SNES

Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures

I have a different theory. I propose that Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures was, to borrow a worn-out old phrase, ahead of its time. I’d go as far as to say that it is STILL ahead of its time. I propose to you that not since River City Ransom has a revolutionary step forward in interactive media gone unnoticed by developers. I would say that never, in videogame history, have I seen so much potential go completely untapped. To understand Pac-Man 2 is to understand how videogames can and should evolve.

Pac-Man really sends me on a nostalgia kick; remembering those hazy days of the early '80's and all the quarters I spent on that machine make me all dewy-eyed and stuffed up.

Pac-Man? Where did he get unearthed from? But hey, this game is very cool! Pac's dot-munching days of long ago take a back seat to a great adventure that's both unique and fun to play. Playing more like a point-and-click adventure, it may take hardened Pac players to adjust. The scenes are all filled with fun and comical antics to accomplish before moving onto the next scene. Pac is back!

Overall, Pac-Man 2's original game play will entertain you. Unfortunately, repetitive events and frustrating controls make you wish for the simplicity of the original game. But hey, the original game's in there too, so check it out.

The most enjoyable parts of this game are when Pac gets knocked silly, whether in the face or a spider on the nose. These little scenes, plus the chance to play the original Pac-Man almost made this game enjoyable. Almost! Pac-Man 2 is no step forward, graphically or in any other sense. The controls leave you pulling your hair out, but it's a cute kid's game that requires a heck of a lot more patience than I have.