JPH11300035A - Game device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow even a beginner to enjoy without the need of special experience in a game wherein three-dimensionally movable game characters, divided into at least two groups, fight against each other. SOLUTION: In the game device, an input means to cause a game character to do a rotational action is not contained. Thus a player can easily grasp operation intervals and positions of game characters. Moreover, in the device, game characters P1-P4 cannot move freely all over a game field 270, and the game characters P1, P2 can move only within a first moving area 250, while the characters P3, P4 can move only within a second moving area 260. As a result, an unreasonable condition such that the characters are attacked from out of their sight can be prevented from occurring. And, obstacle objects may be disposed on the barrier between the moving areas to limit the movement of the characters.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device and an information storage medium in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space fights in two.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a game apparatus has been developed which performs a game in which a plurality of game characters move around in a three-dimensional space to fight an enemy game character.
Has been put to practical use. For example, there is a game machine in which a plurality of game devices are connected by a communication line, and each player operates a virtual player, a tank, or the like, which is his or her own game character, and enjoys a gun battle with an enemy virtual player or an enemy tank.

In many of such game machines, the game character performs a rotating operation, and the moving range of the own game character and the moving range of the enemy game character overlap.

The operation becomes complicated when there is a rotation operation.
The player needs to get used to the operational feeling. In addition, since the three-dimensional free movement accompanied by the rotation operation is possible, it is difficult to grasp the space, and it is difficult to grasp the positions of the own game character and the enemy character. Therefore,
It is difficult for players who are not familiar with the game to know where their game characters are being attacked, and it is difficult to avoid attacks from enemies.

[0005] Further, since the moving range of the own game character and the moving range of the enemy game character overlap, the enemy game character goes behind the player's own game character and is attacked from a position where the player cannot see. There was an unreasonable situation.

In such a game in which the player moves around the three-dimensional space and fights with the enemy game character, it is difficult to grasp the space.
There is a problem in that it takes time to grasp the operation interval, and a player unfamiliar with the game, such as a beginner or a unitary customer, cannot easily enjoy the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game system in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space is divided into two battles. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device and an information storage medium that can be enjoyed by a beginner without being required.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a game apparatus in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space is divided into at least two battles, and an operation system for performing a shooting input and a game in the three-dimensional space. An input means that does not include an operation system for performing an input for determining a rotation operation of the game character, including an operation system for performing an input for determining a movement vector of the character, and a first means that is a movement range of one of the game characters. Moving space setting means for setting the first and second moving spaces so that the moving space of the second character and the second moving space which is the moving range of the other game character do not overlap, and an input for determining the moving vector. The position of the game character is calculated so that the game character moves only within one movement space based on the shooting. Game operation means for performing an operation for competing with an enemy game character in the other moving space based on the force, wherein the moving space setting means sets the game character in one moving space to the game character in the other moving space. Is characterized in that the first moving space and the second moving space are set in such a shape that they cannot go behind.

The movement vector of the game character indicates the direction and amount of movement of the game character, and means an amount having a direction and a magnitude.

[0010] The game device of the present invention does not include input means for causing the game character to perform a rotation operation. Therefore, even if the game character moves around in the three-dimensional space, the front, rear, left, and right directions are always constant. For this reason, the player can easily understand the operation and can easily grasp the operation interval without requiring special experience. Further, since there is no rotation operation, it is easy to grasp the positions of the own game character and the position of the enemy game character. For this reason, even a beginner or a unified customer can avoid an enemy attack or an enemy attack, and enjoy the game.

[0011] It is not possible to intentionally perform the rotation operation, but it is possible that the game character may perform an operation as if it were apparently rotated. However, such a case is also treated as having no rotation.

Further, in the present invention, the first moving space and the second moving space are set so as not to overlap with each other, so that a game character in one moving space rotates behind a game character in the other moving space. The shape is set so that it cannot be inserted. Since the rotation operation of the game character is not performed, the enemy game character is always in a certain direction (for example, forward) with respect to the game character operated by the player. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an unreasonable situation in which the player is attacked from a position where his or her own game character cannot see.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a game device in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space is divided into two and fights, a game device which can be enjoyed by beginners and unified customers without requiring special use. Can be provided.

The game played on the present game apparatus may be a multi-player game or a single-player game. For example, a multi-player game in which a plurality of game characters are divided into enemy and ally to play, or a single-player game in which a game character played by a computer is played.

[0015] In the present invention, the moving space setting means may include:
The battle field provided in the three-dimensional space is divided into two such that a game character in one space cannot go behind a game character in the other space, and one is defined as a first movement space, and the other is defined as a first movement space. Is set as the second moving space.

In a game device that performs a battle in a three-dimensional space, if the game character can move anywhere in the three-dimensional space, the battle may not be established. Often, it is configured to conduct battles in the field.
In such a case, assuming that the game character can freely move in the battle field, the enemy game character may go behind the player's own game character, and attack the enemy game character from an invisible position. There is also the possibility of receiving.

According to the present invention, the battle field is
A first moving space and a second moving space are set in two so that a game character in one space cannot go behind a game character in the other space.

[0018] Therefore, even in a game device provided with a battle field and configured to perform a battle in the field, there is no possibility that an enemy game character will be attacked from an invisible position. A game device that is easy to understand can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the moving space setting means may include 3
Divide the dimensional space by one plane and divide it into two spaces,
A first moving space is provided in one space, and a second moving space is provided in the other space.

Here, the first moving space and the second moving space may be the two divided spaces themselves or a part of the space.

According to the present invention, by dividing by a plane,
Two spaces can be easily set such that a game character in one space cannot go behind a game character in the other space.

Further, according to the present invention, the moving space setting means arranges an obstacle object at a boundary between the first moving space and the second moving space, and a game character in one moving space cannot move to the other moving space. The first moving space and the second moving space are set as described above.

By arranging the obstacle object as in the present invention, as a result, the game character in one moving space cannot move to the other moving space.

That is, the processing for restricting the movement of the game character can be performed by using a normal collision calculation algorithm without incorporating a special processing for restricting the movement of the game character in the movement space.

Further, the present invention includes an operation system for performing a shooting input and an operation system for performing an input for determining a movement vector of a game character in a three-dimensional space, and an input for determining a rotation operation of the game character. An information storage medium for performing a game in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space is divided into at least two battles based on input information from an input means that does not include an operation system for performing one of the game characters. Moving space setting information for setting the first and second moving spaces so that the first moving space that is the moving range and the second moving space that is the moving range of the other game character do not overlap; The game character is moved so that the game character moves only in one movement space based on an input for determining a movement vector. And information for performing a calculation for fighting an enemy game character in the other moving space based on the shooting input, and the moving space setting information includes a game character in one moving space. Includes information for setting the first moving space and the second moving space in such a shape that it cannot go behind the game character in the other moving space.

Further, according to the present invention, the moving space setting information includes:
The battle field provided in the three-dimensional space is divided into two so that a game character in one space cannot go behind a game character in the other space.
It is characterized by including information for setting one as a first moving space and the other as a second moving space.

Further, according to the present invention, the moving space setting information divides a three-dimensional space into one space and divides the three-dimensional space into two spaces, providing a first moving space in one space and a first moving space in the other space. It is characterized by including information for providing the second moving space.

Further, according to the present invention, the moving space setting information includes:
An obstacle object is arranged at the boundary between the first moving space and the second moving space, and the first moving space and the second moving space are moved so that the game character in one moving space cannot move to the other moving space. It is characterized by including information for setting.

[0029]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a shooting game in which a plurality of game characters are divided into an enemy and an ally in a three-dimensional space and battles each other will be described as an example. Not something.

1. FIG. 1 shows an example of a connection between game devices.

In this embodiment, a plurality of independent game machines 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, and 10-6 are connected in a loop, for example. And the game device 1
Each of 0-1 to 10-6 transmits and receives data to and from another game device via the transmission line 12. In the present embodiment, the data is transmitted so as to go around the transmission line 12 in a clockwise direction.

Each of the game devices 10-1 to 10-6 has
It is configured so that a single player type game can be played independently.

2. Configuration of Game Device FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game device.

The operation section 120 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a gun.
In the present embodiment, a shooting input is performed by a button, and a movement vector of the game character is input by a lever. There is no means for inputting the rotation amount of the game character in the operation unit of the present embodiment,
The operation unit 120 functions as an input unit.

The information storage medium 130 stores information such as programs and data, and its function is realized by hardware such as ROM, CDROM, hard disk, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, and DVD. it can. The information storage medium 130 stores various information for realizing the present embodiment (information for transmitting and receiving data, information for setting a moving space, a position of a game character based on an input from an operation unit, and the like). Game calculation information for performing the shooting calculation). The information stored in the information storage medium 130 is at least one of a program code, image information, sound information, shape information of a display object, table data, list data, player information, and the like for performing the processing of the present embodiment. Is included.

The processing unit 140 controls the entire game device,
It performs various kinds of processing such as instruction of instructions to each block in the game device and game calculation, and the function thereof is a CPU.
(CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.). Here, the processing unit 140 operates based on player operation data input from the operation unit 120 via the I / O port 124, programs and data from the information storage medium 130, and the like. The processing unit 140 performs various processes using the work memory 158 as a work area.

The processing section 140 includes a transmission / reception processing section 142, a moving space setting section 144, and a game calculation section 146.

Here, the transmission / reception processing section 142 performs processing for transmitting / receiving data to / from another game device. For example, writing transmission data to the buffer memory 180,
Read the received data from the buffer memory 180,
Processing such as issuing various instructions for transmission and reception to the communication control unit 170 is performed.

The moving space setting section 144 sets the first moving space which is the moving range of the game character and the second moving space which is the moving range of the enemy game character so as not to overlap. Here, the first moving space and the second moving space are set in such a shape that the game character is not attacked by the game character in the other moving space from behind.

The game calculation unit 146 calculates the position of the game character based on the movement vector of the game character input from the operation unit so that the game character moves only in one movement space, and performs the shooting input. Is calculated based on the enemy game character in the other moving space.

The work memory 158 serves as a work area for the processing section 140, the image generation section 160, the sound generation section 164, the communication control section 170, and the like, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

The image generating section 160 generates various images according to an instruction from the processing section 140 and the like, and
The function is the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, DSP and a given program (image generation program).

The sound generation unit 164 generates various sounds according to instructions from the processing unit 140 and outputs the sounds to the sound output unit 166. The function of the sound generation unit 164 is as follows.
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU and a DSP and a given program (sound generation program).

The communication control section 170 performs various kinds of control for communication, and has a function of a communication ASIC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a given program (communication program).

The buffer memory 180 temporarily stores received data and transmitted data.
It can be realized by hardware such as AM. Here, buffer memory 180 has a transmission-only area 182 and a transmission / reception area 184.

The data received from the preceding game device is I
The data is written to the transmission / reception area 184 via the / O port 172 and the communication control unit 170. If the received data is not necessary for the game device, the data is transmitted from the transmission / reception area 182 to the subsequent game device via the communication control unit 170 and the I / O port 172 as it is. On the other hand, if necessary, the received data is read by the processing unit 140 and written to the work memory 158. After given processing is performed by the processing unit 140 or the like, the data is written as transmission data in the transmission-only area 182 and transmitted to the subsequent game device via the communication control unit 170 and the I / O port 172.

3. Features of the present embodiment The features of the game device of the present embodiment are that the rotational movement of the game character is restricted so that it always faces the opponent's moving space, and two moving spaces are provided at the center like a tennis court. It is divided into points.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the operation unit 120 of the game device according to the present embodiment. The operation unit 120 is a moving direction and a moving amount (hereinafter, referred to as a moving vector) of the game character.
And a button 212 for performing a shooting input of the shooting device. However, it does not include an operation unit for performing input for determining a rotation operation of the game character.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show the operation unit 120.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the operation of the lever 210 provided for the game character and the game character.

FIG. 4A shows a lever 210 provided on the operation unit 120. The lever is 36
It is formed so as to be freely rotatable by 0 degrees, and the movement vector of the game character in the three-dimensional space is determined based on the operation input.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the player moves the lever forward, the game character 220 moves forward on the screen, and when the player moves the lever backward, the game character 220 moves backward on the screen. When the player moves the lever to the left, the game character 220 moves to the left of the screen, and when the player moves the lever to the right, the game character 220 moves to the right of the screen.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the game character is restricted by not providing an input means for the rotation of the game character. In the present embodiment, the input for the rotation operation is not provided, so that the rotation operation cannot be intentionally performed. However, there is a case where the game character performs an operation as if it were apparently rotated. However, it is only temporary and the rotation of the game character is limited.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, it may be considered that the game character 230 of the player is always facing the front of the screen, and the enemy game character 240 is always facing the player. Good.

For this reason, the relationship between the lever operation and the player's direction in which the player moves on the screen is always constant. Therefore, the player can easily grasp the operation interval without any special operation, and can easily grasp the spatial position.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C and FIG. 6A
(B) is a diagram for describing a problem in a game device in which a game character can freely move in a three-dimensional space.

For example, when the moving range of the game character is not limited, and when the game characters P1 and P2 face each other in the game field 270 as shown in FIG. Is an enemy game character. However, assuming that the movement range of each game character is not limited, the game character P1 can go behind the game character P2 as shown in FIG. 5B. Then, the enemy game character exists at a position invisible from the game characters P1 and P2, and it is difficult to grasp the position of the enemy game character. Then, assuming that the game character P1 can rotate, FIG.
As shown in (C), the game character P2 is driven into an irrational situation of being attacked by the game character P1 from an invisible position.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the game field 270 is divided into two moving spaces 280 and 290, and the game characters P1 and P2 can move in the moving spaces 280 and 290, respectively. In such a case, the one game character does not go behind the other game character. However, assuming that the game character can rotate freely, there is a possibility that the game character P2 is attacked from a position where the game character P2 cannot be seen, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a game field 2 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the bird's-eye view of 70 is viewed. In the present embodiment, the game character squats and jumps,
It is possible to climb to a high place, and the game field 270 of FIG. 7 can be moved three-dimensionally. The game field 270 has a first game space 2 in the center.
50 and a second game space 260.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a game field and a game character according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the game characters P1,
P2 and the game characters P3 and P4 form a pair, and compete with the opponent's pair. Here, the game characters P1, P2, P3, and P4 are
It is not always possible to move the whole 0 freely. The game characters P1 to P4 cannot move freely over the entire game field 270. The game characters P1 and P2 move in the first movement space 250, and the game characters P3 and P4 move in the second movement space. Limited to space 260.

Further, since the rotation of the game character is restricted as described above, the situation described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B does not occur, and an enemy is almost always present in the front direction. . This makes it easy to grasp the position of the enemy.
Also, since the enemy game character cannot go behind behind the own game character, an unreasonable situation of being attacked from an invisible position does not occur.

4. Operation of the present embodiment Next, a detailed example of the operation of restricting the movement of the game character in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the movement range of the game character and the movement vector.

This flowchart shows the processing for each inter until the game is over (step S
50), repeat the processing from step S10 to step S40.

First, a movement vector of a game character is calculated based on a player's lever operation from the operation unit 120 (step S10). FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a state where the end point 312 of the movement vector 310 is within the movement range 320 of the game character. Thus, if the end point 312 of the movement vector 320 is within the movement range 320 of the game character, the game character P
1 is moved to the end point 312 of the movement vector (steps S20, S40).

FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a state where the end point 332 of the movement vector 330 is outside the movement range 320 of the game character P1. Thus, if the end point 332 of the movement vector 330 is outside the movement range 320 of the game character, the movement vector 330 and the movement range 3
The process of moving the game character P1 to the intersection 334 of 20 is performed (steps S20 and S30).

By performing such processing in the game calculation section 146, the moving range of the game character can be limited to the range set by the moving space setting section 144.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made.

In the present embodiment, the case where the moving range 320 is virtually set as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an obstacle object 550 may be arranged around the game field 580 to separate the first moving space 560 from the second moving space 570. By arranging the obstacle object 550 in this way, it becomes impossible to limit the movement range of the game characters P1 and P2.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Is divided into two spaces 380, 390 on a plane 370,
A moving space may be set.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are diagrams schematically showing examples of setting various other moving spaces. FIG.
As shown in (A), a circular battle field 400 (three-dimensionally, a cylinder, a cone, a semicircle, etc.) is divided by a curved surface 410, and
One moving space 420, 430 may be set. Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the battle field 440 may be divided by a plane 450 composed of a combination of two or more planes, and two moving spaces 460 and 470 may be set. FIG.
As shown in (C), one polygonal battle field 480 may be separated by one plane 490, and two moving spaces 500 and 510 may be set. Further, the combination of the shape of the battle field and the plane to be separated is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the game characters battle with each other using a gun has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a case where a ball, a bomb, or the like is struck may be used.

In the present embodiment, the case where the game character is a human body object has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a tank or a fighter may be used.

For example, the connection form of the game device in the present invention is not limited to the ring type shown in FIG. For example, the present invention is applicable to a star type as shown in FIG. 14A or a bus type as shown in FIG. 14B. For example, the master (host) may have an information storage medium containing information for data transmission / reception, information for setting a moving space, and the like.

Further, by connecting a plurality of game devices via a communication line, the present invention is not limited to the case where a multi-player game is performed, but may be a case where a single game device is configured to enable the multi-player game.

The present invention is not limited to a multi-player game, and may be a case where a single player game is played against a game character operated by a computer.

The configuration of the game apparatus of the present invention is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications can be made.

The present invention also relates to a home game device, a business game device, a simulator, a large attraction device in which many players participate, a personal computer,
The present invention can be applied to various game devices such as a multimedia terminal and a system board for generating a game image.

[0078]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of the game device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external view of an operation unit according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining a positional relationship between a game character and an operation of a lever provided on an operation unit.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams for explaining a problem in a game device capable of freely moving in a three-dimensional space.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a problem in a game device capable of freely moving in a three-dimensional space.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a bird's-eye view of a game field according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a game field and a game character according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of an operation of restricting movement of a game character in the present embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the movement range and the movement vector of the game character.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of setting a movement range according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a setting example of a movement range according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of setting a moving space; FIGS.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing examples of various connection forms of the game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10-1 to 10-6 Game device 12 Transmission line 120 Operation unit 124 I / O port 130 Information storage medium 140 Processing unit 142 Transmission / reception processing unit 144 Moving space setting unit 146 Game calculation unit 158 Work memory 160 Image generation unit 162 Display unit 164 Sound generation unit 166 Sound output unit 170 Communication control unit 172 I / O port 180 Buffer memory 182 Transmission-only area 184 Transmission / reception area

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A game device in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space is divided into at least two battles, and an operation system for performing a shooting input and a movement vector of the game character in the three-dimensional space are determined. Input means that does not include an operation system that performs an input for determining the rotation operation of the game character, including an operation system that performs an input of a game character, a first movement space that is a movement range of one game character, and the other game character Moving space setting means for setting the first and second moving spaces so that the second moving space that is the moving range of the game character does not overlap, and the game character moves by 1 based on an input for determining the moving vector. The position of the game character is calculated so as to move only in the space, and the other moving space is calculated based on the shooting input. Game operation means for performing an operation for fighting an intervening enemy game character, wherein the moving space setting means does not allow a game character in one moving space to go behind a game character in the other moving space. A game device, wherein a first moving space and a second moving space are set in such shapes. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the moving space setting means does not allow a game character in one space to go around a battle field provided in a three-dimensional space behind a game character in the other space. Divided into two,
A game device, wherein one is set as a first moving space and the other is set as a second moving space. 3. The moving space setting unit according to claim 1, wherein the moving space setting means divides the three-dimensional space into one space and divides the three-dimensional space into two spaces, and provides a first moving space in one space and another space in the other space. A game device, wherein a second moving space is provided in a space. 4. The game character according to claim 1, wherein the moving space setting unit arranges an obstacle object at a boundary between the first moving space and the second moving space. A first moving space and a second moving space so that the game device cannot move to the other moving space. 5. An operation for performing an input for determining a rotation operation of a game character, including an operation system for performing a shooting input and an operation system for performing an input for determining a movement vector of a game character in a three-dimensional space. An information storage medium for performing a game in which a game character capable of moving in a three-dimensional space is divided into at least two battles based on input information from input means that does not include a system. Moving space setting information for setting the first and second moving spaces so that the first moving space does not overlap with the second moving space that is the moving range of the other game character; and Based on the input for determining, the position of the game character is performed so that the game character moves only in one movement space. And information for performing an operation for fighting an enemy game character in the other moving space based on the shooting input, wherein the moving space setting information is such that the game character in one moving space moves in the other moving space. An information storage medium including information for setting a first moving space and a second moving space in a shape that cannot be turned around behind a game character in a space. 6. The game machine according to claim 5, wherein the moving space setting information is such that a game character in one space goes around a battle field provided in a three-dimensional space behind a game character in the other space. Divided into two so that there is no
An information storage medium including information for setting one as a first moving space and the other as a second moving space. 7. The moving space setting information according to claim 5, wherein the moving space setting information divides a three-dimensional space into one space and divides the three-dimensional space into two spaces. An information storage medium characterized by including information for providing a second moving space in the space. 8. The game in one of the moving spaces, wherein the moving space setting information includes: an obstacle object is arranged at a boundary between the first moving space and the second moving space. An information storage medium including information for setting a first moving space and a second moving space so that a character cannot move to the other moving space.