Maze mayhem: Few games have managed to ingrain themselves in the minds of people the way Pac-Man has. The iconic maze game will soon jump out of the screen and become a physical experience. Launching in Manchester, England, the new game will have players running around a giant Pac-Man board, eating dots and dodging ghosts.

Pac-Man is coming to life thanks to a collaboration between Bandai Namco and Little Lion Entertainment. Set to open on March 22, the “Pac-Man Live Experience” aims to transport fans into the neon-drenched world of Pac-Man. We’re not talking about a virtual reality game. Players will physically become the yellow chomper, dashing through life-size maze projections.

The centerpiece is the massive “Arcade Arena” with two gigantic Pac-Man courts displayed on the floor. The surrounding walls will be covered in dynamic visuals, immersing participants in the pixelated universe.

The key component is the “Pac-Vest,” a wearable that lets players control their Pac-Man with body movement. These vests use advanced trackers to blend reality with augmented graphics. As players navigate the neon maze, the vests provide haptic feedback and lighting effects to sell the illusion of being shrunken down into a life-sized game.

It’s akin to the feel of the Tron movies, with all those radiant neon lights and a virtual audience seated around the arena scrutinizing your moves, except instead of battling the MCP, players will evade the colorful and iconic Pac-Man. The Live Experience stays faithful to the original game, with Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde all present to chase players. The only variance is that the game adds exclusive new bonus levels and power-ups for a refreshing spin.

The game will also have a “Pac-Master” host who doubles as commentator and referee while helping to guide the group through the experience. The Pac-Master will explain the rules, offer tips, and provide commentary as the participants play. Top-scoring players will have their performance immortalized on leaderboards.

It’s certainly a trip down the nostalgia lane for long-time fans. However, Bandai Namco emphasizes the multi-generational appeal, calling it the perfect occasion “to create lasting memories together in Pac-Man!”

Tickets are available now in 30-minute slots at an enticing “Early Bird” pricing. Adults and kids as young as eight enjoy the attraction for £25 apiece. Little Lion has no word on standard ticket prices after the early bird window closes.