Everyone knows who/what PAC-MAN is. Its gameplay is a classic, but what if we introduce him into a Doodle Jump like world?

PAC’N-JUMP (Universal: $0.99)

I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t skeptical when I first heard of this game. The description alone looks like its set up for doom. Oh boy how wrong was I in thinking that. Namco was finally able to develop a fantastic PAC-MAN game tailored for the iOS and its gamers.

Highlights

• Help PAC-MAN escape from each hole (stage), chock-full of PAC-DOTS, POWER PELLETS, pesky GHOSTS, FRUIT and other surprises.
• Achieve stellar scores and unlock additional themed stages, where you’ll need to keep on the look out for ambushes by classic NAMCO characters, like the Galaga BOSS, while staying prepared to enact your revenge! Can you unlock them all?
• Become the world champion with support for GameCenter leaderboards and achievements!

There are four stages at the moment. The first stage is the main PAC-MAN room while the second is a Dig Dug inspired room complete with Dig Dug enemies. This level is reminiscent of the Doodle Jump Halloween theme where the view is slightly obstructed.

You can play this game in three ways: tilt, analog or digital mode. The tilt is of course the default control mode and is really how you should play the game. PAC’N-JUMP supports both retina and iPad displays for extreme epicness.

The only problem I have with the game is that compared to Doodle Jump, PAC-MAN looks like he’ll reach a platform above where he is now but instead, he doesn’t. I think the coding needs to be recalibrated a bit to allow this change. It’s a little off putting to see him reach a platform and fall one below.

Besides that, this game is pure gold. Congrats to the Namco team for updating the PAC-MAN without really losing its charm.