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1980

Pac-Man

Short Overview

Pac-Man is one of the most iconic arcade games of all time, released in 1980. Thanks to its simple yet incredibly addictive gameplay, it became a worldwide cultural icon and one of the most recognizable symbols of the arcade era.

Pac-Man

Basics

  • Release1980
  • DeveloperNamco
  • North American PublisherMidway Manufacturing
  • GenreMaze
  • Players1 player
  • HardwareNamco Pac-Man arcade system

The Four Ghosts

Blinky – the red chaserPinky – tries to cut you off ahead of timeInky – unpredictable movementClyde – alternates between chasing and retreating

Various bonus items appear throughout the levels, worth increasing points at higher stages:

Cherry 🍒Strawberry 🍓Orange 🍊Apple 🍎Melon 🍈Galaxian shipBell 🔔Key 🔑

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Insert Coin

Objective

Guide Pac-Man through the maze and eat all the yellow dots while avoiding the four ghosts. The level is complete once every dot has been cleared. Eating one of the four power pellets in the corners lets Pac-Man briefly turn the tables and eat the ghosts for bonus points.

Fun Facts

  • The game's original Japanese name was Puck Man.
  • Pac-Man's shape was inspired by a pizza with a slice missing.
  • It was one of the first games to widely attract female players, a rarity in the arcade world at the time.
  • The legendary level 256 is essentially unbeatable due to a programming bug known as the 'kill screen.'
  • In a perfect game, all 255 levels can be completed by collecting every dot, fruit, and ghost.

Why Did It Become Legendary?

Pac-Man's simple rules, easy-to-learn controls, and gradually increasing difficulty made it a favorite across generations. Its distinctive sounds, iconic maze, and the ghosts' unique artificial intelligence made it one of the most recognizable creations in video game history.

Who Is It For?

Everyone, of any age. Pac-Man is easy to pick up, yet offers a serious challenge for those chasing the highest possible score. A truly timeless classic that captivates players just as much today as it did more than 40 years ago.

Gallery