Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac Review: A Nostalgic Platformer Shines on Nintendo Switch

Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac Review: A Nostalgic Platformer Shines on Nintendo Switch Pac-Man is an icon of the video game industry, instantly recognizable as the yellow hero chomping his way through mazes since the early days of arcades.

While many gamers recall the classic, 2D Pac-Man gameplay from arcades and home conversions, Bandai Namco has worked hard to expand his universe, including 3D platforming adventures.

Following the 2022 release of Pac-Man World Re-Pac, Bandai Namco has now brought Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac to the Nintendo Switch, offering a vibrant, revised journey for both returning fans and newcomers. Following in the footsteps of Super Mario 64 and other genre-defining titles, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac builds on a legacy of accessible, family-friendly platforming.

In this revitalized classic, Pac-Village faces an onslaught from the mischievous ghost quartet—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.

Their theft of the village’s golden fruit accidentally sets loose the formidable Spooky.

With these events unfolding, players step into Pac-Man's shoes to recover the lost fruit, save the village, and thwart the ghosts' plans.

While the narrative remains light, the game’s full voice acting and Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic inject energy and charm that appeals to younger audiences and evokes nostalgia in older players. The game’s structure adheres to the classic 3D platforming form, with each world comprising several linear stages capped by boss encounters.

This design leans more towards the focused, guided platforming of Crash Bandicoot or Super Mario 3D World, rather than the open exploration of other platformers, preserving an old-school feel that many genre aficionados appreciate.

Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac excels in recreating fundamental platforming mechanics—precise jumps, responsive controls, and inventive stage hazards.

Pac-Man commands a versatile set of moves, from running and jumping to swimming, kicking, and a Pac-inspired Rev Roll, which channels the high-speed flair of Sonic.

Transforming into Mega Pac-Man in key sections, he gains the power to devour enemies easily, adding dynamism to the gameplay. In addition to classic single-player action, the game introduces cooperative fun through a second-player option.

This support mode allows a friend to control the Pac-Drone, collecting items and dispatching enemies, similar to the Cappy mechanic from Super Mario Odyssey. Replay value is greatly enhanced by optional challenges—collecting all fruit, beating time trials, and topping high scores.

These goals unlock arcade mazes, which provide a modern take on the signature Pac-Man formula.

The combination of extra challenges, lengthier post-game content, additional stages, and online leaderboards ensures that Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac remains engaging for completionists and competitive players alike. Visually, the game embraces a bright and varied color palette, successfully capturing the playful tone of the original while updating it for contemporary tastes on the Nintendo Switch hardware.

While the environments range from forests to volcanoes and spooky locales—familiar staples of the genre—each remains lovingly rendered and full of charm. Having thoroughly enjoyed Bandai Namco’s remake of the original Pac-Man World, expectations for Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac were high.

The result is a worthy successor that faithfully updates the platforming classic.

It may remain a product of its era, but with its polished gameplay, inviting visuals, and robust replayability, it stands as both a tribute to and celebration of Pac-Man’s enduring legacy.

This is a compelling addition to the Switch library and a must-play for fans of the genre. Version reviewed: Nintendo Switch, with code provided by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Final Score: 7/10.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Bandai Namco Switch Namco Bandai Pac-Man Pac-Man World 2 Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac Pac-Man World multiplayer Pac-Village Spooky Nintendo Direct eShop