PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC Preview: Classic Platforming Returns with a Fresh Twist
After decades of chasing dots through mazes, PAC-MAN is back once again, this time in a vibrant 3D platformer remake that brings nostalgia and freshness together. Following the success of the first Re-PAC remake, Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia is set to revive what many consider the best entry from the PS2 era with PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, a colorful adventure filled with charm, creativity, and classic platforming fun.
The story takes place in a peaceful land that is suddenly thrown into chaos when mischievous ghosts steal the Golden Fruit and accidentally awaken a dark demon. As PAC-MAN, players set out on a new quest to save the world, and as a remake, the game comes with plenty of enhancements and new features.
In our hands-on preview, we explored two stages. The first was a lush valley village beautifully reimagined with updated textures, detailed models, and a vibrant animation style. While the level design remains faithful to the original PS2–GameCube version, the upgraded visuals make the game feel completely new. Controls are tighter and more responsive, with additional actions that make combat and platforming smoother, from enemy attacks to satisfying bump jumps.
Nostalgic touches are sprinkled throughout. Classic yellow dots guide players along jumpable paths while PAC-MAN’s iconic “Waka Waka” chomping sounds return, perfectly synced to his animations. The game never feels like a dated remake but rather a fresh celebration of PAC-MAN’s legacy. The second stage, a snowy biome, introduces ice-skating mechanics, obstacle dodging, and a thrilling chase against a snowstorm.
We also faced two boss battles. The first, a robot frog, offers a simple and approachable fight, while the second, a polar bear robot that fires rockets, is more challenging. Both require clever use of PAC-MAN’s Flip Kick ability, like kicking bombs back at enemies. Cutscenes have also been fully reanimated with added voice acting, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
Overall, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is shaping up to be a delightful and family-friendly platformer that’s easy for newcomers and nostalgic for longtime fans. The voice acting adds a cartoon-like charm, while the creative design brings PAC-MAN’s personality to life like never before. It’s adorable, fun, and makes you want to join him on his next big adventure. The wait is almost over, with launch day just around the corner.
About PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC
The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on September 26. Players can preorder now or add it to their Steam Wishlist, with additional bonus content planned for the future.
