Summary
A newPac-Mangame might be in the works, at least according to a trademark filed by Bandai Namco. The originalPac-Manlaunched in arcades way back in 1980 and became a global sensation, spawning an entire franchise and cementing the titular yellow avatar as one of gaming’s very first mascots. Pac-Man and his supporting cast have appeared in merchandise and various television shows over the decades, andseveralPac-Mansequel gameswere produced. These includeMs. Pac-Man,Baby Pac-Man, and the 3DPac-Man Worldfor the original PlayStation.
Some of the more recentPac-Manreleased include 2021’sPac-Man 99, an online battle royale-type game that allowed up to 99 players to compete against each other in frantic, pellet-munching maze runs, andPac-Man World Re-Pac, an updated remake of the aforementionedPac-Man Worldthat refined the original’s interface and gameplay mechanics while adding a new Maze Mode. ADLC expansion forWorld Re-Pacwas released in November that gave players an in-game jukebox and new Chrome Noir Chogokin character skin.Pac-Man Museum+launched a few months before this, allowing players to sample most of Pac-Mac’s classic arcade adventures.
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The lovable yellow circle with a hunger for ghosts and pellets might not be done yet, as a recent trademark filing by Bandai Namco hints that anotherPac-Mangame is on the horizon. This trademark was filed on August 31 in New Zealand, and simply contains the name “Pac-Man Superfast.” Nothing else was included in the filing, so it isn’t clear if “Superfast” is meant to be a new video game or some sort of tie-in media.
Pac-Man has made appearances outside of his home series over the years. He was brought into the crossoverSuper Smash Bros.series in 2014’sSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii Uand returned in the subsequentSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatefor the Switch. More recently,Fall Guysoffered fansa playablePac-Mancharacter skin, while fans have paid tribute to the franchise through customMinecraftarcade cabinets and real-life subway vents.
While thePac-Manfranchise isn’t quite the gaming juggernaut it was in its 80s heyday, players young and old still enjoy the series’ fast-paced action and colorful characters. It isn’t yet certain if the recently filed “Pac-Man Superfast” trademark is meant to signifya newPac-Mangamefrom Bandai Namco, but it would be welcome news for fans of the iconic video game mascot.
