JP2018202128A - Game program, game device, game system, and game control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To determine a target object in advance, based on a route object and a shadow.SOLUTION: A game device 10 includes a display device 18 and a game screen (100) is displayed on the display device. For example, a player character (102), an opponent character (104), a background object (106), and the like are displayed on the game screen (100). When a throw mode is set, a target (120) is moved on a predetermined plane within a virtual space according to player's operation, and designates a target object against which a throw object (110) is allowed to collide. When the target object is designated, a route object (122) is displayed on a segment for connecting a throw starting point to a target point as a designated position of the target object, and a shade (124) of the route object is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program, a game device, a game system, and a game control method, and in particular, for example, a game program, a game device, and a game device for moving a predetermined object from a movement start position to a specified position in a virtual space based on a player's operation. The present invention relates to a game system and a game control method.

  An example of this type of image processing apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the game device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an attacking action of a player character with a gun is controlled by an operation of changing the attitude of a stick-type controller with a built-in attitude sensor. When the user tilts or moves the stick controller while holding the stance button, the position of the player character holding the gun on the game screen is changed based on the change in the position and posture of the stick controller due to the movement. The display position of the orientation object (the direction in which the muzzle is facing) and the aiming object changes. When the display position of the aiming object overlaps the enemy character, when the user presses the firing button, the player character shoots a gun.

WO2011 / 122214

  In the game device of Patent Document 1, only a part of a gun including a muzzle and an aim are displayed. For example, on the game screen, another enemy character exists between the muzzle and the aim, and a plurality of objects in the depth direction are displayed. If the enemy character's positional relationship is difficult to understand, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine whether the enemy character with the aim is attacked or another enemy character is attacked.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel game program, game device, game system, and game control method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a game program, a game device, a game system, and a game control method that can easily know a target object.

  A first invention is a game program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus, and causes a computer to execute a cursor control step, a specified position calculation step, a path object placement step, and an image generation step. The cursor control step moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane based on the operation of the player, and arranges the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects in the three-dimensional virtual space. In the designated position calculating step, a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object is calculated and set as the designated position in the virtual space. A path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position in the virtual space to a specified position is arranged in the virtual space. The image generation step generates an image of the virtual space.

  According to the first invention, the path object indicating the path from the starting position to the designated position is arranged, so that the designated position can be easily known.

  The second invention is dependent on the first invention, and the image generation step generates an image that is a shadow of the path object in the virtual space.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since the image that becomes the shadow of the path object is generated, the designated position can be known more easily.

  A third invention is dependent on the first invention, and causes a computer to further execute a shadow placement step of placing an object indicating a shadow of a path object in a virtual space.

  According to the third aspect, when the shadow object is arranged, the designated position can be known more easily as in the second aspect.

  A fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third inventions, and further causes the computer to execute a player character arrangement step of arranging a player character so as to face a designated position in the virtual space.

  According to the fourth aspect, since the player character is directed to the designated position, the designated position can be known from the direction of the player character, and the direction of the designated position can be known.

  A fifth invention is dependent on the fourth invention, and the starting position is a position having a predetermined positional relationship with a position where the player character is arranged. However, the starting position may be a position where the player character is arranged, or may be a position having a predetermined positional relationship with the position where the player character is arranged.

  A sixth invention is dependent on the fourth or fifth invention, and a mode switching step for switching between a cursor operation mode for moving a cursor object and a player character movement mode for moving a player character based on an operation of the player is performed by a computer. Let it run further.

  A seventh invention is dependent on any one of the first to fifth inventions, and causes the computer to further execute a launching step and a collision processing step. In the firing step, a predetermined firing target object is fired along the path from the starting position to the designated position based on the operation of the player. In the collision processing step, when the firing target object collides with a predetermined object in the virtual space after the launch, predetermined processing corresponding to the predetermined object is performed.

  According to the seventh aspect, since the predetermined process is performed in response to the collision of the firing object with the predetermined object, the process according to the predetermined object aimed by the player can be executed.

  The eighth invention is dependent on the seventh invention and causes the computer to further execute a target object determination step and a designated position determination step. The target object determining step determines whether or not the object to be processed in the collision processing step is arranged at the specified position before the target object is fired. The designated position determining step changes the display mode of the target object when it is determined in the target object determining step that the target object is arranged at the specified position.

  According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to know whether or not the target object is arranged at the designated position by changing the display mode before the target object is fired. Therefore, it can be easily known whether or not the designated position designates (instructs) the target object.

  A ninth invention is dependent on the seventh or eighth invention and causes the computer to further execute another object determination step and a first display mode step. In the other object determination step, it is determined whether there is another object in the middle of the specified position on the route. In the first display mode step, the display mode of the cursor object is changed according to the determination result in the other object determination step.

  According to the ninth aspect, since the display mode of the cursor object is changed depending on whether there is another object on the route in the middle of the designated position, for example, the projecting object is moved before being moved to the designated position. Can know if it collides with other objects.

  The tenth invention is dependent on the ninth invention, and when it is determined that there is another object in another object determination step, the display mode of the path object from the starting point to the other object and the cursor from the other object The computer further executes a second display mode step for changing the display mode of the route object up to the object.

  According to the tenth aspect, when there is another object in the middle of the designated position, the display mode of the path object from the starting point to the other object and the display mode of the path object from the other object to the cursor object Therefore, it is possible to know whether or not the projecting object collides with another object before being moved to the designated position, depending on the display mode of the path object.

  In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the cursor control moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane based on the operation of the player, and arranges the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects in the three-dimensional virtual space. And a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, a designated position calculation unit as a designated position in the virtual space, and a player character arranged so as to face the designated position in the virtual space A path in which a player character placement unit and a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position to a specified position, which is a position having a predetermined positional relationship with a position where the player character is placed in the virtual space, are placed in the virtual space. The image forming unit includes an object placement unit and an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space. Generating an image to be shaded path object in the virtual space, a game apparatus.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the path object indicating the path from the starting point position to the designated position is arranged and the image that is the shadow of the path object is generated, so that the designated position can be easily known.

  In a twelfth aspect of the invention, the cursor control moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane based on the operation of the player and arranges the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects in the three-dimensional virtual space. A position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, a designated position calculation unit that is designated as the designated position in the virtual space, and a path from the predetermined starting position to the designated position in the virtual space A game system includes a path object placement unit that places a path object in a virtual space, and an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer game control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein (a) a cursor object is moved on a predetermined plane based on an operation of a player, and another object is moved in a three-dimensional virtual space. (B) calculating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object and setting it as a specified position in the virtual space; (c) And (d) a game control method including a step of arranging a route object indicating a route from a predetermined starting position in the virtual space to a specified position in the virtual space, and (d) generating an image of the virtual space.

  According to the twelfth and thirteenth inventions, the designated position can be easily known as in the first invention.

  According to the present invention, an object with which a throwing object collides can be notified in advance.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a game device without limitation. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a non-limiting example of the electrical configuration of the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first non-limiting example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. 1 without limitation. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a virtual camera set in the virtual space and a non-limiting example of the viewing volume as viewed obliquely from the virtual camera, and FIG. 5B is a virtual view shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the camera and the visual volume from directly above the virtual game space. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third non-limiting example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth non-limiting example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fifth non-limiting example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. 1 without limitation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the game screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG. 1 without limitation. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of the RAM memory map shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which the specific contents of the data storage area shown in FIG. 11 are not limited. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the entire game process of the processor shown in FIG. 2 without limitation. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of a non-limiting example of the throwing process of the processor shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is another part of the throwing process of the processor shown in FIG. 2, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 16 is another part of the throwing process of the processor shown in FIG. 2, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of the game apparatus 10 according to this embodiment without limitation. An example of the game apparatus 10 in this embodiment includes a main body apparatus (information processing apparatus; functions as a game apparatus main body in this embodiment) 12, a left controller 14, and a right controller 16. In this embodiment, the game apparatus 10 can be used as an apparatus (hand-held apparatus, portable apparatus, portable apparatus) in which the left controller 14 and the right controller 16 are provided integrally with the main body apparatus 12, respectively.

  However, the game apparatus 10 is not necessarily limited to a game machine, and may be a general-purpose PC (various PCs such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, and a tablet PC), a mobile phone, or a smartphone having a game function. As the game apparatus 10, a portable game apparatus, a stationary game apparatus, a game apparatus that can be switched between a portable type and a stationary type can be used, and an arcade game machine can also be used. When the game apparatus 10 is used as a stationary game apparatus, a monitor and a controller (14, 16) such as a television receiver are connected to the main body apparatus 12. Therefore, in this case, the game apparatus 10 and A game system including a monitor is configured. When the game apparatus 10 is communicably connected to another game apparatus or computer and executes game processing or the like in cooperation with another game apparatus or computer built in the computer. A network system (another game system) including the game apparatus 10 and another game apparatus or a computer connected to be communicable with the game apparatus 10 is configured.

  Further, the left controller 14 and the right controller 16 can be configured to be detachable from the main body device 12, respectively. In such a case, the game apparatus 10 can be configured so that the main apparatus 12, the left controller 14, and the right controller 16 can communicate with each other, and the main apparatus 12, the left controller 14, and the right controller 16 can be used separately. .

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the left controller 14 and the right controller 16 are each provided integrally with the main body device 12. The main device 12 is a device that executes various processes (for example, game processes) in the game apparatus 10. The main body device 12 includes a display device 18. The left controller 14 and the right controller 16 are devices that include an operation unit for a user to input.

  The main device 12 includes a substantially plate-shaped housing 20. In this embodiment, the main surface of the housing 20 (in other words, the surface on the front side, that is, the surface on which the display device 18 is provided) is generally rectangular.

  The main body device 12 includes a display device 18 provided on the main surface of the housing 20. The display device 18 displays the image generated by the main device 12. In this embodiment, the display device 18 is a liquid crystal display device (LCD). However, the display device 18 may be any type of display device.

  The main body device 12 includes a speaker (that is, the speaker 44 shown in FIG. 2) inside the housing 20. Speaker holes 20 a and 20 b are formed on the main surface of the housing 20. And the output sound of the speaker 44 is output from these speaker holes 20a and 20b, respectively.

  The left controller 14 includes an analog stick 14 a, and the analog stick 14 a is provided on the main surface of the substantially plate-shaped housing 22. The analog stick 14a can be used as a direction input unit capable of inputting a direction. By tilting the analog stick 14a, the user can input a direction corresponding to the tilting direction (and an input corresponding to the tilted angle).

  Note that the left controller 14 may include a cross key or a slide stick capable of slide input as a direction input unit instead of the analog stick. In this embodiment, an input for pressing the analog stick 14a is possible.

  The left controller 14 includes various operation buttons. The left controller 14 has four operation buttons 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e on the main surface of the housing 22 (specifically, the left button 14b, the upward button 14c, the downward button 14d, and the right button 14e). Prepare. These operation buttons are used for giving instructions according to various programs (for example, OS programs and application programs) executed by the main body device 12.

  Similar to the left controller 14, the right controller 16 includes an analog stick 16 a as a direction input unit, and the analog stick 16 a is provided on the main surface of a substantially plate-shaped housing 24. In this embodiment, the analog stick 16 a has the same configuration as the analog stick 14 a of the left controller 14. Further, the right controller 16 may be provided with a cross key or a slide stick capable of slide input instead of the analog stick.

  Similarly to the left controller 14, the right controller 16 has four operation buttons 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e (specifically, a Y button 16b, an X button 16c, a B button 16d, and A on the main surface of the housing 24. Button 16e).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a non-limiting example of the electrical configuration of the game apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 10 includes a processor 30. The processor 30 includes a RAM 32, a flash memory 34, a communication module 36, an input device 38, a display driver 40, and a digital / analog (D / A) converter 42. Connected. The game apparatus 10 includes the display device 18 and the speaker 44 described above. The processor 30 is connected to the display device 18 via the display driver 40. The processor 30 is connected to the speaker 44 via the D / A converter 42.

  The processor 30 governs overall control of the game apparatus 10. Specifically, the processor 30 is a SoC with a built-in CPU or GPU function. The RAM 32 is a volatile storage medium and is used as a work memory or a buffer memory for the processor 30. The flash memory 34 is a non-volatile storage medium, and is used for storing a program of an application such as a game and storing (saving) various data. For example, the application program is read from the flash memory 34 and stored in the RAM 32.

  Note that an application program may be read from an external memory such as an SD card, a memory stick, or an optical disk that can be attached to the game apparatus 10 and stored in the RAM 32. Further, the game apparatus 10 may download an application program from an external computer that is communicably connected, and store it in the RAM 32. About these, any one method or two or more methods are employ | adopted.

  However, the application is not limited to a game application, and various applications such as a document creation application, an e-mail application, a drawing application, a letter practice application, a language training application, and a learning application can be executed.

  The communication module 36 is, for example, IEEE802.11. It has a function of connecting to a wireless LAN by a method compliant with the b / g standard. Therefore, for example, the processor 30 uses the communication module 36 to transmit / receive data to / from another device (such as a computer or another game device 10) via the access point and the Internet (network). However, data can also be directly transmitted / received to / from other devices using the communication module 36.

  However, the communication module 36 may have a function of performing short-range wireless communication instead of the function of connecting to the wireless LAN. In such a case, the communication module 36 has a function of transmitting / receiving an infrared signal to / from another device (such as another game device) by a predetermined communication method (for example, an infrared method), and a predetermined communication protocol (for example, According to the multi-link protocol), it has a function of performing wireless communication with the same type of game device. Therefore, for example, the processor 30 can directly transmit / receive data to / from another game device of the same type using the communication module 36. However, short-range wireless communication according to another wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be performed instead of infrared short-range wireless communication.

  Further, a communication module having a function of connecting to a wireless LAN and a communication module having a function of performing short-range wireless communication may be provided.

  The input device 38 includes an analog stick 14a and operation buttons 14b-14e provided in the left controller 14, and an analog stick 16a and operation buttons 16b-16e provided in the right controller 16. The input device 38 is used by a user or player (hereinafter simply referred to as “player”) for various operations or inputs such as menu selection, game operation, and movement and zooming of a virtual camera. However, as the input device 38, a pointing device such as a touch panel, an input unit such as a microphone and a camera may be provided in place of or together with the operation unit provided in the left controller 14 and the right controller 16. Good. The touch panel may be incorporated in the display device 18 described later. The display device 18 in this case is a touch panel integrated display device.

  The display driver 40 is used to display various images such as game images on the display device 18 under the instruction of the processor 30.

  The D / A converter 42 converts the sound data given from the processor 30 into analog game sound and outputs it to the speaker 44. However, the game sound means a sound necessary for the game such as a simulated sound of a character or object of the game, a sound effect, or music (BGM).

  Note that the electrical configuration of the game apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the communication module 36 may not be provided.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a game screen 100 displayed on the display device 18 in the normal mode of the game of this embodiment. For example, along with character objects such as the player character 102 and the enemy character 104, virtual objects such as a road object 106a, a floor or ground object, a sky (including clouds) object, a building object 106b, and a plant (including flowers) object 106c. A (background object) 106 is arranged (provided) in a three-dimensional virtual space (virtual game space). In this embodiment, the building object 106b and the plant object 106c are objects having a small thickness in the depth direction.

  Further, an object (animal object) 106d imitating an animal may be arranged in the virtual game space. However, the animal object 106d of this embodiment is a figurine object depicting a picture of an animal and does not move in the same manner as a road, floor, ground, building, and vegetation, and therefore is treated as a background object 106. This animal object 106d is also an object having a small thickness in the depth direction.

  Furthermore, character objects other than the player character 102 and the enemy character 104 may be arranged in the virtual game space. Furthermore, item objects such as coin objects, tool (weapon) objects, medicine objects, food objects, and throwing objects 110 (see FIG. 4 and the like) are also arranged in the virtual game space. However, the item object may be hidden behind the background object 106 or may appear when the background object 106 is hit or broken.

  An image obtained by shooting such a virtual game space with the virtual camera 200 (viewpoint) is displayed on the display device 18 as the game screen 100. Specifically, a character object (102, 104, etc.), an item object (110, etc.) and a background object 106 are arranged (modeled) in the virtual game space, and a three-dimensional image viewed from the virtual camera 200 (the virtual camera 200's). The captured image is coordinate-converted into viewpoint coordinates or camera coordinates so that the position of the virtual camera 200 is the origin. The coordinate-converted image is perspective-projected on the screen (projection screen or virtual screen) with the viewpoint position as the center (perspective projection conversion). The image projected on the projection screen is displayed on the display device 18 as the game screen 100.

  In this specification, when there is no need to distinguish the character object (102, 104, etc.), the background object 106, and the item object (110, etc.), it may be simply referred to as “object”.

  In FIG. 3, the player character 102 is displayed on the road object in the lower left of the game screen 100. Further, the enemy character 104 is displayed downward from the center of the game screen 100. That is, the enemy character 104 is displayed obliquely in front of the player character 102. Further, a building object 106b simulating a house is arranged between the player character 102 and the enemy character 104 and behind the road object 106a. Although detailed description is omitted, the background objects 106 other than the road object 106a, the building object 106b, the plant object 106c, and the animal object 106d are a ground object and a sky object. This is the same for the other game screens 100.

  In the normal mode, the player character 102 moves in a course provided in the virtual game space in accordance with the player's operation, and aims at a predetermined goal set in the course. The game of this embodiment is a side-scrolling game, and the traveling direction of the player character 102 is basically right. However, the player can move the player character 102 to the left, right, up, down, or diagonally by operating the operation buttons 14b-14e. Therefore, the normal mode can also be referred to as a mode in which the player character 102 is moved.

  When the player moves the player character 102 upward, the player character 102 is moved backward (in a direction away from the virtual camera 200) in the virtual game space. When the player moves the player character 102 downward, the player character 102 is moved toward the front (in a direction approaching the virtual camera 200) in the virtual game space.

  In the normal mode, the player can cause the player character 102 to jump by operating the operation button 16e. Thereby, the player character 102 can be moved on the step, or the player character 102 can be jumped over the step, hole, or groove. It is also possible to cause the player character 102 to hit the background object 106 that floats in the air. As a result, a predetermined item may appear from the background object 106. Alternatively, a predetermined item may appear in place of the background object 106.

  When the player character 102 is attacked by the enemy character 104, the player character 102 goes out of the course, or the player character 102 cannot reach the goal in time, the game is over.

  It is also possible to cause the player character 102 to throw the throwing object 110 in accordance with the player's operation. When the player operates the operation button 16c, the throw mode is set instead of the normal mode. When the throwing mode is set, the throwing object 110 possessed by the player character 102 is displayed as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the player character 102 is holding the throwing object 110 with the right hand.

  In the throwing mode, when the player operates the operation button 16c, the normal mode is set instead of the throwing mode.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when the throw mode is initially set, the target cursor 120 is located at a position separated by a first predetermined distance in front of the moving direction of the player character 102 (right in this embodiment). Is displayed. As will be described later, the target cursor 120 is different from the target object specified by the target cursor 120 except for the case where the throwing object 110 collides with another object arranged between the player character 102 and the target object. It is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, green). In FIG. 4 (FIGS. 6, 6, 8, and 10 are the same), the target cursor 120 is shown in black. The first predetermined distance is set in advance by a game developer or the like. Further, in the throw mode, the player character 102 is controlled in the orientation of the face and body so as to see a point (target point) designated (instructed) by the target cursor 120. Therefore, the target point or the direction of the target point can be known from the face and body orientation of the player character 102. A method for determining the target point will be described in detail later.

  Further, the path object 122 is displayed on a line segment connecting the movement start position (starting point) of the throwing object 110 to the target point specified by the target cursor 120. In this embodiment, the starting point is set at the center position of the chest of the player character 102. For example, the current position of the player character 102 is set at the center of both legs of the player character 102, and the position where the current position of the player character 102 is moved by a second predetermined distance in the height direction of the virtual game space is set as the starting point. Is done. However, the second predetermined distance is a distance from the position of the player character 102 to the center of the chest of the player character 102.

  In this embodiment, the position of the player character 102 and the position of the starting point are set separately, but they may be set at the same position.

  The throwing object 110 is an item object that the player character 102 acquires and possesses in the normal mode, and is thrown by the player character 102 in the throwing mode. When the player operates the operation button 16e, the player character 102 throws the throwing object 110. Then, the throwing object 110 moves on the path connecting the starting point and the target point. However, since the throwing object 110 is a sphere, in this embodiment, the center of the object 110 moves on the path.

  When the throwing object 110 collides with the enemy character 104, the enemy character 104 falls. When the throwing object 110 collides with a predetermined background object 106, the background object 106 falls or is destroyed. When the throwing object 110 collides with another predetermined background object 106, a predetermined item appears from the background object 106, or a predetermined item appears instead of the background object 106. Further, when the throwing object 110 collides with another predetermined background object 106, the predetermined background object 106 rebounds the throwing object 110. Furthermore, when the throwing object 110 collides with another predetermined background object 106, the display mode (at least one of color, pattern, and shape) of the background object 106 is changed. Hereinafter, in this specification, as described above, the enemy character 104 and the predetermined background object 106 that are subjected to predetermined processing when the throwing object 110 collides are referred to as “reaction objects”. .

  In the game of this embodiment, the ground object and the road object 106a are not included in the reaction object. Therefore, in the game of this embodiment, when the target cursor 120 indicates the ground object or the road object 106a instead of the reaction object, the throwing object 110 does not move toward the ground object or the road object 106a. To.

  In another example, the throwing object 110 may move toward the ground object and the road object 106a. In this case, when the throwing object 110 collides with the ground object or the road object 106a, the throwing object 110 may be deleted without changing the ground object or the road object 106a.

  Also, an object (for example, an empty object) that is not desired to collide with the throwing object 110 is not included in the reaction object. As described above, the type of the object included in the reaction object is determined in advance according to the content of the game.

  In the game of this embodiment, basically, the reaction object designated by the target cursor 120 is determined as a target object (target object) with which the throwing object 110 collides. Accordingly, the player operates the analog stick 14a to move the target cursor 120 so that the target cursor 120 is overlaid on the reaction object to which the throwing object 110 is to collide.

  That is, the target cursor 120 is an object for designating or setting a target point when the player character 102 causes the throwing object 110 to be thrown, and is moved according to the operation of the player. However, the target cursor 120 moves on a predetermined plane in the virtual game space. The predetermined plane has a predetermined positional relationship with the virtual camera. For example, the predetermined plane can be set to a near clip plane set for the virtual camera. This is an example and should not be limited. In this embodiment, the target cursor 120 is displayed in front of the player character 102, the enemy character 104, the background object 106, and the item object. Therefore, when viewed from the virtual camera, it is necessary to set the position behind the near clip plane and close to the near clip plane.

  FIG. 5A is a view of a cone 250 that is a shooting range of the virtual camera 200 as viewed from an oblique rear side of the virtual camera 200. FIG. 5B is a view of the cone 250, which is a part of the three-dimensional virtual game space, viewed from above. However, the portion of the truncated pyramid that is sandwiched between the near clip surface 252 and the far clip surface 254 is the viewing volume. 5A and 5B, various objects other than the target cursor 120 are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when a three-dimensional virtual game space is viewed from the virtual camera 200, a near clip surface 252 and a far clip surface 254 are set, and a pyramidal cone is formed. The (square pyramid) 250 is determined by the virtual camera 200 (viewpoint) and the far clip plane 254. However, the inclination of the hypotenuse of the cone (the angle of view of the virtual camera 200) is determined by the distance between the virtual camera 200 and the far clip surface 254 and the size of the far clip surface 254.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the target object specified by the target cursor 120 is the position of the target cursor 120 on the extension in the direction from the virtual camera 200 toward the target cursor 120. When a determination object (first determination object) having a predetermined size and shape is moved from (center position) toward the far clip surface 254 (trace check), the first determination object collides with the reaction object. It is determined by determining whether or not (first collision determination processing). For example, the first determination object is a spherical object whose diameter is the vertical or horizontal length of a blank area formed between four bars constituting the target cursor 120.

  The reaction object with which the first determination object collides first is determined as the target object. Further, the point at which the first determination object collides with the reaction object is determined as the target point at which the throwing object 110 collides. When the first determination object does not collide with the reaction object, a plane that includes the position of the player character 102 and is perpendicular to the line of sight of the virtual camera 200 (hereinafter referred to as “player line plane”), and the target cursor from the virtual camera 200. An intersection point with a line toward the position 120 is calculated, and the calculated intersection point is determined as a target point.

  In the example in which the throwing object 110 is allowed to move and collide with the ground object and the road object 106a, the first determination object does not collide with the reaction object but collides with the ground object and the road object 106a. The point that collides on the ground object or the road object 106a is determined as the target point.

  Further, although the player line plane is perpendicular to the line of sight of the virtual camera 200, it is not always perpendicular to the line of sight of the virtual camera 200, and is a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane independent of the orientation of the virtual camera 200.

  Furthermore, in the first collision determination process, it is not necessary to actually move the first determination object, and it is determined whether or not to collide by calculation assuming that the first determination object has been moved. Hereinafter, in this specification, the same applies to the case where the determination is made by moving the determination object.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the path object 122 is an object for presenting to the player the path along which the throwing object 110 thrown by the player character 102 moves before the throwing object 110 is thrown. The path object 122 is an object in which a plurality of spherical objects 122a are arranged at equal intervals on a straight line, and each spherical object 122a is loop-moved by a third predetermined distance at a constant speed. That is, when each spherical object 122a is moved by the third predetermined distance, it starts to move again from each movement start position (appearance position). However, the direction in which each spherical object 122a is moved is the same as the direction in which the throwing object 110 is moved.

  A shadow 124 is displayed corresponding to each spherical object 122 a of the path object 122. An object for determination (second determination object) is moved vertically downward from each spherical object 122a, and it is determined whether the second determination object collides with the ground object or another object (second collision determination processing). The position where the second determination object collides with the ground object or another object is determined as the position of the shadow 124, and the shadow (round shadow) 124 is displayed at the position of the shadow 124. Specifically, by drawing the shadow 124 with the material, the shadow 124 is displayed as a decal on the surface of the ground object or other object with which the second determination object collides. Although illustration is omitted, the second determination object is, for example, a spherical object having the same shape and size as the spherical object 122a.

  In this way, not only the path object 122 but also the shadow 124 of each of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 is displayed, that is, the shadow of the path object 122 is also displayed, so the throwing object 110 moves. The route can be shown in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In this embodiment, the shadows of the player character 102, the enemy character 104, and the background object 106 are omitted for easy understanding of the shadows 124 of the spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another non-limiting example of the game screen 100 in the throw mode. 6 shows the game screen 100 when the target cursor 120 is moved on the enemy character 104 on the game screen 100 shown in FIG.

  In this case, the enemy character 104 (reaction object) is determined as the target object by executing the first collision determination process. Further, the point where the first determination object collides with the enemy character 104 is determined as a target point, the path object 122 is arranged (displayed) on the line segment connecting the starting point and the target point, and the second collision determination process is executed. As a result, the shadow 124 of each spherical object 122a is displayed. Further, the direction of the player character 102 is set in a direction toward the target point, and the player character 102 is directed in the set direction.

  In addition, a landmark object 126 is displayed on the game screen 100 shown in FIG. The mark object 126 is a mark object indicating a position (collision prediction point) where the throwing object 110 is predicted to collide when the throwing object 110 is thrown toward the target point. The mark object 126 is an object in which a target pattern is expressed, and is displayed at a position where the center of the mark object 126 overlaps with the collision prediction point. The mark object 126 is displayed in front (front) of objects other than the target cursor 120.

  The determination object (third determination object) is moved from the starting point toward the target point, and it is determined whether or not the third determination object collides with the reaction object (third collision determination process). The position where the third determination object collides with the reaction object is determined as the collision prediction point. The third determination object is a spherical object having the same or almost the same shape and size as the throwing object 110.

  Further, the emphasized object 130 is displayed so as to emphasize the outline (outline) of the reaction object (here, the enemy character 104 of the target object) including the collision prediction point. In this embodiment, the emphasized object 130 is an object whose outline of the target object is indicated by a bright thick line. However, this is an example and should not be limited. For example, an emphasized object 130 in which an object having the same shape as the target object is filled with a predetermined color or pattern may be displayed. The highlighted object 130 may be displayed blinking by repeating display / non-display.

  Therefore, when the throwing object 110 is thrown, the player can be notified of the reaction object that the throwing object 110 collides with. The highlighted object 130 is displayed in front of an object other than the target cursor 120 in the virtual game space. Accordingly, the emphasized object 130 may be arranged in front of the object other than the target cursor 120 in the virtual game space, or may be drawn in front of the object other than the target cursor 120 regardless of the arrangement position. Good.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another non-limiting example of the game screen 100 in the throw mode. In FIG. 7, another enemy character 104 is further displayed on the right side of the center on the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 6. For convenience of explanation, the enemy character 104 displayed on the game screen 100 of FIG. 6 is referred to as “enemy character 104a”, and another enemy character 104 is referred to as “enemy character 104b”.

  In the game screen 100 of FIG. 7, the target cursor 120 is positioned on the enemy character 104b, and the enemy character 104b (reaction object) is determined as the target object by executing the first collision determination process. Further, the point where the first determination object collides with the enemy character 104b is determined as the target point, the path object 122 is arranged (displayed) on the line segment connecting the starting point and the target point, and the second collision determination process is executed. As a result, the shadow 124 of each spherical object 122a is displayed. Further, the direction of the player character 102 is set in a direction toward the target point, and the player character 102 is directed in the set direction.

  In the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 7, when another target object (here, the enemy character 104a) is placed (displayed) between the player character 102 and the target object, and the third collision determination process described above is executed, The third determination object collides with the enemy character 104a (reaction object). As described above, the position where the third determination object collides with the reaction object is determined as the collision prediction point, and the mark object 126 is displayed. Further, the emphasized object 130 is displayed on the outline of the enemy character 104a.

  In this case, the predicted collision point is not the target object but another reaction object arranged (displayed) between the player character 102 and the target object. Hereinafter, this other reaction object will be referred to as a “collision prediction object”.

  Thus, when the collision prediction point is a point on the collision prediction object, the throwing object 110 does not collide with the target object. Therefore, in such a case, the target cursor 120 is displayed in gray out, and one or more of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 are arranged between the collision prediction object and the target object. The spherical object 122a is displayed in gray out. That is, the display mode of the target cursor 120 differs depending on whether the collision prediction object exists or not. Similarly, the display mode of the route object 122 is also different. Further, it can be said that the path object 122 is different in the display mode of the spherical object 122a arranged between the starting point and the predicted collision point and the display mode of the spherical object 122a arranged between the predicted collision point and the target point. .

  Since the mark object 126 is displayed at the collision prediction point, it can be known in advance that the throwing object 110 collides with a reaction object (collision prediction object) other than the target object designated by the target cursor 120.

  As described with reference to the game screen 100 of FIGS. 6 and 7, the third collision determination process is executed to determine whether there is another reaction object between the player character 102 and the target object. It can be said that.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another non-limiting example of the game screen 100 in the throw mode. The game screen 100 shown in FIG. 8 is a screen for a scene different from the scene of the game screen 100 shown in FIG.

  In the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 8, there are two enemy characters 104 (104a, 104b) in the forward direction of the player character 102, one enemy character 104a is displayed on the right side of the game screen 100, and the other The enemy character 104 b is displayed at the center of the game screen 100. In addition, a plant object 106c is displayed in front of the enemy character 104b and the road object 106a. Therefore, the enemy character 104b is hidden by the plant object 106c. Further, a building object 106b is displayed on the back side of the enemy character 104a.

  The target cursor 120 designates the building object 106b, and the target object is this building object 106b. Therefore, the player character 102 faces the target point on the building object 106b designated by the target cursor 120. In the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 8, the enemy character 104b and the plant object 106c are displayed between the player character 102 and the building object 106b, but the path object 122 is displayed on the back side of the enemy character 104b. The third determination object does not collide with the enemy character 104b and the plant object 106c, but collides with the building object 106b. For this reason, the landmark object 126 is displayed around the predicted collision point on the building object 106b. Therefore, the display mode of the target cursor 120 and the display mode of the route object 122 are not changed. Further, the emphasized object 130 is displayed so as to emphasize the outline of the building object 106b.

  FIG. 9 shows the game screen 100 in which the player operates the analog stick 14a on the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 8 so that the target cursor 120 is positioned on the enemy character 104a.

  In the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 9, the target cursor 120 designates the enemy character 104a, but the enemy character 104b is arranged between the player character 102 and the enemy character 104a (target object), and the third determination object is the enemy character. Collide with 104b. That is, the enemy character 104b is a collision prediction object. Therefore, the emphasized object 130 is displayed in front (front) of the plant object 106c so as to emphasize the outline of the enemy character 104b. Further, the display mode of the target cursor 120 and the display mode of the route object 122 are changed. As described above, the target cursor 120 is displayed in gray out. Of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122, the spherical object 122a arranged between the collision prediction point and the target point is displayed in gray out.

  Thus, even a reaction object that cannot be seen on the game screen 100 can be designated as a collision prediction object by adjusting the position of the target cursor 120, and the throwing object 110 can be caused to collide. Although illustration is omitted, the position of the player character 102 and / or the position of the target cursor 120 may be adjusted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of the game screen 100 in the throw mode that is not limited. A game screen 100 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen for a scene different from the scenes of the game screen 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 8.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the plant object 106c (1060) is displayed in the lower right of the game screen 100 in front of the road object 106a. Further, in the center of the game screen 100, two animal objects 106d are displayed side by side, and two other plant objects 106c (1062) are displayed behind the two animal objects 106d.

  In FIG. 10, the target cursor 120 designates a plant object 1060 arranged (displayed) on the near side of the road object 106a, and the target object is the plant object 1060. Therefore, the player character 102 faces the target point on the plant object 1060 designated by the target cursor 120. In addition, the mark object 126 is displayed at the collision prediction point of the reaction object (here, the plant object 1060) with which the third determination object collides. In the game screen 100 shown in FIG. 10, since no other reaction object is arranged (displayed) between the player character 102 and the target object (here, the plant object 1060), the display mode of the target cursor 120 and the path object 122 are displayed. The display mode is not changed. Further, the emphasis object 130 is displayed so as to emphasize the outline of the plant object 1060 designated by the target cursor 120.

  For this reason, while aiming at the reaction object arrange | positioned in front of the player character 102, the throwing object 110 can be made to collide with the said reaction object.

  However, even if it is a reaction object, if it is too close to the near clip plane 252 (or the virtual camera 200), it is excluded from the target object candidates that can be specified by the target cursor 120. This is because objects excluded from target objects that can be specified by the target cursor 120 (non-target objects) may or may not be displayed on the game screen 100 depending on the position of the virtual camera 200 or the like.

  11 and 12 are diagrams showing an example of the memory map 300 of the RAM 32 of the game apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the RAM 32 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. The program storage area 302 stores a program (game program) for the game application of this embodiment. The game program includes a main processing program 302a, an image generation program 302b, an image display program 302c, an operation detection program 302d, an object Control program 302e, target cursor control program 302f, target point determination program 302g, target object determination program 302h, path object placement program 302i, shadow position calculation program 302j, collision prediction object determination program 302k, display mode setting program 302m, and collision determination program 302n and the like.

  The main process program 302a is a program for processing the main routine of the overall process (game overall process) for the game of this embodiment.

  The image generation program 302b is a program for generating image data of a game image using the image generation data 304b. For example, a virtual game space is drawn, and the drawn virtual game space is subjected to perspective projection conversion, and image data of a game image corresponding to the game screen 100 is generated (drawn). The image display program 302 c is a program for outputting image data of a game image generated according to the image generation program 302 b to the display device 18.

  The operation detection program 302d is a program for detecting operation data input from the input device 38 in response to an operation by the player. The detected operation data is stored in an operation data buffer 304a described later.

  The object control program 302e is a program for moving the player character 102 or the like according to the operation data, or arranging (appearing) and moving the enemy character 104 without following the operation data. In the normal mode, the object control program 302e moves the player character 102 left and right, back and forth (depth direction), and diagonally when the operation data detected according to the operation detection program 302d indicates the operation of the operation buttons 14b-14e. . Further, the object control program 302e causes the player character 102 to jump when the operation data indicates an operation of the operation button 16e in the normal mode. Further, the object control program 302e causes the player character 102 to throw the throwing object 110 when the detected operation data indicates the operation of the operation button 16e in the throwing mode.

  The main processing program 302a sets the mode between the normal mode and the throwing mode when the operation data detected according to the operation detection program 302d indicates the operation of the operation button 16c, or according to the progress of the game. (change.

  When the operation data detected according to the operation detection program 302d indicates the operation of the analog stick 14a in the throw mode, the target cursor control program 302f determines the target according to the tilt direction and the tilt amount of the analog stick 14a indicated by the operation data. This is a program for moving the cursor 120.

  The target point determination program 302g executes the first collision determination process based on the current position of the target cursor 120, and determines the target point designated by the target cursor 120 according to the result of the first collision determination process. It is a program to do.

  The target object determination program 302h is a program for determining a reaction object designated by the target cursor 120 as a target object. That is, the reaction object including the target point is determined as the target object.

  The path object placement program 302i is a program for placing the path object 122 on a line segment connecting the target points determined according to the target point determination program 302g from the starting point of the throwing object 110. However, the path object arrangement program 302i is also a program for moving the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 so as to circulate at a third predetermined distance.

  The shadow position calculation program 302j calculates the positions of the shadows 124 of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 arranged according to the path object arrangement program 302i by executing the second collision determination process described above. It is a program to do.

  The collision prediction object determination program 302k executes the above-described third collision determination process, calculates a collision prediction point according to the result of the third collision determination process, and the third determination object is the player character 102 and the target object. This is a program for determining another reaction object including a collision prediction point as a collision prediction object when it collides with another reaction object in between.

  The display mode setting program 302m is a program for setting the color when displaying (drawing) the target cursor 120 and the color when displaying (drawing) each of the plurality of spherical objects 122a included in the path object 122. is there.

  The collision determination program 302n determines whether or not the throwing object 110 collides with the reaction object when the throwing object 110 is thrown by the player character 102 in the throw mode (executes the fourth collision determination process). It is a program. In the fourth collision determination process, it is determined whether or not the determination object (fourth determination object) set in the throwing object 110 collides with the reaction object. The fourth determination object is a spherical object having the same shape or the same size as the throwing object 110.

  Although not shown, the program storage area 302 stores a sound output program for generating and outputting sounds necessary for the game, a communication program for communicating with other game devices or computers, and game data in a nonvolatile memory. A save program for saving the file is also stored.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the data storage area 304 is provided with an operation data buffer 304a. The operation data buffer 304a stores operation data detected according to the operation detection program 302d in time series. When the operation data stored in the operation data buffer 304a is used for processing by the processor 30, it is erased from the operation data buffer 304a.

  The data storage area 304 includes image generation data 304b, player character data 304c, possessed item data 304d, target cursor position data 304e, non-target data 304f, starting point data 304g, target point data 304h, target object data 304i, Data such as path object data 304j, shadow position data 304k, collision prediction point data 304m, collision prediction object data 304n, and collision object data 304p are stored.

  The operation data buffer 304 a is an area for temporarily storing operation data from the input device 38. The image generation data 304b is data such as polygon data and texture data for generating image data of the game screen 100 and the like.

  The player character data 304c includes direction data indicating the current direction of the player character 102 arranged in the virtual game space and coordinate data indicating the current three-dimensional position. The player character data 304c may include state data indicating the state of the player character 102.

  The possessed item data 304d is data about items (such as the throwing object 110) possessed by the player character 102 and the number thereof. The target cursor position data 304e is coordinate data indicating the current three-dimensional position of the target cursor 120.

  The non-target data 304f is data regarding identification information of non-target reaction objects. For example, a reaction object that is present at a position where the distance from the near clip surface 252 (or the virtual camera 200) is shorter (closer) than the fourth predetermined distance is determined as a non-target object.

  The starting point data 304g is coordinate data indicating the three-dimensional position of the starting point of the throwing object 110, and is determined based on the current three-dimensional position of the player character 102. The starting point of the throwing object 110 indicated by the starting point data 304g is the position (the center position of the chest) where the position (three-dimensional position) of the player character 102 is moved in the height direction (the positive direction of the Y axis) by the second predetermined distance. It is.

  The target point data 304h is coordinate data of a target point (three-dimensional position) designated by the target cursor 120. The target object data 304i is data regarding identification information of the reaction object determined as the target object.

  The path object data 304j is data on the path object 122, and is data on the coordinate data of each of the three-dimensional positions of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 and information on the color attached to each. The shadow position data 304k is coordinate data regarding the position of the shadow 124 corresponding to each of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122.

  The collision prediction point data 304m is coordinate data at a position closest to the starting point of the throwing object 110 among points (positions) where the path object 122 collides. The collision prediction object data 304n is data regarding identification information of an object (collision prediction object) including the point indicated by the collision prediction point data 304m. The collision object data 304p is data regarding identification information of a collision object with which the throwing object 110 thrown by the player character 102 collides.

  The data storage area 304 is provided with a throw flag 304q. The throw flag 304q is a flag for determining whether or not the throw mode is set, and is turned on in the throw mode and turned off in the normal mode.

  Although illustration is omitted, the data storage area 304 stores other data necessary for game processing (information processing) and is provided with other flags and counters (timers).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a non-limiting example of the entire game process executed by the processor 30 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of each step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is merely an example, and the processing order of each step may be changed as long as a similar result is obtained. The same applies to the throwing process shown in FIGS.

  When the game apparatus 10 is turned on, the processor 30 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (not shown) prior to execution of the entire game process, thereby initializing each component such as the RAM 32. . Then, the game program is read from a nonvolatile memory or the like, stored in the RAM 32, and execution of the game program is started by the processor 30.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the processor 30 starts the entire game process, the processor 30 executes an initial process in step S1. In the initial processing, for example, the processor 30 constructs a virtual game space for generating and displaying a game image, and places character objects such as the player character 102 and the enemy character 104 appearing in the virtual game space at an initial position. At the same time, the background object 106 appearing in the virtual game space is arranged at a predetermined position. Further, the processor 30 sets initial values of various parameters used in the game control process (S5-S19). In addition, the processor 30 turns off the throw flag 304q in step S1.

  Subsequently, operation data input from the input device 38 is acquired in step S3, and a game control process is executed in steps S5-S19. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the throw mode is set. Here, the processor 30 determines whether or not the throw flag 304q is on.

  If “YES” in the step S5, that is, if it is the throwing mode, the process proceeds to a step S11. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S5, that is, if it is not the throwing mode, it is determined whether or not the throwing mode is set in a step S7. Here, the processor 30 determines whether or not the operation data stored in the operation data buffer 304a indicates the operation of the operation button 16c. This also applies to step S11 described later.

  If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if the throwing mode is not set, a game control process in the normal mode is executed in a step S9, and the process proceeds to the step S21. In step S9, for example, the processor 30 moves the player character 102 or / and causes the player character 102 to execute an arbitrary action according to the operation data. At this time, the processor 30 moves the virtual camera 200 so as to maintain a predetermined positional relationship with the player character 102. However, when the player character 102 of the player character 102 is moved, the current position of the player character 102 is updated. Along with this, the starting point data 304g is also updated.

  Further, the processor 30 moves a non-player character such as the enemy character 104 without following the operation data, and / or performs an arbitrary action on the non-player character. Further, the processor 30 determines the win or loss or rank of the player character 102, and / or determines whether the game is cleared or over. Furthermore, the processor 30 changes at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera 200 according to the operation data. However, the virtual camera 200 is normally arranged in the virtual game space so as to watch the player character 102 and maintain a predetermined positional relationship with the player character 102. However, the position, orientation, and angle of view are controlled by the player's operation. When at least one of them is changed, it is arranged at the changed position or / and orientation and set to the changed angle of view. However, even when the player does not operate, at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera 200 may be automatically (forced) changed depending on the game context.

  If “YES” in the step S7, that is, if the throwing mode is set, the throwing flag 304q is turned on in a step S15, and the target cursor 120 is arranged in a step S17. And processor 30 performs throwing processing (Drawing 14-Drawing 16) at Step S19, and progresses to Step S21. However, in step S <b> 17, the processor 30 places the target cursor 120 at a position separated by a first predetermined distance in the moving direction of the player character 102.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the throwing mode is cancelled. That is, it is determined whether to set the normal mode. Specifically, the processor 30 determines whether or not the operation button 16c is operated in the throw mode. If “YES” in the step S11, that is, if the normal mode is set, the throwing flag 304q is turned off in a step S13, and the process proceeds to the step S21. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S11, that is, if the throwing mode is not set, the process proceeds to a step S19.

  In step S21, the processor 30 generates a game image in accordance with the result of the game control process in steps S5-S19, and displays the generated game image on the display device 18. The game image generation processing is mainly performed by a GPU included in the processor 30. In the next step S23, the processor 30 generates game sound according to the result of the game control process in step S5 to step S19, and outputs the generated game sound. That is, the image data of the game image is output from the display driver 40 to the display device 18 by the processing of step S21 and step S23, and the sound data of the game sound is output to the speaker 44 via the D / A converter 42.

  In step S25, the processor 30 determines whether or not to end the game. The determination in step S25 is made based on, for example, whether or not the game is over, or whether or not the player gives an instruction to stop the game.

  If “NO” in the step S25, that is, if the game is not ended, the process returns to the step S3. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S25, that is, if the game is to be ended, the entire game process is ended.

  FIGS. 14 to 16 are flowcharts of a non-limiting example of the throwing process in step S19 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when starting the throwing process, the processor 30 determines whether or not the throwing object 110 is moving in step S51. If “YES” in the step S51, that is, if the throwing object 110 is moving, the process proceeds to a step S95 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S51, that is, if the throwing object 110 is not moving, it is determined whether or not the throwing operation is performed in a step S53. Here, the processor 30 determines whether or not the operation data detected in step S3 indicates an operation of the operation button 16e.

  If “YES” in the step S53, that is, if it is a throwing operation, the process proceeds to a step S97 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S53, that is, if it is not a throwing operation, it is determined whether or not the moving operation of the target cursor 120 is performed in a step S55. Here, the processor 30 determines whether or not the operation data detected in step S3 indicates the operation of the analog stick 14a.

  If “NO” in the step S55, that is, if the moving operation of the target cursor 120 is not performed, the process proceeds to a step S59. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S55, that is, if the moving operation of the target cursor 120 is performed, the target cursor 120 is moved by a distance corresponding to the tilting amount in the tilting direction of the analog stick 14a in a step S57. Proceed to S59.

  In step S59, a non-target object is determined. Here, the processor 30 determines that an object whose distance from the near clip surface 252 (virtual camera 200) is less than the fourth predetermined distance is a non-target object. At this time, the identification information of one or more non-target objects is stored in the data storage area 304 as non-target data 304f.

  In the next step S61, a first collision determination process is executed. Here, the processor 30 determines whether or not it collides with the reaction object on the assumption that the first determination object has been moved in the Z-axis direction from the arrangement position of the target cursor 120. However, when the first determination object does not collide with the reaction object but collides with the far clip surface, the first collision determination process is terminated without determining the target object.

  In a succeeding step S63, it is determined whether or not the first determination object collides with the reaction object. If “NO” in the step S63, that is, if the first determination object does not collide with the reaction object, an intersection of the player line plane and the line from the virtual camera 200 toward the target cursor 120 is determined in a step S65. Determine as a target point. In step S65, the processor 30 stores (updates) the target point data 304h corresponding to the determined target point in the data storage area 304. The same applies to step S69 described later.

  In the next step S67, the orientation of the player character 102 is determined in the traveling direction of the player character 102 (right direction in this embodiment), and the process proceeds to step S75 shown in FIG. In step S67, the processor 30 determines the orientation of the player character 102 so that the line of sight of the player character 102 and the front of the body are directed in the traveling direction, and updates the direction data included in the player character data 304c. The same applies to step S73 described later.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S63, that is, if the first determination object collides with the reaction object, the colliding point is determined as a target point in a step S69. In the next step S71, the reaction object including the target point determined in step S69 is determined as a target object. In step S73, the direction of the player character 102 is determined as the target point direction, and the process proceeds to step S75. In step S69, the processor 30 stores (updates) the identification information of the target object in the data storage area 304 as target object data 304i.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the next step S75, the path object 122 is arranged on a line segment connecting the starting point indicated by the starting point data 304g and the target point indicated by the target point data 304h. Thereafter, until the throwing object 110 is thrown, the spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 are moved so as to circulate at the third predetermined distance.

  Subsequently, in step S77, the position of each shadow 124 of the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 is calculated, and the calculated position of the shadow 124 is stored. That is, the processor 30 executes the second collision determination process, calculates the position of the ground in the direction directly below each spherical object 122a as the position of the shadow 124, and sets the position data corresponding to the calculated position of the shadow 124 as the shadow position data. It is stored (updated) in the data storage area 304 as 304k.

  In the next step S79, a third collision determination process is executed. In the third collision determination process, it is determined whether or not the third determination object collides with the reaction object when it is assumed that the third determination object is moved on the line connecting the starting point and the target point. In step S81, it is determined whether the third determination object collides with the reaction object.

  If “NO” in the step S81, that is, if the third determination object does not collide with the reaction object in the third collision determination process, the process proceeds to a step S93. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S81, that is, if the third determination object collides with the reaction object in the third collision determination process, the point where the third determination object collides with the reaction object is determined in step S83. Determine as a prediction point. In step S83, the processor 30 stores (updates) the coordinate data of the predicted collision point in the data storage area 304 as the predicted collision point data 304m.

  In the next step S85, it is determined whether or not the collision prediction point is a point on the target object. In other words, in step S85, it is determined whether or not the predicted collision point is a point on another reaction object between the player character 102 and the target object. If “YES” in the step S85, that is, if the collision prediction point is a point on the target object, the process proceeds to a step S91. Although illustration is omitted, at this time, the processor 30 deletes the collision prediction object data 304n.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S85, that is, if the collision prediction point is a point on another reaction object between the player character 102 and the target object, the reaction object including the collision prediction point in a step S87. Is determined as a collision prediction object. In step S87, the processor 30 stores (updates) the collision prediction object identification information in the data storage area 304 as the collision prediction object data 304n.

  Subsequently, in step S89, the display mode of the target cursor 120 and the display mode of the route object 122 are set (changed). In this step S89, the spherical object 122a arranged on the target point (target object) side of the target cursor 120 and the plurality of spherical objects 122a constituting the path object 122 is grayed out from the collision predicted point (collision predicted object). To be set. In step S91, the mark object 126 is arranged at the collision prediction point. In step S93, the emphasis object 130 is arranged in the target object or the collision prediction object, and the process returns to the whole game process.

  In step S93, when the collision prediction object data 304n is stored, the enhancement object 130 for enhancing the outline of the collision prediction object is arranged on the collision prediction object indicated by the identification information corresponding to this data. . In step S93, when the collision prediction object data 304n is not stored, the emphasis object 130 for emphasizing the contour of the target object is arranged on the target object indicated by the identification information corresponding to the target object data 304i. Is done.

  As described above, if “YES” in the step S51, the throwing object 110 starts to move in a step S95 shown in FIG. 16, and the throwing object 110 is moved on the route by a fifth predetermined distance in a step S97. Let However, the path is a path of the throwing object 110 determined by a line segment connecting the starting point and the target point when the throwing operation is performed.

  In a succeeding step S99, a fourth collision determination process is executed. In the fourth collision determination process, it is determined whether the throwing object 110 collides with the target object or the collision prediction object. In the next step S101, it is determined whether or not the throwing object 110 collides with the target object or the collision prediction object.

  If “YES” in the step S101, that is, if the throwing object 110 collides with the target object or the collision prediction object, a predetermined process corresponding to the collision object is executed in a step S103, and the process proceeds to the step S109. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S101, that is, if the throwing object 110 does not collide with the target object or the collision prediction object, it is determined whether or not the throwing object 110 has moved the maximum distance in a step S105. For example, it is determined whether or not the throwing object 110 has reached the far clip surface 254. If “NO” in the step S105, that is, if the throwing object 110 has not moved the maximum distance, the process returns to the entire game process.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S105, that is, if the throwing object 110 moves the maximum distance, the throwing object 110 is deleted in a step S107, and the player character 102 moves another throwing object 110 in a step S109. Determine if you have it. If “YES” in the step S109, that is, if the player character 102 possesses another throwing object 110, the process returns to the game control process. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S109, that is, if the player character 102 does not have another throwing object 110, the throwing flag 304q is turned off in a step S111, and the process returns to the game control process. .

  According to this embodiment, the target cursor is moved in a predetermined plane according to the operation of the player, the position in the virtual game space designated by the target cursor is determined as the target point, and the starting point from which the throwing object starts to move is determined. Since the path object is displayed on the line segment connecting to the target point, it is possible to easily know the target object with which the throwing object collides.

  Further, according to this embodiment, since the shadow of the spherical object constituting the path object is displayed, the moving path of the throwing object can be shown in an easy-to-understand manner.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the player character is directed in the direction in which the throwing object is moved, the moving direction of the throwing object can be shown in an easily understandable manner.

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the emphasized object is displayed on the outline of the collision prediction object that is predicted to collide with the throwing object, the target object with which the throwing object collides can be shown more easily.

  Further, according to this embodiment, since the mark object is displayed at the collision prediction point, the target object with which the throwing object collides can be shown more easily.

  In this embodiment, a portable type, a stationary type, or a game device capable of switching between them has been described. However, a part or all of the game processing is performed by another game device or computer that is communicably connected to the game device. May be executed. In such a case, a game system (image processing system) is configured by the game device of this embodiment and another game device or computer that is communicably connected to the game device.

  In this embodiment, the shadow is drawn with the material on the ground directly below each spherical object included in the path object. However, the shadow generated by the light of the light source may be drawn with shading. Alternatively, in step S71, a shadow object may be arranged directly below each spherical object and on the ground.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first collision determination process, the reaction object that collides first when the first determination object is moved from the target cursor is determined as the target object. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There is no need. For example, all reaction objects with which the first determination object collides may be determined as target objects. And you may make a player select one target object from several target objects.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the throwing object thrown by the player character collides with one reaction object, the throwing object is deleted and the predetermined processing set for the reaction object is executed. Even if hits the reaction object, it may be moved to the target value.

  In this embodiment, the case where the player object throws the throwing object has been described. However, the object to be thrown (fired) is not necessarily limited. Depending on the type of game, an object simulating a bullet may be shot (fired), an object simulating a soccer ball may be kicked, or an object simulating an arrow may be shot. These objects are also objects fired by the player character.

  Further, the contents of the game, the configuration of the game device, and the specific numerical values shown in this embodiment are merely examples, and should not be limited, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. For example, the operation means (analog stick, operation button) for instructing movement of the target cursor, such as movement of the player character, and switching between the normal mode and the throwing mode may be different from the operation means shown in the embodiment. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game device 12 ... Device main body 14 ... Left controller 14a, 16a ... Analog stick 14b-14e, 16b-16e ... Operation button 16 ... Right controller 20, 22, 24 ... Housing 18 ... Display device 30 ... Processor 32 ... RAM
34 ... Flash memory 38 ... Input device 44 ... Speaker

A first invention is a game program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus, and causes a computer to execute a cursor control step, a specified position calculation step, a path object placement step, and an image generation step. Cursor control step, based on the operation of the player moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane, placing the cursor object to be displayed on top of other objects in the virtual space. In the designated position calculating step, a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object is calculated and set as the designated position in the virtual space. In the route object placement step, a route object indicating a route from a predetermined starting position in the virtual space to a designated position is placed in the virtual space. The image generation step generates an image of the virtual space.

An eleventh invention is based on the operation of the player moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane, and a cursor control unit to place the cursor object to be displayed on top of other objects in the virtual space , A position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object is calculated, a designated position calculation unit that is designated as the designated position in the virtual space, and a player character that arranges the player character so as to face the designated position in the virtual space A path object layout that arranges a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position to a specified position, which is a position having a predetermined positional relationship with a position where a player character is positioned in the virtual space, in the virtual space And an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space. Generating an image to be shaded path objects in the inner, a game device.

A twelfth invention is based on the operation of the player moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane, and a cursor control unit to place the cursor object to be displayed on top of other objects in the virtual space , A position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object is calculated, and a designated position calculation unit that is designated as the designated position in the virtual space, and a path object indicating a route from the predetermined starting position to the designated position in the virtual space Is a game system that includes a path object placement unit that places an image in a virtual space and an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space.

A thirteenth invention is a game control method for a computer of an information processing apparatus, based on the operation of (a) the player moves the cursor object on a predetermined plane, than the other objects in the virtual space Arranging the cursor object to be displayed in front, (b) calculating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, and setting it as a designated position in the virtual space; (c) virtual A game control method including a step of placing a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position in a space to a specified position in the virtual space, and (d) generating an image of the virtual space.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when the throw mode is initially set, the target cursor 120 is located at a position separated by a first predetermined distance in front of the moving direction of the player character 102 (right in this embodiment). Is displayed. As will be described later, the target cursor 120 is different from the target object specified by the target cursor 120 except for the case where the throwing object 110 collides with another object arranged between the player character 102 and the target object. It is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, green). In FIG. 4 (FIGS. 6, 7 , 8, and 10 are the same), the target cursor 120 is shown in black. The first predetermined distance is set in advance by a game developer or the like. Further, in the throw mode, the player character 102 is controlled in the orientation of the face and body so as to see a point (target point) designated (instructed) by the target cursor 120. Therefore, the target point or the direction of the target point can be known from the face and body orientation of the player character 102. A method for determining the target point will be described in detail later.

11 and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map 300 of the RAM32 of the game apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the RAM 32 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. The program storage area 302 stores a program (game program) for the game application of this embodiment. The game program includes a main processing program 302a, an image generation program 302b, an image display program 302c, an operation detection program 302d, an object Control program 302e, target cursor control program 302f, target point determination program 302g, target object determination program 302h, path object placement program 302i, shadow position calculation program 302j, collision prediction object determination program 302k, display mode setting program 302m, and collision determination program 302n and the like.

Figure 13 is a flow diagram for an example in which non-limiting game entire processing executed by the processor 30 shown in FIG. Note that the processing of each step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is merely an example, and the processing order of each step may be changed as long as a similar result is obtained. The same applies to the throwing process shown in FIGS.

If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if the throwing mode is not set, a game control process in the normal mode is executed in a step S9, and the process proceeds to the step S21. In step S9, for example, the processor 30 moves the player character 102 or / and causes the player character 102 to execute an arbitrary action according to the operation data. At this time, the processor 30 moves the virtual camera 200 so as to maintain a predetermined positional relationship with the player character 102. However, the flops layer character 102 is moved, the current position of the player character 102 is updated. Along with this, the starting point data 304g is also updated.

In step S11, it is determined whether or not the throwing mode is cancelled. That is, it is determined whether to set the normal mode. Specifically, the processor 30 determines whether or not the operation button 16c is operated in the throw mode. If “YES” in the step S11, that is, if the normal mode is set, the throwing flag 304q is turned off in a step S13, and the process proceeds to the step S21. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S11, that is, if the normal mode is not set, the process proceeds to a step S19.

In the next step S79, a third collision determination process is executed. In the third collision determination process, it is determined whether or not the third determination object collides with the reaction object when it is assumed that the third determination object is moved on the line connecting the starting point and the target point. In step S81, it is determined in the third collision determination process whether the third determination object collides with the reaction object.

In a succeeding step S99, a fourth collision determination process is executed. In the fourth collision determination process, it is determined whether the throwing object 110 collides with the target object or the collision prediction object. In the next step S101, in the fourth collision determination process, it is determined whether or not the throwing object 110 collides with the target object or the collision prediction object.

If “YES” in the step S101, that is, if the throwing object 110 collides with the target object or the collision prediction object in the fourth collision determination process, a predetermined process corresponding to the collision object is executed in a step S103. The process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S101, that is, if the throwing object 110 does not collide with the target object or the collision prediction object in the fourth collision determination process, the throwing object 110 has moved the maximum distance in the step S105. Determine whether or not. For example, it is determined whether or not the throwing object 110 has reached the far clip surface 254. If “NO” in the step S105, that is, if the throwing object 110 has not moved the maximum distance, the process returns to the entire game process.

Claims (29)

A game program executed on a computer of an information processing device,
A cursor control step of moving the cursor object on a predetermined plane in the virtual space based on the operation of the player and arranging the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects;
Calculating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, and a designated position calculating step as a designated position in the virtual space;
A path object placement step of placing a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position in the virtual space to the designated position in the virtual space;
The game program which makes the said computer perform the image generation step which produces | generates the image of the said virtual space.   The game program according to claim 1, wherein the image generation step generates an image that is a shadow of the path object in the virtual space.   The game program according to claim 1, further causing the computer to execute a shadow placement step of placing an object indicating a shadow of the path object in the virtual space.   The game program according to claim 1, further causing the computer to execute a player character placement step of placing a player character so as to face the designated position in the virtual space.   The game program according to claim 4, wherein the starting position is a position having a predetermined positional relationship with a position where the player character is arranged.   The game according to claim 4 or 5, further causing the computer to execute a mode switching step for switching between a cursor operation mode for moving the cursor object and a player character movement mode for moving the player character based on an operation of the player. program. Based on the operation of the player, a firing step of firing a predetermined firing target object along the path from the starting position toward the designated position;
6. The computer according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the computer to further execute a collision processing step of performing a predetermined process according to the predetermined object when the target object of the collision collides with a predetermined object in the virtual space after the discharge. A game program according to any one of the above. A target object determination step for determining whether or not an object to be processed in the collision processing step is arranged at the specified position before the firing target object is fired;
In the target object determining step, when it is determined that the target object is arranged at the specified position, the computer further executes a specified position determining step for changing a display mode of the target object. The game program according to claim 7. Another object determination step for determining whether or not there is another object on the route to the designated position;
The game program according to claim 7 or 8, further causing the computer to execute a first display mode step of changing a display mode of the cursor object according to a determination result in the other object determination step.   When it is determined in the other object determination step that the other object exists, the display mode of the path object from the starting point to the other object and the path object of the path object from the other object to the cursor object The game program according to claim 9, further causing the computer to execute a second display mode step for changing a display mode. A cursor control unit configured to move the cursor object on a predetermined plane in the virtual space based on the operation of the player and to place the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects;
A designated position calculation unit that calculates a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, and designates the designated position in the virtual space;
A player character placement unit for placing a player character so as to face the designated position in the virtual space;
A path object placement unit that places a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position, which is a position having a predetermined positional relationship with a position where the player character is positioned in the virtual space, to the designated position. When,
An image generation unit for generating an image of the virtual space;
The said image raw production | generation part is a game device which produces | generates the image used as the shadow of the said path | route object in the said virtual space.   12. The game apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a mode switching unit that switches between a cursor operation mode for moving the cursor object and a player character movement mode for moving the player character based on an operation of the player. Based on the operation of the player, a launching unit that launches a predetermined firing target object along the path from the starting position toward the designated position;
The game apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a collision processing unit that performs a predetermined process according to the predetermined object when the target object of the collision collides with a predetermined object in the virtual space after the discharge. A target object determination unit that determines whether or not an object to be processed in the collision processing unit is arranged at the specified position before the firing target object is fired;
The target object determination unit further includes a specified position determination unit that changes a display mode of the target object when it is determined that the target object is arranged at the specified position. The game device described. Another object determination unit that determines whether there is another object on the route to the specified position;
The game device of Claim 13 or 14 further provided with the 1st display mode part which changes the display mode of the said cursor object according to the determination result in the said other object determination part.   When the other object determination unit determines that there is the other object, the display mode of the path object from the starting point to the other object and the path object of the path object from the other object to the cursor object The game device according to claim 15, further comprising a second display mode section that changes a display mode. A cursor control unit configured to move the cursor object on a predetermined plane in the virtual space based on the operation of the player and to place the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects;
A designated position calculation unit that calculates a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, and designates the designated position in the virtual space;
A path object placement unit that places a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position in the virtual space to the specified position in the virtual space;
A game system comprising an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space.   The game system according to claim 17, wherein the image generation unit generates an image that is a shadow of the path object in the virtual space.   The game system according to claim 17, further comprising a shadow arrangement unit that arranges an object indicating a shadow of the path object in the virtual space.   The game system according to claim 17, further comprising a player character placement unit that places a player character so as to face the designated position in the virtual space.   The game system according to claim 20, wherein the starting position is a position having a predetermined positional relationship with a position where the player character is arranged.   The game system according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising a mode switching unit that switches between a cursor operation mode for moving the cursor object and a player character movement mode for moving the player character based on an operation of the player. Based on the operation of the player, a launching unit that launches a predetermined firing target object along the path from the starting position toward the designated position;
The collision processing unit according to any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising: a collision processing unit that performs a predetermined process according to the predetermined object when the target object of the collision collides with a predetermined object in the virtual space after the launch. Game system. A target object determination unit that determines whether or not an object to be processed in the collision processing unit is arranged at the specified position before the firing target object is fired;
The target object determination unit further includes a specified position determination unit that changes a display mode of the target object when it is determined that the target object is arranged at the specified position. The described game system. Another object determination unit that determines whether there is another object on the route to the specified position;
The game system according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising a first display mode unit that changes a display mode of the cursor object in accordance with a determination result in the other object determination unit.   When the other object determination unit determines that there is the other object, the display mode of the path object from the starting point to the other object and the path object of the path object from the other object to the cursor object 26. The game system according to claim 25, further comprising a second display mode section that changes a display mode. A computer game control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising:
(A) a step of moving the cursor object on a predetermined plane in the virtual space based on the operation of the player and arranging the cursor object so that it is displayed in front of other objects;
(B) calculating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the display position of the cursor object, and setting it as a designated position in the virtual space;
(C) arranging a path object indicating a path from a predetermined starting position in the virtual space to the designated position in the virtual space;
(D) A game control method including a step of generating an image of the virtual space.   28. The game control method according to claim 27, wherein the step (d) generates an image that is a shadow of the path object in the virtual space.   The game control method according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising: (e) arranging a player character so as to face the designated position in the virtual space.

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