Skip to main content

Outrun glitches in Pac-Man 256 for mobile, from the makers of Crossy Road

Hipster Whale, creator of the mobile hit Crossy Road, has released Pac-Man 256, an endlessly scrolling arcade game for iOS and Android devices starring Namco’s dot-gobbling mascot.

Pac-Man 256 puts a new spin on the classic Pac-Man formula, challenging players to outrun an approaching wave of glitches that threatens to destroy Pac-Man’s world and everything in it. Gameplay otherwise greatly resembles the classic 1980 maze game, featuring edible dots, collectible fruit, and enemy ghosts that Pac-Man can consume for points after devouring a Power Pellet.

Like Crossy Road, Pac-Man 256 features endlessly scrolling gameplay that grows more difficult as players rack up points. New maze layouts are randomly generated as players flee from deadly glitches, offering an unpredictable challenge throughout.

Pac-Man 256 also equips players with optional power-ups, letting them turn the tables on ghosts with lasers, tornadoes, and other assorted weaponry. Additional gameplay-extending bonuses and perks can be activated with in-app purchases.

Pac-Man 256 features a swipe-based control scheme that allows Pac-Man to turn at the next available juncture whenever players slide a finger across their device’s touchscreen. The game also offers Bluetooth controller support, and is playable on Nvidia’s Shield devices.

The premise behind Pac-Man 256 is inspired by an actual glitch present within the original arcade version of Pac-Man. Upon reaching level 256 in 1980’s Pac-Man, players see a kill screen consisting of a jumbled mess of sprites and a misshapen maze. Gameplay can’t continue beyond this point, ending the game in progress.

Crossy Road was a breakout hit for developer Hipster Whale, earning over $10 million via in-app purchases in its first three months of release. Unlike many competing free-to-play games, Crossy Road based its revenue model around unlockable characters instead of play limits, earning it a dedicated fanbase. Multiple updates have launched since Crossy Road’s debut, introducing new characters and quests encouraging repeated play.

Editors' Recommendations

Danny Cowan
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
How to revive dead companions in Baldur’s Gate 3
Withers offering services to the player in Baldur's Gate 3.

You're given a good bit of leeway during battles in Baldur's Gate 3 before you or a companion actually bites the dust for good. While in battle, if a teammate does take enough damage to drop, they aren't dead then and there. Instead, they will be downed with a chance to roll every turn to get back up. If they roll successfully three times, the battle ends, or you use another character to pick them up, they're good. If they fail that roll three times, however, they will be completely dead. That can be harsh when you've become attached to certain characters and want to further their stories, so you'll be looking for any way you can to bring them back. Thankfully you do have a few options for reviving companions in Baldur's Gate 3, but just like respeccing, they aren't so obvious.
Pay Withers to bring them back

Withers is a friendly undead you can find in a secret room in the Dank Crypt found inside the Overgrown Ruins. After finding and speaking to him in his sarcophagus, he will offer you various services, one of which is bringing back any dead companions. He won't do this out of the kindness of his heart (probably because it isn't beating) and will charge you a heavy fine of 200 gold to do so. Still, that's a small price to pay to bring back a beloved character. Once paid, that character will appear in your camp where they would normally be, so there's no need to go back to their corpse and find them.
Use a scroll of Revivfy or learn it

Read more
Every video game delay that has happened in 2023 so far
The player skates toward the moon in Skate Story.

Few things feel as inevitable in the video game industry as delays. Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, game delays have only become more and more common as developers find previously set timelines unrealistic and adjust their release plans accordingly. More than halfway through 2023, we've already seen some notable AAA games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Skull & Bones, and Pragmata delayed pretty heavily. Because video game release date delays are so common, it can be tough to keep track of every game that has had its launch date shifted in some way.
That's why, just as we did in 2021 and 2022, Digital Trends is rounding up every game delay that's announced throughout 2023. Here are the high-profile ones that have happened so far, listed chronologically by their new intended release dates.
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR (March 16)

As Until Dawn: Rush of Blood is one of the best games for PlayStation VR, The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR, Supermassive Games' PlayStation VR2 successor, is a highly anticipated launch title for the upcoming VR headset. Unfortunately, it will no longer make PlayStation VR2's February 22 launch and will instead be released on March 16. On Twitter, a message from Supermassive Games says this delay will ensure that players "receive the most polished, terrifying experience possible" at release. The game was released on that date to mixed reviews.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (March 24)

Read more
Is Remnant 2 cross-platform?
Three characters shoot at a boss in Remnant 2.

Aside from the focus on firearms and integrating some randomly generated environments, the Remnant series sets itself apart from other souls-like games mainly with its focus on co-op. Both titles encourage you to team up with two friends to fight your way through the mutated monsters that await. After so many years of progress in terms of multiplatform games incorporating full cross-platform support, you might assume Remnant 2 will follow suit and let you make a group with anyone regardless of what platform they're on. However, the truth may be a bit more disappointing. Before you make plans with your squad, here's what you need to know about Remnant 2's cross-platform support.
Is Remnant 2 cross-platform?

Unfortunately, Remnant 2 does not have cross-platform play between PS5, Xbox Series X or PC -- and there's no word about it being added in the future.

Read more