Title: Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures Rating: Not Yet Rated Cartoon Universe On A Cart The Pac is Back! And he's out of Control! (Really) Believe it. Namco's Pac-Man 2 is unlike any game you've ever played - 'cuz in this game you can't control the main character. Whaaaaat? you say. That's right. You can't control Pac-Man. You can influence him as you guide him through his universe, but you can't directly control him (now you know how your parents feel). Hey, but what do you expect from a legend? This hero has revolutionized the video scene from the first time he appeared back in 1980. When his now classic video game was first introduced, it became such a craze that there was Pac-Man cereal, books on how to "master" Pac-Man, Pac-Man vitamins, a Pac-Man cartoon on TV, and even a Pac-Man Day! Now Pac-Man's back in a completely unique game - free to explore a wild cartoon world (with your help of course). Publisher: Namco Controller: 3-Button Players: 1 Rating: Not Yet Rated Welcome To Pac-World! The innovative concept of a free-willed main character makes things interesting, quite interesting. First on the agenda is learning how to persuade Pac-Man to do what you want him to do. It takes a little getting used to, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. You're armed with a slingshot to bean items on the screen, and a "Look" sign to get Pac-man's attention. You draw his interest to people, animals and objects in order to entice him to walk different directions and discover things. That is, if he feels like it. If he's upset, he doesn't pay attention to you. But don't sweat - when Pac-Man's needs a 'tude adjustment find him some food or something cool to look at and he's happy again. You're also equipped with power pellets, which you'll need to fire at Pac-man whenever ghosts appear. He can use them to become "Super Pac-Man" and eat those filmy phantoms. Multitude of Missions In his new game Pac-Man is a family man, with a wife (Ms. Pac-Man), two young 'uns (Pac-Junior and Pac-Baby) and a dog (Chomp-Chomp). Pac-Man ventures through the city, the countryside, the mountains and a factory in order to defeat the evil Ghost Witch of Netor and return all the stolen bubble gum to the kids of Pac City. Among other errands, he gets milk for Pac-Baby, retrieves Jr's guitar, and gets flowers for his neighbor, Lucy. But Pac- Man has a mind of his own (thanks to Namco's Character Guidance Interface technology) and gets himself into a ton of trouble if gamers aren't there to show him the right way to go. A Pac-Man for All Seasons Although the storyline of Pac-Man 2 sounds like it's aimed at a younger audience, it's really a game with enough problem-solving challenges for even the most experienced players. Your timing has to be flawless as you lead Pac-Man on a mine car trip through rocky ledges or help him maneuver his hang glider over treetops. What's really unusual is that Pac-Man 2 is never the same game twice, since players control the story line. When an independent main character, (that's an understatement with Pac-Man), is free to roam, it's like being dropped into the middle of a cartoon on TV - completely unpredictable. Most times, you'll love Pac-Man's personality. Other times, well, let's just say you may find yourself aiming your slingshot his direction (brace yourself for a serious temper tantrum if you hit him). Less experienced and younger gamers, may have a hard time getting to all the levels, but will still enjoy the ever- changing story, upbeat music and animations. PAC FACTS AND HOT HINTS Go with Pac-Man into the arcade where he can play the original Pac-man in it's entirety! When Pac-Man can't reach something, shoot him with the slingshot and he'll jump. Look for the Robbers in the cave. Try making Pac-Man super-angry before you send him after them. If Pac-Man falls backwards and passes out, the "cartoon" ends. But if you're quick enough to hit him with your slingshot, he'll snap out of it. Don't forget to monitor Pac-Mans mood. Keep him happy with food (purple grapes not the green ones) or things to look at (like the butterflies or birds hidden in the trees). After you find Lucy's flowers, take the shortcut home by finding the hidden ropes in the trees. One of the Ghosts has one of the three ID cards needed to open the doors of the factory. To get to the rooftop, find the balloon lady, hit her so she loses her balloons, then watch what happens! Watch out for garbage cans with eyes - you'll find ghosts in them.