Pac-Man World Re-Pac Review: Bandai Namco’s Classic Revitalized for Nintendo Switch

Pac-Man World Re-Pac Review: Bandai Namco’s Classic Revitalized for Nintendo Switch Pac-Man has long been a familiar face in video game history, instantly recognizable for his iconic shape and ghost-chomping antics.

Celebrating over four decades as Bandai Namco Entertainment’s enduring mascot, Pac-Man is best remembered for his classic arcade roots, but his journey has also taken him into different genres over the years—including a memorable trilogy of 3D platformers that debuted on the original PlayStation.

Now, Pac-Man World Re-Pac brings the first game in that trilogy to modern platforms, delivering an updated experience for both nostalgic fans and new players on the Nintendo Switch. First released in 2000, the original Pac-Man World broke ground by placing the titular hero into a fully 3D platforming environment.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac, available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, remasters this adventure with enhanced visuals and gameplay refinements.

Bandai Namco’s reimagining offers a polished look and optimized controls while preserving the core charm and structure of the original game. In Pac-Man World Re-Pac, our yellow hero sets out to rescue the kidnapped Pac-Family after their abduction during his birthday celebration by the familiar ghostly foes—this time, under the leadership of Toc-Man.

The adventure unfolds across six diverse worlds, each featuring several platforming levels capped with boss fights.

Levels present a linear path reminiscent of platformers like Crash Bandicoot and Super Mario 3D World, guiding players through a vibrant mix of obstacles and challenges. While the individual stages offer creative touches, the overall level design leans more toward the straightforward.

The visual themes are pleasing, with distinct locales such as pirate coves, circus arenas, and outer space standing out from the standard grassland, desert, or forest environments commonly found in the genre.

The game's animations and upbeat, catchy music further enhance its family-friendly presentation. Interaction within levels is propelled by a range of collectibles.

Classic fruit grants bonus points, coins can be traded for extra lives, and collecting all six letters spelling “PACMAN” unlocks bonus stages.

Signature items like Pac-Dots and Power Pellets remain central, with Pac-Dots now serving as ammo, and Power Pellets allowing Pac-Man to turn the tables—even against invincible ghosts.

The inclusion of hidden mazes, which echo the core gameplay of the original Pac-Man arcade games, creates a smart bridge to the series’ origins, offering additional replayability. However, Re-Pac’s dedication to its source material also highlights certain limitations.

Secrets are often uncovered in repetitive ways, such as doors that only open after obtaining a specific collectible, leading to minor backtracking.

Compared to modern classics like Kirby: The Forgotten Land or Super Mario Odyssey, which excel at encouraging organic exploration, Pac-Man World Re-Pac feels a touch formulaic in how it hides surprises. From a gameplay perspective, Pac-Man’s movement can feel slightly stiff, and some platforming segments may result in occasional frustration, particularly when using certain abilities.

While the move set includes hovering jumps, butt stomps, and a Sonic-style dash, not all mechanics are equally reliable or necessary for progression.

In most cases, the reliable butt stomp suffices for defeating enemies, leaving other capabilities underutilized. Overall, Pac-Man World Re-Pac succeeds as a visually fresh, accessible introduction to 3D platforming for newcomers and a nostalgia trip for veterans of the original PlayStation release.

The game is enjoyable across its roughly 10-hour campaign, even if its level design and mechanics are sometimes constrained by its historical foundation.

Whether experienced on Japan’s eShop or in the West via physical or digital release, Pac-Man’s updated adventure is a testament to the mascot’s lasting appeal in the platformer genre. Version Tested: Nintendo Switch.

Review copy provided by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Bandai Namco Switch Namco Bandai Pac-Man platformer Pac-Man World Re-Pac Pac-Man World Bandai Namco Entertainment Super Smash Bros. Mario Sonic Donkey Kong Kirby: The Forgotten Land Super Mario Odyssey Rayman Legends eShop