PAC-MAN has hit the shelves once again, marking another resurgence of the iconic yellow glutton. First making an appearance in 1980, PAC-MAN continues to be a celebrity on the gaming scene. My Arcade has collaborated with Bandai to create a miniaturised version of the classic arcade game. The PAC-MAN Joystick Player is a portable retro arcade machine fitted with a 3.5″ screen and built-in speakers. This machine boasts two game modes and two-player play in one small package. Retro gaming has lasted the test of time and remained popular amongst gamers and hipsters alike, making this a potential hit for collectors. For this review, I combined forces with mum, a 70s baby who lived through the PAC-MAN hype first hand.
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First Impressions
First impressions of the My Arcade PAC-MAN Joystick Player is the packaging. The packaging is simple and maintains the theme with a simple border design shaped like the machine inside. The classic PAC-MAN logo is featured and small enough that the Joystick Player remains the main focal point. Each package contains a My Arcade Certificate of Authenticity, confirming the product is officially licensed by Bandai. This is a cool little addition, making the Joystick Player seem more valuable. Realistically, there is no serial number attached to the certificate so one could be easily faked to up value knock-offs. Still, the concept is quite fun.
Build and Durability
The PAC-MAN Joystick Player is incredibly light yet still sturdy. It withstood a good shake and a few (accidental) tumbles. There’s a plastic cover protecting the screen that’s printed with the PAC-MAN game scene. The game interface is simple – a screen, four buttons, and the joystick. The joystick itself has the familiar clunkiness of a life-size retro arcade machine. It’s sturdy in its socket and feels durable, rather than the cheap tacky plastic most mini machines used. The same can be said of the overall machine. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, like an actual console instead of a mini-machine Nothing but the best for PAC-MAN I suppose.
The battery compartment is on the rear of the machine. This PAC-MAN machine takes four AA-battery. I was briefly surprised and annoyed by this, as I expect most electronics to be rechargeable. I then looked down and saw the USB-C port, so this electronic is indeed rechargeable using a wire most people have in possession. Audio comes from the small speaker just above the battery component. The volume is adjusted using the plus and minus shaped buttons on either side of the power switch. An audio jack is available for sound output. The power switch requires a firm push and makes an audible click, giving it that clunky retro feel.
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Performance
There isn’t much I can say for performance – it’s PAC-MAN, just miniature. Fans of the original, or of similar retro games, will no doubt enjoy this PAC-MAN Joystick Player. It’s true to original with the gameplay and graphics. The only difference is the pixels are much, much clearer. Players start the game by adding ‘credits’ to the machine before selecting play-mode. I struggled with directing my little PAC-MAN with the joystick, but this was simply a skill issue. Handing the game to my mum, she smashed it.
Two-player mode isn’t simultaneous play. With the size of the machine, simultaneous play would be near impossible. Instead, the second player begins when the first player dies and vice versa until all lives are used up. This adds pressure to keep the game out of your friends hands and claim the highest score. Speed Up mode is the same game with added anxiety. Everything remains the same but PAC-MAN picks up speed, flying across the map. Both modes are fun, but if I continued to play on speed-up mode the Joystick Player would also be flying… out the window. Audio comes from one small speaker, giving it a tinny sound reminiscent of retro arcades. This is a nice hit of nostalgia and, similar to real arcades, only fuels the game-induced rage.
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Summary
Overall, the My Arcade PAC-MAN Joystick Player was a great gadget for nostalgic fun. Its portable size makes it easy to take to parties and gathering for easy entertainment. I also found it to be a great shared experience between myself and my mum, and a way to introduce new generations to the classics. The certificate of authenticity gives it a sense of legitimacy that makes it feel more valuable than just a toy. More importantly, the Joystick Player is sturdy and durable, making it fit for travel or being manhandled by a toddler. I can’t speak for how it performs over time, but so far I’m more than happy with the product.
The review unit for this article was provided by Adrenalin Solutions
