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Information Page: Pac-Panic
Game TitlePublisherProducerCD-i ConversionDateGenreRequirementsCD-i Emulator Compatibility
Pac-PanicPhilips MediaNamco LtdPhilips ADS (Advanced Development and Support)1995Puzzle-100% Playable / Issues with Sound

Game Cover
Catalogue Numbers:
8100315 (European)
Box Art:
European Front Cover
European Back Cover
European Picture CD
Manual:
European CD Jewel Case Manual
Relevant Articles & Interviews:
Interview with Johnny Wood
Pac-Panic the Missing Frames
Game Facts: This was the game that launched Philips ADS as a game developer in their own right.

From the Disc

Most CD-i Games have "Abstract", "Bibliographic" and "Copyright" details on the softwares disc itself, any interesting information in these files can be found below.

Abstract: Pac Panic. Three mode game consisting of a normal, tetris style, game. A 100 level puzzle game. And a two player mode.

Bibliographic: People involved in title

    Jon Wood
    Andy Morton
    Tom Drummond
    Dave Hawkins
    Sarah Scadgell
    Paul Reid
    Chris Thorne
    Chris Linford
    Dave McElhatten

Copyright: Copyright Philips Media Games, (c) 1995





Philips CD-i Screenshot Genesis/Megadrive Screenshot

Quality Conversion: In terms of quality the CD-i Conversion was above and beyond any other version on offer at the time. Don't take our word for it as proof of this fact can be found with comparison between a similar screenshot of the CD-i version (Pictured to the left) and the Genesis/Megadrive iteration (Pictured to the right). Each image is in a native NTSC resolution which for the CD-i was 720*480 and the Genesis was 320*240, click on each respective image for the real screensize resolution for either system for closer comparison.

Pac-Panic Storyboard: Following the fantastic Introductory sequence in Lemmings compiled by Johnny Wood he was eager to apply the same treatment to Pac-Panic. So, with a sketch book and pencil in hand he illustrated a frame by frame composition to sell the idea. Unfortunately a lack of time and money for the project meant this sequence never materialised. However we can finally show the original ideas that Johnny sketched right here! For the full storyboard and script follow the link to Pac-Panic the Missing Frames article, with further commentary from Johnny Wood.

Pac-Panic Storyboard 1 Pac-Panic Storyboard 2 Pac-Panic Storyboard 4 Pac-Panic Storyboard 5

CD-i Emulator Compatibility: This section covers crucial details concerning performance of this specific game under emulation through CD-i Emulator. It will state the CD-i Player Rom used during the test, what version of CD-i Emulator was used, which program the Disc Image was created from, specifications of the test PC and also provide screenshots of the emulator in action. Also included is an account of the test and most importantly if the game is playable through CD-i Emulator. Rather than an exhaustive list of tests with various ROMS and different PC rigs it's hoped that this section gives some insight into the progress of CD-i Emulator. For the most recent updates to CD-i Emulator and compatibility it's suggested you visit the CD-i Emulator Homepage.

    CD-i Player ROM: CD-i 350
    CD-i Emulator Version: 0.5.2
    CD-i Disc Image created using: Golden Hawk Technology CDRWIN 4.0A

    Operating System: Windows XP Professional
    Processor (CPU): 3.2GHZ Intel Pentium 4 HT
    Memory: 1GIG
    Graphics Card: 256MB ATI 9800XT
    Graphics Depth: 32BIT
    Sound Card: Sound Blaster Platinum Audigy 2 ZS

Details of Tests: The Philips Media title screen appears and plays with sound accurately and then disappears leaving a black screen where it remains until an action button is presssed. This leads into the Namco title screen followed by the Pac-Panic title screen where music begins to play momentarily but suddenly stops whilst the game continues to function. From hereon in the sound fails to play completely. The Pac-Panic title screen remains until an action button is pressed, progressing to the Main Menu. From the Main Menu screen all options of the game are available and play normally although without any sound. In conclusion, besides the issues with the sound and title screens halting normal progression of the game, Pac-Panic is 100% playable.

Philips Media Screen Namco Screen Pac-Panic Screen Main Menu Screen Gameplay Screen 1 Gameplay Screen 2 Credits Screen

Release Information & The Rumour Mill

European Release: This game was distributed in a plain regular CD jewel case with a seperate manual all housed in a closed slipcase.

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