The gaming world is currently obsessed with remakes. We’ve seen it with Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and most recently, the yellow puffball himself. When Bandai Namco released Pac-Man World Re-PAC in 2022, it wasn't just a nostalgia trip; it was a litmus test for the franchise's viability in the modern era. Naturally, the conversation immediately shifted to the inevitable sequel. But there is a specific, niche obsession growing within the community regarding Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures and the potential for a physical merchandise line that actually does the series justice.
Collectors are tired of low-effort vinyls. We want the ghosts. We want the roller skating. Honestly, we want the specific aesthetic of the 2002 sequel brought into the physical world with the polish of a modern Re-PAC release.
The Reality of Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC Figures
Let’s be real for a second: Bandai Namco has a weird relationship with its own history. While they are quick to license Pac-Man's likeness for everything from coffee mugs to high-end watches, the specific sub-series of the "World" games often gets the short end of the stick. If you look at the original Pac-Man World 2 era, merchandise was scattered. You had some basic plastic figures, some plushies, and if you were lucky, maybe a promotional standee from a GameStop that didn't smell like old cardboard.
The demand for Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures is fueled by the hope that a remake of the second game—widely considered the peak of the platforming trilogy—would launch alongside a dedicated line of high-quality collectibles. We aren't just talking about a standard Pac-Man standing still. Fans are looking for the specific power-ups. Think about the Fire Pac-Man or the Ice Pac-Man designs. Those aren't just palette swaps; they represent specific gameplay moments that defined childhoods.
Why the 2002 Designs Still Hit Different
The character models in the second game had a certain "edge" to them that the original game lacked. Pac-Man looked a bit more determined. The ghosts—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde—had distinct personalities that translated well to 3D. When rumors of a Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC start circulating, the first thing collectors ask is whether we will get a "Pac-Village" playset or articulated figures of the Ghost Gang in their mechanical suits.
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It’s about the mechanical bosses too. Remember Blade? Or the Whale? These aren't just enemies; they are set pieces. A high-end figure line would need to capture the scale of these encounters. Most "modern" Pac-Man toys feel like they belong in a preschooler’s toy box. The Re-PAC audience is older now. We have disposable income. We want something that looks good on a shelf next to a First 4 Figures statue or a high-end Nendoroid.
Comparing What We Have to What We Need
If you look at the current market, Bandai Namco has partnered with companies like Tamashii Nations for the S.H.Figuarts line. They released a Pac-Man figure that was actually pretty decent. It had swappable hands and expressions. But it was "Generic Pac-Man." It wasn't "World 2" Pac-Man.
The distinction matters.
The Pac-Man World 2 aesthetic involves more dynamic posing. It involves the environment of the Pacific Ocean, the snowy mountains, and the lava pits. A true Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures collection would ideally include:
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- Environmental Bases: Figures shouldn't just stand on a black circle. They need a slice of the Level 1 forest or a piece of a sunken ship.
- The Ghost Gang’s Submarines: This is the big one. The boss fights in the second game were heavily vehicle-based.
- Scale Accuracy: If they make a Ms. Pac-Man (or Pac-Mom, depending on the legal mess surrounding the character rights), she needs to scale correctly with the rest of the village residents.
Actually, the legal drama with AtGames over Ms. Pac-Man is a huge hurdle for any Re-PAC merchandise. It's why she was replaced by "Pac-Mom" in the first Re-PAC game. Any future figure line for a sequel would likely have to follow suit, which is a bitter pill for purists to swallow. But honestly? Most of us just want a high-quality sculpt of the ghosts.
The Problem With Modern "Blind Boxes"
There is a fear that any new Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures would be relegated to the "blind box" or "mystery mini" format. It's a cheap way to move units, but it’s frustrating for collectors. You end up with five Inkys and zero Clyde. Given the complexity of the World 2 designs, a premium approach—similar to what Totaku did for Sony characters or what Amiibo did for Nintendo—would be much more appropriate.
What Collectors Should Look For Right Now
Since a Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC hasn't been officially "shadow-dropped" yet, true figures for the remake don't exist in a retail capacity. However, the secondary market for the original 2002 merchandise is heating up. If you're looking to build a collection in anticipation of a potential Re-PAC announcement, you need to be smart.
- Check Japanese Auctions: Sites like Buyee or Mercari Japan often have "Pac-Man World" era gashapon (capsule toys) that never made it to the States. They are small, but the sculpts are surprisingly accurate to the in-game models.
- Verify the Paint: Older figures from the early 2000s were notorious for "sticky plastic syndrome" (plasticizer migration). If you’re buying vintage to fill the gap until a Re-PAC release, ask the seller about the texture of the figure.
- Custom Commisions: There is a massive community on Instagram and Twitter (X) of 3D modelers who take the ripped assets from Pac-Man World Re-PAC and 3D print them. Some of these fan-made Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures actually look better than what a corporate factory would produce.
The Role of Amiibo and NFC Tech
If Bandai Namco decides to go all-out, they could integrate NFC technology into a figure line. Imagine scanning a Clyde figure and unlocking his playable skin in the game. It worked for Smash Bros, and it would definitely work for a Pac-Man platformer. The "Re-PAC" branding implies a modernization of the experience, and physical-to-digital rewards are a proven way to drive sales for both the game and the plastic.
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Why This Matters for the Future of the Franchise
Pac-Man isn't just a circle anymore. He's a character with a world, a family (or a legally distinct version of one), and a history of 3D platforming that rivals the greats. The demand for Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures shows that the fanbase isn't just looking for a quick hit of 8-bit nostalgia. We want the 3D era to be respected.
We want to see the Golden Fruit. We want to see the treasure chests.
The transition from the first World remake to the second is the most critical jump for Bandai Namco. The first game was a fairly linear, contained experience. The second game is an odyssey. The merchandise needs to reflect that scale. If they miss the mark and just give us more 8-bit pixel art statues, they’re ignoring the very people who made the Re-PAC project a success in the first place.
Practical Steps for Fans and Collectors
Don't just wait for an announcement. The best way to signal demand to a company like Bandai Namco is through engagement with existing "Re-PAC" content and being vocal on social media.
- Support the First Re-PAC: If the sales numbers aren't there for the first remake, the second one (and its figures) will never happen.
- Follow Official Licensing Partners: Keep an eye on companies like First 4 Figures or Good Smile Company. They often run polls asking which classic gaming characters fans want to see next.
- Archive Your Finds: If you own original Pac-Man World 2 toys, document them. Sharing photos of vintage collections often sparks the "trend" that marketing teams use to justify new product lines.
The potential for a high-quality line of Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC figures is massive, but it requires the publisher to recognize that Pac-Man’s identity in the early 2000s is just as iconic as his 1980s debut. Until that announcement drops, keep your eyes on the collectors' market and your consoles ready for the next level.