# Retro Game: Jr. Pac-Man ## Overview *Jr. Pac-Man* expands the classic maze-chase formula with a significant new challenge: size. In this unofficial sequel, players control the propeller-beanie-wearing son of Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man as he navigates mazes so large they scroll horizontally off the screen. This entry introduces new mechanics, including wandering bonus items that can destroy precious dots and Power Pellets, adding a new layer of frantic strategy to the beloved series. ## Background Released in arcades in 1983, *Jr. Pac-Man* was another unauthorized sequel created by the American company Bally Midway, who had previously found massive success with *Ms. Pac-Man*. Developed without the consent of Namco, the original creators of *Pac-Man*, this game was part of Midway's effort to capitalize on the "Pac-Mania" craze that was sweeping the nation. While it never achieved the same level of fame as its predecessors, its unique mechanics and increased difficulty have earned it a reputation as a challenging cult classic among arcade enthusiasts. ## Gameplay The core gameplay of *Jr. Pac-Man* remains familiar: eat all the dots in a maze while avoiding the four ghosts. However, several key innovations dramatically change the experience. The most significant change is the introduction of massive, horizontally scrolling mazes that are more than twice the width of the screen, meaning the player can never see the entire layout at once. This removes the ability to plan a perfect route from the start. Furthermore, the bonus items are now toys (like tricycles and kites) that start near the ghosts' pen and actively move through the maze. If a toy rolls over any pac-dots or, more critically, any of the six Power Pellets, it destroys them permanently. This creates a desperate race to clear the pellets before the toys can, making the game significantly more difficult than its predecessors.