Pac & Pal

About

Pac & Pal is a 1983 arcade game built on Namco’s Super Pac-Man hardware. Players control Pac-Man navigating a maze to collect fruits and other items, each worth different points. Unlike previous games, these items are hidden beneath scattered cards that Pac-Man must flip to unlock them. The goal is to gather all items before ghosts catch him, with scoring ranging from low-value cherries to high-value keys. Gameplay mixes memorization of card locations with speed and evasion, adding layers to the classic formula. The game stands out as one of the rarest Pac-Man titles outside Japan. Few original cabinets remain playable, making it a niche pursuit for collectors. Its scoring system and card-based unlock mechanic differentiate it from other entries in the series, though its short release window and limited distribution kept it under the radar. With a small but active fanbase, Pac & Pal is a forgotten twist on a familiar formula.