Pac-Man Review

Pac-Man Review

Review by Mick

The classic arcade game we all know and love is back for your PC. Pac Man provides all the entertainment you would expect in an easy to download package. This is the original game, not a remake. Get ready for some arcade nostalgia as you relive the glory days of Pac Man.

Basic Gameplay

For those of you who haven't played Pac Man, the game is very easy to understand but can be very challenging as you get farther into the game. The goal is to maneuver Pac Man, the yellow circle with a mouth, around the map consuming all the dots. Four ghosts will be wandering around the map attempting to stop you from eating the dots. If you run into a ghost you lose a life, once you have lost all your lives the game is over.

There are four dots that are larger than others placed in the corners of the map. Consuming these dots renders the ghosts harmless and you can eat them for extra points. Occasionally in a level various fruit will appear in the center these also can be consumed for extra points. Extra lives are earned for every 10,000 points you earn.

Easy Controls

Controlling Pac Man only utilizes the arrow keys. The map is 2D and Pac Man is always moving forward so you will only need to steer him left, right, up, or down. The menu options are selected with the mouse. Pac Man allows you to adjust the difficulty settings, what level you start on and a choice between original and enhanced mode. Original provides the game as it was in the arcade. Enhanced mode has updated graphics and sound for a slightly different Pac Man experience.

Classic Graphics

The graphics in this game are identical to the original game in Original mode. The Enhanced mode graphics add a slight 3D effect to the borders and maze. They are not great, but they also don't detract from the game. The game also has a simulated appearance of an arcade machine as the border for the game. The sound is great, it matches the arcade machines perfectly.

Lack of Level Variety

If you haven't played Pac Man before, and don't know what to expect, there isn't a lot of variety level to level. Each level is the same maze with the same four ghosts and the same location for all the dots. The only changes level to level are how fast the ghosts move and how long the large dots that allow you to eat ghosts last. While this makes the game more challenging, it doesn't keep the game interesting.

Conclusion - A Well Made Reproduction of the Arcade Classic

Pac Man is a legendary arcade game that has survived the ages and can still be found today in modern arcades. You may have played this game when you were a kid and want to have a bit of fun remembering what it was like. Even if you have never played Pac Man it is never to late to start. The easy controls and premise make this game great for all ages and fans of any genre. Download the trial and you will be hooked for sure.