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Pac-man Starts Life At 30May 21, 2010 – 1:17 pm |
 Abdul Fattah Ismail |
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One particular football player won’t grow up because he’s a Toys ‘R Us kid, and other unmentionable things.
But his father ages gracefully. Today, Pac-man celebrates his 30th birthday after years of chasing pellets, big and small, to get the affection of his female cohort. Google commemorates the celebration with this kitschy website design where you enter a coin and can play with Mr. and Mrs. Pac-man at the same time. It’s an ingenious blend of marketing and synergy of the iconic, beloved arcade game. It remains one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and its influence on postmodern society along with the digital age remains strong to this day. I remember playing at the barber shop on Saturdays in between cuts as a boy, and I could never get to the same level on subsequent trips. I would climb several levels in one visit, then get nowhere the next time. It is a game dependent on memory, hand-eye coordination, and perception. These skills can be applied to any medium in life, beyond video games. I think this explains its durability in an era of Grand Theft Auto, Wii, and Xbox. Pac-man has endless brand equity. Before you start playing, flex your fingers because they will get a workout from pounding the arrow keys. Click on the retro illustration to the right and get started.
