JP2015047198A - Game apparatus, game system, game control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game capable of achieving a realistic strategy with an opponent on a game.SOLUTION: A game apparatus 100 controls a game in which a character applies an action to a mobile body. Before starting the movement of the mobile body or when starting the movement thereof, prediction means 71, on the basis of an operation of a first user operating the character or automatically, acquires prediction information of a movement parameter related to the movement of the mobile body. Mobile body moving means 72, on the basis of an operation of a second user operating the mobile body, determines the movement parameter and moves the mobile body. Operation means 73 controls the operation of the character after the movement of the mobile body and differentiates operations of the character according to a degree of coincidence of the prediction information and the movement parameter determined by the mobile body moving means 72.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a game system, a game control method, and a program for controlling a game based on a user operation.

  Conventionally, a baseball game has been proposed in which a batter-side user can predict the type of ball to be pitched (Patent Document 1). In addition, a baseball game in which a batter-side user can predict a course to be pitched has been proposed (Patent Document 2).

  In such a game, if the batter's user expects to throw, it will be easier to hit. However, even if the batter's user expects to throw, the ball may be missed or a hit may be hit even if the expectation is lost. Also, the ball may be missed without shaking the bat, regardless of whether or not the pitch is expected.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-199081 JP 2011-072481 A

  In a conventional game, there is a material for a pitcher's user to consider a pitching course or the like, for example, information such as a batter character's good course / disadvantage course is provided. It is information, and from the perspective of the pitcher, it is advantageous to simply aim at the opponent's poor course, so there was no bargaining between pitches, and it could not be said that the game was deeply interesting.

  In addition, in the case of a baseball game, the batter side can find the batting operation itself how to hit the thrown ball, while the pitcher side can decide the ball type and pitching course. Since only pitching was performed after that, there was no operability to measure the timing of the bat swing like the batter side, and the game performance had to be monotonous.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. For example, in the case of a baseball game, as a material for the pitcher side to consider the pitching course, etc., elements that are not in the conventional game are included, and only the batter side is included. The aim is to provide a highly entertaining game that allows the pitcher to enjoy deep gameplay.

  A game device according to one aspect of the present invention is a game device that controls a game in which a character acts on a moving body, and is a first user who operates the character before or when the moving body starts moving. The movement parameter is determined based on the operation of the second user who operates the moving body and the prediction means for acquiring the movement information related to the movement of the moving body based on the operation of the second user who operates the moving body. A moving body moving means for moving the moving body, and a motion control means for controlling the movement of the character after the moving body is moved, wherein the motion control means includes the prediction information and the moving body moving means. The action of the character is varied according to the degree of coincidence with the movement parameter determined by.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to operate as the game device, and causing the computer to function as each means included in the game device.

  A game system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a terminal device used by a first user and a terminal device used by a second user, and a character operated by the first user is moved by the second user. A game system that controls a game that acts on a body, and obtains prediction information for movement parameters related to movement of the moving body based on an operation of the first user before or at the start of movement of the moving body A moving body moving means for moving the moving body by determining the movement parameter based on an operation of the second user, and a motion control for controlling the movement of the character after the moving body is moved And the operation control means determines the degree of coincidence between the prediction information and the movement parameter determined by the moving body moving means. Flip and, varying the operation of the character.

  A game control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game control method in a computer that controls a game in which a character acts on a moving body, and the computer starts moving before or after the moving body starts moving. Sometimes, based on the operation of the first user who operates the character, or automatically, the prediction step for acquiring the prediction information for the movement parameter related to the movement of the moving object, and the computer A moving body moving step for moving the moving body by determining the moving parameter based on two user operations, and an operation control step for controlling the action of the character after the moving of the moving body; In the operation control step, the computer performs the prediction information and the moving object moving step. Depending on the degree of coincidence between the mobile parameters determined by varying the operation of the character.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the game device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a game system. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen of the batter side user. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen of the user at the pitcher side. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the size distribution of the aiming cursor in a specific area. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen in which the specific area | region was set to the position of a strike zone. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen in which the specific area | region was set to the position of a strike zone. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen by which the specific area | region was moved to the out-course side. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen by which the specific area | region was moved to the out-course side. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen by which the specific area | region was moved to the in-course side. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen by which the specific area | region was moved to the in-course side. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the batting | operation action | operation of a batter character when a 1st user's in-course prediction is removed. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of hit | damage operation | movement of a batter character when a 1st user's in-course prediction is successful. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the ball | bowl off operation | movement of a batter character when a 1st user's in-course prediction is removed. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of a batter character's ball see-off operation | movement when a 1st user's out-course prediction is successful. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of a ball | bowl off operation | movement of a batter character when a 1st user's out-course prediction is removed. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the batter character's ball see-off operation | movement when a 1st user's in-course prediction is successful. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the main structures of a game management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a coincidence degree. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other example of main structures of a game management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the movable range with respect to a specific area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the shape of an aiming cursor. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other example of main structures of a game management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the setting of the size distribution of the aiming cursor in a specific area | region. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other example of main structures of a game management apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the fundamental structure of a game management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which controls a pitcher character. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which controls a batter character. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which controls a batter character. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a cursor movement process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game screen by which the specific area | region was moved to the out-course low in conjunction with the movement of the aiming cursor. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other example of main structures of a game management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the magnitude | size of the aiming cursor of the area | region center part in case a specific area exists in a reference position. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the magnitude | size of the aiming cursor of the area | region center part, when a specific area | region moves from a reference position. It is explanatory drawing explaining that a blank area | region generate | occur | produces by the movement of a specific area | region. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other example of main structures of a game management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the magnitude | size of the aiming cursor in a specific area | region and a blank area | region. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other example of main structures of a game management apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a game system.

  Hereinafter, a game device, a game system, a game control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of game device]
As the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention, various devices can be applied as long as they are information processing devices capable of executing a game program. For example, game devices include stationary or portable game machines, personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”), tablet computers, smartphones, mobile phone terminals, PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) terminals, mobile phones. An information terminal (PDA: Personal Digital Assistant), a multi-function television receiver (so-called smart TV) having an information processing function, or the like can be applied.

  The game controlled by the game device of the present embodiment is a game in which a character acts on a moving body (for example, strikes back, catches, crushes). As an example of this game, there is a game in which a first character operated by a first user acts on a moving body sent from a second character operated by a second user. For example, a batter character as an example of a first character moves the aiming cursor to a ball object (hereinafter simply referred to as “ball”) as an example of a moving body released from a pitcher character as an example of a second character. As an example of the action, there is a baseball or softball game that performs a hit.

  The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied not only to a baseball game and a softball game but also to various games that give some action to a moving body such as soccer and tennis. An application example will be described.

  The second user can operate the controller of the game device or the like to specify the movement parameters (throwing course, ball type, etc.) of the ball thrown by the pitcher character. The game device determines a pitching course, a ball type, and the like based on the operation of the second user, and moves the ball toward the batter character.

  In addition, the first user who operates the batter character can predict the movement parameters (throwing course, ball type, etc.) of the ball thrown by the pitcher character before the ball is released from the pitcher character. The game apparatus acquires prediction information for the movement parameter based on an operation of a prediction input such as a pitching course by the first user before or at the start of the movement of the ball. For example, if the first user performs an input operation to predict an out course, the game device acquires the out course as prediction information.

  Then, the game device controls the batting action or the action of seeing off the ball after the ball is released from the pitcher character. For example, the game device controls the batting operation of the batter character when the batting operation is performed by the first user, and controls the ball feeding operation of the batter character when the batting operation is not performed. In this case, the game apparatus changes the action of the batter character according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information that the first user predicted the pitching course and the like and the actual pitching course and the like.

  For example, when the first user predicts the pitching course (when the predicted course matches the actual pitching course), the batter character swings or sees off the ball without breaking his posture. On the other hand, when the prediction is not satisfied (when the predicted course does not match the actual pitching course), the batter character swings in an unbalanced posture or looks off the ball. As an example of a case where the prediction is lost, when the ball comes to the out course with respect to the in-course prediction, the batter character takes a batting attitude like swimming and loses balance. Even when the ball is seen off, the batter character is in a posture in which the upper body thrusts while chasing the ball with his eyes.

  Thereby, the 2nd user can estimate the success or failure of the batter's prior prediction with respect to the pitch by looking at the movement of the batter character after the pitch, and thus can be used as a material for examining the next pitch. That is, like a real-world baseball game, it is possible to realize a realistic game such that the pitcher considers the next pitch by looking at the batter's reaction to the pitch, making the pitching game even more fun. Below, an example of the structure of the game device which implement | achieves this is demonstrated.

[Configuration of game device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game apparatus 100. In this embodiment, as an example of the game apparatus 100, a home video game machine used by being connected to a home television 200 will be described. The game apparatus 100 is loaded with a computer-readable recording medium 300 on which a game program is recorded, and the game program is appropriately read from the recording medium 300 to execute the game.

  The game apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a bus line 2, a graphics data generation processor 3, an interface circuit (I / F) 4, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 5, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, and a decompression. A circuit 7, a parallel port 8, a serial port 9, a drawing processor 10, an audio processor 11, a decoder 12, an interface circuit (I / F) 13, buffers 14 to 16, a recording medium drive 17, a memory 18, and a controller 19. Yes. The television 200 to which the game apparatus 100 is connected includes a television monitor 21, an amplifier circuit 22, and a speaker 23.

  The CPU 1 is connected to the bus line 2 and the graphics data generation processor 3. The bus line 2 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. Via this bus line 2, the CPU 1, interface circuit 4, RAM 5, ROM 6, decompression circuit 7, parallel port 8, serial port 9, drawing processor 10, audio processor 11, decoder 12, interface circuit 13 and communication control unit 20 Are connected to each other.

  The drawing processor 10 is connected to the buffer 14 and the television monitor 21. The audio processor 11 is connected to the buffer 15 and the amplifier circuit 22 of the television 200. The decoder 12 is connected to the buffer 16 and the recording medium drive 17. The interface circuit 13 is connected to the memory 18 and the controller 19.

  When the game apparatus 100 is configured as a personal computer or a workstation, the television monitor 21 and the like correspond to a computer display. In addition, the decompression circuit 7, the drawing processor 10, the audio processor 11, and the like are respectively provided on a part of the game control program data recorded on the recording medium 300 or on hardware on an expansion board installed in an expansion slot of the computer. Correspond. The interface circuit 4, the parallel port 8, the serial port 9, and the interface circuit 13 correspond to hardware on an expansion board mounted in an expansion slot of a computer. The buffers 14 to 16 correspond to the storage areas of the RAM 5 or the extended memory, respectively.

  The graphics data generation processor 3 serves as a so-called coprocessor of the CPU 1, and performs coordinate conversion and light source calculation, for example, calculation of fixed-point format matrices and vectors by parallel processing. The main processing performed by the graphics data generation processor 3 is based on the coordinate data, movement amount data, rotation amount data, and the like of each vertex in the two-dimensional or three-dimensional space of the image data supplied from the CPU 1. There are a process of obtaining address data of a processing target image on a predetermined display area and returning it to the CPU 1, a process of calculating the brightness of the image according to a distance from a virtually set light source, and the like.

  The interface circuit 4 is used for an interface of a peripheral device, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball. The RAM 5 is used as a main memory. The ROM 6 stores program data that is an operating system of the game apparatus 100.

  The decompression circuit 7 performs decompression processing on a compressed image compressed by intra coding in accordance with the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard for moving images and the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) standard for still images. This decompression processing includes decoding processing (decoding of data encoded by Variable Length Code), inverse quantization processing, IDCT (Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform) processing, intra image restoration processing, and the like.

  The drawing processor 10 performs a drawing process on the buffer 14 based on a drawing command issued by the CPU 1 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 second which is one frame time). The buffer 14 is constituted by a RAM, for example, and is divided into a display area (frame buffer) and a non-display area. The display area is composed of a development area for image data to be displayed on the display surface of the television monitor 21. The non-display area is composed of storage areas such as data for defining skeletons, model data for defining polygons, animation data for causing the model to move, pattern data indicating the contents of each animation, texture data, and color palette data. . Here, the texture data is two-dimensional image data, and the color palette data is data for designating a color such as texture data. The CPU 1 reads these data from the recording medium 300 at a time or in a plurality of times according to the progress of the game, and records them in the non-display area of the buffer 14 in advance.

  The audio processor 11 stores ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data read from the recording medium 300 in the buffer 15 as a sound source. For example, the audio processor 11 reads ADPCM data from the buffer 15 based on a clock signal having a frequency of 44.1 kHz, and performs processing such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting, and reverb addition on the ADPCM data. Apply. The audio data processed by the audio processor 11 is output from the speaker 23 via the amplifier circuit 22.

  As the recording medium drive 17, for example, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM drive, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, a cassette medium reader, or the like is used. In this case, as the recording medium 300, a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is used. The recording medium drive 17 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 300 and supplies the read data to the decoder 12. The decoder 12 performs error correction processing using ECC (Error Correction Code) on the data read by the recording medium drive 17 and supplies the processed data to the RAM 5 or the audio processor 11.

  The memory 18 is an auxiliary storage device, and has a nonvolatile storage area for storing various game parameters and the like in order to maintain the game state at the time of interruption when the game is interrupted, for example. The memory 18 can store game programs and various data. As the memory 18, for example, a card type memory, a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used.

  The controller 19 is an operation device that is used by a user who is an operator to input various operation commands, and sends an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the CPU 1 via the interface circuit 13. The controller 19 includes, for example, an analog stick, a direction key, a confirmation button, and the like. The controller 19 is used to give a command to the CPU 1 for executing movement of the specific area 505 and the aiming cursor 503, hitting by the batter character 501, and the like.

  Next, a schematic operation of the game apparatus 100 will be described. When the game apparatus 100 is turned on, the CPU 1 instructs the recording medium drive 17 to read the game program from the recording medium 300 based on the operating system stored in the ROM 6. Image data, audio data, and program data read from the recording medium 300 by the recording medium drive 17 are supplied to the decoder 12 and subjected to error correction processing.

  The image data subjected to the error correction process is supplied to the expansion circuit 7 via the bus line 2 and subjected to the above-described expansion process. Thereafter, the image data is supplied to the drawing processor 10 and written into the non-display area of the buffer 14 by the drawing processor 10. The audio data that has been subjected to error correction processing by the decoder 12 is written into the buffer 15 via the RAM 5 or the audio processor 11. The program data that has been subjected to error correction processing by the decoder 12 is written into the RAM 5.

  Thereafter, the CPU 1 performs a player card exchange process and a game progress process based on the game control program stored in the RAM 5 and the content instructed by the user using the controller 19. That is, the CPU 1 appropriately performs control of image processing, control of sound processing, control of internal processing, and the like based on content that the user instructs using the controller 19.

  In addition, the game apparatus 100 includes a communication control unit 20 including a communication interface. The game apparatus 100 is connected to another game apparatus 100 by wireless LAN communication, Internet communication, distance wireless communication, wired communication, or the like, and synchronizes between the two. However, it is also possible to execute a communication battle type game by exchanging data.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, in a form in which two users compete for communication, two game devices 100 respectively operated by the two users are connected to be communicable via a network 600. The network 600 may be the Internet, public line (telephone line, mobile communication line, etc.), wired LAN (Local Area Network), wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), etc. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used.

  As a communication battle method via the network 600, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a so-called P2P (Peer to Peer) method in which a plurality of game apparatuses 100 communicate with each other by directly communicating with each other can be applied. Also, a wireless communication battle in an ad hoc mode in which a plurality of game apparatuses 100 perform direct wireless communication and a wired communication battle through a communication cable are possible, and these are included in the P2P system. In the communication battle, for example, two game devices 100 construct a common virtual game space while synchronizing with each other by P2P communication, and the game proceeds.

  In addition, as a communication battle system via the network 600, a so-called client / server system in which a plurality of game devices 100 as clients battle via the server device 400 as shown in FIG. That is, when the battle sent back by the batter character is executed while communicating between the two game devices 100, communication may be performed via the server device 400.

  The game has a game mode (so-called CPU battle mode) in which the user battles against a computer, in addition to a game mode in which the user battles against other users. Hereinafter, an example of a game will be described mainly using a game mode of communication battle as an example.

[Example of game]
As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, in the form in which two users compete for communication via the network 600, the television monitor 21 of the television 200 connected to each of the two game devices 100 is shown in FIG. An exemplary screen and a screen illustrated in FIG. 5 are respectively displayed. That is, the screen of FIG. 4 is displayed on the television monitor 21 of the game apparatus 100 on the side that operates the batter character 501, and the television monitor 21 of the game apparatus 100 on the side that operates the pitcher character 502 displays FIG. The game screen is displayed.

  FIG. 5 shows a state immediately after the pitcher character 502 has pitched against the batter character 501. This figure shows an image in a state where the batter side is viewed from the pitcher side, and the second user who operates the pitcher character 502 plays a game while watching this screen during a pitching match. The second user on the pitcher side can select the ball type and the pitching course before the pitching. For example, a ball type selection icon 511 is displayed on the screen, and the second user operates the controller 19 (analog stick or direction key or the like) while watching the ball type selection icon 511 to select the ball type, Press the enter button to confirm the ball type selection.

  In the example of the ball type selection icon 511 shown in FIG. 5, six lines a, b, c, d, e, and f extend from the center toward the periphery, and one of the six types of balls is selected. Selectable. For example, a is “straight”, b is “shoot”, c is “sinker”, d is “fork”, e is “curve”, and f is “slider”. In the example of FIG. 5, six types of ball types can be selected. However, the selectable ball types differ for each pitcher character 502, and for example, only two to five types of ball types may be selected. . The ball type selected by the operation of the second user is displayed above the ball type selection icon 511.

  When the ball type is determined as described above, the pitcher character 502 enters a pitching motion. For example, after that, until the pitcher character 502 releases the ball, the second user can designate a pitching course. On the screen, a strike zone 504 and a course designation cursor 512 for designating a pitching course are displayed. For example, the second user can operate the controller 19 (such as an analog stick or a direction key) to move the course designation cursor 512 and designate a pitching course.

  When the screen is a touch panel in the screen-integrated game apparatus 100, the second user touches the screen with a finger or a stylus so that the contact position can be designated as a pitching course. Also good.

  After designating the pitching course as described above, the pitcher character 502 starts pitching and releases the ball when the second user presses the pitching start button of the controller 19 or automatically. In FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience, the strike zone 504, the ball type selection icon 511, and the course designation cursor 512 are displayed. However, these displays may be deleted after the ball is released, for example.

  The game device 100 calculates the trajectory of the ball released from the pitcher character 502 based on the ball type and the pitching course selected by the second user, and moves the ball in the home base direction. Note that the game device 100 may calculate the trajectory of the ball released from the pitcher character 502 based on the ability parameters (ball speed, control, change level, etc.) of the pitcher character 502 as well as the ball type and pitching course. Good. A known algorithm can be applied to the calculation of the ball trajectory.

  In the above example, the second user on the pitcher side selects the ball type and the pitching course. However, a simpler baseball in which the pitcher character 502 starts pitching by selecting only the pitching course is shown. It can also be a game.

  By the way, the first user who operates the batter character 501 cannot see the screen of the game apparatus 100 on the pitcher side (the screen of FIG. 5), and therefore does not know which ball type or pitching course the opponent has selected.

  On the other hand, the first user who operates the batter character 501 plays the game while viewing the screen illustrated in FIG. This figure shows an image in a state where the batter side is viewed from the batter side, and the first user who operates the batter character 501 plays a game while watching this screen during a pitching battle. On this game screen, a batter character 501 operated by the first user, an opponent pitcher character 502, an aiming cursor 503, a strike zone 504, and the like are displayed. In a baseball game, the aiming cursor 503 is also referred to as a meet cursor, and becomes an area where the batter character 501 can hit the ball (or an area where the ball can be hit effectively).

  The first user who operates the batter character 501 performs an operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 so that the aiming cursor 503 overlaps the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502. The game apparatus 100 moves the aiming cursor 503 on the screen according to the operation of the first user. When the first user moves the aiming cursor 503, the position of the bat object swing can be adjusted.

  Here, in the game of the present embodiment, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is not constant, and the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position (coordinates) on the screen as shown below.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game device 100 sets a specific area 505 in which the aiming cursor 503 can move on the screen. The position of the specific area 505 on the screen can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the specific area 505 can be initialized to the position of the strike zone 504. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the specific area 505 is initially set to coincide with the strike zone 504.

  Note that the size (area) of the specific region 505 can be arbitrarily set, and may be larger or smaller than the strike zone 504. The aiming cursor 503 may be allowed to move outside the specific area 505 or may not be allowed to move outside the specific area 505.

  Then, the game device 100 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 so that the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the specific area 505. Accordingly, when the user moves the aiming cursor 503 within the specific area 505, the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes depending on the local coordinates inside the specific area 505. Here, as the local coordinates, for example, a coordinate system having the origin at the center (center point) of the specific region 505 can be applied.

  For example, the aiming cursor 503 can be set so that it is the largest in the center of the specific area 505 and the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the center is increased. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the aiming cursor 503 existing at the center of the specific area 505 is moved in various directions, as indicated by the dotted line, the area continuously moves toward the outer periphery of the specific area 505. (Or stepwise) the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller. In actual baseball, the situation is that the center portion of the strike zone 504 is generally easy to hit, but the end portion of the strike zone 504 is difficult to hit, which is accurately reflected in the game. In FIG. 6, only the eight directions of upper, lower, left, right, upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left are shown, but the user can move the aiming cursor 503 in an arbitrary direction.

  According to the setting of the size distribution of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 shown in FIG. 6, the size of the aiming cursor 503 existing in the middle course of the strike zone 504 is maximized as illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the first user can easily hit the ball that has come to the middle course. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the aiming cursor 503 exists at a position shifted from the middle of the strike zone 504, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is smaller than that in FIG. The batting operation becomes more difficult.

  In this case, when viewed from the pitcher side, it is advantageous to simply aim at the end of the strike zone, so that the merit is generated only on the pitcher side. In view of this, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the concept of the batter's course prediction, which is seen in the real world, is added, and the specific area 505 can be moved by the first user's own operation.

  That is, the first user can predict a pitching course and move the specific area 505 to a position shifted from the strike zone 504 before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502. For example, when the first user predicts an out course, the specific area 505 may be moved to the out course side. Even if the specific area 505 moves on the screen, the setting inside the specific area 505 (the setting in which the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the area) is basically maintained. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the center portion of the specific area 505 is moved so as to be located in the out course, the size of the aiming cursor 503 existing in the out course is maximized, and the first user The ball on the course can be hit as if it were the middle ball of the strike zone 504. In other words, the first user can hit the player while being aware of the out course by moving the specific area 505 to the out course side.

  On the other hand, by moving the center portion of the specific area 505 so as to be located in the out course, the size of the aiming cursor 503 existing in the middle course of the strike zone 504 is reduced as illustrated in FIG. It becomes difficult for the first user to hit the ball that came to the middle course.

  Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when the center portion of the specific area 505 is moved to be located in the in-course, the size of the aiming cursor 503 existing in the in-course is maximized, and the first user The in-course ball can be hit as if it were the middle ball of the strike zone 504. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the size of the aiming cursor 503 existing in the middle course of the strike zone 504 is reduced, so that it is difficult for the first user to hit the ball that has come to the middle course.

  That is, if the first user's course prediction is correct, the pitching course at the end of the strike zone 504, which should be unfavorable for the batter, is easy to hit. The game can be reflected more accurately and realistically in the game.

  When the first user anticipates (or is conscious of) the middle course of the strike zone 504, the specific area 505 moves from the default position where the center of the specific area 505 matches the center of the strike zone 504. There is no need to let them.

  Since the second user who operates the pitcher character 502 cannot see the screens of FIGS. 4 and 7 to 12, it is not known which course the first user on the batter side has predicted to move the specific area 505. Absent.

  After the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the first user can no longer move the specific area 505. The first user who operates the batter character 501 can hit the ball by moving the aiming cursor 503 so as to overlap the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 and pressing the swing button at a timing when the ball can be hit. . Here, the timing at which the ball can be hit can be a predetermined hittable time zone during which the ball passes in the vicinity of the batter character 501 (for example, four frame times).

  By the way, if the aiming cursor 503 does not overlap the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502, the ball may not be returned. In this case, the batter character 501 swings idle.

  Alternatively, the aiming cursor 503 may be a predetermined area including a so-called sweet spot, which is an area of a bat where the ball can be effectively hit. In this case, even if the aiming cursor 503 does not overlap the ball, if it hits the bat (that is, if the area where the bat object around the aiming cursor 503 exists and the ball overlaps), it will be a hit. It can be made not to be swung.

  If the swing button is pressed at a timing other than the timing at which the ball can be hit, the batter character 501 swings idle. On the other hand, when the aiming cursor 503 is overlapped with the ball when the swing button is pressed at a timing at which the ball can be hit, the batter character 501 hits the ball. Even when the swing button is pressed at a timing at which the ball can be hit, if the aiming cursor 503 does not overlap with the ball, the batter character 501 is swung (or hits the bat even if it hits the bat).

  If the first user does not press the swing button by a predetermined timing after the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the batter character 501 sees off the ball. Here, the predetermined timing can be, for example, three frames after the end of the hittable time zone. Alternatively, the predetermined timing may be, for example, a timing at which three quarters of the distance from the pitcher character 502 to the home base is passed. Considering the time required for the batter character 501 to swing the bat, an arbitrary timing that is not in time even when the batter character 501 starts to swing the bat can be determined as the predetermined timing.

  Then, the game apparatus 100 controls the batting action of the batter character 501 or the action of seeing off the ball, which is performed after the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, based on the prediction result such as the course prediction of the first user.

  First, the batting action of the batter character 501 will be exemplified. For example, it is assumed that the first user has made an in-course expected input (shifting the specific area 505 to the in-course side), but actually the ball has come out-of-course. This corresponds to a case where the first user's course prediction is not satisfied. In this case, when the first user presses the swing button, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the game screen has a striking posture in which the batter character 501 swims against the ball 540 that has come out-of-course and is balanced. The action of swinging while breaking is displayed. For the sake of convenience, the batter character 501 indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 13 shows the posture before the swing of the batter character 501 for easy understanding of the movement in the batter box. The same applies to the batter character 501 indicated by the dotted line in the other figures.

  As a result, the actions that the batter in the real world can take can be realistically reproduced on the game, taking into account the element of the batter's inner consciousness (prediction). That is, in the real world, a batter conscious of in-course tries to perform an out-step hit suitable for hitting an in-course ball. On the other hand, when the ball comes out of the course, the upper body of the batter is in a batting posture such that the upper body tilts toward the out course and swims, and swings while losing balance. In the game according to the present embodiment, when the first user inputs in-course prediction in advance, it is possible for the batter character 501 to perform an impact conscious of the in-course. Then, when the ball comes to the out course with respect to the input of the in-course prediction by the first user, the movement of the batter character 501 is controlled so that the batting action is performed by swimming and losing the balance as in the real world. , Bring out a sense of realism on the screen.

  FIG. 13 shows the game screen of the game device 100 on the second user side. Similarly, the batting character 501 has a striking posture such that the batter character 501 swims on the game screen of the game device 100 on the first user side. The action of swinging while losing balance is displayed.

  As described above, when the first user's expectation is lost, the batter character 501 performs a batting action with an unbalanced balance. Even if the batter character 501 loses balance, it may hit a hit. This will be described below.

  If the first user's course is not predicted, that is, if the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 comes to a course away from the center of the specific area 505 that has been moved in advance, the difficulty of hitting will increase. This is because the area of the aiming cursor 503 decreases as the distance from the center of the specific region 505 increases. As a result, when the batter's course prediction is lost in the real world, it is possible to realistically reproduce a state in which the batter is easily swung away or hit easily. However, if the first user can hit the reduced aiming cursor 503 near the center of the ball and hit it with good timing, it becomes a hit ball.

  However, in order to clarify the demerits when the first user's course is not predicted, it is possible to make the game specifications such that the batter character 501 cannot be struck.

  In addition, for example, it is assumed that the ball has actually arrived in the in-course when the first user has made an in-course expected input. This corresponds to a case where the course prediction of the first user is hit. In this case, when the first user presses the swing button, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the game screen displays an action of the batter character 501 swinging without breaking the balance. For example, the batter character 501 performs a well-balanced out-step hitting action suitable for hitting the ball 540 that has come to the in-course.

  This is also a realistic reproduction of the actions that a batter in the real world can take, including the element of the batter's inner consciousness. That is, in the real world, a batter conscious of the in-course can hit the ball that has come to the in-course without losing balance. In the game of the present embodiment, when the first user inputs an in-course prediction in advance, when the ball actually comes into the in-course, the batter is not disturbed as in the real world. The striking action of the character 501 is controlled to create a realistic feeling on the screen.

  Also, an image (an image with a different viewpoint as seen from the batter side when viewed from the batter side) is displayed on the game screen of the game apparatus 100 on the first user side (not shown).

  As described above, when the first user predicts, the batter character 501 performs a striking motion that does not break the balance. Basically, whether or not a hit can be hit depends on the striking operation of the first user. ing.

  If the course prediction of the first user is correct, that is, if the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 comes to a course that passes through the vicinity of the center of the specific area 505 that has been moved in advance, it is easy to hit. This is because the area of the aiming cursor 503 is maximized at the center of the specific region 505. As a result, when a hitter's course prediction is hit in the real world, a state in which the batter can easily catch the ball can be realistically reproduced on the game. However, if the first user fails to overlay the aiming cursor 503 on the ball, or the timing for pressing the swing button is bad, the first user may miss or hit the ball.

  Next, an operation in which the batter character 501 looks off the ball will be exemplified. For example, it is assumed that the first user inputs an in-course prediction, but the ball actually comes out of the course and the course prediction is not satisfied. In this case, if the first user does not press the swing button by a predetermined timing, the batter character 501 performs a see-off action of the ball 540 illustrated in FIG. In other words, the batter character 501 enters a swing motion while chasing the ball 540 that has come to the course against the expectation, stops the swing in the middle, and loses balance in a posture in which the upper body thrusts toward the out-course side. See off.

  This is also a realistic reproduction of the actions that a batter in the real world can take, including the element of the batter's inner consciousness. In other words, in the real world, when a ball comes into the out-course while being aware of the in-course, the batter often cannot determine the ball with a margin. Accordingly, the batter determines that the ball is in the swing motion state, stops the swing and sees off the ball. Therefore, the batter's upper body thrusts into the out-course side and the ball is forgotten, and the balance is lost. The screen example in FIG. 15 reproduces such a see-off motion of the ball 540 of the batter character 501.

  Also, for example, it is assumed that when the first user inputs an out-course prediction, a ball actually comes out of the course and a course prediction is hit. In this case, if the first user does not press the swing button by a predetermined timing, the batter character 501 performs a see-off action of the ball 540 illustrated in FIG. That is, the batter character 501 does not start the swing and sees the ball 540 without breaking the balance.

  This is also a realistic reproduction of the actions that a batter in the real world can take, including the element of the batter's inner consciousness. That is, in the real world, a batter who is conscious of the out-course can identify the ball that has come to the out-course without rushing. Therefore, the batter can see off the ball with a margin without starting the swing. The screen example of FIG. 16 reproduces such a see-off action of the ball 540 of the batter character 501.

  In addition, for example, it is assumed that the first user inputs an out-course prediction, but the ball actually arrives in the in-course and the course prediction is lost. In this case, if the first user does not press the swing button by a predetermined timing, the batter character 501 performs a see-off action of the ball 540 illustrated in FIG. In other words, the batter character 501 takes an action out of balance by pulling his hips or slipping away in order to avoid the ball 540 hitting the body.

  This is also a realistic reproduction of the actions that a batter in the real world can take, including the element of the batter's inner consciousness. In other words, in the real world, when the ball comes into the in-course with the batter conscious of out-course, the batter feels that the ball is closer to the body than usual and tries to avoid the ball larger than necessary. The screen example of FIG. 17 reproduces such a see-off action of the batter character 501 of the ball 540.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that when the first user inputs an in-course prediction, the ball actually comes into the in-course and the course prediction is hit. In this case, if the first user does not press the swing button by a predetermined timing, the batter character 501 performs a see-off action of the ball 540 illustrated in FIG. That is, the batter character 501 does not take an action to avoid the collision of the ball 540 or starts a swing, and sees off the ball 540 without breaking the balance.

  This is also a realistic reproduction of the actions that a batter in the real world can take, including the element of the batter's inner consciousness. That is, in the real world, a batter conscious of the in-course can identify the ball that has come to the in-course without hurrying. Therefore, the batter can see off the ball with a margin without pulling or slipping, except for the ball passing near the body so as to become a dead ball. The screen example of FIG. 18 reproduces such a see-off motion of the ball 540 of the batter character 501.

  13 to 18 show the game screen of the game device 100 on the second user side (an image when the batter is viewed from the pitcher side), the game of the first user who is playing against the second user Also on the game screen of the device 100, an image of the batter character 501 that performs the same operation as that shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 (an image with a different viewpoint as seen from the batter side to the pitcher side) is displayed.

  When the first user performs a batting operation and the batting operation is successful, the game apparatus 100 determines the timing at which the swing button is pressed, the amount of deviation between the center (center of gravity) of the aiming cursor 503 and the center (center of gravity) of the ball. Based on the above, the trajectory of the hit ball is calculated, and the ball is moved. For example, if the timing at which the swing button is pressed is near the middle of the hittable time zone, the hit in the center direction, if it is earlier than that, the so-called pulling hit, and if it is later, the so-called strike hitting . Further, the smaller the amount of deviation between the center of the aiming cursor 503 and the center of the ball, the stronger the hitting ball. Further, if the center of the aiming cursor 503 is shifted upward from the center of the ball, a so-called ball hitting ball is obtained, and if it is shifted downward, a so-called fly hitting ball is obtained. Thus, the hitting speed and hitting angle change depending on the way the aiming cursor 503 and the ball overlap. Further, the game device 100 may calculate the trajectory of the bounced ball in consideration of the ability parameters (power, trajectory, etc.) of the batter character 501. A known algorithm can be applied to the calculation of the ball trajectory.

[Functional configuration and operation of game device]
Next, a main functional configuration of the game apparatus 100 that controls a game in which a character acts on a moving body will be described with reference to a functional block diagram of FIG. The game apparatus 100 controls a baseball or softball game in which a batter character 501 operated by a first user hits a ball thrown by a pitcher character 502 operated by a second user.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the game apparatus 100 mainly includes a prediction unit 71, a ball moving unit 72 as an example of a moving body moving unit, and an operation control unit 73. Each of these means is realized by the CPU 1 of the game apparatus 100 executing the program according to the present embodiment.

  The prediction means 71 has a function of acquiring prediction information for a movement parameter related to movement of the moving body based on an operation of a first user who operates the character before or at the start of movement of the moving body. In the baseball game of the present embodiment, the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 is a moving body, and the time before the moving body starts moving or when the moving body starts is before the ball is sent (released) from the pitcher character 502 or started. It's time.

  The prediction information acquired by the prediction means 71 preferably includes prediction information for at least one movement parameter of the moving course, speed, and trajectory change during movement. “Moving course” is the pitching course, “Speed” is the ball speed (for example, a fast ball such as a fast ball, a slow ball such as a change-up), and the “orbit change during movement” is a ball type (straight, curve , Chute, etc.) respectively. One of these or a combination of two or more of them can be used to predict a movement parameter related to the movement of the moving object.

  In the case of prediction of a pitching course, information indicating an area of an expected course such as an in-course or an out-course, or coordinate information of an expected course can be used as “forecast information”. A specific example will be described below.

  For example, when the first user performs an operation of moving the specific area 505 that is initially set to coincide with the strike zone 504 to the out-course side as illustrated in FIG. Based on the position of the specific area 505, “out course” is acquired as the prediction information. In this case, code information indicating an out course, for example, “0” may be acquired as the prediction information. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when the first user performs an operation of moving the specific area 505 to the in-course side, the predicting unit 71 uses “in-course” as the forecast information or code information indicating it, for example, “1” may be acquired as the prediction information.

  Further, for example, information on the coordinates (global coordinates) of the central portion of the specific area 505 moved by the first user may be acquired as the prediction information of the pitching course. Here, the global coordinates are coordinates based on the upper left corner of the game screen, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and the like, in this baseball game, a user interface is used in which the first user performs a predictive input of a pitching course by an operation of shifting the specific area 505 arranged to be superimposed on the strike zone 504 on the screen. Realized. However, the operation in which the first user performs the expected input of the pitching course is not limited to the operation using the specific area 505. For example, a plurality of pitching courses such as “out course” and “in course” are displayed on the screen as options, and an arbitrary pitching course predicted by the first user is selected from among them by operating the controller 19 or the like. You may do it. Or you may input the pitching course which a 1st user estimates on a screen using a pointing device. Or when the screen is comprised with the touch panel, you may input the pitching course which a 1st user anticipates on a screen by making a finger | toe or a touch pen contact on a screen. Regardless of which operation is used to predict the pitching course, the prediction means 71 predicts the pitching course in which the first user predicted the ball pitching course before or after the pitcher character 502 sent the ball. Information (information indicating the area of the predicted course or coordinate information of the predicted course) is acquired.

  In addition, for example, in the case of a ball type prediction, information on a predicted ball type such as a straight ball, a curve, or a slider can be used as “predicted information”. As an example in which the first user performs an input operation for predicting the ball type, the ball type selection icon 511 shown in FIG. 4 is also displayed on the game screen of the first user, and this ball type selection icon 511 is used. To input the prediction of the ball type.

  Further, for example, in the case of prediction of the ball speed, information on “fast sphere” such as fast sphere and “slow sphere” such as change-up can be set as “prediction information”. As an example in which the first user performs an input operation for predicting the ball speed, for example, options such as “fast sphere” and “slow sphere” are displayed on the screen, and the first user selects the controller 19 by operating the controller 19 or the like. To do. Alternatively, for example, options of a ball speed of “less than 130 km / h”, “more than 130 km / h and less than 145 km / h”, and “more than 145 km / h” are displayed on the screen, and the first user can select the controller 19 Etc. may be selected by operating.

  In addition, the prediction unit 71 stores the acquired prediction information in the RAM 5 that is an example of a storage device. This prediction information is used for motion control of the batter character 501 according to the degree of coincidence of the prediction.

  Hereinafter, a preferable example will be described in which the first user makes a prediction input of the pitching course, and the prediction means 71 acquires the information of the predicted pitching course as the prediction information. That is, the predicting means 71 obtains information on the predicted pitching course that predicted the ball pitching course based on the operation of the first user before or at the start of sending from the pitcher character 502 of the ball. Continue to explain.

  Next, the ball moving means 72 will be described. The ball moving unit 72 has a function of determining a movement parameter and moving the moving body based on an operation of a second user who operates a ball as an example of the moving body. In this baseball game, when the second user performs an operation for determining a pitching course, a ball type, or the like as a movement parameter of the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502, the ball moving means 72 moves the movement parameter based on the operation. A pitching course, a ball type, and the like are determined, and the ball is moved toward the batter character 501. The pitching course and ball type determination operation by the second user can be performed by using, for example, the ball type selection icon 511 and the course designation cursor 512 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation control means 73 will be described. The motion control means 73 has a function of controlling the motion of the batter character 501 after the movement of the ball released from the pitcher character 502. This motion control means 73 is based on the degree of coincidence between the prediction information (for example, the expected pitching course) for the movement parameter acquired by the prediction means 71 and the movement parameter (for example, the pitching course) determined by the ball moving means 72. The operation of the batter character 501 is changed. Here, as the degree of coincidence, the degree of coincidence between the prediction information for the movement parameter and the actual movement parameter can be expressed as a value or a level, for example.

  For example, the degree of coincidence is assumed to be “1” or “level A” when the predicted information for the movement parameter matches the actual movement parameter, and the degree of coincidence when there is a mismatch is “0” or “level B”. It may be expressed in two levels or levels. For example, when the expected pitching course of the first user is an in-course, the degree of coincidence is evaluated in the above two steps depending on whether or not the actual pitching course is an in-course.

  Alternatively, the degree of coincidence between the prediction information for the movement parameter and the actual movement parameter may be expressed by three or more levels or levels. For example, an area where the ball passes near the home base is divided into three areas, an in-course, a middle course, and an out-course. For example, the strike zone 504 is divided into three equal parts in the horizontal direction, the middle course area being the middle course area, the in-course area being the middle course area, and the out-course area being the middle course area being the out-course area. When the predicted pitch course is an in-course area, for example, if the actual pitch course is the in-course area, the degree of coincidence is “2” or “level A (maximum)”, and if the expected pitch course is the middle course area, the degree of coincidence is “ The degree of coincidence is “0” or “level C (lowest level)” in the case of “1” or “level B” and the out-course area. In the case where the predicted pitch course is an out-course area, if the actual pitch course is an out-course area, the degree of coincidence is “2” or “level A”, and if it is the middle course area, the degree of coincidence is “1” or “ If the level is “B” or an in-course area, the degree of coincidence is “0” or “level C”. When the predicted pitch course is the middle course area, if the actual pitch course is the middle course area, the coincidence degree is “2” or “level A”, and if the expected pitch course is the in course area or the out course area, the coincidence degree is “ 1 ”or“ level B ”.

  Alternatively, when the prediction information is the coordinate information of the predicted pitch course, the degree of coincidence is calculated based on the amount of deviation (distance L between the coordinates) between the coordinates of the predicted pitch course and the coordinates of the actual pitch course. Also good. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the coordinates of the expected pitching course of the first user on the XY plane including the strike zone 504 in the screen are A (X1, Y1), and the actual pitching course pitched by the operation of the second user Is set to B (X2, Y2). Then, for example, the degree of coincidence M is calculated by the following equation (1) based on the distance L between AB.

M = a−√ {(X2−X1) ² + (Y2−Y1) ² } (1)

  In the above formula (1), a is a constant, and an arbitrary value can be set. For example, the diagonal distance of the strike zone 504 can be set as a.

  The action control means 73 acts on the moving body in the character according to the degree of coincidence when an action imparting operation for applying an action to the moving body is performed by the first user while the moving body is moving. Different behavior for giving. Here, as an example of the “action giving operation”, in the baseball game, it is a swing button operation performed by the first user. In the soccer game PK game, which will be described later, an operation for jumping the goalkeeper character to the ball corresponds to the action applying operation. For example, in a tennis game, a racket swing operation corresponds to the action applying operation. These are only examples, and an action imparting operation according to the type and content of the game can be applied.

  In addition, the “motion for acting on the moving body in the character” is, for example, in the baseball game, the batter character 501 swinging the bat so as to strike back the ball. Also, for example, in a soccer game PK game, the goalkeeper character jumps to catch (or play) the ball. In the tennis game, the receiver character swings the racket to strike back the served ball. These are examples, and the character performs an action according to the type and content of the game.

  According to this configuration, when an action imparting operation such as a swing button operation is performed by the first user, the motion of the batter character 501 according to the degree of coincidence (that is, according to whether or not the first user is expected). Is different. In this case, the motion control means 73 controls the motion of the batter character 501 at the timing of acting on the moving body. As an example, when a ball comes out of the course in anticipation of the in-course, the batter character 501 takes a batting attitude like swimming in order to strike it (losing balance). On the other hand, when the ball comes to the out-course as expected, the batter character 501 takes an in-step hitting posture suitable for the out-course without breaking the balance (the balance is not broken). As a result, the second user on the pitcher side can estimate whether or not the prediction of the first user is appropriate by observing the motion of the batter character 501 swinging the bat.

  Further, the motion control means 73 is configured to move the moving object in the character according to the degree of coincidence when an action giving operation for applying an action to the moving object is not performed by the first user during the movement of the moving object. Different actions to see off.

  In this configuration, even when the first user does not perform an action giving operation such as a swing button operation, the ball by the batter character 501 is played according to the degree of coincidence (that is, according to whether the first user is expected or not). The operation to see off is different. For example, when the ball comes to the in-course in response to the out-course expectation, the batter character 501 sees off the ball in such a posture that the batter character 501 tries to avoid the ball or pulls his / her hip (displaces the balance). On the other hand, if the ball comes into the in-course as expected, the batter character 501 sees off the ball with a margin without breaking the posture (the balance is not lost). Thereby, even if the batter side sees off the ball, the second user on the pitcher side can guess whether the first user is expected or not.

  Here, the motion control means 73 sets the motion of the batter character 501 as the first motion pattern when the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or level, while the degree of coincidence is less than the predetermined threshold or level. In addition, it is preferable that the batter character 501 has a second motion pattern different from the first motion pattern.

  The degree of coincidence being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or level basically corresponds to a case where the prediction of the first user who operates the batter character 501 is hit (or close to the prediction). In this case, the batter character 501 performs the motion of the first motion pattern. In the first action pattern, the batter character 501 performs a default hit or an action of seeing off the ball. In the present embodiment, the default is that the batter character 501 performs an action that does not break the balance or performs a motion to see off the ball. However, in the default motion, a subtle difference in the motion of the batter character 501 may be expressed by the positional relationship between the ball and the bat, the positional relationship between the ball and the batter character 501, and the like. For example, when the batter character 501 hits a higher ball, the hitting motion of the bat swing trajectory is suitable for the higher ball, and when the lower ball is hit, it is suitable for the lower ball. The bat swing trajectory is hit. Further, for example, when the batter character 501 hits an in-course ball, an out-step hitting action suitable for hitting the in-course ball is performed. It is an INTEP hitting action suitable for hitting a ball.

  Next, the predetermined threshold value or level will be described. For example, when the degree of coincidence when the predicted information matches the actual movement parameter is “1” or “level A”, and the degree of coincidence when the prediction information does not coincide is “0” or “level B”, a predetermined threshold is set. “1” or a predetermined level may be “level A”.

  Also, for example, when the expected pitching course is an in-course, the coincidence degree is “2” if the actual pitching course is the in-course, the coincidence degree is “1” if the middle course is, and the coincidence degree if it is the out-course. Is set to “0”, the predetermined threshold can be set to “2” or “1”. Here, when the threshold is set to “2”, the first action pattern that does not break the balance is set only when the ball actually comes into the in-course with respect to the in-course prediction. On the other hand, when the threshold is set to “1”, when the ball actually comes in the in-course or the middle course with respect to the in-course prediction, the first action pattern that does not lose the balance is set. This is because the middle course is basically easy to hit for batters, so even if the ball comes to the middle course against the in-course (or out-course) expectation, the course expectation is not missed. The first operation pattern does not lose the balance.

  Further, as illustrated in the above formula (1), when calculating the degree of coincidence based on the amount of deviation between the coordinates of the expected pitching course and the coordinates where the ball has actually passed, an arbitrary value may be set as the threshold value. it can. For example, a value that is half the length of the strike zone 504 in the horizontal direction can be set as the threshold value. In the case of this example, if the ball passes through a range within half the length of the strike zone 504 in the horizontal direction from the coordinates of the first user's predicted pitch course, the first user's prediction of the pitch course is substantially omitted. Assume that the batter character 501 takes the first action pattern that does not lose the balance. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 14, 16, and 18, the batter character 501 performs an operation of hitting or seeing off the ball without losing balance.

  On the other hand, the case where the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined threshold or level basically corresponds to a case where the first user who operates the batter character 501 has failed (or is far from expected). In this case, the batter character 501 performs the motion of the second motion pattern. In the second operation pattern, an operation that is not in the first operation pattern is added. For example, in the second motion pattern, the batter character 501 is hit with an unbalanced posture such as swimming, sliding, pulling the waist, etc. so that at least the second user can clearly recognize the difference from the first motion pattern. An operation of seeing off the ball is performed (see FIGS. 13, 15, and 17).

  As described above, since either the first action pattern or the second action pattern is selected as the action of the batter character 501 in accordance with the degree of coincidence between the prediction information for the movement parameter and the actual movement parameter, the second user By clearly seeing the motion of the batter character 501 after the pitch, it is possible to clearly guess whether the opponent's prior prediction is correct.

  For example, it is assumed that the pitcher character 502 has thrown the ball on the out course due to the second user performing an operation of throwing the out course. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the batter character 501 is in a batting attitude such as swimming and swings while losing balance (second motion pattern), the second user who sees it is that the opponent is We can guess that we were expecting other than the out-course. Also, when the batter character 501 sees off the ball, as shown in FIG. 15, the swing is stopped halfway and the balance is lost in a posture in which the upper body has thrust into the out-course side (second motion pattern). The second user who sees it can guess that the opponent had predicted other than the out-course (so-called reading was missed). On the other hand, when the batter character 501 swings the bat without losing the balance (first action pattern) while the pitcher character 502 throws the ball out of course, the result is hit, ordinary hit, foul ball (foul) ball) or idling, it can be inferred that the second user may have predicted the out-course (so-called reading). Also, as shown in FIG. 16, when the batter character 501 sees the ball without losing balance (first motion pattern), the second user may have predicted that the opponent is out of course. Can be guessed.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the pitcher character 502 has thrown the ball on the in-course due to the second user performing an operation of throwing on the in-course. On the other hand, when the batter character 501 swings out of balance while warping, for example (second motion pattern), the second user who sees the swing predicts that the opponent is other than the in-course. I can guess. Also, when the batter character 501 sees off the ball, as shown in FIG. 17, he pulls his waist and breaks the balance and sees off the ball (second motion pattern). The 2nd user who saw it can guess that the opponent was expecting other than an in-course. On the other hand, when the batter character 501 swings the bat without losing the balance as shown in FIG. 14 while the pitcher character 502 throws the ball on the in-course, the result is a hit. The second user can guess that the opponent may have predicted the in-course regardless of whether the hit, the foul ball, or the idling. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, when the batter character 501 sees the ball without losing balance (first motion pattern), the second user may have predicted that the opponent is in course. Can be guessed.

  If the pitcher character 502 throws the ball on the middle course by the second user performing an operation of throwing to the middle course, the operation of the batter character 501 can be as follows. That is, as described above, since the middle course is basically a course that is easy to hit for the batter, regardless of the course prediction of the first user, the ball of the middle course is considered not to have deviated from the course prediction. The first operation pattern does not break the balance. Alternatively, when the first user's course prediction is the middle course, the first operation pattern that does not lose the balance is used, and when the first user's course prediction is other than the middle course, the second operation pattern that loses the balance is used. It is good.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the second user can estimate whether or not the batter's prior prediction with respect to the pitch is appropriate by looking at the movement of the batter character 501 after the pitch, and therefore the second user considers the next pitch. Can be a material. That is, like a real-world baseball game, it is possible to realize a realistic game such that the pitcher considers the next pitch by looking at the batter's reaction to the pitch, making the pitching game even more fun.

  Information about the first action pattern and the second action pattern is stored in advance in the recording medium 300 on which the game program is recorded, and the game apparatus 100 stores information about the first action pattern and the second action pattern on the recording medium 300. To control the movement of the batter character 501.

  The first operation pattern may be one fixed pattern or a plurality of operation patterns. Similarly, the second operation pattern may be one fixed pattern or a plurality of operation patterns.

  In particular, the second operation pattern selected when the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined threshold or level includes a plurality of operation patterns according to the degree of coincidence, and the operation control means 73 determines whether the degree of coincidence corresponds to the degree of coincidence. It is preferable to vary the second operation pattern. For example, the lower the degree of coincidence (that is, the greater the difference between the prediction and the reality), the more the batter character 501 performs a striking and off-stretching action with a larger balance. That is, the balance of the movement of the batter character 501 does not collapse if it is as expected by the first user, but the balance of the movement of the batter character 501 is greatly collapsed as it deviates from the prediction. One example will be described below.

  For example, when the expected pitching course is an in-course, the coincidence degree is “2” if the actual pitching course is the in-course, the coincidence degree is “1” if the middle course is, and the coincidence degree is “ 0 ”and a predetermined threshold value“ 2 ”. In this case, when the actual pitching course is the middle course or the out course, the degree of coincidence becomes less than the threshold value, and the batter character 501 moves in a second motion pattern that is out of balance. Here, the degree of coincidence is lower in the case of the out course than in the case where the actual pitch course is the middle course. Therefore, the motion control means 73 controls the motion of the batter character 501 so that the balance is small in the middle course and is largely out of balance in the out course.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 20 and the above formula (1), when the coincidence is calculated based on the deviation amount between the coordinates of the expected pitch course and the coordinates of the actual pitch course, the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In this case, the batter character 501 performs the motion of the second motion pattern, but the extent to which the batter character 501 loses balance is increased continuously or stepwise according to the low degree of coincidence. For example, when the ball comes to the out-course with respect to the first user's in-course prediction, if the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the batter character 501 moves as shown in FIG. The lower the degree of match, the greater the bat and body tilt to the out-course side, and the greater the loss of balance. Further, in this case, when the batter character 501 sees the ball, if the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, an operation of breaking the balance is performed as shown in FIG. Be more inclined to the out-course side, and increase the balance.

  With this configuration, the second user can estimate the magnitude of deviation between the opponent's expectation and reality from the motion of the batter character 501.

  As described above, it is possible to provide only one operation pattern for either or both of the first operation pattern and the second operation pattern. As an example, when a ball comes out of the first user's in-course prediction and the matching degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the batter character 501 swims as shown in FIG. Although there are two motion patterns, only one type of swimming motion may be provided regardless of the degree of coincidence.

  Next, the structure which implement | achieves the user interface for a 1st user to input an estimated pitching course is demonstrated.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 21, the game apparatus 100 further includes a specific area setting means 51 and a specific area moving means 53 in addition to the prediction means 71, the ball moving means 72, and the action control means 73. Is preferred.

  The specific area setting means 51 has a function of setting on the screen a specific area 505 in which the aiming cursor 503 can be moved. The initial position of the specific area 505 on the screen can be arbitrarily determined. In the baseball game of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the specific area setting unit 51 initially sets the specific area 505 at the position of the strike zone 504 as an example of the reference position on the screen. That is, the specific area 505 is initialized so that the coordinates of the center (center) of the specific area 505 coincide with the coordinates of the center (center) of the strike zone 504.

  For example, when the game program is loaded into the RAM 5 of the game apparatus 100, information on the global coordinates of the reference position on the screen where the specific area 505 is initially set is also stored in the RAM 5. The specific area setting means 51 initially sets the specific area 505 on the screen based on the global coordinate information of the reference position.

  Thus, the initial position (default position) before the specific area 505 is moved is always fixed to the reference position (the position of the strike zone 504, etc.), so that the user can recognize the position of the specific area 505. It becomes easy and operability is improved.

  The timing for initial setting of the specific area 505 can be appropriately determined according to the game content. In the present embodiment, the specific area setting means 51 initially sets the specific area 505 at the position of the strike zone 504 at the timing when the batter character 501 stands at the bat. Since the pitch course is predicted for each ball, the specific area 505 is initially set at the position of the strike zone 504, which is the reference position, for each ball that the pitcher character 502 enters to prepare for pitching. It may be set (reset). For example, it is assumed that the user moves the specific area 505 from the reference position to the out-course side before throwing. After that, when the batter character 501 sees off the pitch, hits the ball but fouls or swings, the specific area 505 that has been moved to the out-course side when the pitcher character 502 enters preparations for the next pitch is displayed. It is automatically returned to the reference position.

  Alternatively, after the specific area setting unit 51 initially sets the specific area 505 to the position of the strike zone 504, which is the reference position, at the timing when the batter character 501 stands in the batting position, until the batting of the batter character 501 ends. The specific area 505 may not be automatically returned to the initial position.

  Also, the size and shape of the specific area 505 on the screen can be arbitrarily determined. In the example of the present embodiment, the specific area 505 has the same size and shape (rectangular shape) as the strike zone 504. Thereby, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the specific area 505 is set to coincide with the strike zone 504 at the reference position.

  When the specific area 505 initially set at the reference position matches the strike zone 504, when the batter side user predicts the middle course, it is not necessary to move the specific area 505, and other courses are predicted In addition, the specific area 505 may be shifted to the expected course side. Thus, by realizing the course prediction based on the strike zone 504, the operability for the user is greatly improved.

  Next, the specific area moving unit 53 will be described. The specific area moving unit 53 has a function of moving the specific area 505 from the reference position in accordance with the operation of the first user until the movement of the ball as an example of the moving body is started. In the present embodiment, the specific area moving unit 53 moves the specific area 505 on the screen in accordance with an operation using the controller 19 or the like of the first user until the ball is released from the pitcher character 502.

  As a method for moving the specific area 505, the specific area 505 itself is moved according to the operation of the first user, and the first user moves the aiming cursor 503 to move the specific area 505 to the position of the aiming cursor 503. Accordingly, there is a method of automatically moving the specific area 505. First, the former method will be described.

  The specific area moving unit 53 has a function of moving the specific area 505 according to an operation of moving the specific area 505 itself by the first user until the movement of the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 is started. For example, when the first user performs an operation of pressing the up / down / left / right direction keys of the controller 19, the specific area 505 itself is moved in a direction corresponding to the operation.

  The unit of movement of the specific area 505 can be arbitrarily determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 11, the strike zone 504 is divided into three equal parts in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and is divided into nine grids, and the horizontal direction is obtained in units of one square (ie, in-course or out-course). Allow specific area 505 to move (in the direction of the course). In this case, a distance of one third of the length of the strike zone 504 in the horizontal direction is the minimum unit of movement. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, if the first user performs an operation of pressing the right arrow key once in a state where the specific area 505 coincides with the strike zone 504 as an example of the reference position, FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the specific area 505 moves one square in the right direction, and the first user is expected to be out of course. Thus, by setting the distance of one third of the length of the strike zone 504 in the horizontal direction as the minimum unit of movement, the center portion of the specific area 505 can be moved out of the strike zone 504 with a small number of input operations. The center of the in-course can be accurately matched to improve the operability.

  Similarly, the specific region 505 may be moved in the vertical direction (that is, in the direction of the high-order course or the low-order course) in units of one square obtained by dividing the strike zone 504 into nine equal parts. In this case, a distance of one third of the length of the strike zone 504 in the vertical direction is the minimum unit of movement. As a result, the central portion of the specific area 505 can be accurately matched with the central portion of the high-order course or the low-order course of the strike zone 504 with fewer input operations, and operability can be improved.

  Of course, the specific area 505 may be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions in units of one square obtained by dividing the strike zone 504 into nine equal parts. In this case, by moving the specific area 505 in each direction of the in-course high course, the in-course low grade, the out-course high grade, and the out-course low grade as well as the in-course, out-course, high grade and low grade The user can predict a pitching course in the direction in which the specific area 505 is moved.

  As shown in FIG. 22, it is preferable to set a predetermined movable range 521 for the specific area 505. For example, the specific area 505 is configured such that one square or more cannot be moved in the vertical and horizontal directions from the state where the specific area 505 coincides with the strike zone 504. The reason why the movement of the specific area 505 is limited to the predetermined movable range 521 is as follows. That is, the aiming cursor 503 can move at least within the specific area 505. When the batter character 501 needs to hit in the batter box, if the specific area 505 can be moved anywhere without limitation, the hittable range of the batter character 501 is unnaturally widened. Therefore, in order to avoid this, a movable range 521 is set for the specific area 505, and the movement is limited within a reasonable range.

  The unit of movement of the specific area 505 is not limited to the above example. The strike zone 504 is divided into n equal parts (n is a natural number of 2 or more) in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and is divided into a plurality of grids. The specific area 505 can be moved in the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction in units of one square. Can be. Further, the movable range 521 of the specific area 505 can be arbitrarily determined.

  Alternatively, the specific area 505 may be moved to an arbitrary position in units of one dot within the movable range of the specific area 505.

  In this configuration, before the movement of the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 is started, the first user can make an advance input regarding the course prediction by performing an operation of moving the specific area 505 itself. In this case, the position of the specific area 505 on the screen is clarified as the course position predicted by the user.

  By the way, the specific area 505 is visualized until the ball is released from the pitcher character 502 and is visible on the screen by the first user. However, after the release, the specific area 505 may be made transparent and invisible. Alternatively, after the release, the transparency of the specific area 505 may be increased to lower the visibility of the specific area 505 than before the release. Even if the specific area 505 is invisible on the screen, the specific area 505 itself exists, and thus the setting of the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is maintained.

  The strike zone 504 may be variously visible, such as being always visible, always invisible, invisible only after the pitcher character 502 has entered the pitching motion, and invisible only after the ball has been released from the pitcher character 502.

  And the prediction means 71 of this Embodiment has a function which acquires the prediction information with respect to the movement course as a movement parameter based on the position of the said specific area 505. FIG. For example, when an operation for moving the specific area 505 that is initially set to coincide with the strike zone 504 to the out-course side or the in-course side as illustrated in FIG. 9 or FIG. Acquires “out course” or “in course” as the prediction information based on the position of the specific area 505 after the movement. Or the prediction means 71 acquires the information of the coordinate of the center part of the specific area 505 as prediction information of a pitch course, for example.

  According to this configuration, a specific area 505 (a pseudo strike zone provided for prediction) for predicting a pitching course as an example of a moving course is set at a position of a strike zone 504 as an example of a reference position. Is done. Then, the pitching course can be predicted by the first user performing an operation of moving the specific area 505. For example, if the first user shifts the specific area 505 to the out-course side, out-course prediction input can be performed.

  As described above, according to this configuration, an intuitive and easy-to-understand predictive input user interface for moving the specific area 505 provided at the reference position can be realized.

  In addition, the game of the present embodiment is a game in which an action is performed by placing the aiming cursor 503 on a moving body. As shown in FIG. 24, the game apparatus 100 that executes such a game preferably further includes an in-region cursor setting means 52 and a cursor moving means 54 in addition to the means shown in FIG.

  The intra-area cursor setting means 52 has a function of setting the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 so that the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the specific area 505. That is, the relationship between the position inside the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503 is determined in advance.

  As the information on the position inside the specific area 505, for example, local coordinates with the origin at the center (center point) of the specific area 505 can be applied.

  Alternatively, global coordinates of the entire game screen (for example, coordinates based on the upper left corner of the screen) may be applied as information on the position inside the specific area 505. In this case, the global coordinates at the reference position on the screen where the specific area 505 is initially set (the position of the strike zone 504 in this embodiment) are applied.

  For example, table information indicating the relationship between the position in the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503 is stored in the recording medium 300 on which the game program is recorded, and the information in the table is stored in the RAM 5 when the game is executed. To be loaded. In this case, the in-area cursor setting means 52 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 based on the table.

  Although the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes in the specific region 505, the aiming cursor 503 at any position can be basically similar. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the shape of the aiming cursor 503 is a circle, information on the radius or diameter can be applied as information on the size of the aiming cursor 503.

  Note that the shape of the aiming cursor 503 is not limited to a circle, and may be any shape. In the baseball game, the ball is hit back with the bat object 520, so that the aiming cursor 503 may be formed into a substantially elliptical shape in consideration of the shape of the bat object 520 as illustrated in FIG. Also in this case, the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 can have a similar shape even if the size changes depending on the position. Therefore, for example, information on the major axis or minor axis of the ellipse can be applied as the size information of the aiming cursor 503.

  Even if the specific area 505 is moved by the specific area moving means 53, basically the setting in the specific area 505 (the setting in which the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the area) is maintained. That is, even if the global coordinates on the screen of the specific area 505 change, the relative relationship between the local coordinates in the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503 does not change.

  When the position of the specific area 505 on the screen (global coordinates) changes due to the movement of the specific area 505, the local coordinates in the specific area 505 can be easily converted to the global coordinates after the movement by applying a known coordinate conversion algorithm. Can be converted to

  Here, the intra-area cursor setting means 52 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 so that the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the center of the specific area 505 increases as shown in FIG. It is preferable. Also in this case, the in-area cursor setting means 52 can set the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 based on the table. Alternatively, the size of the aiming cursor 503 may be expressed as a function of the distance from the center of the specific area 505, and the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 may be set based on the function.

  When the setting in the specific area 505 is set so that the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the central part of the specific area 505 becomes larger, the aiming cursor becomes the largest in the central part of the specific area 505, and it is easy to hit. Therefore, the first user can accurately reflect the course prediction on the game by moving the specific area 505 so that the center of the specific area 505 is located on the predicted course. The operability of the first user is improved.

  Further, in this case, even when the ball passes through the specific area 505, the difficulty level of hitting changes according to the distance between the course of the ball in the specific area 505 and the center of the specific area 505. . The separation distance represents the expected accuracy. The smaller the separation distance, the more accurate the prediction and the easier it is to hit. On the other hand, the larger the separation distance, the smaller the aiming cursor 503 becomes and the more difficult it is to strike. In this way, the accuracy of prediction can be reflected as the difficulty level of hitting.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the area cursor setting means 52 adjusts the setting of the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 based on the parameters of the batter character 501 as an example of the first character.

  Here, as an example of the parameter of the batter character 501, a parameter related to a course of good hitting or a course of weakness of hitting can be given. In the baseball game, player characters 1 through 9 stand in turn as batter characters 501 in order according to the order. For example, each player character is good at in-course but not good at out-in course, In the low-power course, which is good, the parameters of the good course such as weak and / or the poor course are set. Each player character has a different parameter related to the good course or the poor course.

  FIG. 25 shows the setting in the specific area 505 when a right-handed player character A, in which the in-course high course is set as the good course and the out-course low grade is set as the poor course, stands at the batter as the batter character 501. An example is shown. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, the in-area cursor setting means 52 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505, and the cursor size of the in-course high eye area 522 (hatched area in the figure). Is adjusted to be smaller than normal, while the cursor size of the out-of-course low eye area 523 (hatched area in the figure) is made smaller than normal. In FIG. 25, the setting of regions other than the in-course high eye region 522 and the out-course low eye region 523 is the same as that in FIG.

  In this way, the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is made larger than usual for the good course of the batter character 501, and the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is made smaller than usual for the poor course. To do.

  The in-region cursor setting means 52 may adjust the size of the aiming cursor 503 according to the meet ability as an example of the parameter of the batter character 501. The meet ability is a high ability to hit the ball against the bat, and the aiming cursor 503 is adjusted to be larger as the meet ability of the batter character 501 is larger. In this case, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is adjusted with respect to the entire specific area 505.

  With this configuration, the parameter of the batter character 501 can be accurately reflected as the operation difficulty level of the batting in the specific area 505, and playability can be improved.

  Next, the cursor moving means 54 will be described. The cursor moving unit 54 has a function of moving the aiming cursor according to the operation of the first user. For example, when the first user operates an analog stick, a direction key, or the like of the controller 19, the cursor moving unit 54 changes the position of the aiming cursor 503 on the screen according to the operation. The movement operation of the aiming cursor 503 by the first user is possible not only after the ball is released from the pitcher character 502 but also before the release.

  When the aiming cursor 503 is moved by the cursor moving means 54, the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the specific area 505. As described above, the setting can be made such that the aiming cursor 503 is the largest in the center of the specific area 505 that is a pseudo strike zone, and the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the center is increased. Since the first user makes a course prediction by moving the specific area 505, an area where the aiming cursor 503 becomes large (ie, easy to hit) and an aiming cursor become small (ie, hit) according to the course prediction. Difficult) area will fluctuate. For example, if the first user shifts the specific area 505 to the out-course side, the center of the specific area 505 that was in the center of the original strike zone is shifted to the out-course side, and the aiming cursor 503 is moved in the out-course area. On the other hand, the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller in the center of the original strike zone.

  According to this configuration, whether or not the course prediction by the first user is correct can be reflected as the size of the aiming cursor 503, that is, the difficulty level of the batting operation, so that the game performance can be improved.

  As described above, the aiming cursor 503 can move at least within the specific area 505. The aiming cursor 503 may be allowed to move outside the specific area 505 or may not be allowed to move outside the specific area 505.

  By the way, in the real world, it is more difficult to hit a ball ball that is out of the strike zone than to hit a ball in the strike zone, but it is possible to skillfully capture the ball ball that is out of the strike zone and make it a hit. In order to reflect this realistically in the game, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 26, the game apparatus 100 can be configured to further include an out-of-area cursor setting means 58.

  The out-of-area cursor setting unit 58 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 outside the specific area 505 to be smaller than the size of the aiming cursor 503 located at the boundary between the specific area 505 and the outside of the specific area 505. It has a function.

  With this configuration, the aiming cursor 503 can be moved out of the specific area 505, while the aiming cursor 503 is made smaller than in the specific area 505 to increase the difficulty of hitting, thereby enhancing the realism. it can.

  When the aiming cursor 503 can be moved to the outside of the specific area 505, a limit can be provided to the range in which the aiming cursor 503 can be moved in order to avoid an unnatural expansion of the strikeable range. preferable. For example, the movable range 521 of the specific area 505 illustrated in FIG. 22 can be set as the movable range of the aiming cursor 503.

  As described above, in the game device 100 according to the present embodiment, the first user who operates the batter character 501 baseball that the aiming cursor 503 is superimposed on the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502 operated by the second user. Control the game. A preferable configuration in which the first user makes a course prediction input on the game apparatus 100 is that the cursor moving unit 54 moves the aiming cursor 503 according to the operation of the first user, and the aiming cursor 503 can be moved to the strike zone 504. A specific area setting means 51 for setting a specific area 505, and an in-area cursor setting for setting the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 so that the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the center of the specific area 505 increases. Means 52 and specific area moving means 53 for moving the specific area 505 from the strike zone 504 in accordance with the user's operation until the pitcher character 502 throws the ball.

  By the way, in the baseball game, the game progresses by changing the offense and defense for each inning, so the user can operate the game from the standpoint of the batter or from the standpoint of the pitcher. The user is a “first user” when performing a game operation from the standpoint of a batter, and a “second user” when performing a game operation from the standpoint of a pitcher. Therefore, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 27, the game apparatus 100 basically includes a batting control means 50 for controlling the batting by the batter character 501 and a pitching controlling means for controlling the pitching by the pitcher character 502. 60.

  The predicting means 71, the operation control means 73, the specific area setting means 51, the in-area cursor setting means 52, the specific area moving means 53 and the cursor moving means 54 can be included in the function of the batting control means 50. The batting control means 50 further includes batting result determining means 55.

  As described above, the hitting result determining means 55 determines the hitting result based on the timing when the swing button is pressed, the degree of overlap between the aiming cursor 503 and the pitched ball, the ability parameter of the batter character 501 and the like. It has a function.

  The aforementioned ball moving means 72 can be included in the function of the pitching control means 60. Further, the ball moving means 72 may include a pitching parameter determining unit 72a and a ball moving unit 72b.

  The pitching parameter determination unit 72a has a function of determining pitching parameters based on the operation of the second user who operates the pitcher character 502. As described above, the second user can select a pitching course, a ball type, and the like by operating the controller 19 or the like. The pitching parameter determination unit 72a is configured to determine a pitching parameter (movement parameter) related to the movement of the ball, such as the pitching course, the type of ball (change in the trajectory, the moving speed of the ball), based on the selection operation of the pitching course, the type of ball, and the like by the second user Example).

  The ball moving unit 72b has a function of calculating the trajectory of the ball released from the pitcher character 502 based on the pitching parameter determined by the pitching parameter determining unit 72a and moving the ball in the home base direction.

  When two users each operate their game device 100 and compete in communication, one of the game devices 100 may function as a server and the other as a client. Alternatively, the two game devices 100 that compete in communication may cooperate if the functions are distributed.

  For example, the pitching parameter determined by the pitching parameter determination unit 72a of the game device 100 of the second user on the pitcher side is transmitted to the game device 100 of the first user on the batter side. Accordingly, the ball moving unit 72b of the game device 100 of the first user moves the ball released from the pitcher character 502 based on the pitch parameter received from the game device 100 of the second user.

  Further, for example, the motion information of the batter character 501 determined by the motion control means 73 of the game device 100 of the first user is transmitted to the game device 100 of the second user. Therefore, the motion control means 73 of the game device 100 of the second user moves the batter character 501 based on this motion information.

  Here, an example of the operation of the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for controlling the pitcher character 502. FIG. 29 to FIG. 31 are flowcharts showing an example of processing for controlling the batter character 501.

  First, an example of processing when the pitcher character 502 throws a single batter character 501 will be described. As shown in FIG. 28, the second user performs a ball type determining operation (S1) and a pitching course determining operation (S2) before starting the pitching. For example, the second user operates the controller 19 to select a ball type with the ball type selection icon 511 shown in FIG. 5 and moves the course designation cursor 512 to an arbitrary position to designate a pitching course.

  The game device 100 determines the ball movement parameters (ball type, pitching course) based on the operation for determining the above-mentioned ball type and pitching course (S3). Thereafter, when the second user presses the pitching start button of the controller 19, or automatically, the game device 100 causes the pitcher character 502 to send out the ball (S4). At this time, the screen of the first user's game device 100 is displayed with an image as seen from the batter side as shown in FIG. 4, and the screen of the second user's game device 100 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the batter side is viewed from the pitcher side, an image with a different viewpoint from FIG. 4 is displayed. While communicating between both game devices 100, the pitcher character 502 sends out the ball at approximately the same timing on both screens. To do.

  Thereafter, the game devices 100 of the first user and the second user move the ball sent out from the pitcher character 502 in the home base direction (the direction of the batter character 501) based on the movement parameter determined in S3. (S5). Thereby, one pitching by the pitcher character 502 is completed.

  When the pitcher character 502 continues to pitch the batter character 501 standing at the current bat (YES in S6), the process returns to step S1 and steps S1 to S5 are repeated.

  Next, an example of a process for controlling one batter character 501 will be described. As shown in FIG. 29, when the batter character 501 stands at the bat (S11), the game device 100 sets the specific area 505 on the screen (S12). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, game device 100 initializes specific area 505 in strike zone 504 as a reference position on the screen. This specific area 505 is visualized on the screen.

  Then, the game device 100 sets a relative relationship between the position in the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503 (S13). That is, the game device 100 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 so that the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the specific area 505. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the game apparatus 100 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 so that the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the center of the specific area 505 increases. To do. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the setting of the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 may be adjusted based on parameters and the like regarding the strength / disadvantage of the batter character 501.

  The in-area cursor setting means 52 of the game apparatus 100 stores setting information on the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 in a storage device (for example, the RAM 5). The setting information stored here can be table information indicating the relationship between the position inside the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503. For example, the game apparatus 100 stores in the RAM 5 table information indicating the relationship between local coordinates (or global coordinates) in the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503.

  When the specific area 505 is set on the screen, the game apparatus 100 preferably initializes the aiming cursor 503 at the center of the specific area 505, that is, at the center of the strike zone 504.

  Thereafter, the first user can predict the pitching course and move the specific area 505 as necessary before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502. For example, when the first user predicts an out-course pitch, the specific area 505 is moved so that the center of the specific area 505 is located in the out-course area of the strike zone 504 as shown in FIG. Good. As a result, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is maximized in the out course, making it easier to catch the ball, and a hitting operation conscious of the out course is possible. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, by shifting the specific area 505 to the out-course side, the aiming cursor 503 is smaller than in the case of FIG. 4 in the middle course of the strike zone 504, making it difficult to catch the ball. The difficulty level of the batting operation increases.

  Also, for example, when the first user predicts in-course pitching, the specific area 505 is moved so that the center of the specific area 505 is located in the in-course area of the strike zone 504 as shown in FIG. Just do it. As a result, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is maximized in the in-course, making it easier to catch the ball, and a hitting operation conscious of the in-course is possible.

  Note that when the first user predicts a pitch in the middle of the strike zone 504, as shown in FIG. 4, the central portion of the specific area 505 matches the central portion of the strike zone 504 in the initial setting state. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the specific area 505. In this case, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is maximized in the middle course, making it easier to catch the ball, and a batting operation conscious of the middle course becomes possible.

  When the moving operation of the specific area 505 is performed by the first user (YES in S14), the game apparatus 100 sets the setting in the specific area 505 (a setting in which the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the area). ) Is maintained, the specific area 505 on the screen is moved (S15).

  As described above, when the specific area 505 on the screen is moved, the following variations can be considered for the position of the aiming cursor 503 after the movement of the specific area 505.

  When the specific area 505 is moved, the aiming cursor 503 may be automatically reset at the center of the specific area 505 after the movement.

  Alternatively, when the specific area 505 is moved, the aiming cursor 503 is moved along with the movement of the specific area 505 while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the specific area 505 and the aiming cursor 503 existing in the specific area 505. May also be moved automatically. That is, the local coordinates of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 do not change before and after the movement of the specific area 505.

  Alternatively, even if the specific area 505 is moved, the absolute position (global coordinates) of the aiming cursor 503 on the screen may not be changed.

  After the execution of step S15, or when the moving operation of the specific area 505 is not performed in step S14, the process proceeds to step S16.

  When the specific area 505 is moved by the operation of the first user as described above, the game device 100 acquires prediction information related to the pitching course based on the position of the specific area 505 after the movement (S16). For example, the game apparatus 100 acquires “out course” as prediction information when the first user moves the specific area 505 to the out course area, and acquires “in course” as prediction information when the first user moves the specific area 505 to the out course area. To do. Or you may acquire the information of the coordinate of the center part of the specific area | region 505 which the 1st user moved as prediction information of a pitching course.

  The movement of the specific area 505 is possible until the pitcher character 502 sends out the ball. If the position of the specific area 505 is changed by the movement of the specific area 505, the prediction information of the pitching course is updated. Alternatively, before the ball is sent out from the pitcher character 502, the prediction information of the pitching course is acquired based on the position of the specific area 505 at the time when the ball is sent out without acquiring the prediction information. May be.

  If the first user does not move the specific area 505 from the position of the strike zone 504, which is the reference position, before the pitcher character 502 sends out the ball, the first user may expect the middle course. Alternatively, as described later, the first user may not have predicted the pitching course. When it is assumed that the first user has predicted the middle course, the game device 100 acquires “middle course” or information on the coordinates of the center of the specific area 505 as the prediction information.

  Further, the first user can move the aiming cursor 503, and the game device 100 executes a cursor movement process based on the operation of the first user (S17). An example of the cursor movement process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  When the movement operation of the aiming cursor 503 is performed by the user (YES in S41), the game device 100 moves the aiming cursor 503 on the screen (S42). Since the position of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is changed by the movement of the aiming cursor 503, the game apparatus 100 changes the size of the aiming cursor 503 along with the movement of the aiming cursor 503 (S43). For example, the game device 100 moves the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 based on the information in the table indicating the relationship between the local coordinates in the specific area 505 and the size of the aiming cursor 503 stored in the RAM 5. Accordingly, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is changed.

  Steps S14 to S17 are repeated until the ball is sent from the pitcher character 502. When the ball is sent out from the pitcher character 502 (YES in S18), the game apparatus 100 executes display control for moving the pitched ball on the screen (S19). This step S19 corresponds to step S5 of FIG.

  Here, it is preferable to make the specific area 505 invisible after the ball is sent out from the pitcher character 502. This is due to the following reason. In other words, the visibility of the pitched ball and the aiming cursor 503 deteriorates if the specific area 505 remains visible after the ball is sent out from the pitcher character 502. Therefore, in order to avoid this and improve the operability by the first user, the specific area 505 is made invisible after the ball is sent out.

  For the same reason, it is preferable to make the frame display of the strike zone 504 invisible after the ball is sent from the pitcher character 502. It should be noted that the frame display of the strike zone 504 may be made invisible when the pitcher character 502 enters a pitching motion by raising his / her foot.

  In the above description, an example is shown in which the first user can move the specific area 505 until the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, that is, until the movement of the ball as a moving body is started. You can also do the following: For example, the first user can move the specific area 505 until the pitcher character 502 enters the pitching action. However, after the pitching action is started, the specific area 505 is set even before the ball is released. The moving operation may be prohibited. In this way, the moving operation of the specific area 505 by the first user is allowed until a predetermined timing until the moving body (ball or the like) starts moving, and thereafter the moving operation is prohibited. Good.

  When the movement operation of the specific area 505 is prohibited after the pitching action by the pitcher character 502 is started, it is preferable to make the specific area 505 invisible when the pitching action is started. By making the specific area 505 invisible when the movement operation of the specific area 505 is prohibited, it can be clarified to the user that the specific area 505 cannot be moved.

  Further, in order to control the movement of the batter character 501 after the pitch, the game apparatus 100 matches the pitch course prediction information acquired in step S16 with the pitch course of the movement parameter determined in step S3 in FIG. The degree of coincidence indicating the degree is acquired (S20). As described above, the degree of coincidence may be a value or level of two or three or more levels, and as illustrated in FIG. 20 and the above equation (1), the coordinates of the predicted pitch course and the coordinates of the actual pitch course You may calculate based on deviation | shift amount.

  After the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the first user performs an operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 so as to overlap the moving ball. When the user performs an operation of moving the aiming cursor 503, the game device 100 executes the cursor movement process illustrated in FIG. 31 (S21). As described above, the game device 100 changes the size of the aiming cursor 503 as the aiming cursor 503 moves.

  For example, it is assumed that the first user predicts an out-course pitch and, as shown in FIG. 9, performs a prior input for moving the specific area 505 to the out-course. When the first user's prediction is correct and the ball actually comes out of the course, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is maximized in the out course, making it easier to catch the ball. On the other hand, if the first user's expectations are not met, for example, if the ball comes to the middle course, the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller if the aiming cursor 503 is moved to the middle course, making it difficult to catch the ball. In this way, when the first user makes a course prediction and makes a prior input (a movement operation of the specific area 505), there is a merit that it becomes easy to hit if the prediction is hit, but if it is not expected, it should be easy to hit originally There is also a demerit that it becomes difficult to hit the middle course.

  After the execution of step S21, if the first user has not yet performed a striking operation to press the swing button (NO in S22), it is determined whether or not a predetermined timing has elapsed after the ball is sent from the pitcher character 502. (S23). If the predetermined timing has not elapsed in step S23 (NO in S23), the process returns to step S21, and steps S21 to S23 are repeated.

  If the first user has performed a batting operation by a predetermined timing (YES in S22), the process proceeds to step S24, and the game device 100 controls the batting action of the batter character 501. In step S24, game device 100 determines whether or not the degree of coincidence acquired in step S20 is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The case where the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than the threshold is a case where the first user has made a prediction (or there was little deviation in the prediction). On the other hand, the case where the degree of coincidence is less than the threshold value is a case where the first user's prediction is wrong (or the deviation of the prediction is large).

  Here, when the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S24), the game device 100 controls the batter character 501 to bat swing in the first action pattern (S25). In this first action pattern, the batter character 501 performs a default hitting action without breaking the balance (see FIG. 14).

  On the other hand, when the degree of coincidence is less than the threshold value (NO in S24), the game device 100 controls the batter character 501 to bat swing in the second motion pattern (S26). In this second motion pattern, the batter character 501 performs a batting motion with an out of balance posture. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the batting character 501 swims against the out-course ball and the balance is lost.

  After that, the game device 100 determines the batting result based on the timing at which the swing button is pressed, the degree of overlap between the aiming cursor 503 and the thrown ball, the ability parameter of the batter character 501 (S27), The result is displayed on the screen (S28). For example, if the hit is successful, the game device 100 calculates the trajectory of the hit ball based on the timing at which the swing button is pressed, the amount of deviation between the center of the aiming cursor 503 and the center of the ball, etc. Move (hit ball).

  Further, after the ball is sent out from the pitcher character 502, when the predetermined timing has passed without the first user performing a batting operation (YES in S23), the process proceeds to step S29, and the game apparatus 100 causes the batter character 501 to move. Controls the ball feed-off operation. In step S29, game device 100 determines whether or not the degree of coincidence acquired in step S20 is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

  Here, when the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S29), the game device 100 controls the batter character 501 to see off the ball in the first action pattern (S30). In this first action pattern, the batter character 501 performs a default ball see-off action without breaking the balance (see FIGS. 16 and 18).

  On the other hand, when the degree of coincidence is less than the threshold value (NO in S29), the game device 100 controls the batter character 501 to see off the ball in the second action pattern (S31). In this second action pattern, the batter character 501 performs the ball see-off action with an out of balance posture. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the batter character 501 enters a swing motion with respect to the out-course ball, and the balance is broken in a posture in which the swing is stopped midway and the upper body rushes to the out-course side, and the ball is seen off. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the batter character 501 pulls (or slips) against the in-course ball, and performs a ball see-off operation in which the balance is lost.

  Thereafter, the game device 100 displays the result of the batter character 501 seeing off the ball on the screen (S28). In the screen of FIG. 9 and the like, the display of the ball count, the out count, and the like is omitted. For example, when the ball passes the strike zone 504, “strike” is displayed, and when the ball is out of the strike zone 504, “ball” is displayed. To update the ball count display.

  After step S28, the game device 100 determines whether or not to continue pitching for the batter character 501 currently standing at the bat (S32). For example, if the batter character 501 hits but fouls, if it is swung but not shaken, or if the ball is turned off but is not a strike or a four ball, the pitch to the batter character 501 is continued (YES in S32). In these cases, the process returns to step S12 in FIG. That is, in step S12, the game apparatus 100 resets the specific area 505 to the position of the strike zone 504 that is the reference position when the pitcher character 502 enters preparations for the next pitch.

  On the other hand, if the batter character's bat result (hit or out) is confirmed and the pitching to the batter character 501 is not continued (NO in S32), the process ends. When a new batter character 501 stands at the bat, the processes of FIGS. 29 and 30 are executed again.

  When the first user and the second user compete in communication, display control of the game screen is performed while communicating between the game devices 100 of the first user and the second user. Therefore, the hitting or ball see-off action of the batter character 501 described above is displayed on the respective screens of the game devices 100 of the first user and the second user.

  For the first user, when the player's own pitching course is predicted (when the matching degree is equal to or greater than the threshold), the batter character 501 does not lose the balance and the prediction is not satisfied (the matching degree is When the batter character 501 loses the balance and performs the hitting or ball-sending action when it is less than the threshold value, it is possible to obtain a real feeling that is not found in the conventional game.

  In other words, not only the second user on the pitcher side but also the first user on the batter side can confirm the collapse of the posture of the batter character 501 on the screen in the event that the expectation is lost. Can be realized. Further, since the first user can clearly recognize again that his / her prediction has been lost due to the collapse of the attitude of the batter character 501, this leads to feedback on how to perform the next pitching prediction for the pitcher capture. In addition, the first user recognizes that the posture of the batter character 501 has been confirmed to be the other pitcher (second user), so that the game will be more interesting. Increases nature.

  Further, for the second user, when the batter character 501 performs an unbalanced hitting or ball-sending operation on the pitching course based on his / her operation, the reading of the opponent's pitching course is properly removed. Can be thought of as having been made. That is, the second user can consider the next pitch by watching the movement of the batter character 501 after the pitch. A specific example of pitching consideration by the second user is shown below.

  Specific Example 1 In a situation where the runner is on the third base, when the player hits the in-course, the batter character 501 (right-handed) behaves like pulling his back. In this case, the second user thought that the opponent batter (first user) was aiming for a drift fly in order to touch up the runner and was waiting for the out-course (expected). In addition, since the second user has a quick count (the pitcher throws against the batter is small), the opponent batter thinks that he wants to touch up again, that is, waits for the out course, and vice versa. I decided to throw it in-course again.

  Specific Example 2 When a runner is on the first base and throws the ball on the out course, the batter character 501 (right strike) sees off in a swimming posture. For this reason, the second user thought that the opponent batter (first user) was waiting for the in-course to expect a hit in the 3rd base direction and perform a pulling hit. The previous pitch was also out of course, but the batter character 501 was moving in the same way, so the second user thought that the opponent batter was waiting for the in-course. In addition, since the strike is ahead of the ball count, the second user aims to hit the opponent batter and throws it again out of course.

  Since the batter's course predictions vary depending on the batter's habit and way of thinking, the above-mentioned pitcher's guess is not always correct. The pitcher will be able to study the strategy against the batter from various angles, so deep gameplay can be achieved.

  That is, like a real-world baseball game, it is possible to realize a realistic game such that the pitcher considers the next pitch by looking at the batter's reaction to the pitch. Thereby, bargaining with the opponent who has a real feeling on a game is realizable.

  In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is set so that the size of the aiming cursor 503 changes according to the position in the specific area 505, the pitcher character 502 has thrown. The operation difficulty according to the course of the ball can be set realistically. Then, while maintaining the relative relationship of the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505, the first user moves the specific area 505 and adopts a configuration that allows the course prediction, thereby predicting the course on the game. Can be reflected realistically.

  In other words, the second user who operates the pitcher character 502 (or the CPU 1 at the time of the CPU battle) can make a pitch aiming at the course at the end of the strike zone that should be difficult for the batter to hit. On the other hand, if the first user who operates the batter character 501 predicts the pitching course and moves the specific area 505 toward the predicted pitching course, if the prediction is correct, it is inherently disadvantageous to the batter. It is possible to easily hit the pitching course at the end of the strike zone 504 that should be. On the other hand, if the pitching course is not expected, the difficulty of the batting operation will be higher than usual, which is disadvantageous. Thereby, the highly interesting game which can reflect a 1st user's course expectation realistically is realizable.

  With the configuration of the present embodiment, the second user on the pitcher side considers the pitching course so that the batter is not hit by the batter while examining the next pitch and watching the movement of the batter character 501 after the pitch as described above. While assembling the pitching, the first user on the batter side tries to break the pitcher while reading the pitching course. Thereby, the game of pitching in the real world can be accurately and realistically reflected on the game.

  Note that the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30 basically show processing when the first user predicts a pitching course, but it may be possible not to predict a pitching course. For example, if the first user does not move the specific area 505 from the position of the strike zone 504 that is the reference position before the pitcher character 502 sends out the ball, the pitching course is not predicted, and the specific area 505 is not predicted. The pitching course may be predicted only when the is moved. When the first user does not predict the pitching course, the game apparatus 100 does not perform control for changing the motion of the batter character 501 based on the degree of coincidence of the prediction, and does not perform a default hit or ball off to the batter character 501. Make it work.

  Further, when the first user does not predict the pitching course in the game operation (when the specific area 505 is not moved), naturally, as described above, the batting attitude of the batter character when the prediction is not satisfied. The collapse of is not displayed. Therefore, for example, when the first user does not want to know his / her prediction at the time of a certain pitch, for example, the specific area 505 may not be moved. Therefore, as the second user, just because the operation at the time of hitting or seeing off by the first user is stable, the prior prediction of the first user is not necessarily achieved, and the specific area 505 is not simply moved. There is also a possibility. Thereby, the game of pitching becomes more complicated, and the game performance can be further improved.

[Other Embodiments]
Next, a configuration in which the specific area 505 is automatically moved according to the position of the aiming cursor 503 when the first user performs an operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 will be described. The specific area moving unit 53 of the game apparatus 100 is configured to move the aiming cursor after the movement according to the operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 by the first user until the moving body (ball in this embodiment) starts to move. It has a function of moving the specific area 505 in accordance with the movement of the aiming cursor 503 so that 503 exists in the center of the specific area 505.

  According to this configuration, until the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, if the first user moves the aiming cursor 503 by an operation of the controller 19 or the like, the specific area 505 moves in conjunction therewith, and the aiming is always performed. The cursor 503 is in a state where it exists in the center of the specific area 505. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the movement of the specific area 505 and the movement of the aiming cursor 503 are performed by different operations. However, in this configuration, the movement of both is simultaneously different in one operation.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the specific area 505 is initially set at the position of the strike zone 504 and the aiming cursor 503 is present at the center of the specific area 505. From this state, as shown in FIG. 32, when the user operates the controller 19 to move the aiming cursor 503 to the out-of-course low position, the aiming cursor 503 is positioned at the center of the specific area 505. The specific area 505 also moves.

  Thus, even if the specific area 505 moves in conjunction with the movement of the aiming cursor 503, the setting of the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is basically maintained as described above.

  After the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the specific area 505 can no longer be moved, so the position of the aiming cursor 503 when the ball is released is determined as the position of the center of the specific area 505. For example, when the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, as shown in FIG. 32, if the aiming cursor 503 is present in the out-course low, the specific area 505 is also moved to the out-course low, and the user is out It is possible to perform a batting operation that is conscious (predicted) of the low course.

  Also in this configuration, after the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, it is clarified that the specific area 505 cannot be moved, and the specific area 505 is made invisible so as not to hinder the hitting operation. It is preferable.

  In the case of this configuration, the user can move the aiming cursor 503 to an arbitrary position, for example, in units of one dot. Therefore, the specific area 505 can be moved to an arbitrary position in conjunction with the movement of the aiming cursor 503.

  As described above, according to this configuration, if the first user performs an operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 until the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the aiming after the movement is performed in accordance with the movement of the aiming cursor 503. The specific area 505 automatically moves according to the position of the cursor 503. Therefore, the first user only has to move the aiming cursor 503 to the expected pitching course position before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502. As described above, since the specific area 505 moves in conjunction with the movement operation of the aiming cursor 503, the operation by the first user can be simplified.

  Next, a variation of the configuration in which the specific area 505 can be automatically moved only by performing an operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 will be described. In the above description, the specific area 505 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the aiming cursor 503 until the ball is released from the pitcher character 502. However, the following configuration is also possible. In other words, before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, even if the aiming cursor 503 is moved, the specific area 505 does not move. Then, when the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the specific area 505 is moved according to the position of the aiming cursor 503.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the specific area 505 is initially set at the position of the strike zone 504, the specific area 505 is fixed at the position of the strike zone 504 until immediately before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502. Is done. For example, when the aiming cursor 503 is present in the out-course area of the strike zone 504 when the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the specific area 505 is automatically moved to the out-course as shown in FIG. Moving.

  Even in this configuration, if the first user moves the aiming cursor 503 to the position of the expected pitching course before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the specific area 505 is automatically positioned. The operation by one user can be simplified.

  Next, variations of the method for the game apparatus 100 to acquire the prediction information will be described. FIG. 33 shows a configuration example of a game apparatus 100 that controls a game that acts by placing an aiming cursor on a ball as an example of a moving body, such as a baseball game. The game apparatus 100 configured as described above includes a cursor moving unit 54 that moves the aiming cursor 503 according to the operation of the first user, and the prediction unit 71 uses the position information of the aiming cursor 503 at the start of the movement of the ball as the movement parameter. It has a function to acquire as prediction information for a moving course.

  That is, at the timing when the ball is released from the pitcher character 502, the position information of the aiming cursor 503 at that time is acquired as predicted information regarding the pitching course. For example, when the first user predicts in-course, it is considered that the aiming cursor 503 is moved to the in-course position in advance before the ball is released from the pitcher character 502. This is because the first user waits for the course in which the aiming cursor 503 is predicted in advance, so that if the prediction is correct, the ball can be accurately captured only by finely adjusting the position of the aiming cursor 503. Because it can. Therefore, the position of the aiming cursor 503 when the ball is released from the pitcher character 502 is regarded as the pitching course predicted by the first user, and the position information is acquired as the predicted information.

  As the position information of the aiming cursor 503, for example, coordinate information of the central portion of the aiming cursor 503 can be used. Alternatively, if the position of the center of the aiming cursor 503 is in the in-course area, the position information is “in course”, and if it is in the out-course area, the position information is “in course”. "," Out course ", etc.

  With this configuration, the first user can predict the moving course of the moving body at the same time only by moving the aiming cursor 503, so that the operation can be simplified.

  In addition, this configuration can be applied to both a configuration in which the specific area 505 is set on the screen and a configuration in which the specific area 505 is not set.

  Next, variations of the in-region cursor setting means 52 will be described. When a course other than the middle of the strike zone 504 (for example, an out course) is predicted and a hit is made while being conscious of the course, if the prediction is correct, it is easier to hit than if it is not predicted. However, the course prediction is based solely on the first user's consciousness. Therefore, in reality, rather than hitting the middle course and hitting the ball that came to the middle course, hitting the ball that was conscious of the course other than the middle, and hitting the ball that came to the conscious course The ball is slightly harder to hit when hit. In order to reflect this realistically in the game, the in-region cursor setting means 52 can be configured as follows.

  That is, the intra-area cursor setting means 52 determines the size of the aiming cursor 503 at the center of the area when the specific area 505 is moved from the reference position (the position of the strike zone 504 in this embodiment). The size is set to be smaller than the size of the aiming cursor 503 at the center of the region when it exists at the position.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 34A, when the specific region 505 exists at the position of the strike zone 504 that is the reference position, the diameter of the aiming cursor 503 at the center of the region is set to L1. As shown in FIG. 34B, when the specific area 505 moves from the strike zone 504, which is the reference position, to the right course of the batter, the diameter of the aiming cursor 503 at the center of the area is L2. In this case, L1> L2. The same applies to the case where the specific region 505 is moved from the position of the strike zone 504 to the in-course side, the high eye side, or the low eye side.

  In this way, by reducing the size of the aiming cursor 503 at the center of the region when moving from the reference position, compared to the case where the specific region 505 exists at the position of the strike zone 504 that is the reference position, Increase the operating difficulty. Thereby, the real feeling in course prediction can be improved more.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 35, when the specific area 505 moves from the strike zone 504 that is the reference position, a blank area that does not overlap with the moved specific area 505 in the specific area 505 before the movement that existed at the reference position. 530. In the figure, for convenience, the blank area 530 is indicated by hatching. FIG. 35 shows an example in which a blank area 530 is generated on the in-course side by moving the specific area 505 from the strike zone 504 position to the right-batter's out-course side.

  Similarly, if the specific area 505 is moved from the position of the strike zone 504 to the in-course side of the right batter, a blank area 530 is generated on the out-course side. Further, if the specific area 505 is moved from the strike zone 504 position to the high-eye course side, a blank area 530 is generated on the low-eye course side, and if the specific area 505 is moved to the low-eye course side, the blank area 530 is formed on the high-eye course side. Occurs. The handling of the blank area 530 will be described below.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 36, the game apparatus 100 preferably further includes a blank area setting means 56. The blank area setting means 56 sets the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the blank area 530 generated by the movement of the specific area 505 from the reference position from the minimum size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 after the movement. Has a function of setting to be even smaller. That is, for the blank area 530, the size of the aiming cursor 503 is set so that the difficulty level becomes higher than the maximum difficulty level of the batting operation in the specific area 505.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 37, when the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 is set so that the aiming cursor 503 becomes smaller as the distance from the center of the specific area 505 increases, it exists at the four corners of the specific area 505. The aiming cursor 503a is the minimum size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505. In this case, the aiming cursor 503b in the blank area 530 is set to be smaller than the aiming cursor 503a at the four corners.

  In the example of FIG. 37, the aiming cursor 503b has the same size at all positions in the blank area 530, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the size of the aiming cursor 503b in the blank area 530 may be set such that the aiming cursor 503b becomes smaller as the distance from the center of the moved specific area 505 increases.

  As described above, the size of the aiming cursor 503b in the blank area 530 generated by moving the specific area 505 from the strike zone 504, which is the reference position, is the minimum size of the aiming cursor 503 in the specific area 505 after the movement. By making it even smaller, it is possible to clarify the disadvantages caused by the course prediction being missed. Thereby, the tension | tensile_strength in the 1st user's play increases, and improvement of play property is aimed at.

  In the case of this configuration, for example, an out-course throw was predicted, but in reality, if a ball comes into the blank area 530 existing in the in-course and the course is not expected, a clear demerit will be generated, but it will not be possible to hit at all. It's not something to lose. Even though the blank area 530 exists in the strike zone 504, the hitting operation is difficult, but the hitting operation is more difficult.

  It should be noted that the aiming cursor 503 may not be movable or may be movable in areas other than the specific area 505 and the blank area 530. When the aiming cursor 503 can be moved to a region other than the specific region 505 and the blank region 530, the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the region is made smaller than the size of the aiming cursor 503 in the blank region 530. Can be set.

  Next, variations regarding the handling of the blank area 530 will be described. In the blank area 530 described above, the first user may be prohibited from hitting, and the disadvantages caused by the user's failure to predict the course may be further clarified. As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 38, the game apparatus 100 that realizes this further includes prohibition means 57.

  The prohibiting unit 57 has a function of prohibiting the moving body from acting in the blank area 530. In the present embodiment, the prohibiting unit 57 prohibits a hit (returning the ball) as an example of an action on a ball as an example of a moving body in the blank area 530.

  As an example of prohibiting hitting in the blank area 530, even when the first user performs a hitting operation by pressing the swing button in a state where the aiming cursor 503 exists in the blank area 530, the batter character 501 cannot swing the bat. Or make it swing even if you swing the bat.

  With this configuration, it is possible to further clarify the demerits caused by the course prediction being missed, to further increase the sense of tension during play, and to improve playability.

  As another example of prohibiting hitting in the blank area 530, the aiming cursor 503 may not be moved into the blank area 530 in the first place. In this case, the prohibiting unit 57 has a function of prohibiting the movement of the aiming cursor 503 into the blank area 530.

  According to the configuration, since the first user cannot perform the operation of moving the aiming cursor 503 into the blank area 530, it is possible to make the first user more clearly recognize the demerit caused by the course prediction being missed. Therefore, the tension during the game is further increased, and the playability is further improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the position (reference position) where the specific area 505 is initially set on the screen is the position of the strike zone 504 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the specific region 505 may be initially set at a position where the coordinates of the central portion of the specific region 505 are shifted from the central portion of the strike zone 504 by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the specific area 505 is initially set at a position where the coordinates of the central area of the specific area 505 are shifted by one square from the central area of the strike zone 504 in the out-course direction. As shown, the specific area 505 may be initially set at a position shifted by one square in the in-course direction. Here, one square is, for example, a distance of one third of the length of the strike zone 504 in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the specific region 505 may be initially set at a position where the coordinates of the central portion of the specific region 505 are shifted by one square upward or downward from the central portion of the strike zone 504.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the specific area 505 is shifted by one square in the out-course direction as a reference position, it is not necessary to move the specific area 505 when the first user predicts out-course. .

  Further, the first user may arbitrarily specify (set) the reference position where the specific area 505 is initially set. For example, when the first user predicts that the assembly of the pitcher's pitch is out-center, the reference position may be designated as the out-course in FIG. By doing so, it is only necessary to move the specific area 505 when a pitch other than the out-course is predicted, so the number of operations for moving the specific area 505 can be reduced.

  Further, when the assembly of the pitcher is expected to be different between the right batter and the left batter, the first user sets the reference position for the right batter and the reference position for the left batter, respectively. It may be possible to designate (set) in advance.

  When the first user designates the reference position of the specific area 505, the user performs an operation of designating the reference position using the controller 19 or the like on a setting screen (not shown). Based on this operation, the game apparatus 100 stores information on the designated reference position (such as coordinate information on the screen) in a storage device (memory 18 or the like), and applies the reference position thereafter. In this configuration, when the first user does not designate the reference position of the specific area 505, a default reference position (for example, a position where the central portion of the specific area 505 matches the central portion of the strike zone 504) is applied. Can be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the specific area 505 has the same size and shape (rectangular shape) as the strike zone 504, but is not limited to this. For example, the specific area 505 may be made larger or smaller than the strike zone 504. Further, the specific area 505 is not limited to a rectangle, and may be, for example, a circle or an ellipse.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the application to the game mode in which two users battle each other has been described. However, the present invention also applies to a game mode in which one user battles against a computer (so-called CPU battle mode). Is possible.

  When the user plays alone in the CPU battle mode, when the user is in the position of “first user” who operates the batter character 501, the CPU 1 of the game apparatus 100 automatically controls based on an AI program (Artificial Intelligence Program) or the like. Then, the pitching by the pitcher character 502 is controlled. That is, the pitching parameter determining unit 72a of the ball moving unit 72 automatically determines the pitching parameter. For example, the pitch parameter determination unit 72a determines the pitch parameter when the specific area 505 is initially set (that is, before the user moves the specific area 505). Even in the CPU battle mode, the first user can predict the movement parameter by an operation such as moving the specific area 505.

  In the CPU battle mode, when the user is in a “second user” position who operates the pitcher character 502, the CPU 1 of the game apparatus 100 controls the batting by the batter character 501 by automatic control based on the AI program or the like. In this case, the prediction means 71 of the game apparatus 100 automatically acquires prediction information for the movement parameter regarding the movement of the ball before or at the start of the movement of the ball thrown by the pitcher character 502. For example, before the second user determines a pitching course or the like, the game apparatus 100 automatically predicts a pitching course or the like, and the prediction means 71 automatically acquires prediction information.

  Also in the CPU battle mode, the action of the batter character 501 differs depending on the degree of coincidence between the prediction information acquired by the prediction means 71 and the movement parameter determined by the ball moving means 72. Therefore, even if the opponent is a computer, the second user can perform pitching game while watching the operation of the batter character 501.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the movement parameter predicted by the first user is mainly “throwing course” has been described. However, the case where the predicted movement parameter is “ball type” or “ball speed” may be used. The action of the batter character 501 varies depending on the degree of coincidence. As described above, when the first user (or computer) makes a ball type prediction, information on the predicted ball type such as a straight ball, a curve, or a slider can be used as “prediction information”. Further, when the first user (or computer) makes a prediction of the ball speed, information such as a fast sphere and a slow sphere can be used as the “predicted information”. Here, when the prediction of the first user's ball type (or ball speed) matches the ball type (or ball speed) of the actual ball (when the degree of match is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or level), the batter character 501 Swing and see off the ball without losing posture (first motion pattern). On the other hand, when the prediction is not satisfied, the hit timing of the batter character 501 is shifted, and the player swings in an unbalanced posture or looks off the ball (second motion pattern). For example, when a first user predicts a straight ball (or a fast ball) but a curve (or a slow ball) comes, the hitting action is like swimming without timing.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of application to a baseball game has been mainly shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various games that give some action to a moving body such as soccer and tennis. An example of application to a soccer game is shown below.

  In a soccer PK game, a goalkeeper character operated by a first user catches or plays a ball as an example of a moving body sent out (kicked out) from a kicker character operated by a second user. For example, the first user who operates the goalkeeper character can capture or play the ball by placing the aiming cursor on the ball sent from the kicker character.

  In the case of such a soccer game, the specific area setting unit 51 of the game device 100 can set an area on the screen as the specific area where the goalkeeper character can catch or play the ball. For example, the specific area can be initially set to a position centered on the standing position of the goalkeeper character.

  For example, the size of the specific area 505 can be made slightly smaller than the entire goal. In addition, when the ability parameter of the goalkeeper character is high, the specific area may be the same area as the goal. Further, the area of the specific area may be reduced as the ability parameter of the goalkeeper character is lower. In this way, the size of the specific area 505 may be changed according to the character parameters.

  Then, the in-area cursor setting means 52 of the game apparatus 100 sets the size of the aiming cursor in the specific area so that the size of the aiming cursor changes according to the position in the specific area, as illustrated below. Set. That is, in the specific area, the center portion is most likely to catch the ball for the goalkeeper character, so that the aiming cursor can be set to be the largest and the aiming cursor can be made smaller from the center to the outer periphery of the specific area. Further, for the goalkeeper character, the hand may be easier to touch the ball than the foot, and the aiming cursor may be set to be larger in the upper part of the specific area than in the lower part.

  When the first user who operates the goalkeeper character predicts that the kicker character is aiming for the right course, the first user moves the specific area to the right before the ball is sent out from the kicker character. Do. Thereby, the specific area moving means 53 of the game apparatus 100 moves the specific area on the screen while maintaining the relative relationship between the position in the specific area and the size of the aiming cursor. In addition, the prediction unit 71 of the game apparatus 100 acquires prediction information for a course as an example of a movement parameter based on the operation of the first user (or automatically during a CPU battle).

  In this case, if the course prediction of the first user is hit and the ball shot by the kicker character flies in the direction in which the specific area is moved, there is an advantage that the ball can be caught with a relatively large aiming cursor. . On the other hand, if the first user's course is not expected and the ball shot by the kicker character flies in a direction different from the direction in which the specific area is moved, it is necessary to catch the ball with a relatively small aiming cursor. Disadvantages occur.

  In addition, when the first user's course prediction is hit (when the degree of coincidence is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or level), the motion control unit 73 catches the ball with the first motion pattern that does not cause the goalkeeper character to lose balance. Control to do. On the other hand, when the first user's course is not predicted (when the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined threshold or level), the motion control unit 73 performs a ball-catching motion of the second motion pattern in which the goalkeeper character loses balance. To control. In the second action pattern, for example, the goalkeeper character moves in a direction different from the direction of the kicked ball, and performs a movement that rushes and moves in the direction of the ball.

  By the way, the goalkeeper in the real world starts the movement by predicting the course at the moment when the ball is kicked by the kicker, and can recognize the hit or miss of the prediction at the moment when the ball is kicked. Therefore, in order to give a sense of realism, the motion control means 73 does not control the motion of the goalkeeper character after the kicked ball comes close to the goal, but after the kicked ball starts to move (immediately after the movement). In addition, the movement of the goalkeeper character can be controlled according to the degree of coincidence of the prediction. For example, when the prediction is not satisfied, the goalkeeper character performs an operation that loses balance immediately after the ball is kicked by the kicker.

  In the configuration in which the motion of the goalkeeper character is controlled according to the degree of coincidence of the prediction, the operation for the first user to input the predicted kick course is not limited to the operation using the specific area. For example, the kick course predicted by the first user may be input on the screen using a pointing device or the like.

  In this soccer game, as in the baseball game, the game between the kicker and the goalkeeper in the real world can be reflected on the game realistically.

  Next, an application example to a tennis game is shown. In a tennis serve scene, a receiver character operated by a first user strikes back a ball as an example of a moving body sent from a server character operated by a second user. For example, the first user who operates the receiver character can hit the ball by placing the aiming cursor on the served ball. In such a tennis game, an area where the receiver character can receive the ball can be set on the screen as the specific area. For example, the specific area is initially set to a position centered on the standing position of the receiver character.

  Since the position of the hand holding the racket is easier to receive than the position directly in front of the receiver character, for example, in the specific area, it is slightly shifted toward the hand holding the racket than the center part It is possible to set the aiming cursor to be the largest at the position and the aiming cursor to become smaller as the distance from the position is increased.

  Then, the user who operates the receiver character predicts the course on which the serve will come and performs an operation of moving the specific area to the predicted course. In this case as well, the specific area moves while the relative relationship between the position in the specific area and the size of the aiming cursor is maintained. In addition, the prediction unit 71 of the game apparatus 100 acquires prediction information for a course as an example of a movement parameter based on the operation of the first user (or automatically during a CPU battle).

  In this case, if the course prediction of the first user is hit and the served ball flies in the direction in which the specific area is moved, there is an advantage that the ball can be caught with a relatively large aiming cursor. On the other hand, if the first user's course is not expected and the served ball flies in a direction different from the direction in which the specific area is moved, there is a demerit that it is necessary to catch the ball with a relatively small aiming cursor. Occur.

  Further, when the course prediction of the first user is hit (when the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or level), the motion control means 73 performs a receive motion of the first motion pattern that does not cause the receiver character to lose balance. To control. On the other hand, when the course prediction of the first user is not satisfied (when the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined threshold or level), the motion control means 73 performs a receive motion of the second motion pattern in which the receiver character loses balance. Control. For example, when the first user is expected to come to the corner, but the ball comes to the center, the receiver character becomes a receiving operation in which the balance is lost.

  By the way, even in a real-world tennis game, the receiver can recognize that the course is unsuccessful at the moment the ball is hit by the server. Therefore, in order to give a sense of realism, the motion control means 73 can be configured to control the motion of the receiver character according to the expected degree of coincidence immediately after the served ball moves.

  In this tennis game, as in the baseball game, the game between the server and the receiver in the real world can be realistically reflected on the game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the game program is executed in the game device 100 operated by the user has been described. However, the game program is executed in the server device in accordance with the game operation input in the terminal device, and the execution is executed. A game system that transmits the result to the terminal device of each user can also be applied. A configuration example of this game system is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this game system includes a server device 1000 installed on a network 600 such as the Internet, and a terminal device 2000 of each user that can communicate with the server device 1000 via the network 600. Is done.

  The server apparatus 1000 provides the user with a so-called cloud gaming service that transmits a game video as a result of executing the game to the terminal apparatus 2000 in a streaming format, for example. In the service form for providing this cloud gaming, it is not necessary to download or install software dedicated to the game on the user terminal device 2000, and the user can easily connect the server device anywhere in the environment where the terminal device 2000 can be connected to the network 600. The game service provided from 1000 can be enjoyed.

  The hardware configuration of the server device 1000 and the terminal device 2000 can be a general computer configuration including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device, a communication interface, and the like. The functional configuration of the server apparatus 1000 can include a prediction unit 71, a ball moving unit 72, and an operation control unit 73, similar to the game apparatus 100 described above. Further, the server apparatus 1000 may include the above-described means 51 to 58 and the like. Thus, even when the server device 1000 has the function of the game apparatus 100, the same effects as the game apparatus 100 are obtained.

  The server apparatus 1000 and the terminal apparatus 2000 can communicate with each other to transmit and receive various data, and are information processing apparatuses (computers) each including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device, a communication interface, and the like. It has the same hardware configuration. Therefore, in the game system including the server apparatus 1000 and the terminal apparatus 2000, each unit included in the game apparatus 100 described in each of the above embodiments may be included in either the server apparatus 1000 or the terminal apparatus 2000. Good. In other words, each unit included in the game apparatus 100 can be distributed between the server apparatus 1000 and the terminal apparatus 2000. This configuration also provides the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

  Further, regarding a configuration having a storage control function for storing various types of information in a storage device, the storage device itself is not included in the configuration, so it is installed anywhere, whether inside or outside the game device 100, server device, or game system. May be. For example, the storage device may be the RAM 5 or memory 18 included in the game device 100, the RAM or auxiliary storage device included in the server device, or a file server (online storage) having a configuration different from that of the game device 100 or server device. .

  The configurations described in the above embodiments can be applied in appropriate combination.

  The computer-readable program according to the present embodiment is recorded on various computer-readable non-transitory recording media such as a hard disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), a flexible disk, and a semiconductor memory. The data is read from the recording medium and executed by the CPU of the game device and the server device. The means for providing the program to a game device or the like is not limited to the recording medium described above, and can be performed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  As described so far, the outline of the game device and the like of the present embodiment is as follows.

  1) A game apparatus (100, 1000) according to an aspect of the present invention controls a game in which a character (eg, batter character 501) acts on a moving object (eg, ball 540), and the moving object Before or at the start of the movement of (540), based on the operation of the first user who operates the character (501), or automatically, the prediction information for the movement parameter relating to the movement of the moving body (540) is acquired. And a moving body moving means for moving the moving body (540) by determining the moving parameter based on an operation of a second user who operates the moving body (540). Means 72) and action control means (73) for controlling the action of the character (501) after the moving body (540) has moved, Serial operation control means (73), the prediction information and in accordance with the degree of coincidence between the mobile parameters determined the by the mobile mobile unit (72), to vary the operation of the character (501).

  The game controlled by the game apparatus having this configuration is a game that acts on a moving body. An example of the moving body is a ball in a sports simulation game. Moreover, as an example of an effect | action, there are hitting a moving body, catching, crushing, etc. An example of this game is a baseball game in which a batter character strikes back (hits) a ball (moving body) thrown by a pitcher character. The present invention can be applied not only to baseball games but also to various games that give some action to moving objects such as soccer and tennis.

  In this game apparatus, the prediction means obtains prediction information for the movement parameter relating to the movement of the moving body based on the operation of the first user who operates the character before or at the start of the movement of the moving body or automatically. To do. Here, before the moving body starts moving or when the moving body starts, for example, in a baseball game, it is before or when the ball is released from the pitcher character. Also, for example, in a soccer game PK, it is before or when the kicker kicks the ball. Also, for example, in a tennis game, it is before or when the server serves. Hereinafter, a baseball game will be mainly described as an example.

  The first user who operates the character can predict a movement parameter related to the movement of the moving object. In the example of the baseball game, the first user who operates the batter character can predict a pitching course, a ball type, a ball speed, and the like as examples of movement parameters. Based on a prediction input operation such as a pitching course by the first user, the prediction means acquires prediction information for the movement parameter.

  The prediction information acquired by the prediction means includes the following information. For example, in the case of a baseball game, in the case of a course prediction, information indicating an expected course such as an in-course or an out-course, or coordinate information of the expected course can be set as “forecast information”. In addition, for example, in the case of a ball type prediction, information on a predicted ball type such as a straight ball, a curve, or a slider can be used as “predicted information”. In addition, for example, in the case of prediction of the ball speed, information that selects either “fast sphere” such as fast sphere or “slow sphere” such as change-up can be used as “prediction information”.

  In the case of a battle between the first user and the second user, the prediction means obtains the prediction information based on the operation of the first user's prediction input, but the second user plays against the computer in a single play (so-called In the case of a CPU match), the first user does not exist. For example, before the second user determines a pitching course or the like, the game device automatically predicts the pitching course or the like, and the prediction means automatically predicts the prediction information. get.

  Further, the moving body moving means determines the movement parameter and moves the moving body based on the operation of the second user who operates the moving body. For example, in a baseball game, the second user performs an operation for determining a pitching course, a ball type, or the like as a movement parameter of a ball thrown by a pitcher character, so that the moving body moving means The ball type is determined and the ball is moved toward the batter character.

  The motion control means controls the motion of the character after the moving body has moved. In the baseball game example, the batter character after the ball is released from the pitcher character or the operation of seeing off the ball is controlled. For example, when the batting operation is performed by the first user, the motion control unit controls the batting action of the batter character, and when the batting operation is not performed, the movement control unit controls the ball feeding operation of the batter character. .

  Then, the motion control unit changes the character's motion according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information for the movement parameter acquired by the prediction unit and the movement parameter determined by the moving body moving unit. Here, as the degree of coincidence, the degree of coincidence between the prediction information for the movement parameter and the actual movement parameter can be expressed as a value or a level, for example.

  For example, the degree of coincidence is assumed to be “1” or “level A” when the predicted information for the movement parameter matches the actual movement parameter, and the degree of coincidence when there is a mismatch is “0” or “level B”. It may be expressed in two levels or levels. Alternatively, when the predicted information is the coordinate information of the predicted course, the degree of coincidence may be calculated based on the amount of deviation (distance between the two coordinates) between the coordinates of the predicted course and the coordinates through which the mobile object has actually passed. Good.

  An example in which the action of the character is changed according to the degree of coincidence will be described. For example, when the first user predicts the pitching course (when the predicted course matches the actual pitching course), the batter character swings or sees off the ball without breaking his posture. On the other hand, when the prediction is not satisfied (when the predicted course does not match the actual pitching course), the batter character swings in an unbalanced posture or looks off the ball.

  As an example of a case where the prediction is lost, when the ball comes to the out course with respect to the in-course prediction, the batter character takes a batting attitude like swimming and loses balance. Even when the ball is seen off, the batter character is in a posture in which the upper body thrusts while chasing the ball with his eyes.

  In contrast to the out-course expectation, when the ball comes into the in-course, the batter character takes a posture of pulling or pulling his back to avoid the ball.

  In short, if the prior prediction (in this example, the course prediction) for the ball on the batter character side is deviated, the batting character's batting attitude and the like are destroyed. On the other hand, if the batting attitude does not collapse, it can be considered that the batter character's prior prediction is correct. From this, the second user can estimate whether the batter character side is aiming for the in-course or the out-course in the current pitching. And this estimation, along with the batting character side batting results (missing, fouling, see-off, etc.), for example, whether the batter character side will continue to aim at the same course or a different course It will be provided to the second user as a material for examining the prediction of hitting. That is, like a real-world baseball game, it is possible to realize a realistic game such that the pitcher considers the next pitch by looking at the batter's reaction to the pitch, making the pitching game even more fun.

  As described above, according to this configuration, the second user can predict the opponent's (first user or CPU) in advance with respect to the moving course of the moving body by observing the movement of the character after the moving body moves. It is possible to guess whether or not the game is true, and it is possible to realize a bargaining game with a realistic player on the game.

  2) In the configuration of 1), the motion control means (73) sets the motion of the character (501) as the first motion pattern when the degree of coincidence is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or level. When the degree of coincidence is less than the predetermined threshold or level, it is preferable that the action of the character (501) is a second action pattern different from the first action pattern.

  The degree of coincidence being equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or level basically corresponds to a case where the first user who operates the character has an anticipation (or close to an anticipation). In this case, the character performs the action of the first action pattern. Do. For example, in the first action pattern, the character performs a default action. In the example of the baseball game, the batter character performs an action of hitting or seeing off the ball without breaking the balance. However, even if it is the default, a subtle difference in the action of the character may be expressed depending on the game content, such as the positional relationship between the ball and the bat, the positional relationship between the ball and the character, and the like.

  On the other hand, the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined threshold or level basically corresponds to a case where the first user operating the character is not expected (or far from the expectation), and in this case, the character is in the second motion pattern. Perform the action. In the second operation pattern, an operation that is not in the first operation pattern is added. For example, in the second motion pattern, the batter character strikes or sees off with an unbalanced posture such as swimming, sliding, pulling the waist, etc. so that the second user can clearly recognize the difference from the first motion pattern. I do.

  The first operation pattern may be one fixed pattern, or a plurality of operation patterns may exist as the first operation pattern. Similarly, the second operation pattern may be one fixed pattern, or a plurality of operation patterns may exist as the second operation pattern.

  As described above, since either the first action pattern or the second action pattern is selected as the action of the character according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information for the movement parameter and the actual movement parameter, the second user By observing the action of the character, it is possible to clearly guess whether the other party (first user or CPU) is expected in advance.

  3) In the configuration of 2) above, the second operation pattern includes a plurality of operation patterns according to the degree of coincidence, and the operation control means (73) determines the second operation pattern according to the degree of coincidence. It is preferable to vary the operation pattern.

  When the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined threshold or level, the second action pattern is selected as the character action, but this second action pattern is not one, but varies according to the degree of coincidence. For example, the lower the degree of coincidence (that is, the greater the difference between the prediction and the reality), the more the batter character performs a striking and off-stretching action with a larger balance.

  Thereby, the 2nd user can estimate the magnitude | size of deviation | shift between an other party's anticipation and reality from a character's operation | movement.

  4) In the configuration of any one of 1) to 3) above, a specific area setting unit (505) for setting a specific area (505) for predicting the moving course of the moving body (540) at the reference position on the screen. 51) and a specific area moving means (53) for moving the specific area (505) from the reference position according to the operation of the first user until the movement of the moving body (540) is started. It is preferable that the prediction means (71) obtains the prediction information for the movement course as the movement parameter based on the position of the specific area (505).

  Taking a baseball game as an example, the reference position can be the position of the strike zone. That is, a specific area (a pseudo strike zone provided for prediction) for predicting a pitching course as an example of a moving course is set at the position of the strike zone. Then, the pitching course can be predicted by the operation of the first user moving the specific area. For example, if the user shifts the specific area to the out-course side, out-of-course prediction input can be performed.

  As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to realize a user interface that allows an intuitive and easy-to-understand predictive input of moving a specific region provided at a reference position.

  5) In the configuration of the above 4), the game is a game in which the aiming cursor (503) is acted on the moving body (540) by superimposing the aiming cursor (503) on the first user. The cursor moving means (52) that moves in response to the operation, and the size of the aiming cursor (503) changes according to the position in the specific area (505). It is preferable to further include an in-region cursor setting means for setting the size of the aiming cursor (503).

  According to this configuration, the size of the aiming cursor changes according to the position in the specific area. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the setting can be made such that the aiming cursor is the largest in the central part in the specific area, which is a pseudo strike zone, and the aiming cursor becomes smaller as the distance from the central part increases. Since the first user makes a course prediction by moving the specific area, there are areas where the aiming cursor becomes large (easy to hit in baseball) and areas where the aiming cursor becomes small (difficult to hit in baseball) according to the course prediction. Will fluctuate. For example, if the specific area is shifted to the out-course side, the center of the specific area that was in the center of the original strike zone is shifted to the out-course side, and the aiming cursor becomes larger in the out-course area, while the original strike The aiming cursor becomes smaller in the center of the zone.

  According to this configuration, whether or not the course prediction by the first user can be reflected as the size of the aiming cursor (the difficulty level of the batting operation in baseball) can improve the game performance.

  6) In the configuration of any one of 1) to 3) above, the game is a game in which an action is performed by placing the aiming cursor (503) on the moving body (540), and the aiming cursor (503) is moved. , Further comprising a cursor moving means (52) for moving according to the operation of the first user, wherein the prediction means (71) is position information of the aiming cursor (503) at the start of movement of the moving body (540). Is preferably acquired as the prediction information for the movement course as the movement parameter.

  When the moving body starts moving, a baseball game is taken as an example when the ball as an example of the moving body is released from the pitcher. The position information of the aiming cursor at the start of movement of the moving body is used as predicted information of the moving course. In the baseball game, the position of the aiming cursor on the batter side is regarded as the position of the moving course predicted by the first user on the batter side. For example, when the batter anticipates in-course, it is considered that the aiming cursor is moved to the in-course position in advance and waits, so the above determination is made.

  With this configuration, the first user can predict the moving course of the moving body at the same time by only moving the aiming cursor, so that the operation can be simplified.

  7) In the configuration of any one of 1) to 6), the operation control means (73) acts on the moving body (540) by the first user while the moving body (540) is moving. When an action giving operation for giving is performed, it is preferable to change an action for giving an action to the moving body (540) in the character (501) according to the degree of coincidence.

  Here, the action giving operation is a bat swing operation performed by the first user in a baseball game, for example. In the soccer game PK game, the goalkeeper character jumps to the ball. For example, in a tennis game, it is a racket swing operation. These are only examples, and an action imparting operation according to the type and content of the game can be applied.

  Further, the action for giving an effect to the moving body in the character is an action in which the batter character swings the bat so as to strike back the ball in a baseball game, for example. Also, for example, in a soccer game PK game, the goalkeeper character jumps to catch (or play) the ball. In the tennis game, the receiver character swings the racket to strike back the served ball. These are examples, and the character performs an action according to the type and content of the game.

  According to this configuration, when the action giving operation is performed by the first user, the character's motion differs depending on whether the first user is expected or not. Taking a baseball game as an example, if a ball comes to the out-course against an in-course expectation, the batter character will take a batting attitude like swimming to lose the balance. On the other hand, if the ball comes to the out-course as expected, the batter character will have an in-step striking posture suitable for the out-course without losing the posture (the balance will not be lost). As a result, the second user on the pitcher side can guess whether or not the first user is expected by looking at the motion of the batter character swinging the bat.

  8) In the configuration of any one of 1) to 7), the operation control means (73) acts on the moving body (540) by the first user while the moving body (540) is moving. It is preferable to vary the operation of seeing off the moving object (540) in the character (501) according to the degree of coincidence when the action giving operation for giving is not performed.

  As an example of the action imparting operation, a baseball bat swing operation can be exemplified. Taking a baseball game as an example, in this configuration, even if the bat swing operation is not performed by the first user, the operation of seeing off the ball by the batter character differs depending on whether or not the first user is expected. For example, when the ball comes to the in-course against the out-course expectation, the batter character sees off the ball in such a posture that it tries to avoid the ball or pulls the waist (displaces the balance). On the other hand, if the ball comes to the in-course as expected, the batter character sees off the ball with a margin without breaking the posture (the balance is not lost). Thereby, even if the batter side sees off the ball, the second user on the pitcher side can guess whether the first user is expected or not.

  9) In the configuration according to any one of 1) to 8) above, the prediction information includes prediction information for at least one movement parameter of the movement course, speed, and trajectory change during movement of the moving body (540). It is preferable to include.

  Taking a baseball game as an example, the “moving course” is a throwing course (in course, out course, etc.), the “speed” is the ball speed (fast balls such as fast balls, slow balls such as change-ups), “ The “change in trajectory during movement” corresponds to each ball type (straight, curve, chute, etc.) One of these or a combination of two or more of them can be used to predict a movement parameter related to the movement of the moving object.

  10) In the game device (100, 1000) according to another aspect of the present invention, a ball object thrown by a batter character (501) operated by a first user and a pitcher character (502) operated by a second user A baseball or softball game that strikes the ball object before the start of sending the ball object (540) from the pitcher character (502) or at the start of sending based on the operation of the first user. A predicting means (71) for obtaining information on an expected pitching course for predicting a pitching course of the ball object (540), and determining the pitching course based on the operation of the second user, and determining the ball object (540). A ball moving means (72) to be moved, and the ball object (540) after the movement Motion control means (73) for controlling the motion of the player character (501), the motion control means (73) comprising the predicted pitch course and the pitch course determined by the ball moving means (72). The batter character (501) moves differently according to the degree of coincidence.

  11) A game system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a terminal device (2000) used by a first user and a terminal device (2000) used by a second user, and a character (501) operated by the first user. ) Is a game system for controlling a game that acts on the moving body (540) operated by the second user, and the operation of the first user before or when the moving body (540) starts moving. Based on the prediction means (71) for obtaining prediction information on the movement parameter relating to the movement of the mobile body (540), and determining the movement parameter based on the operation of the second user to determine the mobile body (540). ) To move the moving body (72) and the movement control to control the movement of the character (501) after the moving body (540) moves. A step (73), wherein the motion control means (73) is adapted to determine the character (501) according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information and the movement parameter determined by the moving body moving means (72). Different behavior.

  12) A game control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game control method in a computer that controls a game in which a character (501) acts on a moving body (540), wherein the computer Predictive information on movement parameters related to the movement of the moving body (540) is based on the operation of the first user who operates the character (501) before or at the start of movement of the body (540) or automatically. A predicting step to acquire, and a moving body moving step in which the computer determines the moving parameter and moves the moving body (540) based on an operation of a second user who operates the moving body (540); The computer controls the movement of the character (501) after the moving body (540) moves. In the motion control step, the computer varies the motion of the character (501) according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information and the movement parameter determined in the moving body moving step. .

  13) A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to operate as the game device (100, 1000) according to any one of 1) to 10) above. It is a program for functioning as each means with which an apparatus (100, 1000) is provided.

51 Specific area setting means 52 In-area cursor setting means 53 Specific area moving means 54 Cursor moving means 55 Strike result determining means 56 Blank area setting means 57 Inhibiting means 58 Out-of-area cursor setting means 71 Predicting means 72 Ball moving means 73 Operation control Means 100 Game device 400, 1000 Server device 501 Batter character 502 Pitcher character 503 Aim cursor 504 Strike zone 505 Specific area 530 Blank area 540 Ball (moving object)
2000 Terminal equipment

Claims (13)

A game device for controlling a game in which a character acts on a moving body,
Prediction means for acquiring prediction information for movement parameters relating to movement of the moving body based on an operation of a first user who operates the character before or at the start of movement of the moving body, or automatically;
Based on an operation of a second user who operates the moving body, a moving body moving means for determining the movement parameter and moving the moving body;
Action control means for controlling the action of the character after movement of the moving body,
The game device in which the action control means changes the action of the character according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information and the movement parameter determined by the moving body moving means.   The action control means sets the character's action as the first action pattern when the degree of coincidence is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value or level, and sets the character action when the degree of coincidence is less than the predetermined threshold value or level. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the second motion pattern is different from the first motion pattern. The second operation pattern includes a plurality of operation patterns according to the degree of coincidence,
The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the action control unit varies the second action pattern in accordance with the degree of coincidence. A specific area setting means for setting a specific area for predicting a moving course of the moving body at a reference position on the screen;
A specific area moving means for moving the specific area from the reference position according to the operation of the first user until the movement of the moving body is started;
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the prediction unit acquires the prediction information for the movement course as the movement parameter based on the position of the specific area. The game is a game in which an action is performed by placing an aiming cursor on the moving body,
Cursor moving means for moving the aiming cursor according to the operation of the first user;
5. An intra-area cursor setting unit that sets the size of the aiming cursor in the specific area so that the size of the aiming cursor changes according to the position in the specific area. The game device described in 1. The game is a game in which an action is performed by placing an aiming cursor on the moving body,
Cursor movement means for moving the aiming cursor according to the operation of the first user;
4. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the prediction means acquires position information of the aiming cursor at the start of movement of the moving body as the prediction information for the movement course as the movement parameter. 5. .   The movement control means is configured to move the character according to the degree of coincidence when an action applying operation is performed by the first user to act on the moving body while the moving body is moving. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an operation for applying an action to the body is made different.   The action control means is configured to detect the action of the character in the character according to the degree of coincidence when the action giving operation for giving action to the moving body is not performed by the first user during the movement of the moving body. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of seeing off the moving body is different.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction information includes prediction information for at least one movement parameter of a moving course, a speed, and a trajectory change during movement of the moving body. A game device for controlling a baseball or softball game in which a batter character operated by a first user hits a ball object thrown by a pitcher character operated by a second user,
Prediction means for obtaining information on an expected pitching course for predicting a pitching course of the ball object based on an operation of the first user before or at the start of sending the ball object from the pitcher character;
A ball moving means for determining the pitching course and moving the ball object based on an operation of the second user;
Action control means for controlling the action of the batter character after the movement of the ball object,
The game device in which the motion control means varies the motion of the batter character according to the degree of coincidence between the predicted pitch course and the pitch course determined by the ball moving means. A game system including a terminal device used by a first user and a terminal device used by a second user, wherein the character operated by the first user controls a game that acts on a moving body operated by the second user. There,
Prediction means for acquiring prediction information for a movement parameter related to movement of the moving body based on an operation of the first user before or at the start of movement of the moving body;
A moving body moving means for moving the moving body by determining the movement parameter based on an operation of the second user;
Action control means for controlling the action of the character after movement of the moving body,
The game system in which the action control means varies the action of the character according to the degree of coincidence between the prediction information and the movement parameter determined by the moving body moving means. A game control method in a computer for controlling a game in which a character acts on a moving body,
Prediction that the computer obtains prediction information for a movement parameter related to movement of the moving body based on an operation of a first user who operates the character before or at the start of movement of the moving body or automatically Steps,
A moving body moving step in which the computer determines the moving parameter and moves the moving body based on an operation of a second user who operates the moving body;
The computer includes a motion control step for controlling the motion of the character after the moving body has moved,
In the action control step, a game control method in which the computer changes the action of the character according to a degree of coincidence between the prediction information and the movement parameter determined in the moving body moving step. A program for causing a computer to operate as the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the program causes the computer to function as each unit included in the game device.

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