CHAMP Pac-em is basically just what it sounds like - a PacMan clone. It is pretty much identical to the original PacMan, but CHAMP Pac-em came out of CHAMProgramming as a version of the hit arcade game that had updated graphics, audio, control scheme, everything.
It's classic eat-em-up - your goal in life is to move around a little maze, avoiding "Gobl-ems" and eating dots. There's the old power-up of the power pill, of course, which turns your normally frightful enemies into slow, edible treats for a short period of time.
It keeps its role as main strategic device. Also, all the original levels (as well as the humorous intermissions) have been retained. However, there are some new tricks in this version of an old classic.
The "CHAMP" mode of the game allows you to have a little bit of enhanced fun. First of all, there are so-called "speed patches." These work like boost strips in many contemporary racing games. Take Pac-em over one of these babies, and whoosh - he's off like greased lightning. Just make sure you know what is on the other side. You would hate to rifle into an enemy. Also, there are teleporters on the map. As you might expect, they teleport you straight to the other one,
lickety-split. Combined with the traditional method of going of the middle of the screen to the left or right and appearing on the other side, you have three very effective methods of avoiding the enemy while gorging yourself on pixelly goodness.
One more neat little extra is the addition of "invisible" mazes. This doesn't sound all that hard at first, right? Just follow the dots around the maze, and you'll be fine. Wrong. Once you start your incessant rampage, you'll soon realize that you don't know the map as well as you thought you did. With no more dots to guide you, you're often left trying to bumble around towards more dots, a power pill, anything to save yourself.
All in all, CHAMP Pac-em is a worthwhile update to a timeless classic. While it may not be as stunning as some of the more modern renditions with 3D graphics and huge maps, it's very successful at giving a fresh look and feel to a nostalgic game. Nice touches such as brighter colors and updated bonuses (from the original fruits to burgers, fries, and sodas) simply add to an already great game. Definitely worth a download!
