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Pac-Man is a gaming legend. One of the most iconic mascots in video game history. If you’re looking to dive into the world of Pac-Man, we’ve got you covered with a full list of must-play titles. From the arcade classics to modern twists, here’s your go-to guide!
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The Classic Era (1980s)
The golden age of arcade gaming gave us some of the best Pac-Man experiences ever. Simple, addictive, and downright fun.
- Pac-Man (1980) – The one that started it all. A true arcade classic.
- Ms. Pac-Man (1982) – The fan-favorite sequel with better AI and new mazes.
- Pac-Man Plus (1982) – A more challenging version with power-ups.
- Super Pac-Man (1982) – Introduced super pellets that let you eat doors.
- Pac & Pal (1983) – Added a sidekick to help grab items.
- Professor Pac-Man (1983) – A trivia-based spinoff (yes, really).
- Jr. Pac-Man (1983) – A harder, scrolling-maze version of the original.
- Pac-Land (1984) – A side-scrolling platformer. A bold change from the maze format.
- Pac-Mania (1987) – A 3D-ish take on Pac-Man with a jumping ability.
Pac-Mania shook things up by making the classic maze experience feel fresh. But after a short break, Namco started experimenting even more.
The Experimentation Phase (1990s)
Pac-Man didn’t just stick to mazes. In the ‘90s, the franchise took risks. Some worked. Some… not so much.
- Pac-Attack (1993) – A Pac-Man-inspired Tetris-like puzzle game.
- Pac-Man 2: The Adventures of Pac-Man (1994) – More of a point-and-click adventure than a true sequel.
- Pac-In-Time (1995) – A 2D platformer where Pac-Man jumps and swings.
- Pac-Man: VR (1996) – A rare arcade VR game with multiplayer.
- Pac-Man World (1999) – The first true 3D platforming Pac-Man game.
Pac-Man World brought the yellow hero into the world of 3D platformers. And it was just the beginning.
The 2000s: Pac-Man Evolves
The 2000s saw Pac-Man experimenting with 3D while also doubling down on its maze-based roots.
- Ms. Pac-Man Maze Madness (2000) – A mix of platforming and classic Pac-Man gameplay.
- Pac-Man: Adventures In Time (2000) – A time-traveling Pac-Man adventure.
- Ms. Pac-Man: Quest for the Golden Maze (2001) – A traditional maze game in 3D.
- Pac-Man All Stars (2002) – A collection of 2000s-era Pac-Man titles.
- Pac-Man Fever (2002) – A party game similar to Mario Party.
- Pac-Man World 2 (2002) – A refined 3D platforming experience.
- Pac-Man VS (2003) – A brilliant multiplayer experience using Gameboy link cables.
With the rise of handheld consoles, Pac-Man also found a home on the Nintendo DS.
- Pac-Pix (2005) – A weird but fun DS game where you draw Pac-Man to solve puzzles.
- Pac-Man Pinball Advance (2005) – A pinball spinoff.
- Pac ‘n’ Roll (2005) – A touchscreen-based 3D Pac-Man adventure.
- Pac-Man World 3 (2005) – The finale of the Pac-Man World trilogy.
- Pac-Man World Rally (2006) – Pac-Man’s take on the kart racing genre.
- Pac-Man Championship Edition (2007) – A high-speed modern take on classic Pac-Man.
Championship Edition reinvented Pac-Man, making it faster and more intense. And it paved the way for even bigger updates in the 2010s.
The Modern Era (2010-Present)
Pac-Man is still going strong, adapting to new trends while keeping the core gameplay intact.
- Pac-Man Championship Edition DX (2010) – A turbo-charged, neon-infused version of Pac-Man.
- Pac-Man Party (2010) – A party game with Pac-Man-themed mini-games.
- Pac-Man Battle Royale (2011) – 1v1v1v1 competitive Pac-Man action.
- Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (2013 & 2014) – Based on the TV series.
- Pac-Man 256 (2016) – Endless maze-running fun, inspired by Crossy Road.
- Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 (2016) – An even more intense version of CE DX.
- Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle (2020) – A Google Stadia exclusive that later expanded in 2024.
- Pac-Man 99 (2021) – A battle royale Pac-Man game, similar to Tetris 99.
- Pac-Man World Re-Pac (2022) – A remastered version of the Pac-Man World trilogy.
Which Pac-Man Game Should You Play First?
If you’re new to Pac-Man, start with:
- Pac-Man (1980) – The classic that started it all.
- Ms. Pac-Man (1982) – A more refined version of the original.
- Pac-Man Championship Edition DX (2010) – The best modern take on Pac-Man.
- Pac-Man 256 (2016) – A fun mobile-friendly endless maze runner.
- Pac-Man World (1999) or Re-Pac (2022) – If you want 3D platforming.
No matter where you start, Pac-Man’s legacy is undeniable. Whether you love classic arcade action, modern twists, or even kart racing, there’s a Pac-Man game for you. Now, the only question is which one are you playing first?
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