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Pac-in-Time

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The evil Ghost Witch has cast a vicious spell on Pac-Man and thrown him back in time to when he was a Pac-Boy. Only you can save him now. Down some Pac-Pellets and get ready to battle your way through a totally supersonic side-scrolling adventure. Journey through snowy mountains and forests, coll...

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Developer
Kalisto Entertainment

Size
1 Player

Version
Game Gear

Requirements
Sega Game Gear

Downloads
Action

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

The evil Ghost Witch has cast a vicious spell on Pac-Man and thrown him back in time to when he was a Pac-Boy. Only you can save him now. Down some Pac-Pellets and get ready to battle your way through a totally supersonic side-scrolling adventure. Journey through snowy mountains and forests, collect fireballs and bubbles, crunch Pac-Bats and ghosts, swim like a fish and swing like a monkey… and ultimately get Pac-Man back to the real world!

Sega Mega Drive and Sega Game Gear versions were announced at CES 1995, but were ultimately cancelled for unknown reasons. A prototype of the Game Gear version has since been found and released online.

Pac-in-Time

Overview & History

Released in 1995 by Namco, Pac-In-Time for the Sega Game Gear takes our iconic yellow hero out of the deterministic maze and plunges him into a side-scrolling platform adventure. Developed by Kalisto Entertainment, this title serves as a fascinating prequel/sequel hybrid. The plot kicks off when the clumsy ghost witch Motodachi uses a magic crystal to curse Pac-Man, reverting him back to his original sphere-like, unlimbed form and trapping him in the treacherous fairytale realm of the past. To break the spell and return to his modern 2D self, Pac-Man must navigate intricate environments filled with environmental puzzles, disgruntled monsters, and hidden collectibles. While the game also saw releases on the Super Nintendo and PC, the Game Gear adaptation impressively squeezes the vibrant, sprite-dense action into the portable's 8-bit, backlit screen, offering a uniquely challenging rendition of Pac-Man's rare foray into the genre.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard platformers where jumping is the primary traversal method, Pac-In-Time relies heavily on a specialized set of physics-based tools that Pac-Man collects across stages. Because he lacks legs, he must utilize a tightly wound rope to rappel across chasms, swing from anchor points, and reel himself up vertical shafts. Later levels introduce the bouncing bubble power-up, allowing him to float safely over spikes and reach dizzying heights, alongside the fireballs that let him melt obstacles and defeat classic enemies like Blinky and Pinky. Each stage demands careful exploration rather than mere speed, as Pac-Man must rescue trapped ghost-friends and gobble up all the dots scattered through the labyrinthine platforms before the exit portal unlocks. The Game Gear version distinguishes itself with cleverly redesigned screen scrolling and tighter puzzle layouts, testing both spatial logic and platforming precision.