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Pac-Man World 2
Pac-Man World 2
Pac-Man World 2
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Pac-Man World 2
Packaging artwork
DeveloperNamco Hometek[a]
Publishers
Windows
  • EU: Light & Shadow Production[7]
  • NA: Hip Games
DirectorJesse Taylor
ProducersGlen Cureton
Matt Sentell
ProgrammersGil Colgate
Dai Matsumoto
ArtistsVince Joly
Mike Witt
Monty Kane
ComposerDavid Logan
SeriesPac-Man
PlatformsGameCube
PlayStation 2
Xbox
Game Boy Advance
Windows
Release
February 26, 2002
  • PlayStation 2
    • NA: February 26, 2002[1]
    • JP: July 25, 2002
    • EU: February 28, 2003
    GameCube
    • NA: March 12, 2002[2]
    • EU: March 21, 2003
    Xbox
    Windows
    • EU: March 21, 2004
    • NA: May 25, 2004
    Game Boy Advance
GenrePlatform
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Pac-Man World 2[b] is a 2002 3D platform game developed and published by Namco Hometek for the Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2. A version of the game for Microsoft Windows was released in 2004, and an abridged version for the Game Boy Advance was released in 2005. The game is a sequel to Pac-Man World (1999), and sees Pac-Man on a quest to retrieve the stolen Golden Fruit and stop the ancient ghost Spooky from terrorizing Pac-Land. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its level design and soundtrack but criticized its camera system.

A sequel, Pac-Man World 3, was released in 2005. A remake, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, was released in September 2025.

Gameplay

[edit]
Gameplay of a level from the game

Pac-Man World 2 is a 3D platforming game in which the player controls Pac-Man and must navigate him to the end of each level. The player can use multiple abilities; these include the Rev Roll, a move where the player charges forward, which can be used to attack enemies and cross gaps; the Butt-Bounce, which can press switches and attack enemies from above; and a jumping Flip Kick to strike airborne enemies. Each level features Pac-Dots and fruit to collect, which will increase the player's score for the level. Collecting special Power Pellets will also give Pac-Man temporary power-ups. These power-ups can turn Pac-Man into metal, sinking him into water and making him immune to hazards; shrink him, allowing access to certain parts of a level; or temporarily allow him to eat ghost enemies. Pac-Man possesses a health bar with only three segments; if he takes damage after all three segments are depleted, the player will lose a life and be sent back to the previous checkpoint. After completing any non-boss level, the player can choose to replay it in Time Trial mode, challenging the player to reach the end as quickly as possible. During the time trial, fruits and other collectibles in the level are replaced by clocks, which will temporarily stop the timer if collected. If Pac-Man loses a life during the time trial, he must restart the level from the beginning.

The game features twenty-five levels. These include a tutorial level set in Pac-Man's home of Pac-Village, followed by six different themed areas with four levels each. The last level of each of these areas feature a boss battle with one or more of the primary ghost enemies, who must be defeated to advance. Certain levels feature unique gameplay mechanics. Some equip Pac-Man with ice skates or roller blades, impacting speed and movement. Others feature automatically scrolling levels set underwater, in which Pac-Man can swim to avoid obstacles or pilot a submarine equipped with torpedoes. Most levels feature one of 16 collectible Galaxian flagships, which will allow Pac-Man to play a bonus maze level, similar in gameplay to Pac-Man (1980). Non-boss levels also feature collectible arcade tokens; eight are hidden in each level, while bonus tokens can be earned by collecting all the fruit and Pac-Dots in a level and completing time trials. By collecting certain numbers of tokens, players can unlock emulated versions of older Pac-Man titles in the Pac-Village arcade, including Pac-Man, Pac-Attack (1993), Pac-Mania (1987), and Ms. Pac-Man (1982).[8] Collecting tokens will also unlock a jukebox, which enables the player to listen to the game's soundtrack, and a concept art gallery.

The Game Boy Advance version of the game is considerably different from the other versions of the game. It plays from an isometric view, and uses 2D sprites for graphics and a password-based save system. The underwater stages were omitted from this version, while an additional boss was added. In addition, the emulated games are not included.

Subsequent re-releases of the game rebalanced the gameplay to tone down the game's difficulty. For the game's Japanese PlayStation 2 release, further changes were made to reduce difficulty, including shortening certain levels and reducing bosses' health.

Story

[edit]

Hundreds of years prior to the game's events, the powerful evil ghost Spooky terrorized Pac-Land and the Pac-People. To stop him, a Pac-Wizard created a potion that transformed five ordinary fruit into magical Golden Fruit. A Pac-Knight defeated Spooky in battle, and used the Golden Fruit to seal him under a tree in the center of Pac-Village.

In the present day, Blinky, Inky, Pinky and Clyde sneak into Pac-Village at night to cause mischief. They steal the Golden Fruit from the tree, unaware of its purpose, and unwittingly release Spooky, who commands them to aid his plan to eliminate all Pac-People. The ghosts agree and each take one of the Golden Fruit. The next morning, Professor Pac informs Pac-Man of the trouble and asks him to retrieve the stolen Golden Fruit in order to save Pac-Land. Pac-Man travels throughout Pac-Land and across the ocean to Ghost Island, defeating the ghosts and retrieving the Golden Fruit along the way. Pac-Man eventually returns to Pac-Village, where he is ambushed by Spooky. The power of the Golden Fruit transforms Pac-Man into a new golden form, and he defeats Spooky once more, sealing him back beneath the tree. The residents of Pac-Village emerge to congratulate Pac-Man, while his dog Chomp-Chomp spots the ghosts lurking nearby and chases them out of the village.

Re-Pac

[edit]

In the Re-Pac remake, Spooky is not re-sealed, but fully destroyed by Pac-Man with the Golden Fruit's power. Following Spooky's defeat, Pac-Man's children Pac-Boy and Pac-Sis go missing. While looking for them, Pac-Man finds a hole in the Golden Fruit tree and falls through it, emerging back in time during Spooky's reign. Learning that his children also fell through and have been imprisoned, Pac-Man once again ventures across Pac-Land and Ghost Island in search of them, defeating Spooky's ghost minions. Returning to Pac-Village, Pac-Man defeats Spooky and uses the newly created Golden Fruit to seal him beneath the tree, creating a causal loop by making him the knight spoken of in the history books. Pac-Man frees his children and takes them back to the present.

Upon his return, Pac-Man receives a note calling him to an arena on Ghost Island. There, he is ambushed by Toc-Man, who demands revenge for an unspecified slight and attacks him. After the two battle, Toc-Man reveals that he was angry about not being invited to Pac-Man's birthday after they had previously become friends.[c] Pac-Man explains he did send Toc-Man an invitation, which Toc-Man realizes he accidentally used as toilet paper. Pac-Man forgives him for the misunderstanding and invites him to Pac-Village for a make-up party.

Release

[edit]

Pac-Man World 2 was released in February 2002 for PlayStation 2, March 2002 for GameCube, and October 2002 for Xbox.[1][2][3] Versions for Windows and Game Boy Advance later released in 2004 and 2005 respectively.[7][5]

The GameCube version was re-released in 2004 under Nintendo's Player's Choice label; this version included Pac-Man Vs. as a bonus pack-in in North America.[9] In 2008, the PlayStation 2 version was repackaged in the Pac-Man Power Pack, a bundle also containing Pac-Man World 3 and Pac-Man World Rally.[10]

Reception

[edit]

Next Generation ranked it as the 56th highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of Pac-Man World games released in the 2000s reached 1.8 million units in the United States by July 2006.[19]

The GameCube version of Pac-Man World 2 has an average score of 73.83% on GameRankings. The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions each have an average score of 68.18% and 67.69% respectively. The Game Boy Advance version has a score of 41.67%.[20] The GameCube version became a Player's Choice title, the PlayStation 2 version became a Greatest Hits title and the Xbox version became a Platinum Hits title. The game also has a score of eight on GameSpot for the PS2 version, a 7.9 for the GameCube version, and a 7.5 for the Xbox version. The game's camera system received criticism, but the musical score was praised.[8] NGC Magazine gave the game 70% rating giving praise to the level and boss designs although criticizing the poor camera system and the gameplay being similar to the Mario games.[21] Pac-Man World 2 was nominated for GameSpot's annual "Best Platformer on Xbox" award, which went to Jet Set Radio Future.[22]

Remake

[edit]
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac
DeveloperNow Production
PublisherBandai Namco Entertainment
SeriesPac-Man
Platforms
ReleaseSeptember 26, 2025
GenrePlatform
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

A remake of Pac-Man World 2, titled Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, was announced during a Nintendo Direct in July 2025.[23] The remake was developed by Now Production, who also developed Pac-Man World Re-Pac (2022), and similarly remakes the game from the ground up with multiple changes.[24]

Pac-Man's abilities in Re-Pac have been expanded, including the ability to perform the flip kick on the ground, and the flutter jump and Pac-Dot throw from the previous Re-Pac game.[25] Stages have been remixed compared to the original, and all bosses have been updated or replaced with new ones.[26] Each stage has additional missions, such as collecting all fruit or finishing a time trial in a certain time; completing all of a stage's missions unlocks bonuses such as new costumes for Pac-Man.[27] Special figurines can be obtained in stages and from gashapon machines at the arcade, which can be displayed on pedestals in Pac-Village.[26] While the classic games return, Ms. Pac-Man is no longer playable, presumably due to the ongoing dispute with AtGames over the IP.[26] Completing the game unlocks a set of more difficult levels and bosses.[26]

Re-Pac features two-player cooperative play, with the second player controlling a floating Pac-Drone that can attack foes and retrieve collectibles.[27] An optional "Fairy Mode" difficulty setting makes players invincible and allows them to skip portions of a stage if they repeatedly get stuck.[28] The remake also adds full voice acting, including Martin Sherman reprising his role as Pac-Man from Pac-Man World 3.[29]

Re-Pac was released on September 26, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S and Microsoft Windows.[29] Physical copies feature a reversible cover that recreates the original game's box art.[30] A selection of the game's costumes and figures were automatically unlocked for those who preordered the game.[29] A Toc-Man costume for Pac-Man will also be unlocked if the game detects a Pac-Man World Re-Pac save file.[23] The game is available in standard or deluxe editions; the latter grants access to a Pac-Land costume, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog-themed downloadable content released on November 11 that adds three stages, a costume, and 20 figures.[29][31][32] The crossover content came as a result of Sega approaching Bandai Namco about including Pac-Man content in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (2025).[33] A set of free holiday costumes was added to the game on December 23, 2025.[34]

Reception

[edit]

Brett Posner-Ferdman of Push Square praised the game's added production value and new post-game content, but criticized the level design, calling it "dragging". Posner-Ferdman noted most major changes in the remake aim to extend the original's short five-hour runtime.[41] John Rairdin of Nintendo World Report complimented the level design, improved boss fights, and overall amount of content.[40]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pac-Man World 2

View on Grokipedia
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Pac-Man World 2 is a action-platformer developed by Namco Hometek and published by for the , , , and Windows. It serves as the sequel to the 2001 game and features the iconic character traversing 3D environments in to recover five golden fruits stolen by mischievous ghosts, which has unleashed an ancient evil known as Spooky that threatens to destroy his world. In the game, players control Pac-Man through 25 levels divided into six worlds, utilizing abilities such as consuming power pellets to chomp ghosts, performing a butt bounce to defeat foes or break objects, and climbing walls by eating ladders. Collectibles like Pac-Dots, golden tokens, and icons encourage exploration and replayability, with 100% completion unlocking four classic arcade games. A separate isometric version was ported to the Game Boy Advance in 2005 by Full Fat Games. Upon release, Pac-Man World 2 received generally positive reviews for its engaging platforming mechanics and faithful integration of elements into a 3D format, though some critics noted technical issues like camera problems and uneven difficulty. It holds an aggregate score of 71% from critics on equivalents and was praised for providing accessible fun for younger audiences. In 2025, a remastered version titled PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC was released by and for modern platforms including , Xbox Series X/S, , and PC, featuring updated graphics, new levels, and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original's core gameplay.

Development

Conception

Pac-Man World 2 was conceived as a direct sequel to the 1999 platformer , with aiming to build on its 3D format by introducing more varied levels and expanded character abilities, such as enhanced jumping and vehicle-based traversal, to attract players beyond traditional maze-chase enthusiasts. The project sought to evolve the series into a fuller adventure experience, blending classic elements with broader platforming challenges across multiple worlds in , while maintaining accessibility for younger audiences. This expansion was driven by the success of the original game, which had successfully transitioned from 2D arcades to 3D console play, prompting developers to deepen the narrative and exploration aspects. Namco Hometek's primary motivation was to modernize the franchise for sixth-generation consoles including the , , and , positioning it alongside leading platformers of the era by incorporating dynamic movement and environmental interactions inspired by titles like . Early design emphasized a balance of approximately 35% traditional maze sections and 65% action-platforming, allowing to engage in activities such as in-line skating and submarine piloting to navigate diverse terrains, reflecting influences from Sonic Adventure 2's vehicle levels and the swinging mechanics of . This approach aimed to refresh the icon's appeal for a new console generation while honoring its arcade roots through integrated bonus stages. In initial concepts, the team introduced a new antagonist, the mischievous ghost Spooky, who rallies other ghosts to disrupt Pac-Land by stealing golden fruits, expanding the story beyond the Toc-Man threat of the first game. Environments were envisioned with greater variety to enhance adventure elements, including ancient ruins for puzzle-heavy exploration, drawing from the series' whimsical lore while adding thematic depth. Core Pac-Man mechanics, such as pellet-eating for scoring and power pellet usage to defeat enemies, were retained as foundational, but augmented with new adventure tools; early ideas included power-ups like ice skating for slippery traversal to enable creative level navigation without overshadowing the character's signature chomping ability.

Production

Pac-Man World 2 was developed by Hometek, the North American division of , with production handled primarily by a team . The project was overseen by executive producer Masaya Nakamura, with serving as project director. Key roles included producers Glen A. Cureton and Matt Sentell, associate producers Scott Crisostomo, Chris Esaki, and Craig Ward, lead programmers Gil Colgate and Dai Matsumoto, Brian Leake, lead graphics engine programmer Roman Scharnberg, lead artist Vince Joly, and level designers Kyle Mannerberg, Aaron McClay, and Mark Sau. The game's credits list approximately 75 individuals across professional roles, indicating a mid-sized development effort focused on console hardware capabilities. The game utilized a proprietary engine developed in-house by Hometek, building on technology from the original with improvements in and physics to support platforming on , , and hardware. Lead graphics engine programmer Roman Scharnberg contributed to enhancements that enabled more animations and level interactions, adapting Pac-Man's simple for complex 3D environments. and sound direction was provided by Yasuhiro Noguchi, incorporating dynamic audio to complement the action-platformer mechanics. Development began around late 2000 following the success of the first and aligned with the 2002 console launch window, with the version releasing in February 2002, followed by in March and in October. Challenges in production centered on optimizing 's animations for responsive platforming and hardware constraints, given the character's minimalist form contrasted with demanding 3D physics. A notable feature added during production was the inclusion of bonus mini-games, serving as promotional tie-ins to the broader franchise. By collecting 180 tokens throughout the levels, players could unlock emulated versions of classic arcade titles such as , , Pac-Attack, and Pac-Mania, accessible from Pac-Village hubs. These were integrated to extend replayability and celebrate the series' history. In 2004, a PC was developed by and published by Hip Interactive, releasing on May 25 for Windows. This version included optimizations for PC hardware, such as adjustable resolutions and mouse/keyboard controls, along with bug fixes addressing console-specific issues like inconsistencies and collision glitches not present in the original releases.

Gameplay

Mechanics

is a third-person 3D where players control as he traverses varied environments by running, jumping, and consuming Pac-Dots along with enemies to restore health and score points. Core controls utilize the or for directional movement, a dedicated jump to leap across platforms and gaps, and context-sensitive actions such as rev rolling—activated by holding and releasing the attack —for increased speed and during traversal or to ram into foes. Additional maneuvers include butt bouncing, performed by double-jumping and pressing the attack mid-air, which serves both offensive and interactive purposes like smashing obstacles, and flip kicking, a mid-air attack combining jump and attack inputs for reaching elevated targets or stunning enemies. The combat system focuses on physical, agility-based engagements without conventional weapons, allowing Pac-Man to defeat enemies through a series of butt bounces, rev rolls that build into multi-hit sequences, and aerial flip kicks for . are formed by chaining these moves fluidly, such as rev rolling into an enemy followed by a butt bounce finisher, with advanced variations unlocked progressively through fruit collection that expands Pac-Man's move set and effectiveness against tougher foes. This design prioritizes precise timing and positioning over ranged attacks, encouraging players to use the environment dynamically during confrontations. Collectibles are integral to progression and completion, with golden serving as key items acquired by defeating boss enemies at the end of major stages, enabling access to subsequent worlds and story advancement. , appearing in escalating varieties from cherries to melons, are scattered throughout levels and must be gathered in sufficient quantities to butt bounce open sealed crates containing or power-ups; achieving full collection per level contributes to 100% completion, which unlocks bonus features like art galleries, character models, and additional mini-games in the central hub. Multiplayer functionality in the original release is limited to local two-player alternation in bonus arcade mini-games accessed via collected , though the 2025 remastered version introduces play in certain levels where a second player controls a Pac-Drone to assist with enemy defeat and collectible retrieval. Difficulty is scaled accessibly with an easy mode option for novice players that reduces enemy aggression and damage intake, complemented by a traditional lives system where starts with a set number of lives and gains extras through hidden 1-Ups or high scores. Health depletes from enemy contact and is replenished by Pac-Dots or power pellets, with frequent checkpoints throughout levels allowing resumption from the last safe point upon losing a life rather than restarting the entire stage.

Levels and progression

Pac-Man World 2 is divided into six themed worlds—Meadows, , , , , and Haunted—each comprising three main levels followed by a boss encounter, for a total of over 20 stages. These worlds present varied environments, from lush canyons and treetop canopies to icy rivers, erupting lava flows, underwater ruins, and foggy ghost towns, encouraging exploration through platforming challenges, enemy encounters, and environmental hazards. Pac-Village acts as the central hub, allowing players to select worlds, view progress on the Golden Fruit Tree, and access bonus areas unlocked by collectibles. Progression revolves around retrieving the five magical Golden Fruits stolen by the ghosts, with one fruit guarded at the end of each of the first five worlds. Players advance by completing the three levels in a world to reach and defeat its boss, thereby obtaining the fruit, which must then be returned to the Golden Fruit Tree in Pac-Village to unlock the subsequent world; the sixth world culminates in a final confrontation without an additional fruit. Side paths and hidden routes within levels lead to optional content, including extra fruits for scoring, golden tokens for bonus mini-games, and classic 2D mazes that test maze-running skills. This structure promotes replayability, as full exploration yields upgrades and access to arcade-style challenges scattered throughout . Boss battles are distinctive, pitting against mechanized or possessed forms of the ghosts—such as Blinky's amphibious machine in the Meadows or Inky's spinning trap in the —and culminating with the ancient ghost king Spooky in the Haunted world. These fights demand strategic use of acquired abilities, like rev-rolling at high speeds to outpace a racing boss in the or timing butt bounces to dismantle mechanical defenses, often incorporating level-specific power-ups for victory. Power-ups are integral to traversal and puzzle-solving, unlocked progressively after key story milestones and tailored to each world's challenges. For instance, the ice power-up enables sliding across frozen surfaces in the Snow world to access distant platforms, while the hoverboard allows temporary flight over volcanic chasms in the Volcano stages; the metal ball transformation provides invulnerability and smashing capability to break through barriers in the Forest or Ocean levels. These abilities encourage creative application, such as combining rev-rolling momentum with power-up effects to solve multi-step puzzles involving enemy patterns or timed obstacles. The Game Boy Advance port adapts the game into a isometric with streamlined level layouts that condense the console versions' designs, omitting some complex 3D sections and bonus mazes while retaining core progression and mechanics; it supports single-player only and was released on October 9, 2005, in .

Plot

Characters

Pac-Man serves as the , portrayed as a heroic yellow spherical character equipped with a propeller hat, emphasizing his adventurous role in the universe. In the game, he is voiced through chomping sound effects rather than spoken dialogue, maintaining his iconic arcade simplicity while adapting to 3D platforming. The primary antagonists are the four classic ghosts—Blinky (), Pinky (pink), Inky (blue), and Clyde (orange)—who unwittingly free the new villain Spooky, an ancient and powerful ghost king with magical abilities, and are then commanded by him. Spooky is designed as a large, intimidating purple ghost figure wearing a , shoulder guards, and gloves, exuding a dark aura to symbolize ultimate evil in the lore. Supporting characters include Professor Pac, an inventive Pac-Person who acts as a mentor, providing guidance and inventions to aid the protagonist's journey. Ms. Pac-Man is pictured in a frame in Pac-Man's house during the opening and ending cutscenes. Pac-Man's pet Chomp-Chomp appears in cutscenes, ultimately chasing off the ghosts in the ending. Minor characters consist of various enemies tailored to specific levels, such as cyclops pirates in nautical areas with aggressive charging behaviors and spider ghosts in forested zones that weave webs to ensnare the . These foes exhibit unique animations, like the pirates' sword swings or spiders' climbing mechanics, adding variety to encounters. Character designs in Pac-Man World 2 evolved from the previous title, , with enhanced expressive animations, more fluid movements, and improved polygonal models for greater personality—such as Pac-Man's dynamic hat spins and the ghosts' synchronized haunting poses. The English and Japanese versions incorporate subtle in cutscenes for supporting roles, like Professor Pac's explanatory lines, while keeping core characters sound-effect based for authenticity.

Story summary

Pac-Man World 2 is set in Pac-Land, a colorful and expansive world linked to the original Pac-Man maze through magical portals. In this vibrant realm, the Magic Tree in Pac-Village sustains life and harmony for all Pac-people by bearing five Golden Fruits that keep an ancient evil at bay. The story begins with the mischievous ghosts—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde—sneaking into Pac-Village on Pac-Man's 20th birthday and stealing the Golden Fruits from the Magic Tree, unwittingly releasing Spooky, a powerful ancient ghost king who had been sealed beneath it for centuries. As the tree begins to wither, the land falls into chaos, corrupting the environments across Pac-Land. Spooky, seeking to plunge the world into darkness, commands the ghosts to hide the fruits and spread terror. Pac-Man, now a mature hero, embarks on a quest to traverse diverse worlds—from lush forests and snowy mountains to eerie ruins—collecting the stolen Golden Fruits and defeating ghostly bosses to restore balance. Along the way, he encounters allies like Professor Pac, emphasizing themes of heroism and environmental harmony through the revival of the Magic Tree. The narrative culminates in a climactic confrontation in the Ghost Area, where Pac-Man battles Spooky to reclaim the final fruit and seal away the threat.

Release

Platforms and versions

Pac-Man World 2 was initially released for the , , and consoles in 2002, with subsequent ports for personal computers and handheld systems following in later years. The game launched first in on the PlayStation 2, followed by ports to the other sixth-generation consoles, and European releases occurred in early 2003 for most platforms. The following table summarizes the initial console release dates by region:
PlatformNorth AmericaJapanEurope
PlayStation 2February 25, 2002July 25, 2002February 28, 2003 (UK)
GameCubeMarch 19, 2002Not releasedMarch 21, 2003
XboxOctober 15, 2002Not releasedNot released
A Windows port, published by Hip Interactive, was released in on May 25, 2004, and in starting April 3, 2004. This version featured enhanced graphics options compared to the console editions, such as improved resolutions and . The Game Boy Advance adaptation, developed by Full Fat, launched in on August 19, 2005, and in on October 9, 2005. Unlike the 3D platforming of the main versions, this port is a 2D side-scrolling game with simplified levels, an isometric view in some sections, and a condensed version of the story focusing on core objectives. The Japanese PlayStation 2 version includes additional voice lines for characters, utilizing a localized voice cast that adds unique dialogue not present in international releases. All versions of the game received an ESRB rating of E for Everyone, citing mild violence such as cartoonish combat against ghosts. In 2008, the version was bundled in the Pac-Man Power Pack compilation, which also included and , offering a value-oriented collection of the series' platforming titles.

Marketing

Pac-Man World 2 was developed and published by Hometek for n and Japanese markets, with distribution handled by Namco in and Namco Hometek in North America. In , the version was published by Sony Computer Entertainment , while the version came from , supporting multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian to accommodate regional audiences. Promotional efforts included a playable demo showcased by at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in 2001, highlighting Pac-Man's 3D platforming abilities and storybook-style quests across . advertisements aired in 2002, such as the "Pac-Man's Back!" commercial, which depicted Pac-Man chomping through levels and battling ghosts to emphasize the game's action-oriented revival of the classic franchise. Additional spots, like "Is That All You Got?", featured energetic sequences of Pac-Man's rev-rolling and butt-bouncing mechanics to appeal to players familiar with the original . Print campaigns ran in gaming magazines, including full-page ads in the April 2002 issue of that showcased vibrant artwork of confronting the ghost leader Spooky, alongside key features like golden fruit collection. Similar promotions appeared in , targeting console enthusiasts with previews of the multi-platform release. The game incorporated English for select characters, with veteran Terence McGovern providing the voice for Professor Pac, adding personality to the narrative through credits-listed performances. Tie-in merchandise included -themed action figures and ghost plush toys, extending the promotion beyond to retail displays.

Reception

Critical response

World 2 received mixed or average reviews upon its release in , with aggregate scores on reflecting generally positive but tempered reception across console versions. The edition earned a 73/100 based on 19 critic reviews, while the and versions scored 74/100 and 74/100, respectively, each based on 23 reviews. Critics praised the game's fun platforming mechanics and nostalgic appeal to the classic franchise, though many noted repetitive level designs as a recurring issue. Reviewers highlighted several positive aspects, including the variety of levels across six themed worlds—from lush forests to underwater realms and ghostly ships—which kept engaging through diverse power-ups like and flippers. The nostalgic charm of Pac-Man's iconic elements, combined with solid controls that made jumping and enemy-chomping feel intuitive, was frequently commended for capturing the series' lighthearted spirit. IGN awarded the PS2 version a 7.9/10, praising its engaging platforming and integration of classic elements. On the critical side, the game's short length—typically 8-10 hours to complete the main story—and easy difficulty were common complaints, making it feel lightweight compared to more challenging contemporaries like or . Graphics were seen as dated even for 2002 standards, lacking the polish of rival platformers, while some levels suffered from camera issues that hindered precise platforming. gave the GameCube version a 7.5/10, critiquing the lack of significant innovation beyond blending classic tropes with 3D exploration, resulting in a solid but unremarkable sequel. scored it 5/10, emphasizing its formulaic structure and failure to push boundaries in the crowded platformer genre. The PC version received an aggregate score of around 70/100, praised for its controls and nostalgic elements but criticized for dated graphics and occasional technical issues in the port. The Game Boy Advance port, released in , fared worse with a score of 42/100 based on 6 critic reviews, criticized for downgraded visuals that lost the 3D depth of console versions and imprecise controls that made navigation frustrating on the handheld. Reviewers noted it as a competent but diminished adaptation, suitable for portable play but lacking the charm of its bigger siblings. In long-term retrospectives, Pac-Man World 2 has been viewed fondly as an underrated sequel, appreciated for its cheerful platforming and faithful expansion of the Pac-Man universe despite its flaws. A 2025 GamesRadar analysis described the original as a "decent if fairly unremarkable platformer" that deserved recognition as an underdog in the early 2000s lineup.

Sales figures

Pac-Man World 2 achieved moderate commercial success upon its release, with the version performing the strongest. In the , the PS2 edition sold 1.21 million units, earning platinum certification from the . Estimates place worldwide sales for the PS2 version at approximately 1.51 million units, including 1.26 million in , 0.21 million in , 0.05 million in , and negligible figures elsewhere. Sales for other console versions were lower. The GameCube edition sold an estimated 0.37 million units globally, with the majority (0.28 million) in , 0.07 million in , 0.01 million in , and 0.01 million elsewhere. The Xbox version reached about 0.47 million units worldwide, driven primarily by 0.36 million in and 0.11 million in , with no significant sales in . Combined physical sales across all platforms totaled roughly 2.85 million units by the mid-2000s, reflecting stronger demand in compared to weaker results in (under 0.1 million overall for non-PS2 versions). The PC port and version contributed under 0.1 million units combined, hampered by technical issues in ports and limited market penetration. Relative to its predecessor, , which sold 1.5 million units worldwide, Pac-Man World 2 underperformed in total volume but helped sustain franchise momentum, paving the way for in 2005. By July 2006, the combined U.S. sales of Pac-Man World titles from the 2000s reached 1.8 million units.

Remake

Development

Bandai Namco announced the development of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, a of the 2002 , on July 31, 2025. The project was led by Co., Ltd., a studio recognized for its work on retro game remakes, including the prior Pac-Man World Re-Pac. Their primary objective was to produce a faithful recreation augmented by quality-of-life improvements, such as refined controls and options, without altering the core 3D platforming experience. The initiative drew inspiration from strong fan demand following the success of Re-Pac in 2024, prompting Bandai Namco to target current-generation consoles with optimizations for and 60 frames per second performance.

Features and changes

Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac features significantly enhanced visuals, modernizing the original 2002 game's 3D graphics with updated assets, improved environments, and higher-resolution textures while preserving the core art style and whimsical aesthetic of . New character models for and supporting cast, along with refined animations, contribute to a more polished presentation across all levels. In terms of gameplay enhancements, the remake introduces full 2-player local co-op mode available in every level, a first for the series, where the second player controls a PAC-Drone to assist with enemy defeats, projectile attacks, and puzzle-solving—expanding beyond the original's single-player focus. Quality-of-life improvements include modernized controls, new stage-specific abilities like the Super Butt Bounce for breaking obstacles, enhanced Flip Kick for aerial , Ice Skating on frozen surfaces, and Pac-Marine underwater exploration, making traversal and challenges more fluid and accessible. A mode with global leaderboards adds replayability for enthusiasts. New content expands the original's scope with additional and redesigned levels, incorporating fresh areas inspired by the series' lore, alongside updated boss encounters featuring new attack patterns and arenas. The PAC-Village hub now includes arcade cabinets with three classic titles—Pac-Man, Pac-Attack, and Pac-Mania—for bonus play, as well as machines that use in-game coins to unlock collectible figures and customizations. Modern achievements and trophies are integrated across platforms, rewarding completionists with goals for collectibles like golden fruits and Glaxian keys. The Deluxe Edition bundles DLC content, including collaboration levels (released November 11, 2025) and exclusive costumes like the TOC-MAN outfit for owners of the prior Re-Pac. The game launches on , , , Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via , with cross-progression potentially supported through platform-specific cloud saves, such as Nintendo Switch Online for the hybrid consoles. Audio upgrades include full for all main characters, with re-recorded dialogue in English to bring personality to , the ghosts, and allies like Pac-Boy and Pac-Girl—expanding on the original's limited Japanese voice work. The soundtrack receives remixes of iconic tracks, blending original elements with orchestral arrangements for a more cinematic feel during exploration and boss fights.

Reception

Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC received generally favorable reviews from critics and users upon its September 2025 release, with aggregate scores reflecting praise for its faithful recreation of the original 2002 game alongside modern enhancements. On , the game holds an average score of 80 out of 100 based on 25 reviews, while reports a Metascore of 74 out of 100 from 24 critic reviews across platforms including and . Reviewers highlighted the remake's success in updating the 3D platformer for contemporary audiences, particularly through improved visuals and the addition of local co-op mode, which allows two players to share control of and a companion character. Positive feedback emphasized the game's enhanced and visual overhaul, making it more approachable for new players while preserving nostalgic charm. Critics noted the "glow-up" in level design and graphics, with vibrant, remastered environments that breathe new life into the original's colorful worlds, as seen in scores like 8/10 from Hobby Consolas and PSX . On , user reviews are Very Positive at 85% approval from over 500 ratings, with many praising the responsive controls, quality-of-life improvements like reduced backtracking, and the overall fun of exploring . Despite the acclaim, some reviews pointed to lingering issues from the source material, including repetitive collectible mechanics and a short campaign length. Famiboards contributors described it as "fun but short," with the main story completable in a weekend, and noted frustrations from uneven difficulty in boss fights and platforming sections. Minor launch bugs, such as janky camera controls, were also mentioned in early critiques, though patches addressed many within weeks. Commercially, Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC performed strongly for a niche , debuting at #14 on the physical sales chart in its first full week, with accounting for 44% of sales, at 48%, and at 8%. Its Steam peak of 1,244 concurrent players outperformed the original Re-PAC's launch, indicating robust interest on PC, further boosted by nostalgia-driven marketing campaigns featuring classic branding. The game earned several post-launch accolades, including features in "Best Platformers of 2025" lists from outlets like Nintendo Life, and an official accolades trailer highlighting critic praise for its modernization efforts.

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