Namco has announced that it will release Pac-Man World 2 for the Nintendo GameCube early next year. As the follow-up to the original, which was released in 1999, Pac-Man World 2 will reportedly make a number of improvements to its predecessor.

　　Pac-Man World 2 is set in Pac-Land, and the object of the game is to retrieve five pieces of golden fruit from a gang of thieving ghosts. There will be six different areas included in the game, with 15 mazes and 20 levels. In addition to the moves seen in the original Pac-Man World, the sequel will include the ability to use inline skates, ice skates, and a submarine equipped with a Gatling gun. Pac-Man will also have the ability to shrink or turn into steel.

　　There will be a wealth of new enemies in the game, and the antagonist from the prior game, Spooky, will be making a return appearance. As players collect the tokens hidden throughout the game, they may spend them to play classic versions of Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man in the village arcade. A time trial mode will also be included that will allow players to hone their skills in any of the previously completed levels.

　　Pac-Man World 2 for the GameCube is currently scheduled for release early next year. We'll have more information as it becomes available.