C++ Console Game Development: Building Pac-Man
Explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a simplified version of Pac-Man using console output in C++. This is not only a fun programming exercise but also a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their C++ skills. Whether you're here to learn game development or seeking assistance to write your C++ assignment, our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process.
Prerequisites
Before we dive into the code, ensure you have the following prerequisites:
- A basic understanding of C++ programming.
- A C++ compiler installed on your system (e.g., GCC or Visual Studio).
- Basic familiarity with console input and output.
Setting Up the Game
Let's start by setting up our game. Here's the essential code for initialization and setup:
```cpp
#include
#include // For _kbhit() and _getch()
using namespace std;
const int width = 20;
const int height = 10;
int pacmanX, pacmanY;
int fruitX, fruitY;
bool gameOver;
int score;
enum Direction { STOP = 0, LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN };
Direction dir;
void Setup() {
// Initialize game variables
gameOver = false;
dir = STOP;
pacmanX = width / 2;
pacmanY = height / 2;
fruitX = rand() % width;
fruitY = rand() % height;
score = 0;
}
```
In the `Setup()` function, we set up the initial game state, including Pac-Man's starting position, fruit's random placement, and the score.
Rendering the Game
To display our game on the console, we'll create a rendering function called `Draw()`. This function draws the game board, Pac-Man, fruit, and other elements:
```cpp
void Draw() {
system("cls"); // Clear the console
// Draw the top wall
for (int i = 0; i < width + 2; i++) {
cout << "#";
}
cout << endl;
// Draw the game board
for (int i = 0; i < height; i++) {
for (int j = 0; j < width; j++) {
// Draw Pac-Man, fruit, or empty space
// ...
// Draw the left and right walls
if (j == 0 || j == width - 1) {
cout << "#";
}
}
cout << endl;
}
// Draw the bottom wall
for (int i = 0; i < width + 2; i++) {
cout << "#";
}
cout << endl;
// Display the score
cout << "Score:" << score << endl;
}
```
The `Draw()` function clears the console, draws the game elements, walls, and the current score.
Handling User Input
To make Pac-Man move, we need to handle user input. The `Input()` function listens for keyboard input using `_kbhit()` and `_getch()`:
```cpp
void Input() {
if (_kbhit()) {
switch (_getch()) {
case 'a':
dir = LEFT;
break;
case 'd':
dir = RIGHT;
break;
case 'w':
dir = UP;
break;
case 's':
dir = DOWN;
break;
case 'x':
gameOver = true;
break;
}
}
}
```
This function sets the direction of Pac-Man based on the user's keyboard input.
Game Logic
The `Logic()` function updates the game logic, including Pac-Man's movement and collision detection with the fruit:
```cpp
void Logic() {
switch (dir) {
case LEFT:
pacmanX--;
break;
case RIGHT:
pacmanX++;
break;
case UP:
pacmanY--;
break;
case DOWN:
pacmanY++;
break;
}
// Collision with fruit
if (pacmanX == fruitX && pacmanY == fruitY) {
score += 10;
fruitX = rand() % width;
fruitY = rand() % height;
}
// Game over condition
if (pacmanX <= 0 || pacmanX >= width - 1 || pacmanY <= 0 || pacmanY >= height - 1) {
gameOver = true;
}
}
```
The `Logic()` function handles Pac-Man's movement and checks for collisions with the fruit and game-over conditions.
Main Game Loop
Finally, the `main()` function contains the main game loop that continuously updates, redraws, and handles player input until the game is over:
```cpp
int main() {
Setup();
while (!gameOver) {
Draw();
Input();
Logic();
}
return 0;
}
```
This loop keeps the game running until the player decides to quit or meets the game-over conditions.
Conclusion
Creating a simplified version of Pac-Man in C++ is a fun and educational project. You can expand on this foundation by adding features like ghosts, levels, and enhanced graphics, allowing you to unleash your creativity and take your game development skills to the next level. Whether you're building games for personal enjoyment or pursuing a career in game development, the skills you've acquired in this guide will serve as a solid stepping stone for your future projects. Happy coding!