Ms. Pac-Man

Game review

Ms. Pac-Man, released in 1982, is an iconic arcade game and a sequel to the original Pac-Man.  Ms. Pac-Man enhances the fundamental gameplay of Pac-Man with a few key modifications and additions. The game features the titular character, Ms. Pac-Man, navigating through various mazes while consuming dots and avoiding four colorful ghosts - Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Sue. The objective remains the same as in the original: clear the maze of all dots while avoiding capture by the ghosts.

One of the significant changes in Ms. Pac-Man is the maze design. Unlike Pac-Man, which featured a single maze layout, Ms. Pac-Man introduced several different mazes that vary in layout and color scheme as players progress through the levels. This variation added a new level of complexity and freshness to the gameplay, keeping players engaged for longer periods.

Another addition in Ms. Pac-Man is the introduction of moving fruit bonuses. Instead of stationary fruits in the original Pac-Man, the fruits in Ms. Pac-Man bounce around the maze, adding a dynamic element to the gameplay. Players must time their movements to collect these fruits while avoiding the ghosts.

The AI of the ghosts in Ms. Pac-Man is more advanced compared to the original game. The ghosts exhibit more unpredictable movements, making them more challenging to evade. This increase in difficulty adds to the game's appeal, offering a more challenging experience for both new players and seasoned Pac-Man enthusiasts.

Ms. Pac-Man also includes brief cutscenes between some levels, a feature not present in the original Pac-Man. These animated interludes, known as "Pac-Man Theater," add a narrative element to the game, depicting a developing relationship between Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Man. This addition not only provides a break between game levels but also adds charm and character to the game.