The new LEGO PAC-MAN Machine set is a detailed recreation of the classic ’80s arcade game
The new LEGO set was announced on the same day the original game was released in 1980 and includes large, colorful brick versions of the ghostly PAC-MAN, BLINKY and CLYDE.
The collaboration between Bandai Namco and the LEGO Group has revealed that the famous yellow color of PAC-MAN is inspired by the signature color of the LEGO Group.
The LEGO Group and Bandai Namco celebrate the PAC-MAN 43rd Anniversary with the introduction of the new LEGO® Icons PAC MAN Machine set, one of the most famous and nostalgic arcade games of all time.
Originally released on May 22, 1980 by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. (formerly Namco) in Japan, the PAC-MAN video game became a cultural icon. After 40 years of being a part of global pop culture through games, TV shows, music and much more, the LEGO Group has collaborated with Bandai Namco to bring back the ’80s classic in brick form. Thanks to this collaboration, it has been discovered that the famous yellow color of PAC-MAN is inspired by the characteristic color of the LEGO Group.
The new design of the LEGO set shows a arcade version of PAC-MAN and allows you to recreate some of the game’s legendary moves to devour ghosts. Plus, builders can create large, colorful brick versions of PAC-MAN, BLINKY and CLYDE that rotate on a base and can be displayed on top of the cabinet or stand alone.
Once completed, the coin slot can be illuminated, and there is a small vignette of a female minifigure playing PAC-MAN on an arcade machine, hidden inside the cabinet.
Interesting facts about PAC-MAN:
On May 22, 1980, the first PAC-MAN focus test was held, in which the public was able to see the yellow character for the first time. PAC-MAN is yellow, as designer Iwatani was inspired by the iconic yellow color of LEGO bricks. The character’s form is based on a pizza with a slice missing. The game went on sale in Japan on June 29, 1980, before doing so in the rest of the world. A hit PAC-MAN cartoon hit TV screens in the 1980s. Buckner & Garcia released the single “PAC-MAN Fever” which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1982. In 1933 Billy Mitchell of Florida became the first person to achieve the game’s perfect score, 3,333,360 points. To get the perfect score, the player had to clear all 256 stages without failing once and consume all PAC-DOTs, fruits and ghosts (consume 4 ghosts with each POWER PELLET). In recognition of the release of PAC-MAN in 1980, where it installed 293,822 arcade units in 7 years, Guinness World Records recognized the game as the “Most Successful Coin Operated Game” in the world.
Sven Franic, LEGO designerdescribes the design process for the new set:
This set is a cultural icon of the last 40 years and it has been a pleasure to bring PAC-MAN to life with bricks. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to bring classic games to life. Our team of designers worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the beloved PAC-MAN arcade machine in brick form, from PAC-MAN himself to the colorful maze-like environment in which he inhabits.
Every detail has been carefully considered and crafted, resulting in a one-of-a-kind LEGO creation that captures the magic of the original game while adding a fun new twist and a couple of Easter eggs, in true video game style. . We’re thrilled to share this incredible build with the world and can’t wait to see the joy it brings to fans of all ages.
Aadil Tayouga, Director of Licensing and Business Strategy for Bandai Namco EuropeAdd:
Bandai Namco and the LEGO group share many common values, especially the goal of bringing fun to everyone through quality products. Adding to these values, the fact that PAC-MAN’s yellow was inspired by the LEGO Group’s yellow made the connection even more natural. It has been a tremendous collaboration with the passionate teams at the LEGO Group and we hope fans enjoy this set.
LEGO VIP members will have early access to purchase the LEGO PAC-MAN Machine set starting on June 1, 2023 at LEGO.com/PAC-MAN and LEGO stores, or available to everyone starting on June 4, 2023 at the recommended retail price of 269,99€.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRODUCT LEGO® PAC-MAN machine (Ref: 10323)
Age – 18+ The model is 32 cm high, 25 cm wide and 17 cm deep. Price: €269.99 Key functions and features 3 iconic PAC-MAN figures 1 light brick that illuminates the area where the coin is inserted A small minifigure vignette (female) playing PAC-MAN in a hidden Arcade inside the furniture
