JP6770111B2 - Programs, computer systems and server systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer system to execute a music game in which a player inputs an operation and enjoys it at a given instruction timing to be input.

Conventionally, there are known techniques related to games in which non-playable characters (hereinafter referred to as "support NPCs") that support game play have been introduced and various interests have been added.

For example, in a role-playing game (RPG), a technique for causing an ally NPC to take an ambiguous human-like action to have an attachment (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or a technique for a player to give a command to an ally NPC (for example,). , Patent Document 2) and the like.

JP-A-2009-136411 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-220782

Conventionally, it has been devised to introduce support NPCs in games of various genres to enhance the interest, but in the so-called "music game" genre where you can enjoy by inputting operations according to music, games that introduce support NPCs are There wasn't. The music game referred to here includes a rhythm game, a dance game, and the like.

The present invention has been devised for the purpose of introducing a support NPC in a music game to enhance the interest of the game.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a program for causing a computer system to execute a music game in which a player inputs an operation input to be enjoyed at a given instruction timing to be input. ,
An automatic control means (for example, the processing unit 200 of FIG. 12) that controls an operation such that a sub-playing character (hereinafter referred to as “support NPC”), which is a non-playable character, inputs an operation independently of the operation input of the player. , Game management unit 210, support NPC automatic control unit 242, step S158 in FIG. 20),
It is a program for making the computer system function as.

According to the first invention, a sub-playing character that performs an original operation input operation separately from the operation input of the player can appear in the music game.

The second invention is a result display control means (for example, the process of FIG. 12) that controls to display the total result of the player result based on the operation input of the player and the NPC result based on the operation input operation of the support NPC. It is a program of the first invention for further functioning the computer system as a unit 200, a game management unit 210, a result display control unit 252, and step S246 in FIG. 20).

According to the second invention, it is possible to display the total result of the player's result and the support NPC's result. You will be able to enjoy joint play with supporting NPCs.

The third invention is a growth control means for controlling the growth of the support NPC by changing the ability parameter value of the support NPC (for example, the processing unit 200 of FIG. 12, the game management unit 210, and the support NPC growth control unit 254. , The program of the first or second invention which makes the computer system function as step S248) of FIG. 20, and controls the operation of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value.

According to the third invention, an element for nurturing and growing supporting NPCs can be added to the game.

A fourth invention is a program according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the automatic control means controls the operation of the support NPC based on the play history of the player.

According to the fourth invention, the operation of the support NPC can be controlled based on the play history of the player. The play history can include billing history such as online shopping related to the game and payment of play consideration.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the automatic control means controls the operation of the support NPC with respect to the unexecuted portion of the running music game based on the play history of the running music game. It is a program of any of the inventions.

According to the fifth invention, a new interest is created in which the operation of the support NPC can be changed according to the play situation up to that point.

A sixth invention is the program of any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the automatic control means variably controls the timing of the operation input of the support NPC with respect to the instruction timing.

According to the sixth invention, the operation input timing of the support NPC can be changed. For example, if a variable appropriate variation is given, it is possible to give an appropriate fluctuation such as occasionally removing the instruction timing, and to make the support NPC behave like a human being.

The seventh invention is as an appearance control means for controlling the appearance of the support NPC on the game screen (for example, the processing unit 200 of FIG. 12, the game management unit 210, the support NPC appearance control unit 240, and step S108 of FIG. 19). It is a program of any one of the first to sixth inventions for further functioning the computer system.

Further, the eighth invention is the program of the seventh invention in which the appearance control means causes the support NPC to appear when the game progress condition satisfies a given appearance condition.

According to the seventh and eighth inventions, support NPCs can be introduced according to the progress of the game. For example, if the latter half of the play song is set as the appearance condition, it is possible to create a situation such as "If you do your best a little more, the support NPC will come to help" and excite the game.

The ninth invention is the program of the seventh or eighth invention in which the appearance control means causes the support NPC to appear for a given supportable time.

According to the ninth invention, a time limit can be set for the support by the support NPC.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the supportable time variable control means (for example, the application of FIG. 31) in which the appearance control means causes the support NPC to appear during a given supportable time and variably controls the supportable time. It is a program of any one of the seventh to ninth inventions which further functions the computer system as the supportable time variable control unit 260, step S183) of FIG.

According to the tenth invention, the support time of the support NPC can be changed.

According to the eleventh invention, the appearance control means causes the support NPC to appear when the appearance condition associated with the support NPC is satisfied, and edits the appearance condition (for example, FIG. 12). The invention of any of the seventh to tenth to further function the computer system as a processing unit 200, a game management unit 210, an appearance condition editing unit 226, steps S14 of FIG. 19, and steps S90 to S98 of FIG. 22). It is a program.

According to the eleventh invention, the appearance condition can be edited. Therefore, it becomes possible to make a support NPC appear at a desired timing.

A twelfth invention is a program according to any one of the seventh to eleventh inventions, wherein the appearance control means controls the additional appearance of the support NPC according to a game situation.

According to the twelfth invention, it is possible to make the game more exciting by additionally appearing support NPCs according to the game situation.

A thirteenth invention relates to a support NPC instruction timing display control means (for example, a processing unit 200 of FIG. 12, a game management unit 210, a support NPC instruction timing display control unit 232, and a support NPC instruction timing display control unit that displays and controls the instruction timing for the support NPC. The computer system is made to function as steps S150 to S152) of FIG. 20, and the automatic control means controls the operation input operation of the support NPC so as to match the instruction timing for the support NPC. It is a program of any of the inventions.

According to the thirteenth invention, the instruction timing display for the support NPC is performed separately from the instruction timing display for the player, and the support NPC can be made to perform an operation input operation so as to match the instruction timing.

In the fourteenth invention, the music game is configured so that the sequence of the instruction timing can be branched, and when the sequence is branched, one of the sequences before and after the branch is displayed and controlled as the instruction timing for the player. The computer system is used as an instruction timing display control means (for example, the player instruction timing display unit 230 and the support NPC instruction timing display control unit 232 in FIG. 12) for displaying and controlling the other as the instruction timing for the support NPC. It is a program of any one of the first to thirteenth inventions to function.

According to the fourteenth invention, triggered by the branching of the instruction timing sequence, one of the sequences can be displayed as the instruction timing for the player and the other as the instruction timing for the support NPC after the branching, which is a hobby of the game. Can be enhanced.

A fifteenth invention is an effect control means (for example, an effect display body of FIG. 8) that controls the execution of an effect according to a combination of an evaluation result for an operation input of the player and an evaluation result for an operation input operation of the support NPC. 81, the program of any one of the first to fourteenth inventions for operating the computer system as the performance sound effect setting control unit 248 of FIG. 12, the effect execution control unit 250, and step S238 and step S240 of FIG. is there.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the fifteenth invention, wherein the effect control means changes the effect depending on whether or not the evaluation result for the operation input of the player and the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC are the same. It is a program of the invention of.

According to the fifteenth or sixteenth invention, the breath of the player and the support NPC is matched by executing the effect according to the combination of the evaluation result for the operation input of the player and the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC. You can notify the player of the condition and make the game more exciting.

The seventeenth invention is a computer system for executing a music game in which a player inputs an operation and enjoys it at a given instruction timing to be input.
An automatic control means (for example, the control board 1550 of FIG. 2 and the processing unit 200 of FIG. 12) that controls the operation so that the sub-playing character, which is a non-playable character, inputs the operation independently of the operation input of the player. Game management unit 210, support NPC automatic control unit 242, step S158 in FIG. 20),
It is a computer system equipped with.

The eighteenth invention is a server system that controls the execution of a music game in which a player inputs an operation input to a game terminal so as to meet a given instruction timing to be input.
Automatic control means (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1 and the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12) that controls the operation of the sub-playing character, which is a non-playable character, so as to input the operation independently of the player. It is a server system including a game management unit 210, a support NPC automatic control unit 242, and step S158) in FIG.

According to the 17th or 18th invention, the same effect as that of the 1st invention can be obtained.

The figure which shows an example of the structure of a game system. The front view which shows the configuration example of a player terminal. The figure which shows the configuration example of the support NPC selection screen. The figure which shows the configuration example of the support NPC setting screen. The figure which shows the example of the game screen during game play. The figure which shows the example of the game screen during game play. The figure which shows the example of the game screen during game play. The figure which shows the example of the game screen during game play. The figure which shows the example of the game screen during game play. The figure which shows the composition example of the grade announcement screen. The figure which shows the configuration example of the NPC growth screen. The functional block diagram which shows the functional configuration example of a player terminal. The figure which shows the example of the information which the storage part of a player terminal stores. The figure which shows the data structure example of the support NPC initial setting data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the appearance condition definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the music data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the user registration management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the play data. A flowchart for explaining the flow of processing from the start to the end of the game on the player terminal. The flowchart which continues from FIG. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC selection setting process. The flowchart which continues from FIG. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC appearance / exit process. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC automatic control process. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the grade update process. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC growth process. The functional block diagram which shows the functional configuration example of the server system in the modification. The figure which shows the example of the information stored in the storage part of the server system in the modification. The figure which shows the configuration example of the support NPC setting screen. A flowchart for explaining the flow of a modified example of the support NPC appearance / exit process. A functional block diagram showing a modified example of the functional configuration of a player terminal. A flowchart for explaining a flow of a modification of the support NPC automatic control process.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment.
The game system of the present embodiment includes a server system 1100 capable of connecting to the communication line 9, and a player terminal 1500 capable of data communication with the server system 1100.

The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes a telephone communication network, a cable network, a communication network such as the Internet, as well as a LAN (Local Area Network) using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and Ethernet (registered trademark). It is meaningful, and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 includes, for example, a main unit 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. A control board 1150 is mounted on the main body device 1101. The control board 1150 includes various microprocessors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and the like. Various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted.

Then, the server system 1100 performs arithmetic processing on the control board 1150 based on a predetermined program and data, and 1) a ranking management function that aggregates game results from various player terminals 1500 and generates, manages, and provides rankings. And 2) an online shopping function that sells contents such as items that can be used in the game. These functions can be realized by appropriately using known techniques.

In the example of FIG. 1, the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, but it is equipped with a plurality of blade servers that share the ranking management function and the online shopping function, and can be connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. It may have the same configuration. Alternatively, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations perform data communication via the communication line 9 to function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

FIG. 2 is a front external view showing a configuration example of the player terminal 1500.
The player terminal 1500 is a computer system and an electronic device (electronic device) capable of connecting to the communication line 9 and accessing the server system 1100. The player terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device classified as a so-called smartphone, but is a portable game device, a stationary home-use game device, a game controller of a stationary home-use game device, a commercial game device, a personal computer, and a tablet type. It may be a device classified into a computer, a wearable computer, and the like.

The player terminal 1500 in the present embodiment includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, and an image sensor. It includes a unit 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown) are provided. Further, an IC card reader or the like capable of reading and writing data in a non-contact manner with respect to an IC card type credit card or a prepaid card may be provided.

The control board 1550 wirelessly communicates with the CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a mobile phone base station and a wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line 9. The wireless communication module 1553 of the above is installed.
In addition, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an input signal for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. A so-called I / F circuit 1557 (interface circuit) such as a generation circuit, input of image data captured / generated by the image sensor unit 1520, and a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542 is mounted.
Each element mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read / write data and transmit / receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured by ASIC or FPGA.

The control board 1550 temporarily stores programs and data for realizing game play on the player terminal 1500 in the IC memory 1552. Then, the program is executed to execute the arithmetic processing, and each part of the player terminal 1500 is set according to the operation input from the direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, the touch panel 1506, the data acquired by accessing the server system 1100, and the like. Control and enable gameplay. In the present embodiment, the player terminal 1500 is configured to acquire necessary programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may be configured to be read from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540.

Returning to FIG. 1, the player 2 must go through a predetermined user registration procedure in preparation for playing the game. When the user is registered, a player ID (account: player-specific identification information) is issued. After that, the player 2 can use various functions related to the game and online shopping by logging in with the issued player ID.

Then, in the music game of the present embodiment, the player 2 can use the game card 3. After completing the user registration procedure, as one of the preparations before the start of the game, the player 2 can perform the card registration procedure for making the game card 3 usable (valid) in the game. Then, the game can be played using the game card 3 for which the card registration procedure has been completed.

The game card 3 is one of the game play elements in the present embodiment and constitutes a part of the game content.
The game card 3 may be a card having a substance (so-called “trading card”) or a virtual card having no substance and only electronic information. In the case of a card having an entity, for example, a predetermined number of cards (for example, 2 cards or 5 cards) are sold as one package in a physical store. In the case of a virtual card, a predetermined number of cards will be given by lottery each time you log in or exercise the lottery right acquired separately, an online shopping site realized by the server system 1100, or a publicly known card. It is preferable to make it available for purchase on online shopping sites. The form of the game play element is not limited to the card, and can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be a three-dimensional object that imitates the appearance of a character or an item. In that case, it is more preferable to have a form having properties as a collection item, not limited to game play, including size and design.

In the present embodiment, the game card 3 is assigned a character card 3c of the type to which the support NPC 4 is assigned, and a skill card of the type to which the skill 5 (or an item to give the skill) to be activated by giving to the support NPC 4 is assigned. 3s and is included. There are a plurality of game cards 3 to which the same support NPC 4 and skill 5 are assigned, but they are treated as individual cards in terms of card data management. Therefore, each game card 3 is given a unique card ID, and the card ID can be represented by printing, a barcode 6, or the like.

When the player 2 declares the card ID of the game card 3 and performs the card registration procedure, the newly registered game card 3 is registered for use. As a result, the support NPC 4 and skill 5 of the newly registered game card 3 can be used in the game.
In the card registration procedure, the card ID printed on the game card 3 may be input with a keyboard or the like, or the card ID is read by photographing the barcode 6 with the image sensor unit 1520 of the player terminal 1500. It may be configured.

[Explanation of game content]
Next, the contents of the game will be described along with the flow up to the game play.
The video game of the present embodiment is a game of a genre called a music game, and a support NPC can appear as a sub-playing character in the game. A music game has a meaning including a rhythm game, a dance game, and the like, and is a game to be enjoyed by inputting operations in some way according to music.

FIG. 3 is an example of a support NPC selection screen.
On the support NPC selection screen W2 of the present embodiment, four selection method designation icons 11 to 14 for designating a method for the player 2 to select the support NPC are displayed.

When the first selection method designation icon 11 is selected and operated, the computer automatically selects and sets the support NPC 4 to appear in the game from the options of the support NPC prepared in advance.
When the second selection method designation icon 12 is selected, the options of the support NPC prepared in advance are displayed on the option display unit 16 so as to be scrollable. Then, the player himself can manually select and set the support NPC4 to appear in the game by, for example, touching the icon of the character.
When the third selection method designation icon 13 is selected, the character card 3c to which the support NPC4 is assigned among the registered cards is displayed on the option display unit 16, and the support NPC4 that the player himself manually makes to appear in the game is displayed. Can be selected and set.
When the fourth selection method designation icon 14 is selected, the save data of the support NPC4 used in the past is displayed on the option display unit 16, and the player himself manually selects and sets the support NPC4 to appear in the game. Can be done.

When the selection completion icon 18 is operated on the support NPC selection screen W2 to determine the selection of the support NPC 4, the selection is confirmed. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, a scrollable support NPC setting screen W4 is displayed.

On the support NPC setting screen W4 of the present embodiment, the basic information display unit 20, the skill setting deck 22, the skill card display unit 24, the appearance measure editing unit 30, and the setting completion operation icon 40 are displayed. ..

The basic information display unit 20 includes basic information of the support NPC4 selected on the support NPC selection screen W2, for example, an image showing the appearance of the support NPC4, a character name, a level showing the degree of character growth, an appearance type, and the like. Information such as the type of skill currently set is displayed. Of course, information other than these can be displayed as appropriate.

"Level" is a growth index of the support NPC4, and the higher the value, the higher the power of the character. When the support NPC4 is used for game play, experience points are given, and when the acquired total experience points reach a predetermined required value for each level, the support NPC4 rises to a higher level and grows.

The "appearance type" indicates the type at which timing in the game play the support NPC4 tends to appear. The appearance type can be set as appropriate, but in the present embodiment, the "first half type", "second half type", "random type", and "designated type" are included.

The first half type shows that the appearance rate is high in the first half 50% when the playing time of the play song is 100%. The latter half type shows that the appearance rate of the latter half 50% is high, and the random type shows that there is no particular bias in the appearance rate.

The designated type becomes available (opened) when the level of the support NPC4 exceeds the standard value. If it is a designated type, the player himself can set the timing of appearance in units of measures of the play song.
When the designated type is released, the appearance measure editorial unit 30 is displayed on the support NPC setting screen W4. The appearance bar editing unit 30 includes a designated type setting operation icon 31, an overall display unit 32, a specifiable number display 33, an enlarged range designation icon 34, and an enlarged display unit 36.

When the designated type setting operation icon 31 is selected and operated, the appearance type of the support NPC4 is changed to "designated type". Press it again to return to the default appearance type displayed on the basic information display unit 20.

The overall display unit 32 indicates in which measure the appearance timing is currently set, with the playing time of the play song as 100%. In the illustrated example, it is displayed in a bar graph shape, and the hatched bar is designated as the appearance timing. At the start of display, everything is in an unspecified state.

On the specifiable number display 33, the remaining number of measures (designable number) that can be designated as the appearance timing according to the growth degree of the support NPC 4 is displayed.

The enlargement range designation icon 34 is an icon that can be slidable by the player 2, and the range of measures to be displayed on the enlarged display unit 36 by sliding along the entire display unit 32 can be selected.

In the enlarged display unit 36, bars (horizontally long rectangles in the figure) associated with each measure are continuously displayed, and the lyrics in the measure are displayed in association with the bars. The display form of the bar indicates whether or not the measure is set to the appearance timing, and it is possible to set the designation / cancellation of the appearance timing to the measure each time the bar is touch-operated. When the designation as the appearance timing is canceled, the numerical value displayed in the specifiable number display 33 increases by the canceled number, and when the number of measures specified as the appearance timing is increased, the numerical value displayed in the specifiable number display 38 is specified. It is reduced by the amount added, and when it reaches "0", the appearance timing cannot be specified any more.

"Skill" is a special skill / ability that can be activated by the support NPC4. In the present embodiment, "error support" that compensates for the operation input error of the player 2 and pseudo operation input (automatically controlled separately from the operation input by the player 2) at the instruction timing continuously for a given continuous time. There are three types: "invincible" that performs pseudo operation input expressed on the screen) and "double points" that doubles or triples the score, but can be omitted or added as appropriate. It is possible.

The skill setting deck 22 represents the number of skills 5 that can be set in one support NPC 4 in a frame, and by displaying an icon in the frame, the skill 5 set in the support NPC 4, that is, the skill 5 possessed by the support NPC 4 Shows the situation. Display in so-called deck format.

On the skill card display unit 24, the icon of the skill card 3s already registered by the player 2 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the skill can be set by dragging and dropping the icon of the desired skill card 3s from the skill card display unit 24 onto the deck of the skill setting deck 22.

When the support NPC4 is set, the game can be started.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen during game play.
When the game play is started, the play / sound of the separately selected play song is started and the play screen W6 is displayed. On the play screen W6, the play song name 50, the player point display unit 52 showing the score based on the operation input of the player 2, the NPC point display unit 54 showing the score based on the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4, and the operation input to the player. The main score 60, which specifies the timing and the type of operation input, is displayed.

The design of the main musical score 60 can be appropriately set depending on what kind of operation action is used to play the music game. In the present embodiment, the main musical score 60 forms a band shape connecting the left and right sides of the screen, and markers 62 indicating the types of operation inputs appear one after another from the right side of the screen and are displayed in a flow to the left side of the screen. In the example of the figure, two types of markers 62 are displayed, but the number of types can be changed as appropriate.

At the left end of the main musical score 60, a timing bar 64 for instructing an operation input timing is displayed at a predetermined position. The timing at which the flow-displayed marker 62 exactly overlaps with the timing bar 64 is set as the instruction timing for the marker 62.

Similar to known music games and rhythm games, in this embodiment as well, the timing of operation input by the player 2 is saved as a history one by one, and is evaluated based on the deviation from the instruction timing, and the player points are evaluated according to the evaluation result. Is updated. The type of evaluation result can be set as appropriate, but in this embodiment, the evaluation results are evaluated as "excellent", "good", "possible", or "impossible" in ascending order of deviation from the instruction timing, and the deviation is small in the player points. The higher the value is added.

The main musical score 60 of the present embodiment is configured to be displayed at a predetermined position on the game screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the entire game screen may be regarded as the main musical score 60, markers 62 may be displayed one after another along a reference line invisible to the player 2, and sub-markers for notifying the instruction timing may be displayed for each marker. Further, the number of bands of the main musical score 60 is not limited to one, and may be a plurality of bands, and the flow direction of the marker 62 is not limited to the left-right direction of the screen and can be appropriately set.

Now, when the game play starts, the support NPC4 selected and set before the game starts is displayed so as to appear on the screen based on the type of the appearance timing or the editing result of the appearance bar.

However, the types of appearance timing other than the "designated type" only show a tendency to appear easily and do not guarantee the appearance. Specifically, when the first appearance condition indicated by the appearance type (for example, in the case of the "first half type" of the play song, the first half of the song is being played) is satisfied, the appearance permission / rejection lottery process of whether or not to actually appear is satisfied. To decide whether or not to appear. The probability of winning the appearance, that is, the "appearance probability" is the second appearance condition, and a parameter describing the progress of the game is set as a variable. For example, in the present embodiment, the appearance probability is set for each music genre, and the appearance probability according to the genre of the play song is applied. Then, if the player wins the appearance permission / rejection lottery process, the support NPC4 appears on the game screen.

The support NPC 4 is automatically controlled to support the operation input of the player 2. In this embodiment, this is referred to as "pseudo operation input". As shown in the play screen W8 of FIG. 6, when only the main musical score 60 is displayed, the operation of the support NPC 4 is controlled as if the operation is input to the main musical score 60. Further, as shown in the play screen W10 of FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a dedicated sub-musical score 61 can be displayed for the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 in addition to the main musical score 60. The display content of the sub-musical score 61 is smaller than that of the main musical score 60, but the display content is the same as that of the main musical score 60, but it is needless to say that it may be different. Then, when the sub musical score 61 is displayed, the support NPC 4 is automatically controlled as if the operation input is performed on the sub musical score 61. Then, such a pseudo operation input is evaluated in the same manner as the operation input of the player 2, and the NPC points are sequentially updated based on the evaluation result.

The pseudo operation input is performed for the purpose of supporting the player 2, but it is not always executed so as to match the instruction timing, and the above-mentioned evaluations of "excellent", "good", "possible", and "impossible" are appropriate. It is automatically controlled so that it varies. The degree of this variation decreases as the support NPC4 grows. That is, the support NPC4 sometimes fails by removing the instruction timing like a human being, but when it grows up, it becomes difficult to remove the instruction timing, and the degree of removal becomes smaller as it grows.

Further, just because the support NPC4 appears, it does not necessarily mean that the pseudo operation input is continued all the time while it appears, and it is controlled to behave in an apparently capricious manner. Specifically, while appearing, the support start lottery process for pseudo operation input is performed in a predetermined cycle, and when the player wins, the pseudo operation input is started. Then, when the pseudo operation input is started, the countdown of the supportable time is started, and when the supportable time becomes "0", the pseudo operation input is stopped.

Player 2 can enjoy the fun as if the "accompaniment" is playing with him by playing while watching the state of the support NPC4 that performs whimsical behavior that sometimes fails like such a human being.

Of course, the support NPC 4 can support the player 2's play in a visibly obvious manner by activating the set skill.
For example, the support NPC4 having the "error support" skill immediately performs a pseudo operation input to the marker 62 whose operation input of the player 2 is about to miss the "excellent" evaluation, and is evaluated as "excellent". Be controlled. Whether or not the "excellent" evaluation is likely to be missed is a condition that there is no operation input of the player 2 by immediately before the end of the "excellent" evaluation period of the operation input for the marker 62 (for example, 0.05 seconds before) (for example, 0.05 seconds before). If the condition for a short break) is satisfied, it is determined that the "excellent" evaluation is likely to be missed.

Further, in the present embodiment, a state in which operation inputs evaluated as "excellent" are continuous is regarded as a "combo". Then, as the number of combos increases, a higher bonus score is added to the player score. Naturally, if the "excellent" evaluation is cut off, the number of combos will be reset to "0". As long as the player 2 is playing alone, the number of combos is reset to "0" due to one operation input failure (error), but in this embodiment, the player 2 or the support NPC 4 If any of them continue to evaluate "excellent", it is judged that the combo is continuing and it is not reset. In other words, the support NPC4 plays an active role not only as a mere pseudo-co-play partner but also as a reassuring companion.

Then, when the status and accumulation of the support provided by the support NPC 4 satisfy a predetermined condition, the effect display is executed.
For example, as shown in the play screen W12 of FIG. 8, the effect display body 80 is cut-in displayed on the screen (for example, it appears from the right edge of the screen and disappears after a certain period of time), or the evaluation level can be understood at a glance. The display body 81 is displayed, and the player 2 is notified of the working condition of the support NPC 4, and the game is lively. The types of the effect display bodies 80 and 81 and the conditions for displaying the effect display bodies 80 and 81 can be appropriately set according to the effect intention of the game creator.
For example, 1) an effect display when the number of NPC points reached by the support NPC4 is reached, 2) an effect display when the cumulative number of times of the skill "error support" reaches the number, and 3) support with player 2. An effect display body when both the NPC 4 and the NPC 4 have reached the number of times that the "excellent" judgment is continued. 4) The evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 are both predetermined excellent conditions. (For example, an effect display body when "excellent" or "good" evaluation) is satisfied, 5) Conversely, both the evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 are bad conditions (for example, "" It is possible to appropriately set an effect display body when "Yes" or "No" evaluation) is satisfied, 6) an effect display body when the evaluation of the operation input of the layer 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 are different, and the like.

When the appearance condition indicated by the appearance type is not satisfied, the support NPC 4 leaves the game screen, for example, as shown in the play screen W14 of FIG.

When the game play is completed, the result announcement screen W16 is displayed as shown in FIG.
On the result announcement screen W16, a player-specific ranking 82 based on player points and a total ranking 84 based on total points obtained by adding player points and NPC points are displayed. The player 2 can know the relative evaluation of his / her skill from the player-specific ranking 82. From the overall ranking 84, it is possible to infer the skill of the support NPC4 selected by oneself and the compatibility with oneself.

Further, when the game play is completed, the NPC growth screen W18 is displayed as shown in FIG. Specifically, after the end of the game play, experience points based on player points and player-specific rankings are given to the support NPC 4 used (appeared) in the game play. Then, when the total of the experience points acquired so far meets the conditions for leveling up, the level is raised, and the ability parameter value is increased according to the game results to enhance the ability. Then, the updated ability parameter value is saved in association with the player ID, and the level up is notified on the NPC growth screen W18. In other words, the supporting NPCs used (appearing) for gameplay will grow. Of course, if the upgraded support NPC4 is used again for game play, it will input pseudo operations better than before the level upgrade.

Such a nurturing element of the support NPC4 will add a new game interest not found in the conventional music game, and the player 2 will be able to enjoy this game for a long time. It should be noted that the growth of the support NPC4 is not limited to the improvement of the ability, and the negative growth that lowers a part of the ability can be included.

[Explanation of functional configuration]
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment. The player terminal 1500 of the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by each player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. In the present embodiment, the direction input key 1502 shown in FIG. 2, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 correspond to this.

The processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC (integrated circuit for a specific application), an FPGA, or an IC memory, and includes each functional unit including an operation input unit 100 and a storage unit 500. Data input / output control is performed between. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program, data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, and the like to control the operation of the player terminal 1500 of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the control board 1550 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.
The processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a game management unit 210, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The game management unit 210 executes various processes related to setting game contents and controlling the progress of the game. The present embodiment relates to various controls for executing a music game in single play, for example, login processing using a player ID, processing for acquiring player play history and save data from the server system 1100, and selection of music to be played. It is possible to perform processing, processing related to evaluation of player operation input and score calculation, various timing processing such as elapsed time from the start of play, count processing, and the like.

Specifically, the game management unit 210 includes a user registration management unit 220, a play song selection control unit 222, a support NPC selection control unit 224, an appearance condition editing unit 226, a skill setting unit 228, and a player. Instruction timing display control unit 230, instruction timing display control unit 232 for support NPC, operation input history storage control unit 234, support NPC appearance control unit 240, support NPC automatic control unit 242, pseudo operation input history storage control A unit 244, a performance sound effect setting control unit 248, an effect execution control unit 250, a result display control unit 252, and a support NPC growth control unit 254 are included.

The user registration management unit 220 performs a process related to the user registration procedure and a registration management process of various data associated with the registered user.
For example, 1) a process of displaying a predetermined registration procedure screen, executing a registration procedure process, and issuing a unique player ID to a user, that is, a player, 2) a login process of a registered user, and 3) registration of game content to be used. Procedure processing (in this embodiment, the card registration procedure of the game card 3) and the like can be performed. If you want to pay for game play, you can separately link the electronic payment medium used for electronic payment, set up an account for electronic payment, and deposit money into an account using cash or a credit card. Payment processing such as payment of play consideration, storage management of payment history, and the like may be performed.
The user registration management unit 220 may be realized by the server system 1100.

The play song selection control unit 222 presents a list of game-playable songs to the player 2, controls to select one of them, and stores the selection result in the storage unit 500.

The support NPC selection control unit 224 controls to select a support NPC to appear from a plurality of support NPCs 4. In the present embodiment, automatic selection control from the default options prepared in advance, manual selection control to select from the same options according to the selection operation of the player 2, and activation by the player 2 ( In other words, in-card selection control that selects from the character card 3c (owned by player 2) according to the selection operation of player 2, and selection operation of player 2 from the support NPC4 that player 2 used for game play in the past. It is possible to perform selection control in the save data to be selected according to the above.

The appearance condition editing unit 226 controls to edit the appearance condition for each supporting NPC. In the present embodiment, when the support NPC 4 selected by the support NPC selection control unit 224 satisfies a given condition, the appearance type "designated type" can be set, and the appearance measure editing unit 30 (see FIG. 4) is displayed. , The appearance condition for each measure of the play song can be set according to the editing operation input by the player 2.

The skill setting unit 228 controls for setting skills and the like associated with the support NPC 4. In the present embodiment, the skill setting deck 22 and the skill card display unit 24 are displayed (see FIG. 4), and the skill of the support NPC 4 displayed on the basic information display unit 20 is set according to the setting operation by the player 2. Further, since the skill card 3s of the present embodiment is assigned the skill 5 itself and the item to which the skill 5 is given, the skill setting unit 228 can substantially set the skill and / or the item.

The player instruction timing display control unit 230 and the support NPC instruction timing display control unit 232 perform instruction timing display control for the player 2 and the support NPC 4, respectively. In the present embodiment, the former controls the display of the main musical score 60 and the latter controls the display of the sub musical score 61 (see FIG. 4).

The operation input history storage control unit 234 stores the operation input history by the player 2 in the storage unit 500.

The support NPC appearance control unit 240 causes, among the support NPCs 4 selected by the support NPC selection control unit 224, the support NPC4 whose game progress meets a given appearance condition to appear on the game screen (see FIG. 5) and appears. The display is controlled so that the player exits the game screen when the conditions are no longer satisfied (see FIG. 9).
In the present embodiment, the playback time zone of the play song is included as the first appearance condition. Specifically, if the appearance type is "first half type", the appearance is limited during the first half play of the song, and if the appearance type is "second half type", the appearance is limited during the second half play of the song. If it is a "random type", there is no limit to the appearance time zone in the play song. The second condition includes the appearance probability corresponding to the music genre of the play song. That is, in the present embodiment, when the first appearance condition is satisfied and the second condition is applied to execute the appearance permission / rejection lottery and the winning is won, the support NPC4 appears.

The support NPC automatic control unit 242 performs operation control so that the support NPC 4 independently inputs the operation, in addition to the operation input of the player 2. The "pseudo-operation input" referred to in the present specification is performed.
Specifically, when the support NPC 4 to be processed appears, the support NPC automatic control unit 242 performs a support start lottery process for pseudo operation input in a predetermined cycle (for example, every 20 seconds, every 4 measures, etc.). If you win, the pseudo operation input is started. Then, when the automatic control of the pseudo operation input operation is started, the countdown of the supportable time is started, and when the supportable time becomes "0", the pseudo operation input operation is stopped.

The support NPC automatic control unit 242 can control the operation of the support NPC 4 based on the capability parameter value. The ability parameter value includes a parameter value relating to a "variation" in the timing difference of the operation input of the support NPC4 with respect to the instruction timing, and the pseudo operation input timing can be variably controlled based on this variation.
In addition, the support NPC 4 can be controlled by using the skill 5 or the like set in the support NPC 4 by the skill setting unit 228.

Further, the support NPC automatic control unit 242 controls the pseudo operation input operation so as to match the instruction timing for the support NPC when the instruction timing for the support NPC is displayed, and when it is not displayed, for the player. The pseudo operation input operation is controlled so as to match the display of the instruction timing.

The pseudo operation input history storage control unit 244 can store the history information of the pseudo operation input by the support NPC automatic control unit 242 in the storage unit 500 for each support NPC 4.

The performance sound effect setting control unit 248 receives a new evaluation according to the relationship between the evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC4 (when a plurality of support NPC4s appear, the highest evaluation among them). The setting of the performance sound effect type is updated and controlled each time it is played.
The performance sound effect is a sound effect such as an operation sound or an effect that is emitted at the timing when the operation input of the player 2 or the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 is detected.

In the present embodiment, when both the evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 satisfy the excellent conditions (for example, in the case of "excellent" or "good" evaluation), the player 2 is prepared. Set to the first performance sound effect. More specifically, the setting is changed so that only the first operation sound of the operation input of the player 2 is emitted, and the second operation sound is not emitted for the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4. Alternatively, the setting is changed so that the first operation sound is emitted for the operation input of the player 2 and a second operation sound different from that is emitted for the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4.

Further, when the evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 satisfies a predetermined defective condition (for example, "impossible" evaluation) and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 is in the excellent condition field, another alternative prepared for the support NPC 4 is provided. Set the second performance sound effect. More specifically, the setting is changed so that the first operation sound of the operation input of the player 2 is not emitted, and the second operation sound of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 is emitted. Of course, in addition to these, the method of changing the setting can be appropriately set according to the combination of the evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4.

The effect execution control unit 250 executes a given effect when the result of the support NPC 4 satisfies a given condition. In the present embodiment, the display control of the effect display body 80 (see FIG. 8) is performed.

The result display control unit 252 controls to determine the player result based on the operation input of the player 2, the NPC result based on the operation input operation of the support NPC 4, and the total result obtained by summing them, and display the result. In the present embodiment, player points, NPC points, and total points can be calculated as these three results, respectively. Then, these grade information can be transmitted to the server system 1100, and ranking information can be acquired and displayed (see FIG. 10).

The support NPC growth control unit 254 changes the ability parameter value of the support NPC 4 and controls the growth of the support NPC 4 so that the performance is improved the next time the same support NPC 4 is used.
In the present embodiment, the support NPC growth control unit 254 changes the parameter value that determines the variation in the pseudo operation input timing among the ability parameter values so that the probability of obtaining a higher evaluation, that is, the performance of the support NPC 4 is improved. Take control. It is preferable to change the amount of change, that is, the degree of improvement, so that the same genre as the play song is larger than the other genres. Of course, such a bias in the amount of change may be omitted. In addition, the support NPC growth control unit 254 may perform change control for increasing the supportable time (time for performing pseudo operation input during appearance) and control for changing the set skill 5 so as to increase it. it can.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as an audio synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing an audio file, or the like, and is used as a play song related to a game based on a processing result by the game management unit 210. Sound signals of selected music, sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 390. In this embodiment, it is realized by the control board 1550 of the player terminal 1500. The transmission of the audio signal from the sound generation unit 290 to the sound output unit 390 may be either wired or wireless.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs sound such as a play song, a sound effect, and BGM based on a sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. In this embodiment, the speaker 1510 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 292 generates an image of one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second) according to the progress of the game, and outputs the generated image signal of the game screen to the image display unit 392. In this embodiment, it is realized by the control board 1550 of the player terminal 1500. The image signal may be transmitted from the image generation unit 292 to the image display unit 392 by either wired or wireless.

The image display unit 392 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head-mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1506 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this in the present embodiment.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 is realized by a device that realizes communication via a communication line 9 (see FIG. 1), for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. To. In this embodiment, the wireless communication module 1553 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The storage unit 500 stores a program for realizing various functions necessary for causing the processing unit 200 to execute the game of the present embodiment, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the calculation result executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, the input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like.
Such functions are realized by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Further, as long as communication connection with the processing unit 200 is possible, the hardware resources provided in the housing are not limited, and even if it is realized by an external storage device capable of communication connection via the communication line 9. Good.
In the present embodiment, the IC memory 1352 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1350 of FIG. 2 correspond to this.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 500.
The storage unit 500 stores the terminal system program 501 and the game program 502.

The terminal system program 501 is a basic program for realizing the basic functions of input / output as a computer in the player terminal 1500. In this embodiment, it is stored in advance in the IC memory 1552 of the control board 1550 of the player terminal 1500.

The game program 502 is application software for realizing the function as the game management unit 210 by being read and executed by the processing unit 200. The configuration may be incorporated as a part of the terminal system program 501. If the game of the present embodiment is realized in the form of an online game, the game program 502 may be a dedicated client program depending on the technical method for realizing the online game, a web browser program, and an interactive image display. It may be configured by a plug-in or the like that realizes. In this embodiment, it is downloaded from the server system 1100 or read from the memory card 1540 and stored in the IC memory 1552 of the control board 1550 of the player terminal 1500.

Further, the storage unit 500 includes game card type definition data 510, game card registration management data 520, support NPC initial setting data 530, appearance condition definition data 570, production start condition definition data 578, and music data 580. , Player-specific ranking data 800 and comprehensive ranking data 802 are stored. These master data are downloaded from the server system 1100 or read from the memory card 1540 and stored in the IC memory 1552 of the control board 1550 of the player terminal 1500. When downloading from the server system 1100, it is preferable that the configuration is such that it is automatically updated periodically.

Further, the storage unit 500 stores the user registration management data 600 and the play data 700. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate. For example, information such as various flags and a counter for measuring the elapsed time can be appropriately stored.

The game card type definition data 510 is prepared in advance by the game maker for each type of the game card 3 and the contents are defined. For example, for each type of game card 3, information such as the character ID of the support NPC 4 assigned to the card, the skill ID, and the item ID for imparting the skill is stored in association with each other.

The game card registration management data 520 is data for managing whether or not each game card 3 is registered in the cart. In this embodiment, it is stored and managed in the storage 1140 of the server system 1100.

The support NPC initial setting data 530 is prepared in advance for each type of support NPC 4. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, one support NPC initial setting data 530 includes support NPC type 531, initial growth level 533, initial experience value 535, character display data 537, appearance type 539, and initial ability. Includes parameter value list 542 and. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The character display data 537 is information necessary for displaying and operating the support NPC 4 on the game screen. For example, model data, motion data, texture data, etc. are included. Data for displaying the activation of skill 5 can also be included as appropriate.

The appearance type 539 stores the appearance type applied to the support NPC4. In this embodiment, any of "first half type", "second half type", and "random type" is set.

The initial ability parameter value list 542 defines each ability in the initial state of the support NPC4. The number and types of abilities can be appropriately changed depending on the specifications of the game content, but the present embodiment includes an initial supportable time 544, an initial variation parameter value list 550, and an initial skill parameter value list 560.

The initial supportable time 544 stores an initial value that defines how long the support NPC4 can continue one pseudo operation input. As the support NPC4 grows, the time increases.

The initial variation parameter value list 550 is prepared for each classification of music, and defines the occurrence variation of the timing deviation of the pseudo operation input with respect to the instruction timing indicated by the main musical score 60 and the sub musical score 61. One initial variation parameter value list 550 stores an applicable music genre 551 indicating which category of music the list is applied to, and an occurrence probability 554 associated with the timing difference type 552. In the present embodiment, the timing difference types 552 are five types: excellent judgment timing difference, good judgment timing difference, acceptable judgment timing difference, and undecidable timing difference, but can be changed as appropriate.

The initial skill parameter value list 560 defines the skills that the support NPC4 has in the initial state. For example, the skill parameter value 564 is stored in association with each skill type 562. The skill parameter value 564 indicates the skill and effectiveness of the corresponding skill. For example, in the case of the "error support" skill, the number of times supported in one song is defined. If you have the "Invincible" skill, define the maximum activation time. The "double point" skill defines a multiplier.

Returning to FIG. 13, the appearance condition definition data 570 stores the definition information for each appearance type, that is, the definition information for the second appearance condition. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the appearance probabilities 574 for each music genre are associated and stored for each appearance type 572. For example, in the example where the appearance type 572 is the "first half type", in the music genre A, even if the first half of the play song is played, it appears only with a probability of 60% at the appearance judgment chance that comes every predetermined cycle. It appears 100% in genre B.
The appearance probability 574 may be used not only as a probability of appearance or not, but also as an index indicating the frequency of determining the pros and cons of appearance. For example, assuming that the time satisfying the first appearance condition (50% of the playback time of the music in the case of the appearance type "first half type") is 100%, the propriety of appearance is determined at 1/100 hour intervals of the time. .. If it is X%, it is assumed that the pros and cons of appearance are determined at 1 / X time intervals of the time satisfying the first appearance condition. The lower the frequency of determination, the higher the possibility that it will not appear, and the higher the frequency of determination, the higher the possibility that it will appear.

Returning to FIG. 13, the effect start condition definition data 578 defines the conditions for displaying the effect display body 80. For example, the reference value of NPC points, the number of times the player 2 and the support NPC4 are both in the combo state, the number of times the "error support" skill is activated, the rate of receiving the "excellent" judgment during all pseudo operation inputs, etc. are defined. can do. In this embodiment, the storage is stored in both the storage 1140 of the server system 1100 and the IC memory 1552 of the player terminal 1500, respectively.

The music data 580 is prepared for each playable music. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, one piece of music data 580 includes a music name 581 corresponding to identification information of the music, a music genre 582 of the music, a play time 583 for storing the time required for reproduction, and music data 585. The measure start timing list 587 and the musical score data 590 are included. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The music data 585 is sound source data necessary for playing and releasing music from the speaker.
The bar start timing list 587 stores the elapsed time from the start of play for each bar of the music, that is, the start timing of each bar.
The musical score data 590 is data that defines the timing (timing to be input for operation) when the marker 62 (see FIG. 7) reaches the timing bar 64 on the main musical score 60 and the sub musical score 61. Specifically, the marker type 593 and the arrival timing 595 (specifically, the elapsed time from the start of play) are stored in association with the appearance order 591.

In the example of FIG. 16, there is one musical score data 590, but a plurality of musical score data 590 may be prepared for each game difficulty level. Further, the musical score data 590 may be configured to include a branch point as appropriate. For example, the player 2's performance during game play, including the first musical score part that has continued the difficulty level up to that point at the branch point and the second musical score part that has been increased in difficulty, is used as the predetermined branch generation criterion. If it does not reach, the first musical part may be used, and if it does, the second musical part may be used.

Returning to FIG. 13, the user registration management data 600 is prepared for each user who has undergone the user registration procedure. In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the player terminal 1500 stores the IC memory 1552, but the server system 1100 may store and manage the memory, and the player terminal 1500 may be configured to be able to freely access the IC memory 1552.

One user registration management data 600 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, a player ID 601, a valid card list 603, a support NPC save data 610, and a play history data 620. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The valid card list 603 is a list of card IDs of the game card 3 that the player has already registered.

The support NPC save data 610 is save data of the support NPC 4 used in the past and is prepared for each support NPC 4. One support NPC save data 610 includes support NPCID 611 which is unique identification information, support NPC type 612, acquired experience value 613, growth level 614, supportable time 615, variation parameter value storage list 616, and the like. Includes skill parameter value save list 618. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The variation parameter value storage list 616 is prepared for each music genre. The data structure is the same as the initial variation parameter value list 550 (see FIG. 14). However, the set value of the occurrence probability changes according to the growth of the support NPC4.

The data structure of the skill parameter value storage list 618 is the same as that of the initial skill parameter value list 560 (see FIG. 14). However, the skill parameter value changes according to the growth of the support NPC4.

The play history data 620 is created for each play and stores the summary information of the past play results. One play history data 620 includes, for example, a play date and time, a play song title, performance information (for example, player points, NPC points, rankings by player, overall ranking, etc.), a usage support NPCID indicating the support NPC used, and a usage support NPCID. And so on. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 13, the play data 700 is created for each game play and stores the values of the parameters that describe the game progress of the game.
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, one play data 700 includes a player ID 702, a play song name 704, an elapsed time 706 from the start of play (from the start of play song playback), support NPC setting data 710, and a performance sound effect. Type 728, main score display control data 730, sub score display control data 732, operation input history data 740, support NPC display control data 750, pseudo operation input history data 752, player points 754, and NPC points. It includes 756, total points 758, player combos 764, and NPC combos 766. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The support NPC setting data 710 stores the setting information of the support NPC 4 to appear in the game. For example, support NPCID 711 specific to support NPC 4, support NPC type 712 indicating type, application appearance type 713, acquired experience value 714, growth level 715, and application support that is the length of time to support is possible. The time 716, the applied variation parameter value list 717, the applied skill parameter value list 718, and the appearance measure setting data 719 are stored. Of course, data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The applied appearance type 713 stores information indicating the type of appearance condition applied to the support NPC 4. In this embodiment, basically any one of "first half type", "second half type", and "random type" is set, but the level of the support NPC4 is improved so that "designated type" can be set, and the player. When 2 selects and sets "specified type", it is set to "specified type".

The acquired experience value 714, growth level 715, applicable support available time 716, applied variation parameter value list 717, and applied skill parameter value list 718 define the degree of growth of the support NPC4 and the ability of the result of growth. The appearance bar setting data 719 stores the editing result of the appearance bar when the applied appearance type 713 is set to the "designated type" (see FIG. 4).

The applied variation parameter value list 717 is a copy of the initial variation parameter value list 550 (see FIG. 14) that matches the music genre of the play song, or the variation parameter value storage list 616 (see FIG. 17) of the user registration management data 600. .. Which copy will be used depends on the selection method of the support NPC4 (see FIG. 3).

The applied skill parameter value list 718 is a copy of the initial skill parameter value list 560 (see FIG. 14) or the skill parameter value storage list 618 (see FIG. 17) of the user registration management data 600. Which copy will be used depends on the specification of the selection method of the support NPC4.

The appearance measure setting data 719 stores the result of the editing operation performed by the appearance measure editing unit 30 (see FIG. 4) when the applied appearance type 713 is the “designated type”. For example, it can be defined by a bar number, a range of bar numbers, a range of elapsed time from the start of music playback, and the like.

The performance sound effect type 728 stores the types of performance sound effects such as operation sounds and effects that are emitted at the timing when the operation input of the player 2 and the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 are detected.

The main score display control data 730 and the sub score display control data 732 are data for display control of the main score 60 and the sub score 61 (see FIG. 7), respectively. For example, the display position coordinates for each marker 62 and the display position coordinates for the timing bar 64 are stored.

The operation input history data 740 is a history of operation input by the player 2. For example, the elapsed time 706 at the time when the operation input is detected, the operation input type, and the evaluation result of the operation input are stored in chronological order in association with each other.

The support NPC display control data 750 stores data for displaying the support NPC 4 in the game screen.

The pseudo operation input history data 752 is a history of pseudo operation input by the support NPC 4. For example, the elapsed time at the time when the operation input is detected, the pseudo operation input type, and the evaluation result of the pseudo operation input are stored in chronological order in association with each other.

The player points 754, NPC points 756, total points 758, player combo number 764, and NPC combo number 766 are each initialized to "0" at the start of game play, and are sequentially updated after the start of the game.

Returning to FIG. 13, the player-specific ranking data 800 and the comprehensive ranking data 802 are stored and managed by the server system 1100 in the present embodiment, but the player terminal 1500 can freely access them.

[Explanation of processing flow]
19 to 20 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing from the start to the end of the game on the player terminal. The processing flow described here is realized by the player terminal 1500 executing the game program 502. As a premise, it is assumed that the player 2 has already completed user registration and card registration, and is logged in with the player ID issued at the time of user registration.

When the player terminal 1500 detects the input of the predetermined song selection operation (YES in step S8), the player terminal 1500 refers to the music data 580, displays a list of options for the play song, and causes the player 2 to select the play song (step S10). .. The selection result is stored in the play song name 704 of the play data 700 (see FIG. 18). Then, if the play song has been selected (YES in step S12), the player terminal 1500 executes the support NPC selection setting process (step S14).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC selection setting process.
In the same process, the player terminal 1500 first displays the support NPC selection screen W2 (see FIG. 3) (step S40).

Then, if "automatic selection" is specified and operated as the selection method of the support NPC 4 on the screen (YES in step S42), any one of the support NPC 4s of the support NPC initial setting data 530 (see FIG. 13) is randomly selected. It is selected by lottery processing (step S44).

At this time, the player terminal 1500 generates the support NPC setting data 710 in the play data 700, automatically generates and sets the support NPCID 711, and sets the result selected by the random lottery process to the support NPC type 712. Appearance type 713, acquired experience value 714, growth level 715, applicable support available time 716, applied variation parameter value list 717, applied skill parameter value list 718 are all support of support NPC4 selected by random lottery processing. The data of the NPC initial setting data 530 is copied. However, for the applicable variation parameter value list 717, the initial variation parameter value list 550 (see FIG. 14) that matches the music genre of the play song is copied. Then, the support NPC selection setting process is terminated.

If "manual selection" is specified and operated on the support NPC selection screen W2 (YES in step S50), the player terminal 1500 presents the support NPC 4 of the support NPC initial setting data 530 (see FIG. 13) as an option. Then, one of them is selected according to the selection operation input of the player 2 (step S52). The generation of the support NPC setting data 710 is the same as that of the automatic selection except that the result of the manual selection is set to the support NPC type 712.

If "select from game card" is specified and operated on the support NPC selection screen W2 (YES in step S54), the player terminal 1500 is the valid card list 603 of the user registration management data 600 of the player 2 (FIG. 17). Refer to) to extract the character card 3c (see FIG. 1) to which the support NPC 4 is assigned from the registered game cards 3. Then, the support NPC4 of the extracted card is presented as an option, and any one is selected according to the selection operation input of the player 2 (step S56).

At this time, the player terminal 1500 generates the support NPC setting data 710 in the play data 700, automatically generates and sets the support NPCID 711, and sets the support NPC 4 of the character card 3c selected by the player 2 to the support NPC type 712. To do. In the applicable appearance type 713, acquired experience value 714, growth level 715, applicable support available time 716, applied variation parameter value list 717, and applied skill parameter value list 718, all of the support assigned to the selected game card 3 Support for NPC4 The data of NPC initial setting data 530 is copied. However, for the applicable variation parameter value list 717, the initial variation parameter value list 550 (see FIG. 14) that matches the music genre of the play song is copied.

If "select from save data" is specified and operated on the support NPC selection screen W2 (YES in step S58), the player terminal 1500 refers to the support NPC save data 610 of the user registration management data 600 of the player 2. Then, the support NPC4 that has been used in the past and the data has been saved is presented as an option, and one of them is selected according to the selection operation input of the player 2 (step S60).

At this time, the player terminal 1500 generates the support NPC setting data 710 in the play data 700, automatically generates and sets the support NPCID 711, and sets the result selected by the player 2 in the support NPC type 712. Appearance type 713, acquired experience value 714, growth level 715, applicable support available time 716, applied variation parameter value list 717, applied skill parameter value list 718, all of which are the support NPC save data 610 of the selected support NPC4. Data is copied. However, for the applicable variation parameter value list 717, the variation parameter value storage list 616 (see FIG. 17) that matches the music genre of the play song is copied.

Moving to FIG. 22, when the support NPC 4 is selected by any of the methods of "manual selection", "select from game card 3", and "select from save data", the player terminal 1500 displays the support NPC setting screen W4 (FIG. 4). (See) is displayed (step S70). At this time, the skill setting status of the selected support NPC 4 is reflected in the skill setting deck 22. On the skill card display unit 24, the skill cards 3s (see FIG. 1) to which the skill 5 is assigned are extracted and displayed from the valid card list 603 (see FIG. 17) of the player 2.

Then, the application skill parameter value list 718 of the support NPC4 is changed according to the skill setting operation on the skill setting deck 22 (step S72).

If the growth of the support NPC4 has reached a predetermined condition (for example, level "5" or higher) (step S74), the appearance condition editing process is executed (steps S90 to S98).
Specifically, the number that can be specified is calculated according to the growth degree of the set support NPC 4 (step S90), and the appearance bar editorial unit 30 is displayed on the support NPC setting screen W4 (step S90; see FIG. 4). ..
Then, when the operation input for changing the appearance type to "designated type" is detected (YES in step S94), the player terminal 1500 changes the applied appearance type 713 of the support NPC4 to "designated type" (step S96). Next, the appearance measure editorial unit 30 stores the identification information of the measure designated for the appearance measure in the appearance measure setting data 719, sets the appearance measure (step S98), and ends the support NPC selection setting process.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 19, when the player terminal 1500 detects a predetermined play start operation (YES in step S102) in the state where the support NPC 4 has been set (YES in step S100), the player terminal 1500 starts the game play of the music game. Start. That is, the player terminal 1500 starts displaying the main musical score 60 and playing the play song (step S104), and starts recording the operation input history by the player 2 (step S106).

After that, steps S108 to S244 (see FIG. 20) are repeatedly executed in a predetermined cycle until the game ends.
To describe this repeating portion in detail, first, the player terminal 1500 executes the support NPC appearance / exit process (step S108).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC appearance / exit process.
In the same process, if the application appearance type 713 of the support NPC 4 is "designated type" (YES in step S130), the player terminal 1500 controls the appearance / exit of the support NPC 4 based on the setting of the appearance measure setting data 719. (Step S132).
Specifically, if the playback status of the play song corresponds to the range of measures registered in the appearance measure setting data 719 (from the first appearance specified measure to the last appearance specified measure), the support NPC4 is displayed on the game screen. Make it appear. If it is out of range, the support NPC4 is sent off from the game screen (see FIG. 9).

On the other hand, when the applied appearance type 713 is "first half type", "second half type", and "random type" (NO in step S130), the player terminal 1500 satisfies the first appearance condition indicated by the applied appearance type 713 of the support NPC4. It is determined whether or not (step S138).
Specifically, if the applied appearance type 713 is the "first half type", the affirmative judgment is made if the elapsed time 706 does not reach half of the play time 583 of the play song. In the case of the "second half type", conversely, if it reaches half of the play time 583, it is judged as affirmative. If it is a "random type", a lottery will be drawn with a predetermined winning probability, and if it is won, a positive judgment will be made.

Then, if the first appearance condition is not satisfied (NO in step S138), the already appearing support NPC 4 is exited (step S148), and the support NPC appearance exit process is terminated.

If the first appearance condition is satisfied (YES in step S138), the player terminal 1500 determines the arrival of the appearance determination chance (step S140). The appearance determination chance can be set as appropriate, but can be, for example, every 20 seconds of the elapsed time 706, every 4 bars, or the like.

If the appearance determination chance has not arrived (NO in step S140), the support NPC 4 does not appear and the support NPC appearance / exit process ends.
If the appearance determination chance arrives (YES in step S140), the player terminal 1500 then refers to the appearance condition definition data 570 (see FIG. 15) and appears to match the application appearance type 713 of the support NPC4. Of the appearance probabilities 574 of type 572, the appearance probability 574 that matches the music genre of the play song is read out. Then, the appearance permission lottery process is executed by applying the read appearance probability 574, and if it is won, the appearance is permitted, and if it is not won, the appearance is disabled (step S142).

Then, when it is determined that the appearance is permitted (YES in step S144), the player terminal 1500 makes the support NPC 4 appear / appear on the game screen (step S146), and ends the support NPC appearance / exit process.
However, if it is determined that the appearance is impossible (NO in step S144), the support NPC4 is not made to appear, a predetermined appearance disapproval notification is displayed on the game screen (step S148), and the support NPC appearance / exit process is completed. To do.

Moving on to the flowchart of FIG. 20, when the game progress condition satisfies a given sub-musical score display condition (YES in step S150), the player terminal 1500 displays the sub-musical score 61 (step S152). If it is not satisfied (NO in step S150), the sub-musical score 61 is not displayed, and the displayed sub-musical score 61 is canceled (step S154).
The sub-musical score display conditions can be set as appropriate. For example, if the support NPC 4 moves in the screen, a case where the support NPC 4 is separated from the main musical score 60 by a reference value or more can be set. Alternatively, if the musical score data 590 is configured to include a first musical score part in which the difficulty level is continued up to that point and a second musical score part in which the difficulty level is increased, with the branch point (defined by the elapsed time 706) as a boundary. If the result of player 2 during game play (for example, player points 754 or number of combos) does not reach a predetermined branch generation criterion, the sub-musical score 61 is not displayed, and if it does, the main musical score 60 is displayed. It may be displayed based on one of the 1st or 2nd musical score parts, and the sub musical score 61 may be displayed based on the other of the 1st or 2nd musical score parts. Here, the musical score can be said to be a series of instruction timings to be input. Therefore, the musical score data 590 includes a series of a plurality of instruction timings according to the branch.

Next, if the support NPC 4 appears on the game screen (YES in step S156), the player terminal 1500 executes the support NPC automatic control process (step S158).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC automatic control process.
In the same process, the player terminal 1500 first starts activating the skill satisfying the activation start condition, that is, applying the skill effect (step S170).

For example, for the "invincible" skill, refer to the applied skill parameter value list 718 (see FIG. 18) of the support NPC setting data 710, and determine whether the skill can be activated from the skill parameter value of the "invincible" skill. To do. In this embodiment, the skill parameter value of the "invincible" skill is the maximum activation time. Therefore, if the skill parameter value of the "invincible" skill is a value other than "0", it has not been activated, and the activation is won with a predetermined probability by performing the activation random lottery, the activation is started. The activation random lottery may be omitted.

Further, regarding the "error support" skill, the skill parameter value of the skill is other than "0 times", it has not been activated, and the operation input history data 740 is referred to to correspond to the instruction timing that arrives most recently. When the remaining time of the superior judgment is satisfied, but the operation input has not been made yet, and the skill parameter value of the "error support" skill is used as the winning probability to win the prize. If you do, start activating.

Next, the player terminal 1500 ends the application of the effect of the skill satisfying the activation end condition (step S172).
For example, in the case of an "invincible" skill, it ends when the elapsed time from activation reaches the upper limit time indicated by the skill parameter value of the skill. If it is an "error support" skill, it will end when the number of activations reaches the set value of the skill parameter value of the skill.

Next, the player terminal 1500 determines whether or not the countdown timer for the applicable support time 716 is running (step S180). When the pseudo operation input is started in the step described later, the timer is set to the application supportable time 716 and the countdown is started.

If the timer is not activated, that is, the pseudo operation input with a time limit is not executed (YES in step S180), the player terminal 1500 determines the timing of the next pseudo operation input by applying the effect of the skill being activated. Is forcibly set to the superior evaluation timing difference (step S182). For example, if the "invincible" skill or the "error support" skill is activated, it will be affirmative.

If negative (YES in step S182), the player terminal 1500 performs a lottery process applying the occurrence probability defined in the applicable variation parameter value list 717 every time the instruction timing approaches, and the winning timing difference type is realized. The control for determining the timing of the next pseudo operation input operation is started so as to be performed (step S184). Next, the countdown timer in which the applicable support time 716 is set is activated (step S186).

If the activation timing of the pseudo operation input determined by the activation of the skill or the timing determination control started in step S184 arrives (YES in step S190), if the sub-musical score 61 is displayed (YES in step S192). ), The player terminal 1500 controls the operation of the support NPC 4 so as to direct the support NPC 4 toward the sub musical score 61 and perform a pseudo operation input (step S194; see FIG. 7). If the sub-musical score 61 is not displayed (NO in step S192), the operation is controlled so as to input a pseudo operation at the activation timing determined toward the main musical score 60 (step S166; see FIG. 6).

Next, the player terminal 1500 stores the pseudo operation input history (step S190), and ends the support NPC automatic control process.

On the other hand, if the countdown timer in which the applicable supportable time 716 is set is activated in step S180 (YES in step S180), the timer has not reached "0", that is, the supportable time still remains. If so (NO in step S200), the pseudo-operation input is continued. That is, the timing determination of the pseudo operation input started in step S184, the control of the pseudo operation input operation toward the main musical score 60 or the sub musical score 61, and the history update of the pseudo operation input are continued (steps S190 to S198). ).

If the countdown timer reaches "0" and the applicable support time 716 expires (YES in step S200), the player terminal 1500 stops the continuous pseudo operation input (step S204).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 20, the player terminal 1500 executes the grade update process after the support NPC automatic control process (step S208).
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the grade update process. In the same process, when the evaluation timing of the operation input arrives (YES in step S210), the player terminal 1500 evaluates the operation input of the player 2 based on the operation input history data 740 (step S212). In the present embodiment, one of the four stages of "excellent" to "impossible" is determined according to the deviation from the instruction timing. Then, the player points 754 are updated according to the evaluation result (step S214; see FIG. 18).

Further, the player terminal 1500 evaluates the pseudo operation input by the support NPC 4 based on the pseudo operation input history data 752 (step S220). In the present embodiment, the same evaluation criteria as in the player 2 are used, and one of the four stages of "excellent" to "impossible" is determined according to the deviation from the instruction timing.

Then, if the "double point" skill is not activated in the support NPC 4 (NO in step S222), the player terminal 1500 updates the NPC point 756 according to the evaluation result of the pseudo operation input (step S224; see FIG. 18). ..
If the "double point" skill is activated in the support NPC4 (YES in step S222), the player terminal 1500 determines the addition point according to the evaluation result of the pseudo operation input, and the addition point is "double point". It is updated by multiplying it by a multiple of the skill and adding it to the NPC points 756 (step S226).

Next, the player terminal 1500 updates the total points 758 (step S226), updates the player combo number 764 and the NPC combo number 766 (step S228; see FIG. 18), and ends the score update process. The number of player combos 764 and the number of NPC combos 766 are added if the excellent evaluation continues, but are reset to "0" if the evaluation is interrupted.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 20, the player terminal 1500 then sets the performance sound effect type 728 according to the relationship between the evaluation of the operation input of the player 2 and the evaluation of the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4 (step S238; FIG. 18). The designation of the performance sound effect type 728 is applied to the operation sound and the sound effect emitted at the timing of the operation input of the player 2 and the pseudo operation input of the support NPC 4. As a result, the player 2 can know the evaluation relationship between himself and the support NPC 4 by the difference in the performance sound effect.

Next, the player terminal 1500 refers to the effect start condition definition data 578 (see FIG. 13) to determine whether the game progress status satisfies the effect display condition. Then, in the case of affirmation (YES in step S240), the effect display body 80, the effect display body 81, and the like are displayed on the game screen (step S242; see FIG. 8).

Steps S108 to S242 are repeated until the reproduction of the play song is completed (NO in step S224).
However, when the playback of the play song is completed (YES in step S224), the player terminal 1500 displays the result announcement screen W16 (see FIG. 10) and shows the player 2 the player-specific ranking 82 and the overall ranking 84 (step S246). ).
Specifically, the player terminal 1500 transmits and provides the play data 700 to the server system 1100. The server system 1100 updates the player-specific ranking and the comprehensive line king based on the play data 700 received by the ranking management function, and returns the ranking to the player terminal 1500. The player terminal 1500 receives them and stores them as the player-specific ranking data 800 and the comprehensive ranking data 802 in the storage unit 500, and displays them on the result announcement screen W16.

Next, the player terminal 1500 executes the support NPC growth process (step S248).
FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the support NPC growth process.
In the same process, the player terminal 1500 first assigns an experience value to the support NPC 4 that has appeared in the game according to the game results this time. Specifically, the first experience value is calculated based on the player points 754 (see FIG. 18) and given to the support NPC 4 (step S260), and the second experience according to the player-specific ranking acquired by the player 2. A value is calculated and given (step S262). Further, a third experience value according to the overall ranking acquired by the player 2 is calculated and given (step S264). The types of experience points to be given are not limited to these, and can be set as appropriate. For example, an experience value may be given according to the number of combos during play, particularly the number of times the player 2 and the support NPC 4 are in the combo state at the same time.

Then, as a result of these experience points being given, if the acquired experience value 714 of the support NPC4 satisfies the predetermined level-up condition (YES in step S266), the player terminal 1500 sets the growth level 715 of the support NPC4 to ". 1 ”upload (step S268) to improve the ability of the support NPC4 as a proof of the level up.

Specifically, the probability of occurrence 554 is changed so that the application variation parameter value list 717 can be more easily evaluated (step S270; see FIG. 14).
More specifically, among the timing difference types 552, the probability of occurrence of "excellent judgment timing difference" and "good judgment timing difference" is increased, while the probability of occurrence of "possible judgment timing difference" and "impossible timing difference" is decreased. Change to.

The amount of change in step S270 may be fixed, but a variable configuration is also possible. For example, referring to the play history data 620 of the player 2 (see FIG. 17), the number of times a song of the same genre as the play song has been played in the past is counted, and the larger the number of times, the larger the change amount. The support NPC may be controlled to grow based on the play history of the player 2.

Next, the player terminal 1500 increases and changes the applicable support available time 716 of the support NPC4 used this time as a further ability improvement of the support NPC4 (step S272), and the currently existing skill in the applied skill parameter value list 718 is changed. The skill parameter value 564 (see FIG. 14) is changed so that the effect of the skill is enhanced (step S274).

Then, if the ability is improved, the data of the support NPC 4 used and grown in this game play, specifically, the support NPC setting data 710 (see FIG. 14) can be used in the user registration management data 600 of the player 2. It is reflected and saved in the support NPC save data 610 of the support NPC 4 (step S276), and the support NPC growth process is completed.
In reflecting the support NPC save data 610, the data in the applied variation parameter value list 717 is overwritten by the variation parameter value storage list 616 (see FIG. 17) that matches the genre of the play song. The variation parameter value storage list 616 of a genre different from the play song is not updated, but may be updated so as to improve the ability, although not as much as step S276.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 20, when the support NPC growth process is completed, the player terminal 1500 additionally saves the play history data 620 for the current game play in the user registration management data 600 of the player 2 (step S290). , Ends a series of processes.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a music game, a support NPC4 that grows according to a play result can be introduced to enhance the interest of the game.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
In the first embodiment, the main processing is executed by the player terminal 1500, but in the present embodiment, the server system 1100 is responsible for the game management function. In the following, points different from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The hardware configuration of the game system of this embodiment can be the same as that shown in FIG.
That is, the server system 1100 realizes the server function for online games. Then, the player terminal 1500 is connected to the player terminal 1500 via the communication line 9, and a client-server type system is configured so that the player terminal 1500 can play an online game. Specifically, for example, the player terminal 1500 detects the operation input by the player 2 and sequentially transmits the operation input information to the server system 1100, receives data from the server system 1100, and plays and emits music. Display the game screen.

The functional configuration of the server system 1100 in this configuration may be, for example, the configuration shown in FIGS. 27 to 28. In addition, in FIGS. 27 to 28, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment.

The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. In the example of FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 corresponds.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an electronic component such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), or an IC memory, and includes each functional unit including an operation input unit 100s and a server storage unit 500s. Data input / output control is performed between. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, and data received from a player terminal such as the player terminal 1500, and the operation of the server system 1100 is integrated. Control. In the example of FIG. 1, the control board 1150 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment includes an online shopping management unit 204, a ranking management unit 206, a game management unit 210, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

The online shopping management unit 204 makes it possible to purchase game contents (game card 3 in this embodiment), items, lottery rights, event participation rights, game points, and the like online. It can be realized in the same way as known online shopping.

The ranking management unit 206 realizes a ranking management function that aggregates game results from the player terminal 1500 and generates, manages, and provides rankings.

The image generation unit 292s is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. Then, the image generation unit 292s generates data for displaying the image of the game screen on the player terminal 1500 based on the processing result by the game management unit 210. In addition, other images necessary for system management are generated and an image signal is output to the image display unit 392s.

The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head-mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores system programs for realizing various functions for the server processing unit 200s to control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner, programs necessary for realizing various functions, various data, and the like. .. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. Such functions are realized by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, a storage medium such as an IC memory 1152 or a hard disk, and a storage 1140 correspond to this.

As shown in FIG. 28, the server storage unit 500s stores the server system program 503, the game server program 505, and the distribution client program 507 in advance.

The server system program 503 is a basic program for realizing the basic input / output functions required as a computer by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s.

The game server program 505 is a program for realizing a function as a game server for online games. In the present embodiment, the server processing unit 200s is provided with functions as an online shopping management unit 204, a ranking management unit 206, and a game management unit 210.

The distribution client program 507 is a program to be executed on the player terminal 1500 in order to execute the game. The distribution client program 507 may be realized as a dedicated program, for example. Alternatively, if the game of this embodiment is realized as a web game, a web technology that actively controls the screen display by using Java (registered trademark), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), etc. together with HTML based on a web browser. Or, it may be realized by using a plug-in such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Of course, other methods may be used.

The processing flow of the server system 1100 is the same as the flowchart described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 26. The execution subject may be read from the player terminal 1500 to the server system 1100. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained in this embodiment as well.

It is also possible to disperse the bearers of the functional unit included in the game management unit 210 between the player terminal 1500 and the server system 1100 so that they are intermediate between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, a plurality of player terminals 1500 may be connected peer-to-peer, and the functions of the game management unit 210 may be shared among the player terminals 1500 to realize game play.

[Modification example]
Although examples of embodiments to which the present invention has been applied have been described above, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate. Hereinafter, modifications will be described, and each of the modifications can be applied to the above embodiment individually or in combination.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, the support NPC4 to appear in the game play has been described as one body, but a configuration in which a plurality of support NPCs appear at the same time is also possible. If multiple characters appear, the processing related to the support NPC shall be executed for the number of appearances.
For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the support NPC selection screen W2 and the support NPC setting screen W24 corresponding to the support NPC setting screen W4 are displayed. The support NPC setting frame 42 (three bodies can be set in the example of FIG. 29) may be displayed on the screen, and the support NPC may be selected and set for each of them. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 19, the support NPC selection setting process (step S14) may be executed for the number of support NPCs 4 that can appear.
Similarly, the support NPC appearance process (step S108), the support NPC automatic control process (steps S156 to S158) of FIG. 20, and the support NPC growth process (step S248) may be executed as many as the number of support NPCs that can appear. ..

[Part 2]
Further, in the above embodiment, how much the support NPC4 performs the support action at what timing is determined by two factors, that is, whether or not the support NPC4 appears and that the support NPC 4 appears but performs a simulated operation action only within the range of the applicable support available time 716. There was. In other words, the support NPC automatic control unit 242 controls the support NPC 4 that has already appeared so as to perform a pseudo operation input operation during the application support available time 716, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, it is possible to use the application supportable time 716 as the upper limit of the time limit for the appearance itself. In other words, the support NPC appearance control unit 240 may be configured to make the support NPC appear during the application support available time 716.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, when the support NPC 4 appears in the support NPC appearance / exit process (step S146), the countdown timer set with the applicable support available time 716 is activated (step S147). Then, when the remaining time of the timer becomes "0" (YES in step S136), the support NPC 4 is exited (step S148).

[Part 3]
Further, in relation to the applicable supportable time 716, in the above embodiment, the initial value of the applicable supportable time 716 is determined for each type of support NPC4, and is added according to the level up, that is, Fixed value during gameplay, but not limited to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the application supportable time variable control unit 260 is added. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, before activating the supportable time countdown timer, the parameter values related to the support NPC 4 (more specifically, the acquired experience value 714, the growth level 715, the NPC point 756, and the NPC). The number of combos 766; see FIG. 18) is corrected by a predetermined function as a variable, or calculated each time (step S185).

Variables (assignment value, reference value) of the predetermined function can be set as appropriate. For example, information obtained from the play history data 620 (for example, statistical values such as the total number of times the support NPC 4 has been used in the past, the number of charges, and the total amount of charges) can be used.
Furthermore, information obtained from the operation input history data 740 corresponding to the play history of the music game being executed (for example, a measure specified in advance for each song or a range of elapsed time from the start of play, a predetermined number of measures from the present to the past). Player 2's performance, etc.), player points 754, player combo number 764, and the like can also be used.
If the player character of the player 2 appears on the game screen and the ability parameter value is also set for the player character, the ability parameter value can also be used as a variable of a predetermined function as appropriate.
By including the information related to the play history of the music game being executed in the variable, it is possible to control the operation of the support NPC4 regarding the unexecuted portion of the music game being played.

The applicable support time 716 is such that the more the player 2 plays the game (longer or more times), the more the player charges, and the better the result is, the more the applicable support time is available. Change 716 to be longer. Of course, depending on the content of the game and the intention of the production, a case where the applicable support time 716 may be shortened may be included.

[Part 4]
Further, the application variation parameter value list 717 can also be configured to be fixed from the start to the end of the game, that is, the variation with respect to the instruction timing of the pseudo operation input is fixed but variable. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the application variation parameter value variable control unit 262 is added. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, prior to step S182, the probability of occurrence stored in the applied variation parameter value list 717 is corrected or calculated by a predetermined function (step S185). Of course, the variables (assignment value, reference value) of the predetermined function can be appropriately set. For example, information obtained from the play history data 620, information obtained from the operation input history data 740, player points 754, player combo number 764, and the like can be used. If the player character of the player 2 appears on the game screen and the ability parameter value is also set for the player character, the ability parameter value can be used as a variable of a predetermined function.

The probability of occurrence stored in the applicable variation parameter value list 717 is higher in the future as the player 2 plays more games, charges more, and has better results. Change so that can be left. Of course, depending on the content of the game and the intention of the production, a case where the applicable support time 716 may be shortened may be included.

[Part 5]
Further, in the above embodiment, the growth control of the support NPC 4 is realized by increasing the individual capacity of the support NPC 4, but other methods may be used. For example, it may be realized by increasing the number of supporting NPCs 4 that can appear in the game play. In that case, the number of the same support NPCs 4 may be increased, or the number of support NPC setting frames 42 (see FIG. 29) may be increased.

[Part 6]
Further, the type and number of appearance types are not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiment, and are associated with appearance conditions that can be determined based on the game progress status and the result / history of the operation input of the player 2 according to the game content and the production intention. Various types can be set as appropriate.
For example, it is possible to pay attention to the so-called "combo" that is continuously evaluated as excellent, and to set the appearance condition that the combo of the reference value or more is performed a predetermined number of times. When combined with the above-mentioned modification [No. 5], only one support NPC4 appears at the beginning of the game, but when the player 2 accumulates the number of combos and the number of combos reaches "15", the number of combos is used as the appearance condition. It is also possible to configure a second support NPC4 to appear, and when the number of combos reaches "25", a third support NPC4 with the combo number as an appearance condition appears.
Of course, other types of appearance conditions can be set. It is also possible to use a type that requires the range of elapsed time from the start of play (for example, between the elapsed time of 1 to 2 minutes and the interlude part) as an appearance condition, and a type that requires the use of a specific calling item as an appearance condition. is there. In addition, a type that uses a specific day or time as an appearance condition, a type that uses date characteristics such as even-numbered days or odd-numbered days as an appearance condition, a type that uses the number of times played in the past or the total amount of past charges as an appearance condition, etc. Is also possible.

[Part 7]
Further, in the above embodiment, the support NPC 4 is configured to grow according to the results of the game play, but the factors for growing the support NPC 4 can be appropriately set. For example, you can set the consumption of paid / free items (for example, power-up items, food items, etc.), purchase of experience points by billing, purchase of higher level, growth by prizes by lottery at login, etc. .. Further, it may be grown based on the player's play history (including billing history). For example, when the number of plays reaches a limit such as 100 or 200 times, when the billing amount reaches a delimiter amount such as 1000 yen or 10,000 yen, or when playing every day for a predetermined period of time. It is possible to apply growth factors such as giving a predetermined value of experience value to, etc., or raising it to a higher level.

[Part 8]
Further, although the game genre of the above embodiment is a music game, it can be applied to other game genres as long as the elements of the music game are adopted as the operation input form.
For example, the genre of the game itself may be a role-playing game, or a music game as in the above embodiment can be incorporated as a battle system. More specifically, the enemy character, the player character facing the enemy character, and the support NPC4 are displayed at the upper part of the screen, and the main musical score 60 is displayed at the lower part of the screen. Then, the hit points of the enemy character may be scraped and defeated as the damage inflicting player points 754 and NPC points 756 on the enemy character.

Similarly, even if the genre of the game itself is a romance simulation game, a music game like the above embodiment can be incorporated in an appeal event to the opposite sex. In this case, for example, in an event scene of a school festival, a band having a player character and a support NPC4 as members appears on a stage where a character of the opposite sex looks up at the upper part of the screen, and a main musical score 60 is displayed at the lower part of the screen. Then, the player point 754 and the NPC point 756 are regarded as appeal points to the opposite sex character, and the compatibility value between the opposite sex character and the player character (the parameter value that the more the numerical value is accumulated, the easier the romance is achieved) is set according to those points. You may increase it.

2 ... Player 3 ... Game card 3c ... Character card 3s ... Skill card 4 ... Support NPC
5 ... Skill 22 ... Skill setting deck 30 ... Appearance measure editorial department 38 ... Specifiable number of measures display 42 ... Support NPC setting frame 50 ... Play song name 52 ... Player point display part 54 ... NPC point display part 60 ... Main score 61 ... Sub Musical score 80 ... Production display 82 ... Ranking by player 84 ... Overall ranking 200 ... Processing unit 206 ... Ranking management unit 210 ... Game management unit 220 ... User registration management unit 222 ... Play song selection control unit 224 ... Support NPC selection control unit 226 ... Appearance condition editing unit 228 ... Skill setting unit 230 ... Player instruction timing display control unit 232 ... Support NPC instruction timing display control unit 240 ... Support NPC appearance control unit 242 ... Support NPC automatic control unit 250 ... Production execution control unit 252 ... Grade display control unit 254 ... Support NPC growth control unit 500 ... Storage unit 502 ... Game program 530 ... Support NPC initial setting data 550 ... Initial variation parameter value list 560 ... Initial skill parameter value list 570 ... Appearance condition definition data 578 ... Production start condition definition data 580 ... Music data 600 ... User registration management data 610 ... Support NPC save data 613 ... Acquired experience value 614 ... Growth level 615 ... Supportable time 616 ... Variation parameter value storage list 618 ... Skill parameter value storage list 620 ... Play history data 700 ... Play data 704 ... Play song title 706 ... Elapsed time 710 ... Support NPC setting data 713 ... Applicable appearance type 714 ... Acquired experience value 715 ... Growth level 716 ... Applicable support time 717 ... Applicable variation parameter value List 718 ... Applicable skill parameter value list 719 ... Appearance measure setting data 754 ... Player point 756 ... NPC point 758 ... Total point 800 ... Player-specific ranking data 802 ... Comprehensive ranking data 1500 ... Player terminal 1550 ... Control board

Claims (16)

It is a program for causing a computer system to execute a music game in which a player inputs an operation and enjoys it at a given instruction timing to be input.
An appearance control means that controls a non-playable character, a sub-playing character (hereinafter referred to as "support NPC") , to appear on the game screen for a given supportable time.
By variably controlling the timing of the operation input for the instruction timing of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value of the support NPC, the support NPC independently performs the operation input separately from the operation input of the player. Automatic control means that performs such motion control,
It is a growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the capacity parameter value, and the capacity parameter is such that the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC is higher than before the change. A growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the value.
Supportable time variable control means for variably controlling the supportable time,
A program for operating the computer system as. It is a program for causing a computer system to execute a music game in which a player inputs an operation and enjoys it at a given instruction timing to be input.
An appearance control means that controls the appearance of a sub-playing character (hereinafter referred to as "support NPC") , which is a non-playable character, on the game screen when the appearance condition associated with the support NPC is satisfied.
By variably controlling the timing of the operation input for the instruction timing of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value of the support NPC, the support NPC independently performs the operation input separately from the operation input of the player. Automatic control means that performs such motion control,
It is a growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the capacity parameter value, and the capacity parameter is such that the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC is higher than before the change. A growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the value.
A program for operating the computer system as. The appearance control means causes the support NPC to appear during a given supportable time.
Further functioning the computer system as a supportable time variable control means for variably controlling the supportable time.
The program according to claim 2. Further functioning the computer system as an appearance condition editing means for editing the appearance condition.
The program according to claim 2 or 3. Claim 1 for further functions the computer system as results display control means for performing control to display the player scores based on the operation input of the player, the results obtained by summing the NPC results based on the operation input action of said support NPC The program according to any one of 1 to 4 . The automatic control means controls the operation of the support NPC based on the play history of the player.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The automatic control means controls the operation of the support NPC with respect to the unexecuted portion of the running music game based on the play history of the running music game.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The appearance control means controls to additionally appear the support NPC according to the game situation.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The computer system is made to function as an instruction timing display control means for the support NPC to display and control the instruction timing for the support NPC.
The automatic control means controls the operation input operation of the support NPC so as to match the instruction timing for the support NPC.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The music game is configured such that the sequence of the instruction timings can be branched.
When the series is branched, one of the series before and after the branch is displayed and controlled as an instruction timing for the player, and the other is displayed and controlled as an instruction timing for the support NPC. The computer system as an instruction timing display control means. To work,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . Claims 1 to 10 for operating the computer system as an effect control means for controlling the execution of an effect according to a combination of an evaluation result for an operation input of the player and an evaluation result for an operation input operation of the support NPC. The program described in any one section. The effect control means changes the effect depending on whether or not the evaluation result for the operation input of the player and the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC are the same.
The program according to claim 11 . A computer system that executes a music game in which a player inputs an operation and enjoys it at a given instruction timing to be input.
Appearance control means that controls the appearance of sub-playing characters (hereinafter referred to as "support NPCs") , which are non-playable characters , on the game screen for a given supportable time.
By variably controlling the timing of the operation input for the instruction timing of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value of the support NPC, the support NPC independently performs the operation input separately from the operation input of the player. Automatic control means that performs such operation control,
It is a growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the capacity parameter value, and the capacity parameter is such that the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC is higher than before the change. A growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the value,
The supportable time variable control means for variably controlling the supportable time,
A computer system equipped with. A computer system that executes a music game in which a player inputs an operation and enjoys it at a given instruction timing to be input.
An appearance control means for controlling the appearance of a sub-playing character (hereinafter referred to as "support NPC") , which is a non-playable character, on the game screen when the appearance condition associated with the support NPC is satisfied.
By variably controlling the timing of the operation input for the instruction timing of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value of the support NPC, the support NPC independently performs the operation input separately from the operation input of the player. Automatic control means that performs such operation control,
It is a growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the capacity parameter value, and the capacity parameter is such that the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC is higher than before the change. A growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the value,
A computer system equipped with. A server system that controls the execution of a music game in which a player inputs an operation to a game terminal so as to meet a given instruction timing to be input.
Appearance control means that controls the appearance of sub-playing characters (hereinafter referred to as "support NPCs") , which are non-playable characters , on the game screen for a given supportable time.
By variably controlling the timing of the operation input for the instruction timing of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value of the support NPC, the support NPC independently performs the operation input separately from the operation input of the player. Automatic control means that performs such operation control,
It is a growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the capacity parameter value, and the capacity parameter is such that the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC is higher than before the change. A growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the value,
The supportable time variable control means for variably controlling the supportable time,
Server system with. A server system that controls the execution of a music game in which a player inputs an operation to a game terminal so as to meet a given instruction timing to be input.
An appearance control means for controlling the appearance of a sub-playing character (hereinafter referred to as "support NPC") , which is a non-playable character, on the game screen when the appearance condition associated with the support NPC is satisfied.
By variably controlling the timing of the operation input for the instruction timing of the support NPC based on the ability parameter value of the support NPC, the support NPC independently performs the operation input separately from the operation input of the player. Automatic control means that performs such operation control,
It is a growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the capacity parameter value, and the capacity parameter is such that the evaluation result for the operation input operation of the support NPC is higher than before the change. A growth control means that controls the growth of the support NPC by changing the value,
Server system with.

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