Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Pac-Man Vs.
Item: Pac-Man Vs.
Author: Retro Replay

Pac-Man Vs. introduces a clever asymmetrical multiplayer twist that breathes new life into the classic maze-chase formula. One player assumes the role of Pac-Man, navigating the familiar 2D maze on a Game Boy Advance screen, while up to three other players don the colored sprites of the ghosts on the television display. This setup instantly creates a cat-and-mouse dynamic that feels both fresh and faithful to the series’ roots.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The core of the experience hinges on teamwork and strategy. Ghost players, each limited to a small 3D field of view on the big screen, must communicate effectively to corner Pac-Man. When a human-controlled ghost tags Pac-Man, roles swap: that ghost picks up the Game Boy Advance and tries his luck as Pac-Man, while the fallen Pac-Man joins the ghost team. This role-reversal mechanic keeps matches fast-paced and ensures that no single player dominates for long.

For groups smaller than four, the game fills vacant ghost positions with CPU-controlled opponents. These AI ghosts mimic human behaviors but can’t harm Pac-Man unless they’ve been “energized” by contact with a human player. This subtle rule encourages human ghost players to coordinate their efforts, lest the computer steal a hard-fought capture. The result is that even solo or two-player sessions maintain intensity and unpredictability.

Graphics

Visually, Pac-Man Vs. combines the retro charm of 2D pixel art with a simplistic yet functional 3D interface. Pac-Man’s side of the action on the Game Boy Advance screen retains the yellow circle and colorful ghosts in their classic blocky form. The crisp sprites and bold color palette make it immediately recognizable and nostalgically appealing.

Meanwhile, the TV perspective delivered via the Nintendo GameCube’s 3D engine presents the maze in a rudimentary polygonal style. Walls and corridors have depth, and ghost models loop around corners smoothly. While not cutting-edge by today’s standards, this dual-display approach was groundbreaking for its era and still impresses with its clever design integration.

Frame rates remain solid throughout frantic chases, and the split-screen/player-screen configuration rarely causes visual confusion. The clarity of each view—Pac-Man’s concise 2D map and the ghosts’ 3D vantage—ensures that players always know where they stand without unnecessary graphical distractions. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay brilliantly.

Story

As with most Pac-Man titles, narrative depth takes a back seat to arcade-style action, but Pac-Man Vs. weaves a light premise around its multiplayer concept. Shigeru Miyamoto’s name on the project lends it a playful sense of discovery, turning the simple chase into a competitive sport where roles constantly swap.

The “story” emerges organically in each match: you become the hunted or the hunter, cheering when you nab your friends and groaning when you’re caught. While there’s no overarching campaign, the shifting alliances and real-time tension create memorable moments that feel like mini-stories in their own right.

Additionally, the choice of environment themes—ranging from neon mazes to haunted castle backdrops—gives each level a slight narrative flavor. Though these settings don’t alter gameplay mechanics, they heighten the atmosphere and lend personality to what could otherwise be a bare-bones arcade romp.

Overall Experience

Pac-Man Vs. stands out as a party game that’s easy to pick up but hard to master. Its simple controls and instantly recognizable concept make it accessible to newcomers, while the strategic depth of ghost teamwork and role-swapping keeps seasoned players engaged. It’s a title that shines brightest in social settings.

The innovative use of the Game Boy Advance and GameCube link cable remains a highlight more than a decade later. The dual-screen design isn’t just a gimmick—it’s fundamental to the gameplay. Few games of its generation demonstrated such a creative solution to multiplayer limitations on a home console.

For retro enthusiasts, families, or anyone seeking a quick, competitive diversion, Pac-Man Vs. delivers an addictive experience. It may lack a sprawling single-player campaign, but its lively multiplayer matches and imaginative mechanics secure its place as one of the most memorable Pac-Man spin-offs ever released.