If you fancy blasting some calories and getting a good chunk of your daily steps out the way in under an hour, we’ve got the ultimate fun solution.
We took a trip to PAC-MAN Live Experience in Manchester city centre, where the iconic arcade icon bursts into reality for an immersive adventure.
After an entertaining introduction from Mr Pixel, the yellow-suited host, in which he explained the object of the game and what every single feature is worth, we headed into a giant arena, wearing glowing PAC-MAN bibs with our names on the back.
On our visit, we were pitted against a rival team from Leeds, although they did manage to sneak in a mother and son team from Bury on their side, which our North Manchester crew thought was a tad unfair!
The mission was simple. Become the popular PAC-MAN character and chomp the pellets which appear on the ground in a huge arena.
But don’t forget to bag those juicy fruit which are projected on the ground, and avoid the ghosts – BLINKY, PINKY, INKY, and CLYDE – (and of course, colliding with the walls) for maximum points.
Enthusiasm is definitely the winner here and the determination to bag as many points as you can for your team.
With 12 levels to get through, the digital screens let you know who is winning on your team, so it’s an inter-battle as well as a contest against the enemies.
Players were led by our lively gameshow host who worked up a storm as both commentator and referee – and for me, it was mainly, “Helen, jumping over the walls won’t help you here”.
There’s also the in-game effects like sound bites, lighting, and weird vibrations. I was quick to work out the bib was buzzing constantly and this is because I was indeed, constantly bumping into the maze walls or colliding with my colleagues. This lost me tonnes of points as you can’t collect points while you are buzzing!
Words of wisdom. Don’t forget to grab that Weetabix before you go inside! It’s very hot after dashing around and a whole lot of energy is required!
So leave the dodgy knees at home, as this one isn’t for the faint-hearted.
The unique game is based on Lower Byrom Street in Manchester, just by the Science and Industry Museum – and is definitely worth a visit. Just don’t wear layers of clothes!
It’s been 45 years since PAC-MAN debuted and there’s no doubt that the live version will prove just as popular.
Book your visit now: https://www.pacmanlive.co.uk/tickets/
