Pac-Man
1980 • Namco
9/10Namco
ArcadeMaze
The iconic maze game featuring the yellow pellet-muncher being chased by colorful ghosts through intricate mazes.
Gameplay
Navigate mazes eating pellets while avoiding ghosts, use power pellets to temporarily turn the tables on pursuers.
Historical Context
Created by Toru Iwatani at Namco as a non-violent game that would appeal to women and couples, not just teenage boys.
Fun Facts
- • Originally called 'Puck-Man' in Japan
- • Each ghost has a unique AI personality
- • Inspired by the shape of a pizza with a missing slice
Cultural Impact
Became a cultural phenomenon beyond gaming and established many conventions for arcade game design.
Review
Pac-Man created the perfect arcade experience with simple controls, escalating difficulty, and addictive gameplay that appealed to everyone.