Pac-Man

Pacman 30th Anniversary: The Unforgettable Iconic Game

On May 22, 1980, PacMan was released in Japan and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. The little yellow character has since become an icon, appearing in countless video games, TV shows, movies, and more. To celebrate the PacMan 30th anniversary, let’s take a look at the history of this beloved game.

Creation of PacMan

PacMan was created by Japanese game designer Toru Iwatani for Namco. He got the idea for the simple design from a pizza with a missing slice. The game was originally called Puck Man, but the name was changed to PacMan for international releases because of the potential for vandalism (as Puck Man could be easily changed to something a little more vulgar).

Playing PacMan

The objective of PacMan is to eat all the dots in a maze while avoiding the ghost characters. Players earn points for every dot they eat and bonus points for eating special items like fruits. As the game progresses, the ghosts move faster and become more difficult to avoid. If a ghost touches PacMan, he loses a life. When all lives are gone, the game is over.

PacMan in America

PacMan became one of the most popular video games of all time due to its simple yet addictive gameplay. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the United States, where it was first released in October 1980. By 1982, there were more than 100,000 PacMan machines in America. The game’s popularity spawned numerous spin-offs and imitators, including Mrs. PacMan, Baby PacMan, and Super PacMan.

This success didn’t only translate to additional games but additional exposure as PacMan merchandise was everywhere. The popularity of PacMan even led to a short-lived TV show, which aired in 1982.

Sustained Success

The PacMan franchise has continued to be popular over the years. In 2010, Google even created a special Google Doodle to celebrate the PacMan 30th anniversary. The game remains an iconic part of pop culture, and it doesn’t seem like its popularity will be waning anytime soon. 

Years later the video game is still one of the most popular arcade games of all time. With its ghost characters, basic graphics, and simple design, it is a game that even the most dedicated gamers will stop to appreciate.

Why Was it so Successful?

So how did PacMan become the cultural phenomenon it is today? Part of the reason is that it was one of the first video games to be released in arcades. At a time when most video games were still being played on home consoles, PacMan was one of the few games that could be found in public places. This made it more accessible to people and helped it to become a household name.

Another reason for PacMan’s popularity is that it was one of the first video games to feature characters that were recognizable and had personality. Prior to PacMan, most video game characters were simple geometric shapes or objects. But PacMan was different – he was a character that people could relate to.

Over the years, there have been many different versions of PacMan released. Some of the most popular include Ms. PacMan, Super PacMan, and PacMan Jr. There have also been spin-offs such as PacMan Championship Edition and PacMan Battle Royale. And in recent years, PacMan has even made appearances in the popular mobile game, Crossy Road.

Where to Play PacMan Now

No matter what version you play, PacMan is a timeless classic that is sure to provide hours of fun. So whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the game for the first time, be sure to give it a try! Of course you’re probably wondering, well where am I supposed to find a place to play this game? How about your own arcade machine? 

Here are two great choices depending on whether you prefer the upright traditional arcade-style machine or the table-style that then became popular a little later: 

Arcade1Up PacMan 40th Edition Home Arcade Machine

This machine features the original PacMan game, as well as Ms. PacMan and Galaga. It’s a great choice for those who want the authentic PacMan experience. It includes 10 games in total and a 17″ screen that makes it feel like the real deal from your younger days. Only thing missing is a roll of quarters and awkward teenage acne. 

Arcade 1Up Arcade1Up PacMan Head-to-Head Arcade Table

This machine is a head-to-head style table that includes PacMan, Ms. PacMan, Galaga, Dig Dug, and Rally X. It also has a 17″ monitor but with added speakers for sound. This will give you the advantage of being able to hear those pesky ghosts coming after you while you try to scarf down as many dots as possible. 

So there you have it! Two great choices for your own PacMan arcade machine. So what are you waiting for? Get chomping!

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