This is another under the radar gem, and this is my third favorite Pac Man game in the series, which is ironic as this is technically the third in the series. This entry was a hit in the 80's though not as big as "Ms Pacman" but it was good enough that it got it two arcade ports, one for the Atari 2600 and 5200. Though sadly as time went on became a lost and forgotten entry as there haven't been any other ports, let alone this game is hardly even visible in arcades except in the multicades and wherever else you can access. Though this in a strange way makes this game even more special, as it's gained a bit of a cult following over the years.
This is really a unique entry because as challenging as the previous and even latter Pac Man games are this one in my book is the most challenging as it takes itself a step further with some features making it unique from the others.
Gameplay as usual is the same which I'm fine with as a saying goes, "if it's not broke don't fix it". The character you play is really fast a little faster than "Ms. Pacman" which makes sense as this is their young kid and we all know most kids do have an extensive amount of energy. But once again you have the ghost whom aren't as fast but they still outnumber you and as you go a level up or two, they do get a little faster which makes this all the more challenging. You even have some of the cut scenes when you reach a certain point which are fun as usual.
For one thing the mazes are really long, there about three sections of screen in length, which makes this game you could say a game of endurance and survival as you really have your work cut out for you, though considering the fact your bucking it it won't take too long. But this game gets more challenging and interesting, just like with "Ms.Pacman" as you have cleared one maze you then have a whole new maze to clear, which leaves you very little time for orientation.
Another thing is the bonus items in the game which don't consist of food but toys like a Tricycle, Train, etc. Each of these items constantly move making them moving targets which of course makes the task of chomping them down a little harder. However, whenever the tricycle or any other toy moves off around the maze, the dots on its path turn big. These dots are bonuses that double your points however there is a risk because while you eat them you slow down which gives the ghosts opportunity to tag you; so it's a risk reward factor.
Overall, I feel about the same about this game as I do for the previous games "Ms. Pacman" (game I reviewed) and "Pacmania" that are higher on my list. So, if you're a fan of the franchise or just a plain fan of retro games, this is an entry that is worth checking out; "Jr Pac Man" is big fun.
Rating: 4 stars
