Three years ago, the lack of any real innovation was much easier to swallow. The sequel retains tight character control, some simple, but enjoyable environmental puzzles, and makes good use of the Pac-Man license, but it fails to bring anything new to the platformer table. Pac-Man World 3 from developer Blitz Games and Namco continues the gameplay fundamentals first laid down with 2002's title. In 2002, this generation of players was introduced to Pac's latest form in Pac-Man World 2, a game that married traditional 3D platformer mechanics with Pac-style themes.
But with each new iteration, some hint of the traditional wocka-wocka-surrounded maze presentation that started Pac-Mania remains. And like any good mascot, he has adapted to suit the changing tastes of players. The little yellow gobbler, whose beginnings can be traced back to a partially eaten pizza, according to series creator Toru Iwatani, has endured for more than 25 years. Few videogame mascots possess either the history or the continued popularity of Namco's classic Pac-Man.
