Pac-Land (1992-)

• Developer: Namco

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Platform

Pac-Land for the Atari Lynx was developed by Namco and published by Atari in 1992. Originally appearing in arcades in 1984, it was one of the first Pac-Man titles to break away from the traditional maze format, instead presenting a side-scrolling platform adventure. The Lynx version joined several other home releases of the game, including ports for the NES, TurboGrafx-16, and a number of home computers, bringing the arcade experience to a handheld audience. Its release on the Lynx was part of Atari’s effort to bolster the system’s library with well-known arcade properties.

The game took inspiration from both side-scrolling hits of the time and the Pac-Man animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera. This influence was visible in the bright, cartoon-styled visuals and the inclusion of Pac-Man’s family members, giving the game a lighter narrative tone compared to earlier titles. The story centered on Pac-Man’s journey to escort a lost fairy back to her home, a quest that sent him across towns, forests, and deserts filled with hazards and enemies. This new approach marked a turning point for the series, expanding its storytelling beyond the simple ghost-chasing concept.

Gameplay in Pac-Land focused on running, jumping, and dodging obstacles, with a level structure that demanded both speed and precision. The iconic ghosts returned in new forms, appearing in cars, airplanes, and other contraptions to obstruct Pac-Man’s progress. Players could still find Power Pellets scattered along the way, allowing Pac-Man to turn the tables on his ghostly pursuers for a short time. The Lynx port retained the arcade’s fast pace and smooth scrolling, making it one of the more faithful handheld adaptations of the era.

The soundtrack on the Lynx version adapted the cheerful and energetic themes from the arcade, using simple but lively tunes to match the colorful stages and quick action. While Pac-Land did not have a direct prequel, it followed in the footsteps of Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, building on their popularity by exploring a new genre. Its influence continued through later titles such as Pac-Mania and the Pac-Man World series, which expanded on the concept of Pac-Man in platforming adventures. Promotion for the Lynx release emphasized the novelty of a side-scrolling Pac-Man on a handheld, and although reception was generally positive, the game’s impact was muted by the limited reach of the Lynx itself.

Images from MobyGames