Power-Up #13: Power Pellet (Pac-Man)

Now here's a video game that needs no introduction. It's Pac-Man, one of the most popular games of all time. Not only did the game introduce the world to cinema cut-scenes, but it also gave us a very early power-up. The power pellet turns the tables on the spooky ghosts, making it one of the most useful items in the game. But who wants to eat a ghost? Find out now.



Purpose: There's no ambiguity with this power-up, it's all about turning Mr. Pac-Man into a ghost-chomping machine. One bite of the power pellet turns all ghosts blue, sending them scrambling away from our hungry hero. Pac earns points for each ghost he eats, and the defeated baddie will return to the prison in the center of the maze. Unfortunately, there are only four power pellets on any given stage.

Legacy: The power pellet is Pac-Man's most important power-ups, so you better believe it's still around. We've seen the power pellet in ever Pac game, even when they involved side-scrolling action, puzzles, kart racing and partying. Speaking of which, Pac-Man Party changed the power pellet to a power cookie. Is it possible that Namco is worried that people might confuse Pac's power pellet with something else?

In Real Life: For the sake of argument, let's say that you believe in ghosts and are afraid your labyrinthine house is haunted. Let's also assume you have a few choices on how to deal with the ghoulish infestation, including eating a ghost. I don't care if I have to burn down the house while sacrificing a live cat, that still sounds better than eating a ghost. That's just one more example of why Pac is a better man than me.