Pac Side

Pac Side is a short first-person horror experience that reimagines a classic arcade formula through a dark and distorted lens. Set in a maze of dimly lit hallways, the player is tasked with collecting glowing orbs scattered throughout the environment. At first, the task feels straightforward, but with each collected orb, the sense of dread grows. A disturbing figure, resembling a corrupted version of a familiar yellow character, stalks the player from the shadows.

Maze Navigation and Survival

Movement is simple but tense—players walk and run through a twisting layout of corridors with limited visibility. The orbs provide the only steady light source, casting flickering reflections along the walls. Every turn of a corner could bring safety or danger, and there’s no indication of when or where the creature might appear. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, forcing players to rely on sound, memory, and instinct as they progress.

Gameplay Features and Elements

Pac Side includes key mechanics that heighten its eerie atmosphere:

•         First-person view for immersive navigation
•         Collectible orbs that serve as both goal and trap
•         Subtle sound design that warns of approaching threats
•         No user interface to maintain immersion
•         A stalking entity that reacts to player movement

These elements come together to form a minimal yet tense experience, where players must choose when to move quickly and when to pause.

Sound and Visual Style

The game’s visuals are stylized with low-resolution textures and a muted palette, giving it a retro, unsettling tone. Overhead lights flicker, walls feel aged and stained, and shadows distort perception. Audio plays an equally important role—sudden silence, distant footsteps, and environmental hums replace traditional music. Together, the look and sound reinforce a constant feeling of exposure, as though the walls themselves are watching.

Tension Through Simplicity

Pac Side doesn’t rely on complex systems or jumpscares. Instead, it uses simplicity to build a creeping sense of anxiety. The creature is rarely seen until it’s too late, and the randomness of its appearance adds to the unpredictability. The short runtime makes the experience digestible but impactful, perfect for players who enjoy suspenseful horror without a long time commitment. It’s a brief descent into a warped version of nostalgia—familiar, yet completely wrong.