{"id":320,"date":"2026-05-09T20:47:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T20:47:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ukag.org.uk\/?p=320"},"modified":"2026-05-09T20:47:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T20:47:50","slug":"retro-games-leave-the-screen-play-pac-man-level-ten-and-8bit-box-at-ukag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ukag.org.uk\/index.php\/2026\/05\/09\/retro-games-leave-the-screen-play-pac-man-level-ten-and-8bit-box-at-ukag\/","title":{"rendered":"Retro games leave the screen: Play Pac-Man, Level Ten and 8Bit Box at UKAG"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Computer games, board games, tabletop games and pixel art all have a habit of borrowing from each other. Sometimes that inspiration is obvious. Sometimes it is delightfully cheeky. And sometimes it results in a board game that is absolutely, definitely, legally not Pac-Man. Honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our first video on the UKAG channel, I takes a look at three tabletop games that scratch that retro gaming itch when plugging in things feels like a bit too much faff. There is a physical version of Pac-Man<\/strong>, the cooperative card game Level Ten<\/strong>, and the wonderfully presented 8Bit Box<\/strong>, which looks and feels like a board game console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Same but different<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is all about that familiar retro feeling, but in a slightly different form. No loading screens. No tape errors. No fiddly cables. Just cards, cubes, pixels and a table full of nostalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The video starts with Pac-Man<\/a><\/strong>, complete with the familiar ghostly gang of Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde. There is a nice strategy-game twist to it too, with shades of Quoridor<\/a>-style play as players use the board and barriers to outwit each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the game I played with Simon, he took on the role of Pac-Man, trying to grab all four power pellets, while I controlled the ghosts and attempts to stop him. You move one or two spaces trying to catch each other and use up Pac-Man’s lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next up is Level Ten<\/a><\/strong>, a cooperative card game where players help Izzy work through ten levels across five different video game worlds. It is full of cute pixel art, simple rules, limited communication and a proper \u201cone more go\u201d feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there is 8Bit Box<\/a><\/strong>, a clever board game system styled like a retro console. The base set includes three games: Pixoid, which is absolutely not Pac-Man, Out Speed, a space racing game, and a sports-style game that works much better than taking long turns each. The whole concept is great fun, especially the controllers with multiple uses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come and have a go<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best bit? These games will not just be on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will be bringing them along to the UKAG meet on Sunday 21st June 2026<\/a><\/strong>, where you will be able to sit down, have a play and get hands-on with some retro-inspired tabletop gaming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, alongside the Amstrads, chats, demos, community atmosphere and general retro goodness, there will be a chance to try something a bit different. These games are a lovely reminder that retro gaming is not only about the hardware. It is also about the ideas, the design, the artwork, the competition, the cooperation and the memories they spark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are a long-time Amstrad fan, a board gamer, a pixel art appreciator, or someone who just likes shouting at a wooden Pac-Man, come and have a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the video<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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