JP2011072481A - Game program, game device, and game control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game program, a game device, and a game control method allowing a player to bat a ball out of a strike zone in a baseball game. <P>SOLUTION: The game program achieves: a releasing function of releasing a ball character from a pitcher character; a strike determining function of determining the passage of the ball character through the strike zone; a meeting frame generating function of generating a meeting frame corresponding to a region for the batter character to bat the ball character separately from the strike zone; a batting determining function of determining the result of batting of the ball character based on the batter character's batting operation timing; and a meeting frame moving function of moving the position of the meeting frame with a position overlapping the strike zone as the initial position based on first operation by the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a game program, a game device, and a game control method for executing a baseball game in which a player operates a batter character to perform a batting operation.

  TV game machines that play games using game software recorded on a DVD (digital versatile disc) or the like have become widespread. In a baseball game, a player who is a user moves a batter character by operating a controller and hits a ball thrown by a pitcher character.

  In a conventional baseball game program, a pitcher character pitches on the basis of a strike zone. The batter character operates the controller so that the meat cursor is aligned with the thrown ball, and swings the bat. The meat cursor is called a batting cursor (refer to Patent Document 1) or a bat cursor (refer to Patent Document 2). The meat cursor represents a portion of the bat character that the batter character swings that substantially affects the batting.

Japanese Patent No. 3561517 Japanese Patent No. 3822222

  By the way, in the conventional game program, it is set so as not to hit or the like even if the ball is thrown back when it strikes the ball outside the strike zone, or if the ball is hit back for production.

  However, in actual baseball, even if the ball is outside the strike zone, there is a case where the batter dares to aim for the course and hit it back to make a hit. This is the case, for example, when the batter sees from the previous ball count and perhaps the pitcher decides that the next pitch will be aimed at this course. However, in the conventional baseball game, such a setting is not taken into consideration, and whether or not the ball passes through the strike zone is one of the absolute criteria for whether or not it becomes a hit. Therefore, the conventional game batting system has a simple configuration for beginners and the like, and it can be said that it is appropriate. On the other hand, it is an unsatisfactory specification for players who have become accustomed to the game. It did not give enough realism.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game program, a game device, and a game control method that can be aimed at a ball that is out of a strike zone in accordance with the intention of the player.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pitcher character, a batter character, and a ball character set in a game space are displayed on a monitor, and a player operates the batter character via an operation unit. A sending function for sending the ball character from the pitcher character to a computer capable of executing a baseball game for performing a batting operation, a strike judging function for judging that the ball character has passed a strike zone, and the batter character A meet frame generating function for generating a meet frame corresponding to an area where the ball character can be hit separately from the strike zone, and when the meet frame is generated and the ball character passes the meet frame, the meet frame is generated. Move inside The hit determination function for determining the hit result of the ball character based on the position of the meet cursor indicating the target of the hit point, the passing position of the ball character, and the hit operation timing of the batter character, and the player Based on the first operation, a meet frame moving function for moving the position of the meet frame is realized with a position overlapping the strike zone as an initial position.

  In the above configuration, the position of the meat frame where the ball can be hit can be arbitrarily set separately from the strike zone in accordance with the player's operation (that is, the player's intention). Thus, conventionally, the hitable area of the ball is fixed in the strike zone, but in this embodiment, since the hittable area is provided separately, the ball is out of the strike zone. It will also be possible to hit. As long as there is no intentional operation by the player, the position of the meet frame is not set, only the strike zone is displayed as before, and the range where the ball hits is fixed to the strike zone.

  In addition, since the above meet frame is moved with the position overlapping the strike zone as the initial position, it is set while clearly recognizing which area the player is aiming for as the hitting range in which direction and how far from the strike zone. can do. In other words, in a more specific image of a baseball game, if the player as a batter determines that the pitcher is aiming for a ball with a higher outside angle in the next pitch, a meat frame is created separately from the strike zone. In this case, the meat frame is set in such a way that the strike frame is shifted with reference to the strike zone, so that the hitting range desired by the user can be clearly determined and set.

  The meet frame generation function may generate the meet frame based on a second operation performed by the player before the first operation performed by the player.

  In the above configuration, the meet frame generation itself also depends on the player's operation. That is, a meet frame is generated so as to overlap the strike zone only when a second operation by the player, for example, a predetermined button of the game controller is pressed. Therefore, since the meet frame is generated only when the player intends to hit the ball outside the strike zone, for example, the meet frame is inadvertently generated due to an error in the operation of the beginner, and an unintended hit range is set. Erroneous operations such as

  The meet frame moving function may be configured to position the meet cursor at the center of the moved meet frame.

  In the above-described configuration, the initial position for changing the position of the meet cursor can always be constant, so that the operability of the player is improved. That is, in the case where the meet frame is not generated, the meet cursor is arranged at the center of the strike zone as in the past. On the other hand, when the meet frame is generated and moved, the meet cursor is moved. Located in the center of the meat frame. In either case, the player moves the meat cursor from the center position according to the pitched ball. Therefore, for the player, the movement of the meet cursor may be started from the center of the hit area regardless of the presence or absence of the meet frame, so that the operation can be unified.

  In addition, the strike zone is equally divided into grids, and the meet frame generation function generates the meet frame so that the size and the inside thereof are the same as the strike zone, and The meat frame moving function may be configured to move the meat frame for each unit of the square based on the first operation.

  In the above configuration, the meat frame is made the same size and shape as the strike zone, and the unit of movement of the meat frame is moved every square unit, so that it can be moved on any floor. Compared to the case, the visibility is excellent, the level of movement can be easily grasped, and the operability can be improved. That is, when it is possible to move on the floor without permission, it is difficult to visually grasp the moving distance and the like, and as a result, a learning effect for the player cannot be expected. In other words, if it is possible to move on an unauthorized floor, it is not possible to obtain feedback on how much hitting results were obtained when moved, but the movement unit is fixed as in the above configuration. By doing, you can improve the learning effect of your play.

  The hit determination function may set the hit probability in the strike zone that does not overlap the moved meet frame to be lower than the hit probability in the strike zone that overlaps the meet frame.

  According to the above configuration, when a meet frame is generated and moved, there is a merit that the player can hit a ball outside the strike zone, while hitting in an area that should normally be hit as usual. The demerit that the probability of this will become low also arises. Specifically, for example, when the meat cursor is moved so as to cover the ball area with a higher outer angle of the strike zone, the meat cursor does not overlap with the strike zone on the diagonal line, so that the inner angle of the strike zone is lower. Then, the probability of hitting is set low.

  As a result, the player not only enjoys the merits, but also adopts a specification that can be struck outside the strike zone, so there will be disadvantages, so the game will be tense and more playable can do.

  The meet frame moving function may set the amount of movement of the meet frame that is separated from the strike zone based on a parameter that represents the batter ability of the batter character.

  According to the above configuration, for example, in the case of a batter character having excellent batting ability, by providing a larger amount of movement than a batter character having ordinary ability, various variations according to the ability of the batter character can be provided. it can. For example, when the inside of the meat frame is equally divided into squares, a batter character with a normal ability can move only one square, whereas a batter character with excellent batting ability can move one square. You can also set it to do.

  The meet frame moving function may set the moving direction of the meet frame that is separated from the strike zone based on a parameter that represents the batter ability of the batter character.

  According to the above configuration, various variations according to the ability of the batter character can be provided. For example, if a batter character is strong for a ball at the outside corner but is weak at the inside corner, the meat frame can be shifted out of the strike zone, but a countermeasure can be taken to prevent it from moving inward. it can. As a result, the player needs to know the ability of each batter character and can enjoy deeper game characteristics.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game program, a game apparatus, and a game control method for a baseball game capable of hitting a ball outside a strike zone.

It is a figure which shows the system which uses the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the game image produced | generated by the game device. It is a figure which shows the game image produced | generated by the game device. It is a figure which shows the game image produced | generated by the game device. It is a figure which shows the flow of the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the movement of the meet frame with respect to a strike zone. It is a figure which shows the system which uses the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the system using the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the system which uses the game program by one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware of a system.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components having the same or similar functions are represented by the same reference numerals.

(Outline of the system)
According to the baseball game of the present invention, a meet frame is generated separately from the conventional fixed strike zone, and the meet frame is moved with respect to the strike zone. Here, the meet frame indicates a range in which the batter can aim for hitting. Previously, it was possible to hit by swinging the bat at the timing when the ball passed somewhere in the fixed strike zone, but it was not possible to hit and hit in other areas . Therefore, in the present invention, the concept of “meet frame” described above is introduced separately from the strike zone, thereby enabling an operation such as going to the ball course like a real baseball. . Note that the meat cursor can be moved freely in the moved meet frame, as can be arbitrarily moved in the conventional strike zone. Therefore, it is possible to place a meet cursor in an area other than the strike zone and hit the ball.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system 100 using a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  System 100 typically includes a game device 110, a controller 130, and a display 140. The game apparatus 110 includes a drive 112 that reads data from the recording medium 120. The game device 110 generates a character in a virtual game space and moves the character according to game rules. The game program describes a game space, game characters, game rules, and the like.

  For example, in the case of a game program for a baseball game, the game space is a space that simulates a baseball field. Examples of game characters include a pitcher character, a ball character, a batter character, a bat character, and a fielder character. The game rules include various rules that define a baseball game, for example, a rule that a ball is regarded as a strike when it passes through a strike zone without being hit by a batter.

  The recording medium 120 is any suitable computer-readable recording medium that records the game program according to the present invention, and is, for example, a DVD-ROM (read only memory). However, the recording medium 120 is not limited to this, and may be a BD (Blu-ray disc) -ROM, a CD (compact disc) -ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

  A player (also called an operator or a user) can move a character in the game space by operating the controller 130. For example, in the case of a baseball game, a pitcher character, a batter character, a fielder character, etc. are arranged in the game space. The player can operate the character by pressing a button included in the controller 130. For example, when the batter character swings the bat, the player can control the position of the hit portion of the bat, the strength of the force to swing the bat, the timing to swing the bat, and the like by pressing a button on the controller. By such control, the player can perform an operation of causing the batter to hit the ball.

  The controller 130 typically includes an L1 button 131 and a cross key 132 (also referred to as a cross button or a direction key), but may include various other buttons. The controller 130 is coupled to the game apparatus 110 by wire, for example, but is not limited thereto, and may be coupled wirelessly.

  The game device 110 executes various games based on the game program. Typically, the game apparatus 110 is a dedicated hardware for executing a game program called a TV game machine. The game apparatus 110 is not limited to this, and may be a personal computer capable of executing a game program.

  As an alternative to the system 100 of FIG. 1, a portable game machine in which the game device 110, the recording medium 120, the controller 130, and the display 140 are housed in a small casing may execute the game program.

  The game apparatus 110 has a drive 112 for reading a game program or the like from the recording medium 120. The drive 112 is an arbitrary drive corresponding to the recording medium 120, and may be, for example, a DVD drive, a BD drive, or a CD drive. When a semiconductor memory is used as the recording medium 120, a connector that electrically couples the memory device and the game apparatus 110 is used instead of the drive 112.

  The display 140 displays various characters in the game space generated by the game device 110 to the player. The display 140 can be a liquid crystal television, a plasma television, or the like. The display 140 is typically coupled to the game apparatus 110 by wire, and for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable is used.

  2, 3 and 4 are diagrams showing game images 200, 300 and 400 generated by the game apparatus 110, respectively. The game images 200, 300, and 400 reflect a virtual game space generated by the game device 110. The game images 200, 300, and 400 are examples of images when the game apparatus 110 is in a CPU (central processing unit) battle mode. In the CPU battle mode, the batter character 210 is operated by the player via the controller 130, and the pitcher character 220 is operated by a game program executed by the CPU of the game apparatus 110. That is, in the CPU battle mode, the player battles against the game device 110 as an opponent. In the CPU battle mode, typically, only the screen from the line of sight of the batter character 210 is displayed on the display 140.

(Game program flow)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating game program flows 500 and 590 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Steps 502 to 532 of the flow 500 correspond to processing of the batter character 210 while the pitcher character 220 throws one. Steps 592 to 596 of the flow 590 correspond to the processing of the pitcher character 220 while the pitcher character 220 throws one pitch. Accordingly, flows 500 and 590 are part of a game program for executing a baseball game. Typically, when batter character 210 enters the batter box, flows 500 and 590 begin at steps 502 and 592 respectively.

  The flow diagrams herein represent a process for performing desired data processing. Such a process typically includes a plurality of steps (ie, functions). The step group corresponds to an act (act) for realizing the process. Such steps are typically implemented in software. Alternatively, the blocks may be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware. Flows 500 and 590 in FIG. 5 are realized by the CPU included in game device 110 executing a game program stored in a memory associated with the CPU.

  The various steps shown in FIG. 5 are executed by the data processing unit 1000 (described later with reference to FIG. 10) of the game apparatus 110. Specifically, the steps executed by the data processing unit 1000 are realized by the CPU 1002 included in the game apparatus 110 executing a command group stored in the RAM 1004 or the cache of the CPU 1002. The operations and functions of the game devices 710 and 711 are the same as those of the game device 110.

  In step 504, as shown in FIG. 2, game device 110 displays game image 200 including batter character 210, bat character 215, pitcher character 220, and ball character 225 on display 140 in addition to strike zone 250. . The strike zone 250 is used to determine whether or not the ball character 225 thrown by the pitcher character 220 is a strike. A hitting surface for hitting determination is set near the batter character 210 in the game space. If the ball character 225 passes through the strike zone 250 on the hitting surface and is not hit by the bat character 215, it is determined to be a strike.

  In step 506, game device 110 determines whether or not the player wants to display meet frame 370 on display 140. The game apparatus 110 determines whether or not the player has pressed the L1 button 131 provided on the controller 130, for example. If game device 110 detects that the button has been pressed (if the determination is YES), the process proceeds to step 508; if not (if the determination is NO), the process proceeds to step 516.

  Alternatively, step 506 may be omitted. For example, the game apparatus 110 may display the meet frame 370 simultaneously with displaying the strike zone 250.

  In step 508, game device 110 displays meet frame 370 on display 140 as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the meet frame 370 is displayed so as to overlap with the strike zone 250. In other words, the initial position of the meet frame 370 is the same as the strike zone 250.

  The meat frame 370 corresponds to a range in which the batter character 210 can hit the ball character 225. The game apparatus 110 displays a meet cursor 360 at the center of the meet frame 370. The meat cursor 360 corresponds to a portion of the bat character 215 that can hit the ball character 225. The player can move the meet cursor 360 within the meet frame 370 by operating the cross key 132. For example, when the button corresponding to the upward direction among the buttons of the cross key 132 is pressed, the meet cursor 360 moves up in the meet frame 370. When the meet cursor 360 reaches the boundary of the upper side of the meet frame 370, it stops on the upper side.

  The meat cursor 360 moves smoothly. That is, the amount of movement of the meet cursor 360 continuously changes according to the pressing time of the cross key 132. The meat cursor 360 has a shape corresponding to the hit portion of the bat character 215, but the specific shape is not limited to an elongated trapezoid and may be an arbitrary shape.

  Each of strike zone 250 and meat frame 370 has the same size and shape, and is typically divided into nine parts by being divided into three parts in the vertical direction and three parts in the horizontal direction. That is, the strike zone 250 and the meat frame 370 have nine “mass”, but are not limited to this, and may have any number of cells by any division method.

  The meat frame is moved in units of one square with respect to the strike zone. In the case of 9 divisions, in order to avoid excessive movement, only one square is moved. That is, movement of 2 squares or more is prohibited. This is because it is not practical for the meat frame to be too far away from the strike zone. Of course, for example, in the case of 16 divisions or the like, the size of one cell is small, so that two cells may be moved. In the present embodiment, the meat frame 370 has the same size and shape as the strike zone 250, and the unit of movement of the meat frame 370 is moved every square unit. Compared with the case where it is possible to move with, the visibility is excellent, the level of movement can be easily grasped, and the operability can be improved. That is, when it is possible to move on the floor without permission, it is difficult to visually grasp the moving distance and the like, and as a result, a learning effect for the player cannot be expected. In other words, if it is possible to move on an unrecognized floor, it is not possible to obtain feedback on how much the impact result is obtained when the movement is made, but the unit of movement is deliberately set as in the above configuration. By fixing to the square, the player can improve the learning effect of his / her own play.

  To distinguish from the strike zone 250, the meet frame 370 may be displayed on the display 140 with a different color, line type. The strike zone 250 and the meat frame 370 may be distinguished not only by surrounding frames but also by painting their interiors in different colors.

  In the drawings of the present application, the strike zone is indicated by a dense oblique line running from the upper right to the lower left, and the meat frame is indicated by a coarse oblique line running from the upper left to the lower right.

  The data processing unit 1000 described later implements a meet frame generation function by executing step 508. In other words, the data processing unit 1000 constitutes a meet frame generating unit by hardware and software.

  In step 510, the game apparatus 110 monitors whether there is an input from the controller 130 (for example, pressing of the cross key 132). If an input from the controller 130 is detected, the game apparatus 110 moves the meet frame 370 with respect to the strike zone 250 based on the input from the controller 130. At this time, the strike zone 250 itself does not move relative to the batter character 210. That is, the position of the strike zone 250 in the game space is fixed.

  The game image 400 includes a batter character 210, a bat character 215, a pitcher character 220, a ball character 225, a strike zone 250, a meet frame 470, and a meet cursor 460. In FIG. 4, the meat frame 470 is moved from the strike zone 250 to the upper left by one square.

  In a specific embodiment, for example, by pressing the cross key 132 while pressing the L1 button 131 of the controller 130, the player moves the meet frame 470 upward, upper left, left, lower left, lower, right, with respect to the strike zone 250. It can move by one square in one of the eight directions of lower, right and upper right. A joystick may be used to move the meet frame 470.

  In one embodiment, the move of the meet frame 470 in step 510 is either (i) when the player confirms the meet frame 470 and (ii) when the pitcher character 220 throws (releases) the ball character 225. It is possible until the earlier time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movement of the meet frame may be permitted until another timing.

  The strike zone 250 and the meet frame 470 where the player has set the position may be displayed partially overlapping. For example, by drawing a semi-transparent meat frame 470 over the strike zone 250, the meet frame 470 and the strike zone 250 can be displayed simultaneously while being distinguished.

  The data processing unit 1000 (to be described later) implements the meet frame moving function by executing Step 510. In other words, the data processing unit 1000 constitutes a meet frame moving unit by hardware and software.

  In step 512, the game apparatus 110 determines whether (i) the player has confirmed the meet frame 470 or (ii) the ball character 225 has been sent out. If game device 110 detects either (if the determination is YES), the process proceeds to step 514, otherwise returns to step 510 (if the determination is NO). Regarding condition (i), specifically, the game apparatus 110 determines the position of the meet frame 470 when the player releases the L1 button 131 of the controller 130. Alternatively, the game apparatus 110 determines the position of the meet frame 470 when the player releases the L1 button 131 and the cross key 132 of the controller 130. Regarding condition (ii), the game device 110 determines the position of the meet frame 470 when the pitcher character 220 sends (releases) the ball character 225. This is because the batter character 210 will be very advantageous if the position of the meet frame 470 can be changed after the transmission.

  Until the game apparatus 110 determines the position of the meet frame 470, the game apparatus 110 receives the movement operation of the meet frame 470 by the player via the controller 130. In other words, until the meet frame 470 is determined, the player can freely change the position of the meet frame 470 using the cross key 132. For example, when the player makes a tour of where to hit, the position of the meet frame 470 can be freely changed until immediately before the pitcher character 220 throws the ball character 225.

  In the flow 590, a series of processes relating to the pitcher character 220 is processed.

  In step 594, game device 110 causes ball character 225 to be sent from pitcher character 220. When the ball character 225 is sent out in step 594, information representing the ball character sending is used as a condition (ii) in step 512.

  Through the above processing, the game apparatus 110 determines the position of the meet frame 470 by sending the ball character together with the determination by the player. That is, if the player does not determine the position of the meet frame 470 until the pitcher character 220 sends out the ball character 225, the game apparatus 110 has the meet frame 470 at the moment when the pitcher character 220 releases the ball character 225. The position is used as the position of the confirmed meet frame 470 in the subsequent processing.

  The data processing unit 1000 described later implements a sending function for sending the ball character by executing step 594. In other words, the data processing unit 1000 constitutes sending means for sending the ball character by hardware and software.

  In step 514, game device 110 determines (fixes) the position of meet frame 470. Depending on the player's intention, the meet frame 370 may be determined at a position moved with respect to the strike zone 250 (meet frame 470), or determined at the same position as the strike zone 250 (meet frame 370). Also good.

  In step 516, the game apparatus 110 moves the meet cursor 460 within the confirmed meet frame 470 based on the operation of the player via the controller 130. As described for step 508, the player can move the meet cursor 460 smoothly within the meet frame 470 by operating the cross key 132.

  In step 518, the game apparatus 110 determines the hit result of the ball character 225 based on the position where the ball character 225 passes the hitting plane, the position of the meet cursor 460, and the timing of the hitting operation of the batter character 210. For example, if the passing position of the ball character 225 is sufficiently close to the position of the meat cursor 460 and the timing of the batting operation is appropriate, it is determined that the batter character 210 has hit a hit or a home run. Conversely, if the passing position of the ball character 225 is far from the position of the meet cursor 460 or the timing of the batting operation is inappropriate, it is determined that the batter character 210 has swung. The hit determination in step 518 can be realized by the game apparatus 110 using various conventional techniques, without being limited to the above-described determination.

  The data processing unit 1000 (to be described later) implements the hit determination function by executing Step 518. In other words, the data processing unit 1000 constitutes an impact determination unit with hardware and software.

  In step 520, game device 110 determines whether or not ball character 225 has passed strike zone 250. If the player does not perform the batting operation and the ball character 225 passes the strike zone 250, it is determined that the batter character 210 has been striked. Without being limited to the above-described determination, the strike determination in step 520 can be realized by the game apparatus 110 using various conventional techniques.

  The data processing unit 1000 described later realizes a strike determination function by executing step 520. In other words, the data processing unit 1000 constitutes a strike determination unit with hardware and software.

  In step 530, the game apparatus 110 erases the meet frame 470 when the ball is caught or hit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the erasing of the meet frame 470 may be performed at another timing.

  In step 532, the flow 500 ends. If the ball count still remains, flow 500 returns to step 502 again.

(Details of moving the meat frame)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the meet frame 370 with respect to the strike zone 250. Before the meat frame 370 is moved (that is, before step 508), the strike zone 250 and the initial meet frame 370 are displayed so as to overlap each other as in FIG.

  When the meet frame 370 moves upward with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 671 includes six squares s4 to s9 (strikeable strike zones) that overlap with the strike zone 651 and three squares b1 to b3 that do not overlap with the strike zone 651. (A ball zone that can be hit). Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 upward by one square, strike zones n7 to n9 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b1 to b3 that can be hit are generated.

  In a specific embodiment, the strike zone that cannot be struck means a region that is essentially a strike zone but cannot be struck (that is, does not lead to a hit or the like, or is oscillated depending on the game design).

  When the meet frame 370 moves to the upper left with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 672 includes four cells s5, s6, s8, and s9 (strikeable strike zones) that overlap with the strike zone 652, and five that do not overlap with the strike zone 652. Masses b1 to b3, b4, b7 (ball zones that can be hit). Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 by one square to the upper left, strike zones n3, n6, n7 to n9 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b1 to b3, b4, and b7 that can be hit are generated.

  When the meet frame 370 moves to the left with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 673 includes six cells s2, s3, s5, s6, s8, and s9 (strikeable strike zones) that overlap the strike zone 653, a strike zone 653, It has three cells b1, b4, b7 (ball zones that can be hit) that do not overlap. Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 to the left by one square, strike zones n3, n6, and n9 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b1, b4, and b7 that can be hit are generated.

  When the meet frame 370 moves to the lower left with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 674 includes four squares s2, s3, s5, and s6 (strikeable strike zones) that overlap with the strike zone 654 and five that do not overlap with the strike zone 654. And squares b1, b4, b7 to b9 (ball zones that can be hit). Therefore, when the meat frame 370 is moved by one square to the lower left, strike zones n1 to n3, n6, and n9 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b1, b4, and b7 to b9 that can be hit are generated.

  When the meet frame 370 moves downward with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 675 includes six cells s1 to s6 that overlap with the strike zone 655 (strike zone that can be hit) and three cells b7 to b9 that do not overlap with the strike zone 655. (A ball zone that can be hit). Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 downward by one square, strike zones n1 to n3 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b7 to b9 that can be hit are generated.

  When the meet frame 370 moves to the lower right with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 676 includes four cells s 1, s 2, s 4 and s 5 (strike zones that can be struck) that overlap with the strike zone 656 and 5 that does not overlap with the strike zone 656. And two squares b3, b6, b7 to b9 (ball zones which can be hit). Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 by one square to the lower right, strike zones n1 to n3, n4, and n7 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b3, b6, b7 to b9 that can be hit are generated.

  When the meet frame 370 moves to the right with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 677 has six cells s 1, s 2, s 4, s 5, s 7, s 8 (strike zones that can be struck), and a strike zone 657. It has three cells b3, b6, b9 (ball zones that can be hit) that do not overlap. Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 to the right by one square, strike zones n1, n4, and n7 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b3, b6, and b9 that can be hit are generated.

  When the meet frame 370 moves to the upper right with respect to the strike zone 250, the meet frame 678 includes four cells s4, s5, s7, and s8 (strikeable strike zones) that overlap with the strike zone 658 and five that do not overlap with the strike zone 657. It has squares b1 to b3, b6, b9 (ball zones that can be hit). Therefore, by moving the meat frame 370 to the upper right by one square, strike zones n1, n4, n7 to n9 that cannot be hit are generated, while ball zones b1 to b3, b6, and b9 that can be hit are generated.

(Effects of moving the meat frame)
The game apparatus 110 according to the present invention separates the meat frame from the strike zone in order to reflect the “reading” (throwing prediction) of the ball course by the batter. As a result, the batter can hit the ball even if the ball leaves the strike zone. That is, the game apparatus 110 generates a meet frame separately from the strike zone, and allows the player to move the meet frame by a predetermined distance (for example, 1 square) with respect to the strike zone. As a result, although a strike zone is generated, a new region (strike zone that cannot be hit) is generated when the bat is swung, but there is also a region (ball zone that can be hit) that can be hit by a ball ball. Therefore, the barter and pitcher bargaining becomes more complicated and the interest can be improved.

  For example, referring to FIG. 6, when the player first predicts that the ball is coming higher in the outer corner of the right-handed batter and moves the meat frame 672 to the upper left with respect to the strike zone 652, the batter , It becomes strong against the ball with a higher outside angle. In other words, if the meat frame is not moving, the ball cannot be hit (ie, it will not lead to a hit or it will be swung in some games) (for example, ball zone b1 (external angle is increased), b2, b3, b4, b7). Even if you come, there is a possibility that you can hit. On the contrary, contrary to the prediction, if the meat frame does not move, the ball cannot be hit when the ball comes to the position where the ball can be hit (for example, strike zone n9 (lower inner angle), n3, n6 to n8).

  According to the present invention, the pitching prediction of the batter (player) becomes more important. Of course, if the player does not like the risk due to such a pitch prediction, the game may be played as usual without shifting the meet frame. For example, if the batter determines that there is a habit of throwing an invitation ball with a higher outside angle when the opponent's pitcher reaches a match count (eg 2-3), he shifts the meat frame to a higher outside angle and goes to hit the ball ball. Strategy can be taken. Alternatively, in a situation where the batter is full, if the pitcher can predict the tendency of throwing low, the strategy is to shift the strike zone downwards and hit the ball even.

  In the case of a game according to the prior art, if the pitcher throws a ball outside the strike zone, it is not hit at least. According to the present invention, there is a possibility that the ball will be hit. Therefore, bargaining with the batter is more important for pitchers. In the above example, it is common sense that even when the ball is thrown low, it is assumed that the batter has set the strike zone low, and the ball of the batter is deliberately thrown. A strategy of aiming for an area that deviates from the shifted meat frame (strike zone where it cannot be hit) is conceivable.

  According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, (i) when the player presses a predetermined button with the intention of “reading” the ball course, the game device 110 generates a meet frame for the first time, (ii) The game apparatus 110 can move the meet frame with the strike zone as an initial position, and (iii) the game apparatus 110 generates a meet frame from the center of the strike zone when the meet frame is generated. Move to the center of As the game apparatus 110 operates in this manner, the player can operate the point of hitting the ball (the position of the meet cursor) in two stages. That is, the player first determines the position to be hit by moving the meat cursor, and then can move the meat cursor finely within the moved meat frame. In other words, the player can first determine the hit position globally by moving the meet frame, and then locally determine the hit position by moving the meet cursor. The present invention has an effect that a wider range of balls can be hit by such two-stage hitting position setting.

(Modified example of moving the meat frame)
The meat frame 470 may be divided into, for example, 16 divisions (4 divisions in the vertical direction and 4 divisions in the horizontal direction) instead of 9 divisions. The meat frame 470 may be moved in two stages of 1 square or 2 squares in the above-described eight directions. The game apparatus 110 moves the meat frame 470 on the display 140 in units of one square by a single controller operation.

  In one embodiment, the amount of movement of the default meat frame 470 is 1 square, but the game apparatus 110 increases the movement amount to 2 squares for a batter with high ability. For example, in the case of a batter strong against a low ball, the game apparatus 110 allows the meat frame 470 to move down by two squares. In the case of a batter strong against a higher ball, the game apparatus 110 allows the meat frame 470 to move one square to the upper right and one square to the right. That is, the game apparatus 110 can determine the amount of movement of the meet frame 470 with reference to the batter parameter of the batter character 210.

  In addition to the amount of movement, the game apparatus 110 may limit the direction in which the meet frame 470 can move. That is, an area where the meat frame 470 cannot move may be provided in accordance with the area where the batter character 210 is good and weak. For example, if a batter character 210 is good at hitting low but not good at hitting high, the game apparatus 110 prohibits the movement above the meet frame 470. In this case, even if the player tries to move such a meet frame 470, the game apparatus 110 does not accept an input from the controller 130.

  The above-described movement of the meet frame can be controlled based on an input by a player using a touch panel. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to portable electronic devices including a mobile phone having a touch panel as the display 140. In this case, the game apparatus 110 interprets, for example, a tap on the touch panel as a hit and a slide on the touch panel as a strong shake.

  In the embodiment using FIG. 6, the “strike zone that cannot be hit” has been described as a completely “not hit” region that does not lead to a hit or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the probability of hitting may be set low in the “strike zone that cannot be hit”. In other words, the hit determination step 516 determines the hit probability in the strike zone that does not overlap with the moved meat frame (“strike zone that cannot be hit”) in the strike zone that overlaps with the meet frame (“strike strike zone”). You may set lower than the probability of hitting. In this case, the probability of hitting in the “strike zone that can no longer be hit” is not zero, but may be lower to some extent than the probability of hitting in the “strikeable strike zone”.

(Example of battle mode)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a system 700 using a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 700 realizes a battle between the player 1 and the player 2 in the network battle mode by connecting the two systems 100 through the network 715.

  The game devices 710 and 711 correspond to the game device 110, respectively. A controller 730 operated by the player 1 and a display 740 for displaying game images are connected to the game device 710. A controller 731 operated by the player 2 and a display 741 for displaying a game image are connected to the game device 711. The displays 740 and 741 reflect virtual game spaces generated by the game device 710 and the game device 711, respectively.

  In the network battle mode, the game devices 710 and 711 are connected to each other through the network 715. The network 715 is any appropriate network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or the like. In order to realize the network battle mode, the game devices 710 and 711 exchange data necessary for executing the game program with each other via the network 715.

  In the network battle mode, the player 1 operates the batter character 750 via the controller 730 and battles the pitcher character 780 operated by the player 2 against the opponent. The player 2 operates the pitcher character 781 via the controller 731 to play against the batter character 751 operated by the player 1 against the opponent. The game device 710 displays a screen from the line of sight of the batter character 750 on the display 740. The game device 711 displays a screen from the line of sight of the pitcher character 781 on the display 741.

  Since the player 1 operates the batter character 750 while looking at the display 740, the game apparatus 710 displays the strike zone 760, the moved meet frame 770 generated by the game program according to the present invention, and the meet cursor 772 on the display 740. indicate. On the other hand, since the player 2 operates the pitcher character 781 while looking at the display 741, the game apparatus 711 displays only the strike zone 761 on the display 741. Accordingly, the player 2 who operates the pitcher character 781 cannot see the movement of the meet frame 770 by the player 1 and the position of the meet cursor 772 in the meet frame 770.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a system 800 that is a variation of the system 700 that uses a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the system 700, the system 800 also realizes a battle between the player 1 and the player 2 in the network battle mode. The configuration of the system 800 is the same as the configuration of the system 700 except that the game image generated by the game device 711 is a screen from the line of sight of the batter character 753. Similar to the system 700, the player 2 operates the pitcher character 783 while looking at the display 741, so the game device 711 displays only the strike zone 763 on the display 741. Thus, the player 2 who operates the pitcher character 783 cannot see the movement of the meet frame 770 by the player 1 and the position of the meet cursor 772 in the meet frame 770.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a system 900 using a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 900 realizes a battle between the player 1 and the player 2 in the 2P battle mode. The game device 910 of the system 900 processes the operations of the player 1 and the player 2 via the two controllers 930 and 931. The configuration of the system 900 is the same as the configuration of the system 100, except that the game apparatus 910 is connected to the two controllers 930 and 931.

  In the 2P battle mode, the player 1 operates the batter character 950 via the controller 930 and battles the pitcher character 980 operated by the player 2 against the opponent. The player 2 operates the pitcher character 980 via the controller 931 and battles the batter character 950 operated by the player 1 against the opponent. The game device 910 displays a screen from the line of sight of the batter character 950 on the display 940.

  Player 1 and player 2 battle while watching the same display 940. Therefore, game device 910 generates a meet frame and meet cursor in the game space, but does not display a meet frame and meet cursor on display 940. The player 1 operates the controller 930 to move the invisible meat frame and the meat cursor with intuition. When the meat cursor moved by the player 1 exceeds the range of the meet frame, the game apparatus 910 may generate vibration by a motor provided in the controller 930 to notify the player 1 of the deviation of the meet cursor range.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware of the system 100. System 100 includes game device 110, controller 130, and display 140. Game device 110 is connected to another game device 711 via network 715.

  The CPU 1002 is connected to each component of the game apparatus 110 and controls the overall operation by exchanging control signals and data. The CPU 1002 implements a desired function by executing a group of steps constituting the game program stored in the RAM 1004. Specifically, the CPU 1002 realizes a desired function group defined by the step group by executing the step group shown in FIG.

  The CPU 1002 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical operations such as logical sum, logical product, logical negation, bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, bit, and the like using ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) for the register. Bit operations such as rotation can be performed. The CPU 1002 may be configured to perform high-speed vector operations such as saturation operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for multimedia processing, and trigonometric functions. The CPU 1002 may include a coprocessor in order to perform calculations at high speed.

  The recording medium 120 is any appropriate computer-readable recording medium, and records a game program according to the present invention, and image data and audio data associated with the game. The drive 112 reads a game program and accompanying data from the recording medium 120 under the control of the CPU 1002. The CPU 1002 transfers the read program and data to the RAM 1004 via the bus 1006 and temporarily stores them.

  The RAM 1004 temporarily stores data and programs. The RAM 1004 stores a game program read from the recording medium 120, data associated with the game program, data related to other players in the network battle mode, data related to communication, and the like. The CPU 1002 may provide a variable area in the RAM 1004 and directly perform operations on values stored in the variable area. The CPU 1002 may store the value stored in the RAM 1004 once in a register, perform an operation on the register, and write the operation result back to the memory.

  The ROM 1008 stores an IPL (initial program loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on. The CPU 1002 reads out the game program recorded on the recording medium 120 by executing IPL. The CPU 1002 stores the read game program in the RAM 1004 and performs processing necessary for executing the game program. The ROM 1008 records an operating system program and various data necessary for controlling the game apparatus 110.

  The interface 1010 sends data associated with the player's operation detected by the controller 130 to the CPU 1002 or the like via the bus 1006. The signal processor 1012 and the image processor 1014 are connected to the CPU 1002 through the bus 1006. The CPU 1002 interprets instructions from the game program and performs various data processing and control. For example, the CPU 1002 instructs the signal processor 1012 to supply image data to the image processor. The signal processor 1012 performs, for example, calculation of various characters in the game space, coordinate conversion calculation from the game space to the display screen, light source calculation, and generation of image and sound data.

  The image processor 1014 executes a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, various saturation calculations, and the like at high speed. In the game space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, various characters represented as polygons with various texture information added are arranged. The image processor 1014 renders this polygon by the Z buffer method. The image processor 1014 can execute a calculation for obtaining a rendering image in which a polygon arranged in the game space is looked down from a predetermined viewpoint position in a predetermined line-of-sight direction at high speed.

  The CPU 1002 cooperates with the image arithmetic processor 1014 to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image on the frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape.

  The data processing unit 1000 is typically configured by a CPU 1002, a RAM 1004, a ROM 1008, a signal processor 1012, and an image processor 1014. The data processing unit 1000 causes the game device 110 to realize functions corresponding to the respective steps by causing the CPU 1002 to execute various steps described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the data processing unit 1000 includes a meet frame generating unit corresponding to step 508, a meet frame moving unit corresponding to step 510, a hit determining unit corresponding to step 518, a strike determining unit corresponding to step 520, and At least a sending means for sending the ball character corresponding to step 594 is configured.

  The data processing unit 1000 may further include other hardware or software elements in addition to the above-described components. For example, the data processing unit 1000 may perform parallel processing by using a plurality of CPUs instead of the single CPU 1002 to increase the calculation speed.

  Conversely, the data processing unit 1000 may not include some of the above-described components. For example, when the performance of the CPU 1002 is sufficiently high, the steps in FIG. 5 may be executed without using the signal processor 1012. In this case, the data processing unit 1000 includes a CPU 1002, a RAM 1004, a ROM 1008, and an image processing processor 1014.

  The image output unit 1016 typically includes a digital / analog converter and a frame memory. The frame memory stores image data processed by the image processor 1014, for example. The image output unit 1016 converts the image data into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and outputs the video signal to the display 140.

  The audio output unit 1018 typically includes a digital / analog converter. The audio output unit 1018 converts the audio data read from the recording medium 120 into an analog signal and outputs it. The display 140 receives the converted analog signal through, for example, an HDMI cable and outputs it as sound from a built-in speaker. The CPU 1002 may generate sound effects and music data and output them as audio signals during the execution of the game. When the audio data recorded on the recording medium 120 is MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) data, the audio output unit 1018 converts the MIDI data into PCM data by referring to the associated sound source data. When the audio data is compressed in an ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) format, an Ogg Vorbis format, or the like, the audio output unit 1018 expands the compressed data and converts it into PCM data. The audio output unit 1018 performs digital / analog conversion on the PCM data at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency, and outputs the result.

  The network interface 1020 is used to communicate with other game devices 711 through the network 715. For example, various data related to the opponent team used by the user in the network battle mode is received through the network 715 by the network interface 1020. Conversely, various data related to the team used by the opponent in the network battle mode is sent to the opponent game device 711 via the network 715 by the network interface 1020. As a result, it is possible to play a game between players in a remote place in the network battle mode. The system 100 may execute the game program by the game device 110 alone without being connected to the network 715.

  The game program according to the present invention is typically loaded from the recording medium 120 to the game device 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all or a part of the game program according to the present invention may be loaded from a remote computer (for example, a server) via the network 715. Further, all or part of data used in connection with the game program according to the present invention may be loaded from a computer (for example, a server) at a remote location via the network 715.

  According to the present invention, in the baseball game, a meet frame is generated separately from the fixed strike zone, and the meet frame is moved with respect to the strike zone. The meat cursor can move freely within the moved meet frame. Therefore, it is possible to place a meet cursor in an area other than the strike zone and hit the ball. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game program, a game device, and a game control method that can improve the interest of hitting, which is useful.

500 Game Program Flow 508 Meet Frame Generation Step 510 Meet Frame Movement Step 518 Strike Determination Step 520 Strike Determination Step 590 Game Program Flow 594 Ball Character Sending Step

Claims (9)

A pitcher character, a batter character, and a ball character set in the game space are displayed on a monitor, and a baseball game can be executed in which a player performs a batting operation of the ball by operating the batter character via an operation unit. On the computer,
A sending function for sending the ball character from the pitcher character;
A strike determination function for determining that the ball character has passed the strike zone;
A meet frame generation function for generating a meet frame corresponding to an area where the batter character can hit the ball character, separately from the strike zone;
When the meet frame is generated and the ball character passes the meet frame, the position of the meet cursor indicating the target of the hit point that can move in the meet frame, the pass position of the ball character, Based on the batting operation timing of the batter character, a batting determination function for determining the batting result of the ball character,
A game program that realizes a meet frame moving function for moving the position of the meet frame, with a position overlapping with the strike zone as an initial position, based on a first operation by the player. The game program according to claim 1, wherein the meet frame generating function generates the meet frame based on a second operation by the player performed before the first operation by the player.   The game program according to claim 1, wherein the meet frame moving function positions the meet cursor at the center of the moved meet frame. The strike zone is equally divided into squares, and
The meet frame generation function generates the meet frame so that its size and interior are the same as the strike zone,
The game program according to claim 1, wherein the meet frame moving function moves the meet frame for each unit of the square based on the first operation.   The hit determination function sets the probability of hitting in the strike zone that does not overlap with the moved meet frame lower than the hit probability in the strike zone that overlaps with the meet frame. Game program.   The game program according to claim 1, wherein the meet frame moving function sets a moving amount of the meet frame that is separated from the strike zone based on a parameter that represents a batter ability of the batter character.   The game program according to claim 1, wherein the meet frame moving function sets a moving direction of the meet frame separated from the strike zone based on a parameter representing a batter ability of the batter character. A game that displays a pitcher character, a batter character, and a ball character set in the game space on a monitor, and executes a baseball game in which a player performs a batting operation by operating the batter character via an operation unit A device,
Sending means for sending the ball character from the pitcher character;
Strike determination means for determining that the ball character has passed the strike zone;
Meat frame generating means for generating a meat frame corresponding to an area where the batter character can hit the ball character separately from the strike zone;
When the meet frame is generated and the ball character passes the meet frame, the position of the meet cursor indicating the target of the hit point that can move in the meet frame, the pass position of the ball character, Based on the batting operation timing of the batter character, batting determination means for determining the batting result of the ball character,
A game apparatus comprising: a meet frame moving unit configured to move a position of the meet frame based on a first operation by the player, with a position overlapping the strike zone as an initial position. A method for controlling a baseball game in which a pitcher character, a batter character, and a ball character set in a game space are displayed on a monitor, and a player performs a batting operation of the ball by operating the batter character via an operation unit Because
A sending step of sending the ball character from the pitcher character;
A strike determination step of determining that the ball character has passed the strike zone;
A meet frame generating step for generating a meet frame corresponding to an area where the batter character can hit the ball character separately from the strike zone;
When the meet frame is generated and the ball character passes the meet frame, the position of the meet cursor indicating the target of the hit point that can move in the meet frame, the pass position of the ball character, A batting determination step for determining the batting result of the ball character based on the batting operation timing of the batter character,
A game control method comprising: a meet frame moving step of moving a position of the meet frame based on a first operation by the player, with a position overlapping with the strike zone as an initial position.

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