𝗜 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗰-𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝟬 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁

You do not need complex AI or physics engines to build a classic game.

I built Pac-Man using 150 lines of vanilla JavaScript.

The logic relies on three simple pillars:

  • A text-based maze
  • Grid movement
  • Greedy ghost logic

The maze is a simple array of strings. Characters represent walls and pellets. You edit the level by typing text.

Collision detection is easy. Instead of pixel math, you check the grid. If the next grid cell is not a wall, the player moves. One simple check handles everything.

Responsive controls require a small buffer. Store the player's intended direction separately. Switch to that direction only when the path opens. This prevents the movement from feeling stiff.

The ghosts use greedy logic. They look at legal moves and pick the one closest to you. Adding a small amount of randomness helps you survive. This simple math makes the ghosts feel smart.

A text maze plus grid steps plus greedy ghosts equals an arcade icon.

Play it here: https://dev48v.infy.uk/game/day11-pacman.html

Source: https://dev.to/dev48v/i-built-pac-man-in-150-lines-of-vanilla-javascript-39a0