The 80's icon has changed – for the average.
The general game mechanics aren't bad – the chomp ability is effective and being able to unlock playable mini-games is cool, even if they aren't direct Namco arcade classics like the company's used to releasing. However, they aren't exactly creative either. We've seen most of this platforming ilk from the PlayStation 2 days, and there's nothing that really stands out here to make this feel like a platforming game for this generation. It's not broken, mind you, just dated.
Pac-Man's design is similar to that of the show. There are some interesting highlights in the levels themselves, and traveling through tubes is a convenient way to get around. But, again, there's not much in the way of creativity, outside of occasionally shifting platforms and small hidden areas from time to time. The development team would've fared better veering off the beaten path for its level design – sort of like Sega did with Sonic: Lost World. Say what you will about that game's mechanics, but at least it has innovation.
Sound doesn't really go far in Pac-Man. The voicework is similar to the show, and it's funny to hear the ghosts threaten Pac-Man before being eaten and having their eyes collected for one-ups. (Um…eew.) The music is bland background fare, with barely any inspiration from the Pac-Man theme. Was Buckner & Garcia's "Pac-Man Fever" not available? That would've been better suited here.
