Ms. PAC-MAN
A classic arcade game, faithfully adapted for mobile play.
Ms. PAC-MAN
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a faithful adaptation of the original Ms. Pac-Man arcade game from the 1980s. It is a maze game. For those who grew up playing it, it is just as simple and/or challenging as you remember it, but it will cost you far fewer quarters. Our review is based on the iPhone app; the Android app may have some differences in functionality.
Community Reviews
My Other Kids On. My Youngest Kid Iffy.
Report this review
What’s It About?
First, choose from one of three control schemes (tilting the device, using an on-screen joystick, or swiping). Then start moving the little yellow Ms. Pac-Man around the maze, gobbling up dots and fruit and avoiding or eating ghosts and earning points. For all intents and purposes, the game on this app plays the same as the MS. PAC-MAN that many parents will remember from the early days of video games, with a few additional options and no real-life joystick.
Is It Any Good?
This mobile version of MS PAC-MAN is almost exactly the same as the old-school stand-up version you remember from arcades past. Sure, you don't have that visceral joystick control, but the new touchscreen controls work just great (well, two of the three do). This is the kind of game that feels right at home on a mobile device (as many classic arcade games now do). It's basically the same task over and over, with increasing difficulty each time -- a description which is most definitely not meant as an insult. Kids today will look at Ms. Pac-Man as both a curious artifact from their parents' generation and an entertaining timekiller no different from many of the other app games they're likely to play. Our only gripe: Why does it cost the relatively steep five dollars?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Release date: November 7, 2010
- Category: Arcade Games
- Publisher: Namco Networks America Inc. Games
- Version: 2.1.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 3.1.3 or later; Android 1.0 and up
- Last updated: August 23, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
-
Skee-ball
Classic carnival game is entertaining and OK for kids.
-
Frogger
Arcade-inspired game is good froggy fun for kids.
-
Doodle Jump
Simple, engaging game is best for tweens and up.
For kids who love arcade games
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate