Warning this will be a very lengthy blog entry. I recommend take as many breaks as possible. This is for fellow Pac-Man fans like myself.
I should point out, I'm also reviewing Pac-Man games I played away from the PC. I figured it is finally time to talk about Pac-Man. I should go all out on it, after all he was the original gaming mascot. Yes even before Mario was called Mario early on in his existence. Pac-Man is nostalgia as well as clever that's very appealing to most people of all ages.
1. Pac-Man (1980)
Pac-Man's shape was inspired by a pizza missing a slice true story. His goal is to eat the dots while avoiding four ghosts. It sorta reminds me of something more recent in reverse. When you eat a power pallet, temporary these ghosts turn blue allowing Pac-Man to eat em up. Remember, a lot of arcade games of it's era didn't have an end at all.
Although, if you played good enough taking a lot of patience as well as skill. You might be lucky to reach stage 256 aka the famous glitch stage. Where half the stage is glitched up making it more difficult than normal to play. However if you do beat this stage, the game will freeze. So in a weird sense, it does have an ending just not what you were expecting.
Pac-Man must navigate through a series of mazes. The basic layout never changes but the usage of power pallets becomes more strict with how long it'll last. Not to mention, the ghosts' AI will increase during your time playing. Pac-Man is a game of skill that is rather simple in it's overall design. Everything about it still amazingly holds up by today's standards.
2. Pac-Man Plus (1982)
This is one of a few Pac-Man games to not originally be made by Namco now Bandai Namco. This is an updated version of the classic arcade game, Pac-Man. Some of the in game eatable stuff is altered into stuff like a can of Coca Cola. I would have to say this game if you struggle in the original version will wipe the floor with you.
Pac-Man Plus I played through a particular Jakks Pacific Pac-Man device. Sometimes, eating food could also act as a power pallet. It is normally done in a different color from the original game. This might be the version of Pac-Man, some of the greatest Pac-Man gamers can't beat. This game is virtually similar to the original but also keeps the challenge going while changing a few stuff.
3. Ms. Pac-Man (1982)
There is a crazy story related to our next Pac-Man game. Originally a group of students created a rom hack of Pac-Man called Crazy Otto. But Midway requested to change it which led to the creation of Ms. Pac-Man. She is one of the very major female video game protagonists in gaming, Unlike Pac-Man, she gets a few different maze designs.
It is still an ongoing debate either this or the original Pac-Man being the greatest Pac-Man game ever made. Keep in mind, Namco didn't originally create this making Ms. Pac-Man a rare unique scenario. We got a faithful sequel that eventually became officially known as a sequel to Pac-Man. Personally, I kinda like Ms. Pac-Man a little bit more.
Not only you get a few maze designs. I also love her cut scenes in between some stages more. The music is just as good as the original Pac-Man. This is one of the absolute greatest video game sequels I ever played. This game took Pac-Man then made the real improvements to making it to me more of a classic.
4. Pac-Man Fever (2002)
Of course, Pac-Man had to have his own party game. Sadly, it is just isn't as good as the older Mario Party games. Although, the roster of playable character is still kinda interesting but also weird at the same time. Despite Pac-Man's name in the title, most of the roster is pulled from other franchises. You can buy mini games you can play.
Instead of collecting stars like in Mario Party series. You are collecting redemption tickets. You need these to buy the mini games. Whoever reaches the goal first wins the game. Sadly, it doesn't do anything to help separate it from Mario Party series. Overall, it could be fun for a little while but quickly loses that appeal.
5. Super Pac-Man (1982)
Surprisingly following two releases that wasn't their own in the same year. The original team made their own sequel called Super Pac-Man. I absolutely love this game with an passion. Imagine Pac-Man on steroids lol I'm not kidding. You navigate through easier mazes but you must collect keys to unlock sections of stuff you can eat.
Alternately, you can eat a super power pallet that turns Pac-Man into a faster giant version of himself. This version can bypass locked sections thus you could speed run the hell out of it. Yes, you are still avoiding the four ghosts. There is now bonus stages where you try to eat as much as possible within the time limit.
I love the cut scenes in this game too. Super Pac-Man felt like an simpler attempt on the classic concept with a few great changes. The regular power pallets are still in play. While as Super Pac-Man, you can extend that power up by eating either a super or regular power pallets. The speed Pac-Man goes alone is mind blowing.
6. Pac & Pal (1983)
Pac & Pal is one of the rarest Pac-Man game in existence. You are Pac-Man collecting keys to unlock sections. But the stages are smaller with a new character trying to take items & food away. This also includes your special items that temporary gives Pac-Man additional abilities to defend himself. You must do a few cards at a time or it won't add anymore.
There is also a safe zone that's colored in orange. Although the ghosts can enter it as well. There is a different style bonus stages where you collect as much money as possible. Without finding a ghost, but you have no way to know in advance which spots would likely be the ghost. Which means every time you play these bonus stages, you're going in blind.
I should mention, the special items do reference some of Namco's franchises. Personally, this is a very nice touch than just a power pallet. You also know you got it when Pac-Man turns sorta sky blue for a short period of time. It is possible for your specials to run out even before you use em. There is a lot of strategy involved this time.
7. Pac-Land (1984)
Pac-Land is an unusual style Pac-Man game. Instead of navigating mazes to eat dots like normal. You probably think of what I'm about to say as a joke but no this is a real Pac-Man game. This is a platformer that can be strict to a degree. Like trying to make some jumps requires you to risk getting hit while keeping the speed up.
The moment you stop with the additional speed, it's gone. Also some of the mechanics in the platforming department isn't like well Super Mario Brothers on NES. Even the creator of Mario said this game inspired Super Mario Brothers. You also can collect food on the way but that to requires on point jumping.
The ghosts are a little more creative this time around. Almost like they taken ideas from classic cartoons. You know the ones where the bad guys constantly come up with stupid ideas that blows up right in their faces. Some of the ghosts drive cars while others pilots air planes & using a pogo stick? Obviously, this bags a lot of questions.
I'll go right for the number 1 question here how can a ghost do any of these realistic? Yes I know it's a franchise with an unusual character being chased by ghosts. Now that already doesn't need much explaining. But aren't ghosts not in the same plain of existence. Therefore, them being able to do stuff like those is breaking reality rules.
Pac-Land got a sequel with a somewhat misleading title called Pac-Man 2: The New Adventure. Which came out around a decade later. A lot of gamers doesn't even know about Pac-Land. So when they come across this game either through a store, flea market or researching online. The very first thing they likely think is it's a sequel to the original Pac-Man.
I should mention, another recurring problem you'll likely face. When you run out of time, unless you are close enough to the end of a stage. The game delivers a fatal blow taking one of your lifes away by directly sending a ghost after you. Some arcade games has a similar mechanic to prevent someone staying on the game for too long.
8. Pac-Mania (1987)
Pac-Mania has an unique appearance to the classic arcade game. It also has it's own cut scenes telling us, this is indeed it's own game. Pac-Man can now jump that can be used in many ways. Like directly avoiding a ghost too close by you or quickly get to a power pallet or use a speed boost. When you see a speed boost towards ghosts, they are temporary stunned.
Yes, the mazes do change keeping this game fresh to help preventing it getting boring & repetitive. I also liked how the screen scrolls when you go further than you are use to in a Pac-Man game of that era. Pac-Mania is an interesting take on the concept that a lot of people would enjoy. It also could be seen as another potential speed runner game.
9. Pac-Attack (1993)
I played this through Pac-Man Museum. Which turned out to be Sega Genesis version. I am already happier since I'm a huge fan of that console. Pac-Attack is a puzzle that uses blocks & Blinky in particular as the ghosts. You also get access to Pac-Man who will eat the ghosts in a path he goes in. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell how he would move.
You also can fill up a fairy meter I'm not kidding that's what the game calls that meter. In order to directly take out all the ghosts currently in play. The interesting part is unlike many similar puzzle games of that time. Pieces will automatically move into places even in spots they won't in stuff like Tetris or Columns.
It might not look like fun but this game quickly becomes addicting. There's a few modes of play too but I still prefer out of respect Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. Pac-Attack is a great spin off game that a lot of people needs to play. It is surprisingly easy to learn at a fast pace. I would say it does an amazing job in every category.
10. Pac-Man Championship Edition (2007)
Pac-Man Championship Edition is a rather unique take on the classic format. The mazes are smaller but among getting every dot on a side will alter the layout of those dots. Which could include power pallets as you play within a time limit. I think the biggest time limit you could go is ten minutes. I should mention, bonus stuff likely appears more often.
You still have to avoid the four ghosts as you play. The game actually moves at a notably faster speed it makes games like Super Pac-Man seem slow in comparison. I got to be honest, I really loved their usage of colors. Both me and my wife do have an artistic taste in things. There is plenty of modes to keep challenging your skills.
Pac-Man Championship Edition is hands down one of the best Pac-Man games ever. It stays incredibly faithful to it but at the same time doing it in a way that's very refreshing. Some people even consider this a true sequel to the first couple Pac-Man games, it is that good. Honestly, this is one I recommend you play early in Pac-Man Museum.
11. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+ (2010)
A follow up to Pac-Man Championship Edition. Can you imagine the previous Championship Edition being a challenge? This makes that game seem like child's play. You wanna know why, you have to deal with a lot of ghosts this time around. Which also leaves to a incredibly satisfying game play. Especially when you ate a power pallet, you'll eat most blue ghosts in a line for a bonus.
Once again, their usage of colors is absolutely mind blowing. Especially when a lot of ghosts are chasing you. I should mention, most of it's dlcs references several classic Namco franchises in some way. Pac-Man also gets bombs to help prevent colliding into ghosts. Like the previous Championship Edition game, you could get a lot of lifes.
This game is a challenge especially for the biggest Pac-Man fans. But it is very addicting to keep on playing the hell out of it. I am not going to lie, I prefer this over many Pac-Man games. Honestly, it is a more refreshing take on a classic concept that likely just as timeless in comparison. It really is that damn good as a Pac-Man game.
12. Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 (2016)
The most recent Pac-Man game I played. I originally gotten this free on Xbox One but later bought it with several Pac-Man games on Steam recently. Now they divide the stages into several sections that ends with a boss fight. You just keep playing avoiding ghosts even during boss fights. This is also a very addicting game to play for fours.
I am still new to the PC version while it works perfectly on Xbox One. Instead of bombs, you get the ability to instantly teleport to your starting point. Of course, it will be limited but sometimes it's helpful like avoiding colliding into a ghost. There is also a variety of styles you play in this too. I would say it's a great follow up but I still prefer DX+ over this.
13. Pac-Man Arrangement (2005)
13. Pac-Man Arrangement (2005)
Pac-Man Arrangement aka 90s version Pac-Man is then modern take of the classic arcade game. It sorta reminds me of Pac-Mania in a few ways. There are a few differences but still faithful to the original game. This was originally in a previous Namco compilation.I still prefer the classic arcade game. But in it's defense, if you somehow couldn't find that version.
This probably would be the next best thing. Unless you prefer Ms. Pac-Man or any Championship Edition games. Pac-Man Arrangement is good for it's time just nothing special. Unlike the classic version, there actually is an ending. Also unlike it, there is plenty of maze designs to keep it interesting. I will say the graphics is better than you expect them to be.
You also get boss stages that wasn't common for the franchise at the time. This is like Pac-Man Plus given way more in the few areas it could've done more in. I have to say this is one of the finest versions of the game. Not a lot of people got to play this though. More recently, it is one of many Pac-Man games included in Pac-Man Museum.
Update: There are two similar titled Pac-Man games. In this case, Pac-Man Arrangement. When I did this review originally, I didn't realize I was actually reviewing the later PSP version. I apologize in advance for that. I do really enjoy this Pac-Man game, not long ago I beaten it.
14. Pac-Man Battle Royale (2011)
14. Pac-Man Battle Royale (2011)
Now here's a mind blowing concept for you. It is built on a similar to Championship Edition DX or it's updated version DX+. But they added in something to make it more of a challenge. Can you imagine other players get to control other Pac-Mans? Thankfully they are done in different colors to help tell em apart.
Which means this is mostly a multiplayer, competitive take on the classic concept. Even if you don't play with another person, you still play against one AI by default. It can frustrating to eat another Pac-Man or avoiding many things. This is a lesser known but more recent Pac-Man arcade game. I got to give them credit, this is difficult.
15. Pac-Man Museum (2014)
Pac-Man Museum is a compilation of Pac-Man games. In fact, a good number of these I played very recently for the first time because of it. You can earn stamps from each games by doing certain things. One annoying thing is originally Ms. Pac-Man was a free dlc until a month after it's release. Suddenly, one of the greatest arcade games in the world now costs five bucks.
Although due to the recent deals, I got most of these for virtually dirt cheap. The controls can be a little confusing at times. Like trying to exit some games but not being patience for it could leave to you playing more of that Pac-Man game instead. I do think in many ways, it is a great compilation. But I kinda felt they could've given the franchise more respect.
For me the standard for that has to be Namco Museum games on PlayStation 1. Technically six games with the Encore game being exclusive to Japan. The level of respect in those games alone is virtually mind blowing by today's standards. It took years for some franchises to be given the same treatment. Pac-Man Museum has a mode you sorta move around in a room.
You get ten or eleven if you bought Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man games in one compilation. I wish I had a compatible controller. I have to use the keyboard but the moving controls for that is perfect. Keep in mind, parts of the controls do differ in these games. Honestly, Pac-Man is here to stay. Easily, one of the most inspiring arcade video game characters of all time.
Bonus section
I know I'm late to say this but Happy 40th Anniversary Pac-Man. You bought many people including myself plenty of hours filled with joy. Clearly, time isn't even slowing you down. You are legendary even among video game characters. Your franchise is such an unique concept that can be done in many possible ways.
Update
I forgot about Pac-Man 256 but I am playing more of it. Very soon I'll make a review of it. I know a bit late to the big party now.
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