Did you know that Pac-Man has turned 45? To celebrate, there is the new Pac-Man Live Experience right in the heart of Manchester, UK. You can become the Pac-Man himself and can grab all those power pellets. Cubed3’s Adam Riley headed on over to find out what it’s all about.
“My name is Wakka Jimbo. Let me hear you shout Yellow Wakka Jimbo!!!” That is how you’re greeted before heading into this live Pac-Man experience. It’s the first step before diving in to collect all those power pellets that Bandai Namco’s Pac-Man is renowned for munching on, in order to become the master of the maze. Step into gaming history as you become the legendary yellow chomper in this ground-breaking immersive attraction.
You will don your power pack and run around the maze like absolutely crazy. You can go gentle if you want, but it’s more fun when going full pelt and getting really competitive. The scoreboards are right up there, and it’s up to you whether you want to come in last or whether you want to be the overall winner. This is the arcade classic that you know and love from the early 1980s, reimagined at human scale with you at the centre of the action.
Compete against friends, evade the ghosts, and experience first-hand what it’s like to be gaming’s most iconic character. It has to be said that when you’re competing against friends, suddenly they become your foes. You will be going head-to-head with fellow players as you chomp your way through different mazes, levels, and even special bonus rounds that are exclusive to the Pac-Man Live Experience. This uses state-of-the-art technology that transforms the space around into a life-sized arcade adventure. Upon entering the maze arena, you become Pac-Man. Dodge the ghosts, snatch power pellets, and hunt high scores in a fully immersive world, with bonus items around the mazes, as well. Wearing what is a specially designed Pac Vest, it can track where you are on the maze. Players then become the cheeky yellow chomper himself.
This is a multi-sensory wearable technology that enables a life-size shared experience like never before. No headsets required at all, but if you go over the edges of the virtual maze, there’s a vibration that definitely can be felt and a timeout where nothing can be collected for a short time, so make sure to keep an eye on where you’re running. It has state-of-the-art tracking technology that follows movements around the maze as you chomp through power pellets and power-ups. There are the smart haptics and a cool lighting display that will fully immerse groups into the Pac-Man world, and there is also the host. In Cubed3’s group, it was the Yellow Wakka Jimbo gentleman that screamed out loud right from the start!
These Pac-Masters will guide players through the Pac World. They are part game show host, part commentator, and part referee, all wrapped up in a bright yellow suit and lively persona. The Pac-Master keeps the energy high, ensures that things are fair, and helps you master the maze with tips and encouragement. Otherwise, you could be running around like a headless chicken! Oh, and they also offer bottles of water if needed during break times for those that tend to overdo it (no names mentioned… stop looking this way!).
Whether you’re a first-time chomper or a pellet-hunting pro, your Pac-Master will be there every step of the way, adding that extra spark of fun and personality to the adventure. Don’t forget that, just like in the videogame version, grabbing a special power pellet will turn Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde into petrified ghosts that can be gobbled up for extra points.
