PAC-MAN 256

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 699 reviews
  • gameplay
  • music
  • story
PAC-MAN 256 Game Cover
Around a year ago, Pac-Man 256 was released for iOS and Android devices.
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Pac-Man 256 is an endlessly scrolling maze game where you must eat pac-dots while avoiding ghosts and the Glitch. The game features local co-op multiplayer mode for up to 4 players, over 20 power ups, and various themes to customize your experience. Outsmart ghosts, including Sue, Funky, and Spunky, and defeat the Glitch to achieve high scores.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Windows Phone
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 699 reviews
gameplay29 positive mentions
grinding25 negative mentions
  • A fun and addictive twist on the classic Pac-Man formula, featuring endless gameplay and various power-ups.
  • Local multiplayer mode allows for enjoyable co-op play with friends, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The game successfully combines nostalgia with modern mechanics, making it accessible and engaging for both new and veteran players.
  • The game can become repetitive quickly, with limited content and a grindy upgrade system for power-ups.
  • Lack of online multiplayer options restricts the ability to play with friends remotely.
  • Some players may find the collision detection and ghost behavior frustrating, leading to cheap deaths.
  • gameplay77 mentions

    Pacman 256 offers a fresh take on the classic Pac-Man gameplay, blending familiar mechanics with new power-ups and endless runner elements, resulting in a fun yet somewhat repetitive experience. While the game is engaging for casual play and features multiplayer options, some players find the core gameplay can become monotonous over time. Overall, it successfully retains the essence of Pac-Man while introducing innovative features that enhance replayability and enjoyment.

    • “A really nice upgrade of the classic Pac-Man game, with an action-replay oriented gameplay, infinite randomized paths, a lot of different upgrades to diversify gameplay, and the possibility to play solo or with other players.”
    • “The power-ups make gameplay more interesting, and the maps are absolutely fun and fantastic.”
    • “It takes the classic and basic formula of Pac-Man and gives it addictive gameplay with you constantly needing to keep an eye out for power-ups and coins while needing to think of what to do and fast to avoid the ghosts from catching you.”
    • “The problem is that this basic gameplay is really repetitive, so you might get bored easily.”
    • “The game still has its base mechanics intact, but the addition of power-ups, specialized ghosts, and the looming glitched-out bottom of the maze will provide players with a fun, albeit limited, experience in Pac-Man 256.”
    • “It has some decent Pac-Man-esque mechanics, but the entertainment they provide wears thin quickly.”
  • music30 mentions

    The music aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a dedicated soundtrack during gameplay. While some appreciate the classic sound effects and the option to play their own music, others feel that the absence of original music makes the experience bland and repetitive. Overall, the game's audio is seen as a missed opportunity, especially when compared to other titles in the Pac-Man franchise that feature more engaging soundtracks.

    • “The audio should be commended as it sticks to the classic and iconic Pac-Man sounds and music that Pac-Man fans have come to love over the years.”
    • “Music and sound are top notch.”
    • “It lacks some modern polish but at least it's got music while you play...”
    • “The soundtrack is really meh.”
    • “Only real issue is no music.”
    • “It greets you with a really cool remix of the opening, but the actual game has no music, a real bummer especially when playing singleplayer.”
  • story27 mentions

    The game lacks a traditional narrative, focusing instead on a series of missions that reward players with coins to upgrade power-ups. While these missions add variety and encourage experimentation with different power-ups, they can also lead to a grind for resources, detracting from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the story aspect is minimal, appealing primarily to fans of the classic Pac-Man gameplay rather than those seeking a rich narrative.

    • “For Pac-Man fans, like myself, this game is like a bigger, better Pac-Man, with power-ups, coins to upgrade them, and missions to complete to get free coins!”
    • “The game features many varied missions that you can complete to gain coins that can be used to upgrade your power-ups and increase their duration and the amount of points you gain from using them well.”
    • “Add in the various power-ups and the inventive way in which they assign missions to teach you to use each of them, and it's not your father's Pac-Man.”
    • “☑ no story”
    • “It's completely random and never seems to match the difficulty of the mission itself.”
    • “Obviously, if you are looking for an FPS shooter or a deep story-driven RPG, then you need to look elsewhere.”
  • grinding27 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players finding it tedious and frustrating, particularly when trying to complete achievements and upgrade power-ups. While some enjoy the casual nature of grinding for coins and power-ups, the overall sentiment leans towards it being a chore that detracts from the fun, especially given its origins as a mobile game designed for monetization. Players recommend caution for those seeking to fully unlock the game, as it can lead to hours of repetitive gameplay.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The achievements are too grindy.”
    • “Many hours of unhappy grinding to 100%.”
    • “One of the biggest downsides is that I've heard this is a port of a mobile game, and I'm willing to bet that it was one of those 'free to play - fee to pay' mobile games, because grinding for coins to upgrade your power-ups is a nightmare.”
  • monetization22 mentions

    The monetization model of the PC version has been significantly improved compared to its mobile predecessor, as it features a one-time purchase price of $5 with no microtransactions or advertisements. Players appreciate the removal of in-app purchases, which enhances the overall experience by eliminating grind and waiting times, while still providing access to previously purchasable content. This shift has transformed the game from a mobile title reliant on microtransactions into a more enjoyable standalone experience.

    • “What was once a crappy mobile game made for selling microtransactions is now a really good standalone Pac-Man game with interesting mechanics - and no in-game currency!”
    • “Flat purchase fee + none of the microtransactions of the mobile version = awesome.”
    • “Best part about this version: no microtransactions!”
    • “The game was originally a mobile-only release full of microtransactions.”
    • “It's clearly a mobile port, it's made by the same people, has the same kind of UX feel to it, has the same kind of cosmetic system, and looks like it's built for those cancerous mobile microtransactions that obviously don't exist here because it costs $5.”
    • “The Steam version is basically as if you bought the in-app purchases on the mobile version (themes, etc).”
  • replayability16 mentions

    The game features strong replayability due to its roguelite mechanics, procedurally generated levels, and the ability to unlock and upgrade power-ups. While some players feel that replay value diminishes after achieving all goals, many appreciate the endless mode and co-op play, which contribute to a satisfying and varied experience. Overall, the game is praised for its high replay value, especially for its price point.

    • “The roguelite mechanisms add a replayability that I felt hasn't been there in the other versions of this classic.”
    • “There's plenty of replayability due to being able to unlock and upgrade power-ups.”
    • “Overall, there's little replay value once you've unlocked and seen all of the abilities.”
    • “It has incorporated the series' staple replayability into its core gameplay philosophy: endless mode.”
    • “Pac-Man 256 can be brutal at times, but the replay value is worth the price.”
  • graphics14 mentions

    The graphics in Pac-man 256 are a mix of retro-inspired visuals and modern particle effects, creating a fun and engaging aesthetic. While the game is a port from a mobile version and lacks extensive graphical options, it compensates with vibrant themes and trippy visuals that enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics are considered enjoyable and fitting for the game's style, despite not being the main focus.

    • “The graphics are pretty fun to look at with an abundance of particle effects.”
    • “I like the retro-inspired graphics.”
    • “The graphics are off the hook!”
    • “Graphics are not a big deal, but as I said, it's a port from a mobile game.”
    • “Graphical 'glitches' come across the map in waves, forcing you forward and altering the game ahead of you.”
    • “As expected, there are not many graphics options; however, the game can be played in both windowed and fullscreen with a range of different screen resolutions available to choose from.”
  • stability6 mentions

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, with frequent glitches that disrupt gameplay and alter the game environment unpredictably. While it offers a fun concept reminiscent of the classic 1980 title, many users recommend waiting for bug fixes before purchasing due to the frustrating experience caused by these technical problems.

    • “This could be really fun for quick sessions, but it's so buggy... I wouldn't buy this until they fix the bugs.”
    • “Graphical glitches come across the map in waves, forcing you forward and altering the game ahead of you.”
    • “The traditional ghost personalities are present, but when glitches hit the map, they might switch, or even disappear.”
  • humor5 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized as light-hearted and enjoyable, making it suitable for players of all ages, including young children. Reviewers appreciate its classic charm and find it particularly entertaining in multiplayer settings, though some express a desire for online multiplayer options. Overall, it is seen as a fun way to spend time with friends or family.

    • “A funny little Pac-Man game.”
    • “Funny little game to play with my 5-year-old son.”
    • “Great Pac-Man game, multiplayer is very funny; wish it had online multiplayer too!”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The game's optimization for PC has been criticized, with users noting that it is not well-suited for the platform. In contrast, the game runs smoothly on consoles, particularly with Xbox controllers, and is designed for a slower, more methodical pace rather than high-speed gameplay.

    • “Runs smoothly, looks clean, and works perfectly with Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers.”
    • “Unlike CE, 256 favors a slow, methodical pace over insane speeds and path optimization.”
    • “The game design isn't at all optimized for PC.”
    • “Performance issues make it nearly unplayable on lower-end systems.”
    • “The lack of graphical settings limits the ability to optimize performance.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    The game is praised for its wholesome and fun experience, with creative power-ups that enhance gameplay. Players find it emotionally uplifting and recommend it for its enjoyable and lighthearted nature.

    • “Wholesome classic video game fun!”
    • “Very wholesome and fun game, definitely recommend :)”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

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Play time

2hMedian play time
2hAverage play time
2-2hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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