Namco Museum Vol. 1

"I got Pac-Man Fever, It's Driving Me Crazy!"

"I got Pac Man fever, Pac Man fever; It's driving me crazy, driving me crazy..." - Buckner & Garcia on Pac Man Fever, for album of same title.

In the early 80's Pac Man was the bomb. In the late 80's, Pac Man hung tough. In the early 90's, Pac Man still kicked serious posterior. And in the closing years of the latest millennium, Pac Man is still loved by young and old alike. Throughout the years, Pac Man has spawned tremendous success including his own cartoon, song, children's albums (which included Mrs. Pac Man) and a series of video games that will never be peaked in terms of popularity. Simply put, Pac Man not only became the most popular game of it's day, it was a pop culture icon. Playing Pac-Man symbolized hipness and being cool. It was almost as cool to play Pac Man in the 80's as it was sporting bowling shirts or listening to George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars in the 70's.

And in every pizzeria, 7-11 or arcade stood a Pac Man machine. And if your local pizzeria didn't have Pac Man, you can bet your bottom dollar that the highest grossing follow up video game in history is still located somewhere nearby, Galaga, a follow up to Galaxian.

Namco's first compilation Playstation CD contains an incredible lineup of nostalgia feasting. The biggest games of the early to middle 80's are included in Namco Volume 1. Not only are Pac Man and Galaga are included, but the original racing game is too... Pole Position. Yes, Pole Position is included in it's original form. And if that wasn't enough, the Rally X series, Rally X and New Rally X, another series of excellent games are included as well.

And if that wasn't enough either, gamers will find the ultra smooth and challenging space game entitled Bosconian. Though Bosconian never reached the popularity level of Defender or Galaga, during it's hay day, Bosconian held a tremendous following. Bosconian also used a voice synthesizer like Sinistar, which caused more than one gamer to spring a leak in his/her pants. (Sorry, had to slip that one in there!)

To round out the collection, Toy Poy, which is an excellent game for children, is included.

Namco Classics Volume 1 also includes a museum mode that contains plenty of history. Unfortunately, no video or interviews were conducted to be included for the collection. This would have really added another special element to Namco Classics Volume 1.

However, it's no secret the Namco Classics Volume 1 contains some of the most popular games of all times because Namco has usually been known for producing incredible games including the Tekken series and Ridge Racer. How ironic. This is an absolutely must have for any Playstation owner. And it also teaches a lesson that gameplay is the greatest love of any of video game at all. features fast and hilarious gameplay. It'll show anyone why a bartender should never leave a customer unsatisfied. Meanwhile, Chef Pepper must battle the onslaught of killer hot dogs, smashing pickles and other walking food nasties. It's all in a day's work for our favorite video game chef, right?

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99