Pac-Man is back and more fun than ever. Pac-Man 256 is a new take on the classic game and is loads of fun. The most obvious addition is the endless nature of the gameplay. You have one objective: survive for as long as possible while eating as many dots as you can. The game has both single-player and local co-op modes for up to four friends. Pac-Man 256 can be enjoyed alone but it might actually be easier—and more chaotic—with friends. It’s a great little title that has made a successful transition from mobile to console.
Pac-Man 256 also includes a progression system focused on earning coins and unlocking or upgrading power-ups. These power-ups are scattered throughout the level and they all have different uses. Some freeze the ghosts and slow them down, while others make Pac-Man a bomb and he explodes if he comes in contact with a ghost. The game takes the basic formula and cranks it up considerably. The new innovations are unique but don’t take away from the spirit of the classic. Items like lasers and other devastating weapons have also been added. While they basically function like power pellets, wiping out the ghosts in new ways is always supremely satisfying. For example, the laser just cuts through rows of them. I think I managed to kill six just by turning right because they were all coming from one direction.
Pac-Man 256 also includes missions. They are rather simple and require you to eat certain types of fruit or use a certain power-up. These add to the addictive nature of the game and also provide you with coins for completing them. As alluded to earlier, coins are required to become more powerful. Remember that laser I just mentioned? Well, you can upgrade it by using coins so that it lasts longer. You can also upgrade abilities like a tornado and super size. The purpose of the game is to collect the coins and do the challenges so you become stronger for your next playthrough. In many ways it is similar in theme to titles like Bard’s Gold and Rogue Legacy except, well, it’s Pac-Man and not a human.
Another interesting part of the game is the ability to change the visual style of the level. There is a theme for this specific version of the game, one from the ‘80s version, go-karts, a garden, an office and Lego blocks. The most surprising is the inclusion of a Crossy Road theme. For those wondering what Crossy Road is, it’s basically an endless game where you have to get a chicken across the road. Pac-Man becomes the chicken and the ghosts are now cars! I thought this was really fun and it gave the game some variety. The themes almost make Pac-Man 256 feel like a separate title.
Summary
For only $5, Pac-Man 256 is a really fun game to pick up. The achievements are pretty easy to complete and it’s just a great game to play for a few while listening to some music. If you’re in between those major heavy-hitters like Mirror’s Edge Catalyst and The Technomancer, be sure to give this one a go. It’s a lot of fun and quite possibly one of the most significant to the classic Pac-Man gameplay we all know and love. The depth of the title is truly astonishing given its premise and asking price.
Jonathan was a regular ICXM contributor between 2015–2017, publishing 57 articles across opinion pieces, game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One X launch year and Microsoft’s wider Play Anywhere / UWP gaming initiative. They post on X as @jtainsworth13.