Pac-Pix
Pac-Pix (Nintendo DS)

Developer
Namco
Publisher
Namco
Genre
Puzzle
Players
1
C3 Score
8
Reader Score (5 Votes)
9
8
9
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Out of the various technical demonstrations that were shown at 2004’s E3 event over in America, several have managed to be transformed into full-blown games, but only a few are looking worthy of a full purchase. Since Namco has two Pac-Man demos present, many assumed it would simply merge the two together. However, Pac-Pix has now arrived as its very own title separate from Pac-N-Roll. But is it worth the money?
There has never been too much going on in Pac-Man games, mainly because the traditional style was a simple maze in which The Yellow One would be guided round to eat all the pellets present and try to kill a few ghosts along the way as a bonus. This all took place on a 2D overhead view, with even Shigeru Miyamoto’s 3D take on the series being mere simple 3D models. But Pac-Pix is actually quite charming to play, with its Crayola-scrawling style throughout, with a smidgen of 3D thrown in for good measure. Bright colours, fast speeds, lots of action going on throughout and nary a glitch in sight, Pac-Pix clearly does push the DS to its limits, yet still does not leave gamers with a bitter taste in their mouths. The musical side is quite a turn out for the books, with a mixture of old skool classic Pac-Man ditties and a bunch of new tunes that are rather ‘plinky-plonky’ in places, but quite catchy and memorable after a few listens. Unfortunately (or fortunately for those that heard Charles Martinet’s annoying Mario voice in Pac-Man Vs) there is no speech in Pac-Pix, but this is made up for with some very good use of sound effects (like when you draw an arrow and you get the ‘whoosh’ noise). Nothing spectacular, but pleasing nonetheless…
Being on the Nintendo DS, this is not exactly your usual type of game (unlike a few of the release games that were clearly just GBA titles fudged onto the system). The D-pad is not used and neither are the action buttons – everything revolves around the use of the touch-screen and the fact that the system has two screens for the action to take place on. This leads to some very interesting aspects being thrown up, with gamers not only having to reply on their quick reactions, but their ability to draw things properly at high speeds.
When the game begins you are shown a quick demonstration of how to draw the little yellow fellow – by drawing his mouth first, then his body and finishing back off at the start. But that is not all there is to it, because depending on where you start drawing his mouth from will determine the direction in which he starts chomping toward. His size is also very important, with the smaller versions flying around the screen at high speeds and larger ones slowly plodding around. Each has advantages and drawbacks, with the faster ones able to catch quick ghosts, but being more difficult to control and the larger ones too slow, but able to eat many things at once.
That is not all you can do with Pac-Man, though, as you can drag him back slightly by tapping him and pulling back, hold him still by keeping the stylus pressed on the screen or keep Pac-Man from disappearing off screen into the ether by drawing lines, which he follows obediently. Later in the game you obtain the ability to draw arrows that shoot off to the top screen and can pop enemies trapped in bubbles or stun ghosts. In addition, you can draw bombs even later in the game! So there is a definite amount of variety thrown in by Namco. It is not all wacca-wacca-wacca…
And these various drawings all come into play on certain levels, meaning that some real thought has to go into clearing the screen. For example, you can open up a path around the top of the screen by making Pac-Man move over a keypad on the lower screen and not only are there extra lives, enemies to kill and fruity bonuses to collect up there, but the area acts as a nice little delay tactic whilst you draw arrows to pop enemies at the very top. Rather than letting Pac-Man die each time you draw an arrow, quickly send him on a trek whilst you do your art-work! It is tactics like this, as well as drawing multiple Pac-Men when necessary that make the whole game so much fun. It is testament to Namco’s talent that it was able to transform such a small demo into this brilliantly addictive title!
Straight out of the box you might think Pac-Pix to not be the long lasting, fulfilling adventure that it should be for its price. However, despite the lack of multiplayer and just an initial ten stages, you will find that there is quite a lot to complete overall. Each of the ten stages is broken down into ‘pages’ that must be cleared, first of all by just drawing Pac-Man, then by using arrows as well, and finally bombs. All of this must be done without exhausting the amount of ‘magic ink’ (lives) you have from the start or letting the timer run down to zero. Levels begin innocent enough, but very soon become stress-filled and so tricky that you will have barely seconds left on the clock (if any at all, resulting in yet another death…
Gameplay
9
Truly innovative gaming, with a real 'hands-on' feel to it. Despite seeming a little repetitive, you cannot fault Namco's efforts here!
Graphics
6
The game lacks any real 3D quality, but manages to charm with its 2D cartoon style and great use of the dual-screen setup.
Sound
7
The mixture of classic Pac-Man tunes and new music works quite well, sounding impressive coming out of the stereo DS speakers.
Value
7
An initial ten levels, plus tutorials and a free sketch pad to practice on, mixed with such a high difficultly level mean that you will certainly get value for money.
8
C3 Score After what was merely a technical demo of the Nintendo DS' capabilities back at E3 2004, Namco has transformed Pac-Pix into a fully fledged game that is well worth buying. Kudos indeed!/10
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Buy Pac-Pix
Reader Comments
1
get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!
9266
Reviews Editor
I'm surprised to see this getting the good reviews it has been getting. I'm still reluctant to get it because I'm worried about the challenge and lasting appeal of it all, but I might be swayed if good reviews keep coming through. Good work!
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Indeed
7619
L100 C3 Master
Great review Adam, I'll certainly pick this up when I;ve finished with my launch titles :
Barry Lewis [ nin10do :: General Writer :: Feature Writer :: Fountain of Industry Statistics ]
"We're mentalist psychic Scots, which means we can read your mind. If you're lying, your head explodes and we laugh."
"We're mentalist psychic Scots, which means we can read your mind. If you're lying, your head explodes and we laugh."
The cheese is a lie.
5926
L100 C3 Master
I'll be picking this up when I get my DS after the exams, that's for sure!
Smallest sig ever?
Sex is bad. Sex is a Sin. Sins are forgiven so stick it in!
9413
L100 C3 Master
Im planning on getting it if i can find it cheaper than
XBL Gamertag: James2t3
XBL Gamertag: James2t3
Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!
12189
News Editor
Thing is this one completely caught me off guard. I didn't expect it to be anything too special, but it is a real treat!
get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!
9266
Reviews Editor
Isn't it supposed to be in the
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!
12189
News Editor
It's RRP over here is unfortunately
get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!
9266
Reviews Editor
That's not very good at all, but take my advice - check out Asda. Zoo Keeper is on the
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
3
L1 New Born
Some may find
get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!
9266
Reviews Editor
I just saw an advert for this on the Nintendo sponsorship thing for FAQ U. Didn't realise it was out so soon!
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!
12189
News Editor
Yeah, it's been sponsoring the Channel 4 comedy slot for a while now...I couldn't believe it! And yeah, I'm shocked at how Yoshi Touch & Go and this are both out so soon, with such little fanfare!
5047
L100 C3 Master
Excellent review, definitely now one of my must get soon list.
Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!
12189
News Editor
Thanks D_G, I'm really hoping that Pac 'N Roll is just as good. Shame that Pac Man Pinball DS has been cancelled now, though!
Flame On!
10185
L100 C3 Master
I have to pick this up in the summer, looks too cool to pass up.
Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!
12189
News Editor
It really has underperformed over here, though, which is a shame as it's been advertised heavily on TV! :roll:
Sex is bad. Sex is a Sin. Sins are forgiven so stick it in!
9413
L100 C3 Master
omg! you can draw a penis in the sketch book and it recognises it! Although sometimes it turns into a rain cloud.
XBL Gamertag: James2t3
XBL Gamertag: James2t3
Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!
12189
News Editor
Well there you go...what better reason to buy it?!
Hehe
By the way, you can draw a simple butterfly and a snake as well...
Hehe
By the way, you can draw a simple butterfly and a snake as well...
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