• Review: Pac-Man Championship Edition DX (PlayStation 3)

    by
    Skotters
    Published on 10-06-2012 03:07 PM
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    Developer: Namco Bandai Games
    Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
    Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
    Genre: Arcade, Maze
    Rating: Everyone
    Release Date: November 17, 2010

    What do you get when you take Pac-Man and inject him with steroids? You get Pac-Man Championship Edition. Now take that roided up Pac-Man and give him some shots of espresso and now you get Championship Edition DX. This is Pac-Man at his very best, taking nothing from the classic but this takes the classic formula, flips it and gives you a draw-dropping ultimate tripped out pick-up and play experience. What I am saying is that you absolutely need this game in your life.

    Presentation
    Very basic and straightforward, you select from levels such as Score Attack where you have a time to get as high a score as possible. Time Attack where you have to collect a desired amount of objects before the time runs out. Let's not forget Ghost Combo where you have to collect as much ghosts as possible before your power mode wears off. There are plenty of modes available and difficulties to browse through it's quite nice. You also have the option to change the colors of the level, the design of the walls of the level as well as the design of Pac-Man and the Ghosts if you like. Simple, clean, load up game and get going.

    Graphics
    The colors Duke, the colors! This version is so colorful it defines the meaning eye candy. Sure its not a graphical powerhouse but you feel as if your eyes just want to eat up all the colors in all their glory. Let's be honest here we never expect Pac-Man to evolve beyond the classic arcade look and he shouldn't have to. This game proves that he will never need to. What happens here is it takes the original Pac-Man layout and just infuses the levels with various colors and small but sweet movement effects. Some of the character models are updated to 3D versions depending on the skin you are playing at the time. It's simple, it's vibrant and it is damn near jaw-dropping.

    Sound/Music
    Much like the visuals the audio candy can be snacked on as well. Okay well it's not that extreme but it's very fitting. The levels consist of some techno tracks and some short remixes of classic Pac-Man tunes. The majority of the in-game sound effects by the characters are very 8-16 bit style. Sound effects are very classic, music is very current, it's an odd yet somewhat fitting blend of old and new.

    Gameplay
    Pac-Man is all about moving this guy through a maze and eating up dots and making sure you don't get attacked by a ghost. Now DX has several different modes to it which all put a unique twist on how you should go about the level. The most common is the score attack where you have a set amount of time to get the highest score possible and if you die that's it, no score for you. Well what is different this time around is that you have sleeping ghosts as well. These ghosts will just sit there dozing off until you pass by them waking them up and then they begin to chase you. Another key difference is when you are about to run into the ghost the game slows down and gives you a chance to choose a different direction although this isn't the case for some other game modes which revert back to the classic Pac-Man. As you wake up more ghosts you start to accumulate an entourage of these baddies following right behind you. To get rid of them you can either use a bomb which you have a limited number of which knocks the lot of them back and gives you a chance to escape. The second option is the most popular, eating a big dot which can be found after eating a certain number of smaller dots. Eating these big dots turn the ghosts blue and allow you to eat them, sweet revenge. So it is all a matter of survival until the time runs out and eating as much dots and ghosts as you possibly can. Another mode actually counts how many ghosts you can eat in a row while the effect of the big dot is on. It's very very simple and very very satisfying. I wish I could go into further detail but it's safe to assume we all know the mechanics of Pac-Man by now.

    Lasting Appeal
    Multiple variations of levels keep the player coming back for more. There are enough levels to unlock on the way and enough in level variation to keep it feeling fresh for awhile. Although beyond the main game there isn't really much else to do. Guess what though, that doesn't matter, this game is all about trying to outdo score after score after score. You might think a game as simple as Pac-Man will get old, it never has and it never will.

    Conclusion
    Pac-Man CHampionship Edition DX are for those familiar with Pac-Man, it is essential for those who are new to Pac-Man. This game breathes new life into something that was already a solid timeless classic. For new players it gives them a current fresh look on our old arcade friend. If you love colors and you love genuine simple score attack fun, you can look here or even further, but I would suggest you don't. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is a damn fine game and one of the most addictive ventures to ever reach this generation of gamers.

    Score:
    10/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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