Bandai Namco’s mascot has seen plenty of experiments over the years, but Pac-Man World 2 was always a special case – a chance to see the yellow chomper take on a full 3D platforming adventure back in the early 2000s. Now remade from scratch by NOW PRODUCTION as Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac, the game returns with modern visuals, some welcome refinements, and a reminder of why Pac-Man’s world is more than just mazes and ghosts. It’s not without its rough edges, but this new version strikes a solid balance between nostalgia and accessibility.
The story is simple, but it provides just enough motivation for the adventure ahead. The mischievous ghosts have stolen the Golden Fruit, unleashing the villainous Spooky in the process. What follows is a trek through Pac-Land to retrieve the fruit and seal Spooky away again. It’s hardly the most complex setup, but the charm of the world makes up for it. From grassy meadows to snowy peaks and underwater dives in the Pac-Marine, there’s a playful variety that leans into classic platforming tropes while still feeling distinctly “Pac-Man”.
Gameplay-wise, Re-Pac remains faithful to its roots but isn’t afraid to tweak the formula. The core moveset – chomping, butt-bouncing, and rolling – feels tight and responsive, with added actions making Pac-Man a little more versatile than before. Level design balances linear paths with hidden collectibles, giving players reasons to revisit stages. That said, some of the mechanics, especially the platforming precision in later levels, show their age, and the difficulty curve can spike in ways that may frustrate younger or casual players drawn in by the colorful visuals. Still, the mix of exploration and action captures the essence of early 3D platformers, with enough updates to feel playable by modern standards.
Boss battles stand out as moments where the remake flexes its improvements. Encounters have been reworked to be more dynamic, offering clearer attack patterns and fairer opportunities to counter. They’re still not the highlight of the game, but they break up the level progression nicely. The inclusion of a 2-player mode is another nice touch, making it easier to share the experience, though it feels more like a bonus than a fully fleshed-out feature.
Presentation is where Re-Pac really shines. The visual overhaul brings vibrant colors, detailed environments, and expressive animations that give Pac-Man more personality than ever. The soundtrack, a mix of remastered themes and upbeat tracks, keeps the energy high throughout. Voice acting, while minimal, adds a bit of charm, though some may find it slightly unnecessary given the character’s legacy. Performance on PS5 is smooth, and load times are near-instant, helping the game feel like a breezy, pick-up-and-play adventure.
As a remake, Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac succeeds in making a cult favorite accessible again while sanding down some of its rougher edges. It doesn’t reinvent the formula, and players looking for a more radical reimagining may find it a little too safe. But for those who enjoyed the original or want a colorful, straightforward platformer in the spirit of the genre’s early 2000s heyday, this is a welcome return. Pac-Man may never dethrone the greats of the genre, but Re-Pac shows there’s still room for his brand of cheerful adventuring.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 