What classic video game involves a yellow character eating dots and avoiding ghosts?

The classic arcade game featuring a distinctive yellow, circular character navigating a maze, munching on dots, and strategically evading colorful ghosts (Review) is Pac-Man. Players guide the titular character through intricate pathways, aiming to clear each level by consuming all the small pellets, while also having the opportunity to turn the tables on their spectral pursuers by eating larger "power pellets" that temporarily allow Pac-Man to devour the ghosts for bonus points. This simple yet addictive premise captivated audiences worldwide upon its release.

Designed by Toru Iwatani for Namco, Pac-Man first appeared in Japanese arcades in 1980, originally known as "Puck Man." The character's iconic shape was famously inspired by a pizza with a slice removed, and its name derived from the Japanese onomatopoeia "paku-paku," which describes the sound of a mouth opening and closing. The name was later changed for its North American release by Midway to prevent vandalism, ensuring that the 'P' in 'Puck-Man' wouldn't be easily altered to an 'F'.

Pac-Man quickly transcended the gaming world to become a global cultural phenomenon, becoming the best-selling arcade video game ever. Its widespread appeal led to a massive merchandising boom, spawning everything from toys and clothing to a hit song, "Pac-Man Fever," and even an animated television series. Pac-Man's charm and innovative gameplay cemented its place as a timeless icon, influencing generations of game designers and proving that video games could appeal to a diverse audience beyond traditional male-dominated themes.