Not hard-coded paths, per se. It's more elegant than that. Each ghost has a distinctive deterministic movement algorithm based on Pac-Man's current position - some target the square ahead of him, some target the square behind, etc. That's why they seem so smart; it's like they're trying to surround/flank you.
(If this seems underwhelming, I assume you it was a really neat trick back then - the ghosts had a level of personality and cunning not seen before. Combined with the cute, cartoony visual design of the ghosts themselves it was quite something.)
(If this seems underwhelming, I assume you it was a really neat trick back then - the ghosts had a level of personality and cunning not seen before. Combined with the cute, cartoony visual design of the ghosts themselves it was quite something.)
http://gameinternals.com/understanding-pac-man-ghost-behavio...