SOFTWARE REVIEW

Communications Report:
Pac-Man Special Color Edition



 5/5

Company of Origin:
NAMCO

Category:
Classic Arcade

Graphics and Sound:

Pac-Man GBC looks just like it did on the old Atari. What a flashback! Same familiar ghosts, fruit and power pellets. Same 'waka-waka' sound effects we all grew to love. It's all here and it's all good. There's more though - a new game is included called Pac-Attack. The look is decidedly Tetris and the gameplay nearly as addictive. But more on that later.

Gameplay:

If you aren't familiar with Pac-Man, you've been living in a cave since 1978. As Pac-Man, you make your way around a maze, avoiding ghosts and clearing each level by eating all of the pellets, all the while being chased by ghosts. Turn the tables by eating one of 4 power pellets to become invincible and then eat the ghosts. Seems simple enough, right? It is, at first. But things get fast and furious after the first few levels. The bad thing about Pac-Man is it is very redundant. Each level, you do the same thing over and over. Get yourself a routine down and you'll get far in the game. The up side? Pac-Man is quite addictive and a ton of fun.

There's also a new game included called Pac Attack and its very Tetris (but that's not a bad thing). Blocks with ghosts on some of them fall in random order. Then Pac-Man falls and eats what's in his path, clearing blocks. A simple concept, but alot of forethought is required to succeed. Still, a cool extra to an already fabulous game.

Difficulty:

Pac-Man is an old school classic that will always be addictive and fun, but it may not provide enough challenge for everyone out there. The one drawback is the lack of variation in the levels. Instead, things just get faster, the further you progress. But it is still very cool.

Pac Attack is pretty tough, at least its tough to keep progressing through levels. The concept is fairly simple, but requires fast thinking. A healthy challenge from this game!

Game Mechanics:

Not much to it. You can choose to play the old classic Pac-Man or try a new game called Pac-Attack. Its the perfect blend of the old and the new. Pac-Man is just as you remember it - a ghost-munchin', butt-kickin' good time. Only this time, to go.