# Retro Game: Pac-Man ## Overview *Pac-Man* is arguably the most recognizable video game character on the planet. This legendary arcade title challenges players to navigate a yellow, pizza-shaped hero through a series of mazes. The goal is simple: eat all the dots on the screen while being relentlessly pursued by four mischievous ghosts. With its simple controls, addictive gameplay loop, and iconic sound effects, *Pac-Man* is the definition of a timeless classic. ## Background Developed by Namco and designed by Toru Iwatani, *Pac-Man* was released in Japanese arcades in 1980. It was created with the specific goal of attracting a wider audience to arcades, particularly women, who were not as interested in the dominant space shooter games of the era like *Space Invaders*. The game was an unprecedented, worldwide cultural phenomenon. Its non-violent "eating" theme and charming character design made it a massive commercial success that spawned countless sequels, merchandise, and even a hit song, cementing its place as a pillar of video game history. ## Gameplay The gameplay in *Pac-Man* is elegant in its simplicity. Players use a four-directional joystick to guide Pac-Man through a closed maze. The primary objective is to clear the maze by eating all the small "pac-dots" that line its corridors. Four colorful ghosts—Blinky (red), Pinky (pink), Inky (cyan), and Clyde (orange)—emerge from a central pen to chase Pac-Man. Each ghost has its own unique AI and behavior, forcing the player to learn their patterns to effectively evade them. Touching a ghost results in the loss of a life. However, located in the four corners of the maze are larger, flashing "Power Pellets." Eating one of these temporarily turns the ghosts dark blue and makes them vulnerable, allowing Pac-Man to chase and eat them for bonus points. Periodically, bonus fruit will appear near the center of the maze, offering a chance for even more points. The game gets progressively faster and more difficult with each cleared screen, offering a challenge that is easy to learn but incredibly difficult to master.