Pac-Man 256

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Pac-Man 256
Pac-Man 256 title card.png
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
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

Pac-Man 256 is an endless running 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]

Gameplay[]

Pac-Man 256 puts players in 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. Additional power-ups are unlocked by collecting enough dots. Clearing certain missions unlock coins, also obtained either on the maze or by viewing sponsored videos, which can be used to upgrade power-ups.[3]

The game's main mode, which allows Pac-Man to equip up to three power-ups, requires credits which are replenished over time (the player can purchase unlimited credits with real money[4]). Alternatively, the player can use Free Play, which can be played at any time without power-ups. Credits can also be used to revive the player once per game.[5] However, in version 2.0 the credits system was removed, continues (revives) uses coins or videos instead, and power-ups are unlocked over time and the player always can use the power-ups.[6]

There are also themes which change the look of the game.[7]

The console and PC versions of the game adds four-player co-operative play and removes the micro-transactions from the game. In the co-operative play mode players first select their character such as a robot, the chicken from Crossy Road, the regular Pac-Man and others. 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 dies a respawn power up appears and if collected brings back one player into play.[8]

The ghosts involved in gameplay are the traditional squad of Blinky (red), Pinky (pink), Inky (cyan), and Clyde (orange); Sue (purple), Funky (green), and Spunky (gray); and a new ghost aptly named Glitchy that glitches like the game itself.[9][10]

Reception[]

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

Legacy[]

The console version of Pac-Man 256 is set to be included in the compilation title Pac-Man Museum +, scheduled to release in 2022.

Awards[]

List of awards and nominations
Award Category Result Ref.
The Game Awards 2015 Best Mobile/Handheld Game Nominated [18]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Matulef, Jeffery (May 24, 2016). "Pac-Man 256 is coming to consoles and PC in June". Eurogamer. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  2. ^ "Pac-Man 256 iOS Game Review". ifanzine.com. September 11, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  3. ^ Hamilton, Kirk. "Pac-Man 256 Is Endless Pac-Man With A Fun, Glitchy Twist". Kotaku. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  4. ^ "Freemium Field Test: Just pay for Pac-Man 256's unlimited credits and get it over with". Macworld. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  5. ^ "'Pac-Man 256' Review - Teaching an Old Pac-Man New Tricks". TouchArcade. August 19, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  6. ^ "'Pac-Man 256' Gets New Themes and Structural Overhaul in 2.0 Update". TouchArcade. September 20, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  7. ^ "Pac-Man 256 Review -- Pac is Back". DualShockers. June 24, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  8. ^ "Pac-Man 256 review: Team up with friends in this clever new Pac-Man for Xbox One and PC". Windows Central. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  9. ^ "PAC-MAN 256 - Endless Arcade Maze, Fruits and Ghosts". . Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  10. ^ "Pac-Man 256: Score 10,000 or more with these tips, tricks, and power chains". iMore. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  11. ^ "Pac-Man 256: Endless Arcade Maze for iOS Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  12. ^ "Pac-Man 256 for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  13. ^ "Pac-Man 256 for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  14. ^ Tailby, Stephen (June 26, 2016). "Pac-Man 256 Review (PS4)". Push Square. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  15. ^ Carter, Chris (June 24, 2016). "Review: Pac-Man 256". Destructoid. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  16. ^ Rignall, Jaz (June 24, 2016). "Pac-Man 256 PS4 Review: Endless Muncher". USgamer. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  17. ^ Grannell, Craig (August 21, 2015). "Pac-Man 256 - Endlessly replayable dot-munching". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  18. ^ "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.

External links[]

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