Namco releases first free-to-play Pac-Man

Namco Bandai has released the first ever free-to-play version of Pac-Man.

Pac-Man Plus Tournaments contains the classic arcade gameplay of the original, and has launched exclusively on Google Play.

In addition to a free version of the original 1980 Pac-Man, PMT introduces a Tournament mode with new features that Namco said will “complement the tried-and-true Pac-Man formula” with social competition and constantly updated new content.

The publisher is hoping to satisfy fans as well as reach a new audience with this latest iteration of the pizza-shaped protagonist.

“Pac-Man was the first video game available for Android phones back in 2008, and with Pac-Man Plus Tournaments, we’re excited to expand our Google Play line-up with a game that revitalizes that beloved gameplay for a whole new group of fans,” said James Kucera, head of mobile at Namco Bandai Games America.

“My favourite part is the balance of new and old – players will be excited about the new Tournament mode, while the leaderboards and friend system harken back to the competitive arcade atmosphere from PAC-MAN’s beginnings.”

Players can expect new tournaments, achievements, mazes and scoring objectives available in future for the title.

Pac-Man Plus Tournaments can be downloaded now for free on Google Play.