JP2000107439A - Game device, and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device and an information recording medium by which a continuous play of players under a multi-player mode can be urged. SOLUTION: When a game is over with different timings of players 1 and 2, a service life is not imparted, and when the game is over at the same time, the service life is imparted to the player 1 or 2, and the play of the game is continued. The service life is imparted to a player whose game result is inferior, and the service life is imparted to a player whose game result is superior as well by a specified probability. The player to whom the service life has not been imparted can continuously play by throwing in a coin, and an invitation display 40 to urge the throwing-in of a coin and a continuous play is performed. When the life numbers of a plurality of players simultaneously become zero, when the game of the other player is over before a specified period of time has passed since the game of the player 1 has been over, and when a status value of the other player is approx. zero when a status value of the player 1 becomes zero, it is judged that the games are simultaneously over.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game apparatus and an information storage medium for a multi-player game in which a plurality of players can play a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game apparatus for a multi-player type game in which a plurality of players can enjoy game play has been developed.
Has been put to practical use. According to this game device, a player can enjoy a battle play and a cooperative play with another player, and thus the player has gained popularity.

In such a game device, when a plurality of players insert coins (price in a broad sense) at the same time, a multiplayer mode is set, whereas only one player inserts coins. In such a case, it is general that a single player mode is set. And in the single player mode, compared to the multi player mode,
Players with more skill in game play. Further, in the single player mode, the player's play becomes precise and strategic, whereas in the multi-player mode, the player's play becomes coarse. For this reason, when the game device occupation times of the players are the same, the operation rate of the game device (recovery rate) is higher in the multi-player mode than in the single player mode. Therefore,
In order to improve the operating rate of the game device, it is desired to provide a service that allows a player who has selected the multi-player mode to play for a longer time.

[0004] In the multi-player mode, if only one of the players is over the game, the other player tends to insert coins again and continue playing (continue). However, if both players are over the game,
It has also been found that these players tend not to continue playing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a game apparatus and an information storage medium which can encourage a player to continue playing in a multi-player mode. Is to do.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a game apparatus for a multi-player type game in which a plurality of players can play a game, wherein the input is made by a player using operating means. A means for performing a game calculation based on the operation data; a means for generating at least one of a game image and a game sound in accordance with the game calculation; Means for giving the right to continue the game play to at least one of the plurality of players when a plurality of players simultaneously overgame without giving the right to continue the game play to the player It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of players are over at the same time, at least one of the plurality of players is given the right to continue the game play. As a result, the player to whom the game play continuation right has been granted necessarily continues the game play. And
Players without continuation rights also want to enjoy multiplayer play with players with continuation rights.
Continue game play. As a result, multiplayer play by a plurality of players is resumed. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively promote the continuous play of the player in the multi-player mode.

[0008] If a plurality of players are over at different times, the player who has overplayed the game first wants to enjoy multiplayer play with a player who has not yet overplayed the game. ,
Continue game play. Therefore, it is possible to expect the restart of multiplayer play by a plurality of players without giving the right to continue the game play.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the right to continue the game play is given to a player having a poor game result among a plurality of players. In this way, it is possible to minimize the decrease in the operating rate of the game device due to the continuation right of the game play.

[0010] The present invention is also characterized in that a player who has an excellent game result among a plurality of players is given a right to continue game play with a given probability. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player feels unnatural.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a player who has not been given the game play continuation right is allowed to continue the game play on condition that the price is paid. In this manner, the decrease in the operating rate of the game device due to the continuation right granted can be offset by the payment of the price of the player to whom the continuation right has not been granted.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a solicitation display for prompting a player who has not been given the right to continue the game play to pay a price for continuing the game play is provided. In this way, it is possible to encourage the player who has not been given the continuation right to continue playing, and it is possible to increase the possibility of restarting multiplayer play by a plurality of players.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that when the number of lives of a plurality of players becomes zero at the same time, it is determined that the plurality of players have reached the game over at the same time.
In this case, it is desirable that cooperative play and competitive play by a plurality of players coexist in the multiplayer type game.

In the present invention, one of a plurality of players
If another player becomes game over before a given period of time has passed since one player has gone over the game,
A plurality of players may determine that the game is over at the same time.

Also, in the present invention, one of a plurality of players
If the status value of another player is substantially zero when the status value of one player becomes zero, it may be determined that a plurality of players have reached the game over at the same time.

[0016]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the present invention will be described mainly on an example in which a plurality of mini-games are applied to a variety game played by a player, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, a game device that can be played by two players will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The present invention can also be applied to a game device in which more than two players can play.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game device of the present embodiment.

The operation unit 10 is used by a player to input operation data by operating a lever, a button, a shooting device (an input device imitating a gun or the like), a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, and the like. Operation data obtained by the operation unit 10 is input to the processing unit 100.

The processing unit 100 controls the entire game device,
It performs various processes such as instruction of instructions to each block in the game device, game calculation, and the like.
It can be realized by hardware such as U (CISC type, RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The storage unit 180 serves as, for example, a work area of the processing unit 100, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

An information storage medium (a storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 190 stores programs and data. The function of the information storage medium 190 can be realized by hardware such as an optical disk (CDROM, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a game cassette, an IC card, and a semiconductor memory. Processing unit 1
00 performs various processes based on the program and data from the information storage medium 190.

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 190 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
80.

The processing section 100 includes a game calculation section 110, an image generation section 150, and a sound generation section 160.

Here, the game calculation unit 110 performs a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, and a moving object (character, robot, car, tank, airplane, spacecraft, ship, boat, ski, etc.). , Surfboards, balls, bullets, etc.) processing to determine the position and direction of the viewpoint, processing to determine the viewpoint position and line of sight, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to place objects in the object space,
Various game calculation processes such as a hit check process, a process of calculating a game result (result), and a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space are performed based on operation data from the operation unit 10, a game program, and the like. Do it.

The image generation unit 150 includes a game calculation unit 110
A game image is generated according to the game calculation in. The game image generated by the image generation unit 150 is displayed on the display unit 1.
2 is displayed.

The sound generation section 160 generates a game sound according to the game calculation in the game calculation section 110. The game sound generated by the sound generation unit 160 is output from the sound output unit 14.

The game calculation unit 110 includes a play continuation right granting unit 112 and a solicitation display processing unit 116. The play continuation right granting unit 112 includes a game over determination unit 114.

Here, the play continuation right granting unit 112 performs a process for granting a game play continuation right to the player. More specifically, if a plurality of players are over at different times, the right to continue the game play is not given (service) to the plurality of players. On the other hand, when a plurality of players are simultaneously game over, at least one of the plurality of players is given a continuation right of the game play (service). In this way, even when a plurality of players are simultaneously over the game, it is possible to encourage the plurality of players to continue playing. Note that the game over determination unit 114 determines whether or not a plurality of players have reached the game over at the same time.

The solicitation display processing unit 116 prompts a player or the like who has not been given the game play continuation right by the play continuation right giving unit 112 to pay a coin (price in a broad sense) for continuing the game play. Processing for solicitation display is performed.

It should be noted that the game device according to the present embodiment is capable of both game play in a single player mode in which one player plays and game play in a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one game device, or may be generated using a plurality of game devices connected by a transmission line or a communication line. Good.

2. Outline of Game Next, an outline of a game realized by the present embodiment will be described with reference to game image examples of FIGS. 2A to 5B.

When the player inserts a coin (price in a broad sense), a game rule explanation screen is first displayed as shown in FIG. In the variety game of the present embodiment, the player is required to achieve a quota within a time, and if the quota is not achieved, the number of lives of the player is 1
Decrease. When the number of lives becomes zero, the player is over the game.

When the player presses the start button, FIG.
As shown in (B), a difficulty level selection screen is displayed. In this variety game, the player can select any one of an elementary course having the lowest difficulty, an intermediate course having a medium difficulty, and an advanced course having the highest difficulty.

When the player selects the difficulty, FIG.
As shown in (A), a game stage (mini game) selection screen is displayed. The player selects a desired game stage from a plurality of game stages (options G1 to G15) using a lever, a button, and the like while viewing the game stage selection screen (G7 is selected in FIG. 3A). Has been).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, all game stages (options) selectable by the player are displayed on the first game stage selection screen. By doing so, the player can surely play his / her favorite game stage (mini game).

When the player selects a game stage, an explanation screen (command mode screen) for clearing conditions of the selected game stage, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed. In FIG. 3B, as shown by the arrow 20, it is required to attack the head 24 of the monster 22. Then, if 100 shots are hit against the head 24 of the monster 22, the clear condition of the game stage is satisfied. As shown in the display 26, this game stage is completed by two players in cooperative play. That is, in the variety game of the present embodiment, the game stage of the cooperative play and the game stage of the battle (confrontation) play are mixed. Then, in the cooperative play game stage, the two players cooperate with each other,
Achieve the given quota. On the other hand, in the game stage of the battle play, two players achieve a given quota while fighting each other.

After displaying the explanation screen of the clear condition of the game stage, the game play of the player in the game stage starts. Then, when the quota is successfully achieved, a quota success display 28 is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in the life displays 30 and 32, the number of lives of the players 1 and 2 does not decrease. On the other hand, if the achievement of the quota fails, a quota failure display 34 is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in the life displays 30 and 32, both the lives of the players 1 and 2 are reduced by one. As a result, the number of lives of the players 1 and 2, which was two at the initial value, becomes one.

On the other hand, in the battle play, the player who failed to achieve the quota (or the losing player) has a reduced number of lives, and the player who succeeded in achieving the quota (or the winning player) has a reduced life. The number does not decrease. For example, in FIG. 5A, a battle play is performed as shown in a display 36. Since the player 1 has failed to achieve the quota, the number of lives is reduced by one as shown in the life display 30. On the other hand, since the player 2 has succeeded in achieving the quota, the number of lives does not decrease as indicated by the life display 32. In this case, regardless of the success or failure of achieving the quota, for example, the quota of a player who has lost a small number of enemy shots may be reduced by one, and the quota of a player who has won many enemy shots may not be reduced. Good.

When the game play of one game stage is completed as described above, the next game stage selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 5 (B). Then, in FIG. 5B, the option G7 (see FIG. 3A) of the previously selected game stage is displayed again. On the other hand, options G2, G11, and G13 other than G7 are not the same as the options displayed last time. More specifically, options other than G7 are determined by selection or random selection according to given conditions.

In the present embodiment, when the player selects the previously selected game stage again, the difficulty of the game stage increases as shown in the difficulty display 38. That is, as shown in the difficulty level display 19 in FIG.
In the previous game play, the difficulty level of G7 was level 1, but in this game play, the difficulty level is increased to level 2.

3. The feature of the present embodiment is that the feature of the present embodiment is that when a plurality of players are over at different timings, the plurality of players do not have the right to continue the game play, while the plurality of players simultaneously When the game is over, at least one of the plurality of players is given a right to continue the game play.

For example, if the lives of the players 1 and 2 are both 1
In this state, it is assumed that a match-up (play) between the players 1 and 2 is performed, the player 1 fails to achieve the quota, and the player 2 succeeds in achieving the quota.
In this case, as shown in the life displays 30 and 32 of FIG. 6A, the number of lives of the player 1 decreases by one and becomes zero, while the number of lives of the player 2 remains one. Therefore, only the player 1 has a game over, and the players 1 and 2 have a game over at different timings.
In this case, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the service life (broadly, the right to continue game play) is not granted. Then, a solicitation display 40 for prompting the player 1 to insert a coin and continue play is made.

On the other hand, the number of lives of both players 1 and 2 is 1
It is assumed that cooperative play is performed by the players 1 and 2 in this state, and both the players 1 and 2 fail to achieve the quota. In this case, as shown in the life displays 30 and 32 in FIG. 7A, the number of lives of the players 1 and 2 is reduced by one and both become zero. Therefore, the players 1 and 2 are over at the same time. In this case, in this embodiment, a service life (right to continue game play) is given to one of the players 1 and 2. In FIG. 7B, as shown in the win / loss display 42, the game result (game result in a broad sense) of the player 1 is inferior to the player 2, and the player 1 having the inferior game result is Service life is granted. Thereby, as shown in the life display 30, the number of lives of the player 1 becomes one (or may be two), and the player 1 is restored.
As a result, the player 1 can continue the game play.

On the other hand, the number of lives of the player 2 remains zero, and the game over is determined unless the player 2 inserts a coin. Then, a solicitation display 40 for prompting the player 2 to insert a coin and continue the play is made.

In FIG. 7B, service life is given to only one of the players 1 and 2. In order to prevent a player from intentionally causing a simultaneous game over, a service life (right to continue game play) is given to at least one of a plurality of players, and a service life is given to other players. It is particularly desirable not to. However, it is also possible to give service life to all of the plurality of players.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the service life is provided only when the players 1 and 2 are simultaneously over the game. By doing so, the player 1 to whom the service life has been given inevitably continues to play the game. On the other hand, the player 2 to whom the service life has not been given must watch the game until the player 1 finishes playing unless a new coin is inserted. Therefore, the player 2
In the end, the player will insert a coin and enjoy playing against the player 1 and enjoying cooperative play. As a result, multiplayer play by the players 1 and 2 is resumed.

In the multi-player mode, as compared with the single-player mode, a player with an inexperienced game skill tends to play, and the play of the player becomes coarse. For this reason, when the game device occupation times of the players are the same, the operation rate of the game device (recovery rate) is higher in the multi-player mode than in the single player mode. Therefore, even if the operating rate of the game device temporarily decreases due to the provision of the service life, the player 1,
When the game in the multi-player mode 2 is restarted, the operating rate of the game device is eventually improved.

For example, if the service life is not provided when the players simultaneously play the game, the game ends at the same time, and the player ends the game play of the game device and the game of another game device. A situation occurs in which play is started. As in this embodiment,
By giving service life at the time of simultaneous game over, such a situation can be effectively prevented from occurring.

In this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (B), when only one player, for example, the player 1 alone has reached the game over, the service life is not provided. In this case, the player 1
This is because, unless a new coin is inserted, the player must watch the game until the play of the player 2 ends, and it is considered that the player 1 eventually inserts a coin. That is, it is possible to expect the restart of the multiplayer play by the players 1 and 2 without giving the service life.

Now, which of the players 1 and 2 is given the service life may be determined by selecting a random number. However, it is particularly desirable to give the service life to a player who has a poor game performance (result). desirable. This is because a player with poor game performance is likely to re-enter the game in a short time even if a service life is given. That is, when the service life is given to a player having poor game performance, the decrease in the operating rate of the game device due to the assignment of the service life can be minimized.

If a service life is always given to a player who has a poor game performance, the player may have an unnatural feeling or may be motivated by a player who has a good game performance. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a service life with a given probability to a player who has excellent game performance. This can be realized, for example, by using a table as shown in FIG. That is, based on the player's performance data, the player 1
The difference VPD between the number of wins of the player 2 (hereinafter, appropriately P2) and the number of wins of the player 2 (hereinafter, appropriately P2) is calculated. Then, using this VPD, the player 1,
LP1, LP, which are the probabilities of giving service life to 2
Acquire 2. In the table of FIG. 8, as the game performance of the player 1 is inferior (the VPD is smaller), the probability LP1 of providing the service life to the player 1 is increased, and as the game performance of the player 1 is improved (V
As the PD increases, LP1 decreases. That is, the player with poorer game performance has a higher probability of being provided with a service life, and the player with better game performance is also provided with a given service life with a given probability. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation where the player feels unnatural.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in the continuation display 44 of FIG. 7B, the player to whom the service life is not given can continue the game play on condition that the coin (price) is paid. It has become.
This encourages the player to continue playing,
This can provide an opportunity for the player to resume playing in the multi-player mode. Thereby, the operating rate of the game device can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a solicitation display 40 for prompting the player to whom the service life has not been given to pay coins for continuous play is displayed. By doing so, it is possible to provide effective motivation for the player to continue playing, and to encourage the player to resume multiplayer play.

In the invitation display 40, for example,
"If you insert a coin now, the quota will decrease."
It is desirable to display a message such as "The game will be easier if you insert a coin now." By doing so, the motivation of the player for continuous play can be further increased. Also, by transmitting the game results to the player by the win / loss display 42, for example, the competitiveness of the player can be stimulated, and the player can indirectly encourage the player to continue playing.

In the above description, it is determined that when the number of lives of a plurality of players has become zero at the same time, the game has been over for the plurality of players at the same time. That is, FIG.
In a game of the type in which the life value of a player changes discretely (digitally) as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7B, a plurality of players are provided on condition that the number of lives becomes zero at the same time. This is because it can be considered that the game is over at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in a game in which a battle play and a cooperative play by a plurality of players coexist as shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 7B, only one of the players as shown in FIG. The number of lives becomes zero and the game is over, or as shown in FIG. 7A, both players have the number of lives simultaneously and the game is over. This is because, in the battle play, if one player loses, only the life number of one player decreases, and in the cooperative play, if both players lose, the life numbers of both players decrease simultaneously. Therefore, in such a game in which the battle play and the cooperative play are mixed, the service life is not given when only one player is over the game, and when both players are over the game at the same time. The feature of the present embodiment that a service life is provided can be particularly utilized.

On the other hand, unlike the games shown in FIGS. 3A to 7B, there is a game of a type in which the life value of the player changes continuously (in an analog manner). In such a game, for example, it is determined whether or not a plurality of players have reached the game over as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9 (A), when the player 2 goes over the game after a given period T (very short period) has elapsed since the player 1 went over the game. 1 and 2 simultaneously determine that the game is not over. In this case, the game play continuation right is not given. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 (B), when the player 2 has gone over the game before a given period T has elapsed since the player 1 went over the game, the players 1 and 2 play the game over at the same time. Judge that it has become. Then, in this case, the game play continuation right is granted.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the life value of the player 1 (status value in a broad sense) becomes zero and the life value of the player 2 is sufficiently left, the player 1 2 judges that the game is not over at the same time. In this case, the game play continuation right is not given. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the life value of the player 1 becomes almost zero when the life value of the player 1 becomes zero, the players 1, 2
Judges that the game is over at the same time. And
In this case, the game play continuation right is granted.

As described above, even when the life values of the players change continuously instead of discretely, it is possible to determine whether or not a plurality of players have simultaneously played the game. Then, it is possible to realize the method of the present embodiment in which the game play continuation right is given in the case of simultaneous game over, and not given otherwise.

4. Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not a player has inserted a coin (step S).
1). Then, when a coin is inserted, FIG.
A game rule explanation screen as shown in (A) is displayed (step S2). Next, it is determined whether the start button has been pressed (step S3). Then, when pressed, a difficulty level selection screen as shown in FIG. 2B is displayed (step S4). When a course (beginner, intermediate, advanced) is input by the player (step S)
5) As shown in FIG. 3A, a game stage (option) that can be played by the player is displayed (step S).
6). Next, when a game stage is input by the player (step S7), play of the game stage starts (step S8).

When the game play ends, P1
LIFE (number of lives of player 1) and P2 LIFE
It is determined whether both (the number of lives of the player 2) are 1 (step S9), and if not, the processing of steps S10 to S13 is skipped and step S10 in FIG.
Go to 14. On the other hand, if it is 1, the player 1
It is determined whether both (P1) and the player 2 (P2) have failed in the game (achieving the quota) (step S1).
0). If not failed, step S11
Steps S13 to S13 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when the game fails as shown in FIG. 7A and both the players 1 and 2 are over the game, the point difference VPD between the players 1 and 2 is calculated (step S1).
1). Then, LP1 and LP2, which are the probabilities of providing the service life to the players 1 and 2, are obtained from the table of FIG. 8 based on the calculated VPD (step S1).
2). Note that LP1 and LP2 may be calculated by a given calculation formula. Next, the acquired LP1, LP2
, One of the players 1 and 2 is selected, and a service life is given to the selected player as shown in FIG. 7B (step S13). By doing as described above, when the number of lives of the players 1 and 2 becomes zero at the same time and the game is over at the same time, a service life can be given to one of the players 1 and 2.

Next, it is determined whether or not the player 1 (P1) has failed in the game (step S14). Then, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG.
One LIFE is reduced by one (step S15). next,
It is determined whether P1LIFE ≦ 0 (step S1).
6). When P1LIFE ≦ 0, FIG.
As shown in (B), a solicitation display 40 for prompting coin insertion and continuous play is performed (step S17). Then, when the player 1 inserts a coin, the player 1 is allowed to continue playing, and when the player 1 does not insert a coin, a game over display is displayed on the player 1 (steps S18, S19, S19).
20).

Next, it is determined whether or not the player 2 (P2) has failed in the game (step S21). Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), when the operation fails, P2LIFE is decreased by 1 (step S22). Next, P2LIFE
It is determined whether ≦ 0 (step S23). And P
When 2LIFE ≦ 0, as shown in FIG.
A solicitation display 40 for prompting coin insertion and continuous play is performed (step S24). Then, when the player 2 inserts a coin, the continuous play of the player 2 is permitted, and when the player 2 does not insert the coin, a game over display is displayed on the player 2 (steps S25, S26, S27).

5. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 100
4. Information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014
Are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. And the image generation IC 1010
Is connected to the display 1018, and the sound generation IC 10
08 is connected to a speaker 1020, and the I / O port 1
012 is connected to the control device 1022,
A communication device 1024 is connected to the O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing a display object, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game device, a CD-R is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program and the like.
OMs, game cassettes, DVDs and the like are used. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is the ROM 1002.

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the main body of the device.

The program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
CPU 1000 according to a signal input by
Controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000. The information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 10
02, or the calculation result of the CPU 1000 or the like is stored. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.

Further, this type of apparatus includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.
The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1
This is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in 002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004,
An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Note that a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can also be used as the display 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device to transmit and receive given information according to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication line.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10B correspond to the information storage medium 1006 storing a program for performing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
Are realized by the CPU 1000, the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, etc., which operate according to the program. Note that the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 10
The processing performed in step 08 or the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

FIG. 14A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102 and the button 1104 while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. The IC substrate 1106 built in the device has C
A PU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted.
Then, information for performing a game calculation based on operation data input by the player using the operation means, information for generating at least one of a game image and a game sound according to the game calculation, and timings at which a plurality of players have different timings When the game is over, the right to continue the game play is not given to the plurality of players, and when the plurality of players are over at the same time, at least one of the plurality of players is Information for granting the continuation right of game play, information for granting the continuation right of game play to a player who is inferior in game results among a plurality of players, and the like are stored in the information storage on the IC board 1106. It is stored in a memory 1108 which is a medium. Less than,
Such information is called storage information. These stored information are
The program includes at least one of program codes, image information, sound information, shape information of a display object, table data, list data, player information, and the like for performing the various processes described above.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200,
The game controller 1202 and 1204 are operated to enjoy the game. In this case, the stored information is stored in the CD-ROM 1206, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main unit.
It is stored in C cards 1208, 1209 and the like.

FIG. 14C shows a host device 1300,
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including this host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected via a communication line 1302 will be described. in this case,
The storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminal 1304-1 ~
When the CPU 1304-n has a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound processing IC and can generate a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 can generate a game image and a game sound. Are delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. on the other hand,
If it cannot be generated standalone, the host device 1
300 generates a game image and a game sound, and
The data is transmitted to 304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

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

For example, the provision of the game play continuation right to the player is not limited to the provision of the service life as described in the present embodiment. For example, in a game of a type in which a character (moving object) operated by a player moves in a game field, a game play continuation right to restart play from a point where the character is located at the time of game over may be given. Also, various status values other than life (for example, physical strength, endurance, resistance, attack power, weapon quantity)
May be given when the simultaneous game is over.

The simultaneous game over of a plurality of players includes not only a case where a plurality of players are completely over at the same time but also a case where the game is over at substantially the same time.

The payment of the price in the present invention includes not only payment of money such as coins, but also payment by electronic money, a prepaid card, a postpay card, a credit card, and the like. When the game devices are connected by a communication line, it is particularly desirable to pay for such electronic money.

The present invention can be applied to various games (shooting game, quiz game, puzzle game, sports game, role playing game, etc.) without being limited to the variety game described in the present embodiment. In particular, the present embodiment is suitable for a game of a type in which a plurality of players enjoy cooperative play or competitive (confrontation) play against a common enemy such as a computer. As such a game, for example, a gun game in which a plurality of players shoot a target displayed on a screen using a shooting device imitating a gun as shown in FIG. 15 is conceivable.

The present invention is not limited to home and business game machines, but also includes a simulator, a large attraction device in which a large number of 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.

[0083]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are examples of a game image generated according to the embodiment; FIG.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are also examples of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are also examples of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are also examples of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for describing features of the present embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for describing features of the present embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 8 is an example of a table for acquiring a probability of providing a service life to players 1 and 2;

FIGS. 9A and 9B describe a method in which, when a game is over for another player within a given period of time after the game over for one player, it is regarded as a simultaneous game over. FIG.

FIGS. 10 (A) and (B) explain a method of regarding a simultaneous game over when the life value of one player becomes almost zero when the life value of one player becomes zero. FIG.

FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of another game to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of Signs] 10 operation unit 12 display unit 14 sound output unit 30, 32 life display 40 solicitation display 42 win / loss display 44 continue display 100 processing unit 110 game calculation unit 112 play continuation right grant unit 114 game over determination unit 116 solicitation display Processing unit 150 Image generation unit 160 Sound generation unit 180 Storage unit 190 Information storage medium

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yosuke Kuroda 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo NAMCO Corporation (72) Inventor Yasumitsu Onishi 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. In Namco (72) Inventor Kentaro Arai 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA17 BB00 BB04 BB05 BB07 BB08 BB10 BD00 BD05 CB01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A game device for a multi-player game in which a plurality of players can play a game, a means for performing a game calculation based on operation data input by a player using operation means, Means for generating at least one of a game image and a game sound in accordance with the plurality of players; Means for giving the right to continue game play to at least one of the plurality of players when the game is over at the same time. 2. The game device according to claim 1, wherein a game playing continuation right is given to a player who has a poor game result among the plurality of players. 3. The game device according to claim 2, wherein a game playing continuity right is given with a given probability to a player who has an excellent game result among a plurality of players. 4. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the game play is continued for a player to whom the right to continue the game play has not been given, on condition that the price is paid. 5. The game apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a solicitation display for prompting a player who has not been given the right to continue the game play to pay a price for continuing the game play is provided. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the number of lives of a plurality of players becomes zero at the same time,
A game device, wherein the plurality of players determine that the game is over at the same time. 7. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a cooperative play and a competitive play by a plurality of players are mixed in the multiplayer type game. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of players has a game over and another player has a game over before a given period elapses after the game over. A game device wherein a plurality of players determine that a game is over at the same time. 9. The plurality of players according to claim 1, wherein when a status value of one of the plurality of players becomes zero and a status value of the other player is substantially zero, Is determined to be a game over at the same time. 10. An information storage medium for a multi-player game in which information can be read by a computer and a plurality of players can play a game, based on operation data input by the player using operation means. Information for performing a game calculation; information for generating at least one of a game image and a game sound in accordance with the game calculation; If the player does not have the right to continue the game play and if a plurality of players are over at the same time, the information for granting the right to continue the game play to at least one of the plurality of players is provided. An information storage medium characterized by including.