JP2008099908A - Program, information storage medium, and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To direct a proper control method to a friend character in accordance with a game situation. <P>SOLUTION: As an operation for directing an action is made by a player, a specific control method is applied as a control method to a wingman, the friend character that is computer-controlled. The proper control method is changed depending on if the wingman currently locks on to an enemy character. With the same operation for directing the action, the control method applied in accordance with the operation for directing the action is thus adaptably changed in accordance with a current game progress situation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a game device.

  A game in which teams composed of a plurality of characters battle each other is known. In such a game, among the characters belonging to the team on the player side, one predetermined character or one character that can be selectively selected / switched during play is set as the player character and input by the player In general, the remaining characters are automatically controlled by a computer as so-called COM characters.

  As an example of the above game, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a soccer game. A COM character is a character that is automatically controlled by computer control. However, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, a player is instructed about a target action of a COM character called a strategy, and is a motion suitable for the target action. The control method of the COM character can be switched so that

More specifically, a strategy (target action) such as “all-attack” or “all-defense” is assigned to the operation buttons in advance, and one of the assigned operation buttons is operated and input to control the COM character. The method is switched to the control method associated with the strategy (target action).
JP-A-10-201951

  However, the contents to be instructed to the COM character change at any time according to the progress of the game. Therefore, if the technique of Patent Document 1 is applied as it is, if the content to be instructed is not assigned to the operation button, it is necessary to interrupt the game each time and call the strategy change setting screen to instruct the strategy change. There is. Due to the interruption of the game, the immersive feeling of the game is removed.

  Therefore, all the operation buttons corresponding to the contents to be instructed may be provided. However, there are restrictions on the shape and size of the controller, which is difficult. Even if all the operation buttons are provided, it is not realistic because the player is forced to play the game after remembering which button corresponds to which instruction content.

  During game play, the player usually concentrates on the operation of his player character. For this reason, it is difficult for a beginner player to obtain an appropriate instruction to a COM character according to the situation after grasping the overall game situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a player character (for example, the player machine of FIGS. 2 and 3) is input to a computer (for example, the home game device 1200 of FIGS. 1 and 7) in accordance with the player's operation input. P), and a program for automatically controlling a teammate character (for example, wingman F in FIGS. 2 and 3) according to a given control method to execute a predetermined game,
Determining means for determining whether or not the current game progress status is in a predetermined status for switching the control method for controlling the teammate character (for example, step A9 in FIG. 13);
Specific operation detecting means (for example, steps A11 and A21 in FIG. 13) for detecting that a specific operation (for example, action command setting data 670 in FIG. 12; key / button 671) predetermined by the player has been performed,
The control method for controlling the teammate character is the first control method (for example, the action command setting in FIG. 12) when the detection is made in a situation where the judgment means judges that the situation is predetermined. Data 670; operation system 675 at lock-on, and when the detection is made in a situation where it is determined that the situation is not in a predetermined situation, the second control method (for example, action command setting in FIG. 12) Data 670; non-lock-on operation system 673) for controlling the teammate character (for example, steps A11 to A33 in FIG. 13),
As a program for causing the computer to function (for example, a game program 610 in FIG. 7).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game device that controls a player character according to a player's operation input, and automatically controls a teammate character according to a given control method to execute a predetermined game.
Determination means for determining whether or not a current game progress state is in a predetermined state for switching a control method for controlling the teammate character;
Specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation predetermined by the player has been performed;
The control method for controlling the teammate character is switched to the first control method when the detection is made in a situation where the judgment means judges that the situation is in a predetermined situation. A teammate character switching control means for controlling the teammate character by switching to the second control method when the detection is made in a situation where it is determined that
A game device (for example, the home game device 1200 of FIGS. 1 and 7) may be configured.

  According to the first invention and the like, a given control method is applied as a control method of a teammate character that is a so-called COM character by performing a specific operation. The control method to be applied is switched depending on whether or not the situation is predetermined for switching. That is, even if the same specific operation is performed, the control method applied according to the specific operation is switched adaptively according to the current game progress. As a result, the player can instruct an appropriate control method according to the game situation with respect to the teammate character only by performing a specific operation without being aware of the current game progress situation.

Moreover, 2nd invention is a program of 1st invention, Comprising: As a teammate character selection means to variably select the teammate character to be controlled by the teammate character switching control means according to the determination result by the determination means Make the computer function,
The program for causing the computer to function so that the teammate character switching control unit controls the teammate character selected by the teammate character selection unit as a control target of the switched control method.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, not all the teammate characters are always controlled by the teammate character switching control means, but the teammate characters selected by the teammate character selecting means are controlled by the switched control method. Become.

  For example, as in the third invention, the teammate character selecting means in the second invention selects the teammate character to be selected as a teammate character whose positional relationship with the player character satisfies the first positional relationship condition. You may comprise the program for functioning the said computer so that these may be selected variably.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, for example, only teammate characters that satisfy the positional relationship with respect to the position of the player character, such as teammate characters located within a predetermined distance from the player character, are controlled by the switched control method. Can be selected.

Further, as in the fourth invention, the program of the second or third invention,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by attacking the opponent character,
Causing the computer to function as attack target selection means (for example, step A5 in FIG. 13; lock-on marker W2 in FIG. 6) for selecting an enemy character to be attacked in accordance with a player's operation input;
Whether the teammate character selecting unit is a teammate character to be selected is a teammate character whose positional relationship with the enemy character selected as the attack target by the attack target selecting unit satisfies the second positional relationship condition. It is also possible to configure a program for causing the computer to function so that it can be selected.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, for example, only teammate characters that satisfy the positional relationship based on the position of the enemy character to be attacked, such as a teammate character located within a predetermined distance from the enemy character to be attacked, can be switched. Can be selected as a control target of the control method.

  Further, as in the fifth invention, the teammate character selecting means in any one of the second to fourth inventions selects the teammate character to be selected as the belonging group preset in each of the plurality of teammate characters and / or A program for causing the computer to function may be configured to variably select whether or not the attribute is a friendly character that satisfies a predetermined condition.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, for example, among the teammate characters, only a teammate character belonging to a predetermined group can be controlled, or only a character having a predetermined attribute can be controlled. .

  As in the sixth invention, the program for causing the computer to function so that the teammate character selecting means in any one of the second to fifth inventions variably selects the number of teammate characters to be selected. May be configured.

  According to the sixth aspect, the number of teammate characters to be controlled by the teammate character switching control means can be varied.

The seventh invention is a program according to any one of the first to sixth inventions,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by attacking the opponent character,
Attack target criterion determination means (for example, FIG. 13), wherein the determination means performs the determination based on whether or not the player character's attack target when attacking with an attack target is determined is an enemy character. A program for causing the computer to function so as to have step A9).

  The situation in which the attack target of the player character is set to the enemy character is a situation that has a great significance in the attack phase. The determination means determines this situation as a situation for switching the control method of the teammate character. Accordingly, the control method of the friendly character applied according to the specific operation is adaptively and automatically switched in an important aspect of the attack, so that the player only performs the same specific operation without removing the sense of immersion. Thus, an appropriate instruction can be given to the teammate character.

The eighth invention is a program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by attacking the opponent character,
An attack target reference determination unit (for example, the determination unit) performs the determination based on whether or not the attack character of the enemy character when attacking by setting an attack target is in a situation determined by the player character (for example, FIG. 15 is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have the action command designation operation system switching condition “1”) of FIG.

  In contrast to the seventh invention, the eighth invention relates to a situation in which the enemy character targets the player character as an attack target. The situation in which the attack target of the enemy character is set to the player character is a situation that has a very important meaning in terms of defense of the player character. The determination unit determines such a situation as a situation for switching the control method of the teammate character. Accordingly, the control method of the teammate character applied according to the specific operation is adaptively and automatically switched in an important aspect of defense, so that the player only performs the same specific operation without removing the sense of immersion. Thus, an appropriate instruction can be given to the teammate character.

The ninth invention is a program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, a teammate character, and an enemy character battle each other,
The determination means is in a situation where the positional relationship between the player character and the enemy character satisfies a third positional relationship condition (for example, “2” and “3” in the action command designation operation system switching condition in FIG. 15). It is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have a positional relationship reference determination means for performing the determination based on whether or not.

  According to the ninth aspect, in the situation for switching the control method of the teammate character based on whether or not the positional relationship between the player character and the enemy character is located within a predetermined short distance, for example. It is determined whether or not there is. It can be said that the situation where the player character and the enemy character are located within a predetermined short distance and the situation where the other is located within one attack range of the player character and the enemy character are important aspects in the progress of the game. Depending on whether or not it is such a situation, the control method of the teammate character applied according to the specific operation is automatically switched.

The tenth invention is the program of any one of the first to ninth inventions,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, a teammate character, and an enemy character battle each other,
The value of the parameter which the determination means changes according to the amount of damage set for the player character and / or the enemy character (for example, player character data 630 in FIG. 8; durability value 634, enemy character data in FIG. 10) 650; endurance value 654) is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have parameter value reference determination means (for example, “4” of the action command designation operation system switching condition in FIG. 15) for performing the determination. .

  According to the tenth aspect, is the parameter value of the player character and / or enemy character set so as to be variable according to the amount of damage, for example, a value equal to or less than a predetermined value indicating a value before defeating? Based on whether or not, the control method of the teammate character applied according to the specific operation can be switched.

The eleventh invention is a program according to any one of the first to tenth inventions,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by destroying the opponent character,
The determination means includes remaining number reference determination means for performing the determination based on the number of remaining friendly characters and / or enemy characters (for example, “5” of action command designation operation system switching condition in FIG. 15). Is a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the ally applied in accordance with the specific operation based on whether or not the remaining number of ally characters and / or enemy characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number of aircraft before the destruction. The character control method can be switched.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is the program according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the invention, in which the determination unit determines the determination based on the elapsed game time (for example, FIG. This is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have 15 action command designation operation system switching conditions “6”).

  According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the control method of the teammate character to be applied according to the specific operation can be switched based on whether or not the elapsed time of the game is less than 1 minute, for example.

A thirteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions,
The game is a battle game in which a player character, a teammate character, and an enemy character battle each other,
Causing the computer to function as superiority or inferiority judging means for judging superiority or inferiority in the battle based on the progress of the current game;
The determination means causes the computer to function so as to include superiority / inferiority criterion determination means (for example, “7” of the action command designation operation system switching condition in FIG. 15) that performs the determination based on the determination result of the superiority / inferiority determination means. It is a program for.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, there is provided a method for controlling a teammate character to be applied according to a specific operation based on, for example, whether or not a team of player characters and teammate characters is inferior to a team of enemy characters. Can be switched.

The fourteenth invention is the program according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions,
The determination means determines whether the player character has a predetermined object or not based on ownership criteria determination means (for example, “8” in the action command designation operation system switching condition in FIG. 15). A program for causing the computer to function so as to have

  According to the fourteenth aspect, the control method of the teammate character to be applied according to the specific operation can be switched based on, for example, whether or not the player character is in a state of possessing a predetermined item object. .

The fifteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions,
A predetermined notification (for example, a switch lamp display in FIG. 16B) is displayed when the current game progress state is a state for switching the control method for controlling the teammate character according to the determination result of the determination means. W13) is a program for causing the computer to function as notifying means.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, for example, a message to that effect is displayed when the control method for controlling a teammate character is switched. Therefore, the player can know that the control method of the teammate character has been switched.

The sixteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fifteenth inventions,
Control method display control means for switching and controlling display indicating a control method when the specific operation is performed (for example, action command designation operation display W11 in FIG. 16A) according to the determination result of the determination means. As a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the display indicating the control method when the specific operation is performed is switched according to the determination result of the determination unit. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the correspondence between the specific operation and the control method of the teammate character.

  Further, as in the seventeenth aspect, a computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the CD-ROM 1212 in FIG. 1, the storage unit 600 in FIG. 7) storing the program according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects described above. ) May be configured.

  According to the present invention, when a specific operation is performed, a predetermined control method is applied as a control method of a teammate character that is a so-called COM character. The control method to be applied is switched depending on whether or not the situation is determined. That is, even if the same specific operation is performed, the control method applied according to the specific operation is switched adaptively according to the current game progress. As a result, the player can instruct an appropriate control method according to the game situation with respect to the teammate character only by performing a specific operation without being aware of the current game progress situation.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case of executing a flight shooting game on a consumer game device will be described with reference to the drawings. A “flight shooting game” is a shooting game that attacks a given enemy character while manipulating a virtual fighter like a flight simulator. However, embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to this.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic appearance of a consumer game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. The home game device 1200 includes a game controller 1202, a main body device 1210, and a display 1220 having a speaker 1222. The game controller 1202 is connected to the main device 1210, and the display 1220 is connected to the main device 1210 by a cable 1201 capable of transmitting image signals, sound signals, and the like.

  The game controller 1202 includes a direction key 1204 including an upper key 1204a, a lower key 1204b, a right key 1204c, and a left key 1204d for a player to input a game operation and a screen display position, and six button switches 1206 (1206a to 1206f). And left and right analog sticks 1208 (1208L, 1208R).

  The direction key 1204 and the button switches 1206a to 1206d are provided on the same surface (hereinafter referred to as “operation surface”), and the button switches 1206e and 1206f are the front surface of the game controller 1202 (upper side surface toward the operation surface). Is provided. Hereinafter, the button switch 1206f is referred to as an “L button”.

  The main unit 1210 includes a reading unit for an information storage medium such as a control unit 1211 and a CD-ROM 1212 equipped with a CPU and IC memories, for example, and a program and data read from the CD-ROM 1212 and the operation from the game controller 1202. Various game processes are calculated based on the signals to generate game screen image signals and game sound signals.

  The main body device 1210 generates a game image in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint such as a virtual camera. Then, the image signal and the audio signal are output to the display 1220, the game screen is displayed on the display 1220, and the game sound is output from the speaker 1222. The player can enjoy the game by operating the game controller 1202 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1220.

  Programs, data, and the like necessary for the main apparatus 1210 to execute game processing are stored in, for example, a CD-ROM 1212, an IC memory 1214, a memory card 1216, and the like, which are information storage media detachable from the main apparatus 1210. Alternatively, it is possible to connect to the communication line N via the communication device 1218 provided in the main body device 1210 and download from an external device (for example, a game server). The “communication line” here refers to a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line N includes a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. This means that the communication method is not limited to wired / wireless.

2. Game Description FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining main characters in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, one player machine P, which is a player character operated by a player, and a wingman F (Fa), which is a teammate character that is automatically operated by a computer according to a preset control routine (control program: control method). , Fb, Fc) form a team. As in the conventional case, the control routine has patterns such as “emphasis on anti-air attack”, “emphasis on ground attack”, “assistance of friendly aircraft”, and the like. Each of the player machine P and the wingman F is composed of a polygon model, flies in a game stage configured in a virtual three-dimensional space, and ships, vehicles, buildings, airplanes, and the like arranged in advance in the game stage Can attack enemy characters.

  A virtual camera Cp that is controlled to follow is set on the player machine P, and a game image is generated and displayed based on the virtual camera Cp. For example, when the virtual camera Cp is placed in the cockpit of the player machine P, a first-person viewpoint game image called a “cockpit view” is obtained.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the game in the present embodiment. Usually, the player machine P and the wingman machine F move in the vast game stage as in the conventional case, and battle each other. In many cases, the player machine P and the wingman F are taking different actions at different positions. Specifically, as shown in the stage map Mp-1, in the normal state during the game, the wingmen Fa, Fb, and Fc act differently at various locations on the game stage and are enemies such as ships, vehicles, buildings, and airplanes. Attack character E.

  If a predetermined mission success condition (for example, destroying all enemy characters E) is satisfied, the mission is successful and the game ends. If a predetermined mission failure condition (for example, the player machine P is defeated or the time limit elapses) is satisfied, the mission is failed and the game ends.

  When attacking an enemy character E, the player locks on the enemy character E by pressing a predetermined button switch 1206 of the game controller 1202 in a state where the target enemy character E is captured in the front. Then, the player presses a predetermined button switch 1206 of the game controller 1202 to lock the enemy character E (hereinafter referred to as “lock-on target”) with the weapon that is a guided bullet equipped in the player machine P locked on. .)

  From the viewpoint of character control, when an operation for instructing lock-on is detected, the enemy character E is searched based on information on the current position and orientation of the player machine P and locked on. More specifically, the converted distance of the game space is, for example, within the range of “3 km” around the player machine P and within the range of “within ± 30 degrees up and down and left and right” from the line-of-sight direction of the player machine P. Range ", and the enemy character E existing in the search range is locked on. It should be noted that the enemy character E may be searched for and locked on based on any one of the current position and orientation of the player machine P.

  When the player machine P locks on the enemy character E (hereinafter referred to as “when locked on”) and detects an operation for instructing the weapon to be fired, the weapon P is directed toward the lock-on target. To control its movement. Further, when an operation for instructing the weapon to be fired is detected in a situation in which the player machine P does not lock on the enemy character E (hereinafter referred to as “when unlocked”), the player machine P moves in the line-of-sight direction of the player machine P. Fire the weapon toward and control its movement to go straight.

  The attack method using weapons is the same for the wingman F and the enemy character E. That is, when there is an opponent character to be attacked within its own search range, lock-on is performed on the opponent character. Then, the equipped weapon is fired toward the opponent character and its movement is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, during the game, the player can specify an action command of the wingman F by performing a specific operation (hereinafter referred to as “action command specifying operation”) from the game controller 1202. What is characteristic in the present embodiment is that the action command to be specified is adaptively changed between the lock-on state and the non-lock-on state even if the same action command designation operation is performed. That is, the operation system of the game controller 1202 is switched between when the lock is turned on and when the lock is not turned on.

  From the viewpoint of character control, when an action command designation operation is detected at the time of lock-on, the wing machine F is controlled according to the first control routine (control method), and when an action command designation operation is detected at the time of non-lock on. The wingman F is controlled according to the second control routine (control method).

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the control contents of the wingman F when the lock is not on.
When the pressing operation of the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 is detected when the lock is not turned on, an “attack command” is set as an action command to be specified to the wingman F. Then, the wingmen Fa to Fc are controlled so as to attack the enemy character E included in its own search range (FIG. 4A). This “attack command” is an initial command set at the start of the game.

  When a pressing operation of the lower key 1204b of the game controller 1202 is detected when the lock is not turned on, a “standby command” is set as an action command to be specified for the consort aircraft F. Then, the wingmen Fa to Fc are controlled so as not to attack the enemy character E at all (FIG. 4B).

  When a pressing operation of the right key 1204c of the game controller 1202 is detected when the lock is not turned on, a “collection command” is set as an action command to be specified for the consort aircraft F. Then, control is performed so that each of the wingmans F is gathered in the vicinity of the player machine P (FIG. 4C). More specifically, the wing machines Fa to Fc are moved within the converted distance of the game space, for example, within “5 km” around the player machine P.

  Further, when a pressing operation of the left key 1204d of the game controller 1202 is detected when the lock is on, a “spread command” is set as an action command to be specified for the consort aircraft F. Then, control is performed so that each of the wingmen F is separated from the player machine P (FIG. 4D). More specifically, for example, the wingmen Fa to Fc are moved outside “5 km” around the player machine P.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the control contents of the wingman F at the time of lock-on.
When the pressing operation of the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 is detected at the time of lock-on, a “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” is set as an action command to be specified to the wingman F. Then, the wingmen Fa to Fc are controlled so as to attack the lock-on target all at once (FIG. 5A). More specifically, each of the wingmen Fa to Fc is moved to the vicinity of the lock-on target of the player machine P, and control is performed so as to attack the lock-on target when approaching within a predetermined distance. In this case, even if another enemy character E exists in its own search range, the enemy character E is not attacked.

  When the pressing operation of the lower key 1204b of the game controller 1202 is detected at the time of lock-on, an “attack prohibition command to the lock-on target” is set as an action command to be specified to the wingman F. Then, the wingmen Fa to Fc are controlled so that the player machine P does not attack the lock-on target (FIG. 5B). However, in this case, the player machine P is not merely attacked against the lock-on target, and if another enemy character E exists in its own search range, the enemy character E is attacked.

  Further, when the pressing operation of the right key 1204c or the left key 1204d of the game controller 1202 is detected at the time of lock-on, the “simultaneous shooting command to the lock-on target” is set as the action command to be specified to the wingman F. Then, the wingmen Fa to Fc are controlled so as to shoot the lock-on targets of the player machines P all at once (FIG. 5C). More specifically, an attack (shooting) with a machine gun is performed toward the lock-on target of the player machine P. The difference from the “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” is that the player machine P attacks without moving the wingman F near the lock-on target.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, for the same action command designation operation, the same kind of action command (action command that approximates the command content) is set at the time of non-lock-on and lock-on. I have to. For example, as for the pressing operation of the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202, the attack is promoted / strengthened as “attack command” when the lock is on, and “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” when the lock is on. Set action orders for.

  On the other hand, regarding the pressing operation of the lower key 1204b of the game controller 1202, the action related to the suppression of the attack is “waiting command” when the lock is on and “attack prohibition command against the lock-on target” when the lock is on. Set the instruction. With this configuration, the correspondence between the action command designation operation and the content of the action command is clarified, and an operation system that is intuitive and easy to understand for the player is realized.

3. Game Screen FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen in the present embodiment. The game screen has an appearance of a so-called “cockpit view” with a main screen W1 displaying an image based on the virtual camera Cp arranged in the cockpit of the player machine P as a main display. In this embodiment, in particular, a lock-on marker W2, a command lamp display W3, an endurance value meter W4, weapon information W5, a remaining time W6, and a radar screen W7 are displayed.

  The lock-on marker W2 is a marker displayed when the player machine P locks on the enemy character E. On the game screen W1, a rectangular lock-on marker W2 is displayed when the player machine P locks on the enemy character E1 located in front of the front.

  The command lamp display W3 is a display showing the currently set action command, and is part of the instrument in the cockpit in terms of design. Here, when the player machine P locks the enemy character E1 and the player presses the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202, the “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” is set as the action command. Then, “simultaneous assault” representing the action command is displayed. This command lamp display W3 is updated as needed by newly setting an action command.

  The durability value meter W4 is a meter that indicates a durability value corresponding to the life point or defense parameter of the player machine P, and is a bar graph in which “0%” is the minimum value and “100%” is the maximum value. indicate. The display form of the durability value meter W4 is not limited to the bar graph, but may be a level display classified into rough stages (for example, 1 to 5 stages), or a signal-like display that indicates the degree in a plurality of colors. . This durability value meter W4 is subtracted and updated as needed when the player machine P is attacked by the enemy character E.

  The armament information W5 is information indicating the current armament of the player aircraft P, and displays the value of the number of remaining bullets with respect to the type of weapons equipped and the number of full ammunition. Here, as the value of the number of remaining bullets relative to the number of full bullets, the machine gun is displayed as “624/1000”, the missile as “12/15”, and the homing as “10/10”. This weapon information W5 is subtracted and updated as needed by the player machine P using weapons.

  The remaining time W6 is information indicating the remaining time of the mission, and the mission fails when it becomes “0”. Here, “2:30” is displayed as the remaining time. This remaining time W6 is subtracted and updated as needed with the passage of time.

  The radar screen W7 has the center of the screen as the position of the player machine P (own machine), the player marker M1 indicating the position of the player machine P, the enemy marker M2 indicating the position of the enemy character E, and the ally character (combat machine F). A friend marker M3 indicating the position of is displayed. The radar screen W7 is updated as needed as the position of each character changes.

4). Functional Configuration FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the consumer game device 1200. The home game device 1200 is a computer system including an operation unit 100, a processing unit 200, a communication unit 300, a display unit 400, a sound output unit 500, and a storage unit 600.

  The operation unit 100 is an operation input unit that receives an operation instruction from the player and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 200. This function is realized by, for example, a button, an analog stick, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and corresponds to the game controller 1202 in FIG.

  The processing unit 200 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire home game device 1200, game progress, and image generation. This function is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) and its control program, and corresponds to the control unit 1211 of FIG.

  The processing unit 200 includes a game calculation unit 210 that performs various calculations related to the game according to the game program 610, and a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual camera Cp based on various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 210. An image generation unit 230 that generates an image of (game space) and an image signal for displaying a game screen; and a sound signal for generating a game sound such as a sound effect and BGM and for outputting a game sound And a sound generation unit 250 that executes generation.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes various game processes for executing a flight shooting game based on an input signal from the operation unit 100 and a program and data read from the storage unit 600. For example, an object placement process such as a player machine P, a wingman F, an enemy character E, etc. in a virtual three-dimensional space, a placement process of a virtual camera Cp, a background object movement or deformation process, an object intersection determination process (hit check process) ), Menu selection processing, game result (score) calculation, and the like. In the present embodiment, the game calculation unit 210 includes a player character control unit 211, a teammate character control unit 213, and an enemy character control unit 215.

  The player character control unit 211 controls the player machine P that is a player character in accordance with an input signal from the operation unit 100. The teammate character control unit 213 performs computer control of the wingman F that is a teammate character in accordance with a control routine (control method) included in the teammate character control routine group 611 of the storage unit 600. Further, the enemy character control unit 215 performs computer control of the enemy character E according to a control routine (not shown) of the storage unit 600.

  The image generation unit 230 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP, a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 230 generates a game image (3DCG image) for displaying a game screen by executing a geometric transformation process, a shading process, or the like based on a calculation result by the game calculation unit 210, and an image signal of the generated image Is output to the display unit 400.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 230, the display unit 400 displays the game screen while redrawing the screen of one frame every “1/60 seconds”, for example. This function is realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD, and corresponds to the display 1220 in FIG.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP and a control program thereof, for example, generates sound effects and game sounds such as BGM used during the game, and outputs sound signals of the generated game sounds. To the unit 500.

  The sound output unit 500 outputs game sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 250. This function is realized by a speaker or the like, for example, and corresponds to the speaker 1222 of FIG.

  The communication unit 300 is connected to a predetermined communication line (wireless communication line, LAN, etc.) and performs data communication with an external device (for example, a game server). This function is realized by a wireless communication module such as a wireless LAN, a modem, a TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and corresponds to the communication device 1218 of FIG. Note that information related to the protocol and the like that the communication unit 300 provides during communication is stored in, for example, the storage unit 600 and is appropriately read and used.

  The storage unit 600 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the home game device 1200 in an integrated manner, a program and data necessary for executing the game, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, data input from the operation unit 100, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, RAMs, VRAMs, and the like.

  The storage unit 600 stores a game program 610 for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the game calculation unit 210 as a program. In addition, the game program 610 includes a teammate character control routine group 611 including a plurality of control routines in which a control method for the teammate character control unit 215 to control the teammate character (combat machine F) is described as a program.

  The storage unit 600 also includes stage data 620, player character data 630, ally character data 640, enemy character data 650, damage setting data 660, and action command setting data 670 as data. .

  The stage data 620 is data for building a game stage in the virtual three-dimensional space. The stage data 620 includes enemy character setting data 621 that stores the type of enemy character E, arrangement position coordinates, weapon settings, and the like.

  The player character data 630 is data in which parameter values of the player machine P are stored, and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. The player character data 630 is updated at any time during the game according to the current situation of the player machine P.

  The player character data 630 includes a character ID 631, an attribute 632, position and orientation information 633, an endurance value 634, weapons information 635, a lock-on target 636, an action command designation operation system 637, and a set action command 638. And are included.

  In the character ID 631, “player machine P” is stored as identification information of the player character. The attribute 632 stores the type of aircraft such as “air-control fighter”, “interceptor”, and “bomber” as attributes of the player aircraft P. In the position / orientation information 633, for example, a coordinate value and an attitude angle in the world coordinate system are stored as the current position of the player machine P.

  The durability value 634 stores a durability value corresponding to the life point or defense parameter of the player machine P (the notation in the figure is the remaining number / maximum value). In the weapon information 635, the type of weapons and the number of remaining bullets equipped in the player machine P (the number in the figure is the number of remaining bullets / maximum loading value) are stored. In the present embodiment, each of the player aircraft P and the wingman F can be equipped with one type of special weapon in addition to a machine gun and an anti-aircraft missile which are standard weapons.

  The lock-on target 636 stores the character ID of the enemy character E currently locked on by the player machine P, and stores “none” when the enemy character E is not locked on. The action command designation operation system 637 indicates the current operation system of the game controller 1202, and stores “non-lock-on operation system” when the lock is on and “lock-on operation system” when the lock is on.

  The set action command 638 indicates a currently set action command. When the action command specifying operation system 637 is “non-lock-on operation system”, “attack command”, “wait command”, “set” One of four types of “command” and “spread command” is stored. Further, when the action command specifying operation system 637 is a “lock-on operation system”, the “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target”, “the attack prohibition command to the lock-on target”, and the “simultaneous to the lock-on target” One of the three types of “shooting command” is stored.

  For example, in the player character data 630 of FIG. 8, the player machine P is an “air-control fighter” and the current position and orientation is “(Xp, Yp, Zp, θxp, θyp, θzp)”. Further, since the durability value is “420/500”, the player machine P has already received “80” damage. In addition to machine guns and anti-air missiles, the player aircraft P is equipped with “homing (missiles)” that are effective against aircraft as special weapons. The remaining number of machine guns is “624/1000” and anti-aircraft missiles. The number of remaining ammunition is “12/15” and the number of remaining ammunition is “10/10”.

  Further, since the player machine P locks on the bomber E5, the lock-on target 636 stores “bomber E5”, and accordingly, the action command designation operation system 637 displays “lock-on time”. "Operating system" is set. Then, when the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 is pressed in the lock-on operation system, a “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” is stored in the setting action command 638.

  The teammate character data 640 is data in which the parameter values of each wingman F (Fa, Fb, Fc) are stored, and a data configuration example is shown in FIG. This teammate character data 640 is updated as needed during the game according to the current situation of the wingman F.

  The teammate character data 640 includes a character ID 641, an attribute 642, position and orientation information 643, an endurance value 644, weapons information 645, a lock-on target 646, a shooting down flag 647, and an application control routine 648. It is. The character ID 641 to the lock-on target 646 have the same meaning content as the character ID 631 to the lock-on target 636 of the player character data 630, respectively.

  The down flag 647 is a flag indicating whether or not the teammate character has been shot down, and stores “0 (healthy)” when not shot down and “1 (down)” when shot down. The application control routine 648 stores the type of control routine currently applied to the teammate character.

  For example, in the teammate character data 640 of FIG. 9, the wingman Fa is “interceptor” and the current position and orientation is “(Xfa, Yfa, Zfa, θxfa, θyfa, θzfa)”. Further, since the durability value is “500/500”, the wingman Fa is not damaged at all. In addition to machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles, wingman Fa is equipped with “anti-ship missiles” that are effective against ships as special weapons. The remaining number of machine guns is “545/1000” and the remaining anti-aircraft missiles. The number of ammunition is “15/15” and the remaining number of anti-ship missiles is “0/2”.

  Further, the wingman Fa does not currently lock on the enemy character E and remains alive without being shot down. Further, since the “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” is set as the action command, the wingman Fa is controlled in accordance with the “simultaneous assault control routine to the lock-on target”.

  The enemy character data 650 is data in which parameter values of the enemy characters E are stored, and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. The enemy character data 650 is updated at any time during the game according to the current situation of the enemy character E.

  In the enemy character data 650, a character ID 651, an attribute 652, position and orientation information 653, an endurance value 654, armament information 655, a lock-on target 656, and a shoot down flag 657 are stored. The character ID 651 through the down flag 657 have the same meaning as the character ID 641 through the down flag 647 of the teammate character data 640.

  For example, in the enemy character data 650 of FIG. 10, the aircraft carrier E1 is “ship” and the current position and orientation is “(Xe1, Ye1, Ze1, θxe1, θye1, θze1)”. Further, since the durability value is “10000/10000”, the aircraft carrier E1 is not damaged at all. The aircraft carrier E1 is equipped with a machine gun, and the remaining number of ammunition is “1000/20000”. Further, the aircraft carrier E1 does not currently lock on the player machine P or the wingman F, and remains alive without being shot down.

  The damage setting data 660 is data in which damage received by each character is set, and a data configuration example is shown in FIG. In the damage setting data 660, an attribute 661 and an armament type 663 are stored in association with each other, and the armament type 663 is subjected to one shot for each armament type (attack means type). The damage value received by is stored. For example, if the character's attribute 661 is “ship”, hitting “anti-ship missile” will cause damage of “6000” and the durability value will be reduced accordingly.

  The action command setting data 670 is data used to set an action command, and a data configuration example is shown in FIG. The action command setting data 670 stores a key / button 671, a non-lock-on operation system 673, and a lock-on operation system 675 in association with each other, and each operation system stores the key / button 671. Action commands to be set when a pressing operation is performed are stored.

  As described above, there are four types of action commands in each operation system: “attack command”, “standby command”, “collection command”, and “spread command” in the non-lock-on operation system. Then, there are three types: “simultaneous assault command to lock-on target”, “attack prohibition command to lock-on target”, and “simultaneous fire command to lock-on target”. When the L button 1206f of the game controller 1202 is pressed, the currently set action command is reset, for example, the initial command “attack command” is set as the action command.

5. Processing Flow FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of game processing executed in the home game device 1200 when the game calculation unit 210 reads and executes the game program 610 in the storage unit 600.

  First, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the stage data 620 and constructs a game stage by arranging the terrain, the background, and the object of the enemy character E in the virtual three-dimensional space (step A1). At this time, the initial setting value based on the enemy character setting data 621 is stored in the enemy character data 650. Then, the player machine P, which is the player character, and the fellow machines Fa, Fb, Fc, and the virtual camera Cp, which are teammate characters, are arranged at the initial position of the game stage, and the game is started.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 repeatedly executes the loop A every frame until the game end condition is satisfied (steps A3 to A41). In the loop A, the player character control unit 211 controls the player machine P, which is a player character, according to the player operation (step A5), and updates the player character data 630 in the storage unit 600 based on the control result.

  Specifically, the movement of the player character is controlled according to the player operation, and the position / orientation information 633 is updated. Further, according to the player operation, the enemy character E existing within the search range is searched for and locked on, the enemy character E is set as the lock-on target 636, and the action command specifying operation system 637 is set to “lock-on operation system”. Set to. Then, the weapon is fired toward the lock-on target according to the player operation, and the weapon information 635 is updated.

  Further, the enemy character control unit 215 performs computer control of the enemy character E according to the control routine of the storage unit 600 (step A7), and updates the enemy character data 650 of the storage unit 600 based on the control result.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not an action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied (step A9). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the enemy character E is set in the lock-on target 636 of the player character data 630.

  And when it determines with action command designation | designated operation system switching conditions being satisfied (step A9; Yes), the game calculating part 210 determines whether action command designation | designated operation was performed (step A11). When it is determined that an action command designation operation has been performed (step A11; Yes), the game calculation unit 210 refers to the action command setting data 670 in the storage unit 600 and determines the action command in the lock-on operation system 675. Setting is performed, and the setting action command 638 of the player character data 630 is updated.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 has been pressed, the game calculation unit 210 sets a “simultaneous assault command to the lock-on target” as the action command (step A13), and the lower key If it is determined that 1204b has been pressed, the action command is set to "attack prohibition command for lock-on target" (step A15). If it is determined that the right key 1204c or the left key 1204d is pressed, the action command is set to "simultaneous shooting command to lock-on target" (step A17), and if the L button 1206f is pressed, the action The instruction is reset (step A19).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step A9 that the action command designation operation system switching condition is not satisfied (step A9; No), the game calculation unit 210 determines whether or not an action command designation operation has been performed (step S9). A21). If it is determined that an action command designation operation has been performed (step A21; Yes), the game calculation unit 210 refers to the action command setting data 670 in the storage unit 600 and performs an action command in the non-lock-on operation system 673. And the setting action command 638 of the player character data 630 is updated.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 has been pressed, the game calculation unit 210 sets “attack command” as the action command (step A23) and determines that the lower key 1204b has been pressed. If so, “standby command” is set as the action command (step A25). If it is determined that the right key 1204c has been pressed, “aggregate command” is set in the action command (step A27), and if it is determined that the left key 1204d has been pressed, “spreading command” is set in the action command. (Step A29). If it is determined that the L button 1206f has been pressed, the action command is reset (step A31).

  Next, the teammate character control unit 213 performs computer control of the wingman F that is the teammate character in accordance with the currently set action command (step A33). Specifically, a control routine corresponding to the set action command 638 of the player character data 630 is read from the teammate character control routine group 611 of the storage unit 600, and each of the wingmen F is controlled according to the read control routine.

  In Step A11 or Step A21, when it is determined that the action command designation operation has not been performed (Step A11; No or Step A21; No), the game calculation unit 210 shifts the processing to Step A33.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 performs a game calculation process such as a hit check process (step A35), and causes the image generation unit 230 to generate a game image based on the result (step A37). And the game calculating part 210 displays the produced | generated game image on the display part 400 (step A39), and transfers a process to the following flame | frame.

  When the game end condition is satisfied, the game calculation unit 210 ends the loop A. The game end condition is (1) establishment of mission success conditions (for example, destroying all enemy characters E), or (2) mission failure conditions (for example, player machine P being defeated or time limit) Is passed).

  After completing the loop A, the game calculation unit 210 performs a game end effect process (step A43). Specifically, when the game end condition is (1), a process for producing a mission success is performed, and when the game end condition is (2), a process for producing a mission failure is performed. . Then, the game calculation unit 210 ends the game process.

6). Hardware Configuration Next, a hardware configuration example for realizing the home game device 1200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The home game device 1200 includes a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and I / O ports 1014 and 1016. Has been. A control device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014, and a communication device 1026 is connected to the I / O port 1016.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing in accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (initialization information of the apparatus main body), a signal input by the control device 1024, and the like. Do. The CPU 1000 corresponds to the game calculation unit 210 shown in FIG.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, and the like. The RAM 1004 constitutes a part of the storage unit 600 shown in FIG.

  The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like. This information storage medium 1006 constitutes a part of the storage unit 600 shown in FIG. When what implements the present embodiment is a computer system, the information storage medium 1006 is a CD-ROM, DVD, hard disk or the like as an information storage medium for storing various programs and data.

  In addition, the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008 provided in this apparatus can appropriately output sound and images.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information based on information sent from the ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, the information storage medium 1006, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 1000, and corresponds to the image generation unit 230 in FIG. A display signal generated by the image generation IC 1010 is output to the display device 1022. The display device 1022 is realized by a CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, HMD, or the like, and corresponds to the display unit 400 illustrated in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals in accordance with information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 and sound data stored in the RAM 1004 according to instructions from the CPU 1000. The sound generation unit in FIG. Corresponds to 250. The sound signal generated by the sound generation IC 1008 is output by the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 500 shown in FIG.

  The control device 1024 is a device for inputting various operations, and its function is realized by hardware such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. This control device 1024 corresponds to the operation unit 100 shown in FIG.

  The communication device 1026 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside. The communication device 1026 is connected to other devices via a communication line, and is used to send and receive given information according to a program. The communication device 1026 corresponds to the communication unit 300 illustrated in FIG.

7). Effects According to the present embodiment, a given control method is applied as a control method of the wing machine F that is a computer-controlled ally character by performing an action command designation operation by the player. The control method to be applied is switched depending on whether or not the enemy character E is currently locked on. That is, even if the same action command designation operation is performed, the control method applied according to the action command designation operation is switched adaptively according to the current game progress. As a result, the player can instruct an appropriate control method according to the game situation with respect to the teammate character only by performing a specific operation without being aware of the current game progress situation.

  In addition, the situation where the player character locks on the enemy character has a very significant meaning in the attack phase. In this embodiment, this locked-on situation is determined as a situation for switching the control method of the teammate character. Therefore, since the control method of the teammate character applied according to the specific operation is adaptively and automatically switched in an important aspect of the attack, the player needs to suspend the game for switching the control method or the like. In addition, an appropriate instruction can be given to an ally character by simply performing the same specific operation without removing the sense of immersion.

8). Modification 8-1. Action command specifying operation system switching condition In the above-described embodiment, the action command specifying operation system is switched depending on whether or not the player character is locking on the enemy character. Other operating system switching conditions can be set as appropriate, and a plurality of conditions may be set.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example when a plurality of action command designation operation system switching conditions are set. When any one of the plurality of conditions in FIG. 15 is satisfied, the action command designation operation system is switched. Each condition will be specifically described.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of the number “1” is “the player character is locked on from the enemy character”. Therefore, the action command specifying operation system is switched depending on whether or not the player character is locked on from the enemy character.

  Specifically, when the player character is locked on from an enemy character, an enemy character is displayed by displaying a message or a mark (locked on mark) to call attention on the screen, or outputting a warning sound to call attention. The player is informed that the lock has been turned on. Then, the operation system of the game controller 1202 is changed from an operation system in a situation where the lock-on is not performed (hereinafter referred to as “normal operation system”) to an operation system in the locked-on situation (hereinafter referred to as “operation when locked-on”). When a predetermined action command designation operation is performed, an action command different from the normal operation system is set for the teammate character.

  The situation in which the player character is locked on is in a situation having a very important meaning in terms of defense of the player character, and such a situation is determined as a situation for switching the control method of the teammate character. Accordingly, the control method of the teammate character applied in accordance with the specific operation is adaptively and automatically switched in an important aspect of defense, so that the player performs the same specific operation without removing the sense of immersion. With this, it becomes possible to give an appropriate instruction to the teammate character.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of the number “2” is “the enemy character exists within 3 km around the player character”. In this case, when there is an enemy character near the player character, the action command specifying operation system is switched.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of the number “3” is “the enemy character exists in the search range of the player character”. In this case, the action command designation operation system is switched when the player character captures the enemy character.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of number “4” is “the durability value of the player character is equal to or less than a predetermined value”. In this case, the action command designation operation system is switched when the durability value set for the player character is, for example, a value equal to or less than a predetermined value indicating the value before the defeat. The action command designation operation system is switched based on whether the durability value of the enemy character (the total value or the average value of the durability values of all enemy characters) is equal to or less than a predetermined value, not the durability value of the player character. Anyway.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of the number “5” is “the remaining number of teammate characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number”. In this case, the action command designation operation system is switched when the remaining number of allied characters becomes, for example, the number of aircrafts equal to or less than a predetermined number before the destruction. The action command designation operation system may be switched depending on whether the number of remaining enemy characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number, not the number of remaining friendly characters.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of the number “6” is “remaining time being equal to or less than a predetermined time”. In this case, for example, when the remaining time is less than 1 minute (when the remaining time is small), the action command designation operation system is switched.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of number “7” is “the average durability value of the player team is smaller than the average durability value of the enemy team”. In this case, the average durability value of the player team is calculated by averaging the durability values of the player machine P and the wingman F (Fa to Fc), and the average value of the enemy team is calculated by averaging the durability values of the enemy character E. Endurance value is calculated. However, when the scale of the durability value is different between the player team and the enemy team, the durability value is normalized.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the average endurance value of the player team is smaller than the average endurance value of the enemy team, and when it is determined that it has become smaller, that is, when it is determined that the player team is inferior (the enemy team is superior) When it is determined that the action command designation operation system is switched. It should be noted that the total amount of damage that can be given to the opponent character by the remaining number of weapons equipped by each character, instead of the average durability value, is obtained for each own team and the opponent team based on the damage setting data 660, It is good also as determining superiority or inferiority by comparing the length.

  The action command designation operation system switching condition of number “8” is “a player character has acquired a predetermined item”. For example, when the player character has acquired a predetermined item such as an item that can recover the durability value (endurance value recovery item), the action command designation operation system is switched. Similarly, for example, when the player character refuels in the air, the action command designation operation system may be switched.

  In FIG. 15, a plurality of action command designation operation system switching conditions are described, but the contents of the operation system to be switched when each of the conditions is satisfied (the type of action command assigned to the key / button 671) is set as the condition. Of course, it may be set appropriately according to the content. Specifically, for example, when the condition “number 1” “player character locks on from enemy character” is satisfied, the up key is set to “simultaneous assault instruction to the enemy character” and the down key is set to “the enemy character “Attack prohibition command to character”, switching to an operation system in which the right key and the left key are “simultaneous shooting command to the enemy character”, and the like.

8-2. Selection of control target teammate character In the above-described embodiment, the action command is uniformly set for all teammate characters, and all teammate characters are controlled by the same control routine (control method). Control may be performed by variably selecting a teammate character (hereinafter referred to as “control target teammate character”).

Hereinafter, an example of a method for selecting the control target teammate character will be described.
(1) Method of selecting a teammate character that satisfies a predetermined positional relationship with the player character For example, when a behavior command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, “a teammate character within 10 km from the player character” is selected and a behavior command is designated. When the operation system switching condition is not satisfied, “a friend character existing within 5 km from the player character” is selected. As a result, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, not only the teammate character positioned in the vicinity of the player character but also the teammate character positioned further away is selected as the control target.

  Alternatively, the teammate character currently displayed on the game screen may be selected as the control target teammate character. For example, in the game screen of FIG. 6, the ally character F, which is a teammate character, does not appear on the screen, so that the control target teammate character is not selected at this stage, but when the wing machine F appears on the screen, the wing machine F appears. Is selected as the control target ally character.

  In addition, it is possible to select a friend character displayed on the radar screen instead of the game screen. For example, in the game screen of FIG. 6, since the teammate marker M3 indicating each of the wingmen Fa to Fc is displayed on the radar screen W7, in this case, all teammate characters are selected as control target teammate characters. .

(2) A method of selecting a teammate character that satisfies a predetermined positional relationship with a lock-on target object For example, when an action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, “a teammate character existing within 10 km from the lock-on target” is selected. When the action command designation operation system switching condition is not satisfied, “a teammate character existing within 5 km from the lock-on target” is selected. As a result, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, not only the teammate character located near the lock-on target but also the teammate character located farther from the lock-on target is selected as the control target.

(3) A method for selecting a teammate character in accordance with the group to which the player belongs. For example, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, “the group to which the player character belongs is the same group (team) as the player character and the group (team) set as the friendly group”. “Affiliated character” is selected, and when the action command designation operation system switching condition is not satisfied, “a character in the same group (team) as the player character” is selected. As a result, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, a character belonging to a friendly group (team) other than the group (team) to which the player character belongs is also selected as a control target.

(4) Method for selecting a teammate character according to the character's attributes For example, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, “all aircraft characters with aircraft attributes (for example, air combat fighter and bomber,...)” Are selected. When the action command designation operation system switching condition is not satisfied, “a teammate character whose attribute is an air combat fighter” is selected. As a result, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied, all the ally characters of the aircraft are selected as control targets.

(5) Combination of (1) to (4) Of course, not only one selection method among (1) to (4) but also, for example, (1) and (2) are combined, and action command designation operation system switching condition When established, a teammate character “existing within 10 km from the player character” and / or “existing within 10 km from the lock-on target” is selected as the control target, and when the action command designation operation system switching condition is not established, the “player character It is good also as selecting an ally character which exists within 5 km from "and / or" is present within 5 km from the lock-on target ".

  It should be noted that the process of selecting the control target teammate character is preferably performed immediately before step A9 of the game process of FIG. Then, the action command set in steps A13 to A31 is applied only to the selected control target ally character. Specifically, the control routine is switched so as to control the selected control target teammate character according to the control routine (control method) corresponding to the action command.

8-3. Number of Control Target Characters The number of control target teammate characters to be selected may be varied depending on whether or not the action command designation operation system switching condition is satisfied. For example, when the action command designation operation system switching condition is not established, all the teammate characters are selected as control target teammate characters. When the action command designation operation system switching condition is established, for example, “5 bodies” are arranged in order of increasing distance from the player character. The teammate character is selected as the control target teammate character. However, if there is no “5 body” ally character, half of all ally characters may be selected as control target characters.

8-4. Display of action command designation operation The action command designation operation may be displayed on the game screen so as to be visible.
FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a game screen W10 that is an example of a game screen at the time of non-lock on (when the action command designation operation system switching condition is not established). On the game screen W10, a direction key 1204 (up key 1204a, down key 1204b, right key 1204c, left key 1204d) and an action command (attack command, standby command, set command) of the game controller 1202 are displayed on the command lamp display W3. , An action command designation operation display W11 showing a correspondence relationship with the spread command) is displayed. However, in the drawing, the action commands are shown in a simplified manner as “attack”, “standby”, “set”, and “spread”, respectively.

  In this state, for example, when the player machine P locks on the enemy character E1, the game screen W10 is switched to the game screen W12 of FIG. On the game screen W12, as in the game screen W10, the action command designation operation display W11 is displayed on the command lamp display W3. The action command at the time of establishment is switched to a simultaneous charge command to the lock-on target, an attack prohibition command to the lock-on target, and a simultaneous fire command to the lock-on target. However, in the figure, the action commands are shown in a simplified manner as “simultaneous assault”, “attack prohibited”, and “simultaneous fire”, respectively.

  Further, on the action command designation operation display W11, a character “switching” indicating that the action command designation operation system is currently switched is displayed as a switching lamp display W13. The action command designation operation display W11 allows the player to reliably grasp the correspondence between the key operation and the action command. Further, the switch lamp display W13 allows the player to confirm that the action command that can be currently specified is different from that when the lock command is on (when the action command specifying operation system switching condition is not satisfied).

8-5. Application to Other Games The game to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the flight shooting game, and can be applied to various games. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of action instruction setting data when the present invention is applied to a soccer game. The game calculation unit 210 determines an action instruction to be set for the teammate character according to the action instruction setting data, and controls the teammate character according to a control routine (control method) corresponding to the action instruction. In addition, since the control routine (control method) concerning each action instruction is publicly known, only a brief description will be given here.

  In soccer games, the player character does not keep (owns) the ball (hereinafter referred to as “when the ball is not kept”) and the player character keeps (owns) the ball (hereinafter referred to as “ball keep”). And the operation system for instructing the teammate character to perform an action (hereinafter referred to as “behavior instruction operation system”).

  Specifically, when the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 is pressed when the ball is not kept, “off-side trap instruction to defender (DF)” is set as an action instruction. Then, the DF character is moved so as to raise the back line, and the operation is controlled so that an offside trap is set. If the down key 1204b is pressed, “forward (FW) center direction instruction” is set as an action instruction. Then, the FW character is controlled to play near the center of the field.

  When the right key 1204c is pressed, “right side press instruction” is set as an action instruction. Then, control is performed so that the teammate character located on the right side plays close to the nearest opponent character. When the left key 1204d is pressed, “left side press instruction” is set as an action instruction. Then, control is performed so that the teammate character located on the left side plays close to the nearest opponent character.

  On the other hand, when the upper key 1204a of the game controller 1202 is pressed during the ball keeping, “attack participation instruction to the defender (DF)” is set as the action instruction. Then, control is performed so that the DF character is moved into the area of the opponent team and aggressive attacks are made. If the down key 1204b is pressed, the action instruction “jump out to forward (FW)” is set. Then, the FW character is controlled to run before the opponent team's goal.

  When the right key 1204c is pressed, “right side attack instruction” is set as an action instruction. Then, control is performed so that the teammate character located on the right side runs actively in the goal direction. When the left key 1204d is pressed, “left side attack instruction” is set as an action instruction. Then, control is performed so that the teammate character positioned on the left side runs actively in the goal direction.

  In this case as well, for the same action instruction operation, by setting the same type of action instruction when the ball is not kept and when the ball is kept, the correspondence between the action related to the action instruction and the contents of the instruction becomes clear, which is intuitive for the player. A simple and easy-to-understand operation system is realized.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to a battle scene of a role playing game (RPG). In this case, an action command that can be designated as a teammate character during the battle of the player character may be changed. Specifically, for example, when the player character takes a certain amount of damage or when the enemy character gives a certain amount of damage, the action command specifying operation system is switched.

1 is a schematic external view of a consumer game device. Explanatory drawing of the main character of a flight shooting game. Explanatory drawing of the outline of the game. Explanatory drawing of friend character control at the time of non-locking on. Explanatory drawing of friend character control at the time of lock on. The figure which shows an example of a game screen. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a consumer game device. The figure which shows the data structural example of player character data. The figure which shows the data structural example of ally character data. The figure which shows the data structural example of enemy character data. The figure which shows the data structural example of damage setting data. The figure which shows the data structural example of the data for action command setting. The flowchart which shows the flow of a game process. The figure which shows the hardware structural example. The figure which shows the action command designation | designated operation type | system | group switching condition in a modification. The figure which shows an example of the game screen in a modification. The figure which shows the data structural example of the data for action instruction setting in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Operation part 200 Processing part 210 Game calculating part 211 Player character control part 213 Friend character control part 215 Enemy character control part 230 Image generation part 250 Sound generation part 300 Communication part 400 Display part 500 Sound output part 600 Storage part 610 Game program 611 Friend character control routine group 620 Game data 621 Enemy character setting data 630 Player character data 640 Enemy character data 650 Enemy character data 660 Damage setting data 670 Action command setting data 1200 Home game device 1201 Cable 1202 Game controller 1204 Direction key 1204a Up key 1204b Down key 1204c Right key 1204d Left key 1206 Button switch 1208 Analog stick 1 10 main unit 1211 control unit 1212 CD-ROM
1214 IC memory 1216 Memory card 1218 Communication device 1220 Display 1222 Speaker

Claims (18)

A program for causing a computer to control a player character according to a player's operation input, and to automatically control a teammate character according to a given control method to execute a predetermined game,
Determination means for determining whether or not a current game progress state is in a predetermined state for switching a control method for controlling the teammate character;
Specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation predetermined by the player has been performed;
The control method for controlling the teammate character is switched to the first control method when the detection is made in a situation where the judgment means judges that the situation is in a predetermined situation. A teammate character switching control means for controlling the teammate character by switching to the second control method when the detection is made in a situation where it is determined that
A program for causing the computer to function as In accordance with the determination result by the determination unit, the computer is caused to function as a teammate character selection unit that variably selects a teammate character to be controlled by the teammate character switching control unit,
The said friend character switching control means of Claim 1 for making the said computer function so that the friendly character selected by the said friendly character selection means as a control object of the switched control method may be controlled by the said control method. program.   In order to cause the computer to function so that the teammate character selecting means variably selects whether the teammate character to be selected is a teammate character whose positional relationship with the player character satisfies the first positional relationship condition The program according to claim 2. The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by attacking the opponent character,
Causing the computer to function as attack target selection means for selecting an enemy character to be attacked in accordance with a player's operation input;
Whether the teammate character selecting unit is a teammate character to be selected is a teammate character whose positional relationship with the enemy character selected as the attack target by the attack target selecting unit satisfies the second positional relationship condition. The program according to claim 2 or 3 for causing the computer to function so as to be selected.   The teammate character selecting means variably selects whether the teammate character to be selected is a teammate character whose group and / or attribute set in advance for each of the plurality of teammate characters satisfies a predetermined condition. The program as described in any one of Claims 2-4 for making the said computer function.   The program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the ally character selecting unit causes the computer to function so as to variably select the number of ally characters to be selected. The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by attacking the opponent character,
The determination means includes attack target reference determination means for performing the determination based on whether or not the player character's attack target when attacking with an attack target is determined is an enemy character. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-6 for functioning a computer. The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by attacking the opponent character,
The determination means has an attack target standard determination means for performing the determination based on whether or not the attack target of the enemy character when attacking by setting an attack target is determined by the player character. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-7 for making the said computer function like this. The game is a battle game in which a player character, a teammate character, and an enemy character battle each other,
The computer includes the positional relationship criterion determination unit that performs the determination based on whether or not the positional relationship between the player character and the enemy character satisfies a third positional relationship condition. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-8 for functioning. The game is a battle game in which a player character, a teammate character, and an enemy character battle each other,
Causing the computer to function such that the determination means includes parameter value reference determination means for performing the determination based on a parameter value that varies according to the amount of damage set for the player character and / or the enemy character. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-9 for. The game is a battle game in which a player character, an ally character, and an enemy character battle each other by destroying the opponent character,
The said determination means as described in any one of Claims 1-10 for functioning the said computer so that it may have the remaining number reference | standard determination means which performs the said determination based on the remaining number of the said friendly character and / or the enemy character. The program described in.   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, for causing the computer to function so that the determination unit includes a time reference determination unit that performs the determination based on an elapsed time of the game. The game is a battle game in which a player character, a teammate character, and an enemy character battle each other,
Causing the computer to function as superiority or inferiority judging means for judging superiority or inferiority in the battle based on the progress of the current game;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the determination unit causes the computer to function so as to include a superiority / inferiority criterion determination unit that performs the determination based on a determination result of the superiority / inferiority determination unit.   14. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit causes the computer to function so as to have an ownership reference determination unit that performs the determination based on whether or not the player character owns a predetermined object. A program according to any one of the above.   For causing the computer to function as notification means for performing predetermined notification when the current game progress state is in a state for switching the control method for controlling the teammate character according to the determination result of the determination means. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-14.   16. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, for causing the computer to function as a control method display control unit that switches a display representing a control method when the specific operation is performed according to a determination result of the determination unit. The program according to one item.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-16. A game device that controls a player character according to a player's operation input, and automatically controls a teammate character according to a given control method to execute a predetermined game,
Determination means for determining whether or not a current game progress state is in a predetermined state for switching a control method for controlling the teammate character;
Specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation predetermined by the player has been performed;
The control method for controlling the teammate character is switched to the first control method when the detection is made in a situation where the judgment means judges that the situation is in a predetermined situation. A teammate character switching control means for controlling the teammate character by switching to the second control method when the detection is made in a situation where it is determined that
A game device comprising:

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