One of the most anticipated Xbox Game Pass releases of May finally dropped a few days ago, and though it’s got some issues,Pac-Man Museum+is well worth a download. Right now, the game is suffering a few technical issues on Xbox consoles, namely some pretty substantial input lag. Behind those issues is a comprehensive collection of 14 differentPac-Mantitles, ranging from some ofthe earliest arcade gamesto modern remasters and reimaginings.
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Pac-Man Museum+’s Classic Games
Of the 14Pac-Mangames included in this collection, at least eight of them could be considered classic video game titles. The first of which is, of course, thevery firstPac-Manarcade game. Released in 1980, just about everyone has given the originalPac-Mangame a go at least once and should know what they’re in for: attempt to eat all the Pellets, eat some fruit, eat some ghosts, and repeat.
Next up is 1982’sSuper Pac-Man, which was Namco’s attempt at aPac-Mansequel. Gameplay is pretty similar to the original game, but players will have to collect keys in order to travel to rooms where the fruit is stored. The 1983 sequel toSuper Pac-Man,Pac & Palis also included inPac-Man Museum+.This game is extremely similar to its predecessor but does feature the titular pal, an AI-controlled green creature named Mil who fetches fruit for the player.
For those looking fora wholly differentPac-Mangame,Pac-Landmay just be for them. Released in 1984,Pac-Landtakes the yellow mascot and brings him into the realm of 2D side-scrollers. It’s obviously a little barebone by today’s standards, butPac-Landis just quirky and different enough to remain entertaining and has some vibrant art to boot.
Returning to the series' roots while still switching things up a little, 1987’sPac-Maniais also one ofPac-Man Museum+’s 14.Pac-Maniatakesthe classic maze-chasing gameplayof the original titles and puts an isometric spin on it. Pac-Man is also able to jump over ghosts in this one, which makes the gameplay stand out a little more than some of its predecessors.
Jumping forward in time by a few years and hopping over to the console side of the collection, 1993’sPac-Attackfor the SNES is also here, which is essentially justa Pac-Man themedTetrisclone. The SNES version of 1995’sPac-In-Timeis also included in this collection, being another side-scrolling platformer. The last classicPac-Mangame in the collection is 1996’sPac-Man Arrangement, which is essentially a remake of the original arcade classic, but with updated sound and visuals.
Pac-Man Museum+’s Modern Games
On top of some ofthe best vintagePac-Manofferings,Pac-Man Museum+also includes some of the franchise’s best modern offerings. The first of these is the 2005 PSP version ofPac-Man Arrangement, which is actually a completely different game from the 1996 arcade title of the same name. This version ofPac-Man Arrangementincludes boss battles and has a variety of power-up items that change up the classicPac-Manformula quite a bit.
The 2007 Xbox Live Arcade classicPac-Man Championship Editionmakes an appearance here as well. On its release, this game was lauded for its vibrant and colorful backdrops, which helped to make thePac-Manformula feel fresh again. 2007’sPac-Motosis also here, fusing thePac-ManandMotosfranchise together, as is 2007’sPac ‘n Roll Remix,another 2D side-scroller, this time from the Nintendo DS era.
The most recent arcade game in the collection, 2011’sPac-Man Battle Royalesets four players against each other. Each player competes to earn the most points, and if the right power-up is found, players can eat one another. The final game included inPac-Man Museum+is the console version of 2015’sPac-Man 256, which is a prettyunique endless runner.
Pac-Man Museum+is available now on Xbox Game Pass, as well as PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
