Super Pac-Man

Sound and gameplay mechanics were altered radically from the first two entries in the Pac-Man series. Instead of eating dots, Pac-Man must eat keys in order to open doors. The doors open sections of the maze that contain what in earlier games were known as "fruits" (foods such as apples and bananas, or other prizes such as Galaxian flagships), which became the basic items that must be cleared. Once all the food is eaten, the player advances to the next level, in which point value of the food is increased.

In earlier levels, keys unlock nearby doors, while as the player progresses through the levels, it is more common for keys to open faraway doors. Pac-Man can enter the ghost house at any time without a key.

Upon the game's release in 1982, Bally Midway projected that it would sell about 10,000 to 15,000 arcade units in the United States. By May 1983, it was the top-earning arcade game of the month.

Arcade Express rated the arcade game 8 out of 10, stating that the "newly-designed maze features keys, locked doors, and Super Energy Dots, making it the latest thrill for gobbler-lovers."

In 1996, Super Pac-Man appeared in the second Namco Museum arcade compilation for the PlayStation (not included in the Japanese version). In 1998, Namco released Super Pac-Man as part of Namco History Volume 3 for the PC in Japan only. In 1999, Super Pac-Man was included alongside Ms. Pac-Man in Ms.

Pac-Man: Special Color Edition for the Game Boy Color. In 2006, Jakks Pacific released the Plug and Play Super Pac-Man joystick that contains Super Pac-Man along with Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus and Pac & Pal. Pac-Man in 2008. Namco released Super Pac-Man along with Pac & Pal, Pac 'n Roll, Pac-Mania and other games outside of the franchise in Namco Museum Remix and Namco Museum Megamix in late 2007 and late 2010, respectively.