Pac-Man invades Google Maps, and it’s pretty much the best thing ever

Is there anything that’s more “throwback” than Pac-Man? We think not. Which is why we’re really excited that the little yellow chomper has made his way to Google Maps, at least for now.

Ever the creative geniuses, Google teased the opportunity to play Pac-Man in Google Maps via a mysterious tweet on March 31. 

According to Google, “you can now play the classic arcade game PAC-MAN in Google Maps with streets as your maze. Avoid Blinky, Pinky, Inky, (and Clyde!) as you swerve the streets of some famous places around the world.” 

Best played on an actual desktop or laptop computer, in order to play, all you have to do is open up Google Maps on the Web, click on the Pac-Man icon on the bottom left of the screen, and voila! Google Maps will use your location to render a map on which you can play Pac-Man. At this time, not every location is available, but take heed! If you come across that problem, just click the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button and Google will populate an existing map on which you can play.

Many users want to know if they CAN play on their mobile devices. The answer is yes, but it’s much more challenging to get working. In order to do so, you need to peruse Google’s support page, and the directions will try to help you locate the hidden Pac-Man pins on your mobile device. Again, this involves much more effort than just playing on a laptop or desktop computer.  

This isn’t the first time Google has added a character to their maps platform. Just last year, they offered the option to catch a Pokémon on your maps. And they have also mapped J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Rush on over to Google Maps to play, though! We’re not sure when the yellow hero will leave our street views, but Google Maps Help indicates “this game will only be around for a little while.”  

Ready to play? Head on over to this Google Maps link and get started.

Via Mobile Magazine