Lego has been honoring the nostalgia of the past by recreating iconic pop culture moments through their iconic building blocks. Last year, the company released a set that paid tribute to the Atari 2600 console which was launched in the 1970s. This year, Lego is bringing back the definitive video game of the ’80s, Pac-Man.
The Lego Icons Pac-Man arcade set is made up of 2,650 pieces and faithfully recreates the iconic Pac-Man arcade cabinet of old. It features a light-up coin slot, a joystick, and a mechanical crank that lets you move characters around the maze, although it does not allow you to play the game. The set also includes brick versions of Pac-Man as well as the ghosts Blinky and Clyde, which can be displayed on top of the cabinet or rotated on a base. Once the build is completed, you can light up the coin slot and find a hidden vignette of a female minifigure playing Pac-Man inside the cabinet. The set retails for $270 (£230) and will be available to Lego VIP members starting June 1st before being released to the general public June 4th.
In a press release, Lego delves into the history of Pac-Man, stating that the first focus test with members of the public was on May 22nd, 1980 – a significant date that marks 43 years to the day since the test was conducted. The character design for Pac-Man is said to have been inspired by a pizza with a slice missing. The game was released in Japan on June 29th, 1980, and later worldwide. Pac-Man quickly became the world’s most popular arcade game, with 293,822 units sold worldwide just seven years after it was first released.
According to the game’s creator, Toru Iwatani, the iconic yellow color of Pac-Man was inspired by the yellow Lego brick. Aadil Tayouga from Bandai Namco, which currently owns the rights to Pac-Man, said that “since Pac-Man yellow was actually inspired by the Lego Group yellow, it made the [collaboration] even more natural.”
This isn’t the first time Lego has tapped into the nostalgia of gaming enthusiasts. Last year, the company released a set inspired by the Atari 2600 console, and in 2020, it launched a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) set as well. With this latest set, Lego continues its tradition of paying homage to beloved classic video games and consoles.
Lego’s Pac-Man set not only captures the essence of the classic game but also serves as a great display piece for fans and collectors alike. The attention to detail in the set is impressive, from the intricate design of the cabinet to the mechanical crank that lets you move characters around the maze. For those who grew up playing Pac-Man in the arcade, this Lego set offers a chance to relive those cherished memories in a fun, nostalgic way.
In conclusion, Lego’s Pac-Man arcade set is yet another testament to the company’s commitment to preserving pop culture history through innovative and creative building sets. It’s a perfect way for both Lego and Pac-Man fans to combine their love for two iconic brands and relive the golden age of arcade gaming with their very own Pac-Man set.
