Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures

"Finally get to do more than eat those little dots"

It's Pac-Man, the loveable little yellow mouth who would eat his way through a maze of dots while being chased by a bunch of colorful ghosts. He even inspired a Saturday morning cartoon in the 80's, and this game bears a closer resemblance to that than the original game. Seriously. Even his dog from the show is on hand.

This is an adventure game with a twist: you have no direct control over Pac-Man, and instead have to help him respond to danger by using a slingshot to call his attention to things and manipulate objects for him, and to shoot a power pellet to him when the ghosts attack.

Pac-Man's actions are also effected by his mood, which changes depending on what happens to him. If you let him have something to eat, play music by making the clock in the park chime, or especially find the item to complete his quest, he'll become happy, but he'll get grouchy if you hit him with the slingshot or nail one of his friends with it.

There are four different quests in the game (Pac-Baby needs milk, Lucy needs mountain flowers, etc.) and four major areas to explore throughout the game. And there's lots to see and do on the way to winning. Just watch what trees you shoot into if you care about Pac-Man's well-being.

Graphics-8/10
Just fine for a 16-bit game. The various places you go come alive with cartoony imagery. Seeing Pac-Man's exaggerated reactions to the various things that can happen to him is often hilarious.

Sound-6/10
Slightly memorable, but nothing I especially liked. The sound effects are kind of weak and the music isn't really that catchy.

Gameplay-7/10
I can't deny this was a unique idea, an adventure game where you have only the loosest control over the main character and need to make sure he's in the right mood to do what you want.

Yeah I know that sounds like Dudes with Attitude, but it ain't. I would've liked to see more games developed in this mold.

There are also some vehicular mini-games, riding in a mine cart or a hang glider. These reminded me of the numerous vehicle levels from Battletoads, but mercifully aren't as long, challenging, or depend quite so heavily on lightning reflexes. Fortunately they're only to be found in one level.

Overall-8/10
It's a fun little thing to pick up for people who miss the Pac-Man cartoon or are looking for a unique adventure game.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/16/04