JP2004208894A - Game device, game control program and recording medium recording the program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To propose a game that is played by moving characters displayed on a screen and that adopts a new input method as a method for inputting an operation when directing the characters to perform prescribed actions. <P>SOLUTION: A direction input area is defined on a site of a character (e.g., head, shoulder) and an action control process for the character is stored correspondingly to the direction input area. In a site specification screen 8, the character is displayed and a player is made to specify a site of the character. In a touch screen 9, the action of a player character is controlled to ensure that the hand or the like of the player character corresponding to the other self of the player touches the specified site of the character. When the site that the player character touches is a site defined as a direction input area, in a process performance screen 10, an action control process corresponding thereto is performed and the player character is made to take an action directed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game device and a game control program for playing a game by designating the movement of a character displayed on a screen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a type of game where a character displayed on the screen is moved and played, an operation input device (hereinafter referred to as a controller) connected to the game machine is used to specify the direction and moving direction of the character or display on the screen. The action of the character is designated by selecting an action or pose to be taken by the character from the selection menu.
[0003]
For example, in the case of causing a character to perform a battle in a battle scene of a role playing game, the game player selects a “fight” command from a command selection menu in which options such as “fight” and “flee” are arranged, After that, the technique or weapon to be used is selected from the technique list or weapon list displayed on the screen. When the selection operation is completed, the character displayed on the screen performs a battle action using the selected technique or weapon (see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
In addition, as a game played by moving a character, a cameraman experience simulation game in which a character displayed on a screen is moved to take a desired pose and a screen shot is recorded is also known.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2794230
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention proposes a new operation method for instructing a predetermined action to a character displayed on the screen in a game as described above, and a game apparatus and game control for a game instructing an action by the operation method The purpose is to provide a program.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An object of this invention is to provide the game device which controls the motion of the character arrange | positioned in virtual space. This game apparatus includes a storage unit, a part designating unit, and a process execution unit which will be described below.
[0008]
The storage means stores predetermined control processing in association with an instruction input area defined on a predetermined part of the first character. The “part” is a part of the character such as the head or arm, but an arbitrary range can be defined as one part. Therefore, for example, from the shoulder to the fingertip may be defined as one part, or only a part of the palm may be defined as one part.
[0009]
The instruction input area is, for example, a range in which a first character is created as a three-dimensional model by three-dimensional computer graphics, a predetermined control object is arranged on a surface constituting the outline of the three-dimensional model, and the arranged range May be defined as an instruction input area. Thereby, the presence or absence of contact can be determined as the intersection of the objects.
[0010]
“Predetermined control processing” refers to all control processing related to the progress and production of the game. Specifically, for example, a process for controlling the first character to perform a predetermined action, a process for outputting video and audio, and a process for changing the viewpoint when the virtual space is displayed on the screen are conceivable. Alternatively, it may be a process of setting or updating the value of a control parameter used for game control. As the control parameter to be set or updated, a parameter for setting a scenario in each scene of the game, a game point acquired by the player in the course of the game, or the like is considered.
[0011]
Preferably, the storage means defines an instruction input area on each of a plurality of parts of the first character, and stores different control processes in association with each instruction input area. A plurality of types of control processes may be stored in association with one instruction input area. Furthermore, one control process may be stored in association with a combination of a plurality of instruction input areas.
[0012]
The part designating unit is a unit that displays the first character on the screen and receives an input of a first operation signal that means designation of the part of the first character. Specifically, for example, on the screen in which a predetermined aiming range is defined, the first character is displayed while being moved and rotated, and the part that was in the aiming range at the time when the first operation signal was received, It is a means to judge that it is a designated part.
[0013]
At this time, the movement and rotation of the first character may be automatically performed by the game apparatus, but a method of performing the movement based on the second operation signal input from the outside is also conceivable. That is, the player may be able to freely move and rotate the displayed character by operating the controller. Further, the part designating unit has a function of highlighting a specifiable part among parts defined as the instruction input region so that the part that can be designated can be seen at a glance when the first character is displayed on the screen. It may be.
[0014]
This game apparatus preferably further includes a contact operation control means described below. The contact motion control means displays at least a part of the second character on the screen, and the second character is designated as the first character when the part designation means accepts the input of the first operation signal. It is means for controlling the movement of the second character so as to contact the part. Here, it is preferable that the second character is a character that is regarded as a substitute for the player. Specifically, for example, the movement of the second character is controlled such that the hand of the second character strikes the shoulder of the first character or strokes the head.
[0015]
Note that two or more types of signals may be received as the first operation signal by the part designating unit, and the second character may perform different contact operations according to the type of the signal by the contact operation control unit. For example, even when the same part (for example, the head) is specified, an operation of hitting the head is performed when the button 1 is pressed, and an operation of stroking the head is performed when the button 2 is pressed. To be Or you may vary contact operation according to the procedure of the operation input which generates a signal. For example, when an operation of dragging the character (moving the character while pressing the button) is performed, a stroking operation is performed.
[0016]
In addition, when the storage unit stores one control process in association with a combination of a plurality of instruction input areas, the part designating unit can store the plurality of parts by continuously inputting the first operation signal. Specification may be accepted. Thereby, for example, when a plurality of parts such as the head, arms, and back are successively designated in a predetermined order, a function that allows the character to perform a special action can be realized.
[0017]
The process executing means is a control stored in association with the instruction input area when the part specified by the first operation signal received by the part specifying means is a part defined as the instruction input area. It is a means for executing processing. Whether or not it is a part defined as an instruction input area is, for example, an intersection of an object (for example, a hand) constituting the second character controlled by the contact motion control means and a control object pasted as the instruction input area Judgment is made by determining the presence or absence of.
[0018]
The process execution means may limit the execution of the control process based on a predetermined game point value acquired by the player in the course of the game. For example, the process may be executed when a predetermined game point is high, but may not be executed when the game point is low.
[0019]
In this way, by associating the action of touching the part of the character and the action instruction to the character, the action can be instructed to the character with a sense different from the action instruction by the selection menu. Moreover, you may perform another control process through contact operation.
[0020]
The game control program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as the game device of the present invention. Specifically, it is a program for mounting a storage function, a part designation function, and a process execution function respectively corresponding to the storage unit, the part designation unit, and the process execution unit on a computer. It is more preferable that the contact motion control function corresponding to the contact motion control means is a program that is mounted on a computer. This program can be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a CD-ROM, or a memory card. Alternatively, it may be provided on a server so that the player can download it via a network as necessary.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, an example of a love simulation game incorporating an action instruction operation based on the present invention will be shown.
[0022]
In general, games classified in the field of romance simulation develop a relationship between a player and a character appearing in the game (often a human female character) into a romance relationship, and further maintain the relationship. That is the goal of the game. The game described below is obtained by adding a mystery-solving element to such a general love simulation game. Specifically, the other goal of the game is to grasp the identity of a mysterious enemy and defeat that enemy.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of this game. In this game, two worlds, a daily world and an extraordinary world, are set as virtual spaces around which characters move. The everyday world is, for example, a school, the city, etc., and the extraordinary world is a place for fighting against a mysterious enemy. Screen 1 in FIG. 1A is an example of a screen on which one scene of the everyday world is displayed, and screen 2 in FIG. 1B is an example of a screen on which one scene in the extraordinary world is displayed. . The player advances the game while going back and forth between the two virtual spaces together with the character 3 appearing in the game.
[0024]
While the daily world is displayed on the screen, the game proceeds as follows, like a general love simulation game. The player moves around the virtual space in a pseudo manner by performing an operation of moving or rotating the viewpoint of the player capturing the virtual space. As a result, when the player encounters a character arranged in the virtual space, some kind of communication is achieved between the character and the player. As shown in FIG. 1A, the words that the character 3 utters to the player or the attitude taken by the player is output as a character display 4 or a sound. On the other hand, the words that the player gives to the character 3 or the attitude to the character 3 are selected by the player from the displayed selection menu 5 as shown in FIG.
[0025]
The human relationship between the character 3 and the player changes depending on which response the player selects from the selection menu 5. Specifically, the likability that the character 3 has with respect to the player is managed as a point value (numerical value) in the game device (or control program).
[0026]
The point value increases or decreases depending on the response selected by the player. That is, each response listed in the selection menu 5 has a positive, zero, or negative score, and the score corresponding to the selected response is added to the point value or subtracted from the point value. A game device (or control program) usually stores a plurality of story scenarios and endings according to the progress of a romantic relationship for each scene, and based on the point value, which scenario or ending is selected. Decide whether to select. As a result, the human relationship with the character changes depending on how to respond to the character.
[0027]
The screen is switched to the non-daily world screen when a predetermined event occurs in the daily world or when a player selects a predetermined action. While the extraordinary world is displayed on the screen, a scene similar to the battle scene of the role playing game is developed as shown in FIG. That is, in addition to the character 3 in which the player has established a human relationship in the daily world, a character 6 corresponding to the player's alternation and an enemy character 7 appear. The player causes the character 3 to attack the enemy character 7 by specifying the action that the character 3 should take, the weapon to be used, the technique to be activated, and the like.
[0028]
When there are a plurality of characters that are involved in the daily world, the player can select a character to participate in the battle at the timing when the game site is switched from the daily world to the non-daily world. In addition, the number of characters that participate in the battle is not necessarily one, and FIG. 1B is merely an example.
[0029]
On the screen 2, as in the conventional game, the action of the character can be designated by the selection menu. However, in this game, the types of actions that can be specified by the selection menu are limited. Among the actions that a character can take, some actions such as the execution of a special technique must be instructed by performing a special operation different from the conventional one. The present invention relates to an action instruction by this special operation.
[0030]
Specifically, the activation of the special move is instructed when the character 6 as a player's alternation comes into contact with a predetermined part of the character 3. This action of “contact” means that, for example, in the game story, the character 6 gives the character 3 sufficient energy or motivation to use the special technique. For example, by tapping your back or shoulders or stroking your head, you can cheer your opponents and encourage them to use their special moves.
[0031]
A part where a special technique can be activated by contact is defined in advance for each character. Hereinafter, this defined part is referred to as an “instruction input area”. The instruction input area defined on one character is not limited to one. In this embodiment, three instruction input areas are defined for one character.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the transition of the screen displayed in the process of instructing an action. The part designation screen 8 is a screen that allows the player to designate the part of the character 3. The contact screen 9 is a screen that displays a scene in which the character 6 contacts the designated part of the character 3 as a moving image. Further, the process execution screen 10 is a screen for invoking the special technique designated by the character 3.
[0033]
On the part designation screen 8, as shown in FIG. 3, the character 3 in a fixed pose is displayed on the screen. For ease of explanation, the illustration of the character 3 is simplified in the figure, but in reality, a character in a state of having a facial expression, wearing clothes, and carrying possessions such as weapons is displayed. It is preferable.
[0034]
The player can designate a part of the character 3 by performing a predetermined operation while watching the displayed character 3. However, a desired part may not be specified depending on the character orientation. For example, when the character is displayed facing the front, the back cannot be specified. Therefore, the part is designated by pressing the predetermined button of the controller at the timing when the character is displayed in such a direction that the part to be designated appears on the screen and the part overlaps the aim at the predetermined position on the screen. This is done by pressing.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 3, the aiming position is a range 11 indicated by a dotted line in the center of the screen. Since the aiming position is recognized by the player as one of the game rules, the range 11 is not displayed on the screen.
[0036]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, a screen specification for displaying the visually recognizable mark 12 at the aiming position is also conceivable.
[0037]
In addition, when there is a possibility that the aesthetic appearance of the screen may be impaired by displaying the two-dimensional mark 12, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that a thin focused light is irradiated to the center of the screen. Graphic processing may be performed. When the character 3 moves across the center of the screen, the light hits the body of the character 3 and the aiming position is indicated as a light pointer 13. Such a screen, for example, arranges a cylindrical object that forms a line of light in the virtual space where the character 3 is arranged, and determines the intersecting plane between the moving and rotating character's contour surface and the cylindrical object as needed. And it can comprise by coloring the intersection surface.
[0038]
The rotation or movement of the character 3 is automatically performed by a game device or a control program. Therefore, the player observes the movement of the character 3 that automatically moves / rotates, and watches the timing when the desired part appears on the screen and overlaps the range 11 (or the aiming mark 12 or the irradiation light 13). Just press the controller button. Alternatively, the player may rotate or move the character in the screen by operating the controller. In that case, the player rotates and moves the character so that a desired part of the character overlaps the range 11 and the like, and presses a button on the controller.
[0039]
Instead of moving and rotating the character with the aim position fixed as described above, the aim mark 12 and the irradiation light 13 may be moved with the character position and orientation fixed. However, in this case, it is necessary that all the parts defined as the instruction input area appear on the screen. For example, when the character's belly and back are defined as the designated area, the character must be displayed in such an orientation that both the belly and back can be seen.
[0040]
Next, the contact screen will be described with reference to FIG. On the contact screen 9, a scene in which the character 6 representing the player's alternation contacts the part of the character 3 designated by the player on the part designation screen 8 is displayed as a moving image. The movement of the character 6 or the character 3 is automatically controlled by the game device or the game control program based on the operation signal input from the player on the part designation screen 8.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, only the character 3 is displayed at the first time point, and then the hand 14 of the character 6 appears from the end of the screen as shown in FIG. As the hand 14 approaches the character 3, the entire body of the character 6 appears as shown in FIG. 6B, and finally the hand 14 contacts the designated part of the character 3.
[0042]
The display of the character 6 varies depending on the contact action pattern. For example, if it is a “kicking” action, it is displayed from the foot, and if it is a “hit” action, the entire body of the character 6 is displayed from the beginning. That is, the displayed moving image may have any content as long as it can effectively express that the operation “contact” has been performed.
[0043]
By displaying such a moving image, the player can actually feel as if he / she has touched the character 3 with his / her hand. You can feel the warmth of talking to the character.
[0044]
Next, on the process execution screen 10, a scene in which the character 3 activates the special move designated by the player is displayed. In the present embodiment, the moving image of the character 3 is enlarged and displayed as illustrated in FIG. 7, but it goes without saying that the entire battlefield may be displayed as shown in FIG.
[0045]
As described above, in this game, when the player designates the character part on the part designation screen 8, the hand (or other part) of the character 6 who is a part of the player contacts the part designated on the contact screen 9. When the contacted part is the instruction input area, the character 3 activates the special move associated with the instruction input area on the process execution screen 10. Hereinafter, the details of the processing of the game device or the game control program for controlling the input of the instruction input area and the special move and the above-described screen will be described.
[0046]
First, a method for defining an instruction input area will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an instruction input area is defined on a character part.
[0047]
The size, shape, and position of the instruction input area can be arbitrarily defined. For example, the example shown in FIG. 8 is an example in which the head, left arm, and right foot are defined as the instruction input area. A wider range (for example, the upper body) may be defined as one instruction input area, and conversely, a narrow area (for example, one finger of each hand) may be defined as one instruction input area.
[0048]
In the game according to the present embodiment, the character is produced as a three-dimensional model configured using three-dimensional computer graphics technology, and the movement of the three-dimensional model is controlled based on the motion control data.
[0049]
The character's 3D model is composed of, for example, a polygonal polygon or a free-form surface obtained by deforming them, and the character's outline is colored, a pattern, and a facial expression, clothes, etc. Shape the personality of In addition, as data for motion control, data representing motion is obtained by simulation or motion capture and used.
[0050]
In this embodiment, the definition of the instruction input area is a control function that functions as an instruction input area as shown in FIG. 8 separately from the object for forming the character personality in the character model production process as described above. This is done by separately adding the object 17 as a component of the model. However, it goes without saying that the instruction input area may be defined by other methods.
[0051]
The control object 17 that functions as the instruction input area has the same shape as the character part and the color is colorless and transparent or the same color (pattern) as the character part. That is, a color or the like that does not change the appearance of the character due to the presence of this object is selected.
[0052]
Note that the shape of the control object does not necessarily need to be completely coincident with the contour surface of the character, and may be any shape and arrangement that can determine contact by the intersection of the objects.
[0053]
Further, weapons, armor, and the like possessed by the character may be handled as one of the character parts, and an instruction input area may be defined on such possessed goods.
[0054]
The control object 17 stores one or more unit processing programs that are executed when the object is designated as an instruction input area in association with each other.
[0055]
FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of correspondence between the instruction input area and the program. The character A shown as an example is a character in which the head, back, and left arm are defined as instruction input areas. The control object is pasted at least in these three places. The object pasted on the head includes a unit program for displaying the video A, a unit program for invoking the technique X, and the value of the likability point described above. Are stored in association with each other. The video A stores, for example, video data representing a state where a character is pleased with a stroke of his head, a state where a character is hugged by a player's alternation character, and slightly bitter. Similarly, various unit programs are stored in advance in association with the back and left arm control objects.
[0056]
Thus, for example, when the player designates the head of the character A on the part designation screen, an image in which the hand of the player's alternate character touches the head of the character A is displayed on the contact screen. The video of the character who is pleased to play) is displayed, and the character A activates the technique X to damage the enemy (the enemy character's state parameter is updated). To increase.
[0057]
In addition to this, a process of changing the camera angle of the battle scene is also conceivable as a process of storing the information in association with the instruction input area. In addition to the process executed in the battle scene, a process for rewriting the parameter value that affects the progress of the game, such as the above-described increase / decrease process of the likability point, is performed, and some effect is produced after the battle scene ends. You may do it.
[0058]
Here, in the present embodiment, for example, even if the head of the character A is defined as the instruction input area, the technique X may not be activated when the player designates the head of the character A on the part designation screen. This is because the game device or the game control program according to the present embodiment limits the function of the instruction input area based on the favorable points acquired by the player.
[0059]
The table illustrated in FIG. 10 shows the portions defined as the instruction input areas for the plurality of characters A to F and the order in which the instruction input areas become functional. A cross mark is a part that is not defined as an instruction input area. Numbers (1), (2), and (3) are parts defined as instruction input areas. The larger the number in parentheses, the higher the sensibility points necessary to make the instruction input area function effectively. Become. For example, the part (1) becomes an effective instruction input area at the favorable point 10, the part (2) becomes effective at the positive point 50, and the part (3) becomes effective at the positive point 100.
[0060]
For example, in a state where the familiarity between the player and the character A is low, the player can instruct the character A to “run away” by designating the left arm of the character A, but the head is designated and the special technique X is designated. It cannot be activated. The use of the function of the control object arranged at the head of the character A is restricted until the player acquires a predetermined favorable point.
[0061]
When the Special Move Y associated with the back that can be specified with the Favor Points 50 or higher is compared with the Special Move X associated with the head that can be specified with the Positive Points 100 or higher, the power of the technique is that of the Special Move X. It is preferable to design the technique so that it becomes larger. This is because the composition of the story is such that as the intimacy with the character increases (the higher the likability points are acquired), powerful advanced techniques can be activated.
[0062]
An instruction input area that can be specified by releasing the restriction not only when the likability point has risen but also, for example, according to the length of play time or when a predetermined event occurs in the game story May be increased. Specifically, for example, when the game is played continuously for a predetermined time or more, the number of instruction input areas that can be specified is increased.
[0063]
Further, when the predetermined condition as described above is satisfied, the process associated with each instruction input area may be replaced or changed. Specifically, for example, when a character obtains a new weapon in a story, a process for invoking a special technique using the weapon is newly associated with one of the instruction input areas. This specification can be realized, for example, by storing a plurality of associations between instruction input areas and processes in advance and switching the associations to be referred to when conditions are generated.
[0064]
When the above function restriction is provided, it is preferable to explicitly display which instruction input area is valid and which instruction input area is invalid on the part designation screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a screen specification in which only an instruction input area that can be specified can be considered is considered. This screen can be realized, for example, by changing the color attribute of the control object arranged in the instruction input area that can be designated from colorless and transparent to fluorescent color.
[0065]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the above process. First, in step S101, the game device or the game control program reads from the memory data of favorable points that the player has acquired for the character. As described above, this is because different parts can be effectively designated according to the value of the likability point.
[0066]
Next, in step S102, the character model is displayed while being moved or rotated. At this time, based on the value of the favorable point read in step S101, only the effective instruction input area is illuminated and displayed as illustrated in FIG. In addition, when the value of the likability point is high, the character model is moved and rotated slowly to facilitate the site specification. Conversely, when the value of the likability point is low, the character model is moved and rotated at high speed. Thus, it may be difficult to specify the part.
[0067]
The game device or the game control program continues displaying the character model in step S102 until a button operation is detected in step S103. If a button operation, i.e., an input of an operation signal indicating the designation of a part is accepted in step S103, then the player's character 6 hand is displayed on the screen in step S104, and the hand and the entire body are displayed. The movement is controlled so that the hand touches the designated part of the character model.
[0068]
Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the contact is valid. This determination is based on the presence or absence of an intersection between the object model of the player's character 6 hand and the control object functioning as the instruction input area, and determines whether or not the contacted part is the instruction input area. Furthermore, if it is an instruction input area, it is determined whether or not the player can specify the instruction input area based on the favorable point read in step S101. If the area can be designated, the contact is determined to be valid. If the contacted part is not the instruction input area, or if the part is the instruction input area but cannot be designated by the player, the contact is determined to be invalid.
[0069]
If the contact is valid, in step S106, an output process of video and audio stored in association with the instruction input area (object) is executed. The video and audio output processing may be performed only when the likability point is a predetermined value or more. Next, in step S107, the action of the character is controlled to activate the technique. Thereafter, in step S108, a predetermined value is added to the likability point.
[0070]
Further, in step S109, a branch control parameter value for determining a subsequent scenario or ending is set. The branching control parameter is set so that the instruction given by the player to the character is associated with the progress of the subsequent story. For example, when an enemy can be defeated with one shot by activating a special technique instructed by the player, the parameter value is set so that a scenario when the closeness between the character and the player increases is selected.
[0071]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the contact is invalid, the likability point is decreased by a predetermined value or remains as it is in step S110. For example, if the specified part is an instruction input area but is not valid, the likability point is not increased or decreased. If a part other than the area defined as the instruction input area is specified, the likability point is decreased. Like that.
[0072]
Next, in step S111, the value of the branch control parameter is set as in step S109. Since the process in step S111 is performed when the player has specified an inappropriate part, it is generally preferable to set a value for selecting a scenario in which the character and the player's alternation character are in conflict. .
[0073]
In the flowchart of FIG. 12, whether or not the contact is valid is determined in step S105. However, when the button operation is accepted in step S103, only designation of the part corresponding to the valid instruction input area is accepted. Even if it is going to specify about the site | part, it is good also as a state which cannot perform button operation (it does not return a response or displays an error). In this case, processing corresponding to steps S106 to S109 is executed after step S104. When another part is designated, the button operation is not accepted, so the processing corresponding to steps S110 to S111 is not executed.
[0074]
Further, when the instruction input area is defined on the contour surface of the character model, another area may be defined separately from the instruction input area. That is, areas other than the instruction input area are not handled uniformly, but are distinguished and handled in detail. For example, a dangerous area associated with a process of greatly reducing the likability point and a process of outputting a voice of an angry voice “Do not touch!” Of the character is defined separately. In this case, in the determination in step S105, in addition to the above determination process, it is also determined whether or not a dangerous area is defined in the designated part.
[0075]
Here, in the game of the present embodiment, likability points are accumulated and referenced in both the everyday world and the extraordinary world. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating conditions for accumulating likability points and their effects. While the game is progressing in the daily world, the player can increase the likability point by selecting a response or attitude preferred by the character from the menu. On the other hand, while the game is progressing in the extraordinary world, the player can bring the character into contact with an appropriate part to activate an effective killing technique on the character and increase the likability point.
[0076]
While the game is progressing in the everyday world, the higher the likability point, the higher the familiarity with the character. On the other hand, while the game is progressing in the extraordinary world, the higher the likability point, the greater the number of accessible parts, that is, the number of effective instruction input areas. This is nothing but an increase in combat power.
[0077]
As shown in the figure, in the game according to the present embodiment, the favorable points accumulated by the player in one world are effective in the other world. As for the composition of the story of the game, the human relationship with the character in the everyday world affects teamwork in the battle scene in the extraordinary world, and the command taken by the player or the decision made by the player in the battle scene is the character in the everyday world It has a composition that affects the human relationship.
[0078]
Further, in the above game specifications, as shown in FIG. 9, processing such as technique activation and video display is assigned to each instruction input area. However, the process to be executed is not limited to the instruction input area. You may change according to a pattern.
[0079]
For example, in the association shown in the table illustrated in FIG. 9, when the left arm is designated, the video B is uniformly displayed. However, as shown in the table of FIG. If so, display the image of running away, and if it is a “sticking” action, display the image of escaping, and if “tap”, display the image of escaping in a hurry. The video may be different.
[0080]
In general, two methods are conceivable as methods for accepting a plurality of types of contact. One is a method in which a controller having a plurality of buttons is used as an input device and a different contact method is assigned to each button. For example, if the player specifies a part by pressing the ○ button on the controller on the part specifying screen, “stroking” is specified, “patch” is specified when the part is specified by pressing the □ button, and “ When the “tap” or “X” button is pressed to specify a part, it is interpreted as “pull”, and the next processing (video to be displayed) is selected.
[0081]
As another method, when accepting the player's operation input on the part designation screen, more complicated determination is made regarding not only the presence / absence of the input of the operation signal but also the operation procedure such as the time of pressing the button or the pressing interval. A method is conceivable.
[0082]
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the player moves the character model in the direction indicated by the arrow 19 while pressing the button indicating the part designation on the part designation screen. In this case, the first part (right wrist) arranged at the center of the screen when the player starts to press the button and the second part (right side) arranged at the center of the screen when the player releases the button. Elbow) is a different part. In such a case, it is determined that the stroke from the first part to the second part (from the right wrist to the right elbow) is “stroked” as indicated by an arrow 20 in the figure. Further, for example, when the player repeatedly hits the operation button on the part designation screen, it is determined that the designated part has been “tucked”.
[0083]
In addition, for example, when a pressure sensor or the like is incorporated in the button of the controller and the strength of the pressing force can be determined, it is possible to distinguish, for example, “tap lightly” and “naggle” by the strength of pressing the button. It is done.
[0084]
In addition, when a plurality of parts are designated continuously on a part designation screen within a predetermined time, such as an arm, a back, and a head, a particularly powerful special technique may be activated. Such a specification can be realized by associating and storing a set of a plurality of instruction input areas for one program in the association shown in FIG.
[0085]
In this case, the game device or the game control program continues to display the character 3 until a predetermined time elapses after accepting a button operation meaning the confirmation of the designated part while the part designation screen 8 is being displayed. Accept button operations. Alternatively, after accepting the first button operation, which means confirmation of the designated part, while performing the process associated with the designated instruction input area, the part designation screen 8 is displayed in a small window at the corner of the screen. Then, an additional input may be accepted. In order to specify the parts continuously, it is necessary to perform the button operation for aiming and the button operation for determining the specified part several times in succession. Can give fun.
[0086]
In addition, when incorporating the above function, a part to be designated next may be highlighted to prompt continuous designation. As a highlighting method, a method in which a site to be designated next is illuminated as shown in FIG. 11 can be considered.
[0087]
In the above game, a moving image representing an image of “contact” is displayed on the contact screen, but a specification in which the contact screen is omitted is also conceivable. That is, the specification may be made such that after the part designation is performed on the part designation screen illustrated in FIG. 3, the process execution screen illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed immediately and the process associated with the part is performed.
[0088]
Furthermore, in the above game, the character model is displayed while being moved or rotated on the dedicated screen for specifying the part, but the part specifying screen does not necessarily have to be a dedicated screen for specifying the part. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the part may be designated on the process execution screen. That is, both the function for specifying the part and the function for executing the process may be realized on the same screen.
[0089]
In the screen of FIG. 16, the player observes the movement of the character 3 in the same manner as the dedicated screen for specifying the part, and the desired part appears on the screen and the timing of the specified part is estimated. A button operation meaning determination is performed. However, in a battle scene, unlike a dedicated screen for specifying a part, the displayed character's movement is irregular, so that a desired part may not appear on the screen in a timely manner. That is, it can be said that it is a specification for advanced users because the difficulty of specifying a part increases.
[0090]
In this specification, the player can instruct the next battle action while the character is performing a predetermined battle action, and the screen is not switched, so that the player can enjoy a realistic battle scene. As shown in the figure, if the hand 14 is arranged as an aiming mark in the screen, the same effect as that of the above-described contact screen can be obtained.
[0091]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, the hardware configuration necessary for realizing the game, including the controller that has appeared in the above description, will be described. FIG. 17 shows the game device 21 and peripheral devices connected to the game device 21. The game device 21 is connected to the display output device 27 by a cable 30. In the present embodiment, the display output device 27 is a home television provided with a display screen 28 for displaying a game screen and a speaker 29 for outputting the sound of the game.
[0092]
The game device 21 is connected to an input device 31 that inputs a control signal for the player to control the game, that is, a controller, by a cable 45. The controller illustrated in the figure includes a direction instruction button 34, a SELECT button 32, a START button 33, a Δ button 39, a ○ button 40, a □ button 41, an X button 42, an L1 button 43a, an L2 button 43b, an R1 button 44a and an R2 button. 44b.
[0093]
In addition, you may use the type provided with the joystick as a controller. In this case, the function of the direction instruction button 34 described later is assigned to the joystick.
[0094]
The function of each button depends on what function the game control program assigns to each button. In the above romance simulation game, each button functions as follows.
[0095]
The direction instruction button 34 is a button used for cursor control at the time of character movement, viewpoint movement, or menu selection. The upper portion 35 of the direction instruction button 34 is assigned to the upper direction of the screen, the left portion 36 is assigned to the left direction of the screen, the lower portion 37 is assigned to the lower direction of the screen, and the right portion 38 is assigned to the right direction of the screen. The cursor and character can be controlled.
[0096]
The direction instruction button 34 is used to move the viewpoint of the player while the game is progressing in the daily world. It is also used when moving a character model on a part designation screen in an extraordinary world. In addition, the direction instruction button 34 is used for moving the cursor when a predetermined item is selected from various selection menus.
[0097]
Note that the rotation of the viewpoint or character model may be assigned to the L1 button 43a, the L2 button 43b, the R1 button 44a, and the R2 button 44b.
[0098]
The △ button 39, the ◯ button 40, the □ button 41, and the X button 42 are used for specifying a part as described above. In addition, when a predetermined item is selected from various menus, an operation signal indicating that the item to be selected is confirmed by pressing the ○ button 40 can be input to the game device.
[0099]
The SELECT button 32 is used when switching screens, for example, when calling a data save screen during a game. The START button 33 is mainly used for instructing to start or pause the game.
[0100]
In addition to the power button 22, the game apparatus 21 includes a disk tray storage unit 23 in which a disk tray for setting a DVD or CD-ROM is stored, an open button 24 for unloading the disk tray from the disk tray storage unit 23, a game A slot 25 for inserting a memory card for saving progress, results, and the like, connection terminals for connecting various controllers (the connection terminal 26a in the figure indicates a connection state, and the connection terminal 26b indicates a non-connection state), a screen, A connection terminal for connecting an output device such as audio and a connection terminal for connecting to a network (both not shown) are provided.
[0101]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the game apparatus 21. Internally, the game apparatus 21 includes a CPU 47, a ROM 48, a RAM 49, a VRAM 50, a voice synthesis unit 52, an input / output control unit 53, an input control unit 56, and a communication control unit 57 connected to the system bus 46. It is comprised so that a signal can be exchanged via.
[0102]
When the game apparatus 21 is turned on, the internal circuit and the like are first initialized by the initialization data stored in the ROM 48, and the game control program stored in the DVD 54 and the save data stored in the memory card 55 are stored. Are read into the RAM 49 via the input / output control unit 53. On the other hand, a control signal input from the input device 31 by the player is provided to the CPU 47 via the input control unit 56.
[0103]
The CPU 47 sequentially processes the program and data stored in the RAM 49 based on a control signal provided from the input control unit 56. Images output as a result of processing by the CPU 47 are temporarily stored in the VRAM 50 for each screen, and sent to the image display unit 28 such as a television display screen via the image control unit 51. Similarly, the sound output by the execution of the program is sent to the sound output unit 29 such as a television speaker via the sound synthesizer 52.
[0104]
When a game is advanced by a plurality of players connected on the network, data exchange with other game devices connected to the network 58 is performed via the communication control unit 57.
[0105]
The game control program is provided by being recorded on a medium such as a DVD, a CD-ROM, or a memory card. The game control program is read into the game device 21 via the input / output control unit 53 and executed by the CPU 47. Alternatively, the game apparatus 21 may be read and executed from a server on the network via the communication control unit 57.
[0106]
As is apparent from the above description, this game has a great feature in that the action of contacting the character's part and the action instruction to the character are associated with each other. In conventional role-playing games and the like, it was considered desirable to be able to give action instructions in a battle scene quickly and without much effort, so action instructions by menu selection were considered optimal. For this reason, it can be said that the operation method for instructing the character to indirectly act by specifying the character part is extremely novel. Such a specification is particularly suitable for games such as the above-described love simulation game where the familiarity between the player and the character influences the progress of the story.
[0107]
Another feature of this game is that the contact screen explicitly displays that contact has been made. As a result, the player feels as if he / she is instructing the character to take action while taking skinship, and is expected to have a stronger attachment to the character. If the attachment to a character increases, interest in the game will naturally increase, which is preferable for game creators. In particular, in the above embodiment, the character is represented as a three-dimensional model using computer graphics technology, and the instruction input area is also defined along the contour surface of the model. Can be expressed.
[0108]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the number of the parts which can be touched increases / decreases according to the height of a favorable point, As a result, the kind of action which can be designated increases / decreases. Or, when the likability points increase, new video and audio can be enjoyed. That is, by allowing the game to progress so as to increase the likability points, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of action instructions and enjoy various effects.
[0109]
The above example is a love simulation game incorporating elements of an adventure game, but the present invention can be applied to a role playing game, a sports simulation game such as baseball, or any other game in which some character appears. Does not limit the type of game.
[0110]
For example, in a sports simulation game in which a player becomes a soccer team manager and faces a game, when the manager's hand massages a player's foot or rubs his shoulder, the player shoots a powerful shot. Conceivable. Alternatively, a game in which the manager character is moved by contact with the manager character and the player is indirectly moved by the movement of the manager character is also conceivable. For example, in baseball, a manager may send an instruction (sign) to a player according to a predetermined type. When the right hand of the supervisor character is designated, the part and the process are stored in association with each other so that the supervisor character performs the type of raising the right hand. Furthermore, the type that raises the right hand is defined as a sign that instructs the player to send a bunt. In this case, the player can designate the right hand of the manager, cause the manager to raise the right hand, and indirectly instruct the player to send the bunt.
[0111]
Thus, the present invention can be applied to any game that is played by controlling the movement of the character.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the game player can give an instruction to the character while taking virtual skinship with the character, so that the attachment to the character is strengthened and the interest in the game is expected to increase.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a love simulation game shown as an application example of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing screen transition at the time of an action instruction.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a part designation screen in which the center of the screen is defined as an aim.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a part designation screen in which a marked part is set as an aim.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a part designation screen expressed by light irradiated with an aim.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a contact screen.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process execution screen.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an instruction input area defined on a part of a character model.
FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of correspondence between instruction input areas and processes;
FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of a definition of an instruction input area for each character.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of highlighting of an instruction input area.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of action instruction processing;
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a condition for changing a likability parameter and an effect of the change.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the operation input method on the part designation screen.
FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of associating processing for each type of contact operation;
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which part specification and process execution are performed on the same screen.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a game device.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the game device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 game screen (daily life), 2 game screen (unusual world), 3 character, 4 character word display, 5 response selection menu, 6 player character, 7 enemy character, 8 site designation screen, 9 Contact screen, 10 processing execution screen, 11 aiming range, 12 mark, 13 light pointer, 14 player character's hand, 16 instruction input area, 17 control object, 18 highlighting, 19 character moving direction, 20 Designated part, 21 Game device, 22 Power button, 23 Disc tray storage part, 24 Open button, 25 Slot, 26a, b Connection terminal, 27 Display output device, 28 Display screen, 29 Speaker, 30, 45 cable, 31 Input device (Controller), 32 to 34, 39 to 44 buttons, 4 6 System bus, 54 DVD, etc. 55 Memory card.

Claims (43)

A game device for controlling the movement of a character arranged in a virtual space,
Storage means for storing a predetermined control process in association with an instruction input area defined on a predetermined part of the first character;
A part designating means for displaying the first character on the screen and receiving an input of a first operation signal indicating the designation of the part of the first character;
When the part specified by the first operation signal received by the part specifying means is a part defined as the instruction input area, the control process stored in association with the instruction input area is executed. A game device comprising processing execution means for performing. When at least a part of the second character is displayed on the screen and the part designating unit receives the input of the first operation signal, the second character is placed on the part designated by the first character. 2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising contact motion control means for controlling the movement of the second character so as to come into contact. The storage means defines an instruction input area on each of a plurality of parts of the first character, and stores different control processes in association with each instruction input area. Game device. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of types of control processes in association with one instruction input area. The first character is a three-dimensional model created by three-dimensional computer graphics, and the instruction input area is defined by arranging a predetermined control object on a surface constituting the outline of the three-dimensional model. The game device according to claim 1, wherein: The part designating means displays the first character on a screen in which a predetermined aiming range is determined while moving and / or rotating, and enters the aiming range when the first operation signal is received. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determined part is determined as a designated part. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the movement and / or rotation of the first character is performed based on a second operation signal input from the outside. 8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the first character is displayed on the screen, the part designating unit highlights a part that can be designated among the parts defined as the instruction input area. The game device described in 1. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores one control process in association with a combination of a plurality of instruction input areas. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part designating unit accepts designation of a plurality of parts by continuous input of the first operation signal. The part designating unit accepts two or more types of signals as the first operation signal,
The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the contact action control unit causes the second character to perform different contact actions according to the type of the signal. 12. The game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the two or more types of signals correspond to types of operation buttons that generate the signals. The game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the two or more types of signals correspond to an operation input procedure for generating the signals. One of the control processes memorize | stored by the said memory | storage means is a process which controls this 1st character so that the said 1st character may take a predetermined action, The one of Claim 1 to 13 characterized by the above-mentioned. The game device described in 1. 15. The game according to claim 1, wherein one of the control processes stored in the storage means is a process for setting or updating a value of a predetermined control parameter used for controlling the game. apparatus. 16. The game apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control parameter is a parameter for setting a scenario in each scene of the game. 16. The game apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control parameter is a predetermined game point acquired by the player in the course of the game. 18. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the control processes stored in the storage unit is a process of outputting a predetermined video and / or audio. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the control processes stored in the storage unit is a process of changing a viewpoint when the virtual space is displayed on a screen. The said process execution means restrict | limits execution of the said control process based on the value of the predetermined | prescribed game point which the player acquired in the process in which a game progresses, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Game device. The process execution means selects and executes one or more processes from the plurality of types of control processes based on a predetermined game point value acquired by the player during the course of the game. The game device according to claim 4. A game control program for controlling the movement of characters arranged in a virtual space,
A correspondence storage function for storing a predetermined control process in association with an instruction input area defined on a predetermined part of the first character;
A part designating function for displaying the first character on the screen and receiving an input of a first operation signal indicating designating the part of the first character;
When the part specified by the first operation signal received by the part specifying function is a part defined as the instruction input area, the control process stored in association with the instruction input area is executed. A game control program for implementing a processing execution function on a computer. When at least a part of the second character is displayed on the screen and the input of the first operation signal is received by the part specifying function, the second character is placed on the part specified by the first character. 23. The game control program according to claim 22, further comprising a computer mounted with a contact motion control function for controlling the movement of the second character so as to make contact. The association storage function is a function of defining instruction input areas on a plurality of parts of the first character and storing different control processes in association with each instruction input area. Item 22. A game control program according to Item 22 or 23. 25. The game control program according to claim 21, wherein the association storage function includes a function of storing a plurality of types of control processes in association with one instruction input area. The first character is a three-dimensional model created by three-dimensional computer graphics, and the instruction input area is defined by arranging a predetermined control object on a surface constituting the outline of the three-dimensional model. The game control program according to any one of claims 22 to 25. The part designating function displays the first character on a screen in which a predetermined aiming range is determined while moving and / or rotating, and is within the aiming range when the first operation signal is received. The game control program according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the game control program has a function of determining a designated part as a designated part. 28. The game control program according to claim 27, wherein the movement and / or rotation of the first character is performed based on a second operation signal input from the outside. 23. The function of specifying a part of the part specified as an instruction input area is highlighted when the first character is displayed on the screen. 30. The game control program according to any one of 28 to 28. The game control program according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the association storage function includes a function of storing one control process in association with a combination of a plurality of instruction input areas. . The game control program according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the part designating function includes a function of accepting designation of a plurality of parts by continuous input of the first operation signal. The part designating function includes a function of accepting two or more types of signals as the first operation signal,
The game control program according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the contact motion control means includes a function of causing the second character to perform different contact motions according to the type of the signal. . The game control program according to claim 32, wherein the two or more types of signals correspond to types of operation buttons that generate the signals. The game control program according to claim 32, wherein the two or more types of signals correspond to an operation input procedure for generating the signals. 35. One of the control processes stored by the association storage function is a process of controlling the first character so that the first character takes a predetermined action. The game control program in any one of. 36. One of the control processes stored by the association storage function is a process for setting or updating a value of a predetermined control parameter used for game control. The game control program described. 37. The game control program according to claim 36, wherein the control parameter is a parameter for setting a scenario in each scene of the game. 37. The game control program according to claim 36, wherein the control parameter is a predetermined game point acquired by the player in the course of the game. 39. The game control program according to claim 22, wherein one of the control processes stored by the association storage function is a process of outputting a predetermined video and / or audio. 40. The game control according to claim 22, wherein one of the control processes stored by the association storage function is a process of changing a viewpoint when the virtual space is displayed on the screen. program. 41. The function according to claim 22, wherein the process execution function includes a function of restricting execution of the control process based on a predetermined game point value acquired by the player in the course of the game. The game control program according to any one of the above. The process execution function is a function for selecting and executing one or more processes from the plurality of types of control processes based on a predetermined game point value acquired by the player in the course of the game. The game control program according to any one of claims 25 to 41, wherein 43. A computer-readable recording medium on which the game control program according to any one of claims 22 to 42 is recorded.

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