Pac-Land (World) (Namcot Collection, Namco Museum Archives Vol 2)

Pac-Land is a unique side-scrolling platformer that marked Pac-Man's transition from a maze environment to a colorful adventure world. In the game, players control Pac-Man on a noble quest: to escort a group of lost fairies back to their homeland. This journey is divided into several "trips," each comprising multiple distinct stages.

The gameplay of Pac-Land is straightforward yet engaging. Pac-Man can move left or right, jump onto platforms, and even "fly" for a short duration by holding the jump button. The main objective in each stage is to travel from the starting point to the end, usually marked by a bus or a teleport gate, where Pac-Man will help the fairies board. Along the way, players need to collect "power pellets" to temporarily turn ghosts blue, allowing Pac-Man to eat them for points. Without a "power pellet," colliding with a ghost will result in losing a life.

The stages in Pac-Land are diverse in terrain, ranging from flat roads, dense forests, and deserts to watery areas and complex obstacles. Players must skillfully avoid the colorful ghosts like Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, as well as various other enemies that appear in the environment. Notably, there are hidden items such as helmets that grant Pac-Man temporary invincibility to one hit, or shoes that increase speed. After successfully completing a trip, Pac-Man returns home, and the player continues to the next trip with increasing difficulty.

A highlight of Pac-Land is its bright graphics and cheerful music, creating a friendly and accessible atmosphere. It was one of the pioneering games in the platformer genre and significantly influenced many subsequent titles.