You don't look a day over 25

[greatbear]

Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of Pac-Man, one of the most popular video games ever created, and still loved to this day. How loved? Well, howbout lovin' in the true Google fashion?



And it's not just a logo marking the occasion, it's an actual playable game. Head to the Google home page to get your game on. Feeling lucky? Hit the "Insert Coin" button. You get two player action with Ms. Pac Man in the game. Use the WASD keys for the missus, the cursor keys for the Pacster. And a little edit: It seems there can be slight differences depending on the user. If you are signed into iGoogle or other personalized services, you'll have to head to the "Classic" homepage. Also, if you hit "Insert Coin" to begin play instead of just waiting to begin, you'll need to hit it again for the two-player goodness. Ah, but whaddaya want for nuthin'? ;)

An edit: Being that it was so popular, it's got a permanent home beyond the initial 48 feature hours linked above.

I often berate Google for not always adhering to their motto "Do No Evil", but the Logos have always been dear to me. Wonderful, elegant tributes to special occasions, notable people, holidays and memorials. This one raises the bar of Just Plain Cool. And no Flash! And howbout a soundtrack to go along with your gameplay:

Buckner & Garcia - Pac-Man Fever (Club Version)




Enjoy your Friday.

Comments

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

I missed that logo, since I didn't use Google that day, so thanks for sharing it here.

And thanks for so perfectly saying exactly what I've thought when I see the special Google logo variations.

they always make me smile.

Big hugs to you, Phil!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I love the logos. I often miss many of them, since I don't go to Google every day. On occasions, I click it up to see what might be there. Most of the big holidays are covered, but the tributes to scientists, authors, places, events, etc, they are like little unexpected surprises of the day. Some of them are quite touching too. And to think they just call them "Doodles", though the reason is obvious. ;)

[eric-mathgeek.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it's not giving me an "insert coin" button. I can't get a "plain" logo page.

EDIT: Found it. I had to click the "Classic Home" link first.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Ah, that makes sense. I did a little editing to make it clearer.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Think of what it coulda been if the game would have came out with it's original descriptive title of "Puck-Man?"

I never heard of Pac and Pal!

[fredneckteddy.livejournal.com]

I totally loved pacman JR! combo vido game and pinball machine....it totally rocked!

[fredneckteddy.livejournal.com]

you are absolutely correct :) I knew it was one of those kids LOL

[beg1n.livejournal.com]

Yay for the 80's games that shaped my strange lil' mind! And yay to Google for the cool logo!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

It's BigBadGoogleGoodness! ;)

[fredneckteddy.livejournal.com]

OMG I love q-Bert!

[kdotdammit.livejournal.com]

Hah. I didn't even recognize that was pacman. I opened my email this morning and momentarily freaked out and that my hard drive was taking a dump. Silly me.