3. UI
The workflow of menus in Pac-Man (1980) is relatively simple compared to modern video games. In the original Pac-Man, there are minimal menus, and the player interaction is straightforward. Pac-Man in 1980 follows a simple workflow: start the game, play until you run out of lives, and then either insert more coins to continue or see the Game Over screen. The focus is on quick and accessible gameplay, characteristic of early arcade games.
When you start the game, you're usually greeted by the title screen, which may display the game's logo, copyright information, and possibly a brief demonstration of the gameplay. In some versions, you may see attractive mode gameplay if the game is left idle.
To begin playing, you typically press the "Start" button. This takes you directly into the game without elaborate menus or setup.
When you lose all your lives, the game transitions to the Game Over screen. Here, you might see your final score, and the option to insert more coins (in an arcade setting) to continue playing.
In the arcade version, Pac-Man usually features a High Score table. If you achieve a high score, you may be prompted to enter your initials. The High Score table is a way to track and display the best performances. However, in the console version you are only capable to see the total amount of points earned during the gameplay at the top of the screen.
If the game is left idle on the title screen, it may enter attract mode, showcasing gameplay or providing a demonstration of the game's features to attract potential players.
Although the game doesn't have a traditional HUD (Head-Up Display) like modern games, it has key visual elements that provide information to the player directly on the game screen.
At the top of the screen, usually in a corner, the player's current score is displayed. Each time Pac-Man eats a dot or a ghost, the score increases.
The player's remaining lives are often displayed. This may be represented by small Pac-Man icons on the screen, indicating how many chances the player has before the game ends.
Throughout the game, fruits and other objects that give additional points appear. These usually appear at the top or bottom of the screen, indicating their point value.
The position and status of the ghosts are also important elements. If a ghost is vulnerable after Pac-Man eats a power pellet, its colour will change, indicating that it can now be eaten.
