Editing Pac-Man (universe)

From SmashWiki, the Super Smash Bros. wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
Warning You aren't logged in. While it's not a requirement to create an account, doing so makes it a lot easier to keep track of your edits and a lot harder to confuse you with someone else. If you edit without being logged in, your IP address will be recorded in the page's edit history.

The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.

Latest revision Your text
Line 4: Line 4:
|title            = Pac-Man (universe)
|title            = Pac-Man (universe)
|image            = [[File:Pac-Man title.png|300px]]
|image            = [[File:Pac-Man title.png|300px]]
|caption          = [[File:PacManSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]
|caption          = [[File:PacManSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert]]
|developer        = [[Bandai Namco]]<br>General Computer Corporation<br>Various
|developer        = [[Bandai Namco]]<br>General Computer Corporation<br>Various
|publisher        = Bandai Namco<br>Midway Games<br>Atari<br>Various
|publisher        = Bandai Namco<br>Midway Games<br>Atari<br>Various
Line 12: Line 12:
|originconsole    = Arcade
|originconsole    = Arcade
|firstinstallment  = ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Man}}'' (1980)
|firstinstallment  = ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Man}}'' (1980)
|latestinstallment = ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs}}'' (2024)
|latestinstallment = ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Man World Re-Pac}}'' (2022)
|interwiki        = Wikipedia
|interwiki        = Wikipedia
|interwikiname    = Wikipedia
|interwikiname    = Wikipedia
|interwikipage    = Pac-Man (series)
|interwikipage    = Pac-Man (series)
}}
}}
The '''''Pac-Man'' universe''' ({{ja|パックマン|Pakkuman}}, ''Pacman'', initially romanized as ''Puckman''), officially stylized as '''PAC-MAN''', refers to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series' collection of characters, stages, and properties from [[Bandai Namco]]'s massively successful and long-running media franchise. A staple of popular culture, it is one of the most lucrative and influential video game franchises in history, with the [[Pac-Man (game)|original title]] being the highest-grossing coin-op arcade game of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/top-10-biggest-grossing-arcade-games-of-all-time|title=Top 10 Highest-Grossing Arcade Games of All Time|publisher=USgamer}}</ref> popularizing the concept of a video game mascot — the titular [[Pac-Man]] — and spawning a wave of sequels and spin-offs, as well as animated series, songs, and merchandise, becoming a mascot for Bandai Namco. It was first represented in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', and returned in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', both developed by Bandai Namco.
The '''''Pac-Man'' universe''' ({{ja|パックマン|Pakkuman}}, ''Pacman'', initially romanized as ''Puckman''), stylized in-game, and officially capitalized as '''PAC-MAN''', refers to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series' collection of characters, stages, and properties from [[Bandai Namco]]'s massively successful and long-running media franchise. A staple of popular culture, it is one of the most lucrative and influential video game franchises in history, with the [[Pac-Man (game)|original title]] being the highest-grossing coin-op arcade game of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/top-10-biggest-grossing-arcade-games-of-all-time|title=Top 10 Highest-Grossing Arcade Games of All Time|publisher=USgamer}}</ref> popularizing the concept of a named video game character — the titular [[Pac-Man]] — and spawning a wave of sequels and spin-offs, as well as animated series, songs, and merchandise, becoming a mascot for Bandai Namco. It was first represented in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', and returned in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', both developed by Bandai Namco.


==Franchise description==
==Franchise description==
Line 26: Line 26:
The original ''Pac-Man'' is set in a static, neon-colored maze, where the wedge-shaped [[Pac-Man]] must traverse every corridor and lane at least once in order to eat every one of 244 dots distributed across the screen. Pac-Man is at constant risk from four differently-colored "[[ghosts]]" that roam the maze with the intention to collide into him, which will cost him a life. Each of the four ghosts has a unique way of targeting Pac-Man, giving them character beyond being simple enemies. Four of the dots in the maze are large, blinking [[Power Pellet]]s. When Pac-Man eats one of these, the ghosts temporarily turn blue and vulnerable, and will be briefly taken out of the game when Pac-Man collides with them in this state.
The original ''Pac-Man'' is set in a static, neon-colored maze, where the wedge-shaped [[Pac-Man]] must traverse every corridor and lane at least once in order to eat every one of 244 dots distributed across the screen. Pac-Man is at constant risk from four differently-colored "[[ghosts]]" that roam the maze with the intention to collide into him, which will cost him a life. Each of the four ghosts has a unique way of targeting Pac-Man, giving them character beyond being simple enemies. Four of the dots in the maze are large, blinking [[Power Pellet]]s. When Pac-Man eats one of these, the ghosts temporarily turn blue and vulnerable, and will be briefly taken out of the game when Pac-Man collides with them in this state.


The point score — the ultimate objective of the game, like with many arcade games — increases with each dot that is eaten. The score can be further increased by eating the ghosts (with higher rewards for eating multiple ghosts in a row) or the [[Bonus Fruit]]s that appear at certain thresholds twice in each round. When a maze is cleared, the board will be reset, and the next round will begin. As the rounds continue, the ghosts become faster and more aggressive, the Power Pellet's duration becomes shorter, and higher-valued fruits appear. After round 20, the game reaches its maximum difficulty, and essentially continues endlessly until the player runs out of lives, or reaches level 256, the bugged "kill screen" which cannot be cleared. When all levels are cleared perfectly, the maximum possible score is 3,333,360 points.
The point score — the ultimate objective of the game, like with many arcade games — increases with each dot that is eaten. The score can be further increased by eating the ghosts (with higher rewards for eating multiple ghosts in a row) or the [[Bonus Fruit|fruits]] that appear at certain thresholds twice in each round. When a maze is cleared, the board will be reset, and the next round will begin. As the rounds continue, the ghosts become faster and more aggressive, the Power Pellet's duration becomes shorter, and higher-valued fruits appear. After round 20, the game reaches its maximum difficulty, and essentially continues endlessly until the player runs out of lives, or reaches level 256, the bugged "kill screen" which cannot be cleared. When all levels are cleared perfectly, the maximum possible score is 3,333,360 points.


Despite its initially lukewarm reception in Japan, it is difficult to overstate the immense impact that the North American release of the game ''Pac-Man'' had. It quickly became far more popular than anything seen in the game industry up to that point, grossing over $1 billion in quarters within a decade, and towards the end of the 20th century, the game's total gross in quarters had been estimated at more than 10 billion quarters ($2.5 billion), making it the highest-grossing video game of all time. It established the maze chase game genre, and is also credited for laying the foundations for the stealth genre due to its emphasis on avoiding enemies rather than fighting them; ''Pac-Man'' is often cited as an inspiration for the original {{uv|Metal Gear}}.
Despite its initially lukewarm reception in Japan, it is difficult to overstate the immense impact that the North American release of the game ''Pac-Man'' had. It quickly became far more popular than anything seen in the game industry up to that point, grossing over $1 billion in quarters within a decade, and towards the end of the 20th century, the game's total gross in quarters had been estimated at more than 10 billion quarters ($2.5 billion), making it the highest-grossing video game of all time. It established the maze chase game genre, and is also credited for laying the foundations for the stealth genre due to its emphasis on avoiding enemies rather than fighting them; ''Pac-Man'' is often cited as an inspiration for the original {{uv|Metal Gear}}.


It demonstrated the potential for character in video games; not only did the enemy ghosts have unique personalities in how they attacked, but Pac-Man himself was the first video game mascot (and is often argued to be the first distinctive video game character, at least outside of the text adventure genre). It was the first video game to feature power-ups, and is often credited as the first game to feature cutscenes, albeit not to the degree that Nintendo's own revolutionary arcade game, {{uv|Donkey Kong}}, had the following year. Finally, it is one of the earliest games to become popular with a female audience, and this wide appeal allowed it to become gaming's first licensing success. Pac-Man was determined to have the highest brand awareness of any video game character among American consumers.
It introduced what is argued to be the first original, distinctly named player character in a video game outside of the text adventure genre, deviating from prior games that featured either vehicles (such as ''Space Invaders'' by Taito or ''Lunar Lander'' by Atari); vague silhouettes (''Circus'' by Exidy or ''Hunt the Wumpus'' by Gregory Yob); or licensed characters (''Fonz'' by Sega or ''Superman'' by Atari), and in doing so demonstrated the potential of characters in video games. It was the first video game to feature power-ups, and is often credited as the first game to feature cutscenes, albeit not to the degree that Nintendo's own revolutionary arcade game, {{uv|Donkey Kong}}, had the following year. Finally, it is one of the earliest games to become popular with a female audience, and this wide appeal allowed it to become gaming's first licensing success. Pac-Man was determined to have the highest brand awareness of any video game character among American consumers.


''Pac-Man'' became one of few games to have been consistently published for over four decades, with many remakes and sequels released on numerous platforms. This is not to mention the influx of unauthorized ''Pac-Man'' clones that took place soon after the original release, nor of the ill-fated port of the game for the Atari 2600 (which ironically was a contributing factor to the infamous North American {{s|wikipedia|1983 video game crash}}, due to underpowered hardware and rushed development leading to poor sales and an oversaturated market).
''Pac-Man'' became one of few games to have been consistently published for over four decades, with many remakes and sequels released on numerous platforms. This is not to mention the influx of unauthorized ''Pac-Man'' clones that took place soon after the original release, nor of the ill-fated port of the game for the Atari 2600 (which ironically was a contributing factor to the infamous North American {{s|wikipedia|1983 video game crash}}, due to underpowered hardware and rushed development leading to poor sales and an oversaturated market).


One such unauthorized clone a modification titled ''Crazy Otto'', developed by General Computer Corporation received attention from Midway, who subsequently licensed the game as an "official" ''Pac-Man'' sequel. With some changes to the character design, ''Crazy Otto'' became ''Ms. Pac-Man'', which garnered a great deal of success of its own due to its improvements over the original title. Despite its development happening without Namco's consent, the company approved of the character and included the feminine take on ''Pac-Man'' in various ''Pac-Man'' compilations and ports. However, a series of legal and financial battles between Namco and several parties — primarily General Computer Corporation, its successors, and the company currently licensing from them, AtGames — have led to a dispute over who truly owns the character and who is owed royalties. This has resulted in a complete erasure of Ms. Pac-Man in recent years, with products featuring her being pulled from stores and different characters replacing her in re-releases.
One such unauthorized clone, a modification titled ''Crazy Otto'' developed by General Computer Corporation, received attention from Midway, who subsequently licensed the game as an "official" ''Pac-Man'' sequel. With some changes to the character design, ''Crazy Otto'' became ''Ms. Pac-Man'', which garnered a great deal of success of its own due to its improvements over the original title. Despite its development happening without Namco's consent, the company approved of the character, received the rights to the property, and subsequently included the feminine take on ''Pac-Man'' in various ''Pac-Man'' compilations and ports. However, a series of legal and financial battles between Namco and several parties — primarily General Computer Corporation, its successors, and the company currently licensing from them, AtGames — have led to a dispute over who truly owns the character and who is owed royalties. This has resulted in a complete erasure of Ms. Pac-Man in recent years, with products featuring her being pulled from stores and different characters replacing her in re-releases.


As the series progressed with continued releases that explored different genres, the iconic yellow wedge shape that ordinarily defined the title character onscreen was phased out for a design closer to his appearance on the promotional artwork printed on the arcade machines themselves — an abstract, spherical humanoid with rudimentary limbs and a massive face with a stick-like nose that varied in length between appearances. This design was first seen in-game in the 1984 title ''Pac-Land'', in part to tie in with a [[wikipedia:Pac-Man (TV series)|Hanna-Barbera animated series]] about Pac-Man that ran for two seasons in 1982 and 1983. ''Pac-Land'' is an innovative title in itself as one of the first side-scrolling platform games, and one of the first games to include {{s|wikipedia|parallax scrolling}}. It is considered a major foundation for later platformers, codified by 1985's ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''
As the series progressed with continued releases that explored different genres, the iconic yellow wedge shape that ordinarily defined the title character onscreen was phased out for a design closer to his appearance on the promotional artwork printed on the arcade machines themselves — an abstract, spherical humanoid with rudimentary limbs and a massive face with a stick-like nose that varied in length between appearances. This design was first seen in-game in the 1984 title ''Pac-Land'', in part to tie in with a [[wikipedia:Pac-Man (TV series)|Hanna-Barbera animated series]] about Pac-Man that ran for two seasons in 1982 and 1983. ''Pac-Land'' is an innovative title in itself as one of the first side-scrolling platform games, and one of the first games to include {{s|wikipedia|parallax scrolling}}. It is considered a major foundation for later platformers, codified by 1985's ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''
Line 64: Line 64:
====Original Tracks====
====Original Tracks====
Arrangements and remixes unique to ''Smash 4''.
Arrangements and remixes unique to ''Smash 4''.
*'''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''': a medley of pieces from the original ''Pac-Man'', including "Start Music" and "Coffee Break Music". It plays on Pac-Maze and Pac-Land. It is featured on Disc 2 of ''[[A Smashing Soundtrack]]''.
*'''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''': a medley of pieces from the original ''Pac-Man'', including "Start Music" and "Coffee Break Music". It plays on Pac-Maze and Pac-Land. It is featured on Disc 2 of ''[[A Smashing Soundtrack]]''
*'''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN (Club Mix)}}''': an electronic-influenced medley of pieces from ''Pac-Man'', including "Start Music" and "Coffee Break Music". It plays on Pac-Maze and Pac-Land. It is featured on Disc 1 of ''A Smashing Soundtrack''.
*'''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN (Club Mix)}}''': an electronic-influenced medley of pieces from ''Pac-Man'', including "Start Music" and "Coffee Break Music". It plays on Pac-Maze and Pac-Land. It is featured on Disc 1 of ''A Smashing Soundtrack''.
*'''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN'S PARK / BLOCK TOWN}}''': an arrangement of "Pacman's Park" and "Block Town" from ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Mania}}''. "Pacman's Park" itself is partially an arrangement of "Coffee Break Music" from ''Pac-Man''. It plays on Pac-Land and in Smash Run. It was used in Pac-Man's reveal trailer "Red, Blue and Yellow" and is featured on Disc 2 of ''A Smashing Soundtrack''.
*'''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN'S PARK / BLOCK TOWN}}''': an arrangement of "Pacman's Park" and "Block Town" from ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Mania}}''. "Pacman's Park" itself is partially an arrangement of "Coffee Break Music" from ''Pac-Man''. It plays on Pac-Land. It was used in Pac-Man's reveal trailer "Red, Blue and Yellow" and is featured on Disc 2 of ''A Smashing Soundtrack''.


====Victory Theme====
====Victory Theme====
Line 85: Line 85:
The ''Pac-Man'' universe returns mostly unchanged. One major change is that all Bandai Namco songs, excluding {{uv|Tekken}} songs, are now labeled as ''Pac-Man'' songs. These songs include new remixes from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Galaga}}'', ''{{iw|wikipedia|Mappy}}'', and ''{{iw|wikipedia|Dragon Spirit}}''.
The ''Pac-Man'' universe returns mostly unchanged. One major change is that all Bandai Namco songs, excluding {{uv|Tekken}} songs, are now labeled as ''Pac-Man'' songs. These songs include new remixes from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Galaga}}'', ''{{iw|wikipedia|Mappy}}'', and ''{{iw|wikipedia|Dragon Spirit}}''.
===Fighter===
===Fighter===
*55. [[File:Pac-ManIcon(SSBU).png|50px|right|link=Pac-Man (SSBU)]]'''{{SSBU|Pac-Man}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Pac-Man returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in ''Smash 4''. He remains similar to his previous appearance, and retains his Final Smash [[Super Pac-Man]], with a different functionality.
*55. [[File:Pac-ManIcon(SSBU).png|50px|right|link=Pac-Man (SSBU)]]'''{{SSBU|Pac-Man}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Pac-Man returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in ''Smash 4''. He remains unchanged from his previous appearance, and retains his Final Smash [[Super Pac-Man]], with a different functionality.


===Stage===
===Stage===
Line 91: Line 91:


===Assist Trophy===
===Assist Trophy===
*'''[[Ghosts]]''': Return from ''Smash 4''. They can be KO'd this time around.
*'''[[Ghosts]]''': Return completely unchanged from ''Smash 4''.


===Music===
===Music===
Line 106: Line 106:
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''': A ragtime-styled remix of the game start and intermission themes from the original ''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man}}''. Returns from ''Smash 4''.
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''': A ragtime-styled remix of the game start and intermission themes from the original ''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man}}''. Returns from ''Smash 4''.
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN (Club Mix)}}''': A more dramatic remix of the game start and intermission themes from ''Pac-Man'', featuring heavy percussion. Returns from ''Smash 4''.
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN (Club Mix)}}''': A more dramatic remix of the game start and intermission themes from ''Pac-Man'', featuring heavy percussion. Returns from ''Smash 4''.
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN'S PARK / BLOCK TOWN}}''': A rock and synth remix of the themes from Pac-Man's Park and Block Town from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Mania}}'', as well as the death theme from the same game. Returns from ''Smash 4''. Heard in Pac-Man's character trailer.
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN'S PARK / BLOCK TOWN}}''': A rock and synth remix of the themes from Pac-Man's Park and Block town from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Mania}}'', as well as the death theme from the same game. Returns from ''Smash 4''. Heard in Pac-Man's character trailer.


====Source Tracks====
====Source Tracks====
Line 121: Line 121:


==Media with elements appearing in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series==
==Media with elements appearing in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series==
The ''Pac-Man'' universe has media represented throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series with a total of 12 games and media. The latest game represented in this universe is ''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man Championship Edition}}'', released on June 6, 2007.
The ''Pac-Man'' universe has media represented throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series with a total of 11 games and media. The latest game represented in this universe is ''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man Championship Edition}}'', released on June 6, 2007.


===''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man}}''===
===''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man}}''===
Line 127: Line 127:
*Playable character:
*Playable character:
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} [[Pac-Man]] made his debut in this game. Pac-Man transforms into his ball form during certain moves, which is how he appeared in this game.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} [[Pac-Man]] made his debut in this game. Pac-Man transforms into his ball form during certain moves, which is how he appeared in this game.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} Pac-Man's limbed form first appeared in the Japanese arcade cabinet artwork for this game.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} Pac-Man's limbed form first appeared in Japanese arcade cabinet artwork for this game.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} Many elements from Pac-Man's moveset debut in this game, such as the [[Ghosts]], the [[Bonus Fruit]], Pac-Dots, and [[Power Pellet]]s.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} Many elements from Pac-Man's moveset debut in this game, such as the [[Ghosts]], the [[Bonus Fruit]], Pac-Dots, and [[Power Pellet]]s.
*Stages:
*Stages:
Line 146: Line 146:
*Misc:
*Misc:
**{{gameIcon|SSB4-WIIU}} The NES port of this game appears as a [[masterpiece]] in ''Smash for Wii U''.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4-WIIU}} The NES port of this game appears as a [[masterpiece]] in ''Smash for Wii U''.
===''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man|Atari 2600}}'' (Atari 2600)===
*Assist Trophy:
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} The ghosts were first referred to as "ghosts" as opposed to "monsters" in promotional material for this conversion.


===''{{iw|wikipedia|Ms. Pac-Man}}''===
===''{{iw|wikipedia|Ms. Pac-Man}}''===
Line 159: Line 155:
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} Pac-Man's Final Smash of the [[Super Pac-Man|same name]] is based on this game.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} Pac-Man's Final Smash of the [[Super Pac-Man|same name]] is based on this game.


===''{{iw|wikipedia|Pac-Man|TV series}}'' (TV series)===
===''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Man (TV series)}}''===
*Stages:
*Stages:
**{{gameIcon|SSB4-WIIU}} The game [[Pac-Land]] was created as a tie-in to the show, which appears as its own stage in ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate''.
**{{gameIcon|SSB4-WIIU}} The game [[Pac-Land]] was created as a tie-in to the show, which appears as its own stage in ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate''.

Please note that all contributions to SmashWiki are considered to be released under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license (see SmashWiki:Copyrights for details). Your changes will be visible immediately. Please enter a summary of your changes above.

Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)