Pac-Man
For the most part, Namco has made the wise decision to keep Pac-Man free of dialogue. His interpretation in Smash Bros. was about as perfect as it comes, spouting out little more than arcade sound effects and the classic ‘wakka wakka’ as he gobbled up his foes. Occasionally, he does grunt, groan and emote in games like Street Fighter x Tekken, but that’s acceptable fare, as it doesn’t sully that cheeky charm that made him famous.
Things take a turn for the worst, however, whenever they dare give him a speaking role, a crime upon Pac-man and Pac-nature alike. It was reasonable in the ’80s cartoon version, because it wouldn’t have made a great deal of sense having a silent protagonist leering at his family whenever they asked him a question. It’s much less tolerable in Pac-Man World 3, as the previously mute Pac has full-on discussions and banter. Banter? From Pac-Man? Get it as far away from me as possible!!
The other aspect of this is that, in fairness, Pac-Man is kind of a jerk. When he says nothing, instead grinning like a buffoon, it’s beguiling. When he’s reeling off one-liners in between reckless assault on unfortunate ghosts, it’s much less so.
