Pac-Man World 2 is a good plat former with minor flaws that slightly hinder this package.

User Rating: 7.5 | Pac-Man World 2 PS2
By SiMgUrL1721 | Review Date:
I remember playing Pac-Man and Pole Position for the first time at a diner when I was around 6 years old. A few years later (age 10, year 2000), I played Namco Museum Volume 3 for the PS1 and my personal favorites were Dug Dug, Phozon, and Tower of Druaga (maze game to grab the key before the timer runs out). As you can see, I was a fan of Namco games back in the days. However, I had never owned any Namco games until I received Pac Man World 2 for the PS2 on Christmas of 2003 (age 13) probably because I re-played Pac-Man recently at a diner. At the time, I was actually amazed with Pac Man World 2 and was addicting to play for a while until the later stages were too difficult for me to complete. I still own Pac-Man World 2, but I haven't played it for a very long time.

Presentation- There is a cute, short story in Pac Man World 2. The evil ghosts steal the golden fruit while Pac Man is sleeping. It's up to Pac-Man to save Pac Land from the evil ghosts and retrieve the golden fruit again. There are different hub-worlds to explore. You can also swim underwater and use metal to temporary walk underground (idea borrowed from Super Mario 64). Like Mario and Sonic, there are occasional bosses to defeat in Pac-Man World 2. They are generally easy to defeat with having a weak spot, but depleting their health bar completely will take some time. The actual levels range from grass, ice, and forest to lava. In the ice worlds, Pac-Man can ice skate to avoid occasional avalanches that roll behind you (borrowed from Crash Bandicoot).

However, as stated earlier in my review, the later levels can be quite challenging especially the Tree Top (forest) levels where you have to constantly bounce on targets and jump on small platforms that fall off. I'm actually still stuck on one of the Tree Top levels, and that's probably why I haven't touched this game in so long. Also, there are occasional levels where you play on an updated Pac-Man maze stage. The objective and enemies are the same as the original except they are in three dimensional.

As far as extras are concerned, you can also play some of the retro Pac-Man games such as Pac-Man, Ms. Pac Man, Pac-Mania, and Pac-Attack. However, you have to collect medals in the single player mode in order to unlock them all. It's pretty fun trying to beat you and your friend's high scores. I remembered playing Pac-Attack (Tetris like) with my mom over and over again. These games are only up to two players.

Graphics - There are a bit cutesy looking and you're probably used to seeing highly detailed, realistic graphics on the PS2. However, the actual visuals are on par with Mario and Sonic with very bright colors, great animations, and sharp looking visuals.

Sound - Again the music is too cutesy and pretty forgettable (unlike Mario and Sonic with their catchy and memorable soundtracks). The sound effects are pretty decent and have that classic sound when Pac-Man loses a life. There really isn't any voice acting and Pac-Man is almost completely mute. He makes occasional sounds when he gets attack by enemies.

Game play - The controls work pretty well and Pac-Man has some moves borrowed from Mario and Sonic. For example, Pac-Man can temporary dash across the stage. He can also double jump and even do a butt bounce. However, the camera may not be on par with it being un responsive at times where Pac-Man jumps around. Personally, the camera works pretty well most of the time and doesn't really hinder the game play that much.

Lasting appeal - Although the main game is only single player and there aren't that many levels, it will take you a long time to collect all of the items with every single level. Playing the retro Pac-Man games is pretty cool and a nice throwback to the older gamers, but these games have been featured in previous Pac-Man games before. These repeat games may be a bit frustrating for a gamer looking for something new to enjoy.

The Good - great level designs and enjoyable for hard-core and casual gamers to play, retro Pac-Man games are for anyone who needs to relax and take a break from playing the actual single player story mode

The Bad - some of the levels are too difficult to complete, slightly uninspired and forgettable tracks, all of these retro Pac-Man games have all been released before and a little redundant for anyone who already owns these games

As far as purchasing this game, Pac-Man World 2 is worth a buy. However, the repeat retro Pac-Man games may bore out new gamers and hard core fans most likely already own these games. You'll most likely spend most of your time in the single player story mode.

Presentation - 8
Graphics- 8
Sound- 7
Game play- 8
Lasting appeal - 7

Overall 7.6 out of 10 GameSpot Score 7.5 out of 10

Other Helpful Reviews for Pac-Man World 2

  • Rating:7.2

    This game is great!

    By Tyler_is_kool | Review Date: Mar 28, 2006 | PS2

    This game is a true pac man classic. The graphics arnt that good but this game it doent matter its like a cartoon game kind of.I dont remember the story line of the game because it was along time ago when i played ... Read Full Review

    3 of 3 users found the following review helpful
  • Rating:7.8

    By neversummer | Review Date: Jun 08, 2004 | PS2

    You need to look at this game for what it is... a kids game! If you can accept it as that, it’s great. The first few levels are really easy (however, collecting all the fruit on top of the buildings in Pac Village took... Read Full Review

    2 of 3 users found the following review helpful
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