Mr. Pacman, a bitpop/gamewave band from Denver, Colorado, was formed in 2001 by film school student Avery Rains, who initially rapped over Commodore 64 video game music. The name Mr. Pacman originated after a performance when Japanese exchange students remarked on the act's awesomeness. The group released their debut album Star Hustler in 2003, which included notable songs such as "Gangsta Pac" and "Be the Hero", featuring Sara Thorpe. Mr. Pacman collaborated with various artists, including Magic Cyclops on a split single in 2003 and Hot IQs on the track "The New One" (2004). The band was recognized by Denver alternative newspaper Westword as Best Bizarro Fashion/Rock Act in 2002 and appeared on Denver Post's Top 10 Underground Bands of Colorado list multiple times.