FIRST IMPRESSIONS : PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

Normally I wait until the following week to talk about an Xbox Live Arcade, but this week I’ve decided to break with tradition as there are a few things I feel need to be said about Pac-Man Championship Edition for the Xbox 360.

First and foremost, let me say that I love what they’ve done with the gameplay – specifically the “Championship” game mode. If you like Pac-Man, I can just about guarantee you’re going to find something to like in this game. It’s got all the charm of the original Pac-Man with enough twists and enhancements to make it feel “new”. This is one of those rare Live Arcade games that I feel is actually worth the 800 point ($10) price tag. Simply put, unlike so many other recent attempts by Namco to cash in on the Pac-Man name, this one actually does the original justice.

That’s not to say that there aren’t some problems here though. As can be expected, the Xbox 360 controller’s d-pad once again proves that it’s ill suited to being used as a 4-way arcade controller. While Namco seems to have managed to improved it’s response somewhat, when the game is moving hyper-fast and you need to make sharp turns, it’s going to let you down.

While that’s the same thing we’ve come to expect from any of the Pac-Man titles on Xbox Live Arcade, the second problem I’ve encountered is one that I really didn’t expect to find. Every single game mode in Pac-Man Championship Edition uses a 5 or 10 minute timer to control the pace of the action. Unfortunately, when you’re not playing in a competition, what this often does is cut you off just as you were beginning to really get into the groove of the game. Let me tell you, nothing is more annoying than when an arcade game cuts you off while you still have 5 lives left. At the very least, Namco should have included a version of the Championship Mode that wasn’t dependent on a timer. It’s an omission that takes a bit of fun away from what is otherwise a must-buy title.

In closing, I can only hope that at some point we’ll see some kind of (hopefully free) downloadable content that will add this missing mode and make this otherwise excellent game feel complete. Bottom line? I’d call this one a “Buy” for most Pac-Man fans and a “Try first” for everyone else.

• Pac-Man Championship Edition – Xbox.com

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

Yup, it’s a new Pac-Man game from Toru Iwatani himself… and his last. In addition to announcing Pac-Man Championship Edition for Xbox Live Arcade yesterday, Iwatani also announced that he’s retiring from Namco.
Don’t feel bad for Iwatani though – he’ll most likely focus on his other passion – teaching budding game developers the art of the game.

Getting back to the subject at hand, Pac-Man Championship Edition is Pac-Man with multiple twists – new maps, new graphics, new features and more. Unfortunately, you’ll probably still have to play it using the standard Xbox 360 controller, so there are some downsides here too.

The other thing to note? The game comes in at 800 points ($10), so you may want to check out the demo before you commit to buying anything.

Title: Pac-Man Championship Edition
Developer: Namco Bandai Games, Inc
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games, Inc
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 6/06/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

“PAC-MAN returns in this enhanced version of the all time classic videogame! PAC-MAN Championship Edition™ has many new and unique gameplay features, but still spotlights the big yellow PAC-MAN we all know and love. Experience the evolution of PAC-MAN and play it now!

• New and unique features: The enhanced version now features constantly evolving mazes, a time limit, and six different game modes.
• Enhanced environments: Graphics and sound have been fully enhanced in this new version of the classic game.
• Fun challenges: You’ll have to practice hard and play well to conquer the increased gameplay speed! Remember, this is the Championship Edition so you know it will provide a good challenge.” – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade title, Mad Tracks, I didn’t even bother downloading the demo. I’ve heard nothing but bad things about the game and with gaming time being as limited as it is, I just don’t have time to waste on garbage.