Pac-Man, developed by Namco and released in 1980, is a pioneering arcade game that introduced players to a maze filled with dots and four distinct ghosts: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Players navigate Pac-Man through the maze, consuming dots while evading the pursuing ghosts. Strategically placed Power Pellets allow Pac-Man to temporarily turn the tables, enabling him to eat the ghosts for extra points. The game's simple yet challenging mechanics, combined with its colorful design, have solidified its status as a timeless classic.
In celebration of Pac-Man's 30th anniversary on May 21, 2010, Google unveiled a special interactive Doodle on its homepage. This playable version of Pac-Man featured the familiar maze and characters, allowing users to experience the nostalgia of the original game directly within their web browsers. The Doodle garnered significant attention, with an estimated one billion people playing it worldwide during its initial release. Due to its popularity, Google has made this version permanently accessible.
The enduring appeal of Pac-Man lies in its straightforward yet engaging gameplay. Players must skillfully maneuver through increasingly challenging mazes, collecting all dots to advance to subsequent levels. The dynamic between Pac-Man and the ghosts adds a layer of strategy, as each ghost exhibits unique behavior patterns. This combination of simplicity and depth has ensured that Pac-Man remains a beloved game across generations, inspiring numerous sequels, merchandise, and cultural references over the past four decades.