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ARCADE GAME SERIES: PAC-MAN

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

First released in arcades in 1980, the masterpiece PAC-MAN comes to Steam! Move PAC-MAN up, down, left, and right to avoid the ghosts and gobble up all the Pac-Dots!

Global score

89/100

Genres

Action, Arcade

Pros

  • Faithful original arcade experience
  • Addictive and challenging gameplay
  • Leaderboards and achievements
  • Nostalgic sound and visuals
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • No multiplayer or cooperative modes
  • Limited screen size and no widescreen support
  • Input lag and control issues reported
  • Lack of customization and modern features
  • Some find difficulty too high or frustrating

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control Pac-Man directly with freedom to navigate the maze and make decisions on movement and strategy."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game is skill-based with increasing difficulty, requiring mastery of patterns and precise timing to progress."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes leaderboards and achievements encouraging players to compete for high scores."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Addictive gameplay and achievements motivate repeated play and long sessions."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Primarily a single-player experience with no cooperative multiplayer modes."

  • Creativity
    -5

    "Gameplay follows a fixed maze and set patterns with no creation or customization of game elements."

  • Domination
    -4

    "No direct player-vs-player domination or power assertion; focus is on individual skill."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Nostalgic and immersive arcade experience provides a fun escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players experiment with ghost patterns and strategies to improve scores, though within a fixed framework."

  • Exploration
    -5

    "Single maze repeated with increasing difficulty; no new areas or secrets to discover."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Limited to toggling background artwork; no character customization or self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Cartoonish ghosts and fictional maze setting provide light fantasy elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Minimal social interaction; no multiplayer or community features beyond leaderboards."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills and learn ghost AI patterns to improve performance."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of classic arcade games."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and quick reactions; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building within the game."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through levels and earning achievements provide a sense of advancement."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Increasing difficulty and tension create a challenging rather than relaxing experience."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Classic sounds and colorful visuals provide satisfying sensory feedback."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards and achievements offer some social recognition."

  • Story
    -5

    "No narrative or plot; pure arcade gameplay."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires planning routes and anticipating ghost movements for success."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Tense chase sequences and risk of losing lives create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Affordable price and nostalgic value provide good return for investment."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Non-violent gameplay focused on evasion and point collection rather than destruction."

  • Survival
    4

    "Avoiding ghosts and managing limited lives creates a survival challenge."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026