Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC Review – A Nostalgic Romp with Limited Bite

Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC, released on August 14, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, is a remaster of the 2002 PlayStation 2 classic, Pac-Man World 2. Developed by Bandai Namco and NOW Production, this colorful platformer brings Pac-Man’s 3D adventure to modern platforms with enhanced visuals, refined controls, and minor quality-of-life improvements. While it’s a charming throwback for fans of early 2000s platformers, Re-PAC struggles to stand out in 2025’s crowded gaming landscape, earning a 74/100 (Mixed or Average). It’s a faithful revival that delights with nostalgia but lacks the ambition to feel truly fresh for new or returning players.

A Familiar Quest in Pac-Land Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC follows Pac-Man as he sets out to recover the Golden Fruit, stolen by the mischievous Ghost Gang and their new robotic ally, Spooky. Set across six vibrant worlds—lush forests, icy mountains, volcanic caverns, and more—the roughly 15-hour campaign is a straightforward platforming adventure. The story is light and playful, leaning into Pac-Man’s cartoonish charm with minimal dialogue and a focus on whimsical set pieces. While the narrative suits the game’s family-friendly tone, it feels dated compared to modern platformers like Astro Bot, offering little depth or emotional pull. For younger players or nostalgic fans, the simplicity is endearing, but it’s a far cry from the storytelling ambition of contemporaries.

Classic Platforming with a Side of Waka-Waka The gameplay remains true to the 2002 original, blending 3D platforming with classic Pac-Man elements. Players guide Pac-Man through linear levels, collecting pellets, gobbling ghosts, and butt-bouncing enemies. Mechanics like the rev-roll (a spin-dash-like move) and flip-kick add variety to the platforming, while classic maze sections evoke the arcade roots. These retro-inspired segments are a highlight, though they’re sparse compared to the main 3D levels. Controls have been tightened from the original, but they still feel stiff during precise jumps, and the camera can be clunky, a relic of early 2000s design. The difficulty is forgiving, with generous checkpoints, making it accessible for casual players, but veterans may find the lack of challenge underwhelming. Co-op is absent, though local leaderboards add some replayability for score-chasers.

Visual Glow-Up with Retro Roots Re-PAC’s biggest upgrade is its visual overhaul. Running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (with 1080p/60 FPS on Switch), the game refreshes the original’s blocky textures with vibrant colors and smoother models. Environments pop with lush greenery and glowing lava, while Pac-Man’s animations—his waddling run and chomping maw—are delightfully expressive. However, the visual leap isn’t transformative; side-by-side comparisons with the original show modest improvements, and the art style retains its dated geometry. The soundtrack, a mix of upbeat techno and retro chiptunes, enhances the nostalgic vibe but doesn’t stand out. Technical performance is solid, with no major bugs reported, though Switch players noted occasional frame drops in busier levels.

A Faithful but Safe Remaster Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC includes welcome accessibility options, like remappable controls and subtitles, but lacks significant new content. A few bonus levels and concept art in the Extras menu are nice touches, but they don’t justify a full-price purchase for those who played the original. Priced at $30, it’s a reasonable ask for newcomers or Switch owners seeking a portable platformer, but the lack of multiplayer or modern gameplay tweaks limits its appeal. Posts on X echo mixed sentiments: “It’s cute and fun, but feels like a quick cash-in compared to Mario or Astro Bot.” Compared to other 2025 remasters, like Silent Hill f, Re-PAC plays it too safe, banking on nostalgia over innovation.

For younger players or Pac-Man diehards, Re-PAC is a charming, polished trip down memory lane, earning its 74/100 for solid execution and vibrant visuals. For those expecting a bold reimagining, it falls short, feeling like a museum piece rather than a must-play. It’s a fun, if unessential, addition to 2025’s platforming lineup, best suited for casual fans or those new to Pac-Man’s 3D adventures.