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Pac-Man Makes Guinness Book

phresno writes "As a gaming icon, everybody loves Namco's Pac-Man. The arcade machine sold over 293,000 units in just eight years of its initial release and is fondly remembered even 25 years later. The success of Pac-Man has awarded it not only pop culture status, but a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Long live Pac-Man!"

9 of 133 comments (clear)

  1. Sweet by gordgekko · · Score: 5, Funny

    293 000 units? I think I dumped that many quarters into the game during the early 80s.

    --
    You want to know who isn't running Firefox 2.x? They spell it "definately" and "rediculous".
  2. Namco at E3 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Anyone else catch the Namco Pac-man birthday floor show at E3? Six stripper-esque (esque, since they don't actually strip,) dancers singing "happy birthday to you" to a guy in a pacman suit, as the crowd (somewhat) sings along.

    Surreal didn't even begin to describe...

  3. This isn't a real story by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The mods were just looking for a reason to use the Pac-Man icon again.

  4. Guinness Book of Records sold out long ago by bazmail · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I stopped buying that book ever since i saw highly dubious catagories creeping in like "The shortest instruction manual for a computer" which was "awarded" to the iMac a few years ago.
    An obvious advertisemsent.

  5. Play a Java version of the classic by oranda · · Score: 5, Informative
    Play a Java version of the classic:

    http://sourceforge.net/projects/pacdasher

  6. The shortest instruction manual for a computer by TapeCutter · · Score: 5, Funny

    I agree, everyone knows that the shortest instruction manual is "Don't panic."

    --
    And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
  7. Alternative history. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Obvious but manditory (and not entirely safe for work) link to the VG Cats History Of Pac-Man...

    Well, I giggled.

  8. Re: Been playing for nearly 25 years! by Alwin+Henseler · · Score: 5, Interesting
    It really was revolutionary, and we were all instantly hooked.

    Came across some webpages recently on Pac-Man history. Apparantly it was inspired by a left-over pizza (with a slice cut out), and after introduction so popular in Japan, that there was a shortage in particular coins, because so many were thrown in the Pac-Man arcade machines(!!).

    Personally, I think Pac-Man is so wonderful because it combines a deceivingly simple concept with addictive gameplay. Think about programming YAPMC (Yet Another Pac-Man Clone): at first sight, you think: simple. But you have to deal with timing, player controls, graphics/sprites etc., sounds, the game 'map' (pills, walls, powerups etc.), and even 'Artificial Intelligence' (ghost movement, yeah I know they're really dumb, but still). All the basic ingredients of modern games, except 3D or networked multiplayer. And that in a really small package, where any kid can grasp the object of the game in under 5 seconds.
  9. Re:fp? by h4rm0ny · · Score: 5, Funny

    "People think that video games influence children. Ha! If that were true then my generation would be spending all its time in darkened rooms, swallowing pills and listening to repetitive music!"

    --

    Aide-toi, le Ciel t'aidera - Jeanne D'Arc.