Pacman: A Sequel

To get the game running, just extract the .zip file and click the shortcut labeled Pacman. Check the README file for a cheat code.

This game started off as a simple Pacman clone but I thought maybe I could inject it with my own ideas and design goals and create something new. My initial ideas centered around my frustration with stealth game scoring systems. Score penalties never feel good so why give them out? As long as you win who cares how? On the other hand, being given points for doing well always feels amazing.

The AI mimics the AI of Metal Gear Solid 2 as a consequence of my desire to make a stealth game. That change on its own was pretty boring. Adding a mechanic that lets the player sneak up on the ghosts and scare them turned this into more of an action game with stealth elements, but made it a lot more fun. The scare mechanic resembles the Ultimate Technique in the Xbox Ninja Gaiden games. Getting one UT (or scare) leads to another, which leads to another, and so on. Other games influenced this project but MGS and NG are the main ones.

I gave it the subtitle "A Sequel" because good game sequels are always familiar to players returning from the previous installment while providing a completely new set of mechanics and ideas.

Hope you enjoy!