PUZ.GG

What is PAC MAN?

PAC-MAN is one of the most iconic and influential arcade video games of all time, originally released by Namco in 1980. It is an action maze chase game where the player controls the eponymous yellow, circular character.

The game is celebrated for its simple yet addictive gameplay, its unique characters (the four ghosts: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde), and its significant cultural impact, which helped define the golden age of arcade gaming.

The core objective remains timeless: navigate the enclosed maze while striving for a high score.

How to Play PAC MAN?

Playing PAC-MAN involves strategy, timing, and precision. The goal is to clear each stage by consuming every single pellet (or PAC-DOT) within the maze without being caught by the four enemy ghosts.

Movement and Pellets

Players move PAC-MAN horizontally and vertically through the maze using directional controls (like the arrow keys). The character automatically munches any pellets he passes over. Clearing all the small pellets completes the current level and advances the player to the next stage.

The Ghosts (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde)

The four colored ghosts patrol the maze and will kill PAC-MAN on contact. Each ghost has a unique "personality" or AI pattern:

• Blinky (Red) is the most aggressive and constantly chases PAC-MAN.
• Pinky (Pink) attempts to position herself to cut PAC-MAN off.
• Inky (Cyan) is the most unpredictable, using a combination of the other ghosts' positions to determine his movement.
• Clyde (Orange) alternates between chasing PAC-MAN and retreating to his corner.

Power Pellets and Turning the Tables

Located near the four corners of the maze are larger, flashing Power Pellets (or Energizers). Eating a Power Pellet causes the ghosts to temporarily turn blue and become vulnerable. During this time, PAC-MAN can chase and eat the blue ghosts for bonus points. Once eaten, the ghosts' eyes return to the center regeneration box to respawn. The vulnerability period is short and decreases as the game progresses.

Bonus Items

Periodically, a bonus item (usually fruit) appears near the center box. Eating this item rewards the player with extra points.

PAC-MAN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is PAC-MAN so famous?

PAC-MAN is famous for revolutionizing the video game industry in 1980, introducing character-driven gaming and appealing broadly to both male and female audiences, making it a true cultural icon.

Who created PAC-MAN?

PAC-MAN was created by Japanese video game designer Toru Iwatani and released by Namco.

When was the game first released?

The game was first released in Japan on May 22, 1980.

What is the object of the game?

The object is to score points by eating all the PAC-DOTS and fruits in the maze while avoiding the four ghosts.

What are the names of the four ghosts?

The four ghosts are Blinky (Red), Pinky (Pink), Inky (Cyan), and Clyde (Orange).

Do the ghosts have different behaviors?

Yes, each ghost has a unique AI pattern: Blinky chases, Pinky attempts to cut you off, Inky is unpredictable, and Clyde randomly chases and flees.

What does the Power Pellet do?

The Power Pellet temporarily turns the ghosts blue, making them vulnerable and allowing PAC-MAN to eat them for bonus points.

What happens after PAC-MAN eats a blue ghost?

The eaten ghost's eyes return to the center box to regenerate before resuming their normal pursuit.

Is there an end to the game?

The game technically continues indefinitely, but due to a programming error, Level 256 is an unplayable "kill screen" that effectively ends the game.

What is the maximum score possible?

The highest theoretical score a player can achieve before the kill screen is 3,333,360 points, which requires a perfect game.

Can I use shortcuts in the maze?

Yes, there are two warp tunnels on the sides of the maze that allow PAC-MAN to travel instantly to the opposite side of the screen.

Is Ms. PAC-MAN the same game?

Ms. PAC-MAN is a highly popular sequel featuring a different character, new mazes, and slightly altered ghost behavior.

How did PAC-MAN get its name?

The original Japanese name was "Puck-Man," derived from the Japanese sound "paku-paku," which describes the sound of opening and closing one's mouth. It was changed in the US due to vandalism concerns.

Are modern versions of PAC-MAN different?

Yes, while the core arcade version remains the same, modern versions often feature new mazes, updated graphics, and additional power-ups or gameplay modes.