC doesn’t try to be challenging, even when it comes to how well-hidden (or not) its letter icons are. Combat mechanics are really easy as well, being mostly centered around using a dash button to kill enemies, or a combination between that an iron armor in order to kill metallic foes. With the exception of the responsiveness of the ground pound mechanics, as well as an odd button placement, the controls are decent enough as well. Again, it’s a PS1 platformer at heart, so it’s not trying to reinvent any wheel besides Pac-Man‘s.

PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC isn’t ambitious when it comes to its visual enhancements compared to the original. Sure, it looks adorable, but with the exception of the increased resolution, this isn’t exactly that much more impressive than the PS2/Gamecube-era Pac-Man World sequels. It’s functional, let’s just say. Not a lot has changed in its sound department either, but that’s something I’m okay with. The original game had a great soundtrack, and made use of the franchise’s classic sound effects and music in interesting ways. This holds up surprisingly well, all these years later.

For its time, Pac-Man World was a revolutionary revival of a long dormant franchise. Nowadays, PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is still a fun platformer, but it does feel a bit by-the-books, especially since we’re aware of the improvements featured in the original game’s sequels. Still, I had a good time with it. It does retain that charm that only platformers from that specific era had, but without the hindrances caused by their respective consoles. If anything, I just appreciate Bandai Namco’s recent attempts at giving some of their less popular gems and franchises another shot in this day and age. Would love to see the vastly superior Pac-Man World sequels getting remakes as well!

 

Graphics: 6.5 Cute, but simple. The great framerate and resolution are highlights.	Gameplay: 7.5 The controls are responsive for the most part. Some button placement options, as well as the responsiveness of the ground pound, are still clunky though.
Sound: 8.0 It’s not different from the soundtrack featured in the PS1 original, but that still holds up. I also loved the inclusion of classic Pac-Man sound effects throughout the entire game.	Fun Factor: 7.0 For its time, it was a revolutionary revival of a long dormant franchise. Nowadays, it’s still a fun platformer, but a bit by-the-books, especially since we’re aware of the improvements featured in the original game’s sequels. Still, it’s worth a shot for platforming fans.
Final Verdict: 7.0

PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Reviewed on PS5.

A copy of PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC was provided by the publisher.