Pac-Man 256

Pac-Man 256 is an endless runner video game developed by Hipster Whale and 3 Sprockets and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is part of the Pac-Man series and is inspired by the original Pac-Man game's infamous Level 256 glitch. The game was originally released as a free-to-play title for iOS and Android on August 20, 2015. A port of the game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Windows, macOS, Linux) by Bandai Namco Studios Vancouver, featuring additional features, was released on June 21, 2016.[1]

Pac-Man 256
Title card
Developer(s)Hipster Whale
3 Sprockets Pty Ltd
Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher(s)Bandai Namco Entertainment
iOS, Android
Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe SAS
SeriesPac-Man
EngineUnity
Platform(s)Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Android TV
ReleaseiOS, Android
August 20, 2015
Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
June 21, 2016
Genre(s)Endless runner
Mode(s)Single-player, multi-player

Gameplay

Pac-Man 256 sees the players take control of Pac-Man as he continues across an endless maze, collecting dots and power-ups while avoiding enemy ghosts. The game ends if Pac-Man comes into contact with a ghost or falls behind and is consumed by a chasing glitch at the bottom of the maze. Eating 256 dots in a row awards the player a blast that clears all on-screen enemies.[2] Along with power pellets, which enable Pac-Man to eat ghosts, Pac-Man can equip and obtain various power-ups such as lasers, tornadoes, and clones to attack the ghosts, as well as collect score-multiplying fruit. Up to three power-ups can be equipped. Power-ups are unlocked by waiting 24 hours after unlocking a power-up. In the console and PC versions, they are unlocked by eating a specified number of Pac-Dots.[3]

Prior to version 2.0, the game featured a "credit" system, which would require one credit to be used if a game was played with power-ups equipped or the player wished to revive Pac-Man. Version 2.0 replaced the Credits with Coins, which are obtained by clearing missions, collecting them on the maze or by viewing sponsored videos, which can be used to upgrade power-ups, unlock themes (in the mobile version), or revive Pac-Man.[4]

There are also themes which change the look of the game, that can be purchased with large amounts of Coins or by spending real money.[5] In the console and PC versions, all themes are unlocked by default.

The console and PC versions of the game adds an exclusive cooperative multiplayer game mode, where up to four players work together to set the highest score possible. The appearance of each Pac-Man can be customized. Like the main game, the goal is for every player to get as far as possible and contribute to the group score as much as possible. If a player is caught by a ghost, a player power-up appears, which revives that player. The game ends once the last player still in play dies, be it by getting caught by a ghost or consumed by the glitch.[6]

Each ghost has their own specific behavior: Blinky (red) actively chases Pac-Man, Pinky (pink) rushes forward whenever Pac-Man enters her sight, Inky (cyan) loops around specific areas, Clyde (orange) travels downwards while changing to Pac-Man's nearest direction, Sue (purple) slowly moves horizontally towards Pac-Man's direction in groups of three, Funky (green) roams around in a horizontal line in groups of four, Spunky (gray) sleeps in a spot, but awakens and chases Pac-Man if he gets near, and a new ghost named Glitchy has the ability to teleport while chasing Pac-Man.[7][8]

Reception

Pac-Man 256 received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.

Legacy

The console version of Pac-Man 256 is included in the compilation title Pac-Man Museum +, released in 2022. It would also mark the first time the game was ported to Nintendo Switch.

Awards

Pac-Man 256 was nominated for Best Mobile/Handheld Game at The Game Awards 2015, but lost to Lara Croft Go.

List of awards and nominations
Award Category Result Ref.
The Game Awards 2015 Best Mobile/Handheld Game Nominated [16]

See also

References
  1. Matulef, Jeffery (May 24, 2016). "Pac-Man 256 is coming to consoles and PC in June". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 25, 2016. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  2. "Pac-Man 256 iOS Game Review". ifanzine.com. September 11, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  3. "'Pac-Man 256' Review - Teaching an Old Pac-Man New Tricks". TouchArcade. August 19, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  4. Hamilton, Kirk (August 21, 2015). "Pac-Man 256 Is Endless Pac-Man With A Fun, Glitchy Twist". Kotaku. Archived from the original on November 15, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  5. "Pac-Man 256 Review -- Pac is Back". DualShockers. June 24, 2016. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  6. "Pac-Man 256 review: Team up with friends in this clever new Pac-Man for Xbox One and PC". Windows Central. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  7. "PAC-MAN 256 - Endless Arcade Maze, Fruits and Ghosts". Appgamer. October 12, 2015. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  8. "Pac-Man 256: Score 10,000 or more with these tips, tricks, and power chains". iMore. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  9. "Pac-Man 256: Endless Arcade Maze for iOS Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  10. "Pac-Man 256 for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 6, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  11. "Pac-Man 256 for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 6, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  12. Carter, Chris (June 24, 2016). "Review: Pac-Man 256". Destructoid. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  13. Grannell, Craig (August 21, 2015). "Pac-Man 256 - Endlessly replayable dot-munching". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  14. Tailby, Stephen (June 26, 2016). "Pac-Man 256 Review (PS4)". Push Square. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  15. Rignall, Jaz (June 24, 2016). "Pac-Man 256 PS4 Review: Endless Muncher". USgamer. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  16. "Nominees | The Game Awards 2015". The Game Awards. Ola Balola. November 12, 2015. Archived from the original on November 14, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
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