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The layouts for these sections of each level are particularly well thought out, putting the power pellets in further out of the way places and adding more pitfalls and other dangers in the way to keep this from becoming an easy snack. Yet with controls that are spot on and the ability to control the camera with the second analogue stick, the challenge never results in controller-smashing frustration. Unlike the more traditional (though still 3D) maze challenges that occasionally crop up, usually as bonuses. Pac-man speeds through these narrow corridors while turning like an overweight top, requiring quick reflexes to clear.
As a whole, the game presents challenges that keeps you interested without leaving you begging for mercy. The normally bright and colorful levels offer multiple pathways to reach your end objectives, along with a sprinkling of monsters to keep things interesting without becoming impossible.
Gradually, new aspects are introduced to help in navigating more treacherous areas, like vanishing platforms and butt-bouncing trampolines. Things that were seen first in the early Mario and Sonic titles, but never feel out of place. The offer of easy and normal difficulties let kids in on the fun without making it too dumbed down for adults, though even a fair weather platformer fan can traverse the game world without too much trouble if he ignores the various fruits and other items waiting to be collected just out of reach. Though if you pass them by your first time through, you can make another grab at them via level select.
The main extra is an interview with Pac-man creator, Toru Iwatani, who not only talks about the little yellow wonder, but aspects of game design that are just as important now as they were twenty five years ago. It's great to see for Pac-man fans, or just fans of games in general. The rest though is a bit disappointing though. You have the original Pac-man coin-op that's already been seen in too many console ports to count, a Pac timeline that's also had other appearances, a trailer for Pac-man World Rally that's essentially an advertisement, and the numerous cards you earn through whatever you collect in the main game. Cards that are really just a small picture and nothing more; certainly not worth the effort it takes to capture them all.
Pac-man World 3 isn't startlingly original. Many game elements are borrowed from previous incarnations or other popular platformers. Yet it's well put together, with a story where I was eager see and hear what will happen next, that it only left me wishing for more; at least a more tangible bonus or extra for all the cherries, oranges, statues, and cards I collected. Though with only a $30 asking price, it's an easy recommend for kids wanting a game that's fun and not too frustrating, and adults wanting a challenge that won't leave them taking Namco's name in vain.
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