(10) GAME REVIEW: PAC MAN

GAME REVIEW: PAC MAN

"PACMAN", a name of old release in video-game kingdom, is come to NGPC now! Same as "Puyo Pop", this release seems producing urgently. The orange single warning page is found after opening the box, instead of attaching inside the manual. I believe the further releases will be packed in this way.

In my memory, a 3D arcade version was released about 10 years ago! It was a great idea and great way to reproduce the title in this way. It is unbelievable that it draws back to 2D in this amazing machine now. Too simple. However, it may bring NGPC to intrude the all-age market because of this simple. Besides, this prefect conversion proves that NAMCO will make great release fastidiously in future, even the simple thing.

Graphic:

C+Simple! Pacman is a yellow dot only. Just like the character in 20 years ago. Most of the items are made from simple geometry. The monsters are better since their "legs" and eyes are moved smoothly. Fullscreen mode is very precise while Scroll mode is very smooth in pan.
Sound: BIt should be wonder why sound section would have high marks. The BGM (actually, it should not be music) is some simple tone and will be changed according to different situation. The action sound is also simple rhythm. But when they combined together, it will make the player psych up, even the viewer!

Gameplay:

B-Everyone should know how to play, even non-video-games followers. Eat all pellets in the maze and it will jump to next level. All levels have same maze. The difficult level has shorter time for power-pullets. However, the huge experience for producing the monsters AI from NAMCO pulls this game from the abyss. The "Coffee Break" amination will appear after each 2 or 3 levels. NGPCs joystick controller brings the advantage on this game. 2pcs "CrossRing" are enclosed for optimization on 4-direction. Overall, the control is good. Thank SNK!

Overall:

B-I had a single game console with VFD for "Pacman" when I was young. There were 2 joysticks available. But now, it is regretful that NAMCO just release this title for NGPC second to the old. I believe there should have some improvement on graphic and gameplay, i.e. 3D characters, different maze, 2 players, card collecting, extra function etc. This title seems to be shameful in 90's. However, since it is simple, I suggest it for all kids and Pacman's fans.

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