Once more Namco Bandai will attempt to turn its iconic dot-chomping mascot into a 3D platforming star with this year’s fall release of Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures for 3DS, PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360. (The 3DS version actually is a unique 2D side-scroller.)
From today’s press release announcement: Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures “follows the exciting storyline and charming characters from the highly anticipated PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures animated series created and produced by Avi Arad, acclaimed director and founder of Marvel Studios. The animated TV series, based on NAMCO BANDAI Games’ classic PAC-MAN property, will begin airing on Disney XD®. The game revolves around the vibrant universe of Pac-World, where Pacworlders lived in peace until the mischievous Netherworld ghosts, led by their wicked leader Betrayus, escaped from their ghoulish domain to forcibly take control of Pac-World. Pac-World’s only hope lies in the last surviving yellow Pacworlder, our hero with a voracious appetite.
Not only will PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures feature a revamped PAC-MAN universe, but it will also hearken back to PAC-MAN origins with classic elements such as Ghost encounters. The Ghost-chomping mechanics return from the original PAC-MAN but with exciting powered up variations in PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures, creating an innovative yet familiar gameplay experience.”
So, a yellow, heroic Pacworlder armed with a big mouth and an insatiable hunger for ghosts and fruits is facing off against Netherworld’s big baddie, Betrayus. Sounds like Pac-Man, but has a fresh enough twist to attract modern gamers who were born after the era when snacking on rows of dots in a blue 2D maze was all the rage. Pac-Man has even adopted some Kirby/Kid Chameleon-esque traits with his new found access to power-ups that will alter his costume and empower him with special abilities.
This franchise revival for a new generation may just work. If nothing else, at least it catches the eye with cute characters and a charming graphical flair.
HD Consoles:
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Nintendo 3DS:
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Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
