JP2021049359A - Game system and computer program to be used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of inhibiting an unnecessary rise of difficulty.SOLUTION: A game system 1 comprises an input device having a plurality of key parts 9 and provides a music game that, on the basis of sequence data 38, executes guidance of an operation timing for each key part 9 and evaluation of actual operation to each key part 9. The game system 1 determines whether or not each operation timing of the sequence data 38 satisfies a mitigation condition for mitigating an evaluation criterion to be used for such evaluation. Specifically, the game system 1 determines whether each operation timing of the sequence data 38 corresponds to a normal object or corresponds to a special object. The game system 1, then, evaluates operation to each key part 9 on the basis of a normal evaluation criterion when it is determined to be the normal object, and evaluates operation to each key part 9 on the basis of a mitigated evaluation criterion obtained by mitigating the normal evaluation criterion when it is determined to be the special object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention guides each execution time based on sequence data in which each execution time to execute the play action is described in advance, and evaluates using each execution time of the sequence data when the play action is executed. The present invention relates to a game system or the like that provides a timing game that at least evaluates a play action by evaluating the actual execution time of the play action based on a standard.

Each execution time to execute the play action is guided based on the sequence data described in advance, and when the play action is executed, based on the evaluation standard using each execution time of the sequence data. There is a game system that provides a timing game that at least evaluates a play action by evaluating the actual execution time of the play action. For example, each such execution time is guided through a timeline that moves toward each instruction sign corresponding to each execution time, and each instruction sign that matches the timeline as the timeline reaches each instruction sign. A timing game that requires a touch operation to is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-36038

In the timing game of Patent Document 1, the line-of-sight direction of the user for seeing the timing of the touch operation coincides with the line-of-sight direction for seeing the position where the touch operation should be performed. Therefore, the user can execute the touch operation without changing the line-of-sight direction. On the other hand, for example, when the game screen and the input device for inputting the play action are located apart from each other, the line-of-sight directions may not match. Therefore, the user may have to input the play action without looking at the input device. As a result, when a play action with a high degree of difficulty is required, for example, when a continuous operation or an operation in which the position of the operation target changes is required as a play action, the difficulty level becomes higher than necessary. There is a possibility that it will end up. Even in such a case, if the evaluation is performed using the same evaluation criteria as usual, the evaluation may be lowered more than necessary, which may lead to a decrease in the motivation of the user. Such a possibility may occur even if the line-of-sight directions are the same, if a highly difficult operation is required.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like capable of suppressing an unnecessary increase in difficulty.

The game system of the present invention guides each execution time based on sequence data in which each execution time to execute the play action is described in advance, and when the play action is executed, each execution of the sequence data. A game system that provides a timing game that evaluates at least the play action by evaluating the actual execution time of the play action based on an evaluation criterion using the timing, and is a relaxation condition for relaxing the evaluation criterion. The condition determining means for determining whether or not each execution time of the sequence data is satisfied, and if the relaxation condition is not satisfied, the play action is evaluated based on the evaluation criteria, while the relaxation condition is satisfied. In some cases, it is provided with an action evaluation means for evaluating the play action based on the relaxation standard in which the evaluation standard is relaxed.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to allow a computer connected to the data storage means for storing the sequence data to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

The figure which shows the outline of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the appearance of a game machine. The figure which shows the structure of the main part of the control system of a game system. The figure which shows an example of the game screen of a music game schematically. Explanatory drawing for explaining the normal evaluation range used for evaluation of the push operation to a normal object. Explanatory diagram to explain the special evaluation range used for evaluating the glissando operation on the special object. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of sequence data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of the evaluation processing routine.

Hereinafter, a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a game machine GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. As an example, the game machine GM is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine. A commercial game machine is a game machine that allows a predetermined range of games to be played for a fee or for free. As an example, the game machine GM provides a music game for a fee. Specifically, the game machine GM provides, for example, a music game in a range corresponding to the consideration in exchange for consumption of a predetermined consideration. An appropriate number of game machine GMs are installed in commercial facilities such as stores 4.

The center server 2 is not limited to an example composed of one physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a group of servers as a plurality of physical devices. Further, the center server 2 may be logically configured by using cloud computing. Further, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

Further, the user terminal 5 is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. The user terminal 5 is a kind of network terminal device that exerts various functions by executing software distributed from the center server 2. In the example of FIG. 1, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as an example of the user terminal 5. Further, as the user terminal 5, for example, various network terminal devices such as a personal computer, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device that can be connected to a network and are used for personal use of the user are used. Good.

As an example, the network 3 may be configured to realize network communication by using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, the network 3 may be configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and the intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b.

The network 3 is not limited to the form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication, a wireless line (including infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.) and the like may be used. Alternatively, the communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless). It may be realized by using the code (for example, two-dimensional code) generated by the above. Therefore, the term of network (or communication line) may include a form of transmitting and receiving information without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its users. As a service for a game machine, for example, a service that receives identification information of a user from the game machine GM and authenticates the user may be provided. Further, a service may be provided in which the play data of the authenticated user is received from the game machine GM and saved, or the play data to be saved is provided to the game machine GM. Further, the service for the game machine includes a service for distributing and updating the program or data of the game machine GM via the network 3, and matching the users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3. Matching services and the like may be included.

Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The Web service may include, for example, a game information service that provides various information about the game provided by the game machine GM. Further, for example, the Web service may include a distribution service that distributes (including updates of data and the like) various data or software to each user terminal 5. Further, the Web service may also include services such as a community service that provides a place for interaction by users such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing, and a service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the game machine GM. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine GM may include, for example, a housing 6. Further, the housing 6 may be provided with a monitor MO, a control panel 7, and a speaker SP. For example, the monitor MO may be attached to the housing 6 so that the display surface is tilted diagonally upward. Further, for example, the control panel 7 and the speaker SP may be arranged on the front side and the back side (upper side) of the monitor MO so as to sandwich the monitor MO.

Further, the control panel 7 may include an input device 8. For example, as the input device 8, a keyboard instrument type input device may be used. That is, the input device 8 may be configured like a keyboard. The input device 8 is arranged so as to extend from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the monitor MO when the user stands in front of the housing 6 so as to face the monitor MO. Good. Specifically, the input device 8 may have, for example, a plurality of key units 9. Each key portion 9 may be formed in a rectangular shape extending from the back side to the front side, and may be configured to accept a pushing operation of pushing from the upper side to the lower side. That is, each key unit 9 may be configured as an operation unit into which a user's operation is input. Then, each of the key portions 9 may be arranged in parallel from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the monitor MO so as to extend in parallel with each other. The key unit 9 may include, for example, a white key unit and a black key unit corresponding to the white and black keys of a keyboard instrument (arranged between adjacent white keys shorter than the white keys). ..

Next, a main part of the control system of the game system 1 for providing the music game will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (ROM and RAM as an example) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. An input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, or the like may be connected to the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

The storage unit 11 is connected to the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 may be composed of a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic tape so that the storage can be held without supplying power. For example, the server data 14 and the server program 15 may be stored in the storage unit 11. The server program 15 is a computer program required for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the like. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 20.

The game machine service management unit 16 may execute, for example, the process for providing the above-mentioned game machine service. On the other hand, the Web service management unit 17 may execute the processing necessary for providing the above-mentioned Web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the Web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. In addition, various logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include play data 14a. The play data 14a is data in which information regarding the past play results of each user is described. The play data 14a may be used, for example, to inherit the play results (past achievements) up to the previous time from the next time onward, or to inherit the setting contents unique to each user. Therefore, for example, the play data 14a may be configured so that information such as the achievements of each user is described for each user ID for identifying each user. In addition, the server data 14 may also include various data for realizing the game. For example, such data may include ID management data. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, their illustration is omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30 as a computer, a storage unit 31, a reader RD, the above-mentioned monitor MO, a speaker SP, and an input device 8. The storage unit 31, the reader RD, the monitor MO, the speaker SP, and the input device 8 are all connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (ROM and RAM as an example) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. In addition, for example, various output devices or input devices may be connected to the control unit 30 in the same manner as known game machines. For example, such an input device may include a well-known device for collecting a predetermined consideration, such as a coin authentication device. Then, for example, coins or the like as a predetermined consideration may be collected through such a device. However, their illustration is omitted.

The reader RD is, for example, a well-known device that uses short-range wireless communication to read various types of information stored in a storage medium in a non-contact state. The reader RD may be used to read information on a card CD as an example of a storage medium. Specifically, as an example, the reader RD may read the information of the card CD possessed by each user and output a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 30.

The card CD may be provided with a non-volatile storage medium (not shown) such as an IC chip or a magnetic stripe. Then, various types of information may be recorded on the card CD via such a non-volatile storage medium or the like. Further, for example, such various types of information may include user ID information (including information that can identify the user ID). Similarly, such various types of information may include information on a unique card ID for each card CD in order to manage each card CD. In this case, for example, the card ID information may function as information that can identify the user ID. That is, the card ID information may be recorded on the card CD as the user ID information as described above. Then, the card CD may be used for identifying each user as, for example, an ID card. Further, the various information includes, for example, information on the amount of value used as a predetermined consideration (information for specifying the amount of value, and such information includes, for example, a card ID or a user ID. Information may work). Then, a predetermined consideration may be collected by consuming the amount of the value. That is, the card CD may be used as an example for payment of a predetermined consideration.

The card CD is not limited to a form in which various types of information are electronically recorded. For example, the card CD may record various information via various codes such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the reader RD may be configured to be able to read such a code, such as by including a code reader capable of reading such a code. That is, the reader RD may be used to read such a code.

The input device 8 includes, for example, the key unit 9 as described above, and may be used for inputting a user's play action via the key unit 9. As an example, the input device 8 may output an output signal corresponding to each key unit 9 to the control unit 30 in accordance with a user pressing operation into each key unit 9. The monitor MO is a well-known display device for displaying various images and the like based on the output signal from the control unit 30. As an example, the monitor MO may display a game screen for playing a music game in response to an output signal from the control unit 30. Similarly, the speaker SP is a well-known output device (speech reproduction device) for reproducing various sounds based on the output signal from the control unit 30. The speaker SP may reproduce various sounds used in a game such as BGM in response to an output signal from the control unit 30, for example.

On the other hand, the storage unit 31 may be configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without supplying a power source. The game program 34 and the game data 35 are stored in the storage unit 31. The game program 34 is a computer program required for the game machine GM to provide a music game. With the execution of the game program 34, for example, a game providing unit 37 may be provided inside the control unit 30. The game providing unit 37 executes various processes necessary for providing the music game. The game providing unit 37 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. In addition, various logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30. However, their illustration is omitted.

The game data 35 is data that is referred to when the game program 34 is executed. The game data 35 may include, for example, music data 36 and sequence data 38. The music data 36 is data necessary for the speaker SP to reproduce various sounds such as music used in a music game. The sequence data 38 is data necessary for instructing the user when to perform an appropriate play action in a music game. For example, the sequence data 38 may describe in advance the operation time at which the pressing operation should be executed for the appropriate key unit 9 among the plurality of key units 9. Then, for example, in a music game, each operation timing described in the sequence data 38 and an appropriate operation to be executed there (for example, an appropriate pressing operation to the key unit 9) may be guided. Details of the sequence data 38 will be described later.

In addition, the game data 35 may also include various types of data for executing the game. For example, such various types of data may include the above-mentioned play data 14a. For example, at least a part of the play data 14a may be provided by the center server 2 so as to include a necessary part. Similarly, such various types of data may include, for example, the above-mentioned ID management data and image data. The image data is data for displaying various images necessary for the game. However, their illustration is omitted.

Next, the music game provided by the game machine GM will be described. Music games are a type of timing game. A timing game is a type of game that evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, the execution time for executing the appropriate play action is provided together with the music. Further, in a music game, a time matching with the rhythm of the music is used as an execution time. That is, the music game is a type of game in which the user is informed of the time when an appropriate play act should be executed according to the rhythm of the music, and the time when the play act is actually executed is evaluated. Further, for example, in a music game, a plurality of songs are prepared for play, and a song selected from the songs may be used for actual play.

For example, such a music game may be provided through a game screen displayed on the monitor MO. Specifically, for example, the game screen may include an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time and a reference sign functioning as a reference of the current time. Then, for example, each execution time may be guided by the movement of the instruction sign that moves so as to match the position of the reference sign at each execution time (or vice versa). .. Further, as an appropriate play action, an appropriate pressing operation on the key portion 9 according to the coincidence between the instruction sign and the reference sign may be adopted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen of a music game. As shown in FIG. 4, the game screen 40 may include, for example, a display of a lane 41 corresponding to each key portion 9, an object 42 functioning as an instruction sign, and a determination line 43 functioning as a reference sign. Specifically, for example, each lane 41 may be displayed as a curve extending so as to draw a parabola from the back side to the front side of the game screen 40. That is, each lane 41 may be displayed so as to produce a virtual three-dimensional space having a depth on the back side. Further, for example, the determination line 43 may be arranged on the front side of each lane 41 and displayed in a straight line extending so as to intersect each lane 41.

On the other hand, the object 42 may be arranged at an appropriate position in each lane 41 so that each lane 41 functions as a time axis, for example. Then, the object 42 moves toward the determination line 43 along each lane 41 so as to reach the determination line 43 at the operation time (execution time) when the key unit 9 corresponding to each lane 41 should be pushed and operated. Good. That is, the operation time may be guided by the coincidence between the object 42 and the determination line 43, and the appropriate key portion 9 for which the pushing operation should be executed may be guided by the lane 41 in which the object 42 is arranged. Then, the user may be requested to perform a pressing operation on the key unit 9 corresponding to the lane 41 in which the object 42 is arranged according to the coincidence time between the object 42 and the determination line 43.

Further, the object 42 may include a plurality of types. For example, the object 42 may include a normal object 42A and a special object 42B of different types. Then, a plurality of types of playing actions may be required through those objects 42. Specifically, for example, the normal object 42A may be used as an object 42 for instructing a single pushing operation. On the other hand, the special object 42B may be used as an object 42 for instructing an operation different from the single pushing operation. In this case, the operation time corresponding to the special object 42B functions as a special execution time of the present invention.

Further, for example, as such another operation, the special object 42B may instruct a plurality of push operations to be continuously executed. For example, such a plurality of pressing operations may be instructed to the same key unit 9 or may be instructed to different key units 9. For example, the special object 42B may instruct a glissando operation as an example of a case where different key units 9 are instructed to perform a plurality of pressing operations. The glissando operation is an operation corresponding to the so-called glissando playing method when playing a keyboard instrument. Specifically, the glissando operation corresponds to, for example, an operation of pushing the first key portion 9 and then laterally moving (sliding) the hand to the next key portion 9 while maintaining the pressing operation. You can. Further, the special object 42B may be formed as one object 42, or may be formed so as to include a plurality of objects 42.

The example of FIG. 4 shows the case where the glissando operation is guided through the special object 42B. In this case, for example, the special object 42B may be formed by a plurality of ordinary objects 42A connected in a series by the connecting line LL. That is, the special object 42B may include a plurality of normal objects 42A corresponding to a plurality of pushing operations. Further, these plurality of normal objects 42A may be arranged at appropriate intervals. In this case, the operation time corresponding to each of the series of normal objects 42A functions as a plurality of execution times of the present invention.

In the example of FIG. 4, each series of normal objects 42A forming the special object 42B are arranged at intervals shorter than a predetermined interval by being continuous with each other for a predetermined period. That is, the special object 42B is formed by a series of normal objects 42A which are connected at intervals shorter than a predetermined interval. For example, as such a predetermined interval, an interval that is not in time even if an individual pressing operation is executed for each key unit 9 may be adopted. Specifically, for example, when an individual pressing operation is executed twice, three operations are required: a key unit 9 pressing operation, a hand lifting operation, and an operation of moving to the next key unit 9. , Of these, an interval to the extent that the operation of lifting the hand is required to be omitted may be adopted as the predetermined interval. As a result, the hand is moved laterally to the next key portion 9 so as to follow the position of the next normal object 42A while pressing the key portion 9 corresponding to the first normal object 42A of the series of normal objects 42A. The action, the glissando operation, may be prompted by the special object 42B. The predetermined interval is not limited to such an interval that the above-mentioned operation of lifting the hand is required to be omitted. For example, an interval longer than such an interval (an interval in which the movement of the hand is sufficiently allowed) may be adopted as the predetermined interval. That is, the predetermined interval may be set as appropriate. Further, the plurality of objects 42 forming the special object 42B are not naturally limited to the normal object 42A. For example, as such a plurality of objects 42, various objects 42 having different modes (for example, shape, color scheme, size, etc.) from the normal object 42A may be adopted.

Further, the special object 42B, in other words, each of the series of normal objects 42A may form various shapes. For example, the special object 42B may be formed in a straight line extending from the back side to the front side. Alternatively, the special object 42B may be arranged on each lane 41 so as to form a parabola in which the apex is located in the moving direction (front side) or the opposite direction (back side). That is, the special object 42B may be formed in a curved shape. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, each lane 41 is distinguished by a boundary line BL. Then, in the special object 42B, a plurality of normal objects 42A are connected in an oblique direction so as to cross the boundary line BL and straddle the plurality of lanes 41. Specifically, the special object 42B includes a portion extending in the diagonally right direction and a portion extending in the diagonally left direction by refracting in the middle. That is, the special object 42B extends so as to change its direction on the way. In this case, the user may be required to perform a glissando operation corresponding to such a change in direction.

More specifically, for example, in the example of FIG. 4, a glissando operation such as moving to the right in a portion extending diagonally to the right and a glissando operation such as moving to the left in a portion extending diagonally to the left are performed. Each may be requested. In this case, such a glissando operation may be evaluated individually as an individual pushing operation on a series of normal objects 42A, or may be evaluated integrally as one playing action on the special object 42B. As an example, the game machine GM may provide, for example, a music game that requires a plurality of types of playing actions through such a game screen. For example, when the key portion 9 includes the black key portion, when each normal object 42A is located at the boundary line BL, between the two white key portions corresponding to the two lanes 41 sandwiching the boundary line BL. An operation on the located black key may be required as part of the glissando operation. Further, for example, each lane 41 does not have to be associated with each key unit 9. In this case, for example, an operation unit sign for instructing an appropriate key unit 9 on which the pressing operation should be executed may be separately provided. Then, an appropriate key unit 9 may be guided through such an operation unit sign. Further, such an operation unit sign may function as a movement path of the object 42. In this case, for example, such an operation unit marker may be arranged so as to draw a trajectory similar to that of the boundary line BL. Further, for example, such an operation unit sign may or may not be displayed. When such an operation unit sign is not displayed, for example, the lane 41 and the boundary line BL may function as a guideline for the movement route of the object 42. Further, each object 42 may be arranged so as to correspond to such an operation unit indicator in a one-to-many relationship. Then, each object 42 may guide a plurality of key units 9 as appropriate key units 9 through such an operation unit indicator. In this case, as an appropriate play action, a pushing operation to all of them may be adopted, or a pushing operation to a part of them may be adopted.

Next, the evaluation criteria for evaluating the play action corresponding to each object 42 will be described. For example, the user's pushing operation (playing action) on each object 42 may be evaluated based on the operation time described in advance in the sequence data 38. Specifically, the pushing operation of the user may be executed by comparing the operation timing of the sequence data 38 (corresponding to each object 42) with the actual pushing operation timing. In addition, the result of such comparison may be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria. For example, as such an evaluation standard, an evaluation range set in a predetermined time range before and after the operation time of the comparison target (operation time of the sequence data 38) may be used. Further, in such an evaluation range, a plurality of levels may be set for each predetermined period centering on the operation time. Then, the evaluation result of the pushing operation of the user may be determined according to which of those multiple levels belongs.

Further, such evaluation criteria may change depending on the type of playing action. Specifically, for example, different evaluation criteria may be used for the pushing operation corresponding to the normal object 42A and the glissando operation for the special object 42B. That is, the act of playing the normal object 42A and the act of playing the special object 42B may be evaluated based on different evaluation criteria. Specifically, for example, as such separate evaluation criteria, a normal evaluation standard may be used for the play action on the normal object 42A, and a relaxation standard may be used for the play action on the special object 42B. The mitigation standard is an evaluation standard in which the usual evaluation standard is relaxed. That is, for example, in the glissando operation, the evaluation criteria may be relaxed as compared with the pushing operation. The glissando operation may be exceptionally evaluated more slowly (sweeter) than the normal pushing operation. Specifically, for example, a normal evaluation range may be used as a normal evaluation standard, and a special evaluation range may be used as a relaxation standard. Then, the special evaluation range may be expanded as compared with the normal evaluation range, for example.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a normal evaluation range used for evaluating a pushing operation into the normal object 42A. As shown in FIG. 5, the normal evaluation range may be set in a predetermined time range before and after the operation time, for example. Then, in the normal evaluation range, any of levels A to C may be set for each predetermined period (for example, one frame). Specifically, for example, level A may be set in a period including the operation period, level B may be set in a predetermined period before and after that, and level C may be set in a predetermined period before and after level B. .. Then, higher evaluation results may be set in the order of levels A to C.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a special evaluation range used for evaluating the glissando operation on the special object 42B. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the special evaluation range may include a normal evaluation range and an additional (relaxed) range. That is, the special evaluation range may be set so that an additional range is added to the normal evaluation range. In the example of FIG. 6, the special evaluation range includes an additional range corresponding to level C in addition to the normal evaluation range. That is, the special evaluation range is expanded in the level C range as compared with the normal evaluation range. As a result, in the special evaluation range, the judgment range of the level C is wider than the normal evaluation range, and it is easy to obtain the judgment of the level C. In other words, the evaluation criteria for the special evaluation range are relaxed by the amount of the expanded additional range. The special evaluation range may be configured in this way, for example. Then, the pushing operation and the glissando operation may be evaluated by different evaluation criteria through such a special evaluation range and a normal evaluation range. In this case, the normal evaluation range and the special evaluation range function as the evaluation range and the extended evaluation range of the present invention, respectively.

The special evaluation range is not limited to the expansion of the evaluation range as described above. For example, in the special evaluation range, the level set in each predetermined period may change as compared with the normal evaluation range. Specifically, for example, the special evaluation range may be set so that an early predetermined period set as level C in the normal evaluation range changes to level B. Further, for example, a change to the special evaluation range such as addition of an additional range, that is, a change in the evaluation standard may be guided to the user through the game screen 40. For example, such guidance may be performed through the determination line 43. Specifically, for example, the display of the determination line 43 may be expanded to correspond to the additional range as the additional range is added. Alternatively, changes in each level may be guided through the determination line 43 through changes in color or the like.

Next, the details of the sequence data 38 will be described. As described above, the sequence data 38 is data for guiding the user to the execution time when an appropriate play action should be executed in the music game. Further, as described above, the sequence data 38 may include a plurality of types of execution times corresponding to a plurality of types of play actions (for example, a pushing operation and a glissando operation). Further, for example, when a plurality of songs are prepared, the contents of the sequence data 38 may be prepared for each song.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the sequence data 38. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the sequence data 38 may include information on ““ operation time ”,“ lane ”, and“ type ”, and each sequence data 38 may contain, for example, such information. May be configured as a set of records described so that they are associated with each other.

The "operation time" is information indicating an execution time in which an appropriate play action should be executed. As the "operation timing" information, for example, information on the operation timing in which the pushing operation or the glissando operation should be executed may be described. Further, the "lane" is information indicating the lane 41 in which the object 42 corresponding to the "operation time" should be displayed. As a result, the "lane" also functions as information instructing the key unit 9 to execute an appropriate pressing operation or the like. As the "lane" information, for example, information having a number indicating each lane 41 in order from the left may be used. The "type" is information indicating the type of the object 42 corresponding to the "operation time". As a result, the "type" also functions as information indicating an appropriate type of play action. As the "type" information, for example, information such as an alphabet indicating a normal object 42A or a special object 42B may be used. Further, for example, the "type" information indicating the special object 42B may be associated with the "operation time" corresponding to each of the series of normal objects 42A.

Next, the evaluation process will be described. The evaluation process is a process for evaluating the play behavior of each user. Further, for example, the evaluation process may be configured to change the evaluation criteria based on the relaxation conditions. Then, the relaxation condition may be satisfied by, for example, the operation time corresponding to the special object 42B. Specifically, in the evaluation process, for example, when the relaxation condition is not satisfied, each user's pushing operation is performed based on the normal evaluation standard, and when the relaxation condition is satisfied, the glissando operation is performed based on the relaxation standard. Each may be configured to be evaluated. Then, for example, the evaluation process may be realized by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM through the routine of FIG. More specifically, the routine of FIG. 8 may be executed through the game provider 37 of the control unit 30 as an example. In addition to this processing, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM and the control unit 20 of the center server 2 execute various well-known processing and the like independently or in cooperation with each other. However, their detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of an evaluation processing routine for realizing the evaluation processing. The example of FIG. 8 shows an example of the evaluation process when the evaluation criteria are properly used based on the relaxation conditions. For example, the routine of FIG. 8 may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle during the play of a music game.

When the routine of FIG. 8 is started, the game providing unit 37 first determines in step S11 whether or not the execution time (operation time) described in advance in the sequence data 38 has arrived (for example, the current time is the execution time). (Whether or not it matches) is determined. If the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the execution time of the sequence data 38 has not arrived, the game providing unit 37 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current routine.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S11 is a positive result, that is, when the execution time of the sequence data 38 has arrived, the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the play act is executed within a predetermined time based on the execution time. For example, as such a predetermined time, a range in which a fixed time (for example, a time range for two frames) is added to the above-mentioned evaluation range may be used. If the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the play action (for example, the pushing operation) is not executed within the predetermined time, the game providing unit 37 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current processing. To do.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S12 is a positive result, that is, if the play action is executed within a predetermined time, the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the playing action corresponds to an appropriate playing action. That is, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the actual playing action of the user is appropriate. This determination may be performed, for example, based on the "lane" information associated with the execution time arriving by the sequence data 38.

Specifically, first, the game providing unit 37 first determines whether or not the user's play action is executed for the corresponding key unit 9 via the information of the "lane" at the arrival operation time (execution time). It may be determined. Then, for example, when the game providing unit 37 is executed for the corresponding key unit 9 via the information of the "lane" at the operation time when the user's pressing operation arrives, an appropriate playing action and such a If it is not executed for the key unit 9, it may be determined as an inappropriate play action. If the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the actually executed play action corresponds to an inappropriate play action, the game providing unit 37 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S13 is a positive result, that is, if the actually executed play action corresponds to an appropriate play action, the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the game providing unit 37 acquires the deviation time (difference between these periods) between the actual execution time when the play action is actually executed and the execution time described in advance in the sequence data 38. To do.

In the following step S15, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the relaxation condition is satisfied. The relaxation condition is a condition for relaxing the comparison result between the time of the actual play action and the execution time of the sequence data 38, that is, the evaluation standard used for evaluating the deviation time acquired in step S14. That is, the relaxation condition is a condition for determining whether or not to relax the evaluation standard. For example, the relaxation condition is satisfied when the "operation time" of the evaluation target corresponds to the glissando operation instruction based on the information of the "type" of the sequence data 38, that is, when the evaluation target corresponds to the special object 42B. Good. Then, when the determination result is a negative result, that is, when the relaxation condition is not satisfied (for example, when the evaluation target is not the special object 42B), the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the game providing unit 37 evaluates the deviation time acquired in step S14 based on the usual evaluation criteria. For example, as such a normal evaluation standard, a normal evaluation range may be used as described above. That is, the game providing unit 37 may evaluate the current play action (for example, a single pushing operation) by using the normal evaluation range in step S16 and determining the level of the normal evaluation range to which the deviation time belongs. ..

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S15 is a positive result, that is, when the relaxation condition is satisfied (for example, when the evaluation target is the special object 42B), the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the game providing unit 37 evaluates the deviation time acquired in step S14 based on the relaxation criteria. For example, as such mitigation criteria, a special evaluation range may be used as described above. That is, the game providing unit 37 may evaluate the current play action (for example, glissando operation) by using the special evaluation range in step S17 and determining the level of the special evaluation range to which the deviation time belongs. Further, the game provider 37 may perform such an evaluation individually for each of the series of normal objects 42A, for example, when the special object 42B is formed by a series of normal objects 42A. That is, the game providing unit 37 may individually evaluate the operation time when each key unit 9 is actually pressed for each operation time corresponding to each normal object 42A forming the special object 42B.

In the following step S18, the game providing unit 37 causes the monitor MO to display the evaluation result of step S16 or step S17. That is, the game providing unit 37 notifies the user of the evaluation result of step S16 or step S17 through the display of the game screen 40. Further, when a series of normal objects 42A forming the special object 42B are individually evaluated, the game providing unit 37 may sequentially notify the evaluation results individually. Then, when the game providing unit 37 finishes the process of step S18, the game providing unit 37 ends the current routine.

The routine of FIG. 8 evaluates the actual play action for each execution time. Specifically, the type and execution time of the actual play action are evaluated based on the type and operation time of the play action indicated through the information of the "lane" and the "type" of the sequence data 38. That is, the presence or absence of the actual pushing operation and glissando operation is evaluated based on the type of playing action required by the sequence data 38. When such an operation is executed, the timing of the operation is evaluated based on the operation timing of the sequence data 38. Furthermore, evaluation criteria for evaluating the timing of such operations are used properly based on the relaxation conditions. More specifically, when a pushing operation is instructed, the usual evaluation criteria are used. On the other hand, when the glissando operation is instructed (in the case of playing on the special object 42B), the evaluation criteria are relaxed as compared with the single pushing operation (in the case of playing on the normal object 42A). Criteria are used.

As described above, according to this form, when the relaxation condition is satisfied, the evaluation standard for evaluating the play action is relaxed to the relaxation standard. In other words, the evaluation criteria are used properly according to the relaxation conditions. Specifically, for example, when a single pushing operation is required through the normal object 42A, the normal evaluation criteria are used. On the other hand, when a glissando operation is required through the special object 42B, a mitigation criterion that relaxes such a normal evaluation criterion is used. Since the glissando operation includes a plurality of pushing operations, it is generally more difficult than a single pushing operation. Further, since a large number of them are required in a short period of time, pressing into each key unit 9 is often executed earlier than the arrival of the operation time. As a result, it is likely to be even more difficult than simply performing multiple push operations. According to this form, the relaxation criteria can be used instead of the usual evaluation criteria when there is a possibility that the difficulty level will increase more than necessary. As a result, the difficulty level can be reduced through the mitigation criteria when there is such a possibility, for example, when the play action is continuously required for a predetermined period.

For example, when the evaluation range is relaxed as such an evaluation standard, that is, when the evaluation standard for the actual operation time is relaxed, the relaxation for the actual operation time is performed as compared with the case where there is no such relaxation. The difficulty level can be reduced. Specifically, for example, when a glissando operation is performed, a special evaluation range in which the normal evaluation range is expanded may be used. In this case, the deviation of the actual operation time can be allowed to be larger than the evaluation for the individual pushing operation. More specifically, for example, when the special evaluation range includes an additional range corresponding to level C in addition to the normal evaluation range, it is possible to allow a deviation in the actual operation time by the amount of this additional range. That is, since the permissible range of the actual operation time can be expanded, the difficulty level can be reduced as compared with the case where there is no such expansion. As a result, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in the difficulty level. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user motivation due to an unnecessary increase in difficulty. As a result, the fun of the game can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM functions as the condition determination means and the action evaluation means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. Further, the storage unit 31 of the game machine GM functions as the data storage means of the present invention by storing the sequence data 38.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and can be carried out in an appropriate form. For example, in the above-described form, the evaluation standard for the actual operation time is relaxed to the relaxation standard by changing the evaluation range. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, when the special object 42B is formed by a series of normal objects 42A and includes a plurality of operation periods, a predetermined number (for example, two) of the plurality of operation periods is grouped (aggregated) into a group. By evaluating the operation time in (set) units, the evaluation criteria for the actual operation time may be relaxed. Specifically, for example, two consecutive operation periods among a plurality of operation periods are grouped, and the evaluation result of the play action for the earlier operation period is set to two operations regardless of the evaluation result of the play action for the later operation period. The evaluation criteria may be relaxed by using it as an evaluation of the time. Alternatively, the evaluation result of the higher evaluation of these two operation periods may be used as the evaluation result of the group. Further, each operation time may be grouped so as to belong to a plurality of groups in a duplicated manner, for example. Specifically, the above-mentioned two operation timings may further belong to the earlier group and the latter to the later group, respectively. In other words, the later operation time of these two operation times functions in order as the earlier operation time of the later group (so that the two operation times are set in order, one by one). May be grouped. Further, such evaluation in group units may be performed, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, for example, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the evaluation result of the play action for a part of the operation time is a predetermined result (for example, level B) or more. Alternatively, it may be satisfied when the operation period in which the play action is executed and the operation period in which the play action is not executed are included.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a form in which the evaluation criteria for the actual operation time are relaxed. For example, the evaluation criteria for appropriate playing behavior may be relaxed to relaxation criteria. Specifically, for example, even when the first and last key units 9 to be operated in the glissando operation are deviated from the requested key unit 9 by one on the left and right, it may be evaluated as an appropriate play action. That is, the evaluation criteria for evaluating the appropriate key portion 9 may be relaxed to the relaxation criteria. Furthermore, the evaluation criteria for both the actual operation time and the appropriate play behavior may be relaxed. Similarly, the target of the relaxation standard is not limited to the glissando operation. In other words, the special object 42B may guide various special operations. For example, as such an operation, a repetitive operation of repeatedly executing a pressing operation on a single key unit 9 or a different key unit 9 may be adopted. Further, the input device is not limited to the keyboard type shape. For example, an input device imitating a guitar or an input device imitating various percussion instruments such as a drum may be used as the input device of the present invention. Then, various operations (operations) such as an operation (operation) of hitting a drum or the like input through such an input device may be guided by the special object 42B.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine GM of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network by using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game machine GM functions as a condition determination means and an action evaluation means of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 may function as a condition determination means and an action evaluation means. Alternatively, the game machine GM and the center server 2 may function to share these.

An example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described below. In the following description, reference numerals of the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

The game system of the present invention guides each execution time based on the sequence data (38) in which each execution time to execute the play action is described in advance, and when the play action is executed, the sequence data. A game system (1) that provides a timing game that evaluates at least the play action by evaluating the actual execution time of the play action based on the evaluation criteria using each execution time of the above. The condition determination means (30) for determining whether or not each execution time of the sequence data satisfies the relaxation conditions for relaxation, and if the relaxation conditions are not satisfied, the play action is evaluated based on the evaluation criteria. On the other hand, when the relaxation condition is satisfied, the action evaluation means (30) for evaluating the play action based on the relaxation standard in which the evaluation standard is relaxed is provided.

According to the present invention, when the relaxation condition is satisfied, the evaluation standard for evaluating the playing action is relaxed to the relaxation standard. In other words, the evaluation criteria are used properly according to the relaxation conditions. Therefore, for example, when the difficulty level may increase more than necessary, the relaxation standard can be used instead of the usual evaluation standard. In other words, in such a case, the difficulty level can be reduced through the mitigation criteria. As a result, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in the difficulty level. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the motivation of the user due to an unnecessary increase in the difficulty level. As a result, the fun of the game can be improved.

The evaluation criteria may be relaxed to mitigation criteria in various ways. For example, in the relaxation criteria, the evaluation criteria for the playing act itself may be relaxed. Specifically, for example, when it is required to execute an appropriate play action among a plurality of types of play actions, the criteria for determining the appropriate play action may be relaxed. On the other hand, for example, in the relaxation criteria, the evaluation criteria for the actual execution time of the play act may be relaxed. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the action evaluation means compares the actual execution time with the execution time of the sequence data corresponding to the actual execution time, and the execution time and the actual execution time. The play action may be evaluated by evaluating the comparison result with the execution time based on the evaluation standard or the relaxation standard. In this case, the evaluation criteria for the actual execution time of the play act are relaxed. As a result, the difficulty level can be reduced as compared with the case without such relaxation through the relaxation of the evaluation for the actual execution time. As a result, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in the difficulty level.

In addition, relaxation of the evaluation criteria with respect to the actual execution time may be realized in various aspects. For example, even if the actual execution time is the same, the evaluation result based on the mitigation standard may be relaxed so as to be higher than the evaluation result based on the normal evaluation standard. Further, for example, in an embodiment in which the evaluation criteria for the actual execution time of the present invention are relaxed, the action evaluation means corresponds to the evaluation criteria and a predetermined time range including the execution time as the relaxation criteria. (Normal evaluation range) and expanded evaluation range (special evaluation range) in which the evaluation range is expanded so as to be wider than the predetermined time range are used, respectively, depending on whether or not the relaxation conditions are satisfied. The play action may be evaluated by evaluating the actual execution time using the evaluation range or the expanded evaluation range. In this case, the deviation of the actual execution time can be tolerated more than when the mitigation condition is not satisfied. That is, since the permissible range of the actual execution time can be expanded, the difficulty level can be reduced as compared with the case where there is no such expansion. As a result, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in the difficulty level.

The mitigation conditions may be met, for example, in various cases where an unnecessary increase in difficulty is expected. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when the sequence data includes a special execution time (42B) corresponding to a plurality of play actions that are continuously executed as the play action. In addition, it is determined that the special execution time satisfies the relaxation condition, and the action evaluation means may evaluate the plurality of play actions corresponding to the special execution time based on the relaxation criteria.

For example, a plurality of playing actions may be requested as one playing action as a whole, or may be requested as a set of individual playing actions. Therefore, the plurality of play actions may correspond to one execution time as one play action as a whole, or may correspond to a plurality of execution times as a set of individual play actions. Therefore, the multiple play actions may be guided by, for example, one object, or may be guided by a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of execution times. That is, for example, in an embodiment in which the special execution time of the present invention satisfies the relaxation condition, the special execution time may include a plurality of execution times corresponding to the plurality of play actions.

Similarly, a plurality of playing actions may be evaluated as one playing action as a whole, or may be evaluated individually as a set of individual playing actions. For example, in an embodiment in which the special execution time of the present invention includes a plurality of execution times, the action evaluation means individually evaluates the plurality of play actions corresponding to the plurality of execution times based on the relaxation criteria. You may.

Further, in an embodiment in which the special execution time of the present invention includes a plurality of execution times, the plurality of execution times are configured by each execution time in which the interval between them is shorter than the predetermined interval by being continuous in a predetermined period. May be good. In this case, it is possible to reduce the difficulty level of the play action that is continuously required for a predetermined period.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to allow a computer connected to the data storage means (11) for storing the sequence data to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system. By executing the computer program of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Game system 30 Control unit (computer, condition discrimination means, action evaluation means)
31 Storage unit (data storage device)
38 Sequence data GM game machine

Claims (1)

Each execution time to execute the play action is guided based on the sequence data described in advance, and when the play action is executed, it is used as an evaluation standard using each execution time of the sequence data. A game system that provides a timing game that at least evaluates the play action by evaluating the actual execution time of the play action based on the above.
Conditional determination means for determining whether or not each execution time of the sequence data satisfies the relaxation conditions for relaxing the evaluation criteria, and
If the relaxation condition is not satisfied, the play action is evaluated based on the evaluation criteria, while if the relaxation condition is satisfied, the play action is evaluated based on the relaxation criteria in which the evaluation criteria are relaxed. Act evaluation means to do,
A game system equipped with.

Images