Earlier this year, players got a taste of several Pac classics Pac-Man Museum+. With that, fans made it clear that there was a certain Pac-Man classic they wanted to see next – Pac-Man World Re-Pac. Well we’ve delivered and it’s available now!
Originally released in 1999, Pac-Man World: 20th anniversary was Pac-Man’s first 3D platformer adventure, in which he used a variety of unique abilities to save his kidnapped family from the dastardly Pac-impostor Toc-Man and the ghosts! Pac-Man World Re-Pac brings a fresh, current-gen twist to Pac-Man’s sporting quest that we think existing and new fans alike will enjoy!
I spoke to the game’s producer to find out a bit more about what it needed to bring Pac-Man World Re-Pac to Xbox.
Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role on the game team.
My name is Yuji Yoshii from Bandai Namco Entertainment. I am the producer of Pac-Man World Re-Pac and I am responsible for the entire production process from planning to completion. I’ve been involved in the production of the Pac-Man series since Pac-Man Museum+.
Pac-Man fans have requested the return of Pac-Man world for quite some time, so congratulations on bringing back such a popular game!
We’re honored that so many fans are celebrating the return of Pac-Man world.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac celebrates the legacy of Pac-Man by re-imagining a long-awaited fan-favorite game. Which elements from the original Pac-Man world inspired the game team as they first approached work on the Re Pac?
Pac-Man world was released to celebrate Pac-Man’s 20th anniversary and is the series’ first 3D action-platformer. In the original (2D maze) Pac-Man, his goal was to run away from ghosts and eat dots, but in the 3D environment of Pac-Man world, Pac-Man can roam freely in 3D space using techniques such as Jumping, Butt Bounce and Rev Roll. We set out to revive this Pac-Man action with modern graphics and technology.
Production began some time before the game was announced; How long was the total production time and how did it feel when the title was finally revealed to the world?
We started development of this title in 2020 and the game has been in production for about two years. The finished image of the remake was repeatedly discussed by our team during the planning phase, so that the development went relatively smoothly. It’s been 23 years since the original release, but we’re keenly aware of fan requests for a return Pac-Man world for so many years, so we’re incredibly excited to finally be able to answer them.
For many fans unfamiliar with the development process of a game, what are the first steps when it comes to remastering a fan-favorite, and what were you most excited to work on?
We believe that remakes and remasters are made possible by fans’ passionate requests, so we carefully consider whether we can provide an original gaming experience that doesn’t disappoint their expectations. We ask ourselves this very question at the beginning of the process. On the other hand, the gameplay that players demand changes over time. Not only do we have to consider whether we can recreate the original, but also whether we can update the game in a contemporary way.
in the Re Pac, Pac-Man and the Ghosts are more alive than ever. What inspired your current look and the overall graphical style of the game as you brought it to current-gen hardware?
Graphic updates were one of the main themes of Re Pac. We made adjustments to create a more modern Pac-Man design while maintaining the comic style of the Pac-Man universe. By carefully rendering the natural objects and buildings at each stage with the new look, we were also able to bring Ghost Island vividly back to life.
The “loop” of the original Pac-Man world It’s still fun today, offering action-platforming mechanics with a mix of puzzle-solving to complete each stage’s goal. What makes this playstyle so intriguing when it comes to Pac-Man?
I think the “loop” in Pac-Man world Works very well with Pac-Man. It’s great fun to watch Pac-Man perform very fun Pac-Man-like actions like Butt Bounce, Rev Roll, Pac-Dot Attack, etc. and solve puzzles with his round yellow body.
in the Pac-Man World Re-Pac, the enemies move slightly differently compared to the original, there are improvements to the user interface and the levels can be approached in new ways by the player due to the expanded field of view. How did you approach these and other improvements? Pac-Man World Re-Pac while making sure you stay true to the feel of the original?
Along with the improved graphics, many gameplay improvements have been made Re Pac. We made detailed adjustments to phases where players would get lost in the original, actions that were difficult to control, and enemies and gimmicks that were difficult to understand.
The original Pac-Man world gave us the Butt-Bounce, Rev-Roll, and Pac-Dot Attack skills. 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. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you and how you gave Pac-Man these new abilities?
in the Re Pacwe added these two new elements to make the game a more playable and enjoyable modern action game. Hover Jump is useful for long distance jumps and adjusting your fall. Eating Power Pellets turns you into a Mega Pac-Man that attacks the ghosts.
Are there any specific graphical updates you’d like to point out?
On the factory premises, flaming pipes glowing red block Pac-Man’s path. We’d love for you to watch us blow steam out of these pipes and see the difference from the original version in the comparison trailer.
The original Pac-Man world Series is known for its catchy soundtrack. Can you tell us about the process of redesigning the game’s iconic musical themes? And are there any particular songs that the game team particularly like?
We knew that many fans also have strong feelings for the Pac-Man World soundtrack, so we used the original music for most of the stages and title screens. We hope people will feel the nostalgia from both the music and the pictures. We all like the title screen music. It’s a beautiful jazz song that’s perfect for the start of the adventure that’s about to begin.
Are there any fun, hidden “Easter Eggs” or other easy-to-miss in-game things that players should look out for as they play through Ghost Island?
All stages (except “Buccaneer Beach” and each area’s boss fight stage) have the six letters “P”, “A”, “C”, “M”, “A” and “N” hidden throughout. If you collect them all you can challenge a special bonus stage, so please try to find them!
Pac-Man has been a global icon for over 40 years. Why do you think Pac-Man resonates with so many people?
Pac-Man debuted as an arcade game in 1980 and has been played around the world for more than 40 years. I think that’s because Pac-Man is a simple game that anyone can play, and the adorable shape and movements of the yellow Pac-Man with the round body that eagerly devours everything have won the hearts of many people. I think that Pac-Manness is very important to the franchise.
Pac-Man’s historical influence and enduring persistence in the video game world are undeniable. It’s great to add such a fun game to the Pac-Man pantheon. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions today!
Thanks very much!
PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
$29.99
PAC-MAN comes home on his birthday to find that the ghosts have kidnapped PAC-MAN’s family and ruined his party! PAC-MAN goes to Ghost Island to the rescue! • With an improved user interface, fine-tuned mechanics and updated graphics, PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a modernized classic! • Dodge ghosts, solve environmental puzzles, save the PAC-FAM and more in this platform adventure! • Butt bounce, rev roll, PAC-DOT attack, and hover jump for the final faceoff against TOC-MAN! • Play a collection of 3D mazes in MAZE MODE! Complete QUEST MODE to unlock the original PAC-MAN game in ORIGINAL MODE!