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Pac & Pal is a somewhat lesser-known entry in the Pac-Man series, released by Namco in 1983 as an arcade game. While it shares many of the core gameplay mechanics with Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, it introduced several new elements and characters, adding complexity to the familiar maze-chase formula.

Key Features of Pac & Pal:

The “Pal” in the game is a small green ghost-like creature named Miru. She doesn’t attack Pac-Man like other ghosts but instead collects items from the maze and takes them to the ghost pen. The player must intercept Miru to retrieve the items before she delivers them.

Unlike traditional Pac-Man games where Pac-Man eats dots to clear the level, in Pac & Pal, Pac-Man must collect playing cards scattered around the maze. These cards open doors that lead to bonus items (like fruits or power-ups) hidden behind them. Miru can also collect these items, so the player needs to act fast.

Instead of the standard power pellets that allow Pac-Man to eat ghosts, Pac & Pal features different power-ups, such as Galaga’s Boss Galaga ship, Rally-X’s special flag, and more, which allow Pac-Man to temporarily stun the ghosts using different abilities (such as shooting beams or freezing the ghosts).

Unlike the original Pac-Man game where power pellets enable Pac-Man to devour ghosts, in Pac & Pal, there is no way to eat the ghosts outright. The special power-ups only temporarily disable or freeze them, but they don’t allow you to consume them for extra points.

The ghosts from the original Pac-Man (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde) return, but their behavior is slightly modified due to the new mechanics of the game. Miru, while not directly dangerous, adds another layer of complexity as she moves through the maze collecting items that Pac-Man needs.

Gameplay Differences:

The game requires more strategy compared to the earlier Pac-Man games. Players must balance collecting cards, retrieving items before Miru takes them, and avoiding the ghosts.
The scoring system is different, as collecting items and using power-ups becomes more important than simply clearing dots.

Pac & Pal was not as successful as some of the other Pac-Man titles but has gained some attention over time for its unique mechanics. Its differences make it stand out as an innovative yet lesser-known spin-off in the Pac-Man franchise.

Critics:
Gaming Hell - 80%
All Game Guide - 30%

Released: July 1983
Machine type: Arcade
Original System: Arcade
Developer: Namco Limited
Published by: Namco Limited
Genre: Action
Planning: Yasunori Yamashita
Hardware: Toru Ogawa
Programming: Nobuhiro Gotou
Sound: Yuriko Keino
Japanese spelling: パック&パル

#arcade
#retrogaming
#oldschool