Google Pac-Man Halloween: the playable doodle that's taking the internet by storm

Google's latest playful offering arrives dressed in pumpkins and cobwebs: a playable doodle of Halloween-themed Pac-Man which turns the search engine into an impromptu arcade. Anyone who clicks on the logo will see a start button integrated into the emblem itself, and clicking it will open a special version of the classic Pac-Man game, ready for quick games without leaving the website.

This edition incorporates familiar aesthetic details and mechanics, but with a festive twist: eight levels With ornate hallways, familiar music, and the usual ghosts lurking about, the atmosphere is full of nods to Halloween night, and the yellow hero sports different costumes. themed costumes that change between games.

What does the Pac-Man Halloween doodle bring?

The minigame retains its essence: you have to Eat all the points From the maze, dodge Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, and use the power-ups to reverse their roles. In this version, the famous Power Pellets are represented as eyes which, when devoured, tint the screen purples and blacks and allow you to chase the ghosts for a few seconds.

The route is divided into PhasesFour of these are haunted houses with unique designs. Each one reflects the personality of the ghost that inhabits it, a detail that influences route reading and the pressure that enemies exert on the player.

In terms of sound, the doodle recovers effects and melodies of the original, reinforcing the retro feel. In addition, Pac-Man can appear in various seasonal outfits: from the typical Witch hat even costumes that change when reloading, adding aesthetic variety without altering gameplay.

How to play games from the Google homepage

To access, simply enter the Google homepage and click on the doodleIf it doesn't appear at that moment, it's always possible to open it from the official Doodles archivewhere these interactive experiences are stored.

The controls are straightforward and require no learning curve: you can play on a computer with the Use the arrow keys on the keyboard or the mouse/trackpad to guide the character through the mazeOn mobile phones and tablets, movement is performed with screen slidesThis makes it easy to play quick games at any time.

For those who use laptops with reduced cursor keys, It may be more convenient to opt for an external keyboard or mouseIn any case, the proposal It is designed to be "just pop in and play" without installation., ideal for short breaks.

Bandai Namco, haunted levels and design

The tribute coincides with 45th anniversary Created by Toru Iwatani and featuring the participation of Bandai Namco EntertainmentThe collaboration is evident in the four haunted house mazes, which reimagine classic routes with more treacherous corners and a gloomy atmosphere.

The ghosts' AI retains its familiar traits, continuing to "read" the player's movements and forcing them to make time-sensitive decisions. This combination of memory, skill, and tactics It maintains the pulse of the original and rewards both veterans and those approaching Pac-Man for the first time.

A classic that has already made history in Doodles

Pac-Man had already starred in a key moment in 2010, when Google published its first doodle Interactive with sound to celebrate the game's 30th anniversary. Since then, Doodles have grown in ambition, with minigames, challenges, and experiences that can be enjoyed directly in the browser.

This year's Halloween edition joins that tradition with an approach that blends arcade nostalgia and accessibility: it's free to play, requires no downloads, and is available for a Limited time on the front page. Once the date has passed, it will remain accessible in the archive for anyone who wants to revisit it later.

Small tips to get the most out of it

Beyond aesthetics, it's worth paying attention to how the labyrinths "breathe" and the personality of each specter: long corridors favor late changes of directionWhile sharp intersections require anticipation, saving an eye booster for when the group closes in can make all the difference.

If you play on a computer, alternate between arrow keys and mouse Depending on the section of the map, it can help you regain control on tricky turns. On a touchscreen, short, precise gestures prevent you from losing speed on challenging corners.

With this proposal, Google is bringing together again classic gameplay and seasonal celebration In a format accessible to everyone. Eight maps, four haunted houses, changing disguises, and the usual ghosts are enough for a return that respects the original formula and offers a time of uncomplicated escapism.