Microsoft and Namco Bandai have announced "Pac-Man Championship Edition" the all new iteration of the classic arcade game, 'Pac-Man'.

The first new Pac-Man mazes in over 26 years are featured in "Pac-Man Championship Edition", and these dynamically change shape during game play. Besides, the new game features six new timed game modes, new soundtracks, and high definition graphics.

The six new timed game modes include: the Championship Mode with timed limit of 5 minutes; Challenge Mode 1 (Patience and Reward Course) with timed limit of 10 minutes; Challenge Mode 2 (The Darkness Course) with timed limit of 10 minutes; Extra Mode 1 (The Freeway Course) with timed limit of five minutes; Extra Mode 2 (The Manhattan Course) with timed limit of five minutes; and Extra Mode 3 (The Overall Course) with timed limit of 10 minutes.

'Pac-Man', it is learnt, played an instrumental role in establishing the video game industry in the 80s. The classic game was launched in Japan in 1980, and around the world in 1981.

Beginning today, "Pac-Man Championship Edition" is available for download only on Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360.

Announcing the new title, Jeff Bell, Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing for Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft, said, "Pac-Man was the game that ignited the world's passion for video games, with every member of the family hooked on to avoiding Clyde and eating up all the Power Pellets. It is a tremendous honor that Namco Bandai and game designer, Toru Iwatani, are going to use the power of the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade platform to deliver the next evolution of 'Pac-Man' to the world."

"I am deeply honored that people view 'Pac-Man' as my lasting legacy, and am so excited to come full circle by releasing 'Pac-Man Championship Edition' with its exciting new mazes and modes on Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360," said Iwatani.