JP2001246171A - Game method using outer memory device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game method using an outer memory device, which enables a new item to be added to a game at need, and a memory medium. SOLUTION: This game method using an outer memory device is provided with a step to load data down into the outer memory device, a step to connect the outer memory device to a game machine at a prescribed scene, a step to take the data in the outer memory device into the game machine, a step to reflect the taken-in data on contents of the game, a step to detach the outer memory device from the game machine at a prescribed scene of the game, a step to update the data in the outer memory device, and a step to connect again the outer memory device to the game machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game method and a storage medium using a removable external storage device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Computer game machines use CD-ROMs.
Load the program recorded in and play the game. At that time, there are game machines that can use an external memory module. The external memory module contains
In addition to saving game play data, some games can load a data program from the game machine and enjoy a certain game by itself. Alternatively, game items can be downloaded over the network. These data are stored by the external memory module until the next game.

[0003]

A conventional external memory module (external storage device) only loads stored data before a game. When the game was stopped halfway, the external memory module was able to resume play from the point where it was last played. However, the data in the external memory module could not directly act on the game contents. In order to enhance the game characteristics and attract interest in the game, it is desirable that when an external storage device is mounted during the game, data is loaded according to the game situation and reflected in the game content.

In a conventional game, the CPU is a CD-R.
Since the program is loaded from the OM or the like and executed, the contents are recorded in the program in advance, and it is difficult to upgrade the version at a later date or add a new item as needed. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a game method and a storage medium using an external storage device in which data is loaded according to a game situation and the content of the data can be reflected in the game content. The purpose is to provide. It is another object of the present invention to provide a game method and a storage medium using an external storage device that enable a new item to be added as needed when playing a game.

[0006]

A game method using an external storage device according to the present invention includes a step of downloading data to the external storage device, and connecting the external storage device to a game machine at a predetermined scene of the game. And a step of loading the data of the external storage device into the game machine, and a step of reflecting the loaded data in the game content.

[0007] Preferably, a step of removing the external storage device from the game machine at a predetermined scene of a game, a step of updating data in the external storage device, and a step of reconnecting the external storage device to the game machine And

[0008] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of accessing a homepage relating to the game and downloading data to the external storage device.

Preferably, in the step of connecting the external storage device to a game machine, the external storage device is connected to the game machine according to an instruction on a game screen.

Preferably, when using an item other than an item prepared in advance in the game, the external storage device is connected to the game machine.

Preferably, in the step of removing the external storage device from the game machine, the external storage device is removed from the game machine in accordance with an instruction on a game screen.

Preferably, in the step of removing the external storage device from the game machine, when the items represented by the data of the external storage device are used up in a game, the external storage device is connected to the game machine. Remove from

[0013] A game method for using an external storage device in a shooting game according to the present invention includes the step of downloading a predetermined number of bullets used in the game to the external storage device in advance, and Connecting a storage device to a game machine; loading data of bullets in the external storage device into the game machine; firing a bullet in accordance with the captured data; and executing the external storage device when the bullets are exhausted. Removing from the game machine, updating data in the external storage device, and reconnecting the external storage device to the game machine.

[0014] A game method using an external storage device according to the present invention includes a step of downloading items used in the game to the external storage device in advance, and a step of connecting the external storage device to a game machine at a predetermined scene of the game. And a step of loading data from the external storage device into the game machine, and a step of displaying an item according to the loaded data.

[0015] A storage medium according to the present invention is a medium for storing a program for causing a computer to execute a game method using an external storage device, and includes a step of downloading data to the external storage device; Connecting the external storage device to a game machine in a scene, loading the data in the external storage device to the game machine, reflecting the captured data in the game content; and A program for causing a computer to execute a step of removing a storage device from the game machine, a step of updating data in the external storage device, and a step of reconnecting the external storage device to the game machine are stored. is there.

According to the present invention, for example, items (number, types, etc., of bullets) are sent from a game provider's homepage to a game machine.
Is downloaded and reflected in the game.
This system is called a VE system (Virtual Enemy System). After installing the memory cartridge, the data is reflected in the game. Even if the game is already running, it can be immediately reflected. Also, the act of wearing is reflected in the game operation.

In the memory cartridge, data of the entire game can be loaded / saved, and data irrelevant to the progress of the game can be loaded. By causing the player to perform the mounting operation of the memory cartridge, new fun can be provided. Data may be supplied by inserting a cartridge in advance. The content of the game may be affected immediately after the cartridge is inserted, and the corresponding scene may be changed.

The medium includes, for example, a floppy disk,
Hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD-
Includes ROM, DVD, ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.

The communication medium also includes a communication medium such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line. The Internet is also included in the communication medium mentioned here.

Further, a program is a program in which information (mainly digital data and programs) is recorded by some physical means, and causes a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. Is what you can do. In short, any method may be used as long as the program is downloaded to the computer by some means and a predetermined function is executed.

Furthermore, what is connected to the game machine may be not only an external storage device but also a so-called peripheral device such as an input device such as a controller, a keyboard and a mouse, an external speaker, and an output device of a vibration device.
Depending on the connection of such a peripheral device or the timing of the connection, an event is generated during the game,
The progress of the game may be changed. Even when an external storage device is connected, the progress of the game may be changed similarly to other peripheral devices, regardless of the contents stored in the external storage device.

In the present specification, the game machine is
It is used in a broad sense including an information processing device such as a computer.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the memory cartridge. In the processing according to the embodiment of the present invention, a step of downloading an item from a home page (S
1) After the game is started (S2), a step of mounting a memory cartridge in a game machine in a specific game scene (S3), a step of reflecting data in an external memory to game contents (S4), The method includes a step of removing the cartridge from the cartridge (S5), a step of updating data in the memory (S6), and a step of re-attaching to the game machine (S7). For these actions,
This will be described in more detail later.

FIG. 2 is a plan perspective view and a side sectional view showing the structure of the memory cartridge. Reference numeral 12 denotes a case,
Reference numeral 14 denotes a liquid crystal display (LCD), reference numeral 16 denotes operation buttons, reference numeral 18 denotes an external connection terminal for connection to a controller (not shown), reference numeral 26 denotes a board on which a CPU, a RAM, etc. are mounted, and reference numeral 28 denotes a nonvolatile RAM. , Code 30 is C
PU, reference numeral 32 denotes a connector for connecting the LCD 14 to the substrate 26, reference numeral 34 denotes a switch for receiving an operation of the operation button 16 and switching to an ON / OFF electric signal.
Reference numeral 36 denotes a power supply (battery), and reference numeral 38 denotes a buzzer.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the memory cartridge. Current is supplied from the power supply 36 and the CPU 30
Operate according to the program data stored in the ROM. When a predetermined electric signal is received from the operation button 16,
CPU 30 performs a corresponding process. For example, LCD 14
Display predetermined characters and graphics on the top, buzzer 3
Ring 8. The CPU 30 performs data communication with the controller and / or the game machine via the external connection terminal 18. For example, the CPU 30 receives data from the outside and stores it in the nonvolatile RAM 28, or conversely,
For example, data is extracted from the data and transmitted to the outside. For example, when "downloading an item from a homepage" is performed in step S1 of FIG. 1, the data of the item is stored in the non-volatile RAM 28.
The data in is transmitted to the game machine body. Further, when "removed from the game machine" in step S5 and re-attached to the game machine in step S7, the data in the nonvolatile RAM 28 is transmitted to the game machine body again.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of how to use the memory of the memory cartridge. Like the code A, this memory has a space of 64K words from address 0000 to address FFFF. 0000 when recording program data
The program is written to the address after the address (reference B, the boundary address is address a). Up to the maximum address of FFFF can be used. When there is free space in the memory, stored data can be additionally recorded. Saved data is F
The data is written to an address before the address FFF (reference code C, the boundary address is address c). An empty area between the boundary addresses a and c can be used for both writing program data and writing stored data. If the program data is not recorded, the address after the address 0000 becomes a free area (reference D). In the case of D, from address b to FF
The stored data is written to the address FF. In this case, the area where the program data can be written is 0000
It is from address to address b. It is also possible to additionally write stored data (reference E). In case of E, from address d to FF
Saved data is written to address FF. Free area is 00
The addresses are from address 00 to address d, and this area can be used for both writing program data and writing stored data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the memory cartridge and the game machine. The controller 70 is connected via an external connection terminal of the game machine main body 60, and the memory cartridge 10 is connected via a control unit 78 and an external connection terminal 77 of the controller 70. The memory card 10 is provided from the game machine main body 60 to the controller 7.
0 and the game machine body 60
You can send data to

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the game machine. Reference numeral 64 denotes a CPU, which performs processing together with a geometry processor 601 for performing graphic processing at high speed. When a CD-ROM in which a game program is recorded is mounted on the CD-ROM drive 609, the BOOT
According to the program recorded in the ROM 610, the CPU 6
4 reads the game program, and reads the system memory 65
Expand to When the game program is started, the CPU 64 operates in accordance with this, and generates a game image and a game sound. The game image is rendered by the rendering processor 603
And stored in the graphic memory 605. The generated graphic data is stored in the video DAC 60.
The signal is converted to an analog signal by 4 and output to a TV monitor. Game sounds are generated by audio processor 606 and stored in audio memory 608. The generated audio data is converted into an analog signal by the audio DAC 607 and output to a TV monitor or an audio device. Rendering processor 6, such as CPU 64
03, an audio processor 606, a CD-ROM drive 609, a boot ROM 610, a modem 611, and peripherals (not shown) are connected to each other via a bus arbiter 602. The modem 611 is used, for example, to download necessary data via the Internet or to send game data to play a competitive game. It is also used when "downloading an item from a homepage" in step S1 of FIG. That is, the data received by the modem 611 is transferred to the memory cartridge 1 by the CPU 64 via the controller 70.
0 is sent to the CPU 30. CPU 30 stores the received data in nonvolatile RAM 28.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the memory cartridge. When the cover 208 is removed, the connectors 210 and 212 appear. By inserting this connector into the controller, the memory cartridge and the controller are electrically connected. The memory cartridge has its own display unit 2
04, since it has an operation unit, it can be electrically connected to the controller and function, and the memory cartridge itself can function independently. For example, necessary graphic display is performed on the display unit 204, and the display unit 204 itself is used as a portable game machine.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a controller on which a memory cartridge is mounted. The memory cartridge is inserted into a space provided in the controller. Symbol 23
Reference numeral 6 denotes an opening for allowing a user to directly view the display unit 204 of the memory cartridge when the memory cartridge is inserted.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing how the memory cartridge is mounted on the controller. In this state,
Although the user can see the display unit 204 of the memory cartridge, he cannot touch the operation unit. In the state of FIG. 9, the user operates the switch on the controller exclusively.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

An item is downloaded from the homepage (S1). Different items are defined for each game, but items other than those prepared in advance are optionally downloaded. If the user is skilled in the game and wants more advanced items, the user accesses the Internet with the game machine itself and downloads the required items. This operation allows the item to be used after the data of the item is stored in the nonvolatile RAM. Note that the item in which the item is stored in the memory cartridge in advance may be sold, and the user may use the item.

After starting the game (S2), step S
The memory cartridge storing the item in 1 is mounted on the game machine (S3). The scene in which the game machine is mounted may be arbitrary, but it is desirable to associate the scene with the game scenario from the viewpoint of interest in the game. Game console CP
U reads the item data from the memory cartridge and reflects it in the contents of the game (S4). Thereafter, the game proceeds in a situation in which the items are utilized.

In certain cases (eg, when the expiration date of an item in a memory cartridge has expired), the user removes the cartridge from the game machine. This timing may be determined by the user himself, or an exchange instruction or a warning may be displayed on the game screen.

When the memory cartridge is removed, the data is updated (S6). As a result, re-attachment becomes possible, and the user re-attaches the memory cartridge to the game machine as necessary (S7). Hereafter, step S
The processes from 4 to S7 are repeated.

The operation of the embodiment of the present invention is as described above, but application to a game will be further described. Shooting Game The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a so-called shooting game in which the number of bullets is limited. A predetermined number of bullets are prepared in advance in the memory cartridge, and when this is exhausted, the bullet can be added by removing and reloading the memory cartridge (S4 to S7).
It is thought that the fun of the game will be increased by introducing the replacement of the memory cartridge into the game from the point where the real gun is used to replace the bullet and change the magazine.

Also, a weapon which can be used as an option in the memory cartridge is prepared, and this can be performed in a specific scene. For example, there is only a rifle as a standard weapon, but if data of a machine gun is downloaded to a memory cartridge, the machine gun can be used in a game. When downloading options,
Some conditions may be imposed instead of unconditional conditions. For example, the option can be downloaded only when the high score of the game is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. -Adventure game The embodiment of the present invention can be applied in a so-called adventure game to replenish items being played. Although only predetermined items are prepared in the game program, new items can be added by installing a memory cartridge. For example, when the main character opens the treasure box, the memory cartridge is empty before the memory cartridge is mounted, but the treasure is obtained by mounting the memory cartridge. -Role playing game The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a so-called role playing game to supplement characters in the game. Although only predetermined characters are prepared in the game program, new characters can be added by installing a memory cartridge. Alternatively, the ability of existing characters can be enhanced. For example, before mounting a memory cartridge, a character with normal abilities gains superpower by mounting.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims, which are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, this is done.

In this specification, means does not necessarily mean physical means, but also includes a case where the function of each means is realized by software.
Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an operation flowchart of a memory cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a plan perspective view and a side sectional view showing the structure of a memory cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a memory cartridge.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of using the memory of the memory cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between a memory cartridge and a game machine.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the game machine.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a memory cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a controller on which a memory cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing how a memory cartridge is mounted on a controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Memory Cartridge 12 Case 14 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 16 Operation Button 18 External Connection Terminal 26 Board 28 Nonvolatile RAM 30 CPU 32 Connector 34 Switch 36 Power Supply (Battery) 38 Buzzer 60 Game Machine 62 External Connection Terminal 63 External Connection Terminal 64 CPU 65 RAM 66 External interface (I / F) 67 Bus 601 Geometry processor 602 Bus arbiter 603 Rendering processor 604 Video DA converter 605 Graphic memory 606 Audio processor 607 Audio DA converter 608 Audio memory 609 CDROM (external storage device) 610 Boot ROM 611 Modem 70 Controller 71 to 75 Operation unit such as buttons 77 External connection terminal 78 Control unit 79 External connection Child

Claims (12)

[Claims] A step of downloading data to an external storage device; a step of connecting the external storage device to a game machine at a predetermined scene of a game; a step of importing data of the external storage device to the game machine; Reflecting the fetched data in the game content using an external storage device. 2. A step of removing the external storage device from the game machine at a predetermined scene of a game; updating data in the external storage device; reconnecting the external storage device to the game machine. A game method using the external storage device according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The game method using an external storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a step of accessing a homepage relating to the game and downloading data to the external storage device. 4. The external storage device according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of connecting the external storage device to a game machine, the external storage device is connected to the game machine in accordance with an instruction shown on a game screen. The game method used. 5. The game using an external storage device according to claim 1, wherein the external storage device is connected to the game machine when using an item other than an item prepared in advance in the game. Method. 6. The game using an external storage device according to claim 2, wherein in the step of removing the external storage device from the game machine, the external storage device is removed from the game machine in accordance with an instruction on a game screen. Method. 7. In the step of removing the external storage device from the game machine, when the items represented by the data in the external storage device are exhausted in the game, the external storage device is removed from the game machine. 3. The game method using an external storage device according to claim 2, wherein the game device is detached. 8. A game method for using an external storage device for a shooting game, wherein a predetermined number of bullets used in the game are previously downloaded to the external storage device; Connecting a storage device to the game machine; loading the bullet data of the external storage device into the game machine; firing a bullet in accordance with the captured data; and when the bullet is exhausted, the external storage device A game method using an external storage device, comprising: removing the external storage device from the game device; updating the data in the external storage device; and reconnecting the external storage device to the game device. 9. A step of previously downloading items used in the game to an external storage device, a step of connecting the external storage device to a game machine at a predetermined scene of the game, and a step of transferring data of the external storage device to the game machine. A game method using an external storage device, comprising the steps of: capturing an item according to the captured data; 10. A medium for storing a program for causing a computer to execute a game method using an external storage device, comprising: a step of downloading data to the external storage device; Connecting the external storage device to the game machine; transferring the data from the external storage device to the game machine; reflecting the captured data in the game content; and connecting the external storage device to the game machine at a predetermined scene of the game. A storage medium for storing a program for causing a computer to execute a step of removing from the external storage device, a step of updating data in the external storage device, and a step of reconnecting the external storage device to the game machine. 11. A game program processing method comprising recognizing whether a peripheral device is connected in a predetermined scene of a game, and changing the progress of the game when the connection is recognized. 12. A storage medium storing a program for realizing a predetermined game on a game machine to which a peripheral device can be attached and detached, wherein the program has a function of providing a predetermined scene in the predetermined game; A function of determining whether or not the external storage device is mounted in a specific scene of a predetermined game; and a function of changing the progress of the predetermined game when the external storage device is determined to be mounted by this function. A storage medium storing a program characterized by the following.