E3 2013: Pac Man is Getting a Huge Revival, Complete With a New TV Show!

Pac Man has been a gaming icon since before gaming icons were a thing. If you were to sing the beeps and boops of the opening song to a random person on the street, chances are they’ll recognize it before they flag the police for harassment. Over the last few years though, the closest he’s received to recognition are a few remakes of his classic arcade game and as a pick up line in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Namco’s looking to change that, because Pac Man is back in the spotlight, starting with a slew of new media.

Starting this Monday on June 17th, Pac Man will hit the airwaves courtesy of Disney XD. Airing Monday thru Friday with repeats on Saturday, (that’s six days a week people!) Pac Man and the Ghostly Adventures is a 3D animated cartoon where the eater of worlds himself will have to save his city from an evil army of ghost spirits. Introducing new friends and familiar foes along the way, Namco is banking on the idea that kids will eat this stuff up, complete with a toy and merchandise line.

But of course, Pac Man wouldn’t be anything without video games, so a tie in title is on its way. This 3D platformer was made closely with the people behind the animated series to keep both pieces of media in line with each other. Coming to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U an 3DS this fall, the game promises about 8 hours of story mode game play with 1-4 player multiplayer modes to round out the experience. In the playable demo that was on display, Pac-Man could attack by eating ghosts, eat special pelletts that transform him into new forms, (like the Iguana form that lets him swing and eat with his retractable tounge,) and force ghosts to turn blue and run away with a retro sounding scream. He ran really slow, and his eating attack had pathetic range, so I’m hoping some extra development time can iron out these issues. However, as a platforming fan, the game is looking like a solid title for its intended demographic.

While the 3DS version wasn’t on display, it was said to be a 2D sidescroller that uses the same art style as the TV show and console games. While the console version is said to have a medium level of difficulty, the 3DS is intended to be the system of choice for younger gamers with Pac Man. Because of this, it’s said to be the easier version of the two, so all ages can find the title that’s appropriate for them.

It’s clear to see that Namco wants Pac-Man back in a huge way. With Pac Man and the Ghostly Adventures, it seems like they’re all in; planning to give the icon the reception he deserves. With three games, (including Pac Man Championship Edition DX and Pac Man Museum,) a TV show and a toy line, a whole new generation will have the chance to fall in love with the yellow disc all over again.