Pac-Man Plus

Pac-Man Plus is an arcade game developed and released by Bally Midway in 1982. It is a modified version of the classic arcade game Pac-Man, featuring several alterations to gameplay mechanics, such as changing the behavior of some ghosts and introducing new power-ups.

Pac-Man Plus was developed as a follow-up to the immensely popular Pac-Man arcade game, seeking to capitalize on its success while introducing new elements to keep the gameplay fresh. Bally Midway, the company behind Pac-Man Plus, aimed to maintain the addictive gameplay of the original while providing players with new challenges and surprises. The development team experimented with various gameplay tweaks and additions before finalizing the version that became Pac-Man Plus.

Upon its release, Pac-Man Plus received mixed reviews from players and critics alike. Some praised the game for its innovative changes and refreshed gameplay experience, while others criticized it for deviating too far from the beloved original. Despite the mixed reception, Pac-Man Plus garnered a dedicated fanbase and found success in arcades around the world.

Pac-Man Plus exists primarily as an arcade game, with no official home console ports or sequels. However, it has inspired various unofficial fan-made mods and ROM hacks, showcasing the enduring popularity of the Pac-Man franchise and the creativity of its community.

Pac-Man Plus arcade cabinets are relatively rare compared to the original Pac-Man, as fewer units were produced. Due to its rarity and status as a collector’s item, prices for well-maintained cabinets can vary significantly. Depending on factors such as condition, location, and demand, a fully functional Pac-Man Plus cabinet can fetch anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars in the collectors’ market.

Pac-Man Plus runs on hardware similar to that of the original Pac-Man arcade cabinet. Its main components include:

Monitor: Typically a 19-inch CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor.
CPU: Utilizes a Zilog Z80 microprocessor.
Sound System: Features mono sound through a speaker system.
Control Panel: Includes a joystick and buttons for gameplay control.
For possible repairs or maintenance, relevant replacement parts for Pac-Man Plus include:

Power Supply Unit
Monitor Chassis
Joystick and Button Components
Wiring Harness
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)