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Pac-Man, or Puck Man as the game was originally called, was released by Namco Bandai in Japan on May 22, 1980. Over the last 30 years, the game became an international smash hit. It's one of the best-selling Japanese video games of all time, and the release of an iPad game proves the little yellow guy is still well loved.![Super Pac-Man Arcade Machine]()
The iconic yellow Pac Man figure gracing Namco's arcade machine quickly became a staple of movie theaters and video game parlors across the country.![Pac-Man Pasta]()
In 1982, Namco released the sequel Super Pac-Man in Japan. That year also saw the release of a cartoon was released in the U.S. created by Hanna-Barbera productions. It ran during prime-time on ABC. Buckner & Garcia released first the song "Pac-Man Fever" and later the full album. The single ranked 9th on the Billboard HOT 100. The album ranked 24th.![Pac-Man Car]()
Incredibly, over 400 different types of PAC-MAN-related merchandise were also released -- not counting this promotional VW. The popularity of "PAC-MAN" in the United States made him a social phenomenon, resulting in both a popular animated television series and a hit disco record ("PAC-MAN Fever" by Buckner & Garcia).![Extra_Mode]()
When playing Championship Pac-Man, you'll stumble upon some unusual levels, including Extra Mode, where the walls of the maze you're in keep changing around. Survive 10 minutes to beat the level.![Super Pac-Man]()
The game even introduced a new legal term called the "Pac-Man defense" where a company that is threatened by a hostile takeover defends itself by acquiring its would-be buyer. The term is derived from the gameplay in "Pac-Man," wherein retaliation against the enemy ghosts is possible by eating a power pellet.![Pac-Man Game]()
In 2005 Pac-Man received the Guinness World Records award for "Most Successful Coin-Operated Game."![Pac-Man Pinball]()
Ms. Pac-Man was born in the U.S. in 1981. By tying a bow on the yellow disk, Namco somehow distinguished male from female. It became one of the biggest hits ever for the video game company, quickly outperforming Pac-Man himself.![Pac-Man Claw Machine]()
Looking for a stuffed animal? How about a Pac-Man?![Pac-Man Golf]()
Namco quickly built a franchise from the yellow disk, including such classics as Pac-Man Golf. Ms. Pac-Man nevertheless remained the favorite among gamers.![Pac-Man Cereal]()
A breakfast cereal? Really? Yep. And how is that more unusual than Booberry or Frankeberry, anyway?![Ms. Pac-Man Game]()
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![The Original Ms. Pac-Man]()
![Ghosts of Pac-Man]()
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![Ghosts of Pac-Man]()
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30 Years of Pac-Man Fever
On May 22, 1980, Namco unleashed a little yellow disk on the world, and video gaming and pop culture were never the same. Here's a look back at the ghost eating guy's greatest hits.
Move Forward
- 30 Years of Pac-Man Fever
