JP3577490B2 - Virtual life form control method, game program, and game apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game for nurturing a virtual creature.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A game in which a virtual life form in a game space is nurtured by a player's operation is already well known. For example, there is provided a training simulation apparatus that grows a virtual life form by a player responding to a call or request from the virtual life form displayed on the screen of the game apparatus.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the training simulation apparatus, the player performs a treatment in response to a call or request from a virtual creature. The player can operate the virtual creature only when there is a call or request from the virtual creature. Therefore, the player may not be able to see the virtual life form and want to take action now.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique in which a player can talk to a virtual creature in an arbitrary place at an arbitrary timing.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application develops the virtual life form by increasing or decreasing the values of a plurality of parameters that characterize the virtual life form on the game displayed on the monitor. Control of virtual life forms Provide a method. The method includes the following steps.
A message storage step storing text message options,
An increase / decrease rule storage step for storing each of the text message options in association with the parameter increase / decrease rules;
A request detection step of detecting an input request received at an arbitrary timing during the progress of the game in a predetermined input unit;
An option output step of reading the text message options stored in the message storage step in response to the input request and displaying the read text message;
A messaging step that accepts a selection input of any of the displayed text message choices,
The parameter increase / decrease rule associated with the selected text message is read out from the parameter increase / decrease rules stored in the increase / decrease rule storage step, and a new value of the parameter is calculated based on the read increase / decrease rule. Computation steps to
A display step of displaying the virtual creature based on the calculated value of the parameter;
An invalidation step of determining whether or not to invalidate the input request in response to detection of the input request and invalidating the input request based on the determination result;
[0006]
In a game in which a virtual life form can be spoken at an arbitrary timing during the game, the player inputs a predetermined signal such as a space key, a return key, or a mouse click. In response, at least one text message that can be entered is displayed. The player can input a text message for the virtual creature by selecting one.
[0007]
By invalidating the input request from the player, the reality of the game can be further increased, or the fun of the game can be doubled. For example, it is unnatural that a sleeping virtual creature takes action in response to an input text message. Also, for example, a virtual creature with a low level of understanding of a text message may naturally not understand the text message. Further, for example, the input request from the player is invalidated for a while after the dog barks, rampages, or excretes. By restricting talking to the dog at such timing, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game. Therefore, the invalidation determination is made when the player requests the input of the text message, and the input request is invalidated according to the determination result. The effect of invalidation appears such that a text message option is not displayed, and even if any of the displayed options is selected and input, it is ignored by the virtual creature.
[0008]
In a second invention of the present application, in the first invention, the invalidation step invalidates the input request by canceling the option output step or the messaging step. Control of virtual life forms Provide a method.
One method of invalidating the input request is to output text message choices in response to the input request so that the virtual creature does not react when either is selected. Another method is to not output text message choices when there is an input request. By any method, the input request from the player can be substantially invalidated.
[0009]
The third invention of the present application further includes a time limit storage step for storing a time limit on the game in which the input request is invalidated in the first to second inventions Control method of virtual creature I will provide a. In this method, the invalidation step determines invalidation based on whether or not the detection of the input request is within the limit period.
For example, the limited period may be a certain period of time after the virtual creature is performing a specific action or after the player has issued a specific message. The reality and fun of the game can be increased.
[0010]
According to a fourth invention of the present application, in the first to third inventions, the invalidation step calculates a probability of invalidating the text message based on a parameter value of the virtual creature, and determines invalidation according to the calculation result. I do Control method of virtual creature I will provide a.
There are various types of virtual life form parameters such as age, weight, familiarity, obedience, and proficiency. By invalidating the player's message in accordance with these values, for example, dogs that do not readily listen to the player while the dog is young, but gradually listen to what they say are bred. More specifically, dogs that are familiar with the player are more likely to hear the message of the player, and dogs that are not familiar are more likely to ignore the message of the player. In another example, a dog with an obedient personality is more likely to hear the player's message, and a dog with a strong anti-bone spirit is more likely to ignore the player's message. In addition, for example, “sitting”, “sitting down”, “hand”, etc., each learning message is associated with a learning level. If is low, the dog is more likely to ignore the educational message. Conversely, if the level of “sitting” is high, the probability that the dog will follow the educational message is low.
[0011]
In the fifth invention of the present application, in the first to fourth inventions, when it is determined in the invalidation step that the input request is invalidated, a notification to that effect is output to the monitor. Control of virtual life forms Provide a method.
By displaying the notification, it is possible to notify the player that the input request has been invalidated. For example, if the text message “sitting” to the dog is disabled, a message from the dog that “waits for a while” or voice output is displayed to display the invalidation of the text message from the player. It is done.
[0012]
In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a notification prompting the input request is being displayed on the monitor at a timing that does not overlap with the notification that the input request is invalidated in the invalidation step. Further includes an input request prompting step to be displayed on Control method of virtual creature I will provide a.
It can be shown that the player can talk to the virtual creature at an arbitrary timing.
[0013]
The seventh invention of the present application further includes a situation table storage step for storing a situation table associating the situation set in the game with the text message options in the first to sixth inventions. Control method of virtual creature I will provide a. In this method, in the option output step, text message options corresponding to the game situation in progress are read from the situation table and displayed.
[0014]
By associating options with each of all assumed situations, the player can input commands at any time during the game. By invalidating the input request in such a game, the fun of the game is further doubled.
The eighth invention of the present application is a game apparatus for growing the virtual creature by increasing or decreasing the values of a plurality of parameters characterizing the virtual creature on the game displayed on the monitor,
Message storage means storing text message options;
Increase / decrease rule storage means for storing each of the text message options and the parameter increase / decrease rules in association with each other;
Request detecting means for detecting an input request received at an arbitrary timing during the progress of the game in a predetermined input unit;
Option output means for reading out text message options stored in the message storage means in response to the input request and displaying the read text messages;
A messaging means for accepting a selection input of any of the displayed text message choices;
Of the parameter increase / decrease rules stored in the increase / decrease rule storage means, the parameter increase / decrease rule associated with the selected text message is read, and a new value of the parameter is calculated based on the read increase / decrease rule. Computing means;
Display means for displaying the virtual life form based on the calculated value of the parameter;
Determining whether or not to invalidate the input request in response to detection of the input request, and invalidating means for invalidating the input request based on the determination result;
A game device is provided.
[0015]
This device has the same effects as the first invention.
The ninth invention of the present application is a game program for growing the virtual creature by increasing or decreasing the values of a plurality of parameters characterizing the virtual creature on the game displayed on the monitor,
Message storage means for storing text message options;
Increase / decrease rule storage means for storing each of the text message options in association with the parameter increase / decrease rules,
Request detection means for detecting an input request received at an arbitrary timing during the progress of the game in a predetermined input unit;
Options output means for reading out text message options stored in the message storage means in response to the input request and displaying the read text messages;
A messaging means for accepting a selection input of any of the displayed text message choices,
Of the parameter increase / decrease rules stored in the increase / decrease rule storage means, the parameter increase / decrease rule associated with the selected text message is read, and a new value of the parameter is calculated based on the read increase / decrease rule. Computing means,
Display means for displaying the virtual creature based on the calculated value of the parameter; and
Determining whether or not to invalidate the input request in response to detection of the input request, and invalidating means for invalidating the input request based on the determination result;
A game program for causing a computer to function is provided.
[0016]
This program has the same effects as the first invention.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<First embodiment>
Next, the game method of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
(1) Hardware configuration
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The game system 1000 includes a CPU 1, an image processing unit 2, a sound processing unit 3, a ROM 4, a RAM 5, an operation unit 10, a card drive 11, and a sub board 12.
[0018]
The CPU 1 realizes a plurality of functions to be described later based on the OS recorded in the ROM 4 and game data stored in the RAM 5.
The image processing unit 2 includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 21, a frame buffer 22, and a monitor 23. The GPU 21 writes a CG image composed of a combination of polygons to the frame buffer 22 based on the calculation result of the CPU 1. The CG image drawn by the GPU 21 is temporarily recorded in the frame buffer 22. The CG image recorded in the frame buffer 22 is read by the monitor 23 and displayed. The drawing process by the GPU 21 and the recording to the frame buffer 22 are continuously performed, whereby the CG image including the moving image element, for example, the movement of the virtual creature is displayed on the monitor 23.
[0019]
The sound processing unit 3 includes an SPU (Sound Processing Unit) 31 and a speaker 32. The SPU 31 reproduces music and sound effects based on audio data such as music data and various sound effect data recorded in the semiconductor memory 4.
The ROM 4 stores an OS for causing each unit of the game system 1000 to perform basic operations, a game program, and various game data.
[0020]
The RAM 5 is used as a work area for temporarily storing various game data read from the ROM 4 as necessary.
The coin button 6 is turned on when a coin is inserted into a coin insertion portion (not shown), and transmits a game start signal to the CPU 10.
The memory card slots 7 and 8 write data to a read / write memory card (hereinafter simply referred to as a memory card) and read data from the memory card. In this example, two memory cards can be inserted into the memory card slots 7 and 8. One memory card slot 7 and 8 may be provided if a game by a plurality of players is not assumed. If the memory card slots 7 and 8 are provided, a virtual life form nurtured by a home-version game apparatus on which the game program of the present invention operates can be nurtured in the game system 1000 as well. In other words, the game system 1000 and the home version game device can share data.
[0021]
The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 9 stores an application required according to game processing contents such as an electronic mail application, an IM (Instant Message) application, and a WWW (World Wide Web) browser. For example, when a game is created from the game system 1000 so that the player can exchange messages with other game system players via the web chat via the network, it is preferable that the WWW browser is stored in the HDD 9.
[0022]
The operation unit 10 includes, for example, two keyboards 13a and 13b and buttons 14 as input means. At least one keyboard is enough. In addition to the keyboards 13 a and 13 b and the buttons 14, input means such as a mouse and a lever may be provided in the operation unit 10 according to the game processing content.
The card drive 11 writes data to a read / write magnetic card (hereinafter simply referred to as a magnetic card) and reads data from the magnetic card. In this example, two magnetic cards 15 a and 15 b can be inserted into the card drive 11. Instead of the card drive 11, other means capable of reading and writing to a recording medium capable of recording the past game history of the player may be used.
[0023]
The sub board 12 transmits and receives data between the operation unit 10 and the card drive 11 and the CPU 1.
(2) An example of a game system
(2-1) Overall game system
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a game system 2000 that is a specific example of the game system 1000. The game system 2000 includes a housing 201 of the game device, keyboards 202a and 202b, and buttons 202c and d. It is sufficient that at least one keyboard and button are provided. Two are provided so that two players can participate in the game. Card insertion portions 203a and 203b are provided below the keyboards 202a and b and the buttons 202c and d. A memory card slot may be provided according to needs (not shown).
[0024]
An image output monitor 204 is provided on the front surface of the housing 201 of the game apparatus. Speakers 205a and 205b for outputting game BGM and sound effects are attached to the upper left and right sides of the monitor 204. In addition, a coin insertion slot 206 for inserting coins is provided at the lower center of the housing 201.
(3) Outline of the game
(3-1) Progress of the game
Next, an outline of a game performed in the game system 2000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 11. In this game, for a certain period of time, a player can talk to a virtual creature at an arbitrary location and nurture the virtual creature. The behavior of the virtual creature is controlled by the game system 2000, and the game ends after a predetermined time has elapsed. The words to be spoken, that is, the player's message, may be input by the player selecting one of the displayed options and inputting the selected message using the buttons 202c and d. good. The options are displayed when the player inputs a signal at an arbitrary timing. The displayed options vary depending on the game situation when the cue is input. The cue can be made by a predetermined input, for example, pressing a space key.
[0025]
The behavior of the virtual creature changes depending on the creature parameter set for the virtual creature. The life form parameter changes depending on the selected message and the elapsed time in the game space. The player can nurture a virtual creature continuously for a long period of time by storing various data related to the virtual creature being cultivated in a magnetic card.
[0026]
(3-2) Enter a message at any location or timing
FIG. 3 is a screen example showing that the player can talk to the virtual creature at an arbitrary place and timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a player wants to talk to a virtual creature on the table, the player inputs a signal indicating that he / she wants to talk. The cue can be input by pressing a predetermined key such as a space key, clicking a mouse, or pressing a button. For example, when the space key is pressed, message options illustrated in FIG. 3B are displayed. By selecting any one of the messages displayed according to the signal, the player can speak to the virtual creature in any place at any time as a result.
[0027]
Similarly, FIG. 4A shows an example of a screen in which the player inputs a cue when the virtual creature is under the chair and message options are displayed. FIG. 5A shows an example of a screen in which the player inputs a cue when the virtual creature is in front of the player, and message options are displayed.
(3-3) Message invalidation
6 and 7 are screen examples showing that the player's message is invalidated. In the game system 2000, the player can talk to the virtual creature at an arbitrary place and timing, but it may be desirable to invalidate the player's message under certain conditions in order to make the game more interesting. .
[0028]
(3-3-1) Invalidation by restriction period
For example, it is possible to prevent a message input within a limited period during which the player's message is invalidated from affecting the behavior of the virtual creature.
As a method of setting the restriction period, for example, it is conceivable that the restriction period is a certain period of time after the virtual creature performs a specific action or after a specific action. For example, the limited period is set within a certain period of time after actions such as “barking”, “excreting”, and “raveling”. Further, for example, the period during which the virtual creature is sleeping is set as the limited period. This is because it is unnatural if the player speaks while sleeping.
[0029]
Furthermore, it is conceivable that a certain period of time after the player issues a specific message is set as the limited period. For example, a certain period of time may be set after the player calls the virtual character by saying “Come on”. This is because the player often calls the virtual life form, and if the virtual life form is close to the virtual player in the game space, the action of the virtual life form becomes monotonous and the fun of the game is reduced by half. Here, the virtual player is a substitute in the game space of the player.
[0030]
The length of the limited period is preferably about several seconds in consideration of the stress of the player due to the message being invalidated.
As a specific method for invalidating the message, for example, the following can be considered. As a first method, even if the player inputs a cue, the option is not displayed, so that the player cannot input a message. As a second method, a choice is displayed according to a signal from the player, and a game is created so that the virtual creature does not react even if any message is selected. The method for invalidating the message is not limited to the methods listed here. In the first method and the second method, the player may be notified by display or audio output that the virtual creature has ignored the message.
[0031]
FIG. 7 is a screen example illustrating the first method. This screen indicates that the player has input a signal, but the signal is ignored and no option is displayed. In addition, on this screen, the player is notified that the message has been invalidated by a message from the virtual creature that “I ca n’t speak right now.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a screen example illustrating the second method. This screen is an example of a screen indicating that the player has input a message but the message is ignored. On this screen, the player is notified that the message has been invalidated by a message from the virtual creature “No”.
(3-3-2) Invalidation by biological parameters
The player's message may be invalidated according to a life form parameter for controlling the display and behavior of the virtual life form. In that case, even if the same message is selected, the response may differ depending on the life form parameter of the virtual life form. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example in which “I am pleased” is input to a virtual creature on the table, but the virtual creature rejects, and as a result, the player's message is ignored. On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows an example in which a virtual creature moves in accordance with the message “Please”.
[0033]
For example, when the “submissiveness” (described later) of the life parameter is low, the probability that the player's message is ignored may be increased. It is possible to create a situation where a virtual creature that is not compliant does not hear the player. In addition, since it is natural that a virtual life form that is not attached to a player hardly hears what the player says, the lower the “degree of obsession” (described later) or the “obedient degree”, the higher the probability that the player will not follow the message. It is good to be.
[0034]
Similarly, for example, the probability of not following the player's message may be increased as the learning level of “sitting” (described later) is lower. A virtual creature that does not remember "sitting" can reproduce in the game how it may not understand sitting even if it says "sitting". For educational messages related to virtual life education such as “hand” and “around” as well as “sitting”, the probability that the educational message will be invalidated according to the level of mastery of each message as described later. Can be high.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a life form parameter table stored in the ROM 4. The virtual life form is provided with life form parameters for controlling its display and behavior. In this example, “degree of nasty”, “degree of obedience”, “degree of mastery”, and “degree of fullness” are exemplified as the life form parameters. Each life form parameter changes with the selected message and time changes in the game space. For example, the degree of natsuki increases with time. In addition, the degree of familiarity increases as a message with a content that loves a virtual creature such as “Yoshiyoshi”, “Sit”, “I'm fine”, and “Good” is selected.
[0036]
For example, the degree of obedience increases as a message with a content that loves a virtual creature is selected.
The learning level is set for each educational message. Educational messages include messages that teach art to virtual creatures and messages that attach virtual creatures. Examples of educational messages for performing arts include “sitting”, “hands”, and “around”. Examples of educational messages for attaching virtual creatures include “Stop”, “Get down”, and “No”, which are messages for protecting virtual creatures. In addition, the educational message for attaching the virtual life form includes a message for complimenting the virtual life form heard by the player, for example, “good” and “good child”. Taking the “sitting” learning level as an example, for example, the higher the number of times the player inputs the “sitting” educational message, the higher the learning level of “sitting”.
[0037]
The satiety level decreases as time in the game space elapses and improves when the player eats.
Note that it is possible to combine the invalidation of the message by the limited period and the invalidation of the message by the life parameter. For example, if the time limit is set and the “obedient degree” is low, the probability that the player's message is invalidated may be high.
[0038]
(4) CPU processing flow
The processing performed by the CPU 1 will be described again with reference to FIG. The CPU 1 includes a number selection means 101, a card processing means 102, a life form selection means 103, a detection means 104 (messaging means), a judgment means 105 (invalidation means), a selection receiving means 106 (messaging means), and a parameter changing means 107 ( Parameter storage means, update means), life form control means 108 (display control means) and control means 109 (repetition means). For ease of explanation, a case where the first method is applied, that is, a case where it is determined whether or not to invalidate a message without displaying a message option when a player's signal is input will be described.
[0039]
The number selection means 101 accepts selection of the number of players between 1 and 2 (not shown). The player uses any of the keyboards 202a and 202b and the buttons 202c and 202d to select the number of people.
Prior to the start of the game, the card processing means 102 accepts selection of a play using a magnetic card (hereinafter simply referred to as a card) or a play using no card (play without a card). Cards used for card play include new cards and already played cards. In the former case, the card processing means 102 accepts input of the player's name and registration of the name of the virtual creature, and writes this data on the new card. In the latter case, the card processing means 102 reads predetermined data such as the player's name, the name of the virtual life form, the point of the virtual life form, and the life form parameter from the already-played card. A part of the read data is displayed on the screen like “Mr. Tanaka's Earl” (see FIG. 3). Further, the card processing means 102 writes predetermined data such as the latest life form parameters of the virtual life form on the card at the end of the game.
[0040]
The life form selection means 103 accepts selection of a virtual life form and registration of a name in the case of card play with a new card or play without a card. For example, if the virtual creature is a dog, selections such as dog type, dog pattern (including color), and dog gender are accepted.
The detecting means 104 detects an input of a cue from the player. As described above, an input of a cue is performed by pressing a predetermined key such as a space key or a button, clicking a mouse (not shown), or inputting by other predetermined input means.
[0041]
The determination unit 105 determines whether or not to invalidate the message in response to a signal from the player. This determination is made based on whether or not the input of the cue is input within the limit period and the life form parameter. For example, the determination of invalidation is performed as follows. If the cue is input for a limited period, the option associated with the current game situation is identified, and then the probability of invalidation is determined based on the value of the life parameter related to the identified option, It is determined whether or not to invalidate based on the obtained probability.
[0042]
The life form parameter related to the specified option is, for example, “acquisition level” if the option associated with the situation is an educational message for training tricks. If options that praise virtual creatures or options that match virtual creatures are associated with the situation, the life parameters related to these options are, for example, “degree of obsession”, “obedience”, It becomes "skill level".
[0043]
For example, consider a situation in which the space key is pressed again in a limited period immediately after the player has put a hand on the virtual creature with a “hand” message. If the choice stored in association with the situation is an educational message of “hand”, “sitting”, or “turnaround”, the life form parameters related to the choice are each acquired. The determination unit 105 obtains the probability of invalidation based on each learning level, and determines whether or not to invalidate the message as described above. If the determination unit 105 determines to invalidate the message, the option is not displayed and the player cannot input the message. On the contrary, if the determination unit 105 determines not to invalidate the message, options are displayed and the player can input the message.
[0044]
When the player's message is not invalidated, the selection accepting unit 106 displays message options according to the situation, and accepts the message selection by the input from the keyboards 202a and 202b or the buttons 202c and d.
FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 are examples of screens illustrating that options according to the game situation are displayed according to a signal from the player. As shown in these figures, the message options that the player can input differ depending on the game situation. For example, in FIG. 3A, the situation is “a virtual creature is on the table”. In this situation, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), three options of “Oriyou”, “Yoshiyoshi”, and “Waiikoda” are displayed. For example, in FIG. 4A, in a situation where “a virtual life form has sunk under a chair far away from the player”, three choices of “this”, “good” and “fun” are displayed. It shows that. Further, for example, FIG. 5A shows that in the situation “the virtual creature is near the player”, three options of “te”, “sit”, and “surround” are displayed.
[0045]
FIG. 9 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the situation table. The options illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 are displayed based on the situation table. In the situation table, game situations and options to be output according to each situation are stored in association with each other. In this example, the game situation is determined by the combination of the place where the dog, which is a virtual life form, and the action of the dog. Of course, the game situation can be determined in consideration of other factors depending on the content of the game and the needs of the player. In this example, three options are associated with each situation, but the number of options is not necessarily three.
[0046]
It should be noted that which option is selected is determined as follows. For example, it can be determined that an option that has been finally input with all readings or characters of the displayed option selected. There is also a method of determining a selected option when it is possible to determine which option is being input after a certain amount of reading or characters are input. FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen indicating that an option has been determined by this method. These methods can be applied to selection of options by keyboard input. The timing for determining which option has been selected varies depending on the determination method. Further, for example, selection of any option may be accepted by the buttons 202c and d.
[0047]
When accepting selection by keyboard input, in order to give the player a natural sense of communication, the player does not require the player to input exactly the displayed words as they are, and allows for slight input mistakes and differences in input methods. May be set.
The parameter changing means 107 changes the life parameter based on the selected message when the player's message is not invalidated. Conversely, if the message is invalidated, the life form parameter is not updated. It is determined in advance (not shown) how many life-form parameters are changed when which message is selected. For example, regarding messages that praise a virtual creature such as “I'm fine” or “I ’m fine”, it is decided to increase the “degree of obsession” and “degree of obedience” by one. In addition, for example, regarding messages such as “Do not ride” and “Do not rampage”, it is determined that the “degree of obsession” and “obedience” are decreased by one. Further, for example, regarding an educational message such as “sitting” or “hand”, it is determined that the “learning level” for each message is increased by one.
[0048]
The life form control means 108 changes the display of the virtual life form according to the value of the life form parameter. For example, FIG. 4 shows a state where the virtual life form is coming to the player because the message “here” is selected. Further, for example, FIG. 5 shows an operation in which the virtual creature is working because the message “Ote” is selected. Further, for example, FIG. 10 shows an operation in which the virtual life form is about to descend from the table because “Origin” is input to the virtual life form on the table.
[0049]
In addition, the life form control means 108 may display that the message has been invalidated as a message from the virtual life form or output a voice in response to the invalidation judgment by the judgment means 105.
The control means 109 controls each means so that the game is played for a fixed time, receives a selection from the player as to whether or not to continue the game when the fixed time has elapsed, and performs a process according to the selection. Further, when the game is over, the control means 109 may execute processing for exchanging letters between virtual creatures. This process is performed, for example, by operating a WWW browser, an e-mail application, an IM application, a chat application, etc. stored in the HDD 9. FIG. 11 shows a screen example of communication processing by the control means 109. A letter list 501 of other virtual creatures is displayed, and when any letter is selected, the full text 502 of the selected letter is displayed. The player can also create a letter 503 for another virtual creature. The created letter will be posted on the letter list. Here, the letter includes an e-mail, an instant message, a chat remark and the like.
[0050]
[Overall process flow]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the overall processing procedure in the game system 2000. Hereinafter, the flow of processing of the game system will be specifically described with reference to these drawings. Again, for ease of explanation, the case where the first method for determining whether to invalidate a message without displaying message options will be described as an example.
[0051]
(1) Main processing
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of the game system.
Step S1: The control means 109 displays a demonstration screen of this game.
Step S2: When the coin button 6 is turned on by the player inserting a coin, the control means 109 proceeds to step S3.
[0052]
Step S3: The number selection means 101 accepts selection of the number of players.
Step S4: The card processing means 102 determines whether or not a new card is inserted into the card insertion slot. If "Yes" is determined, the process proceeds to step S5. If "No" is determined, the process proceeds to step S6.
Step S5: The card processing means 102 receives an input of the player's name and temporarily stores it in the RAM 5. This is for writing to a magnetic card or a memory card (not shown) at the end.
[0053]
Step S6: The card processing means 102 determines whether an already-played card has been inserted into the card insertion slot. If "Yes" is determined, the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined as “No”, it means a play without a card, and the process proceeds to step S9 described later.
Steps S7 and S8: The card processing means 102 reads predetermined data including the player's name, the name of the virtual life form, the life form parameter, etc. from the existing play card (S7). As a result of the reading, if the game can be continued, the process proceeds to step S11 described later. If it is impossible to continue, the process proceeds to step S9.
[0054]
Steps S9 and S10: The life form selection means 103 accepts selection of the type, pattern, sex, etc. of the virtual life form (S9). Moreover, the life form selection means 103 receives registration of the name of the selected virtual life form, and memorize | stores this temporarily (S10).
Step S11: The control means 109 executes a game routine which will be described later, and starts this game.
[0055]
Step S12: The control means 109 performs a communication process when the game ends after a certain period of time. That is, processing such as letter browsing and letter creation is accepted, and when this is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.
Step S13: The control means 109 receives a selection from the player as to whether or not to continue the game. When “continue (continue)” is selected, the process returns to step S11 and the game routine is executed again. When “end” is selected, in the case of card play, processing such as updating of card data by the card processing means 102 is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1 again and waits for the coin button to be turned on.
[0056]
(2) Game routine processing
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game flow. When the process moves to step S11 in the main routine, this process is executed.
Step S111: The control means 109 repeats the processes of the following steps S112 to S117 until a certain time has elapsed.
[0057]
Step S112: The detecting means 104 waits for an input of a cue by a space key or the like, and when there is an input of a cue, the process proceeds to step S113.
Step S113: The judging means 105 judges whether or not to invalidate the player's message. When invalidating, the process returns to step S111 to wait for the next signal. If not invalidated, that is, if the player's message is valid, the process proceeds to step S114.
[0058]
Steps S114 and S115: The selection receiving means 106 displays message options according to the game situation (S114). Further, the selection receiving unit 106 receives selection of any message based on an input from the operation unit 10 (S115).
Step S116: The parameter changing means 107 updates the life form parameter of the virtual life form according to the input message.
[0059]
Step S117: The life form control means 108 updates the display of the virtual life form based on the updated life form parameter.
<Another embodiment>
(A) A program that executes the above-described method and a computer-readable recording medium that records the program are included in the present invention. Here, examples of the recording medium include a computer readable / writable flexible disk, hard disk, semiconductor memory, CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk (MO), and others. Further, these recording media may be connected to the CPU 1 via a network. FIG. 14A shows a configuration in which the game system 1000 and the computer 3000 in the first embodiment are connected via a network. Here, the computer 3000 incorporates the recording medium or is connected to a drive for accessing the recording medium.
[0060]
(B) Instead of the card, predetermined data may be recorded on the recording medium. Also in this case, the recording medium may be connected to the CPU 1 via a network. Furthermore, prior to the writing of predetermined data, selection or designation of the data recording destination may be received from the player. For example, it is possible to accept selection of any one of predetermined servers on the network as a recording destination candidate. Also in this case, the same structure as in FIG. 14A can be used.
[0061]
(C) The above-described method can also be executed in a home game device 4000 that can be connected to the monitor 4001 and the keyboards 4002a and 2002b. In this game apparatus, the game program is recorded on a CD-ROM, IC card, DVD, or the like, which is a recording medium 4003 that is detachable from the main body apparatus.
(D) The above-described method can be applied to the system shown in FIG. In this system, a plurality of PCs (Personal computers) 5001a, 500b, a plurality of home game devices 4000a, 4000b, a plurality of game systems 1000a, 1000b, and a host 5002 are connected via a network. In the figure, elements having functions similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. The host 5002 holds a recording medium on which a program capable of executing the method described in the first embodiment is recorded. The PCs 5001a and 500b, the home game devices 4000a and 4000b, and the game systems 1000a and 1000b (hereinafter collectively referred to as each terminal) may each hold the program, or may be downloaded from the host 5002 and executed. good. The player can enjoy the game with other players or alone using any of the terminals. Data regarding the virtual life form of each player may be stored in any recording medium such as a recording medium built in each terminal, a magnetic card, a memory card, or a host 5002.
[0062]
(E) The method for invalidating the player's message is not limited to the method described above. For example, the following method is also conceivable.
1) A method in which the number of times that a player can input a signal, that is, the number of times a message can be input is changed according to the life parameter, and the message is ignored when the limit number is exceeded. In this case, the number of messages that can be input after a certain time has elapsed may be restored.
[0063]
2) A method of limiting the same message to be repeated in the same situation. For example, a method is provided in which an upper limit is set so that the “Oide” message called by the player can be continuously input, and is ignored when the upper limit is exceeded.
3) A method of ignoring a message that causes the situation to be repeated when the continuous time exceeds a certain time in the same situation. The accumulated time may be used instead of the continuous time. For example, if the situation of being in front of the player continues for a long time because the virtual creature is being called by the player, the “Come on” message is invalidated.
[0064]
4) A method in which a time interval for inputting a cue is set to a certain time or more. For example, to prevent the space key from being pressed continuously.
(F) The present invention can be applied not only to a breeding game but also to various games such as a conversation game and a competition game. For example, the following conversation game can be considered. When the player speaks by selecting the displayed message option for the virtual life form in the game space, the virtual life form responds according to the selected message, and the game progresses by repeating this. The message options are displayed when a cue is input as described above. The displayed options vary depending on the place in the game space where the virtual creature is located and the timing of the input of the signal.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
If the present invention is used, in the breeding game, the player can talk to the virtual creature at an arbitrary timing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a game system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a game system 2000 that is a specific example of the game system of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a display example in which a message corresponding to a situation is input at an arbitrary timing.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen on which word options corresponding to a situation are displayed and a virtual creature moves in response to a message.
FIG. 5 shows another example of a screen on which word options corresponding to a situation are displayed and a virtual creature moves in response to a message.
FIG. 6 is a display example of a virtual creature that resists a message.
FIG. 7 is a display example showing that a message cannot be input.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a life form parameter table.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a situation table.
FIG. 10 is a display example of a virtual creature according to a message.
FIG. 11 is a screen example showing message exchange with another player.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of the game system.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a game routine.
FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in other embodiment examples (B) and (C).
(B) Explanatory drawing which shows a structure in the case of applying this invention to a consumer game device.
(C) Explanatory drawing which shows the structure in the case of playing a game on a network.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: CPU
2: Image processing unit
3: Audio processor
4: ROM
5: RAM
6: Coin button
7, 8: Memory card slot
9: HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
10: Operation unit
11: Card drive
12: Sub board

Claims (9)

A control method of a virtual life form that grows the virtual life form by increasing or decreasing values of a plurality of parameters that characterize the virtual life form on a game displayed on a monitor,
A message storage step storing text message choices;
Increase / decrease rule storage step for storing each of the text message options and the parameter increase / decrease rules in association with each other;
A request detection step of detecting an input request received at an arbitrary timing during the progress of the game in a predetermined input unit;
An option output step for reading out the text message options stored in the message storage step in response to the input request and displaying the read text message;
A messaging step that accepts a selection input of any of the displayed text message choices;
Among the parameter increase / decrease rules stored in the increase / decrease rule storage step, the parameter increase / decrease rule associated with the selected text message is read, and a new value of the parameter is calculated based on the read increase / decrease rule. A calculation step;
A display step for displaying the virtual creature based on the calculated value of the parameter;
Determining whether or not to invalidate the input request in response to detection of the input request, and invalidating step of invalidating the input request based on the determination result;
A virtual life form control method executed by a computer. 2. The virtual life form control method according to claim 1, wherein the invalidation step invalidates the input request by canceling the option output step or the messaging step. A limit period storing step of storing a limit period on the game where the input request is invalidated;
The invalidation step determines invalidation based on whether the detection of the input request was within the limit period;
The control method of the virtual life form of Claim 1 or 2. The invalidation step, said calculating the probability of disabling the text message based on the value of the parameter of the virtual creature, the operation result invalidates determination in accordance with the virtual according to claim 1, 2 or 3 Control method of life . 5. The virtual creature control method according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the input request is invalidated, the invalidation step outputs a notification to that effect to the monitor. The input request promoting step of displaying a notification for prompting the input request on the monitor while the game is in progress at a timing that does not overlap with the notification for invalidating the input request in the invalidation step. The control method of the virtual life form in any one of -5. A situation table storing step of storing a situation table associating the situation set in the game with text message options;
The option output step reads out and displays text message options corresponding to the game situation in progress from the situation table,
The virtual life form control method according to claim 1. A game device for growing the virtual creature by increasing or decreasing the values of a plurality of parameters that characterize the virtual creature on the game displayed on the monitor,
Message storage means storing text message options;
Increase / decrease rule storage means for storing each of the text message options and the parameter increase / decrease rules in association with each other;
Request detecting means for detecting an input request received at an arbitrary timing during the progress of the game in a predetermined input unit;
Option output means for reading out text message options stored in the message storage means in response to the input request and displaying the read text messages;
A messaging means for accepting a selection input of any of the displayed text message choices;
Of the parameter increase / decrease rules stored in the increase / decrease rule storage means, the parameter increase / decrease rule associated with the selected text message is read, and a new value of the parameter is calculated based on the read increase / decrease rule. Computing means;
Display means for displaying the virtual life form based on the calculated value of the parameter;
Determining whether or not to invalidate the input request in response to detection of the input request, and invalidating means for invalidating the input request based on the determination result;
Including a game device. A game program for growing the virtual life form by increasing or decreasing the values of a plurality of parameters characterizing the virtual life form on the game displayed on the monitor,
Message storage means for storing text message options;
Increase / decrease rule storage means for storing each of the text message options in association with the parameter increase / decrease rules,
Request detection means for detecting an input request received at an arbitrary timing during the progress of the game in a predetermined input unit;
Options output means for reading out text message options stored in the message storage means in response to the input request and displaying the read text messages;
A messaging means for accepting a selection input of any of the displayed text message choices,
Of the parameter increase / decrease rules stored in the increase / decrease rule storage means, the parameter increase / decrease rule associated with the selected text message is read, and a new value of the parameter is calculated based on the read increase / decrease rule. Computing means,
Display means for displaying the virtual creature based on the calculated value of the parameter, and determining whether to invalidate the input request in response to detection of the input request, and based on the determination result, Invalidation means to invalidate the input request,
As a game program that makes a computer function.

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