Pacman patterns?

[LeedsFan]

Just been trying to learn the first Pacman cherry pattern from this site:
http://nrchapman.com/pacman/cherry.html

However I can't even get the past the very first part of the pattern most of the time. I can't even get to run where the fruit pops before getting caught. Aren't these patterns supposed to be fail safe? Or is the game not playing at the exact speed or whatever? Seems OK to me though.

[ratzz]

I guess it could be the wrong version you are using ... I know there are a few on different hardware sets out there.

I'm no expert on PacMan though ...

[LeedsFan]

To be honest I think it was my technique at fault. I persevered for about 45 minutes till I managed to pull the cherry pattern off. Now I can do it almost every time. It's a case of getting round those corners fast (you can cut them a small bit it seems) and every tiny part helps with that pattern. I dunno if I have it in me to memorize all the rest though. 

[ratzz]

Great ... I've looked at the video and some moves look VERY tight indeed!

I've always fancied learning the patterns, bu just never got round to it.

[bkenobi]

I don't know if I've ever seen that video before.  That is some TIGHT timing on some of those turns!

[LeedsFan]

I don't know if I've ever seen that video before.  That is some TIGHT timing on some of those turns!

Yeah... I was getting the cornering wrong even before the first power pill. You have to be as fast as possible on all the corners. If you don't get it right even from the very start then you find that at the first power pill those three ghosts will split up and run away from you.... instead of coming toward you like in the video. You have to be like that through the whole screen. But it's just technique. Once you get the hang of it it's easy if you memorised the pattern. (You need decent joystick too. I use U360 with the map plugin for MaLa)

[erictrumpet]

Don't forget what is probably the most important play tip in Pac Man - move the stick BEFORE the turn. For example, if Pac is moving up and you intend to make him go right at the next intersection, push the stick to the right before he actually gets there.
A good way to practice this technique is to play the Ms Pac Man speed hack - strive to make your movements fluid, never hesitating, always thinking one turn ahead.
The turns are instant when the stick is already in position when Pac arrives at the turn.

Eric.

[erictrumpet]

Oh yeah also meant to mention: a proper 4-way stick is essential.
I have a U360 and it works well enough, totally reliable (no "accidental" diagonals when using the correct mapping), but I prefer the physical restriction of a real 4-way. My stick of choice is the MsPacMan/Galaga reunion stick.
Installing the octagonal restrictor in the U360 helps considerably with the feel, but still I want the true 4-way when I get serious about Pac.
This is just opinion of course! But most people agree, trying to rule Pac Man with an 8way is an exercise in futility.

Eric.

[bkenobi]

Probably why I haven't had any interest in Pac.  I run LS-30's which are good for most things, but are piss poor for 4-way games (PacMan, Donkey Kong, etc.).