I spent my childhood summers playing Pac-Man World 2 on PlayStation 2, so when Bandai Namco announced this remake for Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary, I was both excited and skeptical. After spending 15 hours with the remake on Switch 2, I can confidently say this is one of the most thoughtful platformer remakes I’ve experienced in years.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a ground-up remake of the 2002 3D platformer that successfully modernizes nostalgic gameplay while preserving the original’s charm and challenge. This lovingly re-imagined overhaul exceeded my expectations in every way, transforming a retro platformer into a modern experience that stands on its own merits.
What makes this remake special is how it balances faithful recreation with meaningful improvements. The developers at Now Production clearly understood what made the original special while addressing its biggest frustrations. This review will break down everything you need to know about this nostalgic remake.
This is now just an excellent 3D platformer with no need for qualifiers, offering solid value for nostalgic fans and family gamers alike.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a ground-up remake of the 2002 3D platformer Pac-Man World 2, developed by Now Production and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary.
The game features enhanced 3D platforming mechanics with modern controls, improved camera systems, and new quality-of-life features like a landing target system, while preserving the original’s level design foundation.
Originally released in February 2002 for PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox, Pac-Man World 2 was a beloved but flawed platformer that suffered from technical limitations of its era. This remake addresses those limitations while adding modern features that make the experience more accessible and enjoyable for today’s gaming standards.
Available on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, and PC for $29.99, the remake targets nostalgic gamers who played the original and families looking for family-friendly platformers.
The core gameplay remains faithful to the original’s 3D platforming foundation, but with significant quality-of-life improvements that make the experience much smoother. I found the movement system responsive and modern, with Pac-Man’s Rev Roll move feeling particularly satisfying to execute.
The Rev Roll mechanic works like Sonic’s Spin Dash but with its own unique implementation. By default mapped to the B button (remappable to ZL), this dash attack feels more intuitive than the original’s control scheme. The new landing target system—showing exactly where you’ll land when jumping—eliminates many of the original’s frustrating moments.
Level design retains the original’s creative variety while benefiting from modern camera controls and improved visual clarity. Each of the six main worlds offers distinct themes and challenges, from volcanic landscapes to icy tundras. The 45 levels flow naturally, with difficulty progression that feels more balanced than I remembered from the original.
The butt-bounce attack remains central to boss encounters, but improved hit detection makes these moments feel fair rather than frustrating. I appreciated how the developers preserved the original’s level geometry while smoothing out jagged edges and improving texture work throughout.
What impressed me most was how the remake maintains the original’s exploration incentives. Collecting golden fruit remains satisfying, with 100 fruits hidden across levels to encourage thorough exploration. The platforming challenges feel modern without losing the original’s distinctive character.
The visual overhaul is immediately apparent from the moment you start the game. This isn’t just a remaster—it’s a complete reconstruction with modern lighting, textures, and character models that respect the original’s art style while delivering contemporary visual quality.
The game offers two performance modes that cater to different preferences. Performance Mode delivers 60fps at 1080p whether docked or handheld, providing smooth gameplay that makes platforming precision much easier to achieve. Resolution Mode targets higher resolution (4K when docked) at 30fps for those who prioritize visual fidelity over frame rate.
After testing both modes extensively on Switch 2, I strongly recommend Performance Mode for the optimal experience. The 60fps makes a significant difference in platforming sections and boss fights, where precision matters most. The visual difference between modes is noticeable but not dramatic enough to justify the frame rate sacrifice.
Character animations have been completely redone with new voice acting from Martin Sherman (reprising his role as Pac-Man from Pac-Man World 3) and Xander Mobus as the villain Wormwood. The voice performances add personality that was missing from the original’s mostly silent presentation.
Loading times are impressive, with level transitions taking just 2-3 seconds on Switch 2. The improved camera system, while not perfect, is far more manageable than the original’s occasionally problematic perspective.
| Performance Mode | Frame Rate | Resolution | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Mode | 60fps | 1080p | Platforming precision and smooth gameplay |
| Resolution Mode | 30fps | 4K (docked) | Visual quality preference |
Re-Pac introduces several meaningful features that significantly improve the original experience. The most noteworthy is the new co-op mode featuring Pac-Drone, a second character that assists Player 1 with collectibles and minor obstacles. While not fully co-op in the traditional sense, this feature makes the game more accessible for family gaming sessions.
Mission mode adds replay value by introducing specific challenges within levels, such as time trials or collecting certain items without taking damage. These missions provide bite-sized gameplay sessions that work well for shorter gaming sessions, with online leaderboards adding competitive elements for completionists.
The voice acting throughout the game represents one of the most significant improvements. Cutscenes now feature full voice performances that bring characters to life in ways the original couldn’t achieve. Martin Sherman’s portrayal of Pac-Man captures the character’s enthusiasm without being overly childish, while Xander Mobus’s Wormwood provides genuine menace.
Unlockable costumes add visual variety, though they don’t affect gameplay. These can be earned through gameplay or purchased with in-game currency collected during levels. The ability to unlock classic Pac-Man arcade games in Pac-Village provides excellent bonus content that celebrates the franchise’s history.
The landing target system deserves special mention as it fundamentally improves the platforming experience. This quality-of-life feature shows exactly where Pac-Man will land when jumping, eliminating guesswork that plagued the original. It’s a small change that makes a massive difference in gameplay satisfaction.
As a parent who games with my children, I appreciate how Re-Pac balances accessibility with challenge. The game’s E10+ rating makes it appropriate for most children, with colorful visuals and cartoon violence that won’t concern most parents.
The difficulty curve presents the biggest challenge for family gaming. While most levels are accessible for younger players, boss fights feature significant difficulty spikes that may frustrate children under 10. I watched my 9-year-old enjoy exploration and basic platforming but need help with several boss encounters.
The co-op mode helps mitigate difficulty by allowing a second player to assist with collectibles and minor obstacles. While not a true cooperative experience, it enables family members to participate together, with one player handling major challenges while the other contributes support.
Value proposition depends heavily on your family’s gaming habits. At $29.99, the 5.5-hour main story provides solid entertainment value for families who replay games or focus on 100% completion. However, families seeking lengthy gaming experiences might find the content limited compared to other Nintendo platformers at similar price points.
✅ Family Gaming Tip: Younger children will enjoy exploration and basic platforming but may need help with boss fights. The co-op mode makes this manageable for family gaming sessions.
After thoroughly testing the remake across all its features, I can confidently recommend Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac to specific audiences while acknowledging its limitations for others.
For nostalgic fans of the original: This is an essential purchase. The improvements are significant enough to warrant replaying, and the enhanced presentation makes the experience feel fresh while respecting your memories. The quality-of-life improvements address most of the original’s frustrations without losing what made it special.
For families with children: The game offers solid value at $29.99, especially if you prioritize co-op gaming and shorter sessions. While boss fights may present challenges, the overall experience provides good family entertainment with replay value through collectibles and mission mode.
For general platformer fans: Re-Pac offers a competent but not revolutionary experience. While the platforming is solid and the presentation polished, it doesn’t break new ground in the genre. Consider this if you’ve already played through more acclaimed platformers and want something different.
Skip if: You’re sensitive to camera issues inherited from the original design, or you’re looking for groundbreaking platforming innovation. The retro design frustrations remain in places, and some boss fights cross from challenging to frustrating.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac represents one of the most respectful and well-executed game remakes I’ve experienced. It doesn’t reinvent the original but enhances what made it special while addressing its most significant flaws. For the right audience, this nostalgic platformer provides excellent value and a genuinely fun experience that honors Pac-Man’s legacy while moving it forward.
If you have fond memories of the original or are seeking family-friendly platforming entertainment, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac delivers a polished, enjoyable experience that’s worth your time and money. Bound By Flame: Home for more gaming content like this.
The main story takes approximately 5.5 hours to complete, while 100% completion requires around 9 hours according to HowLongToBeat.com. Your completion time will vary based on skill level and thoroughness in collecting all items.
The game features moderate difficulty with significant spikes during boss fights. Most levels are accessible for average players, but some boss encounters cross from challenging to frustrating. The co-op mode helps mitigate difficulty for family gaming sessions.
Yes, Re-Pac is a faithful ground-up remake that preserves the original’s level design, gameplay mechanics, and story while adding modern improvements. The core experience remains intact with enhanced graphics, performance, and quality-of-life features.
Yes, the game features a co-op mode with Pac-Drone as the second player. While not a fully cooperative experience, it allows a second player to assist with collectibles and minor obstacles, making it suitable for family gaming sessions.
For nostalgic fans and families seeking co-op platforming, yes. The game offers solid value with 5.5+ hours of content plus replayability through collectibles and mission mode. Casual players seeking lengthy experiences might find the content limited for the price point.