Grandslam - PacMania (ZX Spectrum)

PacMania is obviously graphically inferior to MadMix 2. In particular, whereas MadMix 2 uses proper isometric 3D, this game has a flattened x-axis. The enemies are also less varied and the backgrounds less imaginative.

However, in terms of gameplay I think I prefer PacMania. The difficulty is about right; the level layouts are straightforward and power pills don't run away from you! Also, it's satisfying to see the ghosts respond visibly when you munch a power pill... something which MadMix 2 lacks.

Since most people tend to play Pacman in short bursts, the ability to start on different stages helps to sustain interest long-term. MadMix 2 basically forces you to play from the beginning each time.

So which version is best? Well, I think the AY sound on PacMania is much better than on MadMix 2... so 128K owners and PacMan purists might do best to choose PacMania. On the other hand, 48K owners and action lovers should on balance go with MadMix 2.

Who am I kidding... Go to WOS and download them both. :)

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• pacmania
• sinclair
• zx
• spectrum
• pacman

[TheActionGameMaster]

Looks incredible for the Spectrum. It even has some music in it, which doesn't seem to be common for some Speccy games. THen again, I don't know a lot about the system and well Im 14 so I really wouldn't have seen it back in the day.

[kojiki1976]

@TheActionGameMaster It's nice to hear the Spectrum is known by at least a few people of your generation! It is a wonderful machine.

[macwhoelse]

Good stuff. Loved this game on the Amiga. First time I have seen the Spectrum version. They made a pretty good & accurate conversion! Amazing what they could get out of the 8bit computers.

[kojiki1976]

I think I did play the Amiga version back in the day, but it came off worse in comparison to Spindizzy Worlds which I already owned.

That's not a strong criticism of PacMania, because Spindizzy Worlds is one of my favourite games ever.

Anyway, I would like to see it again so I think I will upload it at some point.

[skjamog]

dude, the music for this is so good! and I love the pickup noise <click> :D

[TheActionGameMaster]

@kojiki1976 Yeah well for me I really don't specialize in the older computers like this and the Amiga. I would know more about the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. I actually collect for both of those systems, and so far have about 30 games for each of them. Plus, I have the Super Game Boy add-on for SNES and therefore I also have perhaps 20 Game Boy carts ready to go.

[Pacfan98]

spock

[gumdeo]

Good music.

[Meganeo5]

Nice conversion. But the dot collecting sound effect is weird. Sounds like someone tapping on the microphone.