Pac-Man - Atari 2600
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$7.95at Retro Raven GamesChecked Nov 11
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Price facts
- Last seen at $7.95 at Retro Raven Games on Nov 11.
Our take on the Pac-Man - Atari 2600
This 1982 port brought the world's most famous arcade maze game to home consoles. While it retains the core loop of eating dots and avoiding four ghosts, it features significant graphical and audio changes from the original arcade cabinet. It is a historical curiosity for collectors and retro gamers interested in the early days of the Atari VCS.
Best forRetro gaming collectorsAtari 2600 enthusiastsHigh-score chasersVideo game history buffs
Pros
- Classic maze-running gameplay loop
- Includes the iconic power-pill mechanic
- Features humorous intermissions between rounds
- Simple one-button joystick controls
Cons
- Heavy flicker on ghost sprites
- Significant graphical departure from arcade version
- Repetitive four-note sound effects
Pac-Man - Atari 2600 prices at every store
- Retro Raven GamesNew
In stockReturn policy
$7.95Checked Nov 11
What reviewers say
This version is famously divisive, known more for its technical limitations than its faithfulness to the arcade. While it sold millions, players often cite the flickering visuals and altered color palette as major drawbacks.
What people mention
- GraphicsCriticisedUsers frequently complain about the heavy flickering of the ghosts and the change from a black to a tan background.
- SoundMixedThe 'bonk-bonk' sound replaces the arcade's 'waka-waka', which some find grating over long sessions.
- FaithfulnessCriticisedReviewers note that the maze orientation and ghost behaviors differ significantly from the arcade original.
About the Pac-Man - Atari 2600
Questions and answers
- How does this compare to the arcade version?
- The Atari 2600 version uses a landscape orientation instead of portrait and features simplified graphics. The ghosts flicker because the hardware can only display one at a time per scanline.
- Do the ghosts have the same personalities?
- Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde are all present, but their movement patterns are less distinct than in the arcade version due to hardware constraints.
- What is the goal of the game?
- You must navigate the maze to eat all dots and fruit while avoiding ghosts. Eating a Power-Pill briefly allows you to eat the ghosts for extra points.
- Is this compatible with modern TVs?
- It requires original Atari 2600 hardware or a compatible clone console. To use it on a modern TV, you will likely need an RF-to-Coaxial adapter or an HDMI mod.
- Where is the Pac-Man - Atari 2600 cheapest?
- At Retro Raven Games, for $7.95, as of our latest check.
