Pac-Man
The yellow player character who clears mazes by eating pellets, fruit, and temporarily vulnerable ghosts.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick Up | Move upward |
|---|---|
Joystick Down | Move downward |
Joystick Left | Move left |
Joystick Right | Move right |
1 Player Start | Start a one-player game |
2 Players Start | Start a two-player alternating game |
Control notes
The original arcade cabinet uses a four-direction joystick.
Two-player mode alternates turns rather than displaying both players simultaneously.
How it plays
How does Pac-Man play?
Pac-Man is viewed from above on a fixed maze screen. The objective is to clear all regular pellets and Power Pellets while avoiding Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Eating a Power Pellet makes the ghosts vulnerable for a limited time.
The game has no selectable stages or alternate modes in the original arcade release. Clearing a maze advances to the next round, where ghost behavior and timing become more demanding. Fruit appears periodically for bonus points, and the player loses a life when caught.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pac-Man?
Learn the maze’s turns and avoid entering narrow corridors with a ghost close behind. Save Power Pellets for situations where an escape route is limited rather than using them immediately.
Use corners and route changes to separate the ghosts, and watch their distinct movement tendencies. Eat bonus fruit when it is safe, but prioritize survival and clearing pellets over chasing every possible point.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Blinky
The red ghost, commonly associated with directly pursuing Pac-Man.
Pinky
The pink ghost, associated with attempting to intercept Pac-Man’s route.
Inky
The cyan ghost, whose movement combines Pac-Man’s position with Blinky’s position.
Clyde
The orange ghost, whose behavior alternates between pursuit and wandering.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use Power Pellets as escape tools as well as scoring opportunities.
- 2
Keep track of each ghost’s position before committing to a corridor.
- 3
Plan a route that leaves an exit instead of entering dead-end areas at the wrong time.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0