E3 2013: Pac-Man Preview

June 12, 2013

In yet another E3 surprise, Namco’s classic Pac-Man franchise is all geared up for a re-release with not one, but three games.

The first of these titles is Pac-Man Museum, which is a compilation of the various Pac-Man games spanning the 80s to 2010. Those who have a competitive streak will be pleased to note that the frantic multiplayer title Pac-Man Battle Royale will be part of the package as well. In Battle Royale, up to four players can compete in the familiar maze environment while dodging both ghosts and each other. The game will be digitally released on the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade and Steam.

The next title, Pac-Man Championship Edition DX +, will be a free update for the existing version of Pac-Man Championship Edition DX  and will also be available for purchase on Steam. The update offers a new medal system, achievements, tracking of personal records and scoreboards. You can also share your updates on Facebook for bragging rights. The update will also give players access to additional DLC such as mazes, music and graphics, as well as skins from Dig Dug and Rally-X. DX + will be available later this year on PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 and Steam.

Last but not least, Pac-Man will be hitting the small screen in a very different way, with the announcement of an animated series aimed at kids. Titled Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures, the series is created and produced by Avi Arad, the director and founder of Marvel Studios. The plot follows an evil ghost trying to take over the Pac-Man world. Characters such as Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde will make appearances, and Pac-Man himself has a kid’s voice. Expect to see the show on Australian TV in September on Channel 11.

pac-man and the ghostly adventures

There will also be a video game based on Ghostly Adventures coming out for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U. The game is a 3D platformer with an arcade feel and from what we saw, in true Pac-Man style, it will feature a lot of ghost eating. The graphics will match the TV show so that players can feel as if they are playing the show. An easier version of the game with 2D gameplay for younger children will also be released on the 3DS. Ghostly Adventures should be out later this year in PAL regions.