Pacman Deluxe

Context

This project extends a base Pacman assignment into a stronger gameplay and algorithms exercise, adding systems that combine collections, sorting, and pathfinding.

Problem

The goal was to push the original game beyond simple movement and collisions by introducing mechanics that required richer state, smarter entities, and algorithm-driven behavior.

Solution

Pacman Deluxe adds ranked power-ups stored in collections, a sorting-based ultimate power-up, ghost-eye path recovery after enemies are eaten, and a GPS feature that highlights routes to available power-ups.

Key decisions

• -Represented collected power-ups as an ordered collection so usage could be controlled and later sorted.
• -Used an explicit compare/rank model to make the ultimate power-up mechanic deterministic.
• -Treated navigation features as algorithmic systems, not just visual effects, so route logic mattered.

Key features

• -Ranked power-up system with collection-backed inventory
• -Sorting algorithm triggered by the ultimate power-up
• -Ghost-eye return path after ghost defeat
• -GPS-style pathfinding to locate power-ups on the map

Results

• -Turns a familiar game clone into a clearer demonstration of algorithms in gameplay.
• -Shows practical integration of collections, ordering, and path logic in C++.
• -Adds more technical depth than a standard arcade remake.

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