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Your PAC-MAN Live Experience Walkthrough – for a Waka Waka Time in Manchester!
- What is the PAC-MAN Live Experience?
- Best Time to Go to PAC-MAN Live Experience
- Things to Know About the PAC-MAN Live Experience
- How to Get to PAC-MAN Live Experience
- How does the PAC-Man Live Experience work?
- PAC-MAN Characters
- How to Plan Your Visit
- Ticket Pricing
- Access Requirements
- What to Wear at the PAC-MAN Live Experience
- Tips When Visiting the PAC-MAN Live Experience
- FAQ about the PAC-MAN Live Experience
Who would’ve thought that a famous arcade game could be played in the real world? The classic video game we’ve all had a go at as kids is alive in Manchester—the PAC-MAN Live Experience!
Instead of using the controller, we’ll go waka waka around a maze, eat dots, chase fruits, and scurry away from ghosts! If it was fun on the screen, it’s even more wicked in reality… but without real-life consequences of dying. *cue Pac-Man death sound effect*
We were lucky to have played in the maze arena and have collected a few pointers for a smooth and exciting game day! Bring your mates, the kids, and your childhood besties! Time to join the PAC for an epic day filled with nostalgia and a right old laugh! Game start!
What is the PAC-MAN Live Experience?
The PAC-MAN Live Experience is a live-action video game where the characters are real people. This is an immersive experience that brings the iconic arcade game to life.
This time, the players (that’s you) will become the actual yellow Chomper (in real life). You’ll run inside the maze, munch on Pac-Dots, elude the Ghost Gang, collect power-ups, and try not to collide with fellow Chompers.
It comprises up to 8 players per game. Other players may join your session, assuming that your group is less than 8.
Best Time to Go to PAC-MAN Live Experience
You can go to the PAC-MAN Live Experience anytime. Yes, no matter what season or day you prefer, as long as there’s availability.
Book as early as you can, though, especially in the summer hols when the kids are out of school and the tourists start flocking in. It’s mainly so you can get a ticket since only a certain number of people are allowed inside.
Things to Know About the PAC-MAN Live Experience
Website
Location: Arcade Arena, Lower Byrom St
Contact: Online form
Opening Days: The place is open 6 days a week, from Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00. It’s closed on Tuesdays.
Duration: You’ll spend 50 minutes inside, but the maze will only take half an hour.
Player Numbers: There’s a total of 8 people per maze. There will be two games happening simultaneously.
Washrooms: There are loos in the Arcade Arena, which is the venue where the PAC-MAN Live Experience is located.
Parking: There’s no parking at the venue. We strongly suggest utilising Manchester’s public transport network because looking for parking spaces in the area may take a while—you don’t want to be late!
How to Get to PAC-MAN Live Experience
Buses: Hop off at Lower Byrom Street. You can ride the free city centre bus, which stops outside the Science and Industry Museum, just opposite Arcade Arena.
The main entrance is right at the corner of the building, just over the road from St. John’s Gardens.
Trains: Get off at Deansgate-Castlefield station. Then, walk for around 10 minutes to get there.
Cars: From the city centre, drive to Deansgate or Trinity Way, going to Lower Byrom Street. However, we don’t recommend taking your car because there’s no on-site parking.
How does the PAC-Man Live Experience work?
The PAC-MAN Live Experience is a real-world game in a massive room with the maze projected onto the floor. Players will insert a big coin to open the door to the arena—a cool addition, TBH.
Once you’re inside, donning a yellow Chomper PAC-Vest, you’ll run through the maze, chomp the pellets, dodge the ghosts, and try not to hit the walls. Just like the actual game!
There’s even a bonus game that’s sort of a break, but also your chance to earn more points.
Although you’re playing as a group, the other players are not your teammates—keep this in mind because we want to win here! Whoever’s got the most points wins, which will be reflected on the leaderboard projected on the wall.
NGL, our competitiveness oozed the moment we walked in. We had a cracking time, but we admit it was tiring—we were drenched after the game! Imagine running for half an hour!
It’s basically the same as the original gameplay. But this time, in a real-world setting with a Pac-Master, who will walk you through the rules and provide some commentary during the game.
PAC-MAN Characters
Media credit: pacman.liveexperience
If you aren’t familiar with the characters in the game—we doubt it, though—here’s a quick introduction so you know what you have to do and what you’re up against!
- Pac-Man, also called the yellow Chomper, is who you’ll be playing as. It’s the round character with a mouth that continuously eats all the pellets in its path.
- Pac-Dots, aka pellets, are small, round dots scattered about. These are the things you’ll chomp on, or rather, step on, as you run along to finish the level.
- Ghost Gang is the multi-coloured ghosts you have to dodge to avoid losing a life. When they turn blue, you can eat them and they’ll return to the centre box.
- Power Pellets are the large blinking pellets that, when eaten, turn the ghosts blue for a short time.
- Fruits will give you massive points. Gobble these up as soon as you can before the other players do. The more you do, the bigger the points you’ll collect and the higher chances you’ll get to the top of the leaderboard.
How to Plan Your Visit
Ticket Pricing
Media credit: pacman.liveexperience
This fun experience requires a ticket per person, even if you’re playing as a family or group. We recommend purchasing your tickets online to secure a spot, as there’s no guarantee that you can get in when you buy at the venue—there are no walk-in slots.
If you’re purchasing your tickets at the venue, bring your credit/debit card because they’re cashless.
Remember that tickets are non-refundable. In case you cannot attend the game, contact the staff to see if they can move you to another date. However, expect a small fee for the rebooking.
Pro Tip: Book on the website for cheaper online rates!
| Admission | Price per Person (online price) |
| Standard Ticket | £22 |
| Family Ticket | £17.60 (with a minimum of 1 adult) |
| Group Ticket | £19.80 |
| Private Ticket | £19.80 |
| Stag & Hen Package (with drinks and a gift per person) | £28.50 |
Access Requirements
Media credit: pacman.liveexperience
Kids age 8 and up are welcome, with no height restrictions. There’s no maximum age limit, but bear in mind that this is a very physical game and you’ll be running the whole time—always consider your physical abilities.
In this game, you’ll be on your feet for almost an hour (50 minutes, to be exact). While you don’t exactly have to be the fittest, your body ought to be able to handle the physical challenge.
Individuals with physical disabilities can join in, although there will be a few adjustments to the game to accommodate specific needs, in which case you must address the guest services in advance.
What to Wear at the PAC-MAN Live Experience
Playing Pac-Man will tire your whole body out, not just your fingers. Wear something comfortable and breathable that’s easy to move about in.
Your trainers also need to be comfy because the whole game will have you running about. Avoid shoes you haven’t broken in yet, and don’t wear open-toed ones.
Bring extra shirts to change out of your sweaty top. You’ll burn a couple of hundred calories here.
Also, make sure you leave jewellery or valuables at home. There are lockers, though it’s still risky to leave important items.
Tips When Visiting the PAC-MAN Live Experience
Eat a pre-run meal for energy.
Don’t go to the arena with an empty stomach because your body needs fuel.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Avoid restricting fits and thick fabrics. This game requires a whole lot of running!
Arrive early.
Be there at least a quarter to your booking time, to make sure everything’s in order before you start the game.
Book in groups of 8.
But only if you can or if you don’t want to be mixed with strangers. Bring your mates or the whole family!
Book another experience at Arcade Arena.
Make the most out of your arcade-slash-nostalgia-game-day by booking Chaos Karts, a go-karting game, located in the same building!
Don’t book other experiences at the arena on a Friday.
PAC-MAN Live Experience is closed on Fridays. Arrange two experiences in one day for maximum fun!
Don’t overexert yourself if you feel faint.
When you need a break, don’t hesitate to ask the Pac-Master. Know when you need to take a break so you can come back to the game.
