Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Personal Software Services
Ghost Hunt (1982): A Pac-Man Clone with a Twist
Released in 1982, Ghost Hunt is an arcade game that is very similar to the classic Pac-Man. However, there are a few key differences that make Ghost Hunt unique.
Gameplay
The goal of Ghost Hunt is the same as Pac-Man: to eat all of the dots in a maze while avoiding the ghosts. However, Ghost Hunt adds a few new wrinkles to the gameplay.
First, Ghost Hunt features four different types of ghosts, each with its own unique behavior. The red ghost is the fastest and most aggressive, while the blue ghost is the slowest and least aggressive. The pink ghost is somewhere in between, and the orange ghost is the most unpredictable.
Second, Ghost Hunt introduces a new power-up: the ghost pepper. When Pac-Man eats a ghost pepper, he turns into a ghost himself and can eat the ghosts. This power-up adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must now decide whether to eat the ghosts or avoid them.
Finally, Ghost Hunt features a unique maze layout. The maze is more open than Pac-Man’s maze, with fewer dead ends and more opportunities for escape. This makes the game more challenging, as players must be more careful not to get cornered by the ghosts.
Graphics and Sound
Ghost Hunt’s graphics are simple but effective. The characters are colorful and distinct, and the maze is easy to navigate. The sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Reception
Ghost Hunt was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide. The game was also well-received by critics, who praised its challenging gameplay and unique features.
Legacy
Ghost Hunt is considered to be one of the best Pac-Man clones ever made. The game’s unique gameplay and features have made it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Ghost Hunt has also been ported to a number of home consoles, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the NES.
Conclusion
Ghost Hunt is a fun and challenging Pac-Man clone that is sure to appeal to fans of the original game. The game’s unique gameplay, graphics, and sound make it a standout among its peers. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, Ghost Hunt is definitely worth checking out.
Additional Information
- Ghost Hunt was developed by Namco, the same company that created Pac-Man.
- The game was originally released in Japan under the name Pac-Man Jr.
- Ghost Hunt was one of the first arcade games to feature a female protagonist.
- The game has been ported to a number of home consoles, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the NES.
- Ghost Hunt is still popular today among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Review Score
7/10