Pac-Man (XBLA) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 08.14.2006
Wakka wakka wakka...
Remember 1981? Um yeah, you probably don't. Hell I was only 1, but for those old enough to remember, you know it was a blessed year for video game fans. If you had the cash, you were probably dropping your paycheck in the form of quarters playing Pac-Man at the arcades.
Well its 2006, but Namco and Namco has decided to drop Pac-Man for the umpteenth time on players in the form of an XBOX Live Arcade port. I decided to take it for a test drive since I'm not one of the many who have it on GBA, PS2, Gamecube or the arcade at home. Let's see how it turned out...
Graphics
If you've played Pac-Man before, you know what to expect. This looks exactly as it did in 1981, with the inclusion of a snazzy HD frame around the game screen. Still though, not too shabby when playing it on an HDTV and it makes you feel like you're at the arcades.
Sound
Wakka wakka wakka......that says it all.
Lasting Appeal
This will really depend on how much you enjoy Pac-Man. There aren't any special features, just straight up Pac-Man goodness. The ability to post Top Scores via XBL will probably keep some players up late at night trying to best their scores, but if being the best isn't enough, then you should consider saving your money.
Fun Factor
It’s as fun as it ever was. Nothing new here.
The 411
Again, this really comes down to your love for Pac-Man. For the hardcore, you'll get what you'd expect and the ability to show your stuff on XBL for bragging rights will keep those Pac-Man lovers happy. If you already own the game however or you expect something more from a regular arcade port, then maybe you should spend your Microsoft Points elsewhere. All in all for 400 MS points, it’s not too expensive, and if you don't already have this game on any other console (like me), then you should be chomping away at this Namco classic!
Graphics
6.0
Classic Pac-Man look with some added HD borders for appeal
Gameplay
6.0
Just like you remember it
Sound
5.0
Not going to give it less than a 5, based on not expecting anything different
Lasting Appeal
5.5
XBOX Live leaderboards should keep you busy for a while
