Amstrad Computer User


Pacmania
By Grandslam
Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Computer User #52

Pacmania

How do you revive a legend? How do you inject a dose of that certain something into a megastar whose time has been and gone? How can you make Joe Public sit up and take notice?

Well, aging rock stars suddenly discover true commitment and invlve themselves in high profile projects to "Save the Platypus". But what about the fading computer game star - the character who once haunted 1,000 monitors and banished Coronation Street from family TV screens the length and breadth of this fair land? What about Pac-Man?

The answer is simple. He becomes three-dimensional and learns to bounce.

Pac-Mania

In this new version of an old favourite, you have to guide Pac-Man through the 3D maze worlds of Block Town, Pac-Man's Park, Sand Box Land and Jungly Steps. Your aim is to eat all the dots and power pills while avoiding the usual retinue of ghosts.

To make things more difficult, there are now two new ghosts to contend with, spookily named Sue and Funky.

Eating a power pill makes the ghosts temporarily change colour, allowing Pac-Man to gobble them up and earn extra points.

Pac-Mania

The green pills - which in the CPC version are the same colour as everything else but are conveniently labelled G - also give you a temporary speed boost.

The red power pills - that's R to us - award double points. Odd items of fruit which add bonus points to your score appear from time to time.

Pacmania is uncomplicated and can be played at a number of levels of difficulty - truly one for all the family. Add to this the snappy tune and the good graphics and you have a game that is both eyecatching and fun to play.