Pac-Man (USA) (Virtual Console)

In Pac-Man, players control the iconic yellow character, Pac-Man, within a two-dimensional maze. The primary objective of the game is to eat all the dots (pellets) scattered throughout the maze. Once all dots have been consumed, the player advances to the next level.

The main challenge comes from four colorful ghosts: Blinky (red), Pinky (pink), Inky (cyan), and Clyde (orange). Each ghost has a distinct movement pattern, making them unpredictable and dangerous. If Pac-Man touches a ghost, the player loses a life.

However, Pac-Man is not entirely helpless. Scattered at the four corners of the maze are four larger power pellets. When Pac-Man eats a power pellet, the ghosts temporarily turn blue and become vulnerable. In this state, Pac-Man can eat the ghosts for bonus points. Once eaten, a ghost turns into a pair of eyes and returns to the central "ghost house" in the maze to regenerate.

Additionally, bonus items like fruits or other symbols periodically appear in the center of the maze, offering extra points if Pac-Man eats them before they disappear. As levels progress, the ghosts' speed increases, and the duration for which Pac-Man can eat ghosts after consuming a power pellet decreases, increasing the game's difficulty. Players strive to achieve the highest score possible while avoiding ghosts and completing mazes.