Pac-Man World: Re-PAC

It’s not blowing it out of proportion to say that Pac-Man is one of the most significant characters in video game history. He’s so widely known and loved; that alone may be enough for some to pick up his latest release. Others with a fondness for the fledgling days of 3D platformers will find PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a good release that grows on you, even with its dated aspects. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and $29.99 is a fair launch price for a physical game.

I definitely feel that it is a game that can be fun for those who have never tried anything related to PAC-MAN, although it could also be enjoyed by fans who know beforehand that they will not find anything new. The most notable problem is the absence of its two sequels.

Frustrations aside, I will say that at its core, Pac-Man World Re-Pac is still a solid platformer. You have to get yourself into a 1999 frame of mind in order to appreciate its action, but once you do, you can genuinely enjoy the quest to rescue Pac-Man's guests. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 69]

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a solid effort to bring back a cult classic. It clearly doesn’t have the money behind some other remaster projects but that has worked to its benefit in some ways, specifically on Switch. The new art looks excellent and the gameplay largely holds up, save for some limitations of the time hitchhiking their way into this new version. The choice to make resolution mode the default display option on Switch is baffling when the game runs so much better in performance mode with a minimal hit to resolution, but this can be quickly fixed with a visit to the options menu. Pac-Man World has never been one of the best 3D platformers of all time, but it is a classic well worth playing today. Let’s hope that Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a sign of more Pac-Man World to come.

It’s nice to see Pac-Man back with one of its platforming adventures. It’s not a masterpiece by any means, but the new visuals and improved gameplay makes it more enjoyable now.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac isn’t a game that we’d suggest you rush out and buy at once, but it does a good job of reviving a decent 3D platformer for modern audiences. Tight controls, lots of collectables, and enjoyable level design ultimately outweigh minor performance hiccups, and a general lack of imagination. If you don’t consider yourself a fan of platforming or Pac-Man, nothing here is going to change your mind and we’d suggest you pass. If you like classic-style 3D platformers, Pac-Man World Re-Pac will absolutely prove itself worth your time, even if it doesn’t impress like the best in the genre.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac should've been an easy recommendation on Switch, but the inconsistent frame pacing in both performance modes holds it back. I hope future updates can address this, because this is perfect for playing on the go.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a remake of the 1999 original and it does a good job at bringing the Pac-Man platformer to our day and age, with its remarkable visual renovation and significant improvements to the controls and gameplay mechanics. Nonetheless this is a game that fans of more modern platformers will find rather limited, given how its structure mostly reflects the time of its original release with worlds that are completely separated from each other and a camera that is far from dynamic.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a decent little platformer albeit a rather straightforward one. Its combination of old-school Pac-Man grid-based gameplay and linear but varied worlds are entertaining enough to get you through its 10 or so hour adventure, but the rather plain level design and occasionally clunky movement also reveal a game limited by its original PlayStation roots.

This franchise certainly hasn’t enjoyed the longevity of its nearest character platforming rivals – Crash Bandicoot, namely – but revisiting the original entry is certainly an illuminating and nostalgic experience. It’s a colourful reminder of simpler times.

Pac-Man World Re-PAC isn’t rendered unplayable by these performance problems, but they do mar an experience that needed all the shining up it could get to help make it palatable to newcomers. If you can look past the quirks of the original game’s design, if you can overlook the obvious technical issues, and if you can ignore the fact that you can find a lot of better 3D platformers on Switch at this price or lower, you will likely get some fun out of this release. It really should have been better, though.

There are many platformers out there deserving of a remake. Sadly, Pac-Man World Re-PAC doesn’t do much to earn one. It feels dated, with uninspired gameplay and basic level design. A few fun bosses and Pac-Man mazes can’t save it.

Pac-Man World: Re-Pac should’ve stayed in the original packaging.