Pac-Man World is Back – Xbox Wire

Gamers got to taste several Pac classics this year. Pac-Man Museum+. With that, fans made it clear that there was one particular Pac-Man classic they wanted to see next – Pac-Man World Re-Pac. Well, we’ve delivered and it’s available now!

Original publication: 1999 Pac-Man World: 20^ThAnniversaries was Pac-Man’s first 3D platforming adventure, using a variety of unique abilities on a quest to rescue his kidnapped family from the dastardly Pac-imposter, Toc-Man, and the Ghosts! Pac-Man World Re-Pac brings a fresh coat of current gen paint to Pac-Man’s athletic quest that we think existing and new fans alike will enjoy!

I spoke with the game’s producer to understand a bit more about what it took to bring Pac-Man World Re-PacXbox.

Let us know about yourself by introducing ourselves.

Yuji Yoshii is my name at Bandai Namco Entertainment. Ich am the producer. Pac-Man World Re-PacThe entire production cycle, from conception to completion is my responsibility. From Pac-Man Museum+ onwards, I was involved with the Pac-Man series production..

Fans of Pac-Man have long pleaded for the return Pac-Man WorldIt has been a favorite for a long time. Congratulations on the return of this game.

It is an honor to be embraced by so many people for the return of Pac-Man World.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac celebrates Pac-Man’s legacy by remaking a long-requested fan favorite game. These elements were taken from the original Pac-Man WorldThe game team was inspired when they first approached their work for the Re-Pac?

Pac-Man WorldThis was made to mark the 20th anniversary Pac-Man’s birth and it is the first 3D platformer in this series. In the original (2D maze)  Pac-Man, his goal was to run away from ghosts and eat dots, but in the 3D setting of Pac-Man World,  Pac-Man is free to run around in 3D space, with techniques at his disposal like Jumping, the Butt Bounce, and the Rev Roll. We set out to revive this  Pac-Man action with modern graphics and technology.

Before the announcement of the game, production began. What was the timeline for the entire process? How did it feel once the title was revealed to the public?

This title was developed in 2020. It has been in production now for approximately two years. The final design of the remake was discussed by the team several times during planning. Thus, development went fairly smoothly. Although it has been 23 years since release, we are still very conscious of fans’ requests for the remake. Pac-Man WorldFor so long, we have been waiting for the right answer and we are thrilled to be finally able.

Many fans are unfamiliar with the process of game development. What are the initial steps in remastering fan favorite games? And what did you enjoy most about your work?

The passionate fan requests make remakes and remasters possible. Therefore, we consider how we can offer a new game experience that doesn’t disappoint them. This question is addressed at the very beginning of every project. However, players are demanding new gameplay. Not only should we consider whether the original can be recreated, but also whether the game can be updated to keep up with current trends.

Re-PacThe Ghosts, Pac-Man, and Pac-Man are vibrant now more than ever. Was it the current design and graphical style that inspired them?

The main theme of Graphical Updates was Re-Pac. The Pac-Man comic-book design was kept intact, but we made some adjustments in order to make it more modern. We were also able bring Ghost Island back to life by meticulously depicting natural objects and buildings at each stage.

The “loop” of the original Pac-Man WorldIt’s still entertaining to use action-platforming mechanics and puzzle solving in order reach each stage’s goal. Why is Pac-Man so appealing?

I think the “loop” in Pac-Man WorldThis works great with Pac-Man. With his yellow round body it is great to watch Pac-Man using fun Pac-Man-like moves such as Rev Roll, Butt Bounce and Pac-Dot Attack.

Pac-Man World Re-PacThe enemies behave differently to the original. There are also enhancements to UI and new ways for the player to approach levels. What was your approach to making these enhancements? Pac-Man World Re-Pacwhile ensuring you keep the essence of the original.

Many improvements were made to gameplay in addition to improved graphics. Re-Pac. There were many areas where the original players would have been lost. Also, we made changes to difficult actions, enemies, and gimmicks.

The original Pac-Man WorldWe were given the Pac-Dot Attack, rev-roll and butt-bounce abilities. Re-Pac includes these abilities and adds a new hover-jump to Pac-Man’s move set as well as the ability to become Mega Pac-Man. Could you please tell us about the inspiration behind this, and what your experiences were with Pac-Man granting these abilities to him?

Re-PacThese two elements have been added to make the game more fun and modern. Hover Jump can be used to adjust your fall and for long-distance jumps. Power Pellets are a great way to turn yourself into Mega Pac-Man, which you can use against the ghosts.

Are there any specific graphical updates that you’d like to point out?

In the factory area, burning pipes that glow red block Pac-Man’s path. You can see how steam is blowing from these pipes in our comparison trailer.

The original Pac-Man WorldSeries is well-known for their catchy soundtrack. Can you tell us about the process of remaking the game’s iconic musical themes? Is there a particular song that is especially beloved by the team?

Because we knew many Pac-Man World fans have strong opinions about Pac-Man World’s music, we kept the original soundtrack for the stage and title screens. The music and visuals will bring back a sense of nostalgia. All of us like the title music. This jazzy song is great for the beginning of any adventure.

Are there any fun, hidden “easter eggs” or other easy-to-miss things in the game that gamers should watch out for as they play through Ghost Island?

All stages (except “Buccaneer Beach” and each area’s boss battle stage) have the six letters “P,” “A,” “C,” “M”, “A”, and “N” that are hidden throughout them. You will be able to challenge an extra bonus stage if all of them are collected. So please make sure you try and find them.

For over forty years Pac-Man has been an iconic figure around the world. What is it that Pac-Man has resonated with so many?

Pac-Man first appeared as an arcade game back in 1980. The classic Pac-Man has been played around the world over forty years. This is due to Pac-Man being a very simple and accessible game. The cute shape of Pac-Man, a yellow-bodied, round-bodied Pac-Man, who eats everything, has won many hearts. I think this “Pac-Man-ness” is very important for the franchise.

Pac-Man’s historical impact and continued staying power in the world of video games is undeniable. It’s great to add such a fun filled game to the pantheon of Pac-Man. Thanks for answering all our questions.

We are very grateful!

PACMAN WORLD RePAC

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
12

★★★★★

$29.99

PAC-MAN arrives home on his birthday to find the Ghosts have kidnapped PAC-MAN’s family and ruined his party! PACMAN is sent to Ghost Island to rescue his family!

• With improved UI, fine-tuned mechanics and updated visuals, PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a modernized classic!
• Dodge Ghosts, solve environmental puzzles, rescue the PAC-FAM, and more in this platforming adventure!
• Butt-bounce, rev-roll, PAC-DOT attack, and hover-jump to the final face-off against TOC-MAN!
• Play a collection of 3D mazes in MAZE MODE! To unlock the original PACMAN game, clear QUEST MODE