Earlier this week we witnessed the first-ever Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship in New York City. For years Pac-Man has been regarded by many in the video games industry as the game that really made arcade games a widespread phenomenon. Toru Iwatani (pictured to the right), the creator of the original Pac-Man, crowned Carlos Romero of Mexico the Xbox 360 Pac-Man Champion.
The event marked the start in gaming history where several different generations and types of gamers collide — the old school, the next generation, and the casual player. Pac-Man Championship Edition, available for the Xbox 360 video game console (downloadable for 800 MS points via the Xbox Live Marketplace) appeals to all of these gamers. This marks a point in history where perhaps the most well-known and beloved game from the arcade era finally catches up with the technology employed in video games today.
While some gamers and reporters may see the event as insignificant, it really is the Pac-Man legend coming full circle. Since Pac-Man's original North America release in 1980, this is the first Pac-Man video game to contain new levels from Iwatani himself. Over the past two decades countless sequels have come into the picture, along with a television series, tons of Pac-Man merchandise, and several references and appearances in movies and other video games. In addition, Pac-Man was named 'Man of the Year' by MAD Magazine in 1982.
Billy Mitchell was one of the final 10 competitors (he is the first person to ever obtain a perfect score in the original Pac-Man), and while he's not playing many video games currently, he did tell me he enjoyed the new look and feel of Pac-Man. It was nice to see Toru Iwatani back in the current generation video game scene, and I'm sure the top 10 finalist felt honored, like I did, to meet him.
On a side note, I proposed to Christina Mariannino of Xbox Solution shortly after the event - and she said yes! Hold your congratulations until I pay for the wedding.
Pac-Man CE Related Articles
- Pac-Man Championship Edition Cheats - Xbox 360
- Pac-Man Xbox 360 World Championship Event Photos from NYC
Off Topic
- More engagement photos at XBS (outside link)
Photo credit: Toru Iwatani, © Jason Rybka
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