Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Platforms: SG-1000
Pacar (1983): A Unique Blend of Pac-Man and Rally X
Released in 1983 for the SG-1000, Pacar is a game that combines elements of two Namco classics: Pac-Man and Rally X. The result is a unique and challenging game that offers a fresh take on the maze-eating genre.
Gameplay
Pacar is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling a green car named Pacar through a maze of roads. The objective of the game is to eat all of the red dots scattered around the maze, while avoiding two types of enemy cars: blue cars and red cars.
Blue cars spawn from a garage in the center of the screen and wander around the maze, only following Pacar if it is close by. Red cars spawn randomly on the road behind Pacar and are much more aggressive, increasing their speed if Pacar speeds up. If either type of car crashes into Pacar, the player loses a life.
Pacar can move in any direction, but it cannot stop moving unless it hits a wall. Unlike Pac-Man, Pacar cannot rotate 180 degrees on the spot. Instead, moving in the opposite direction causes Pacar to reverse, which is significantly slower than driving normally.
The game features two maps, which cycle endlessly until the player dies. The first map is relatively simple, but the second map is more complex and features some roads that act as bridges over other roads.
Power-Ups
Under certain conditions, the game’s equivalent of Pac-Man’s power pellets appear after eating a certain number of red dots. These power pellets give Pacar temporary invincibility, turning it purple in the process. While purple, Pacar can crash into as many cars as it likes, earning extra points in the process.
Scoring
Pacar awards points for eating red dots, crashing into enemy cars while invincible, and completing maps. Extra lives are awarded every 10,000 points.
Legacy
Pacar was a commercial success in Japan, but it was never released outside of that country. However, it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game is praised for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming graphics.
Conclusion
Pacar is a unique and challenging game that offers a fresh take on the maze-eating genre. Its blend of Pac-Man and Rally X elements creates a gameplay experience that is both familiar and new. If you’re a fan of either of those classic games, or if you’re just looking for a new retro game to play, then Pacar is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7/10
