Pac-Mania on the Sega Master System is one of those weird, slightly janky but totally charming takes on Pac-Man. Instead of the usual flat maze, you get this pseudo-3D perspective where Pac-Man can actually jump over ghosts—which sounds small but completely changes how you play. The ghosts still have their classic behaviors (Blinky’s aggressive, Pinky’s sneaky, etc.), but now you can yeet yourself over them when they corner you.

The music’s got that classic late-80s arcade vibe, all bouncy and energetic, though the Master System version’s sound chip makes it a little tinny. First time I played, I kept jumping unnecessarily just because it felt so ridiculous watching Pac-Man hop around like he’s on a trampoline. Some of the later levels get brutal with maze layouts, but that’s part of the fun—it’s Pac-Man, but with just enough of a twist to keep you on your toes.