PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC (Nintendo Switch 2)
A hit sequel across the sixth generation of video game consoles, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC aims to scratch that nostalgic itch. Fans of 3D platformer collectathons will have “A World of Fun,” at least until the very end. For new players, or those with fleeting memories of the original, aka me, what does this offer 20-plus years later?
Unlike the first entry, I can briefly compare the original (a Player’s Choice GameCube game) and this upgraded version. Besides the modern graphics (especially noticeable on Switch 2), there is more speech. Some of the aesthetic changes are minor — a powered-up Pac-Man now grows huge instead of just glowing — but the overall presentation feels nicely modernized. The controls are better, too. The camera is noticeably quicker, and now Pac can kick without needing to jump first. The most pleasant surprise is the addition of two-player co-op! Use the single Joy-Con 2 (the first time our household has activated Switch 2’s mouse mode) or, even better, a full second controller to support Pac-Man as a robotic drone. It’s not as involved gameplay-wise (think Donkey Kong Bananza), but sucking up collectibles and stunning enemies is entertaining and helpful.
While the game has a plot, few, if any, will play this for its story, which can generously be described as ill-advised. Pac-Land’s in trouble, and you must collect the golden fruit scattered about at the end of each world. Some of the between-stage cutscenes between Pac and Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde are okay (Pac is pretty darn likeable after all), but the tale is simply unnecessary. If you enjoyed the first game, you’re likely to enjoy this one just as much, if not more. And if you missed its predecessor, no worries. You can jump in and not feel lost.
Stages take place in familiar but varied environments. Some of Pac’s techniques, like grabbing ledges, swimming (with or without flippers), or controlling the Pac-Sub, may require additional practice. But the core moveset is improved, and Pac’s shadow makes jumping from high platforms breezier than ever. Collecting fruit has always been his MO, and you can be sure that the final apple or strawberry will be on a hard-to-reach platform. Grabbing them all (or breaking every crate, defeating every enemy, etc.) is an optional challenge, sure to keep completists busy.
Pac’s most memorable move, arguably, is the on-rails Pac-Dot Chains, roller coaster-type segments that let you arrive at areas you’d otherwise have to reach with more difficulty. It was a blast when I was young, and it’s still a blast today. But whether you’re sneaking past sharks in the ocean or ice skating just fast enough to avoid being crushed by an avalanching giant snowball, these controls satisfy. There are even 3D mazes you can play for points, true to Pac’s origins.
Returning to differences, changes have been made to make the game easier beyond just tightening the controls. Exhausting Pacs’ health will still send him back to the last checkpoint, but you no longer need to reacquire items you’ve collected. That’s a thoughtful way to show respect for the player’s time. Far less thoughtful (but kind of understandable given the curious spikes) is the inclusion of a Fairy (easy) mode. Rather than granting Pac more health, the devs have made him “immune to damage.” That’s too easy, and a poor fix for an uneven difficulty curve. I only enabled it (reluctantly) for the last pair of boss fights that overstayed their welcome in genuinely awful fashion. Warning: You can’t return to Pac-Village after beating stage 6-3 until you beat the final boss.
Speaking of alterations, the levels in this game have also been altered and “expanded.” As I still own the original (and it had been so long since I last played it), it’s less jarring, but I can see fans disappointed in change for change’s sake. But returning to the bosses, I suspect some will leave universally bad impressions. They have elongated difficulty without the satisfaction of besting them, meaning they’ll be remembered as burdensome encounters you’ll be glad to be done with. Fans will voice their opinion, and hopefully, the inevitable Pac-Man World 3 Repac will have more balance for old and new players alike. Hopefully it’ll have a proper (non-game-key card release) too.
In most respects, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is the definitive way to play the best-selling sequel. But a few of the level and boss alterations prove questionable at best (especially the latter), and the easy (immune) mode is a sizable step back from its more balanced predecessor. Bandai Namco would be wise to address both in an update asap. The game mostly makes up for these mistakes with its aesthetic and control improvements. Add time trial leaderboards, two-player co-op, and plenty of new and returning extras with some fun unlocakables, and you have an adventure that might keep you playing.
