Ms. Pac-Man

Ms. Pac-Man is proof a sequel can top the original. In early-80s arcades, plenty of players who had memorized every Pac-Man pattern moved over to this cabinet and never looked back: new mazes, less predictable ghosts and the feeling that no two games were the same.

It was one of those machines with its own loyal regulars, the kind whose initials filled the whole high score table.

History

It started in 1982 as a project from General Computer Corporation, a small American company that began by building an enhancement kit for Pac-Man. Midway, which distributed Pac-Man in North America, turned it into an official game with Namco's blessing.

It was a massive hit in the US and has long been considered one of the great classics of the golden age of arcades.

How to play

Just like the original, you work your way around the maze eating dots and dodging ghosts. The big power pellets in the corners turn the ghosts blue for a few seconds so you can chomp them for points.

The difference is in the details. There are four different mazes that rotate as you progress, with more escape tunnels; the bonus fruit bounces around the maze instead of sitting still; and the ghosts move less predictably, so memorized routes won't save you.

Fun facts

• Short intermissions between levels tell the story of Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man.
• The orange ghost from the original was renamed Sue for this game.
• It began life as an unofficial enhancement kit before becoming an official release.

In the arcade

Ms. Pac-Man is on the UsuArcade wishlist, coming soon to the lounge. Want it sooner? Hit 'I want to play it' to vote; the most-requested games move up the list.

In the meantime you can play Pac-Man, Amidar or Rally-X right in your browser, grab a cabinet, invite a friend, let others watch your game live and battle for the arcade's high scores.

FAQ