JP5301488B2 - GAME PROGRAM, GAME DEVICE, AND GAME CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a game program, a game apparatus, and a game control method for executing a game in which a player hits a ball character with a bat character via an operation unit.

  TV game machines that play games using game software recorded on a DVD (digital versatile disc) or the like have become widespread. For example, in a baseball game, a player (or TV game machine) moves a pitcher character in the game space and throws a ball character. The other player moves the batter character and hits the ball character. Alternatively, there may be a case where a single player plays against the CPU. Such a conventional TV game machine is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

Japanese Patent No. 3561517

  In the case of the conventional baseball game, after the ball is thrown from the pitcher character, the landing point of the ball character is displayed on the display. On the other hand, a meet cursor (also called a batting cursor or a bat cursor) is displayed on the display to represent a portion of the bat character that the batter character swings that substantially affects the batting. The player operates the controller so that the meet cursor matches the landing point, and performs an operation of swinging the bat character.

  By the way, in real-world baseball, even if it is the scene of the same game, there are cases where the ability is fully demonstrated by the batter, and conversely, it is easy to make mistakes. It is a phenomenon represented by expressions such as so-called strong and weak chances. More specifically, for example, when there is a runner on the third base, there is a batter having a high ability to succeed in squeezing. However, none of the games according to the prior art reflect the hitting tendency of the batter in a specific scene or situation in the game as described above.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is more realistic by focusing on a conventional game meet cursor and modifying a system related to the meet cursor in order to reflect the hitting tendency in a natural manner on the game. In addition to pursuing reality, it is to provide a game program capable of pursuing deep game characteristics.

  (1) According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pitcher character, a batter character, and a ball character set in a game space are displayed on a monitor, and an operation unit is provided for a ball character sent from the pitcher character. A baseball game can be executed in which a meat cursor having a predetermined shape indicating a hit area of the batter character's bat with respect to the ball character is moved based on a signal output from the batter character and a hit operation is performed by the batter character's bat swing A special attribute setting function for setting a special attribute that makes the batter character more likely to have a predetermined result in a specific game situation, and a batter character entering the batter is set by the special attribute setting function. The batter character has a special attribute When the game situation at the time of entering the bat is the specific game situation constituting the special attribute, the shape of the meet cursor is changed to a predetermined result in which the hit of the batter character is the content of the special attribute. And a meet cursor display function that is set to increase the tendency to become.

  According to the above configuration, a baseball game program executed by a computer first sets a special attribute for a batter character that a hit is likely to have a predetermined result in a specific game situation. For example, when there is a first runner (a specific game situation), a special attribute is set for a batter character that makes it easy to hit a hitting goro that is likely to be a combined kill. When the batter character is in the bat, if there is a runner in the first base, the shape of the meat cursor is changed so that the probability of hitting a weak hit is increased. Thus, by changing the shape of the meet cursor according to the game situation and special attributes, it is possible to simulate the batting tendency unique to the batter character in a specific scene. As a result, it is possible to reproduce the batting tendency of the batter character depending on the game situation, which is seen in actual baseball, so that the realism of the game can be enhanced and the interest can be greatly improved.

  (2) In one embodiment, the specific game situation constituting the special attribute is a situation where a runner exists, and the predetermined result constituting the special attribute is whether or not the runner is advanced. Is the result of

  According to the above configuration, for example, a negative special attribute can be set for a batter character that makes it easy to hit a goro that will result in a combined kill when a runner is on the first base. Conversely, when there is a runner on the 3rd base, a special attribute can be set to a batter character that has a high probability of returning the 3rd runner to the main base by touch-up or squeeze. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce both a trend that is advantageous and disadvantageous for the player, and to provide the player with a change that is rich in realism that cannot be realized by a conventional game program.

(3) In one embodiment, a hitting point at which the hitting force to the ball character is maximized is set in the hitting area of the meat cursor, and the hitting force in the hitting area is set to have a large distance from the hitting point. A hitting force gradient setting function that lowers as much as possible is further realized in the computer, and the meet cursor display function displays the hitting point, and a part of the outer periphery of the meet cursor is a part of the outer periphery of the meet cursor. Compared to the corresponding initial shape, the display is expanded and displayed so that the distance from the hitting point becomes larger.

  According to the above configuration, a correlation can be provided between the hit point (sweet spot) of the bat and the shape of the meat cursor. That is, the more the batter's hit deviates from the hit point, the more realistic the baseball can be simulated as the hitting power decreases and the hit ball does not fly far. This increases the interest of the game.

  (4) In one embodiment, the meet cursor display function is configured to retract an outer peripheral portion opposite to a part of the outer periphery of the meet cursor displayed in an expanded manner to the same extent as the expanded portion. Let

  The said structure prescribes | regulates the specific example which deform | transforms a meat cursor shape based on the batter's special attribute and the scene (situation) of a game. According to this configuration, since the meet cursor is reduced inward to approximately the same extent as the expanded portion, the shape of the meet cursor does not appear to the player as if it had changed compared to before the expansion / reduction. As a result, the player places the meet cursor on the ball so that the center of the meet cursor meets the ball. However, the hitting point with the maximum hitting force in the meat cursor is at the same position as before the expansion / reduction. Therefore, if the player meets at the center of the target meet cursor, the player is likely to fly or golo. As a result, the player does not know the tendency to hit only by looking at the shape of the meet cursor, so that the difficulty of hitting is increased, and even a skilled player can further improve his skill and playability is improved.

(5) In one embodiment, in addition to the setting of the shape of the meet cursor by the meet cursor display function, the flight of the ball character is further increased so that the hit in the specific game situation tends to have a predetermined result. distance further implemented in a computer the ball character flight distance adjusting function for adjusting the.

  According to the above configuration, for example, in the case of a batter who is strong in a touch-up chance, the striking force can be adjusted so that the striking force is increased so as to become a large fly, and when the squeeze is good, the momentum of the ball is killed. It is possible to more reliably reproduce the batting tendency of the batter character depending on the situation.

(6) In an embodiment, the computer further realizes a meet cursor structure setting function for setting a virtual three-dimensional structure of the meet cursor, and the meet cursor structure setting unit performs the hit in the specific game situation. The surface shape of the three-dimensional meat cursor is changed so that the tendency to achieve a predetermined result is further increased.

  According to the above configuration, the flight course of the ball character is determined based on the virtual three-dimensional structure of the meat cursor. For example, the three-dimensional structure can be set so that the meat cursor has a cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the ball character. In this way, it is possible to simulate a flight course that is closer to when the ball actually hits the bat. As a result, the ball hitting course can have a higher reality, and the interest is enhanced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to simulate on the game the tendency of batting that the batter character shows in a specific game situation that occurs in real-world baseball, which is full of unprecedented reality and interest. A game can be offered.

It is a figure which shows the system which uses the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the game screen which the game program by one Embodiment of this invention displays on a display. It is a figure which shows the flow of the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system using the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the shape of a meat cursor. It is a figure showing the shape of the meat cursor expanded by the meat cursor expansion means. It is a figure showing the shape of the meat cursor reduced by the meat cursor reduction means. It is a figure which shows the virtual cross section which looked at the plane shape in the action surface of a meat cursor, and the meat cursor from the direction parallel to the axis | shaft of a bat character. It is a figure which shows the virtual cross section which looked at the plane shape in the action surface of a meat cursor, and the meat cursor from the direction parallel to the axis | shaft of a bat character. It is a figure which shows the virtual cross section which looked at the plane shape in the action surface of a meat cursor, and the meat cursor from the direction parallel to the axis | shaft of a bat character. It is a figure which shows the planar shape and impact strength gradient of a meat cursor. It is a figure which shows the planar shape and flight distance of a meat cursor. It is a figure which shows the virtual cross section which looked at the planar shape in the action surface of a meat cursor, and the meat cursor from the direction perpendicular | vertical to the axis | shaft of a bat character and parallel to an action surface. It is a figure which shows the virtual cross section which looked at the plane shape in the action surface of a meat cursor, and the meat cursor from the direction parallel to the axis | shaft of a bat character. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware of a system.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a game program, a game device, and a game control method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar components are represented by the same reference numerals.

(Outline of the system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system 100 using a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 typically includes a gaming device 110, a controller 130, and a display (also referred to as a monitor) 140. The game apparatus 110 includes a drive 112 that reads data from the recording medium 120. The game device 110 generates a character in a virtual game space and moves the character according to game rules. The game program describes a game space, game characters, game rules, and the like.

  For example, in the case of a game program for a baseball game, the game space is a space that simulates a baseball field. Examples of game characters include a pitcher character, a ball character, a batter character, a bat character, and a fielder character. The game rules include various rules that define a baseball game, for example, a rule that a ball is regarded as a strike when it passes through a strike zone without being hit by a batter.

  The recording medium 120 is an arbitrary tangible and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording the game program according to the present invention, and is typically a DVD-ROM (read only memory). However, the recording medium 120 is not limited to this, and may be a BD (Blu-ray disc) -ROM, a CD (compact disc) -ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. However, these recording media do not include intangible temporary media such as carrier waves. Typically, the game program according to the present invention is recorded and distributed on a tangible non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer. Alternatively, the game program according to the present invention may be recorded as a data signal on an intangible temporary recording medium readable by a computer, for example, a carrier wave, and distributed via the Internet, for example.

  A player (also called an operator or a user) can move a character in the game space by operating the controller 130. For example, in the case of a baseball game, a pitcher character, a batter character, a fielder character, etc. are arranged in the game space. The player can operate the character by pressing a button included in the controller 130. For example, when the batter character swings the bat, the player can control the position of the hit portion of the bat, the strength of the force to swing the bat, the timing to swing the bat, and the like by pressing a button on the controller. By such control, the player can perform an operation of causing the batter to hit the ball.

  The controller 130 typically includes an L1 button 131 and a cross key 132 (also referred to as a cross button or a direction key), but may include various other buttons. The controller 130 is coupled to the game apparatus 110 by wire, for example, but is not limited thereto, and may be coupled wirelessly.

  The game device 110 executes various games based on the game program. Typically, the game apparatus 110 is a dedicated hardware for executing a game program called a TV game machine. The game apparatus 110 is not limited to this, and may be a personal computer capable of executing a game program.

  As an alternative to the system 100 of FIG. 1, a portable game machine in which the game device 110, the recording medium 120, the controller 130, and the display 140 are housed in a small casing may execute the game program. Such a portable game machine does not need to be a game dedicated machine. For example, a mobile phone having a touch panel that allows a user to input data by touching the touch panel may be used. In this case, the user moves the character or performs various operations by touching the touch panel of the mobile phone with a finger or the like instead of the controller 130.

  The game apparatus 110 has a drive 112 for reading a game program or the like from the recording medium 120. The drive 112 is an arbitrary drive corresponding to the recording medium 120, and may be, for example, a DVD drive, a BD drive, or a CD drive. When a semiconductor memory is used as the recording medium 120, a connector that electrically couples the semiconductor memory device and the game apparatus 110 is used instead of the drive 112. When the game apparatus 110 is a portable game machine, the semiconductor memory device is provided in the casing of the game machine.

  The display 140 displays various characters in the game space generated by the game device 110 to the player. The display 140 can be a liquid crystal television, a plasma television, or the like. The display 140 is typically coupled to the game apparatus 110 by wire, and for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable is used. When game device 110 is a portable game machine, display 140 may be a liquid crystal display panel. Furthermore, such a portable game machine may have a touch panel as described above.

  The game device 110 generates various game characters (also simply referred to as characters) in a virtual game space. The game device 110 moves the game character in the game space according to the game rules stored in the storage device, the signal input by the player via the controller 130, and the like. The game device 110 displays a game space, a game character, etc. on the display 140.

  When the game program executes a baseball game, the game space is a space that simulates a baseball field. In this case, typically, the game character includes a pitcher character, a batter character, a ball character, a bat character, a meat cursor, and the like. The pitcher character throws the ball character to or around the strike zone. Other characters include bat characters and background characters. The batter character acts on the ball character based on a signal output from the operation unit (for example, the controller 130) in accordance with the player's operation. The game program stored in the storage device of the game apparatus 110 describes a game space, a game character, a game rule, and the like. The above-described game character is an example, and may be an arbitrary character depending on the game executed by the game apparatus 110.

  The game rules include various rules for advancing the game while exchanging information with the player. For example, in the case of a game program for a baseball game, there are various rules for defining a baseball game, such as a rule that a ball is regarded as a strike when it passes through a strike zone without being hit by a batter. Such a game rule is an example, and may be an arbitrary game rule depending on the game executed by the game apparatus 110.

  The player can move the character in the game space by operating the controller 130. For example, in the case of a baseball game, a pitcher character, a batter character, a fielder character, etc. are arranged in the game space. The player can operate the character using the L1 button 131, the cross key 132, and the like. For example, the player can control the position of the hit portion of the bat, the strength of the force of swinging the bat, the timing of swinging the bat, and the like by operating the controller 130 when the batter character swings the bat. By such control, the player can perform an operation of causing the pitcher character to throw the ball character or causing the batter character to hit the ball character.

(Outline of the game)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a game screen 200 displayed on the display 140 by a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pitcher character 210 throws the ball character 220 toward the batter character 230. The batter character 230 hits (acts) the ball character 220 with the bat character 240. A virtual working surface is typically provided in the game space. In the case of a baseball game, this action surface is provided to face the pitcher character 210 in the vicinity of the home base and to be perpendicular to the ground of the baseball field. The strike zone, which is the target area, is typically located on this working surface. The game program of the present invention may display the strike zone on the display 140.

  The batter character 230 hits the ball character 220 on this acting surface. The meat cursor 250 is displayed on the display 140 to indicate to the player the position of the bat character 240 on the action surface at the time of hitting.

  The game program determines the reaching point 260 of the ball character 220 on the action surface based on the reaching point and the ball type intended by the pitcher character 210 and the attributes of the pitcher character 210. The reaching point and the ball type intended by the pitcher character 210 can be input to the game apparatus 110 by the player via the controller 130, for example. When the player does not operate the pitcher character 210, the game program generates appropriate data instead and uses them in the program.

  The player who operates the batter character 230 sets the meet cursor 250 to the arrival point 260 and hits the ball character 220 by swinging the bat just at the timing when the ball character 220 passes the arrival point 260. The game program moves the meet cursor 250 based on a signal output from the operation unit (for example, the controller 130).

  The game program calculates the hitting result based on the positional relationship between the meet cursor 250 and the reaching point 260 and displays it on the display 140. For example, if the distance between the center of the meet cursor 250 and the center of the reaching point 260 is sufficiently close, it becomes easy to make a long hit. In the following, as a specific example, the batting result is obtained according to the positional relationship between the meet cursor 250 and the arrival point 260, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(Game program operation)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow 300 of a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the game program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Various steps shown in FIG. 3 are executed by a program execution unit 400 (described later with reference to FIG. 15) of the game apparatus 110. Specifically, in the steps executed by the program execution unit 400, a CPU (central processing unit) 1502 included in the game apparatus 110 executes a group of instructions stored in a RAM (random access memory) 1504 or a cache of the CPU 1502. It is realized by things.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system 100 using a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a program execution unit 400 that executes a flow 300 of the game program. The program execution unit 400 includes special attribute setting means 410, game situation setting means 420, meet cursor display means 430, and batting determination means 450. The meet cursor display means 430 includes a meet cursor expanding means 432, a meet cursor reducing means 434, a meet cursor structure setting means 436, a striking force gradient setting means 438, a ball character flight distance adjusting means 440, and a meet cursor generating means 442.

  The program execution unit 400 is coupled to the operation unit 460, the storage unit 470, and the display unit 480 so as to exchange data. The operation unit 460 realizes data input from the player and includes a controller 130. The storage unit 470 holds various data temporarily or semi-permanently when the program execution unit 400 operates. Display unit 480 displays the result of execution of flow 300 by program execution unit 400 to the player, and includes display 140. The means shown in FIG. 4 is typically implemented by a combination of hardware and software, and exchanges data via the data bus 490 to perform necessary processing.

  A flow 300 of the game program will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step 310, the special attribute setting means 410 sets a special attribute (also called a special ability) that makes the hitting in a specific game situation more likely to have a predetermined result for the batter character. This special attribute can be broadly divided into special attributes (positive effects) that are advantageous to batter characters (positive special attributes) and special attributes (negative effects) that are disadvantageous (negative effects). There is. For example, positive special attributes include a high ability to hit the outfield fly when there are 3 runners and a high ability to succeed in squeeze when there are 3 runners. As a negative special attribute, there is a high possibility of hitting a goro that is not likely to be hit when there is a runner (a weak hit goro, a popular skateboarding goro), or when there is a runner in the scoring position The possibility of launching is high. The special attribute setting unit 410 stores data representing the special attribute (special attribute data) in the storage unit 470 in association with the batter character data. The stored special attribute data is used by the meet cursor display means 430 when generating the meet cursor.

  In step 320, the game situation setting unit 420 stores data representing the game situation (game situation data) in the storage unit 470. The game situation data typically includes data indicating whether or not a runner is present in a particular kite, but may include other data such as, for example, ball count, outcount, and ball type. Good.

  In step 330, the meet cursor display means 430 has the special attribute set by the special attribute setting means 410 for the batter character 230 who entered the batter, and the game situation at the time when the batter character 230 entered the batter is special. In the case of a specific game situation that constitutes an attribute, the structure of the meet cursor 250 is set so that the hit of the batter character 230 is more likely to have a predetermined result that is the content of the special attribute. Is displayed on the display unit 480. In other words, the structure of the meet cursor 250 is changed by the meet cursor display unit 430 according to the game situation and the special attribute. For example, it is assumed that the batter character 230 who entered the batter has a special attribute that is set by the special attribute setting means 410 and has a strong tendency to hit a goro that is difficult to hit when there is a single runner. In this case, if there is a single runner at the time when the batter character 230 enters the bat, the shape of the meet cursor 250 is set so as to increase the possibility of hitting a goro that is difficult to hit. Specific shape deformation will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the meet cursor 250 can affect the speed of the hit ball, the flight distance, the course, and the like in the hit determination performed in step 350. As a result, the speed of the hit ball, the flight distance, the course, and the like change according to the game situation and special attributes. That is, it is possible to simulate a batting that reflects the game situation and the special attributes of the batter character. As a result, it is possible to simulate the batting tendency exhibited by the batter in a specific game situation, such as occurs in real-world baseball, on a game, and to execute a game full of reality and interest that has never existed before . In this specification, the structure of the meat cursor 250 includes a planar shape on the working surface, a cross section viewed from a direction parallel to the working surface, and the like.

  Step 330 typically includes steps 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, and 342 shown in FIG. 3, but is not limited to this, and some steps may be omitted. For example, the deformation of the meet cursor may be only partly expanded, or conversely, partly reduced. Further, when step 330 is executed, the order of some of steps 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, and 342 may be different from that shown in FIG. Further, some of steps 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342 may be processed in parallel or may be integrated into the same processing step.

  The meat cursors 500, 600, and 700 virtually have a three-dimensional shape, while FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 show a planar shape that is orthogonally projected onto the action surface (projected in the normal direction of the action surface). In this embodiment, the position where the center of the arrival point of the ball character is located in the meat cursor determines whether the ball character has been hit by the bat character and where the hit ball flies if hit. (Perform hitting judgment). For example, if the center of the arrival point hits the center of the meet cursor, it is easy to hit long. Therefore, the shape of the meet cursor affects the result of hitting (ball hitting speed, flight distance, course, etc.). Therefore, if the shape of the meet cursor is changed, the hitting result also changes, that is, the game can be changed.

  Hereinafter, an example of deformation of the meet cursor will be described with reference to FIGS. This series of modifications corresponds to steps 332 and 334 in FIG. The meet cursor shown in FIG. 5 finally becomes a solid line portion in FIG. In this modification, the appearance of the apparent meet cursor in FIGS. 5 and 7 is the same, but the hitting point moves.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the meet cursor 500 before the process of step 330 is performed. In step 330, the meet cursor display unit 430 provides a hit point 510 (also referred to as a sweet spot) having the highest hit property (most likely to hit) in the meet cursor 500. When the player matches the hit point 510 to the arrival point 260 of the ball character 220 (also referred to as “meet”), the hit ball flies straight. When the player meets at a portion above the center line 520, the hit ball moves upward (becomes a fly), and when the player meets at a portion below the center line 520, the hit ball moves down (becomes a goro). In the following description, the hitting point 510, the center line 520, and the like may or may not be displayed on the display unit 480.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the shape of the meet cursor 600 expanded by the meet cursor expanding means 432 in step 332 (the shape on the way to the shape of FIG. 7). In step 332, the meet cursor expanding means 432 expands the lower half of the meet cursor 500 as indicated by an arrow 605. At this time, the position of the hit point 610 in the meat cursor 600 is not different from the hit point 510.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the meet cursor reducing means 434 reduces the upper half of the meet cursor 600 as indicated by an arrow 705. At this time, the position of the hit point 710 having the highest hit property in the meat cursor 700 is the same as the hit point 610.

  Here, by the meet cursor reducing means 434, the outer peripheral part opposite to the part of the outer periphery of the expanded meet cursor is retracted inward to the same extent as that of the expanded part (deformed in a reducing direction).

  As described above, the hit point 710 is moved onto the meet cursor 700 by expanding the meet cursor by the meet cursor expanding means 432 in step 332 and reducing the meet cursor by the meet cursor reducing means 434 in step 334. It will shift relatively. However, for the player, the shape of the meet cursor 700 after the enlargement and reduction appears to be the same as the meet cursor 500 before the enlargement and reduction. Therefore, the player tries to align the reaching point 260 with the point 715 that is the apparent center of the meet cursor 700. However, since the apparent center point 715 is located below the center line 720, as shown in FIG. 7, the possibility of hitting is increased.

  In the above modification, the final meet cursor shape is the same as before the deformation, and only the position of the hitting point is shown. However, the final shape is not necessarily the same as before the deformation. Of course. For example, the final shape of the meet cursor may be a shape in which the lower half is expanded as shown in FIG. 6 (it is easy to get a goro), and although not shown in the drawing, the upper half is expanded. It may have a shape (it will be easier to fly). However, in the case of a player who is familiar with the game, there is a case in which the deformation of the meat cursor can be grasped instantaneously and a batting according to the deformation can be performed. Thus, it is difficult to understand the deformation in which only the hitting point is moved, and it is possible to provide a game with a high degree of difficulty.

  In step 336, the meet cursor structure setting unit 436 sets a virtual three-dimensional structure of the meet cursor 700. The three-dimensional structure of the meat cursor 700 includes its planar shape (FIG. 7) on the working surface and a cross section viewed from a direction parallel to the working surface. The cross section of the meat cursor 700 determines the trajectory in the vertical plane of the hit ball. That is, whether the hit ball is a fly, a liner, a goro, or the like mainly depends on the cross-sectional shape of the meat cursor 700.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a planar shape of the action surface of the meet cursor 700 and a virtual cross section 800 when the meet cursor 700 is viewed from a direction parallel to the axis of the bat character 240. In the following description, the “cross section of the meat cursor” refers to a virtual cross section of the meet cursor 700 used in the hit determination in step 350. Although only a planar shape is displayed on the display unit 480, it is assumed that the ball hits this virtual cross section in the hit determination in step 350, and the direction of the hit ball is determined. In order to determine the direction in which the hit ball flies, it can be calculated on the assumption that the physical law regarding the collision of the three-dimensional object is established.

  The cross section 800 is divided into an upper part 810, a central part 820, and a lower part 830, and each part is constituted by a straight line. When the ball character 220 is met at the upper part 810, the hit ball flies in the direction 812 (becomes a fly). When the ball character 220 is met at the central portion 820, the hit ball flies in the direction 822 (becomes a liner). When the ball character 220 is met at the lower part 830, the hit ball flies in the direction 832 (goes round). Since the area projected onto the working surface is larger in the lower portion 830 than in the upper portion 810, the use of the cross section 800 tends to be more rough than the fly.

  When each of the upper part 810, the central part 820, and the lower part 830 is formed of a straight line as in the cross section 800, the hit balls met at the same part all fly in the same direction (in parallel). Therefore, although the player's batting operation is relatively easy, on the other hand, it is easy to get used to the batting operation, and once it gets used to it, it is not interesting. Considering this point, the meet cursor structure setting means 436 can make the game rich in change by changing the cross-sectional shape even if the plane shape 700 is the same.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a planar shape on the action surface of the meat cursor 700 and a virtual cross section 900 when the meat cursor 700 is viewed from a direction parallel to the axis of the bat character 240. The cross section 900 is divided into an upper portion 910, a central portion 920, and a lower portion 930, and each portion is configured by a curve. When the ball character 220 is met at the upper part 910, the hit ball flies in the direction 912 (becomes a fly). When the ball character 220 is met at the central portion 920, the hit ball flies in the direction 922 (becomes a liner). When the ball character 220 is met at the lower part 930, the hit ball flies in the directions 932 and 934 (goes round). Similarly to the cross section 800, the lower 930 has a larger area projected onto the working surface than the upper part 910, and therefore, when the cross section 900 is used, the tendency to become rougher than the fly is stronger.

  If each of the upper part 910, the central part 920, and the lower part 930 is formed of a curved line as in the cross section 900, even hit balls met at the same part fly in different directions depending on the position of the meet. Therefore, although the player's batting operation is relatively difficult, there is an effect that the batting operation requires a knack and is interesting.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a planar shape of the action surface of the meat cursor 700 and a virtual cross section 1000 when the meat cursor 700 is viewed from a direction parallel to the axis of the bat character 240. The cross section 1000 is similar to the cross section 900 in that it is configured by a curve, but has a shape that is pointed to the left of the cross section 900. As a result, as compared with the cross section 900, the cross section 1000 becomes a liner hit only in a narrower range, and the probability of becoming a goro increases. Therefore, the difficulty level of the hitting is increased, but the interest is increased as much as the skill of the hitting operation is required.

  The meat cursor structure setting means 436 can change the three-dimensional surface shape of the meat cursor so as to further increase the tendency of hitting in a specific game situation to have a predetermined result. Here, the cross section 900 or the cross section 1000 can be used in place of the cross section 800 so that the hit in a specific game situation is likely to be sloppy. Whether or not to change the three-dimensional structure (eg, cross-sectional shape) of such a meet cursor can be determined based on, for example, a special attribute of the batter character 230. As an example, if the special attribute of the batter character 230 is an attribute that it is easy to hit a weak hit when there is one runner, the meat cursor structure setting means 436 uses the cross section 1000 with a high difficulty level of hitting. The weakness in the game situation of the batter character 230 can be simulated. On the other hand, if the special attribute of the batter character 230 is an attribute that makes it easy to hit a hit even when there is a single runner, the meet cursor structure setting means 436 uses the cross section 800 with a low difficulty level of hitting, so that the batter The strength of the character 230 in the game situation can be simulated. Thus, the meet cursor structure setting means 436 can change the three-dimensional structure of the meet cursor according to the game situation at the time when the batter character enters the batter and the special attribute of the batter character. As a result, a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention has the effect of better simulating real baseball and improving interest.

  The cross-sectional shape of the meat cursor is not limited to the cross-sections 800, 900, and 1000, and may be other shapes. In order to reproduce the irregularity of the hit ball, a more complicated curve may be used. The cross-sectional shape may be changed based on the game situation and parameters other than the special attributes (for example, ball count, out count).

  In step 338, the striking force gradient setting means 438 sets the striking force gradient of the meet cursor. The hitting force gradient of the meat cursor defines how much hitting force the ball hits at which position of the meet cursor hits in the vertical direction. Therefore, the striking force gradient of the meat cursor affects whether it is a single hit or a long hit.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the meet cursor 700 and the striking force gradient 1100. The vertical axis in FIG. 11 represents the position Y in the vertical direction, and the horizontal axis represents the striking force F received by the ball character 220. The striking force gradient 1100 has a maximum value Fh at the position Yh. This means that the ball character 220 receives the strongest hitting force Fh at the hitting point 710.

  The striking force gradient setting means 438 may set a striking point at which the striking force to the ball character is maximized in the striking area of the meat cursor, and the shape of the striking force gradient is not limited to the striking force gradient 1100. However, typically, the striking force gradient 1100 is set such that the striking force F decreases as the distance from the striking point 710 increases. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain an effect of better simulating an actual baseball in which the velocity of the hit ball increases as it is closer to the core of the bat (here, hitting point 710).

  In step 340, the ball character flight distance adjustment means 440 adjusts the flight distance of the ball character so that the tendency of hitting in a specific game situation to have a predetermined result is further increased. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the meet cursor 700 and the flight distance 1200. The vertical axis in FIG. 12 represents the position Y in the vertical direction, and the horizontal axis represents the flight distance D of the ball character 220. The flight distance 1200 is a distance D1 when the position Y is Y1 to Y2, and is a distance D2 when the position Y is Y2 to Y3, where D1 <D2 (D1, D2: positive number). In an embodiment, the ball character flight distance adjustment unit 440 operates to limit the flight distance of the ball character 220 in the hit determination described later. Specifically, the ball character flying distance adjusting means 440 limits the flying distance of the ball character 220 to D2 for the portion above the center line 720 (Y2 ≦ Y ≦ Y3), but the portion below the center line 720. In (Y1 ≦ Y ≦ Y2), the flight distance is limited to D1. For example, in the case of a batter character having a special attribute that the ability to succeed in squeezing is high when there is a runner on the first base, the ball character flying distance adjustment means 440 sets the distance D1 so that it is difficult to process the hit ball squeezed by the pitcher. Limit flight distance. On the other hand, in the case of a batter character having a special attribute that the ability to succeed in touch-up is high, the ball character flying distance adjusting means 440 increases the flying distance by setting the distance D2 so that the hit ball becomes a large fly. Do n’t be restricted.

  In another embodiment, the ball character flight distance adjustment unit 440 may operate to forcibly change (override) the obtained flight distance of the ball character 220 in a hitting determination described later. For example, in the above touch-up example, even if the calculated flight distance of the ball character 220 is smaller than D2, in the case of a player who has a high ability to make a successful touch-up, the fly distance of the fly ball is D2. The value may be changed as follows.

  With the configuration as described above, the ball character flying distance adjusting means 440 can change the flying distance according to the game situation when the batter character enters the batter and the special attribute of the batter character. As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to perform a hit determination with excellent realism according to the game situation.

  In step 342, the meet cursor generating unit 442 generates a meet cursor. In the process for the player, the shape of the meet cursor (for example, 700) obtained in steps 332 and 334 is displayed on the display unit 480 (for example, the display 140). In the internal processing, the meet cursor generating unit 442 sends the data representing the three-dimensional structure, hitting force gradient, and flight distance of the meet cursor obtained in steps 332, 334, 336, 338, and 340 to the hit determining unit 450. The data is output via the data bus 490.

  In step 350, the hit determination means 450 includes data from other means received via the data bus 490 (for example, the three-dimensional structure of the meet cursor, the hitting force gradient, the flight distance, and the arrival point 260 of the ball character 220). The hit determination is performed based on the data. Specifically, the hit determination means 450 performs hit determination based on where in the meat cursor 700 the center of the arrival point 260 of the ball character 220 is located, and determines the flight course and distance of the ball character 220. To do. As described above, the shape of the meet cursor 700 already has a special attribute in which the hitting of the batter character 230 at the time when the batter character 230 enters the batting table and the hit of the batter character 230 in a specific game situation tend to have a predetermined result. It is reflected. For example, in a game situation in which the batter character 230 has a special attribute that the ability to return the third runner to the main run with a squeeze is high, and there is a runner on the third run when entering the batter, the meat cursor 700 is cross-sectioned at step 350. When the center of the arrival point 260 is located below the center line 720, the flight distance is limited to a distance D1 that is difficult for the pitcher to handle. As a result, the batter character 230 is more likely to succeed in the squeeze and return the third runner to the home run.

  In an embodiment, the specific game situation that constitutes the special attribute is a situation where a runner exists (for example, a situation where there are three runners), and the “predetermined result” that constitutes this special attribute is the progress of the runner. Although it corresponds to being deceived (for example, being able to return a 3 runner to a home), a game situation and a special attribute are not limited to these.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a planar shape of the action surface of the meet cursor 700 and a virtual cross section 1300 when the meet cursor 700 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the bat character 240 and parallel to the action surface. Unlike FIGS. 8 to 10, FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the bat character 240 as viewed from above. The cross section 1300 is used to determine the course of the hit ball looking down in the normal direction from above the baseball ground. The cross section 1300 is divided into a distal end 1310, a central portion 1320, and a proximal end 1330, each portion comprising a curve. When the ball character 220 is met at the distal end 1310, the hit ball flies in the direction 1312. When the ball character 220 is met at the central portion 1320, the hit ball flies in the direction 1322. When the ball character 220 is met at the proximal end 1330, the hit ball flies in the direction 1332. By providing such a virtual cross section 1300 in the meat cursor 700 and considering it in the hit determination step 350, it is possible to change the course of the hit ball in the horizontal plane. As a result, interest is further increased.

  The various cross sections described above are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and cross sections having arbitrary shapes can be used in the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a planar shape on the action surface of the meet cursor 1400 and a virtual cross section 1410 when the meet cursor 1400 is viewed from a direction parallel to the axis of the bat character 240. A cross section 1410 has a shape obtained by vertically inverting the cross section 900. Contrary to the cross-section 900, the use of the cross-section 1410 is more likely to fly than Goro.

  The hitting point 710 and the center line 720 may or may not be displayed as a guide for the player to place the meet cursor on the ball.

  In the flow of FIG. 3, the size of the meet cursor is set to be the same as that before step 332 by reducing the meet cursor in step 334. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and step 334 may be omitted. For example, in the case of a batter character having a high ability to succeed in squeezing when there are 3 runners, the lower part of the meet cursor 500 is expanded in step 332 and the flight distance of the ball character when hitting the lower part of the meet cursor 600 is stepped. It can be limited by 340. In this case, since the lower part of the meet cursor 600 is expanded compared to the meet cursor 500, it can be inferred that the player is likely to go out. Also, in the case of a batter character who has a high ability to hit the outfield fly and return the runner when there are 3 runners, the upper part of the meet cursor 500 is expanded by step 332, and when it hits the upper part of the meet cursor, it becomes easy to become an outfield fly. In step 336, a virtual structure (cross-sectional shape) of the meat cursor is set so that the ball character flies at an angle (does not fly straight up, but flies at an appropriate angle). As described above, in the embodiment in which the change in the shape of the meat cursor can be seen by the player as compared with the meat cursor 500, the difficulty for the player who operates the batter character is low, but there is also an advantage that the batting operation is easy to master. is there.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, 1. 1. setting the virtual structure of the meat cursor (step 336); At least one of the setting of the striking force gradient (step 338) or the adjustment of the flight distance (step 340) may be set so that a predetermined striking result can be easily obtained. Further, both steps 338 and 340 may not be executed, and at least one may be executed.

(System hardware)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware of the system 100. System 100 includes game device 110, controller 130, and display 140. Game device 110 may be connected to another game device 1550 via network 1560.

  The CPU 1502 is connected to each component of the game apparatus 110, and controls the overall operation by exchanging control signals and data. The CPU 1502 implements a desired function by executing a group of steps constituting the game program stored in the RAM 1504. Specifically, the CPU 1502 implements a desired function group defined by the step group by executing the step group shown in FIG.

  The CPU 1502 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, and logical operations such as logical sum, logical product, logical negation, bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, bit, and the like using ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) for the register. Bit operations such as rotation can be performed. The CPU 1502 may be configured to perform a saturation operation such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing and a vector operation such as a trigonometric function at high speed. The CPU 1502 may include a coprocessor in order to perform calculations at high speed.

  The recording medium 120 is any appropriate computer-readable recording medium, and records a game program according to the present invention, and image data and audio data associated with the game. The drive 112 reads a game program and accompanying data from the recording medium 120 under the control of the CPU 1502. The CPU 1502 transfers the read program and data to the RAM 1504 via the bus 1506 and temporarily stores them.

  The RAM 1504 temporarily stores data and programs. The RAM 1504 stores a game program read from the recording medium 120, data associated with the game program, data related to other players in the network battle mode, data related to communication, and the like. The CPU 1502 may provide a variable area in the RAM 1504 and directly perform operations on values stored in the variable area. The CPU 1502 may temporarily store the value stored in the RAM 1504 in a register, perform an operation on the register, and write the operation result back to the memory.

  The ROM 1508 stores an IPL (initial program loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on. The CPU 1502 reads out the game program recorded on the recording medium 120 by executing IPL. The CPU 1502 stores the read game program in the RAM 1504 and performs processing necessary for executing the game program. The ROM 1508 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for controlling the game apparatus 110.

  The interface 1510 sends data associated with the player's operation detected by the controller 130 to the CPU 1502 or the like via the bus 1506. The signal processing unit 1512 and the image processing unit 1514 are connected to the CPU 1502 through the bus 1506 as shown in FIG. The CPU 1502 interprets instructions from the game program and performs various data processing and control. For example, the CPU 1502 instructs the signal processing unit 1512 to supply image data to the image processing unit. The signal processing unit 1512 performs, for example, calculation of various characters in the game space, coordinate conversion calculation from the game space to the display screen, light source calculation, and generation of image and audio data.

  The image processing unit 1514 executes a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed. In the game space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, various characters represented as polygons with various texture information added are arranged. The image processing unit 1514 renders this polygon by the Z buffer method. The image processing unit 1514 can execute a calculation for obtaining a rendering image in which a polygon arranged in the game space is looked down from a predetermined viewpoint position in a predetermined line-of-sight direction at high speed.

  The CPU 1502 cooperates with the image arithmetic processor 1514 to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image on the frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape.

  The program execution unit 400 is typically configured by a CPU 1502, a RAM 1504, a ROM 1508, a signal processing unit 1512, and an image processing unit 1514. The program execution unit 400 implements means corresponding to each step by causing the CPU 1502 to execute various steps described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically, the program execution unit 400 includes an arrival point determination unit 304 corresponding to step 210, a transmission unit 302 that transmits a flying object character corresponding to step 220, an arrival forecast area display unit 308 corresponding to step 230, a step The arrival point display means 310 corresponding to 235, the arrival point position storage means 306 corresponding to step 240, and the one-batt end determination means corresponding to step 250 are configured at least. The program execution unit 400 may constitute various other means necessary for executing the game program. Conversely, the program execution unit 400 may omit some of the above means.

  The program execution unit 400 may further include other hardware or software elements in addition to the above-described components. For example, the program execution unit 400 may perform parallel processing by using a plurality of CPUs instead of the single CPU 1502 to increase the calculation speed. Conversely, the program execution unit 400 may not include some of the above-described components. The image output unit 1516 typically includes a digital / analog converter and a frame memory. The frame memory stores image data processed by the image processing unit 1514, for example. The image output unit 1516 converts the image data into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and outputs the video signal to the display 140.

  The audio output unit 1518 typically includes a digital / analog converter. The audio output unit 1518 converts audio data read from the recording medium 120 into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal. The display 140 receives the converted analog signal through, for example, an HDMI cable and outputs it as sound from a built-in speaker. The CPU 1502 may generate sound effects and music data and output them as audio signals during the execution of the game. When the audio data recorded on the recording medium 120 is MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) data, the audio output unit 1518 refers to the associated sound source data to convert the MIDI data into PCM (pulse code modulation) data. Convert to When the audio data is compressed in an ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) format, Ogg Vorbis format, or the like, the audio output unit 1518 expands the compressed data and converts it into PCM data. The audio output unit 1518 performs digital-analog conversion on the PCM data at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputs the result.

  Network interface 1520 is used to communicate with other game devices 1550 through network 1560. For example, various data related to the opponent team used by the user in the network battle mode is received through the network 1560 by the network interface 1520. Conversely, various data related to the team used by the opponent in the network battle mode is sent to the opponent game device 1550 through the network 1560 by the network interface 1520. As a result, it is possible to play a game between players in a remote place in the network battle mode. The system 100 may execute the game program by the game device 110 alone without being connected to the network 1560.

  The game program according to the present invention is typically loaded from the recording medium 120 to the game device 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all or part of the game program according to the present invention may be loaded from a computer (for example, a server) at a remote location via the network 1560. In addition, all or a part of data used in connection with the game program according to the present invention may be loaded from a remote computer (for example, a server) via the network 1560.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, some of the various elements described above (hardware elements, software steps, etc.) may be omitted. Conversely, additional elements may be used.

  The game program, the game device, and the game control method are useful in that the shape of the meat cursor can be changed based on the game situation and the special attributes of the batter character.

300 Game Program Flow 310 Setting Special Attributes 320 Setting Game Status 330 Setting Meet Cursor Step 332 Extending Part of Meet Cursor Step 334 Decreasing Part of Meet Cursor Step 336 Step 338 for setting the virtual structure Step 340 for setting the striking force gradient 340 Step for adjusting the flight distance of the ball character Step 342 for generating the meet cursor Step 350 for determining the hit

Claims (8)

Display the pitcher character, batter character, and ball character set in the game space on the monitor,
Based on a signal output from the operation unit, a meat cursor having a predetermined shape indicating a hit area of the batter character's bat with respect to the ball character is moved with respect to the ball character sent from the pitcher character, and the batter A computer capable of executing a baseball game in which a batting operation is performed by a character's bat swing,
A special attribute setting function for setting a special attribute that makes the batter character more likely to be hit in a specific game situation.
The specific game situation in which the batter character entering the batter has the special attribute set by the special attribute setting function, and the game situation at the time when the batter character enters the batter constitutes the special attribute A game program that realizes a meet cursor display function for setting the shape of the meet cursor so that the hitting of the batter character is likely to have a predetermined result that is the content of the special attribute.   2. The specific game situation constituting the special attribute is a situation where a runner exists, and the predetermined result constituting the special attribute is a result of whether or not the runner has been advanced. The described game program. A striking force gradient setting function for setting a striking point at which the striking force to the ball character is maximized in the striking area of the meat cursor and reducing the striking force in the striking area as the distance from the striking point increases. Is further realized on the computer ,
The meet cursor display function displays the hit point, compares a part of the outer circumference of the meet cursor with an initial shape corresponding to a part of the outer circumference of the meet cursor, and a distance from the hit point. The game program according to claim 1, wherein the game program is displayed so as to be enlarged.   4. The game according to claim 3, wherein the meet cursor display function retreats an outer peripheral portion on the opposite side of a part of the outer periphery of the meet cursor displayed in an inward direction to approximately the same extent as the expanded portion. program. In addition to the setting of the shape of the meet cursor by the meet cursor display function, the ball character flying distance for adjusting the flying distance of the ball character so as to further increase the tendency of hitting in the specific game situation to have a predetermined result The game program according to claim 1 , further causing the computer to realize an adjustment function . A computer further realizing a meet cursor structure setting function for setting a virtual three-dimensional structure of the meet cursor;
The game program according to claim 1, wherein the meet cursor structure setting unit changes the surface shape of the three-dimensional meet cursor so that the hit in the specific game situation has a predetermined tendency to become higher. . Display the pitcher character, batter character, and ball character set in the game space on the monitor,
Based on a signal output from the operation unit, a meat cursor having a predetermined shape indicating a hit area of the batter character's bat with respect to the ball character is moved with respect to the ball character sent from the pitcher character, and the batter A game device for executing a baseball game in which a batting operation is performed by a bat swing of a character,
A special attribute setting means for setting a special attribute that makes the batter character more likely to be hit in a specific game situation.
The specific game situation in which the batter character entering the batter has the special attribute set by the special attribute setting means , and the game situation at the time when the batter character enters the batter constitutes the special attribute And a meet cursor display means for setting the shape of the meet cursor so that the hitting of the batter character is more likely to have a predetermined result that is the content of the special attribute. Display the pitcher character, batter character, and ball character set in the game space on the monitor,
Based on a signal output from the operation unit, a meat cursor having a predetermined shape indicating a hit area of the batter character's bat with respect to the ball character is moved with respect to the ball character sent from the pitcher character, and the batter A method of controlling a baseball game in which a batting operation is performed by a bat swing of a character,
A special attribute setting step for setting a special attribute to the batter character that tends to cause a hit in a specific game situation to have a predetermined result; and
The specific game situation in which the batter character who entered the batter has the special attribute set in the special attribute setting step , and the game situation at the time when the batter character entered the batter constitutes the special attribute And a meet cursor display step for setting the shape of the meet cursor so that the hitting of the batter character is more likely to have a predetermined result that is the content of the special attribute.

Images