The Pacman game is one of the most famous and beloved arcade games of all time. In the game, the player controls a yellow circle known as Pacman, as he moves through a maze full of dots, trying to avoid the ghosts - Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde - who are chasing him. The goal of the game is to eat all the dots in the maze while avoiding the ghosts. There are also large white dots that temporarily allow Pacman to eat ghosts and score extra points.
Pacman gained global popularity due to its simple yet addictive gameplay, distinctive character design and iconic music. The game has received numerous sequels, adaptations and variations over the years on different platforms, including various consoles, computer games, smartphones and other devices.
Pacman 30th Anniversary has been marked by various events, promotions and special editions of the game around the world, to celebrate the longevity and popularity of this iconic arcade game that has remained beloved by players around the world for three decades.
1. Pac-Man (1980)
- Platform: Arcade machine
- Development: Namco (designed by Toru Iwatani)
- Description: The original version, an arcade game where players steer Pac-Man through a maze, eating dots and avoiding ghosts.
- Key features: Simple yet innovative mechanics that stood out from the shooters and space themed games of the time.
2. Ms. Pac-Man (1981)
- Platform: Arcade machine
- Development: Midway (licensed by Namco)
- Description: An immediate sequel with a new protagonist, Ms. Pac-Man, and with more mazes and improved artificial intelligence.
- Key features: More mazes, changing colors, more random ghost movements.
3. Pac-Man Plus (1982)
- Platform: Arcade machine
- Description: A variation of the original Pac-Man with changes in graphics and gameplay. Ghosts can become invisible after eating special points.
4. Super Pac-Man (1982)
- Platform: Arcade machine
- Description: This version introduces larger dots and keys that open doors, making the maze more dynamic.
- Key features: Pac-Man can increase in size and become invincible for a limited time.
5. Pac-Land (1984)
- Platform: Arcade machine
- Description: The first game with *side-scrolling* platform elements. Pac-Man now runs through levels, jumping and avoiding obstacles.
- Key features: A significant change in the genre, moving from a labyrinth to a platformer style.
6. Pac-Mania (1987)
- Platform: Arcade machine
- Description: A 3D isometric version of the classic maze game, where Pac-Man can now jump to avoid ghosts.
- Key features: Added depth and height through the ability to jump.
7. Pac-Attack (1993)
- Platforms: Sega Genesis, SNES
- Description: A puzzle game similar to Tetris, where Pac-Man must eat ghosts as the blocks descend.
- Key features: It includes a combination of puzzle mechanics and Pac-Man elements.
8. Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures (1994)
- Platforms: Sega Genesis, SNES
- Description: An adventure game with an interactive environment, where players do not directly control Pac-Man, but help him through arrows and interactions.
- Key features: An innovative attempt to introduce adventure gameplay into the Pac-Man world.
9. Pac-Man World (1999)
- Platforms: PlayStation
- Description: A 3D platformer game celebrating 20 years of Pac-Man. Pac-Man goes on an adventure through various 3D worlds to save his family.
- Key features: Quality 3D graphics and platformer mechanics.
10. Pac-Man World 2 (2002)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox
- Description: A sequel to the 3D platformer with additional moves and mechanics, such as jumping and rolling.
- Key features: Improved graphics and level design.
11. Pac-Man World 3 (2005)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PSP
- Description: Another 3D platformer, with new enemies and a greater emphasis on combat.
- Key features: A combination of classic Pac-Man elements with modern platformer gameplay.
12. Pac-Man Championship Edition (2007)
- Platforms: Xbox 360 (later other platforms)
- Description: Modernized version with accelerated gameplay and dynamic mazes. The game was a huge success due to its fresh approach to the classic concept.
- Key features: Faster pace, changing mazes and high-score oriented gameplay.
13. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX (2010)
- Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, Windows
- Description: An expanded version of the Championship Edition with added mazes, modes and new challenges.
- Key features: Tense action, new game modes and enhanced visual style.
14. Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (2013)
- Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Windows
- Description: A game based on the animated series, with 3D platformer gameplay, adapted for a younger audience.
- Key features: New style, new mechanics like ghost fighting.
15. Pac-Man 256 (2015)
- Platforms: Mobile devices, PS4, Xbox One, PC
- Description: Endless runner game inspired by the famous "glitch" from the 256th level of the original game.
- Key features: Endless mazes with endless runner elements and a combination of classic Pac-Man elements.
16. Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 (2016)
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Windows
- Description: A continuation of the modern Championship Edition series, with new modes, faster pace and creative mazes.
- Key features: Even faster pace and additional visual effects, more complex mazes.
17. Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle (2020)
- Platform: Google Stadia
- Description: Battle Royale version of Pac-Man, where 64 players play simultaneously on interconnected mazes.
- Key features: An innovative approach to the Pac-Man formula, with a focus on multiplayer.
18. Pac-Man World Re-Pac (2022)
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows
- Description: A remake of the 1999 Pac-Man World game, with modernized graphics and improved gameplay.
- Key features: It brings back classic 3D platform action with new visual enhancements.
