Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, iOS, PC-8800 Series, Sharp X68000, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine
- Developers: Namco
- Publishers: Enix Corporation, Grandslam Entertainments
Pac-Land: A Journey Through the Enchanted Maze
Released in 1984, Pac-Land is a classic arcade game that takes the iconic Pac-Man gameplay and adds a new dimension: platforming. The result is a unique and challenging game that’s still a blast to play today.
Gameplay
Pac-Land is played on a side-scrolling maze, with Pac-Man moving from left to right. The goal of each level is to guide Pac-Man to the exit, while avoiding the ghosts and other obstacles.
Pac-Man can jump over obstacles and enemies, and he can also use power pellets to turn the ghosts blue and vulnerable. Eating a blue ghost will earn Pac-Man points, and eating all of the ghosts on a level will earn him a bonus.
In addition to the ghosts, Pac-Man must also contend with a variety of other obstacles, such as water spurts, quicksand traps, and moving platforms. These obstacles can make it difficult to navigate the maze, but they also add to the challenge and excitement of the game.
Levels
Pac-Land is divided into three worlds, each with its own unique set of levels. The first world is a grassy meadow, the second world is a desert, and the third world is an icy wasteland.
Each world contains a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. Some levels are simple and straightforward, while others are more complex and difficult.
Characters
In addition to Pac-Man, Pac-Land also features a cast of other characters, including:
- Ms. Pac-Man: Pac-Man’s wife, who appears at the end of each world to congratulate him on his victory.
- Baby Pac-Man: Pac-Man’s son, who also appears at the end of each world.
- The ghosts: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, who are Pac-Man’s eternal enemies.
- The Fairy Queen: A powerful fairy who helps Pac-Man on his journey.
- Sour Puss: Pac-Man’s cat, who appears in the US release of the game.
- Chomp-Chomp: Pac-Man’s dog, who also appears in the US release of the game.
Legacy
Pac-Land was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to a variety of home consoles and computers. The game has also been included in several Pac-Man compilations.
Pac-Land is considered to be one of the best Pac-Man games ever made, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today. The game’s unique blend of Pac-Man gameplay with platforming elements makes it a standout in the series, and it’s a must-play for any fan of classic arcade games.
Tips for Playing Pac-Land
Here are a few tips for playing Pac-Land:
- Use the power pellets wisely. Power pellets are essential for defeating the ghosts, so make sure to use them wisely. Don’t eat a power pellet unless you’re sure you can eat at least one ghost before it wears off.
- Be careful of the obstacles. The obstacles in Pac-Land can be deadly, so be careful to avoid them. If you do get hit by an obstacle, don’t panic. Just try to get back on your feet and continue on your way.
- Take your time. Pac-Land is a challenging game, so don’t be afraid to take your time. There’s no need to rush, so just relax and enjoy the experience.
Conclusion
Pac-Land is a classic arcade game that’s still a blast to play today. The game’s unique blend of Pac-Man gameplay with platforming elements makes it a standout in the series, and it’s a must-play for any fan of classic arcade games.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
