JP4181200B2 - Video game processing apparatus and video game processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention displays a plurality of player characters on a display screen of an image display device, and controls the action of the plurality of player characters displayed on the display screen according to the operation of the player, thereby allowing the video game to progress. It relates to a technique for controlling.

  Conventionally, RPG (Role Playing Game: A game in which a player plays the role of a character in the game world and achieves a predetermined purpose while enjoying the process of growing through various experiences. Various games called.) Are provided.

  In this RPG, in general, a player character acting in response to a player's operation wins a battle with an enemy character that impedes achievement of a predetermined purpose, whereby various benefits such as experience values and items are given to the player character. Is given.

  Some video games such as RPG operate a plurality of player characters to cooperate with each other and cooperate with each other. In this case, a battle command is designated for each player character. Finally, there is one that executes a battle after command specification is completed.

  In addition, in a video game of a genre called action RPG, a battle command for a main player character is instantly designated by pressing a button such as a controller assigned in advance, and an attack action is executed in real time. Some perform battles.

  In addition, in a video game of a genre that mainly proceeds with a battle with an enemy character called an action game, for example, a player character's action designation by a player's operation input using specific keys and buttons is set in a predetermined predetermined state. Some have been associated with a player character, and which key or button has been operated to control the behavior of each predetermined player character (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-224435 A

  However, in such a conventional video game operation input method related to action designation to a plurality of player characters, a player character that is not operated by a player while the player is operating only one player character. Control is performed such that other player characters stop moving. For this reason, since it is necessary for a player to give an operation instruction to each player character while paying attention to all of the plurality of player characters to be operated at all times, an advanced technique is required for the operation, so There was a problem that operation was difficult. On the other hand, there is also a general method in which the player character that can be operated is limited to one body, and the video game device automatically controls and acts on the remaining player characters to solve this difficulty. However, in this case, a plurality of player characters cannot be operated independently at the same time, and there remains a problem that the interest of the game is remarkably impaired depending on the player.

  The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned problems, improves the sense of reality during the battle in a battle scene in a video game, improves the player's preference for operation, and improves the interest of the game. Objective.

The video game processing apparatus (for example, the video game apparatus 100 and the video game apparatus main body 10) of the present invention displays a plurality of player characters on the display screen of the image display device, and displays them on the display screen in accordance with the operation of the player. A video game processing apparatus for controlling the progress of a video game by controlling the actions of a plurality of displayed player characters, wherein a predetermined player character of the plurality of player characters is selected by an action specifying operation by a player. An action designation accepting unit that accepts an action designation, a manual control that controls an action of a player character that has accepted the action designation according to the action designation accepted by the action designation accepting unit, and a player character that has not accepted the action designation. Characters that perform auto-control that automatically controls actions And control method switching means for switching the control method of each of the plurality of player characters from one of the manual control and the auto control to the other, the control method switching means comprising a plurality of the player characters. when the period accepted without the new action specifies the action specified against any player character action by the manual control is controlled after receiving said action designation accepting means of the character has passed a predetermined time period, the It is determined whether or not at least one of the player characters other than the arbitrary player character is controlled by the manual control, and the control for the arbitrary player character is performed on the condition that it is determined that the player character is controlled by the manual control. in the auto-control system from the manual control And wherein the changing Ri.

With the above-described configuration, a plurality of player characters can be operated simultaneously, and at least one player character other than any player character whose action is controlled by manual control is manually controlled. Since any player character can be switched to automatic control when operating below, the presence of the player in the battle scene in the video game is enhanced and the player's operational preferences are improved. It will be possible to improve interest. Further, control switching of an arbitrary player character can be determined according to the control state of at least one of the player characters other than the arbitrary player character whose action is controlled by manual control. In this way, the player character can be operated at all times, and the preference regarding the operation can be improved.

  The control method switching means is configured to switch the control method for the player character from auto control to manual control when the action designation accepting means accepts the action designation for the player character whose behavior is controlled by auto control. May be. If comprised in this way, even if it is in automatic control, when there exists a player's operation input, it can switch to manual control immediately and can operate a player character, and can improve the preference regarding operation. .

  When there are a plurality of display screens based on the control information related to the player character from the character control means, the display control means further includes at least one player character arranged and displayed for each display screen. It may be configured. If comprised in this way, in the game using a some display screen, it will become possible to improve the interest property regarding operation, improving interest.

  A plurality of input means for performing an operation input associated with the action specifying operation by the player in a state in which any of the plurality of player characters is associated, and the action specification receiving means inputs the action specification from the input means; It may be configured to accept that it is an action designation for the player character associated with the. If comprised in this way, the action designation | designated about either of several player characters can be received as an action designation | designated with respect to the player character respectively matched with the input means, and the preference regarding operation can be improved. It becomes like this.

Furthermore, the video game processing program of the present invention displays a plurality of player characters on the display screen of the image display device, and displays the actions of the plurality of player characters displayed on the display screen according to the operation of the player. A video game processing program for controlling the progress of a video game by controlling the behavior designation receiving process in which a computer accepts behavior designation of a predetermined player character among the plurality of player characters by a behavior designation operation by a player And manual control for controlling the behavior of the player character whose behavior designation has been accepted in accordance with the behavior designation accepted in the behavior designation acceptance processing, and the behavior of the player character that has not accepted the behavior designation automatically Character that performs auto control to control And a control method switching process for switching the control method of each of the plurality of player characters from one of the manual control and the auto control to the other. period accepted no new actions specified by said manual control by action action specifies against any player character which is controlled is accepted by said action designation accepting processing of the player character has passed a predetermined time period time, at least one of the player characters other than the any of the player character is determined whether or not controlled by the manual control, the manual condition that it is determined to be controlled by the control, of the optional the control scheme for the player character from the manual control It is for Ru to execute the process to switch to over preparative control.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the realistic feeling in the battle in the battle scene in a video game can be raised, the preference regarding a player's operation can be improved, and the interest of a game can be improved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video game apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the video game apparatus 100 of this example includes a video game apparatus main body 10, a display device 50, and a sound output device 60. The video game apparatus body 10 is configured by, for example, a commercially available video game machine. The display device 50 is configured by, for example, a television device or a liquid crystal display device, and includes an upper image display unit 51 and a lower image display unit 52 which are a plurality of image display units.

  The video game apparatus body 10 includes a control unit 11, a RAM 12, a hard disk drive (HDD) 13, a sound processing unit 14, a graphic processing unit 15, a DVD / CD-ROM drive 16, a communication interface 17, and an interface. A unit 18, a frame memory 19, a memory card slot 20, and an input interface unit 21 are included.

  The control unit 11, RAM 12, hard disk drive (HDD) 13, sound processing unit 14, graphic processing unit 15, DVD / CD-ROM drive 16, communication interface 17, and interface unit 18 are each connected to the internal bus 22. .

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, and the like, and controls the entire video game apparatus 100 according to a control program stored in the HDD 13 or the storage medium 70. The control unit 11 includes an internal timer used for generating a timer interrupt, for example. The RAM 12 is mainly used as a work area for the control unit 11. The HDD 13 is a storage area in the video game apparatus main body 10 for storing control programs and various data.

  The sound processing unit 14 has a function of a voice input / output interface that performs D / A conversion and A / D conversion of a sound signal, and is connected to a sound output device 60 configured by, for example, a speaker. The sound processing unit 14 outputs a sound signal to the sound output device 60 in accordance with a sound output instruction from the control unit 11 executing processing according to various control programs. The sound processing unit 14 is connected to a sound input device (not shown) configured by a microphone, for example, and inputs a sound signal from the sound input device in accordance with a sound input instruction from the control unit 11. The sound output device 60 may be built in the display device 50 or the video game apparatus main body 10.

  The graphic processing unit 15 is connected to a display device 50 having an upper image display unit 51 and a lower image display unit 52 that perform screen display. The graphic processing unit 15 develops an image in the frame memory 19 in accordance with a drawing command from the control unit 11, and sends video signals for displaying images on the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52 to the display device 50. Output. The switching time of the image displayed by the video signal is, for example, 1/30 second per frame.

  The DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 is loaded with a storage medium 70 storing a game control program such as a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM. The DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 performs processing for reading various data such as a control program from the mounted storage medium 70. The storage medium 70 includes various DVDs (DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, DVD + R DL, etc.) and various CDs (CD-R) in addition to the DVD-ROM and CD-ROM described above. CD-RW etc.). In this case, instead of or in addition to the DVD / CD-ROM drive 16, the video game apparatus body 10 may include a drive for performing various data reading and writing processes on these storage media 70. .

  The communication interface 17 is connected to a communication network 80 such as the Internet by wireless or wired. The video game apparatus body 10 communicates with, for example, another computer via the communication network 80 using the communication function in the communication interface 17.

  An input interface unit 21, a memory card slot 20, and a touch panel 40 as an operation input unit (controller) are connected to the interface unit 18. The interface unit 18 stores in the RAM 12 instruction data from the input interface unit 21 based on the operation of the keypad 30 by the player and instruction data based on the operation of the touch panel 40 using the touch pen 41 or the like by the player. Then, according to the instruction data stored in the RAM 12, the control unit 11 executes various arithmetic processes.

  Note that the touch panel 40 may be used by being stacked on at least one of the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52, for example. In this case, by managing and controlling the display timing on the side where the touch panel 40 of the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52 is stacked, the operation timing using the touch pen 41 and the like on the touch panel 40, and the position coordinates thereof, The control unit 11 recognizes input information in response to an operation input by the player's input operation.

  As described above, the touch panel 40 is stacked on at least one of the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52 to match the keypad 30 without increasing the size of the operation means of the player. It is possible to input a lot of information. Here, as the type of the touch panel 40, various known touch panels such as a resistance film type and a pressure sensitive type can be used.

  The video game apparatus body 10 is connected to the touch panel 40 through the interface unit 18 as described above, and is connected to the keypad 30 as an operation input unit (controller) through the input interface unit 21.

  At the top of the keypad 30, for example, a cross key 31, a button group 32, a left joystick 38, and a right joystick 39 are disposed. The cross key 31 includes an upper key 31a, a lower key 31b, A right key 31c and a left key 31d are included, and the button group 32 includes a circle button 32a, a x button 32b, a triangle button 32c, and a square button 32d. In addition, a select button 35 and a start button 37 are disposed at a connecting portion between the base where the cross key 31 is disposed and the base where the button group 32 is disposed. A plurality of buttons such as the R1 button 36 and the L1 button 33 are also provided on the side of the keypad 30.

  The keypad 30 thus configured includes a cross key 31, a ○ button 32a, a x button 32b, a Δ button 32c, a □ button 32d, a select button 35, a start button 37, an R1 button 36, an L1 button 33, and the like. When a pressing force is applied to each button, for example, the corresponding switch is turned on. A detection signal corresponding to the on / off state of the switch is generated on the keypad 30, and detection signals corresponding to the tilt directions of the left joystick 38 and the right joystick 39 are generated on the keypad 30.

  Two detection signals generated in the keypad 30 are supplied to the input interface unit 21, and which button on the keypad 30 is turned on by the detection signal from the keypad 30 being passed through the input interface unit 21. And detection information indicating the respective states of the left joystick 38 and the right joystick 39. In this way, an operation command (operation input) by the user made to the keypad 30 is given to the video game apparatus body 10.

  The interface unit 18 stores data indicating the progress of the game stored in the RAM 12 in the memory card 90 installed in the memory card slot 20 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 11, The middle stage game data stored in 90 is read out and transferred to the RAM 12.

  Various data such as a control program for playing a game on the video game apparatus 100 is stored in the storage medium 70, for example. Various data such as a control program stored in the storage medium 70 is read by the DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 in which the storage medium 70 is mounted and loaded into the RAM 12.

  The control unit 11 performs various processes such as a process of outputting a drawing command to the graphic processing unit 15 and a process of outputting a sound output instruction to the sound processing unit 14 according to the control program loaded in the RAM 12. Execute. It should be noted that while the control unit 11 is executing processing, data that is generated intermediately in the RAM 12 used as a work memory depending on the progress of the game (for example, data indicating the score of the game or the state of the player character). Is saved.

  In the three-dimensional video game according to this embodiment, a player character (PC: a keypad by a player) is displayed on a field provided in a virtual three-dimensional space displayed on the display screens of the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52. It is assumed that the game includes a portion in which the game progresses as a plurality of characters (such as a character that moves according to the operation of 30 or the touch panel 40) move. Note that the virtual three-dimensional space in which the field is formed is indicated by the world coordinate system. The field is composed of a plurality of surfaces, and the coordinates of the vertices of each component surface are expressed as feature points.

Next, the operation of the video game apparatus 100 of this example will be described.
Here, in order to simplify the explanation, as objects that move in a virtual three-dimensional space, at least one player character PC and a plurality of non-player characters (NPC: game machine side control (specifically, the control unit 11) It is assumed that there is only a character that operates according to (control), and the description is omitted except for the processing particularly related to the present invention. In this example, it is assumed that video game control for RPG is executed.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing in the video game apparatus 100 of the present example. The main process is a process for generating an image for one frame and a process necessary for controlling the video game, and is executed in response to a timer interrupt every 1/30 seconds. Note that “1/30 seconds” is an example, and the main process is executed in response to a timer interrupt for each field period (1/60 seconds), for example, depending on the processing amount, it may be a two-frame period ( It may be executed in response to a timer interrupt every 1/15 seconds.

  In this example, it is assumed that the game progresses on a common field in which various actions including movement of the player character PC and battle by the player character PC are allowed, and the stage ends when a predetermined purpose on the field is achieved. Suppose that the stage moves to the next field.

  In this example, each character appearing on the field in the battle scene is given the same time axis, and once it appears, it follows the same time axis as long as HP (hit point: value representing life force) does not become zero. Move on the field or be stationary on the field. For example, when HP becomes 0, the player character PC is in a battle impossible state, and the game ends or another event occurs.

  However, for example, when a plurality of player characters PC appear, all the player characters PC are not in a battle impossible state unless the HP of each player character PC becomes 0 respectively. In addition, the part displayed on the upper and lower image display parts 51 and 52 as a character image is a part which exists in the visual field of the virtual camera in a field.

  In the main process, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a game start instruction has been given by an operation of the keypad 30 or the touch panel 40 by the player before the game starts, and changes the scene (for example, the field) if the game is being executed. It is determined whether or not it is time to change (step S101). Note that “game start” means the start of a game when the “game start” is selected when a selection menu such as “game start” or “demonstration” is presented. Therefore, the opening movie is played before the game is started (when it is automatically played upon power-on), and when it is played after the game is started (in response to an instruction from the player to start the game). If it is played).

  The timing at which the scene change determined in step S101 is performed is based on, for example, the scenes displayed on the upper and lower image display sections 51 and 52 (for example, scenes represented by a virtual three-dimensional space, movie images). This means the timing of displaying a virtual three-dimensional space indicating the new scene on the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52 in order to end the scene represented by the video effect) and switch to the new scene.

  When it is determined that there is an instruction to start the game, or when it is determined that it is time to change the scene (Y in step S101), the control unit 11 performs an initial screen (an initial screen at the start of the game) according to the control program. , An initial screen when changing scenes) is determined (step S102). The initial screen at the start of the game means a screen that is displayed first when, for example, a game start instruction is issued from the player. The initial screen at the time of scene change means a screen that is displayed first in the new stage when, for example, a certain stage is cleared and a new stage is entered (when it is time to change the scene).

  Note that various data such as screens, characters, and icons used in the game are stored in the storage medium 70. In step S102, the initial display position of the player character PC on the initial screen or a changed scene (for example, a new stage), the non-player character NPC to be displayed and the initial display position thereof, the icon to be displayed and the initial display position thereof are controlled. Determined according to the program.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines the position of the viewpoint of the virtual camera, the direction of the visual axis, and the size of the viewing angle according to the control program, and performs initial setting of the virtual camera for performing perspective transformation (step S103). . Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

  When it is determined that the game is being executed and it is not time to change the scene (N in Step S101), the control unit 11 receives instruction data based on the operation of the keypad 30 or the touch panel 40 by the player (Step S104). That is, it is determined whether or not the instruction data for executing the action of the player character PC or the like is input from the keypad 30 or the touch panel 40, and the effective instruction data (meaning the instruction data permitted to be accepted). If is input, the instruction data is accepted.

  In this example, for example, the player character PC displayed on the upper image display unit 51 can be operated by the keypad 30 and the player character PC displayed on the lower image display unit 52 can be operated by the touch panel 40 in advance. Is set. Further, the player character PC displayed on the upper image display unit 51 is set not to be allowed to move, and the player character PC displayed on the lower image display unit 52 is processed in the next steps S105 to S107. It applies only to PC. The setting may be such that the player character PC that can be operated by the keypad 30 and the touch panel 40 is replaced, or the detection area of the touch panel 40 is divided for each of the cross key 31 and the button group 32 of the keypad 30. In such a case, the player character PC that can be operated may be different for each detection area.

  In response to an operation (movement operation) of the touch panel 40 for instructing an action of the player character PC related to movement, instruction data for instructing an action related to movement (movement instruction data: touching the touch panel 40 with the touch pen 41 in step S104). When selection of a movement command or a movement instruction to the player character PC on the lower image display unit 52 (that is, on the touch panel 40) by the touch pen 41 is received (Y in step S105), the control unit 11 receives the movement command. The movement process is executed in accordance with the movement instruction data (step S106).

  In the movement process in step S106, the control unit 11 moves the position of the player character PC in the virtual space (on the current field) according to the received movement instruction data. The movement command includes a dash instruction command, for example. The dash instruction command is a command for quickly moving the player character PC, and is a command for giving an instruction to quickly move from a predetermined area of the battle area to another area during a battle.

  Next, the control unit 11 generates movement information based on the position information of the player character PC derived from the movement process (step S107). That is, in accordance with the movement of the position of the player character PC by the movement process, necessary data is updated among the position of the viewpoint of the virtual camera, the direction of the visual axis, and the size of the viewing angle, and the setting contents of the virtual camera are changed. Do.

  The movement information generated in this step S107 relates to movement such as the position after movement of the player character PC, the position of the viewpoint of the virtual camera changed by movement of the player character PC, the direction of the visual axis, and the size of the visual angle. Contains various information. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In response to an operation (battle operation) of the keypad 30 or the touch panel 40 for instructing an action of the player character PC related to the battle, instruction data for instructing an action related to the battle in step S104 (battle instruction data: battle command) Is received (Y of step S108), the control part 11 performs a battle process according to the received battle instruction data (step S109).

  In the video game apparatus 100 of this example, specifically, the player character PC is battled by an input operation using the cross key 31 or the button group 32 of the keypad 30 or an input operation using the touch pen 41 to the touch panel 40. When an operation input for instructing an action for performing is performed, the control unit 11 determines that the battle instruction data has been received (Y in step S108), and executes a battle process (step S109). In the battle process performed in step S109, the control unit 11 executes, for example, a process of determining a battle result or a battle progress between an enemy character that is a battle opponent and the player character PC.

  Subsequently, the control part 11 produces | generates battle information based on the battle result and battle progress determined by the battle process (step S110). That is, according to the battle result and battle progress by battle processing, necessary information update among the player character PC and the enemy character name, the battle progress, the battle result, the parameters defining the player character PC ability, etc. Set up. The battle information includes various information related to the battle, such as the name of the player character PC and the enemy character that have played, the progress of the battle, the result of the battle, and parameters that define the ability of the player character PC. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

  When instruction data for other instructions (other instruction data: other command) is received in step S104 in response to an operation (other operation) of the keypad 30 or the touch panel 40 for performing other instructions ( In step S111, the control unit 11 executes processing (for example, conversation, shopping, picking up, moving items, etc.) according to the received other instruction data (step S112). And other information according to the processing result of step S112 is produced | generated, and it transfers to step S113.

  In step S113, the control unit 11 updates the current position of the player character PC by storing the movement information generated in step S107 in a predetermined data area of the RAM 12. In step S113, the control unit 11 stores the battle information generated in step S110 and other information generated after step S112 in a predetermined data area of the RAM 12, so that the player character PC Various action histories are stored and retained.

  Next, the control unit 11 executes an action evaluation process based on the information indicating the action history of the player character PC once stored in the RAM 12 (step S114). Specifically, the information that needs to be digitized is digitized using a conversion table prepared in advance, and the information that needs weighting is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. These numbers are added together to calculate the score. Then, the calculated score is added to the old score stored in the predetermined data area of the RAM 12, and stored again in the predetermined data area, thereby updating the score as evaluation information.

  Then, the control unit 11 performs perspective conversion on the virtual screen of the virtual three-dimensional space including the player character PC and the non-player character NPC to be displayed from the virtual camera according to the setting contents of the virtual camera and the like. A display process for generating a two-dimensional image to be displayed on the image display units 51 and 52 is performed (step S115).

  When the display process is terminated in step S115, the main process is terminated. Thereafter, when a timer interrupt occurs at the start timing of the next frame period, the next main processing is executed. Then, by repeatedly executing the main process, the character image is switched for each frame period, and a moving image is displayed on the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52.

  Here, the display process in step S115 will be briefly described. In step S115, first, the control unit 11 performs a perspective transformation on at least a virtual screen among the coordinates of the vertices of a polygon (Polygon) constituting a virtual three-dimensional space including the player character PC and the non-player character NPC. The coordinates of the vertices of the polygon included in are converted from the coordinates of the world coordinate system to the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system.

  Next, the control unit 11 transmits the coordinates of the vertices of the polygons in the viewpoint coordinate system for the player character PC, the non-player character NPC, and the like to the graphic processing unit 15 and outputs a drawing command to the graphic processing unit 15.

  When the drawing command is input, the graphic processing unit 15 updates the contents of the Z buffer so that the data of the point on the front side remains for each point constituting each surface based on the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system. When the contents of the Z buffer are updated, the graphic processing unit 15 develops image data for the remaining points on the front side in the frame memory 19. The graphic processing unit 15 also performs processing such as shading and texture mapping on the developed image data.

  The graphic processing unit 15 sequentially reads the image data developed in the frame memory 19, adds a synchronization signal, generates a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the display device 50. The display device 50 displays images corresponding to the video signal output from the graphic processing unit 15 on the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52. By switching the images of the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52 for each frame time, the player can see an image including a state in which the player character PC, the non-player character NPC, and the like move on the field. it can.

  In the video game apparatus 100 of this example, in relation to the battle process from step S108 to step S110, for example, an action instruction for a player to fight a plurality of player characters PC via the keypad 30 or the touch panel 40 is given. When an operation input is performed, each player character PC can be operated independently at the same time, and even if there is no next operation input within a predetermined period, at least a specific player character PC or this Since at least one player character PC among the player characters PC other than the specific player character PC can be automatically actuated while maintaining the operation under the manual control, the realism is enhanced. The player's operation To improve the tropism, it has achieved a new game elements that enhance the enjoyment of the game.

  Specifically, in the video game apparatus 100 of this example, for example, one player displays the player character PC displayed on the upper image display unit 51 of the display device 50 and the player displayed on the lower image display unit 52. A mode is adopted in which the character PC is operated via the keypad 30 and the touch panel 40 respectively associated with each player character PC and the game is advanced while cooperating with each other. In the following, in the present embodiment, the player character PC (hereinafter referred to as “player character A”) displayed on the upper image display unit 51 is operated using the keypad 30, and the lower image display unit is operated. Processing when a player character PC (hereinafter referred to as “player character B”) displayed on 52 is operated by the touch panel 40 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting of an auto mode that causes the player character PC to automatically execute a battle action during character control by the control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 3, in the video game apparatus 100 of this example, for example, the player character A is set to turn on the auto mode and the player character B is set to turn off the auto mode. Yes. That is, the player character A is set so that the battle operation is automatically executed by the control unit 11 when the operation input from the player is not within the predetermined period, and the player character B is operated by the player. It is set so that the battle operation is not automatically executed even if it is not within the predetermined period. The auto mode ON / OFF setting can be arbitrarily changed by the player, but can be switched by the control unit 11 according to the control state of the player characters A and B, or the action instruction operation during the battle by the player. It may be switched automatically based on the above.

  Next, the player character action control process in the battle process 109 described above in the video game apparatus 100 of this example including the character control process in the auto mode will be described. This player character action control process is repeatedly executed during the battle process in step S109 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of player character action control processing in the video game apparatus 100 of the present example. Here, a case where the player character A is operated via the keypad 30 associated with the character and the player character B is operated via the touch panel 40 associated with the character will be described as an example.

  First, as a premise that the player character action control process is executed, a battle operation is performed in step S108 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, and each player character A, B is performed by a plurality of players during the battle in step S109. An example of the display screen of the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52 when an operation input related to action designation is performed will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a display screen in the display device 50 of the video game apparatus 100 of the present example. Note that FIG. 5 shows a case where the player character A, B and the enemy character are in a battle mode.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a player character A42 is displayed near the center on the upper image display unit 51 of the display device 50 in battle, and enemy characters 48a and 48b are placed on the left and right sides of the player character A42. Is displayed. Further, in the upper center of the upper image display unit 51, a display image indicating a specific image presented by an end point display icon of an operation guide described later is normally displayed in a concealed state (that is, the display image drawing surface is the front surface). Then, a card type icon group 120 that normally displays the back side) is displayed. Further, an operation guide 110 for instructing that the player inputs operation to the keypad 30 regularly and continuously is displayed below the center of the upper image display unit 51.

  On the other hand, in the lower image display section 52 of the display device 50, a player character B43 is displayed near the center, and enemy characters 49a, 49b are displayed on both the left and right sides of the player character B43. Further, on the upper left side of the lower image display section 52, for example, an icon group 46a for causing the player to select an attack or item that can be used by the player character B43, and an attack selected by the icon group 46a are used. A use gauge 46b for displaying the number of times is displayed.

  Further, an HP gauge 53 representing the hit points of the player characters A42 and B43 is displayed in the vicinity of the right end toward the upper and lower image display portions 51 and 52. The HP gauge 53 represents a state in which the HPs of the player characters PC 42 and 43 are shared (that is, a state in which the HPs of the player characters PC 42 and 43 are combined) and is linked to the transition of the HP of the player characters PC 42 and 43. Thus, the meter display in the HP gauge 53 is provided to be variable in conjunction with the HP change state so that the change state of the HP is easily visible to the player.

  Here, an operation method related to the attack of the player characters A42 and B43 in the image display units 51 and 52 will be described. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation method related to the attack of the player characters A42 and B43. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation method regarding the attack of the player character A42 in the upper image display unit 51 is performed as follows, for example.

  That is, according to the operation guide 110 displayed on the upper image display unit 51, each player can accurately perform an input operation on the cross key 31 of the keypad 30 associated with the player character A42. An image icon at the end position of the icon can be selected. When the card-type icon having the image indicated by the image icon is selected as a prediction card by the control unit 11 (for example, selected and displayed by a prediction cursor not shown) and included in the card-type icon group 120, the card When the image of the type icon is displayed, and no image is included in the prediction card and the other card type icon has the image, the image of the other card type icon is instantaneously displayed. Then, when all operation inputs using the cross key 31 of the keypad 30 are performed according to the operation guide 110 and images are displayed for all the card type icons of the card type icon group 120, the enemy character 48a of the player character A42, An attack on 48b is performed. In this way, the player character A42 is not given an operation instruction regarding movement, and only the fighting motion is performed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation method regarding the attack of the player character B43 in the lower image display unit 52 is performed as follows, for example. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the player moves on the touch panel 40 associated with the player character B43 by using the touch pen 41 or the like from the icon group 46a in which the attack that can be used by the player character B43 is abstractly expressed. As shown in FIG. 5B, an enemy character 49a (or enemy character 49b) to be attacked by the selected attack is specified by touching the touch panel 40 with the touch pen 41 or the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the selected attack is performed on the enemy character 49a, and the meter display of the use gauge 46b of the attack is changed. For example, when it is desired to bring the player character B43 closer to the enemy character 49a, the player character B43 is selected by touching the player character B43 with the touch pen 41 or the like, and the player character B43 is moved by sliding the touch pen 41 to a position where the player character B43 is desired to move. it can. Thus, it is the structure which can give the operation instruction regarding a movement with respect to player character B43 in battle action.

  As described above, instead of the operation of (1) selecting the icon group 46a with the touch pen 41 and (2) instructing the enemy character 49a (or the enemy character 49b), the enemy character 49a, 49b may be attacked. That is, using the touch pen 41, “peck”, “scratch”, and the like on the area on the lower image display unit 52 where the enemy character 49a (or enemy character 49b) to be attacked by the player character B43 is displayed. By performing a prescribed operation such as “enclose as if drawing a circle”, an attack corresponding to each operation can be given. By doing so, the step of selecting the attack method of (1) and the step of specifying the enemy character of (2) can be omitted and the enemy character can be attacked. In addition, since an attack is directly applied to the displayed images of the enemy characters 49a and 49b by using the touch pen 41, it is easy to obtain a sense of operation, and it is possible to enhance the player's presence in the battle scene. .

  Even when an attack is given by performing the above-described prescribed operation, the types of attacks that can be selected are limited to those displayed on the display screen of the lower image display unit 52 by the icon group 46a. It will be done. For this reason, for example, when the operation “enclose in a circle” is associated in advance with a “flame attack” that attacks the enemy character 49a (or enemy character 49b) with a flame, it is displayed on the display screen. The icon group 46a needs to include a “flame attack” icon. Therefore, even if the player performs the operation of “enclose so as to draw a circle” when the icon group 46 a on which the icon indicating “flame attack” is not included, the “flame attack” is not executed. Shall. When an attack is performed on the enemy character 49a (or the enemy character 49b) by performing the above-mentioned prescribed operation, the meter display of the use gauge 46b of the icon used for the attack changes.

  Further, the displayed icon group 46a may include an icon that acts to recover the damage of the player character B43 in addition to the type of attack applied to the enemy characters 49a and 49b. In this case, by touching and selecting the icon with the touch pen 41, processing such as a change in the display of the HP gauge 53 that displays the HP of the player character B43 is immediately executed.

  And if the battle process of step S109 in which such an attack is performed is performed, a player character action control process will also be performed, and first, as shown in FIG. Based on the setting state of the auto mode at 100, it is determined whether or not the auto mode is in which the player character A42 is automatically controlled (step S120).

  When it is determined that the player character A42 is in the auto mode (Y in step S120), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an action instruction operation from the player to the player character A42 using the keypad 30 ( Step S121).

  When it is determined that an action instruction operation has been performed (Y in step S121), the control unit 11 changes the control to a manual mode in which the player operates the action of the player character A42 via the keypad 30 (step S122). Whether or not the player character B43 is in the auto mode in which the player character B43 is automatically controlled by causing the player character A42 to perform an action corresponding to the action instruction operation (step S124) and confirming the setting state of the auto mode. Is determined (step S129).

  If it is determined that there is no action instruction operation (N in step S121), the control unit 11 automatically selects the action content of the player character A42 with reference to a predetermined action table (step S123). Then, the selected action is executed on the player character A42 (step S124), and by checking the setting state of the auto mode, it is determined whether or not the player character B43 is in the automatically controlled auto mode. (Step S129).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S120 that the player character A42 is not in the auto mode (N in step S120), the control unit 11 determines whether there is an action instruction operation from the player to the player character A42 using the keypad 30. It is determined whether or not (step S125).

  If it is determined that an action instruction operation has been performed (Y in step S125), the process proceeds to step S124, and the control unit 11 causes the player character A42 to execute an action corresponding to the action instruction operation.

  When it is determined that there has been no action instruction operation (N in Step S125), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined period set in advance has elapsed (Step S126), and determines that the predetermined period has elapsed. In this case (Y in step S126), it is determined whether or not all the player characters other than the player character A42 are in the auto mode (step S127).

  When it is determined that all other player characters are not in the auto mode (N in step S127), the control unit 11 changes the control to an auto mode that automatically controls the action of the player character A42 (step S128). By checking the setting state of the auto mode, it is determined whether or not the auto mode is in which the player character B43 is automatically controlled (step S129).

  If it is determined in step S126 that the predetermined period has not elapsed (N in step S126) and if it is determined in step S127 that all other player characters are in the auto mode (in step S127). Y), the process proceeds to step S129, and the control unit 11 determines whether or not the player character B43 is in the auto mode.

  When it is determined that the player character B43 is in the auto mode (Y in step S129), the control unit 11 confirms the setting state of the auto mode and determines whether or not the player character A42 is in the auto mode. (Step S130).

  When it is determined that the player character A42 is not in the auto mode (N in Step S130), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an action instruction operation from the player to the player character B43 via the touch panel 40 (Step S131). ).

  If it is determined that an action instruction operation has been performed (Y in step S131), the control unit 11 changes the control to a manual mode in which the player operates the action of the player character B43 via the touch panel 40 (step S132). The character B43 is caused to perform an action corresponding to the action instruction operation (step S134).

  When it is determined that the player character A42 is in the auto mode (Y in step S130), the process proceeds to step S132, and the control of the action of the player character B43 is changed to the manual mode by the control unit 11.

  If it is determined that there is no action instruction operation (N in step S131), the control unit 11 automatically selects the action content of the player character B43 with reference to a predetermined action table (step S133). Then, the selected action is executed on the player character B43 (step S134).

  After causing the player character B43 to perform the action, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the enemy characters 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b, etc. are all in a battle impossible state and the battle is ended (step S139). If it is determined that the battle has not ended (N in step S139), the process proceeds to step S120 and the process is repeated. If it is determined that the battle has ended, a series of processes according to this flowchart is ended.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S129 that the player character B43 is not in the auto mode (N in step S129), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an action instruction operation from the player to the player character B43 via the touch panel 40. Is determined (step S135).

  If it is determined that an action instruction operation has been performed (Y in step S135), the process proceeds to step S134, and the control unit 11 causes the player character B43 to execute an action corresponding to the action instruction operation.

  When it is determined that there has been no action instruction operation (N in step S135), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined period set in advance has elapsed (step S136), and determines that the predetermined period has elapsed. In this case (Y in step S136), it is determined whether or not all the player characters other than the player character B43 are in the auto mode (step S137).

  When it is determined that all the other player characters are not in the auto mode (N in step S137), the control unit 11 changes the control to the auto mode that automatically controls the action of the player character B43 (step S138). The process proceeds to step S139 to determine whether or not the battle is over.

  If it is determined in step S136 that the predetermined period has not elapsed (N in step S136) and if it is determined in step S137 that all other player characters are in the auto mode (in step S137). Y) Similarly, the process proceeds to step S139, and the control unit 11 determines whether or not the battle has ended.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the action designation of a predetermined player character among the plurality of player characters A42 and B43 is accepted by the action designation operation by the player (see steps S121 and S131), and the accepted action is received. Manual control for controlling the action of the player character in accordance with the designation (see steps S122 and S132) and auto control for automatically controlling the action of the player character that has not accepted the action designation (see steps S128 and S138) are performed. The control method of each of the plurality of player characters A42 and B43 is switched from one of manual control and auto control to the other (see steps S122, S128, etc.), and the manual control of the plurality of player characters is performed. With respect to a specific player character whose action is controlled, this identification is performed on the condition that at least one of the player characters other than the specific player character is controlled by manual control (see steps S127 and S137). Since the control method for the player character is switched to automatic control (see steps S128 and S138), a plurality of player characters A42 and B43 can be operated at the same time, and among the player characters other than the specific player character, When at least one player character is operated under manual control, a specific player character can be operated by automatic control. The increase the interest of relating to the operation of the player is increased, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Although not shown in the figure, a specific player character is always controlled by manual control so that an operation by the player is an indispensable condition, and all player characters other than the specific player character do not perform an action specifying operation for a predetermined period. Thus, the automatic control may be switched. At this time, the player character whose operation by the player is an indispensable condition may be specified in advance by executing the video game processing program according to the above-described embodiment, or the player may arbitrarily select and specify, The player character may be changeable from a menu screen or the like.

  That is, according to such a configuration, it is possible to force the player to operate at least one player character by manual control even though all the player characters A42 and B43 can be automatically controlled. Therefore, the battle scene avoids the situation where the battle ends in a completely free state in the battle scene, and leaves the merit that even a certain level of game beginners can operate relatively easily, the battle scene Since it is necessary to operate at least one player character in the game, it is possible to enhance the sense of reality during battle and improve the fun of the game without making the game play monotonous.

  For example, when operating the plurality of player characters A42 and B43 during a battle, it is necessary to continuously perform an input operation via at least one of the keypad 30 and the touch panel 40. Regardless of the skilled person, it can be expected to maintain and continue the willingness to play while enhancing the sense of reality.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which produces | generates a special effect so that the player character which should be operated now can be shown with respect to a player by a certain method so that a player may be encouraged to operate a several player character as much as possible. For example, the player character to be operated is displayed blinking, the background color of the display screen of the upper or lower image display unit 51 or 52 on which the player character to be operated is displayed is changed, or the player to be currently operated There is a method in which an icon that serves as a specific mark indicating a character is moved between the player characters to display the player character to be operated. By setting in advance so that a higher attack effect can be obtained when operating a player character that should be operated when such a special effect is occurring than when operating a special effect, This is an incentive to preferentially operate the player character when these special effects are generated for the player. By doing so, it is possible to infiltrate the player with the idea that a plurality of player characters can be operated simultaneously.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a period in which no new action designation is accepted for a predetermined player character after the action designation has been accepted passes the predetermined period (see steps S126 and S136), the specific player character It is determined whether or not at least one of the other player characters is controlled by manual control (see steps S127 and S137), and the control method for the specific player character is switched from manual control to automatic control according to the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to determine the control switching of a specific player character according to the control state of at least one of the player characters other than the specific player character. Under control It can increase the variety related operations to be able to constantly operate the definitive player character.

  In the above-described embodiment, when an action designation for a player character whose action is controlled by auto control is received (see steps S121 and S131), the control method for the player character is changed from auto control to manual control. Since it is configured to switch (see steps S122 and S132), even if there is an operation input from the player even during auto control, it is possible to immediately switch to manual control to operate the player character, and the operational preference Can be improved.

  In the embodiment described above, when a plurality of display screens are provided based on the control information related to the player character, at least one player character is arranged and displayed for each display screen. Therefore, even in a game using a plurality of display screens (for example, see the upper and lower image display units 51 and 52), it is possible to improve the interest regarding the operation while improving the interest.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of input means (keypad 30 or touch panel) for performing an operation input accompanying the action specifying operation by the player in a state where any one of the plurality of player characters A42 and B43 is associated with each other. 40), and the control unit 11 accepts the action designation from the input means as the action designation for the player character associated with the input means. Any one of the action designations can be received as an action designation for the player character associated with the input means, and the preference for the operation can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the player character A42 is associated with the keypad 30 as one input means, and the player character B43 is associated with the touch panel 40 as another input means. For example, the cross key 31 of the keypad 30 is associated with the player character A42, the button group 32 is associated with the player character B43, or the input detection area of the touch panel 40 is divided to correspond to the player characters A42 and B43, respectively. You may comprise so that it may be attached.

  With this configuration, it is theoretically possible to increase the number of player characters that can be operated simultaneously by the number of input means. Similarly, particularly when performing operation input via the touch panel 40, if the detection area on the touch panel 40 is divided so that one player character is displayed in each divided area, the operation input can be performed in any area. Since it is possible to determine which player character is the operation instruction depending on whether or not the operation has been performed, the same number of player characters as the number of divided detection areas can be operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the video game apparatus body 10 and the display device 50 are configured as separate bodies. However, the video game apparatus body 10 may include the display device 50. It is good also as a structure provided with many image display parts other than the upper and lower image display parts 51 and 52. FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the RPG game control has been described. However, it can of course be applied to the same type of game such as a gun action RPG, and is also preferably applied to other types of games. And can be played by one or more players.

  In the above-described embodiment, the video game apparatus 100 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applied to various devices such as a personal computer, a mobile phone terminal, and a portable game machine as long as the device has an image generation function. Can be applied. When applied to a portable game machine or the like, a small-sized storage medium such as a semiconductor memory card may be used as the storage medium 70 described above instead of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

  In the embodiment described above, game data (various data such as a control program used in a game) for causing the video game apparatus body 10 to execute the various processes described above is stored in the storage medium 70. The game data may be distributed by a server device such as a WWW server. In this case, the video game apparatus main body 10 acquires the game data distributed by the server apparatus via the communication network 80, stores it in the HDD 13, and loads the game data from the HDD 13 to the RAM 12 for use. That's fine. In the above example, the game data is used. However, it may be data including a control program for causing a computer to execute at least the image generation processing in the above-described embodiment.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of player characters are displayed on the display screen of the image display device, and the action of the plurality of player characters displayed on the display screen is controlled according to the operation of the player, thereby The present invention is useful for application to a video game device, personal computer, mobile phone terminal, portable game machine, etc. for controlling the progress.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the video game device in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a main process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a setting of the auto mode of character control. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a player character action control process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a display screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation method regarding the attack of a player character. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation method regarding the attack of a player character.

Explanation of symbols

10 Video Game Device Body 11 Control Unit 12 RAM
13 HDD
14 sound processing unit 15 graphic processing unit 16 DVD / CD-ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Communication interface 18 Interface part 19 Frame memory 20 Memory card slot 21 Input interface part 22 Internal bus 30 Keypad 40 Touch panel 41 Touch pen 50 Display apparatus 51 Upper image display part 52 Lower image display part 60 Sound output device 70 Storage medium 80 Communication network 90 memory card 100 video game device

Claims (8)

The plurality of player characters are displayed on the display screen of the image display device, and the progress of the video game is controlled by controlling the actions of the plurality of player characters displayed on the display screen according to the operation of the player. A video game processing device,
Action designation accepting means for accepting action designation of a predetermined player character among the plurality of player characters by an action designation operation by the player;
Manual control for controlling the behavior of the player character that has accepted the behavior designation in accordance with the behavior designation accepted by the behavior designation acceptance means, and auto control for automatically controlling the behavior of the player character that has not accepted the behavior designation. Character control means for performing,
Control method switching means for switching the control method of each of the plurality of player characters from one of the manual control and the auto control to the other,
Control mode switching means, there is no acceptance of the designated new action behavior specified after receiving said action designation receiving means against any player character action by the manual control of the plurality of the player characters are controlled the period when passed a predetermined time period, at least one of the player characters other than the any of the player character is determined whether or not controlled by the manual control, was determined to be controlled by the manual control The video game processing device is characterized in that the control method for the arbitrary player character is switched from the manual control to the automatic control. The control method switching means switches the control method for the player character from the auto control to the manual control when the action designation accepting means accepts the action designation for the player character whose action is controlled by the auto control. claim 1 Symbol placement of the video game processing apparatus. Display control means for arranging and displaying at least one player character for each display screen when a plurality of display screens are provided based on control information related to the player character from the character control means. video game processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 Symbol placement. A plurality of input means for performing an operation input accompanying the action specifying operation by the player in a state in which any one of the plurality of player characters is associated;
The video game processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the action designation accepting unit accepts an action designation from the input unit as an action designation for a player character associated with the input unit. . A plurality of player characters are displayed on the display screen of the image display device, and the progress of the video game is controlled by controlling the actions of the plurality of player characters displayed on the display screen according to the operation of the player. A video game processing program,
On the computer,
An action designation accepting process for accepting an action designation of a predetermined player character among the plurality of player characters by an action designation operation by the player;
In accordance with the action designation accepted in the action designation accepting process, manual control for controlling the action of the player character that has accepted the action designation, and automatically controls the action of the player character that has not accepted the action designation. Character control processing to perform auto control,
A control method switching process for switching the control method of each of the plurality of player characters from one of the manual control and the auto control to the other,
At control mode switching processing, the new behavior specified from accepted action specified against any player character action by the manual control of the plurality of the player characters is controlled by the action designation receiving process when the period accepted without has elapsed a predetermined time period, at least one of the player characters other than the any of the player character is determined whether or not controlled by the manual control and is controlled by the manual control on condition that the determined, the video game processing program for the control system from the manual control Ru to execute the process of switching to the automatic control for said given player character. When the computer receives an action designation for the player character whose action is controlled by the auto control in the control method switching process, the control method for the player character is set to the auto control. 5. Symbol mounting video game processing program for executing a process to switch to the manual control from. On the computer,
Further, when a plurality of display screens are provided based on the control information relating to the player character generated by the character control process, at least one player character is arranged and displayed for each display screen. claim 5 or claim 6 Symbol mounting video game processing program for executing the control process. In the action designation accepting process, the action designation from a plurality of input means for performing an operation input accompanying the action designation operation by the player in a state in which any one of the plurality of player characters is associated with the computer is input. The video game processing program according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , for executing a process of accepting an action designation for a player character associated with a means.

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