JP2000157719A - Information storage medium and game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information storage medium and a game apparatus, by which interest in play of a large number of players can be improved. SOLUTION: Controllers 20-1 and 20-2 have controller displays 30-1 and 30-2, respectively. When a player 1P transfers a game information (massage/ negotiation/secrecy/sign play/position/positional game information) to a player 2P, the game information is displayed on the display 30-2 and the controller 20-2 is vibrated. Each operation using the controller is associated with each instruction to transfer the game information. The game information is transferred only to players of the same group. Positional information which is not displayed on a main display, positional game information, an explanation screen of the operation method of the controllers, captured pieces of a player, cards in reserve, selected screen of character operated by a player are displayed on a controller display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information storage medium and a game device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game device, a player operates a controller while watching a game image displayed on a display unit, and enjoys a competitive play or a cooperative play with another player.

[0003] However, in conventional game devices, particularly in home game devices, all players are one player.
The player plays the game while looking at the two display units (hereinafter, such a display unit is referred to as a main display unit). For this reason, the information displayed on the main display section is known to all players, even if the information the player wants to keep secret. Therefore, the result was that the fun of multiplayer play was spoiled. In addition, there are games in which, when personal information is disclosed, a multiplayer game itself is not established.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information storage medium and a game device which can improve the interest of multiplayer play. is there.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game. Information for performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player, information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit according to the game calculation, When the game information is transferred to at least one other player using the controller, the transferred game information is displayed on a controller display unit of the controller of the other player. It is characterized by including.

According to the present invention, when a player transfers game information to another player, the game information is displayed on a controller display of a controller of the other player. As a result, various game information can be exchanged between the player and another player, and it is possible to improve the fun of the competitive play and the cooperative play.

In this case, the game information includes message information sent between a player and another player, negotiation information between the player and another player, secret information between the player and another player, sign play information in a sports game. The information may include at least one of item information handed between a player and another player, position information not displayed on the main display unit, and position-related game information not displayed on the main display unit.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that when game information is transferred from a player to another player, the game information includes information for performing a process of notifying another player that the game information has been transferred. . In this way, even if another player is looking at the main display,
It becomes possible to notify other players of the fact that the game information has been transferred.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that another player is notified that game information has been transferred from a player by vibrating a controller of the other player. This can prevent a situation in which the fact that the game information has been transferred is known to the player other than the player and other players.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that each operation using the controller is associated in advance with each command for transferring game information. By doing so, the operation for transferring the game information can be simplified and speeded up.

Further, in the present invention, when a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, the game information is transferred to a controller of another player belonging to the same group as the player. This makes it possible to secretly exchange game information between the player and another player.

The present invention is also an information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game. The information storage medium has a controller display section and is operated by each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation based on the information,
According to the game calculation, information for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit, position information not displayed on the main display unit, and position information not displayed on the main display unit on the controller display unit of the controller of the player. And information for performing a process of displaying at least one of the game information.

According to the present invention, position information and position-related game information not displayed on the main display are displayed on the controller display. Therefore, the player can play the game without knowing the position information and the position-related game information to other players. As a result, the variety of game play strategies can be increased.

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, the position information and the position-related game information are displayed on a controller of a controller of another player belonging to the same group as the player. It is characterized in that it is displayed in a section. In this way, players belonging to the same group can play while keeping the position information and the position-related game information secret.

The present invention is also an information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game, and has a controller display section and is operated by each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation based on the information,
According to the game calculation, information for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit, and information for performing a process of displaying a description screen of an operation method of the controller on the controller display unit of the controller of the player. It is characterized by including.

According to the present invention, the explanation screen of the operation method of the controller is displayed on the controller display unit. Therefore, the player can operate the controller while watching the explanation screen, and can easily learn the operation method of the controller.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the explanation screen is switched according to at least one of a game situation, a type of controller, and customization of an operation method by a player. This makes it possible to display an appropriate explanation screen on the controller display unit according to the game situation, the type of controller, and the customization of the operation method by the player.

The present invention is also an information storage medium that allows a computer to read information and that allows a player to play a mahjong game. The information storage medium has a controller display section and can be read from each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation based on the operation information; information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; and a controller display unit of the controller of the player. And information for performing processing for displaying tiles.

According to the present invention, the tiles held by the player are displayed on the controller display unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a tile held by another player is known,
Multiplayer play of the mahjong game that could not be realized until now can be realized.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a player's possession points are also displayed on a controller display section of the player's controller. By doing so, the fun of multiplayer play of the mahjong game can be further increased.

The present invention is also an information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a card game. Information for performing a game calculation based on the operation information; information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; and a controller display unit of the controller of the player. And information for performing a process of displaying a card.

According to the present invention, the card held by the player is displayed on the controller display unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the possessed card is disclosed to another player, and it is possible to realize a multiplayer play of a card game that could not be realized until now.

The present invention is also an information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game for operating a moving body, and has a controller display section and is operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller; and information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit according to the game calculation.
Information for performing a process of displaying a selection screen of a moving object operated by the player is included in a controller display section of the controller of the player.

According to the present invention, a selection screen for a moving object (character or the like) operated by the player is displayed on the controller display unit. Therefore, the player does not know which mobile object he or she has selected,
You can freely select the moving object.

In the present invention, the selection screen may be a screen for a player to select one or a plurality of moving objects to be played against one or a plurality of moving objects operated by another player.

[0026]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of an external view of a game device according to the present embodiment.

A plurality of controllers 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, and 20-4 can be connected to the main unit 10 of the game device. The game image (main screen) generated by the main device 10 is displayed on the main display unit 12.

The controller 20 has a start button 2
2. Direction key (cross key) 23, operation buttons 24, 2
5, 26 and 27. Also, the controller 20
It has a controller display unit 30 on which a sub screen is displayed. As will be described later, the feature of the present embodiment resides in that the function of the controller display unit 30 of the controller 20 is successfully used.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the display window 90
PDA (Personal D)
The controller 900 may be provided with a function of a controller display unit by inserting the digital assistant or the portable game device 910. This PDA 9
Reference numeral 10 denotes a display unit 912, direction keys 914, operation buttons 9
15, 916, 917, and 918, and it is possible to enjoy game play alone. This PD
By inserting the A910 into the controller 900, the display unit 912 of the PDA 910 can be seen through the display window 902. That is, the display unit 912 of the PDA 910 can function as a controller display unit of the controller 900.

As shown in FIG. 2B, information may be transmitted and received between the controller 20 and the main unit 10 by wireless communication such as infrared rays and electric waves without using a connection line. .

FIG. 3 shows an example of a block diagram of the game device of the present embodiment.

Here, the processing section 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire apparatus, instruction of instructions to each block in the apparatus, game calculation, and the like.
(CISC type, RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array or the like), or other hardware or a given program (game program).

The I / F unit 130 controls the controller 20 (20-1, 20-2) in accordance with an instruction from the processing unit 100 or the like.
And the like, and an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the transmission / reception controller I
This can be realized by hardware such as C. When transmitting and receiving information to and from the controller 20 using wireless communication such as infrared light, the function of the I / F unit 130 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The storage section 140 includes a processing section 100, an I / F section 130, an image generation section 160, a sound generation section 170, and a communication section 1.
It is a work area such as 74, and its function is RAM
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The information storage medium (storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD) or a magneto-optical disk (MO). ),
It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory (ROM).
The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention based on information such as programs and data stored in the information storage medium 150.

Some or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power to the apparatus is turned on.
40. The information storage medium 150
The information stored in the, the program code for realizing the processing of the present invention, image information, sound information, shape information of the display object, table data, list data, player information,
The information includes at least one of information for instructing the process of the present invention, information for performing a process according to the instruction, and the like.

The image generating section 160 generates various images according to instructions from the processing section 100 and outputs the images to the main display section 12. The function of the image generating section 160 is as follows.
This can be realized by hardware such as an SIC, a CPU, and a DSP, a given program (image generation program), and image information.

The sound generation section 170 generates various sounds in accordance with an instruction from the processing section 100 and outputs the sounds to the sound output section 14. The function of the sound generation section 170 is as follows.
It can be realized by hardware such as a PU and a DSP, a given program (sound generation program), and sound information (waveform data and the like).

The communication unit 174 performs various controls for performing communication with an external device (for example, a host device or another game device) via a network (for example, the Internet). Communication ASIC, CP
It can be realized by hardware such as U or a given program (communication program).

Information for realizing the processing of the present invention may be distributed from the information storage medium of the host device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 174. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game calculation section 110 and a controller control section 112.

Here, the game calculation unit 110 includes a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, a process for managing the progress of a simulation game, a mahjong game, and a card game, a moving object (character,
Robots, cars, motorcycles, tanks, airplanes, spaceships, ships, boats, skis, surfboards, balls, bullets, etc.) processing to determine the position and direction of the viewpoint and line of sight, play the motion of the moving object Processing, processing for arranging objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (game results, scores, etc.), processing for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, or game over processing, etc. Are performed based on operation information from the controller 20, a game program, and the like.

The controller control section 112 performs various processes for controlling the controller 20.

More specifically, controller controller 11
2 performs processing for displaying the transferred game information on the controller display unit of another player when the player has transferred the game information (message information or the like) to another player using, for example, a controller. Alternatively, a process for displaying position information or position-related game information not displayed on the main display unit on the controller display unit is performed. Alternatively, a process for displaying an explanation screen of the operation method of the controller on the controller display unit is performed. Alternatively, a process for displaying a player's tiles and cards on the controller display unit is performed. Alternatively, a process for displaying a selection screen of a moving object (such as a character) operated by the player on the controller display unit is performed.

The controller 20 includes a processing unit 200,
F section 230, storage section 240, information storage medium 250, display control section 260, controller display section 30, vibration mechanism 27
Contains 0.

The processing section 200 performs various processes such as control of the entire controller, instruction of each block in the controller, 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.

The I / F unit 230 serves as an interface for transmitting / receiving information to / from the main unit 10 in accordance with an instruction from the processing unit 200 and the like. Can be realized by: When transmitting and receiving information to and from the main device 10 using wireless communication such as infrared rays, the I / F
The function of the unit 230 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The storage section 240 serves as a work area for the processing section 200, the I / F section 230, the display control section 260, and the like, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

The information storage medium 250 stores information such as programs and data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 200 performs various processes based on the information stored in the information storage medium 250.

The display control section 260 controls the display of the controller display section 30, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a display controller IC or a given program.

The controller display section 30 displays personal information of the player, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and a small CRT.

The vibration mechanism 270 is for vibrating the controller 20 in a given situation. For example, when the player fires a gun in a game, the vibration mechanism 2
By vibrating the controller 20 at 70, the virtual reality of the player can be improved. Note that the vibration mechanism 270
As in the case of the PDA 910 of FIG.

2. Features of this embodiment (1) Transfer of game information In this embodiment, game information is transferred from a controller of a player to a controller of another player so that the game information can be displayed on a controller display unit of another player. It has become.

For example, in FIG. 4, a plurality of players including a 1P player (first player) and a 2P player (second player) play a strategy simulation game. Using the controller 20-1, the 1P player performs an operation of sending message information (game information in a broad sense) of an alliance conclusion request to the 2P player. Thereby, the message information is transmitted from the controller 20-1 to the 2P.
The data is transferred to the controller 20-2 of the player and displayed on the controller display unit 30-2. When the 2P player approves the conclusion of the alliance, the message information indicating the consent is transferred from the controller 20-2 to the controller 20-1 and displayed on the controller display unit 30-1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, game information is secretly exchanged between the 1P and 2P players without being known by the 3P player (third player) and the 4P player (fourth player). It becomes possible. As a result, it becomes possible to bargain between the players, collapsing any player, giving false game information to any player, and outrunning or confusing the player. That is, it becomes possible to enjoy a way of playing, such as collusion or betrayal, between players, which could not be realized in the game up to now.

The method of the present embodiment can be applied to various games.

For example, when the present embodiment is applied to a mahjong game, it becomes possible for arbitrary players to collaborate, exchange desired tiles, and prevent a parent's extended play. In addition, it is possible to pretend that a collusion has been made, to disguise the information of the lie, to defeat the second-placed player and keep the second place.

When the present embodiment is applied to a board game for bidding or the like, the following is performed. In other words, information (negotiation information in a broad sense) notifying that the player will auction his or her store is sent to all other players. Then, a bid price (negotiation information and secret information in a broad sense) is separately received from each player. The player who participated in the bid cannot know information such as how much the other player has charged or has presented some condition instead of money. Therefore, bargaining close to real-world bidding can be realized.

When the present embodiment is applied to a sports game such as a volleyball game, sign play information such as "slow" and "quick" is secretly exchanged between the 1P and 2P players, and 3P, 4P
For example, it is possible to play with a set of players.

When the present embodiment is applied to a Scottish yard game in which a player plays separately in a robbery group and a police group, the player who stole the money (item information in a broad sense) first has the same robbery group. Hand (send) the money to another player belonging to
Plays such as disturbing police group investigations are possible.

When the present embodiment is applied to a competitive 3D (three-dimensional) shooting game, the following is achieved. For example, in a vast dungeon, four players
It is assumed that the players are divided into two groups and play. In this case, the players belonging to the same group individually search the dungeon while searching for the position of the treasure or the enemy player (position information in a broad sense) or the information of the treasure or enemy player at that position (in a broad sense). Position-related game information). Since the position information and the position-related game information are not displayed on the main display section, they are not known to the enemy group. In addition, when one player finds a treasure that cannot be held, the treasure (item information in a broad sense) can be passed (transmitted) to another player. Also, cooperative play is possible in which one player lures an enemy group while exchanging message information with each other, and another player snipers from a long distance.

As described above, the game information transmitted and received between the controllers includes message information transmitted between the player and another player, negotiation information between the player and another player, and secret information between the player and another player. Various information such as back information, sign play information in a sports game, item information handed between a player and another player, position information not displayed on the main display portion, and position-related game information not displayed on the main display portion. Can be considered.

When game information is transferred from a player to another player, it is desirable to perform a process for notifying the other players of the fact of the transfer. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the game information is transferred from the 1P player to the 2P player, the fact of the transfer is notified to the 2P player by vibrating the controller 20-2 of the 2P player. In this case, the vibration of the controller 20-2 can be realized by the function of the vibration mechanism 270 in FIG. Further, if the vibration is weakened, the fact of the transfer can be notified to the 2P player without being known to the other 3P and 4P players. Note that the fact of the transfer may be notified by, for example, sound or light instead of vibration.

It is desirable that each operation using the controller be associated in advance with each command for transferring game information. For example, in FIG. 6, the operation of the start button 22 is “transmit”, the operation of the direction key 23 is “designation of a transfer destination player”, and the operation buttons 24, 25, 26, 27
Are associated with "request for concluding alliances", "request for supplies", "acceptance", and "rejection", respectively. This makes it possible to simplify and speed up the transfer of the game information. The transfer of the game information may be simplified and speeded up by displaying a menu on the controller display unit.

When a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, it is desirable to transfer the game information to a controller of another player belonging to the same group as the player. For example, in FIG. 7, the 1P, 2P players are in the first group, 3P, 4P
The players are in the second group. In this case,
When the 1P player transfers the game information, the game information is transferred only to the controller 20-2 of the 2P player in the same group, and to the controllers 20-3 and 20-4 of the 3P and 4P players in different groups. Don't do it. By doing so, the game information to be transferred can be
It is possible to keep it secret within the group.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of flowcharts relating to processing for transferring game information between 1P and 2P players.

FIG. 8A is a flowchart of the 1P-side processing. First, the 1P player is made to select which message (message information) to transfer (step S).
1). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation button 24 is pressed if the message is an alliance conclusion request message, and the operation button 25 is pressed if the message is a material procurement request message. Next, the 1P player is selected to which player the message is transferred (step S2). When transferring to the 2P player, the direction key 23 is pressed upward as shown in FIG.
Then, the message is sent to the controller 20 of the 1P player.
-1 is transferred to the controller 20-2 of the 2P player (step S3).

FIG. 8B is a flowchart of the 2P side processing. First, it is determined whether or not the message has been transferred (step S4). If the message has been transferred, the controller 20-2 is vibrated as shown in FIG. 5 (step S4).
5). Then, the transferred message is displayed on the controller display unit 30-2 (step S6). Next, the player is made to select whether or not to accept the message (step S7). Then, the player operates the operation button 2 shown in FIG.
If the user presses 6 to accept, an acceptance message is returned to the controller 20-1 (step S8). On the other hand, if the player presses the operation button 27 and rejects it, a rejection message is returned to the controller 20-2 (step S9).

(2) Display of Position Information and Position-Related Game Information In this embodiment, position information and position-related game information not displayed on the main display are displayed on the controller display.

For example, in FIG. 9, a plurality of players are playing a strategy simulation game. Main display 1
2 shows the overall map and the power distribution of each player (1P,
Countries with the letters 2P, 3P, 4P are 1P,
2P, 3P, and 4P players).

When the 1P player dispatches a spy to the country 40 of the 2P player, a star mark 42 (position information in a broad sense) indicating the destination of the spy is displayed on the controller display section 30-1 of the 1P player. The star mark 42 is not displayed on the main display unit 12, and the other 2P, 3P, and 4P players cannot know to which country the 1P player dispatched the spy. Also, the controller display unit 30
For -1, information 44 (position-related game information in a broad sense) of the country 40 with the star mark 42 is displayed. The country information 44 is not displayed on the main display unit 12, and other 3P and 4P players except the 2P player cannot see the country information 44. Therefore, the 1P player can take a strategy of using the country information 44 to advance the subsequent game to an advantage.

The method of the present embodiment can be applied to various games.

For example, when the present embodiment is applied to a Scottish yard game in which a player plays separately in a robbery group and a police group, the following is performed. In other words, players belonging to the same robbery group will have their position information displayed on the controller display unit at hand. Therefore, it is possible to play with each other in such a way that the investigation of the police group is disturbed.

When the present embodiment is applied to a competitive 3D shooting game, the following is obtained. For example, assume that 1P and 2P players compete in a dungeon. In this case, each player can set a trap such as a mine at an arbitrary place in the dungeon. The position (position information) of the trap set by the 1P player and the type of trap (position-related game information) are displayed on the controller display section of the 1P player, but are displayed on the main display section and the controller display section of the 2P player. Is not displayed. Similarly, the position and type of the trap set by the 2P player are displayed on the controller display of the 2P player, but are not displayed on the main display and the controller display of the 1P player. This makes it possible to realize a battle game in which a trap is secretly set and an enemy is defeated, which cannot be realized with a conventional game device.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a flowchart relating to a process for displaying position information and position-related game information on the controller display unit.

First, it is determined whether or not the player's turn has come (step T1), and if so, the player selects which action to take (step T2). When the player has taken an action such as movement or tax revenue, the processing shifts to another processing (step T4). On the other hand, when the action of dispatching the spy is taken, the player is made to select the dispatch destination of the spy (step T3). Then, the location of the spy destination (location information) and the destination country information (location-related game information)
Is displayed on the controller display unit (step T5).

When a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, the position information and the position-related game information are displayed on the controller display section of another player belonging to the same group as the player, as in FIG. It is desirable to display only on.

(3) Display of an explanation screen of the operation method of the controller In this embodiment, an explanation screen (explanation screen) of the operation method of the controller is displayed on the controller display section.

For example, when the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game, the following is performed.

That is, in the hitting mode, an explanation screen 50 of the operating method in the hitting mode as shown in FIG. When the start button 22 is pressed, the time comes. When the directional key 23 is pressed in the left and right directions, the batter character moves left and right in the batter box. When the directional key 23 is pressed in the up and down direction, the swing type of the batter character is switched. The explanation screen 50
To inform the player. Operation buttons 24, 2
When the player presses the buttons 5 and 26, the at-bat switching and the swing in the case of a bunt and a switch hitter are performed.
0 informs the player.

The operation method of the controller 20 is usually complicated as shown in FIG. Conventionally, the player has to learn such a complicated operation method while referring to a manual attached to the game software. Therefore, a situation has arisen in which a beginner player avoids game play because of the complexity of the operation method, or a player does not use the prepared operation method at all.

Explanation screen 5 of the operation method as in this embodiment
If 0 is displayed on the controller display section 30, the player can operate the controller 20 while looking at the explanation screen 50. Therefore, the player can easily learn the operation method of the controller 20 as compared with the case where the explanation of the operation method is described in the manual or the explanation screen of the operation method is displayed on the main display unit.

It is desirable that the explanation screen of the operation method be switched according to the game situation. For example, when the game situation changes from the batting mode to the pitching mode in the baseball game, the screen is switched from the explanation screen 50 to the explanation screen 51 as shown in FIGS. The explanation screen 51 displays an explanation of an operation method in the pitching mode (for example, selecting a ball type with the direction key 23 and pitching with the operation button 26). In this way, even if the game situation changes, the player can perform an appropriate operation according to the changed game situation.

Note that various game situations can be considered for switching the explanation screen. For example, in a baseball game, the description screen may be switched when the mode changes from the batting mode to the running mode. In the 3D shooting game, the description screen may be switched when the mode changes from the attack mode to the defense mode. In the fighting game, the description screen of the operation method of the character may be switched according to the character to be operated. When it is determined that the player has not learned the specific operation method, the screen may be switched to an explanation screen showing advice for learning the specific operation method. For example, FIG.
If it is determined in (A) that the player does not use the swing switching function well, an advice such as "Use a power swing when hitting a long distance batter" is displayed.

In this embodiment, the explanation screen may be switched according to the type of the controller. For example, when the player uses the standard controller 20, an explanation screen 52 for the standard controller is displayed on the controller display unit 30 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the player uses the special controller 21, an explanation screen 53 for the special controller is displayed as shown in FIG. That is, FIG.
In the explanation screen 52 of (A), an instruction is given to operate the steering of the car using the direction keys 23, and FIG.
Is described, the user is instructed to operate the steering of the car using the analog type left stick button 28.

The explanation screen may be switched according to the customization of the operation method by the player. For example, when the standard setting operation method is used, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the controller display unit 30. On the other hand, when the player customizes the operation method to suit his or her own preference, an explanation screen 55 corresponding to the customization is displayed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 13A, a strong shot in the tennis game is displayed on the operation button 25, and a weak (weak) shot is displayed on the operation button 2.
6 is assigned. On the other hand, in FIG. 13A, the strong shot is assigned to the operation button 26 and the weak shot is assigned to the operation button 25.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, on the controller display sections 30-1 and 30-2, explanation screens (hereinafter, referred to as special skill lists) 56 and 57 for operating the special technique (combo) are displayed. You may do so. For example, when the 1P player selects the character A, the special skill list 56 for the character A is displayed on the controller display unit 30-1 of the 1P player.
Is displayed. When the 2P player selects character B, the controller display unit 30-2 of the 2P player
Then, a special technique list 57 for the character B is displayed.

That is, in the fighting game, if the operation procedure (procedure for operating the direction keys, operation buttons, etc. in a given order and timing) input by the player matches the reference operation procedure, the character performs a special technique (special technique). ). However, it usually takes a lot of time to learn such an operation procedure.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, special skill lists (explanation screens) 56 and 57 are displayed on the controller display unit 3.
Displaying 0-1 and 30-2 allows the player to learn special techniques in a short period of time.

It is desirable that the special skill lists 56 and 57 can be scrolled independently of each other. That is, the special technique list 56 is freely scrolled up and down by the operation of the 1P player, and the special technique list 57 is freely scrolled up and down by the operation of the 2P player.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a flowchart relating to processing for displaying an explanation screen of the operation method on the controller display unit.

First, it is determined whether or not the player is using the special controller (step U1). If it is used, an explanation screen for the special controller operation method is displayed on the controller display unit as shown in FIG. 12B (step U2).

Next, it is determined whether or not the player has customized the operation method (step U3). If customized, an explanation screen for the customized operation method is displayed on the controller display unit as shown in FIG. 13B (step U4).

Next, it is determined whether or not the game situation has changed (step U5). Then, when it has changed, as shown in FIG. 11B, an explanation screen of the operation method in the changed game situation is displayed on the controller display unit (step U6).

(4) Display of Tiles and Cards Owned in Mahjong Game and Card Game In this embodiment, the tiles held in the mahjong game and cards owned in the card game are displayed on the controller display unit.

For example, when this embodiment is applied to a mahjong game, the result is as shown in FIG. That is, the main display unit 1
2 includes discard tiles 61, 62, 63, 64 of each player.
And the remaining tiles 64 and 65 are displayed. On the other hand, the controller display unit 30-1 of the 1P player displays the tiles (own tiles) 66 and the points 67 possessed by the 1P player. Similarly,
2P, 3P, 4P player controller display unit 30-
The tiles and points possessed by the 2P, 3P, and 4P players are displayed in 2, 30, -3, and 30-4, respectively.

In the mahjong game so far, the game image is displayed on only one main display section. Therefore,
It was not possible to prevent the player's possession tile from being seen by other players, and it was practically impossible to realize multiplayer play.

In the present embodiment, since the tiles held by the player are displayed on the controller display unit, the tiles held by the player can be prevented from being seen by other players. This has succeeded in realizing multiplayer play in the mahjong game.

It is desirable that the points held by each player are also displayed on each controller display unit. In this way, for example, in the event that the top and second places are competing at the end of the game, the player who accurately grasps the points can advance the game to an advantage, thereby increasing the fun of the mahjong game. Can be.

If all tiles cannot be displayed on the controller display unit, this can be dealt with by providing the controller display unit with a screen scrolling function or simply displaying tiles.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a mahjong game. However, the present embodiment can be applied to a card game such as a playing card or a monster card game. In this case, the player's possessed card (a card that needs to be kept secret from other players) may be displayed on the controller display unit.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show examples of flowcharts relating to a process of displaying tiles of a mahjong game on the controller display unit.

FIG. 17A is a flowchart of the processing at the time of tile arrangement. First, tile distribution information is transferred to the controller of each player (step V1). In this case, the tile arrangement information to be transferred is selected at random. Next, based on the transferred tile arrangement information, tile arrangement is displayed on the controller display of each player (step V2).

FIG. 17B is a flowchart of the processing at the time of a cross. However, in FIG. 17B, processing of reach, chi, pong, can, and the like is omitted for simplicity of description.

First, the tile information is transferred to the controller of each player (step V3). Next, based on the transferred tile tile information, the tile tile is displayed on the controller display of each player (step V4). At this time, a process of reducing remaining tiles displayed on the main display unit is also performed. Next, it is determined whether or not the tile is a rising tile (step V5). If it is a rising tile, a combination display and point calculation are performed (step V6), and the points displayed on the controller display unit of each player are changed (step V7).

(5) Display of Moving Object Selection Screen In this embodiment, a selection screen of a moving object (character, robot, car, motorcycle, etc.) operated by the player is displayed on the controller display unit.

For example, when the present embodiment is applied to a fighting game, the moving body operated by the player is a character performing a fight for the player, and the moving body selection screen is a character selection screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the controller display unit 30-1 of the 1P and 2P players,
Character selection screens 70 and 71 are displayed on 30-2.

[0109] By doing so, the 1P player can
The fact that he has selected the character 72 can be kept secret to the 2P player until the match begins. Similarly, 2P
The player can keep the fact that he has selected the character 73 secret to the 1P player until the match starts.

That is, in the fighting game, there is a compatibility between characters. For example, suppose that the player has selected a character that is strong but moves extremely slowly. In this case, the selected character is known to the opponent player, and if the opponent player selects a character that is slightly weak but moves extremely fast, the probability of losing the player increases.

However, in a conventional fighting game, a game image is displayed on only one main display section. Therefore, it was not possible to prevent the player's selected character from being seen by other players. For this reason, a situation has arisen in which the player actually wants to select a favorite character, but must prioritize the game and select a character that he does not like much.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the character selected by the player can be kept secret from other players. Therefore, there is no need to worry about what character the other player has selected, and the user can freely select his or her favorite character.

As shown in FIG. 19, a selection screen for the 1P player to organize teams (characters 74, 75, 76) and a 2P player for the team (character 7)
7, 78, 79) may be displayed on the controller display units 30-1 and 30-2.

That is, in a team battle in a fighting game, a player forms a team with a plurality of characters desired by himself / herself and competes with a team of another player. In this case, the player forms his / her own strategy, for example, such that the first character emphasizes speed, the second character emphasizes power, and the third character emphasizes reach length.

However, in the conventional fighting game, the game image is displayed on only one main display section. For this reason, the player's strategy regarding the team formation is easily known to other players, resulting in a loss of interest in the team battle.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the strategy of team formation can be kept secret from other players, so that the fun of the team battle in the fighting game can be improved.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a flowchart relating to processing for displaying a character selection screen on the controller display unit.

First, a character (or team formation) selection screen is displayed on the controller display section of each player as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 (step W1). Next, it is determined whether or not the selection of the character by the player has been completed (step W2). When completed, the controller transmits character selection information indicating which character has been selected to the main unit (step W3). Then, the battle play using the selected character is started (step W4).

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

For example, the game information transferred in the present invention is:
What is described in the present embodiment is particularly desirable, but is not limited thereto.

The configuration of the game device is not limited to that shown in FIG.

Further, the case where the processing of the present invention is processed in a distributed manner between the main unit of the game apparatus and the controller or the processing performed in a distributed manner between the game apparatus and the host device is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The position information and the position-related game information are not limited to those described with reference to FIG. Further, the explanation screen of the operation method is not limited to those described with reference to FIGS. Further, the moving object selection screen is also shown in FIG.
The invention is not limited to the one described with reference to FIG.

The present invention also relates to various games (competition games such as cars and races, sports games such as baseball and soccer, fighting games such as fighting and robot fighting, role-playing games, shooting games such as gun games, and music playing). Games, dance games, puzzle games, quiz games, etc.).

[0125]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of an external view of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a controller display unit using a PDA and infrared communication between a controller and a main device;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a game device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of transferring game information between players.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of vibrating a controller to which game information is transferred;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of associating each command for transferring game information with each operation of the controller.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a method of keeping game information secret between players in the same group.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowchart examples relating to processing for transferring game information between players.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a method of displaying position information and position-related game information on a controller display unit.

FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart relating to a process of displaying position information and position-related game information on a controller display unit.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a method of displaying a description screen of an operation method on a controller display unit and a method of switching the description screen according to a game situation.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a method of switching a description screen of an operation method displayed on a controller display unit in accordance with a type of a controller.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a method of switching a description screen of an operation method displayed on a controller display unit according to customization of an operation method by a player.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a method of displaying a special technique list, which is an explanation screen of an operation method, on a controller display unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for displaying an explanation screen of an operation method on a controller display unit.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying tiles of a mahjong game on a controller display unit.

FIGS. 17 (A) and (B) are flowchart examples of a process for displaying tiles of a mahjong game on a controller display unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing a method of displaying a character selection screen on a controller display unit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing a method of displaying a team formation selection screen on the controller display unit.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart example of a process for displaying a character selection screen on the controller display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Main unit 12 Main display unit 14 Sound output unit 20 (20-1 to 20-4) Controller 22 Start button 23 Direction key 24, 25, 26, 27 Operation buttons 30 (30-1 to 30-4) Controller display unit REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 processing unit 110 game operation unit 112 controller control unit 130 I / F unit 140 storage unit 150 information storage medium 160 image generation unit 170 sound generation unit 174 communication unit 200 processing unit 230 I / F unit 240 storage unit 250 information storage medium 260 Image generation unit 270 Vibration mechanism

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game, the information storage medium having a controller display unit and based on operation information from each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation; information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; and a player using the controller to send game information to at least one other player. An information storage medium containing information for performing a process of displaying the transferred game information on a controller display unit of the controller of the other player when the game information is transferred. 2. The game information according to claim 1, wherein the game information is message information sent between a player and another player, negotiation information between the player and another player, secret information between the player and another player, a sports game. , Information storage including at least one of sign play information, item information handed between a player and another player, position information not displayed on the main display unit, and position-related game information not displayed on the main display unit. Medium. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when game information is transferred from the player to another player, information for performing a process of notifying the other player that the game information has been transferred is included. An information storage medium characterized by the following. 4. The information storage medium according to claim 3, wherein a controller of another player is vibrated to notify the other player that game information has been transferred from the player. 5. The information storage medium according to claim 1, wherein each operation using the controller is associated in advance with each command for transferring game information. 6. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, the game information is transferred to a controller of another player belonging to the same group as the player. An information storage medium characterized in that: 7. An information storage medium that allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game, the information storage medium having a controller display unit, and based on operation information from each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation; information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit according to the game calculation; and information not displayed on the main display unit on a controller display unit of the controller of the player. An information storage medium comprising: information for performing a process of displaying at least one of position information and position-related game information not displayed on a main display unit. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein when a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, the position information and the position-related game information are included in a controller of another player belonging to the same group as the player. An information storage medium displayed on a controller display unit. 9. An information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game, the information storage medium having a controller display unit and based on operation information from each controller operated by each player. A controller display unit provided with information for performing a game operation, information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit in accordance with the game operation, and an explanation screen of an operation method of the controller. An information storage medium characterized by including information for performing a process of displaying the information. 10. The information storage medium according to claim 9, wherein the explanation screen is switched according to at least one of a game situation, a type of a controller, and customization of an operation method by a player. 11. An information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a mah-jong game. The information storage medium has a controller display section and stores operation information from each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation based on the game calculation; information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit according to the game calculation; and displaying a tile held by the player on a controller display unit of the controller of the player. An information storage medium characterized by including information for performing a process to be performed. 12. The information storage medium according to claim 11, wherein a point held by the player is also displayed on a controller display section of the controller of the player. 13. An information storage medium on which information can be read by a computer and which allows a player to play a card game. The information storage medium has a controller display section and stores operation information from each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game operation based on the game operation, information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit in accordance with the game operation, and displaying a player's possessed card on a controller display unit of the player's controller An information storage medium characterized by including information for performing a process to be performed. 14. An information storage medium which allows a computer to read information and allows a player to play a game for operating a moving object, wherein the information storage medium has a controller display unit and is controlled by each controller operated by each player. Information for performing a game calculation based on the operation information of the above; information for generating a game image to be displayed on a main display unit according to the game calculation; and a controller display unit of a controller of the player. An information storage medium including information for performing a process of displaying a selection screen of a moving object to be operated. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the selection screen is a screen for a player to select one or a plurality of moving objects to be played against one or a plurality of moving objects operated by another player. Information storage medium. 16. A game device for a player to play a game, comprising: a controller display unit for performing a game operation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player; Means for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; and the transferred game information when the player has transferred the game information to at least one other player using the controller. For displaying on a controller display of the controller of the other player. 17. A game device for a player to play a game, comprising: a controller display unit for performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player; Means for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; position information not displayed on the main display unit and position information not displayed on the main display unit on the controller display unit of the controller of the player; Means for performing processing for displaying at least one of the game information. 18. A game device for a player to play a game, comprising: a controller display unit, for performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player; Means for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit in accordance with the game calculation, and means for performing processing for displaying an explanation screen of an operation method of the controller on the controller display unit of the controller of the player. A game device comprising: 19. A game device for a player to play a mahjong game, comprising: a controller display unit; and means for performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player. A means for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; and a means for performing processing for displaying a tile held by the player on a controller display unit of the controller of the player. A game device characterized by the above-mentioned. 20. A game device for a player to play a card game, comprising: a controller display unit; and means for performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player. A means for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit in accordance with the game calculation; and a means for performing processing for displaying a card held by the player on a controller display unit of the controller of the player. A game device characterized by the above-mentioned. 21. A game device for a player to play a game of operating a moving object, the game device having a controller display unit and performing a game calculation based on operation information from each controller operated by each player. Means for generating a game image to be displayed on the main display unit according to the game calculation, and processing for displaying a selection screen of a moving object operated by the player on a controller display unit of the controller of the player And a means for performing the following.