Pac-Man's Danger Map

Pac-man was released an astonishing 34 years ago, yet still maintains a grip on the hearts of many a gamer.

It remains as fiendishly difficult as ever, but data scientist Seth Kadish has created this useful map, showing exactly where the most dangerous parts of the grid are. As you attempt to eat all of the dots, some areas are darker - for danger - including the most difficult area of the grid, the bottom row. The numbers indicate the number of squares to move across to reach a 'safe' intersection.

There are four intersections (blue outline) where the ghosts cannot turn upward in scatter and chase modes (only when frightened can they turn upward at these intersections) - in addition there is the famous safe 'hiding' spot - marked with a green outline, where you can sit comfortably - as long as the ghosts didn't see you go in there.

Click on the image below to enlarge it, and test out your new insider information by playing it here.

(Images: Rex/Seth Kadish)