Pac-Man VS, a unique four-player version of Pac-Man originally released for GameCube in 2003, will appear on Nintendo DS this summer as part of Namco Museum DS.
This is awesome. Co-developed by Namco and Nintendo, Pac-Man VS was lots of fun on GameCube -- but since the person playing as Pac-Man had to use a Game Boy Advance as a controller, it was inconvenient and frustrating to get a game going. On DS, everyone already has their own view of the action -- and four can play using one DS card.
And here I was all ready to slam Namco Museum DS for being just another rehash of the same old games. To be fair, besides Pac-Man VS, it is -- Dig Dug II, Xevious, Pac-Man, Mappy, Galaxian, Galaga, and Tower of Druaga. How many times can Namco release the same arcade games? At least at $20 -- and with a possible killer app packed in the box, if they do it right -- Namco Museum might have some unique value.
NAMCO BANDAI GAMES
BRINGS SUMMER FUN TO THE NINTENDO DS WITH
NAMCO MUSEUM™ DS
Gamers Will Experience a Namco Blast From the Past
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 10, 2007) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Namco MuseumTM DS is bringing its popular arcade games to the Nintendo DSTM this summer. Namco Museum DS introduces a new generation of gamers to an era of timeless games and non-stop entertainment.
Namco Museum DS allows gamers to experience a virtual arcade portal where they can choose from up to eight games: Pac-Man®, Pac-Man VS®, Galaga®, Xevious®, Dig Dug II®, Galaxian®, Mappy®, and The Tower of Druaga. Bringing back the meaning of family-fun, Namco Museum DS delivers excitement to gamers of all ages and offers entertainment all can enjoy.
“Namco Museum DS is a perfect way to bridge generation gaps between all people both old and young,” Makoto Iwai , Executive Vice President and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., said. “Older gamers will love the old school arcade feel, and new gamers will enjoy the addicting quality of the games on a handheld system.”
Features that are unique to Namco Museum DS include a screen mode selection that allows the use of different screen combinations on the Nintendo DS. This will allow players the chance to fit their classic games specifically to the Nintendo DS or in the "stand-up" arcade style. Players can also enjoy wireless battles in Pac-Man VS, an addictive take on Pac-Man which was previously only available exclusively with the purchase or pre-order of previous games. This version of the game features downloadable play where up to four players can battle using only one Game Card.
Namco Museum DS Includes:
Pac-Man VS.
Originally released in 2003 – For the first time in the series, you and your friends now have the chance to be the famous Ghosts from Pac-Man! With one person playing as Pac-Man, and up to 3 people playing as Ghosts, this incredibly fun multiplayer game offers endless enjoyment with just one game card.
Dig Dug II
Originally released in 1987 – Equipped with only a drill and a pump, hit weak fault line points in an attempt to sink portions of an island sending your enemies deep into the sea!
Galaga
Originally released in 1981 – Pilot a space ship, fend off frantic swarms of bee-like aliens, try your luck with “Challenging Stages,” and find the best way to deal with enemies’ powerful tractor beams!
Galaxian
Originally released in 1979 – A precursor to Galaga, destroy flying aliens as they move in from formation to attack you.
Mappy
Originally released in 1983 – Control Mappy, a police mouse. Bounce on trampolines and open or close doors to dodge chasing cats, all in an attempt to retrieve valuable items from the cats’ mansion
Pac-Man
Originally released in 1980 – Play the most popular arcade game of all time! Navigate the yellow fellow through the original Pac-Man maze, avoid ghosts while chomping pellets and fruit, and use power pellets to turn the ghosts blue and get some payback!
Xevious
Originally released in 1982 – Use a heavily armed fighter plane to destroy enemies and targets in the air and on the ground.
For more information about Namco Museum DS, please visit the official site at www.namcobandaigames.com Namco Museum DS will have a suggested retail price of $19.99 when it hits shelves this Summer.
