JP2021062076A - Computer system, server system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To further enhance a player's interest in a game involving changes in characteristics, with regard to a game in which the characteristic of a second character in the game progress relative to a first character changes at least between a first characteristic and a second characteristic.SOLUTION: A characteristic change area 20a is set for a Pac-Man 3a that has eaten a power cookie 14. The characteristic of a Ghost 8 positioned in the area is changed and the Ghost is made weaker relative to the Pac-Man 3, so that a situation advantageous for a player is temporarily created. A propagation range 25 is also set for the Pac-Man 3a that has eaten the power cookie 14. Another Pac-Man 3b that is positioned in the propagation range 25 is, if the value of a parameter set for it satisfies a prescribed standard, considered to satisfy a propagation condition. As a result, a characteristic change area 20 is subsidiarily set for the Pac-Man 3b even if it has not eaten a power cookie 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system or the like that controls the execution of a multiplayer game.

One of the factors that enhances the interest of a video game is to change the game progress characteristics of the second character with respect to the first character.

In the game with the game title "Pac-Man (registered trademark)", at the start of the game, the ghost (second character) is set to the first property of being a one-sided attacker with respect to the Pac-Man (first character) operated by the player. ing. When Pac-Man comes into contact with the ghost, Pac-Man disappears and the player loses one player character. However, when Pac-Man acquires the item "Power Cookie" placed in the game space (expressed as eating in the game), the character of the ghost is changed to the second property. That is, the nature of the ghost changes from a one-sided attacker (or superior side) to a one-sided attacked person (or inferior side). When Pac-Man comes into contact with the ghost changed to the second property, the ghost can be extinguished and the game points set for the ghost can be obtained. It can be said that the change in properties will change the position and role of the ghost in the game with respect to Pac-Man.

JP-A-2017-6566 JP-A-2019-62999

The meaning of "property" here is relative to other beings appearing in the game, and is determined according to the game rules, the content of the game, and the like. For example, like that of Pac-Man, the positions and roles of "attacker / attacker", "predator / prey", "tracker / fugitive", and "attacker / defensive side", and the reversal of superiority and inferiority are the characteristics. This is an example of the change in. Further, for example, in a romance simulation game, changes in the character's behavior and actions with respect to the player character of the character to be romance, that is, so-called "tsundere" changes, also correspond to changes in properties. Also, for example, in the case of an action game, a change in the superiority or inferiority of the attribute of the player character and the attribute of the enemy character, a change in the relative relationship of the amount of abilities given to the character, a change in the state of the character, etc. Can be said to be a change in properties.

Of course, the example of including the change in the property in the game element is not limited to "Pac-Man". For example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the control of changing the property of another object within a predetermined range from a certain object is performed. An example is disclosed.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to further enhance the interest of the game related to the change of the property in the game in which the game progress property of the second character with respect to the first character changes at least between the first property and the second property. ,.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system that controls the execution of a multiplayer game in which each player operates and plays a player character in a game space in which an enemy character is arranged.
The game activates the properties of a given activation player character (eg, Pac-Man 3a in FIG. 4) and / or the properties of the enemy character (eg, Ghost 8 in FIG. 4) with respect to the enemy character. It is a game that temporarily changes the player character to an advantageous situation that is more advantageous in the progress of the game.
Activation control means (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, game management unit 210, activation control unit 212, in which a first player character satisfying a given activation condition is used as the activation player character, Steps S20 to S24 in FIG. 18 and step S50 in FIG. 19)
Propagation activation control means (for example, control board 1150 of FIG. 1) in which a second player character satisfying a given propagation condition based on a positional relationship with the first player character satisfying the activation condition is the activation player character. 10 server processing units 200s, game management units 210, propagation activation control units 222, steps S30 to S44 in FIG. 18),
Is a computer system, equipped with.

According to the first invention, the change to an advantageous situation in which the player character is more advantageous in the progress of the game than the enemy character is propagated by the positional relationship between the activated player character satisfying the activation condition and the character concerned. It can be executed for each of the second player characters satisfying. Therefore, in a game in which the game progress property of the second character with respect to the first character changes at least between the first property and the second property, the interest of the game related to the change in the property is further enhanced.

In the second invention, the propagation condition is (1) that the distance between the first player character and the second player character is equal to or less than a given short-distance condition (for example, within the propagation range 25 of FIG. 6). The computer system of the first invention, which comprises either (locating) or (2) contacting the first player character with the second player character.

According to the second invention, the propagation is executed either when the first player character and the second player character are close to each other or when they come into contact with each other. In other words, the interest of the game can be enhanced by setting appropriate restrictions on the positional relationship.

In the third invention, the propagation condition satisfies (a) the first propagation permission condition based on the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set for the first player character, or (b) the first player character. The first or second invention includes that the difference between the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set in is satisfied with the second propagation permission condition by the difference between the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set in the second player character and the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set in the second player character. Computer system.

According to the third invention, the propagation conditions can include the propagation permission conditions for the parameters set in the player characters (first player character, second player character) involved in propagation. By appropriately setting the propagation permission conditions, it is possible to adjust the difficulty level of the game and improve the fun of the game.

In the fourth invention, the activation control means terminates the first advantageous situation in which the first player character is the activation player character with the lapse of the first time limit, and the propagation activation control means , The second advantageous situation in which the second player character is used as the activation player character is terminated with the lapse of the second time limit (for example, step S90 in FIG. 19), any one of the first to third. The computer system of the invention.

According to the fourth invention, the first and second advantageous situations can be set only for a limited time, and the difficulty level of the game can be adjusted or the game can be enhanced by appropriately setting the time limit. it can.

For example, as a fifth invention, the propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the positional relationship between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied. (For example, step S42 in FIG. 18), the computer system of the fourth invention can be configured.

According to the fifth invention, for example, the second time limit can be set according to the relative positional relationship between the first player character and the second player character. For example, if the second time limit is set shorter in the order of front, left, right, and rear with respect to the traveling direction of the first player character, it is possible to produce an effect as if the propagation is directional. Become. As a player, you can enjoy the tactical elements of co-op play, such as manipulating the characters while grasping each other's playing status of each other's positional relationship in order to advance the game advantageously using propagation. Will be.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the distance between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied. The computer system according to 4 or 5.

According to the sixth invention, for example, if the second time limit is set so that the closer the distance between the first player character and the second player character is, the longer the time limit is, and the farther the distance is, the shorter the time limit is. It is possible to produce as if it is attenuated according to the distance. For players, in order to use propagation to advance the game in an advantageous way, they can enjoy the tactical elements of cooperative play, such as manipulating the characters while grasping the sense of distance between each other's player characters. Become.

The seventh invention is any of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set in the first player character. The computer system of the invention.

According to the seventh invention, the second time limit can be set according to the situation / state of the first player character (the origin character of the propagation activation) represented by the parameter value. The second time limit can be set to various lengths. Therefore, the interest of the game can be further improved.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the number of the second player characters satisfying the propagation condition. A computer system.

According to the eighth invention, the second time limit can be set based on the number of second player characters satisfying the propagation condition. Therefore, it is possible to increase the diversity of the second time limit, prevent the game from becoming a rut, and enhance the interest of the game.

In the ninth invention, the propagation activation control means changes the properties of the second player character and / or the properties of the enemy character according to the second advantageous situation in which the second player character is the activation player character. Propagation content setting means (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, game management unit 210, propagation content setting unit 224, FIG. 18 is a computer system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, which has step S42) of FIG.

According to the ninth invention, it is possible to set the content of the property change of the second player character and the content of the property change of the enemy character related to the second advantageous situation. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the contents of the advantageous situation and improve the interest of the game.

In the tenth invention, the propagation content setting means has a positional relationship between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied (for example, relative to the function fj in FIG. 9 as a variable). The computer system of the ninth invention, which sets the propagation content based on the distance Lf and the coefficient kh).

According to the tenth invention, the influence of propagation can be produced so as to change according to the positional relationship from the propagation source (first player character) to the influence destination (second player character), so that the interest of the game is improved. it can.

In the eleventh invention, the distance between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation content setting means satisfies the propagation condition (for example, the relative distance as a variable of the function fj in FIG. 9). The computer system of the ninth or tenth invention, which sets the propagation content based on Lf).

According to the eleventh invention, the influence of propagation can be produced so as to change according to the relative distance from the propagation source (first player character) to the influence destination (second player character), so that the interest of the game is improved. it can.

In the twelfth invention, the propagation content setting means is based on the parameter value of a predetermined parameter set in the first player character (for example, the character level L1 as a variable of the function fj in FIG. 9). The computer system according to any one of the ninth to eleventh inventions.

According to the twelfth invention, since the influence of propagation can be produced so as to change according to the state of the propagation source (first player character), the interest of the game can be improved.

In the thirteenth invention, the propagation content setting means propagates based on the number of the second player characters satisfying the propagation conditions (for example, the number of propagation characters Nd as a variable of the function fj in FIG. 9). A computer system according to any one of the ninth to twelfth inventions, which sets the contents.

According to the thirteenth invention, the influence of propagation can be produced so as to change with the number of second player characters satisfying the propagation condition, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

In the fourteenth invention, the propagation content setting means sets the propagation content based on the number of enemy characters (for example, the remaining number of ghosts Ng as a variable of the function fj in FIG. 9). A computer system according to any one of the thirteenth inventions.

According to the fourteenth invention, since the influence of propagation can be produced so as to change with the number of enemy characters, the interest of the game can be improved.

In the fifteenth invention, the advantageous situation is such that at least the activated player character has a faster moving speed than the enemy character (for example, an example of explaining the property change in FIG. 4, the amount of decrease D1 in FIG. 9). The computer system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, comprising changing the property of the player character and / or the property of the enemy character.

According to the fifteenth invention, it is possible to make an advantageous situation by allowing the activated player character to move faster than the enemy character.

A first aspect of the present invention includes at least that the activation condition is that the first player character has acquired a given item (for example, the power cookie 14 in FIG. 3) arranged in the game space. A computer system according to any one of the fifteenth inventions.

According to the sixteenth invention, the activation conditions can be intuitively understood and visually easy to understand.

The seventeenth invention constitutes the connection group with a connection control means (for example, the connection control unit 226 of FIG. 23) in which a plurality of player characters satisfying a given connection condition among the player characters are integrated into a connection group. An operation right setting means (for example, the operation right setting unit 228 in FIG. 23) for setting the operation right of the connection group is provided in any of the characters to be connected.
The propagation condition is a computer system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, including that the first player character and the second player character are included in the same connection group.

According to the seventeenth invention, a plurality of player characters are integrally connected to form a connected group, and the connected group can act as one character. Then, by being included in the same connection group as the first player character and the second player character, it is possible to control so that propagation occurs. Then, not only a part of the connected group (first player character) is regarded as the activated player character, but the other part of the connected group (second player character) can also be regarded as the activated player character. By appropriately setting the relative distance and relative positional relationship under the propagation conditions, the entire connected group will be treated as the activated player character. Therefore, it is possible to match the situation in which a plurality of player characters can act as one connected group character with the setting of an advantageous situation.

An eighteenth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, which is a server system that communicates with a player terminal of each player to control execution of the game.

According to the eighteenth invention, it is possible to realize a server system capable of obtaining the same effects as those of the first to seventeenth inventions.

A nineteenth invention is a program for causing a computer system to control the execution of a multiplayer game in which each player operates and plays a player character in a game space in which an enemy character is arranged. It is a game in which the properties of a given activation player character and / or the properties of the enemy character are temporarily changed to an advantageous situation in which the activation player character is more advantageous in the progress of the game than the enemy character. , The activation control means in which the first player character satisfying the given activation condition is the activation player character, and the second player satisfying the given propagation condition based on the positional relationship with the first player character satisfying the activation condition. A program for operating the computer system as a propagation activation control means for the activation player character as the player character.

According to the nineteenth invention, it is possible to realize a program that brings the same effect to the computer system as the first invention.

The figure which shows an example of the structure of a game system. The front view which shows the configuration example of a player terminal. The figure for explaining the content of the game content. The figure for demonstrating the setting of the property change area and the change of the property of a ghost. The figure for demonstrating the return time set for each ghost changed to the 2nd property. The figure (Zo 1) for explaining the propagation of the property change area. The figure (Zo 2) for explaining the propagation of the property change area. The figure for demonstrating the setting of the release elapsed time of the property change area set in the propagating character. The figure for demonstrating the difference between the content of the 1st weakening and the content of the 2nd weakening. A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server storage part stores. The figure which shows the data structure example of the play data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the ghost management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of Pac-Man management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the property change area management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the propagation range management data. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the functional configuration of a player terminal. A flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system. The flowchart which continues from FIG. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the property change process. A flowchart for explaining the flow of the return process. The functional block diagram which shows the functional structure example of the player terminal in 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the functional configuration example of the server system in the modification based on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the setting of the connection group (the 1). The figure (2) for demonstrating the setting of the connection group. The figure (3) for demonstrating the setting of the connection group.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described, but it goes without saying that the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. The game system 1000 of the present embodiment is a computer system including a server system 1100 capable of mutual data communication by connecting to a network 9 and a plurality of player terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...), And is a game content (or game content (or). It is a content providing system that provides (also called a game application).

The network 9 means a communication path through which data communication is possible. That is, the network 9 includes a telephone communication network, a cable network, a communication network such as the Internet, as well as a LAN (Local Area Network) using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and Ethernet (registered trademark). In addition, the communication method may be wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 has a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and the main body device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and communication device 1153. Has been done. A part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

Then, in the server system 1100, the control board 1150 performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data, thereby (1) a user management function related to user registration and the like, and (2) a player 2 (2a, 2a, which is a registered user. A game management function in which 2b, ...) provides data necessary for playing a game on a player terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) And manages game execution control on the player terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...). And (3) an online shopping function that sells various items that can be used in the game to users online. That is, the game in this embodiment is realized as a kind of client-server type online game.

Although the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, it may be configured such that a plurality of blade servers sharing each function are mounted and connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Alternatively, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations perform data communication via the network 9 to function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

The player terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Is a computer system individually used by the registered user player 2 (2a, 2b, ...) For game play, and is connected to the server system 1100 via the network 9. It is an electronic device (electronic device) that can be accessed and played online games. Functionally speaking, it is both a game device and a game controller. The player terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device called a so-called smartphone as hardware, but is a portable game device, a game controller, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a home game device, a business game device, and the like. But it may be. In the case of a home-use game device, if a plurality of game controllers can be connected and used in one main body, a plurality of players may play on one player terminal 1500.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the player terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment.
The player terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, and a control board. It includes a 1550 and a memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown) are provided. Further, an IC card reader or the like capable of reading and writing data in a non-contact manner with respect to an IC card type credit card or a prepaid card capable of paying for game play may be provided.

The control board 1550 wirelessly communicates with various microprocessors such as CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a mobile phone base station or wireless LAN base station connected to the network 9. It is equipped with a communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, and the like.

The interface circuit 1557 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. A circuit for generating an audio signal to be generated, a circuit for inputting image data of an image taken by the camera 1520, a signal input / output circuit for a memory card reader 1542, and the like are included.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be composed of ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. Then, the control board 1550 stores the program and various data for realizing the function as the player terminal of the game of the present embodiment in the IC memory 1552.

In the present embodiment, the player terminal 1500 is configured to download the client program and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may be configured to be read from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the game content (hereinafter, simply referred to as a game) provided by the game system 1000.
The game of this embodiment is an online multiplayer game, and some of the rules are substantially the same as the game title "Pac-Man". That is, the players 2 (2a, 2b, ...) Operate the player characters Pac-Man 3 (3a, 3b, ...), And cooperate while passing through the pursuit of the enemy NPC (non-player character) Ghost 8. It is a game that clears the stage.

A normal cookie 12 and a power cookie 14 are arranged in the game space 10 in which a maze-shaped passage is formed.
Ordinary cookie 12 (small dot-shaped white circle in FIG. 3) is a standard item and is set to be edible by Pac-Man 3, and a predetermined first score (for example, 1 point) is set for each. Has been done. When Pac-Man 3 comes into contact with the ordinary cookie 12, the ordinary cookie 12 is considered to have been acquired by the Pac-Man and disappears from the game screen. As a result, it appears to the player as if Pac-Man 3 ate the normal cookie 12. Then, the score for the acquired ordinary cookie 12 is counted as the game points (acquired points) of the player of the Pac-Man.

The power cookie 14 (large white circle in FIG. 3: also called power food) is a special item and is set to be edible by Pac-Man 3 like the ordinary cookie 12, but its appearance is different from that of the ordinary cookie 12. There is. Then, the number of power cookies 14 is set in the game space 10 to be smaller than that of the normal cookie 12. The power cookie 14 also disappears when the Pac-Man 3 comes into contact with it, is considered to have been acquired by the Pac-Man, and disappears from the game screen. To the player, it looks as if Pac-Man 3 ate the power cookie 14. Then, a second score (for example, 10 points) larger than the first score is set for each power cookie 14, and the score for the acquired power cookie 14 is counted as a player's game point. ..

If the scores of all players reach the clear target value within the time limit, the game stage is considered to be clear and the next game stage can be played. Competition based on game points between players as the game stage progresses is also one of the pleasures of the game.

Ghost 8 is an NPC (non-player character) with at least two properties that can be switched. A plurality of types of ghosts 8 having different behavior patterns and abilities are prepared. For example, a randomly selected type of ghost 8 appears in the game space 10. Then, each type of ghost 8 is set to any of the first property and the second property.

At the beginning of the game, the ghost 8 is set to the first property.
The ghost 8 set in the first property plays a role as an attacker / predator who pursues and attacks Pac-Man 3. According to the game rules, he is in a dominant position to attack Pac-Man 3 unilaterally. Specifically, the ghost 8 of the first property is set to have the same or higher movement force as the movement force of the Pac-Man 3, and the ghost 8 of the first property causes the Pac-Man 3 only by contacting the Pac-Man 3. It can be extinguished. Paradoxically, Pac-Man 3 is in the position of an attacked person who is unilaterally attacked by Ghost 8 of the first property according to the game rules, and Pac-Man 3 attacks Ghost 8 set in the first property. Can not. Incidentally, the extinguished Pac-Man 3 is respawned after a predetermined time elapses after the extinction.

Then, when the given property change condition is satisfied, the ghost 8 is changed from the first property to the second property.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the property change area and the property change of the ghost 8. When Pac-Man 3a eats the power cookie 14, the server system 1100 considers the Pac-Man to be an "invoking player character" that meets a given activation condition. Then, a "property change area" is set in the game space 10 in association with the activated player character. The Pac-Man 3 that became the setting origin of the property change area 20 by eating the power cookie 14 and becoming the activated player character is also referred to as the "origin character" hereafter.

The property change area 20 is a finite range set to a given relative position with reference to the position of the activated player character in the game space 10 at that time, and is displayed on the game screen. For example, the boundaries within the area are displayed, or the color scheme within the area is changed. The property change area 20 may be displayed at all times while the property change area is set (valid), or may be temporarily displayed only at the beginning of the setting.

The size of the property change area 20 is smaller than that of the entire game space 10. In other words, the property change area 20 is a local range set in association with the activated player character as the origin. Then, the property change area 20 is automatically controlled so as to follow and move along with the Pac-Man 3 for which the area setting has been made, from the setting until the given release elapsed time elapses and disappears.

Then, the release elapsed time display 22 of the property change area 20 is attached and displayed on the property change area 20 or the Pac-Man 3 in which the area is set. In the example of FIG. 4, the release elapsed time display 22 is displayed as an arc-shaped strip on the outer edge of the property change area 20. The release elapsed time display 22 starts at a position above (directly above the game screen) of Pac-Man 3 in which the area is set, and the arc length gradually shortens clockwise with the passage of time, and the property change area. The display is controlled so that the arc length becomes "0" and disappears when the elapsed release time elapses from the setting of 20. Then, when the elapsed release time elapses, the property change area 20 is also deleted from the game screen.

The "release elapsed time" may be a fixed value, or a different time may be set for each property change area 20. In the latter case, for example, the ability parameter value of Pac-Man 3 whose area is set, the character level value (the higher the value, the higher the ability), the score obtained by the player who uses the Pac-Man, and the score from the start of the game. It is preferable to determine based on the parameter value representing the game situation such as the elapsed time. The relationship between the parameter value and the calculated release elapsed time may be set to a positive relationship (a relationship in which the time length becomes longer as the parameter value is larger), or conversely, a negative relationship is set. You may.
Further, the movement control for following and accompanying the property change area 20 to the Pac-Man 3 whose area has been set may be a delay type control in which the movement of the Pac-Man 3 is slightly delayed.

By the way, when the ghost 8 (enemy character) set to the first property is located in the property change area 20, the ghost is considered to satisfy the given property change condition, and from the first property to the second property. The properties are changed.

The display form of the ghost 8 changed to the second property is changed in the game screen, and the position / role of the ghost 8 with respect to the Pac-Man 3 is reversed from that when the first property is set. That is, the ghost 8 changed to the second property reverses from the position as an attacker attacking Pac-Man 3 to the position as an attacked person attacked by Pac-Man 3.

Specifically, the ability of the ghost 8 is reduced by changing to the second property as compared with the case where the ghost 8 is set to the first property. For example, the moving power of the ghost 8 of the second property is changed to be lower than the moving power of the Pac-Man 3. Depending on the type of ghost, there may be a ghost 8 that greatly reduces the movement power, and a ghost 8 that does not decrease so much.

Ghost 8 of the second property disappears only by contacting Pac-Man 3. You cannot attack Pac-Man 3 from Ghost 8 of the second property. From the viewpoint of the game rules, Pac-Man 3 is in an advantageous position to be able to unilaterally attack Ghost 8 of the second property. Then, when the Pac-Man 3 comes into contact with the ghost 8 having the second property, the player who operates the Pac-Man is given a third score (for example, 100 points) higher than that of the power cookie 14.

In other words, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of the ghost 8 (enemy character) and Pac-Man 3 in the progress of the game, the ghost 8 has entered the property change area 20 and has been changed to the second property. This means that Pac-Man 3 has temporarily changed to an advantageous situation that is advantageous in terms of game progress.

The advantageous situation realized by changing to the second property is temporary.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the return time Tg set for each ghost 8 changed to the second property. A return time Tg is individually set for the ghost 8 whose properties are changed with the change to the second property. Then, the ghost 8 whose return time Tg has passed after being changed to the second property is changed / restored from the second property to the first property. That is, the return time Tg is an effective time limit for the advantageous situation realized by changing to the second property.

The return time Tg is determined by the sum of the initial time T1 and the extension time T2.
The initial time T1 is calculated by a predetermined function f1. As the variable of the function f1, information indicating the position when the ghost is first detected in the property change area 20 can be used. More specifically, for example, a distance Lg from the center point or representative point of the property change area 20 to the ghost 8, a value indicating a preset area portion (for example, inside / outside), or the like can be used. .. The function f1 has a negative relationship with the distance Lg, and basically has a relationship that the larger the value of the variable, the smaller the value.

Further, as the variable of the function f1, the parameter value set in the ghost can be used. Specifically, for example, the attribute value Z indicating the type and attribute of the ghost, the number of changes Nc which is the total number of changes from the first property to the second property, and the character level value (numerical value) of the ghost. The higher the ability, the higher the ability), the value of the ability parameter, and the like can also be used as appropriate. The function f1 is set to have a negative relationship with the number of changes Nc and the character level value of the ghost 8. Therefore, Ghost 8 whose properties have been changed many times and Ghost 8 whose character level value is high (Ghost 8 with high ability) are easy to wake up from the state where their properties have changed. In other words, the property change area. It can be produced so as not to be influenced by 20.

The extension time T2 is calculated by a function f2 whose variables are the stay time t, which is the cumulative time in which the ghost 8 is continuously located in the property change area 20, the parameter value set for the ghost, and the like. .. The function f2 is set to have a positive relationship with the staying time t. However, if the staying time t is "0", the extension time T2 is set to "0". Therefore, even if the ghost 8 changed to the second property escapes from the Pac-Man 3 in which the property change area 20 is set, if the player operates well and keeps capturing the escaping ghost 8 in the area, the staying time t is increased and the ghost can be left changed to the second property for a long time.

On the other hand, the function f2 is set to have a negative relationship with respect to the distance Lg and the number of changes Nc. Since the relationship is the opposite of the staying time t, whether to set the function f2 with an emphasis on the relationship with the staying time t or to emphasize the relationship with the distance Lg and the number of changes Nc is appropriate in consideration of the game balance. It shall be decided.

The initial value (initial time T1) of the return time Tg is determined at the timing when the property of the ghost 8 is changed to the second property, and the countdown starts. At the stage of determining the initial value of the return time Tg, the stay time t is "0", so the extension time T2 is also "0". However, in the case where the player operates well and keeps catching the ghost 8 that escapes in the area, the extension time T2 continues to increase as the staying time t increases, so that the return time Tg is counted down indefinitely. Instead, the ghost 8 will be maintained in its second property.

The return time monitor display 17 accompanying the ghost 8 in the second property may be continuously or intermittently displayed to notify the player of the return time Tg of the ghost.

By the way, the property change area 20 propagates from the Pac-Man 3 in which the area is set to another. Specifically, the second player character different from the first player character (origin character) regarded as the activated player character by eating the power cookie 14 does not eat the power cookie 14. If both conditions are satisfied, it is regarded as a secondary activation player character, and the property change area 20 is secondaryly set for the character.

The target of propagation is a companion of the origin character, that is, another Pac-Man 3, and the Pac-Man 3 to which the property change area 20 is not set and is not attached.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the propagation of the property change area 20. To be the target of propagation, a given "propagation condition" must be met. The content of the "propagation condition" can be set as appropriate, but in the present embodiment, the first propagation condition and the second propagation condition are included. The propagation condition of the present embodiment is an AND condition between the first propagation condition and the second propagation condition, but an OR condition can also be used. Of course, it is possible to configure only one of them.

The first propagation condition is a condition regarding the relative positional relationship between the origin character (Pac-Man 3a in the example of FIG. 6) and another character (Pac-Man 3b in the example of FIG. 6) that is a candidate for the propagation target. Specifically, another character that is a candidate for propagation target is located within the propagation range 25 having a radius Rd centered on the origin character. In other words, satisfying a given short range condition.

The radius Rd of the propagation range 25 is, for example, a single or multiple control parameter values (eg, character type, character level value, number of acquired cookies, acquired game points, number of respawns, etc.) set for the origin character. Etc.) with a predetermined function fr as a variable. Specifically, the function fr determines the radius Rd so as to have a positive relationship with the character level, the number of acquired cookies, and the acquired game points. It is also determined to have a negative relationship with the number of respawns.

The upper limit of the size of the radius Rd is smaller than the typical length indicating the size of the game space 10 (for example, diagonal length if the shape of the game space 10 is rectangular, radius if the shape is circular, etc.). , The lower limit can be "0". The first propagation condition when the radius Rd is "0" can be rephrased as "the origin character (first player character) and the propagation target character (second player character) come into contact with each other".

The second propagation condition is a condition for another character that is a candidate for propagation target, and is a condition for a parameter value of a single or a plurality of control parameter meters set for the other character.

Specifically, for example, the second propagation condition is set to the origin character (first player character) as described as "the character level value is (or less than or equal to) the predetermined reference value". It is possible that the character (second player character) that is a candidate for the propagation target satisfies the first propagation permission condition based on the parameter value of the predetermined parameter. Further, for example, the second propagation condition is set to the origin character (the difference between the character level value and the origin character is less than or equal to the predetermined reference value) and "the difference between the movement ability values is less than or equal to the predetermined reference value". The difference between the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set in (1 player character) and the parameter value of the same predetermined parameter set in the character (second player character) as a candidate for propagation satisfies the second propagation permission condition. It can also be said.

Then, when the propagation condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 7, the property change area 20 propagates to another character (Pac-Man 3b) which is a candidate for the propagation target. That is, the other character is regarded as a secondary activation player character (hereinafter referred to as "propagation character"), and the property change area 20b is set in the same manner as the origin character. Therefore, if the ghost 8 is located in the property change area 20b set in the propagation character (Pac-Man 3b), the ghost has the first property to the second property even if it is a secondary property setting area. The properties are changed.

However, the setting of the release elapsed time of the property change area 20b set for the propagating character is determined based on the relationship with the origin character.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the release elapsed time of the property change area 20b set in the propagation character. The release elapsed time Tk of the property change area 20b set in the propagating character is determined by a predetermined function ft. The function ft can use various parameter values as variables that describe the relationship between the origin character and the propagating character, the state of the origin character, the state of the propagating character, and the state of the game space 10.

Specifically, it is as follows.
(1) When the relative distance Lf between the origin character and the propagating character is used as a variable, the release elapsed time Tk is determined by the function ft so as to have a negative relationship with the relative distance Lf.
(2) When the coefficient kh determined by the division of the relative orientation with the traveling direction of the origin character as "0 o'clock / 12 o'clock" is used as a variable, the release elapsed time Tk has a positive relationship with the coefficient kh. Is decided.
(3) When a parameter value (for example, character level value, acquired point P1, etc.) that becomes higher as the result is better among the control parameter values of the origin character is used as a variable, the release elapsed time Tk is set to the parameter value. It is determined to have a positive relationship with it.
(4) When a parameter value (for example, character level value, acquired point P2, etc.) that becomes higher as the result is better among the control parameter values of the propagated character is used as a variable, the release elapsed time Tk is set to the parameter value. It is determined to have a positive relationship with it.
(5) When the remaining number Ng of the ghost 8 remaining in the game space 10 is used as a variable, the release elapsed time Tk is determined to have a positive relationship with the parameter value.
(6) When the number Nd of propagating characters is used as a variable, the release elapsed time Tk is determined to have a positive relationship with the parameter value.

The type of variable of the function ft is not limited to these and can be set as appropriate. For example, the variable may be the remaining time of the release elapsed time of the property change area 20 of the origin character at that time, and may be determined by a predetermined multiple thereof. Of course, the positive / negative relationships illustrated in (1) to (5) can be set in reverse.

If the change to the second property based on the property change area 20 set for the origin character is the first weakening of the ghost 8 relative to Pac-Man 3, the property change area 20 set for the propagating character The change to the second property based on is the second weakening of Ghost 8. The content of the second weakening can be said to be "propagation content".

And the content of the first weakening and the content of the second weakening are different.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the content of the first weakening and the content of the second weakening. The content of the second weakening (propagation content: the second content that makes Pac-Man 3 an advantageous situation) is compared to the content of the first weakening (the first content that makes Pac-Man 3 an advantageous situation). , It is set so that the degree of weakening is relatively low. As a result, it is possible to produce an effect as if the effect of changing the properties is attenuated by propagation.

Specifically, when the value of a predetermined ability parameter (for example, movement force) is reduced as weakening, the reduction amount D2 due to the second weakening is a predetermined coefficient kj with respect to the reduction amount D1 due to the first weakening. Is determined by multiplying.

The coefficient kj is a value less than "1.0" and is determined by a predetermined function fj.
The function fj is
(1) Relative distance Lf and relative positional relationship between the origin character and the propagating character,
(2) Control parameter values set for the origin character (for example, character level values, acquired game points, ability parameter values such as movement power, types of items used or equipped, number of times erased, etc.) ,
(3) Control parameter values set for the propagating character,
(4) Value of a parameter that describes the progress of the game (for example, the elapsed time from the start of play, the number of cleared game stages, the remaining number of ghosts 8 in the game space 10 Ng, the total number of times the player character has been deleted, etc.) ,
One or more of them are variables.

For example, the function fj may be set so that the higher the character level value of the origin character or the propagation character and the acquisition point of the player of the origin character or the propagation character, the larger the coefficient kj. The function fj may be set so that the coefficient kj becomes smaller as the number of times of erasing the propagated character is larger. Further, when the number Ng of the ghost 8 in the game space 10 or a plurality of variables are used, it is preferable to set the function fj so that the weighting is different for each type of variable as appropriate.

Regarding the return time Tg set for the ghost 8 changed to the second property, the initial time T1 and the extension time T2 are the same as the return time Tg when weakened based on the property change area 20 of the origin character. Obtained as the sum (see FIG. 5). However, a value indicating the positional relationship between the origin character and the propagating character (for example, by preparing a function f1'instead of the function f1 and a function f2'instead of the function f2, which are applied when the property is changed to the second property, is prepared. It is assumed that the relative distance Lf and the coefficient kh for each relative orientation classification (see FIG. 8) are included in the variables.

Next, the functional configuration of the game system 1000 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100. The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. The keyboard 1106 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to and from each functional unit including an operation input unit 100s and a server storage unit 500s. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the player terminal 1500, and the like, and the operation of the server system 1100 is controlled in an integrated manner. ..

The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment includes a user management unit 202, a game management unit 210, a timekeeping unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, functional parts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to the user registration procedure and management of data of each user associated with the user account. In the present embodiment, the user management unit 202 (1) assigns a unique user account to a registered user, (2) manages registration information for registering and managing personal information for each user account, (3) history of login and logout, and the like. Play history management, (4) management of owned items, etc. Of course, other data management functions associated with accounts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The game management unit 210 performs various processes related to game execution management. Since the game of the present embodiment is a client-server type online game, the game management unit 210 of the present embodiment controls to provide data necessary for game play while communicating with the player terminal 1500.
The game management unit 210 of the present embodiment includes an activation control unit 212, a propagation range setting unit 220, a propagation activation control unit 222, and a propagation content setting unit 224. Of course, functional parts other than these may be included as appropriate.

The activation control unit 212 uses the first player character satisfying a given activation condition as the activation player character, and the activation player character is more advantageous in the progress of the game than the enemy character in terms of the properties of the enemy character. Control is performed to temporarily change to the advantageous situation of 1. In addition, the activation control unit 212 ends the first advantageous situation in which the first player character is the activation player character, as the first time limit (release elapsed time) elapses.

The activation control unit 212 includes an area setting unit 214 and a property control unit 216.

The area setting unit 214 sets a given area in the game space so as to accompany the activated player character with reference to the position of the activated player character in the game space. Then, a given area is set and controlled so as to move with the movement of the activated player character. Further, the area setting unit 214 cancels the setting of the area when a given release elapsed time has elapsed from the setting of the area. Specifically, it is the setting of the property change area 20 and the control of its movement and display.

The property control unit 216 controls to change the property of the enemy character to the second property when the enemy character of the first property is located in the area. Specifically, the properties of the ghost 8 are changed to control the Pac-Man 3 to be relatively weakened.

Further, the property control unit 216 is based on at least one of the length of time that the enemy character has been located in the area, the position of the enemy character in the area, and the value of the given control parameter of the enemy character. The return time Tg associated with the character is determined. Then, the enemy character whose return time Tg has passed after changing to the second property is changed to the first property.

The propagation range setting unit 220 sets a positional relationship that describes the propagation conditions based on the position of the activated player character in the game space. Specifically, it is set to the propagation range 25.

The propagation activation control unit 222 sets the second player character that satisfies a given propagation condition based on the positional relationship with the first player character that satisfies the activation condition as the activation player character. Specifically, when the Pac-Man 3 is located within the propagation range 25 set for the origin character (first propagation condition) and the value of the parameter set in the Pac-Man satisfies the second propagation condition. In addition, the Pac-Man is regarded as a propagating character (secondary activation player character) (see FIG. 6).

Further, the propagation activation control unit 222 ends the second advantageous situation in which the second player character is the activation player character as the second time limit elapses. Specifically, the property change area 20 set in the propagating character is controlled to be released when the elapsed release time elapses from the setting.

The propagation activation control unit 222 describes (1) the positional relationship between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied, and (2) the first player character and the description when the propagation condition is satisfied. The first is based on one or more of (3) the distance to the player character, (3) the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set for the first player character, and (4) the number of second player characters that satisfy the propagation conditions. Set a time limit of 2.

The propagation content setting unit 224 sets the content of change in the properties of the enemy character related to the second advantageous situation in which the second player character is the activated player character, that is, the content of propagation. Depending on the game content, instead of the property of the enemy character, the content of changing the property of the second player character may be set, or the content of changing both of them may be set as the propagation content.

The timekeeping unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing IC or software that generates and decodes voice data, and generates or decodes voice data such as operation sounds and BGM related to system management and game play of the server system 1100. Then, the audio signal related to the system management is output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. In the example of FIG. 1, a speaker (not shown) included in the main unit 1101 and the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292s can generate an image related to the system management of the server system 1100, a game image (or data for displaying the game image on the player terminal 1500), and the like. Then, the image related to the system management can be output to the image display unit 392s.

The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 200s to control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, the IC memory 1152 mounted on the main unit 1101, a storage medium such as a hard disk, and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a program and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment. The server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment stores the server program 501, the distribution client program 503, and the game initial setting data 510. Further, the server storage unit 500s stores user management data 600, play data 700, and current date and time 800 as data that are sequentially generated and managed. The server storage unit 500s can appropriately store other programs and data (for example, timers, counters, various flags, etc.).

The server program 501 is a program for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202 and the game management unit 210 by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s.

The distribution client program 503 is an original client program provided to the player terminal 1500.

The game initial setting data 510 includes various initial setting data necessary for executing the game. Specifically, the game initial setting data 510 includes game space initial setting data 511, ghost initial setting data 513, and Pac-Man initial setting data 515. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The ghost initial setting data 513 is prepared for each type of ghost 8 and stores various initial setting data related to the ghost 8 of the type. For example, one ghost initial setting data 513 includes a ghost type, an attribute, a character level value, an ability parameter value, a property-specific display data, and a property-specific action pattern data. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The Pac-Man initial setting data 515 is prepared for each type of Pac-Man 3. The player selects one of the types of Pac-Man 3 as his / her own player character before the start of the game. One Pac-Man initialization data 515 includes, for example, a character type, an attribute, a character level value, an ability parameter value, and display data. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate. Alternatively, the Pac-Man initial setting data 515 may be of only one common type, and the display color of the character may be changed for each player.

The user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data associated with the account, which is unique identification information. For example, one user management data 600 includes a unique user account used as player identification information, player character management data, owned item management data for each owned item, and the like. The player character management data includes various data describing the state of the player character at the time of data saving, such as the type and level of Pac-Man 3 used by the user as a player and the type of items used by the Pac-Man. Of course, the user management data 600 can include data other than these as appropriate.

The play data 700 is created for each game play and stores various data related to the game play. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, one play data 700 includes a unique play ID 701, a play start date and time 703, a player account list 705 (corresponding to matching data), a game space management data 707, and a ghost management data 710. , Pacman management data 740, property change area management data 750, propagation range management data 770, and play result data 790. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The ghost management data 710 is prepared for each ghost 8 and stores various data describing the latest state of the ghost. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, one ghost management data 710 includes a unique ghost ID 711, position coordinates 712 in the game space 10, character level value 720, attribute value 722 indicating the type of attribute, and first. The property data 724, the number of changes from the first property to the second property 726, and the property change management data 730 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The first property data 724 stores various data describing the first property, for example, each value of a standard ability parameter. In this embodiment, at least the parameter value of the moving force is included.

The property change management data 730 is created when the property of the ghost is changed to the second property, and includes various data for managing the change. One property change management data 730 includes, for example, the origin area ID 731, the second property data 732, the first detection date and time 733, the first detection position 734, the stay time 735, the initial time 736, and the extension time 737. The return time timer 738 and the like are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The origin area ID 731 is the identification information of the property change area 20 which is the origin where the ghost is determined to satisfy the property change condition. When the ghost is located in the property change area 20 of the origin character, the identification information of the area is set in the origin area ID 731.

The second property data 732 stores various data indicating the content of the second property, that is, the propagation content. For example, the changed ability parameter value changed from the standard ability parameter value is stored.

The first detection date and time 733 indicates the timing when the ghost is first detected in the property change area 20 indicated by the origin area ID 731.
The initial detection position 734 is a position where the ghost is detected for the first time in the property change area 20 indicated by the origin area ID 731, and is, for example, the position coordinates in the game space 10 or the property change area 20 which is the origin. Stores relative position information and distance to the representative position.

The initial value of the staying time 735 is "0", and the time spent in the property change area 20 from which the ghost originates is accumulated.
The initial time 736 is a value of the initial time T1 determined when the ghost is detected to be located in the property change area 20 (see FIG. 5).
The extension time 737 is a value of the extension time T2 determined for the ghost at predetermined intervals (see FIG. 5).

The return time timer 738 counts down the return time Tg (see FIG. 5). When the ghost is detected in the property change area 20 for the first time, the initial time T1 indicated by the initial time 736 is set and the countdown is started. Then, the extension time T2 indicated by the extension time 737 is periodically added.

Returning to FIG. 12, the Pac-Man management data 740 is prepared for each Pac-Man 3 and stores various data describing the state of the Pac-Man.
As shown in FIG. 14, for example, one Pac-Man management data 740 includes a unique character ID 741, a player account 742, position coordinates 743 in the game space 10, game points 744, a character level value 745, and the number of disappearances. 746 and capacity parameter value 747 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The initial value of the number of disappearances 746 is "0", but "1" is added each time the Pac-Man is brought into contact with the ghost 8 having the first property and disappears.
The ability parameter value 747 includes a value indicating the movement force.
In the configuration in which the enhancement of Pac-Man 3 is used to realize the advantageous situation, the data corresponding to the property change management data 730 (see FIG. 13) may be appropriately included in the Pac-Man management data 740.

Returning to FIG. 12, the property change area management data 750 is prepared for each property change area 20 and stores various data describing the state of the property change area. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, one property change area management data 750 includes a property change area ID 751 which is identification information unique to the area, an origin character ID 752, a propagation character ID 753, a set date and time 754, and a set position 755. , The release elapsed time timer 756, and the area definition data 757. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

In the origin character ID 752, when the area is set with Pac-Man 3 who ate the power cookie 14 as the origin character, the identification information of the Pac-Man 3, that is, the Pac-Man 3 who ate the power cookie 14 is set. When the area is set as propagation from another property change area 20, that is, when the area is set in association with the propagation character, the identification information of the origin character of the property change area 20 of the propagation source is stored. Will be done.

The propagating character ID 753 is set to identify the propagating character when the area is set as propagating from another property change area 20, that is, when the area is set incidentally to the propagating character. When the area is set as the origin character, a predetermined value indicating undecided is stored.

The set position 755 indicates a representative position (reference position) in the game space 10 of the property change area. Since the property change area 20 is basically moved and controlled so that the area follows and accompanies the set Pac-Man 3, it is the same as the set position coordinates of the Pac-Man 3 or is based on the position coordinates. Coordinates that are deviated by a given relative position will be set. However, when the property change area 20 can be installed at the fixed position designated by the player, the player moves to the set position 755 by an instruction operation at the fixed position designated by the player (for example, in the game space 10). It suffices to display possible markers and store the position coordinates of the timing at which a predetermined determination operation is performed).

The release elapsed time timer 756 is activated when the property change area is set, and when the timer finishes counting the release elapsed time, the property change area is determined to satisfy the area cancellation condition and is deleted.

The area definition data 757 is data that defines the form and size of the property change area. For example, information such as the form type of the property change area 20 and the size reference value (for example, if the property change area 20 is circular, the radius, and if the property change area 20 is square, the length of one side or diagonal) is stored.

Returning to FIG. 12, the propagation range management data 770 is created for each propagation range 25 (see FIGS. 4 and 6), and the data is deleted when the propagation range management data 770 is released. The release is performed at the same time as the release of the property change area 20 which is the propagation source. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, one propagation range management data 770 includes a unique propagation range ID 771, an origin character ID 773 that is the source of the propagation range, a propagation source property change area ID 775, and a set date and time 777. , Propagation range definition data 779 and propagation condition setting data 780. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The propagation range definition data 779 stores various definition data that describe the propagation range. For example, the reference position coordinates, the shape type, and the size reference value, which serve as a reference for where to place the game space 10, are stored.

Since the propagation range 25 of the present embodiment is movable together with the origin character, the reference position sitting is the same as the current position of the player character indicated by the origin character ID 773. If the setting position of the propagation range is fixed, the position coordinates of the origin character at the timing when the propagation range is set are copied. Further, since the propagation range 25 of the present embodiment is circular, the shape type is a predetermined value indicating "circular", and the size reference value is the radius Rd of the propagation range (see FIG. 6).

The propagation condition setting data 780 includes the first propagation condition data 781 and the second propagation condition data 782. The second propagation condition data 782 is prepared for each type of control parameter of the propagation character, and stores the type of control parameter and the reference value (threshold value) to which the value of the control parameter of the type should be satisfied in association with each other. The first propagation condition data 781 is indispensable, but the number of the second propagation condition data 782 can be appropriately selected including "0".

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment. The player terminal 1500 of the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to various operation inputs made by the player to the terminal processing unit 200. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an accelerometer, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. The direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, the touch panel 1506, and the camera 1520 in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls data input / output with each functional unit including an operation input unit 100 and a terminal storage unit 500. Do. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100 to control the operation of the player terminal 1500. The control board 1550 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this. The terminal processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a player terminal calculation unit 260, a timekeeping unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

The player terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a display control unit 262.

The operation signal transmission control unit 261 executes a process for transmitting various data and requests to the server system 1100 in response to an operation performed on the operation input unit 100.

The display control unit 262 controls to display the game screen based on various data received from the server system 1100. In the present embodiment, a game space image that is the basis of the game screen (an image of each object of the game space 10, Pac-Man 3, and Ghost 8 set in the virtual three-dimensional space taken by a given virtual camera; for example, a 3DCG image, etc. ) Is generated by the server system 1100, but a game space image can be generated by the player terminal 1500. In that case, the display control unit 262 includes control of an object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space for generating, for example, 3DCG.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, or the like, and generates sound signals of sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds. It is output to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1510 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The image display unit 392 displays various images based on the image signal input from the display control unit 262. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, the touch panel 1506 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like, and the wireless communication module 1553 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to control the player terminal 1500 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the calculation result executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, the input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 of FIG. 2 correspond to this. It is possible to configure using online storage.

The terminal storage unit 500 of the present embodiment stores the client program 502, the operation input data 690, the current date and time 800, and the like. Of course, programs and data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The client program 502 is application software for realizing the function as the player terminal calculation unit 260 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 200. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution client program 503 (see FIG. 10) provided by the server system 1100.

The client program 502 may be a dedicated client program depending on the technical method for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program, a plug-in that realizes an interactive image display, or the like.

Next, the operation of the game system 1000 of the present embodiment will be described.
18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100. The processing flow described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s executing the server program 501.

As shown in FIG. 18, the server system 1100 performs matching (step S2) and prepares for the game (step S4). In the game preparation, the server system 1100 accepts the selection of the Pac-Man 3 to be used for each player, prepares the game space 10, and initially arranges the Pac-Man 3 and the ghost 8.

Then, the server system 1100 starts the progress control of the game (step S8).
When the progress control of the game is started, the server system 1100 controls the automatic behavior of each ghost 8 so as to take an action pattern according to its properties. At that time, the first property data 724 is applied to the ghost 8 without the property change management data 730 (see FIG. 13), and the second property data 732 is applied to the ghost 8 having the property change management data 730 (see FIG. 13).

Further, when the game progress control is started, the server system 1100 monitors the presence or absence of the player character as the origin character (step S20). Specifically, the server system 1100 monitors the Pac-Man 3 eating the power cookie 14.

Then, the server system 1100 determines that if there is a Pac-Man 3 who has newly eaten the power cookie 14, the Pac-Man satisfies the activation condition (YES in step S20), and a new property change with the Pac-Man as the origin character. Area 20 is set (step S22).

Specifically, the server system 1100 newly prepares the property change area management data 750 (see FIG. 14). Then, the identification information of Pac-Man 3 which is the origin character found in step S20 is set in the origin character ID 752. The propagation character ID 753 is an undecided value. The release elapsed time timer 756 is determined, but the release elapsed time may be a fixed value or may be determined according to the progress of the game at that time. When deciding according to the progress of the game, for example, the type of Pac-Man 3 that is the origin of the setting of the property change area, the character level value, the ability parameter value, the game points of the player who uses the Pac-Man, and other players. The length of the elapsed release time may be determined based on the difference in the game points of. Further, if a predetermined item is used or equipped for Pac-Man 3, the release elapsed time may be increased or decreased according to the type of the item.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shape of the property change area 20 is circular, and the radius thereof is determined as a size reference value. The radius may be a fixed value, but for example, the type of Pac-Man 3 that is the origin of the setting of the property change area, the character level value, the ability parameter value, the game points of the player who uses the Pac-Man, and the game with other players. The radius may be determined based on the difference in points, etc. Specifically, the higher the character level value or the ability parameter value, the larger the number of game points, the larger the radius is set). However, an appropriate upper limit shall be set for the radius. Of course, on the contrary, the larger these values are, the smaller the radius may be set.

Next, the server system 1100 displays the new property change area 20 in the game space 10 and starts the movement control thereof (step S24). However, in the configuration in which the property change area 20 is not attached to the origin character and the set position is fixed, the movement control of the property change area 20 is not performed.

Next, the server system 1100 sets the propagation range 25 for the origin character of the newly set property change area 20 (step S30). Specifically, the server system 1100 creates new propagation range management data 770 (see FIG. 16). The radius Rd of the propagation range 25 is calculated (see FIG. 6), and the propagation conditions (first propagation condition and second propagation condition) associated with the propagation range are determined (see FIG. 8).

Next, the server system 1100 searches for a Pac-Man 3 in which the property change area 20 is not set within the propagation range, that is, a ally character to which the property change area 20 is not attached. Then, if there is a corresponding Pac-Man 3 (YES in step S40), the server system 1100 considers the Pac-Man as a propagating character, that is, a secondary activation player character, and a secondary property change area associated with the Pac-Man. 20 is newly set (step S42).

The setting of the secondary property change area 20 is basically realized in the same manner as in step S22 in which the property change area 20 is set for the origin character. However, the identification information of the Pac-Man 3 corresponding in step S40 is set in the propagation character ID 753 of the property change area management data 750 (see FIG. 17).

Next, the server system 1100 starts the control of displaying the secondary property change area 20 in the game space 10 and moving it so as to accompany and follow the Pac-Man 3 regarded as the propagating character (step S44). See FIG. 7). As a result, the propagation of the property change area 20 set for the origin character is realized.

Moving on to FIG. 19, the server system 1100 then executes the property change process (step S50).
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the property change process. In the same process, the server system 1100 extracts the ghost 8 of the first property located in the property change area 20 (step S60), and executes the loop A for each of the extracted ghosts 8 (steps S62 to S76).

In loop A, the server system 1100 determines whether the ghost 8 to be processed satisfies the influence invalid condition (step S64). Specifically, when the number of changes of the ghost 8 to be processed 726 (see FIG. 13) reaches a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the influence invalid condition is satisfied.

If the influence invalidation condition is satisfied (YES in step S64), the server system 1100 gives an invalidation notification that the property of the ghost 8 to be processed is not changed (step S66). For example, a predetermined notification display may be temporarily added to the ghost in the game space 10, or the display color may be temporarily changed. Then, the loop A is terminated.

If the influence invalidation condition is not satisfied (NO in step S64), the server system 1100 changes the property of the ghost 8 to be processed from the first property to the second property (step S70).

Specifically, the server system 1100 creates property change management data 730 in the ghost management data 710 of the ghost 8 to be processed (see FIG. 13).
The identification information of the property change area 20 in which the ghost 8 to be processed is located is set in the origin area ID 731, and the property change area management data 750 (see FIG. 15) of the same area is referred to.

Then, when the propagation character ID 753 has a predetermined value indicating undecided, it is determined that the ghost 8 to be processed is located in the property change area 20 set for the origin character, so that the first weakening is realized. The second property data 732 is determined (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when the propagation character ID 753 is other than a predetermined value indicating undecided, it is determined that the ghost 8 to be processed is located in the property change area 20 set for the propagation character, and the second weakening is realized. The second property data 732 is determined (see FIG. 9). Then, the display form of the ghost 8 to be processed is changed from the form of the first property to the form of the second property.

Next, the server system 1100 determines the initial value of the return time Tg (step S72). At that time, if the ghost 8 to be processed is located in the property change area 20 set for the origin character, the functions f1 and f2 are used to determine the return time Tg (see FIG. 5). If the ghost 8 to be processed is located in the property change area 20 set for the propagating character, the functions f1'and the function f2'(the positional relationship between the origin character and the propagating character are changed instead of the functions f1 and f2. The return time Tg is determined using a function that includes the indicated value in a variable).

Then, the server system 1100 starts the time counting by the return time timer 738 (step S74) and ends the loop A (step S76).
When the loop A is executed for all the ghosts 8 extracted in step S60, the server system 1100 ends the property change process.

Returning to FIG. 19, the server system 1100 then executes the return process (step S90).
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the return process. In the same process, the server system 1100 executes loop B for each ghost 8 of the second property (steps S100 to S110).

In loop B, the extension time T2 for the ghost 8 to be processed is calculated (step S102), and the calculated extension time T2 is added to the remaining time of the return time timer 738 to update / extend the return time Tg (step S102). S104).

Next, the server system 1100 counts down the return time timer 738 of the ghost 8 to be processed, and as a result, the remaining time of the return time timer 738 becomes "0" and the time counting ends (YES in step S106). , The server system 1100 returns the ghost 8 to be processed to the first property and restores the property (step S108). That is, the property change management data 730 is deleted from the ghost management data 710 of the ghost 8 to be processed. By deleting the data, the server system 1100 will apply the first property data 724 the next time the ghost is controlled. Along with this, the server system 1100 returns the display form of the ghost 8 to be processed on the game screen to the form of the first property.

Then, when the server system 1100 executes the loop B for all the ghosts 8 in the second property, the server system 1100 ends the return process.

Returning to FIG. 19, the server system 1100 then erases / cancels the property change area 20 that satisfies the area release condition, that is, the property change area 20 for which the timing of the release elapsed time timer 756 has been completed (step S120).

Steps S20 to S120 are repeatedly executed until the game end condition is satisfied (NO in step S122). When the game end condition is satisfied (YES in step S122), the server system 1100 notifies the game result (step S124) and ends a series of processes.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a game in which the game progress property of the second character with respect to the first character changes at least between the first property and the second property, a new technique relating to the change in the property is provided. It is possible to further enhance the interest of the game related to the change in properties.

That is, for example, in the conventional game title "Pac-Man", the influence of the power cookie 14 always extends to the entire game space 10, but in the present embodiment, the property change set to the Pac-Man 3 who ate the power cookie 14. Limited to area 20. Therefore, in the multiplayer competitive game, it is possible to control the change of the property of the ghost 8 individually for each player, so that the interest of the game as multiplayer is improved.

In addition, the property change area 20 associated with the Pac-Man 3 that ate the power cookie 14 propagates to another Pac-Man 3 that satisfies the propagation condition. The other Pac-Man is also set with the property change area 20 as a secondary property, increasing the possibility that the ghost 8 is weakened. There is no control related to such a change in properties in the past, and it becomes an element that makes a plurality of players think about cooperative play, which greatly enhances the interest of multiplayer games.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, it is premised that the player terminal 1500 can connect and use a plurality of game controllers to one main body like a home-use game device, and the player terminal 1500 functions as a game management unit 210. The point that it is realized is different from the first embodiment. In the following, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the player terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment. In the player terminal 1500 of the present embodiment, the operation input unit 100 includes a plurality of game controllers and the like so that one unit can perform multiplayer. Further, instead of the player terminal calculation unit 260 of the first embodiment, the game management unit 210 and the image generation unit 292 are provided.

The image generation unit 292 generates an image, synthesizes an image, and outputs an image signal for displaying them on the image display unit 392s. In the present embodiment, an image such as a game image (or data for displaying the game image on the player terminal 1500) is generated.

Further, the terminal storage unit 500 of the present embodiment stores the game program 504 for realizing the function as the game management unit 210, the game initial setting data 510, and the play data 700. The client program 502 and the operation input data 690 referred to in one embodiment are omitted.

The game initial setting data 510 may be referenced each time the player terminal 1500 accesses the server system 1100, or is downloaded from the server system 1100 at a given timing, and a copy thereof is copied from the terminal storage unit 500. You may save it in and refer to it.

The processing flow of the player terminal 1500 in this embodiment is the same as the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 to 21. That is, the execution subject of various processes and controls may be read from the server system 1100 to the player terminal 1500. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Modification example]
Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Modification example 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, an example of realizing an online game in a client-server type computer system has been given, but it is assumed that it is realized in a computer system (game system) in which a plurality of player terminals 1500, which can be said to be game devices, are connected peer-to-peer. May be good. In that case, any player terminal 1500 is made to take on the function of the server system 1100 of the above embodiment. Alternatively, a plurality of player terminals 1500 may share the functions of the game management unit 210.

[Modification 2]
Further, in the first embodiment, the game management unit 210 is described as a configuration in which the server system 1100 is responsible for all, and in the second embodiment, the game management unit 210 is described as a configuration in which the player terminal 1500 is entirely responsible. It is also possible to divide the functions of the game management unit 210 between the server system 1100 and the player terminal 1500.

[Modification example 3]
Further, if the premise of the user to be used is not set to an unspecified number, for example, to the home use level, the user management function is also provided to the player terminal 1500 of the second embodiment based on the second embodiment, and the game system. It is also possible to realize 1000 with one home-use game device.

[Modification example 4]
Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the game title "Pac-Man" is shown, but the content and genre of the game to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the game title "Pac-Man". For example, it may be a team-based multiplayer game. In that case, in the above embodiment, the enemy character (ghost 8) with respect to the player character (Pac-Man 3) is an NPC automatically controlled by a computer, but the enemy character may be the player character of the opponent team.

[Modification 5]
Further, in the above embodiment, as an example of the change to the second property, the ability of the enemy character (ghost 8) is lowered to be relatively weakened, and the activated player character (Pac-Man 3 in which the property change area 20 is set). The position was reversed so that the position would be advantageous, but the change of the second property may be realized by deleting the ability or prohibiting the expression of the ability.

In addition, the change in the properties of the enemy character may not be weakened, but may be the content of strengthening the player character side. Of course, both the weakening of the enemy character and the strengthening of the player character may be the contents of the property change. Further, it is also possible to change the properties in a plurality of stages, for example, changing from the first property to the second property and further changing from the second property to the third property.

[Modification example 6]
Further, the propagation conditions can be appropriately set in addition to the contents of the above embodiment. For example, if another Pac-Man player can input a predetermined propagation request operation within a predetermined time (for example, about several seconds) after the property change area 20 is set in the Pac-Man 3 of the origin character, even if the propagation condition is satisfied. Good. The propagation request operation referred to here may be, for example, a continuous movement operation in four directions of up, down, left, and right, or the use of a predetermined type of item.

[Modification 7]
Further, in the above embodiment, although the player characters are illustrated to act independently, a plurality of player characters are connected and act as one connected character having an operation right on behalf of one player. It may be a possible configuration.

Specifically, based on the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, a combination control unit 226 and an operation right setting unit 228 are added to the game management unit 210. The combination control unit 226 sets a plurality of player characters satisfying a given connection condition as one connection group among the player characters. The operation right setting unit 228 sets the operation right of the connection group to any of the connection target characters constituting the connection group.

24 to 26 are diagrams for explaining the setting of the connection group. As an example of the connection condition, "the second player character comes into contact with the second player character from behind the first player character". In the examples shown in FIGS. 24 to 25, the second Pac-Man 3b is in contact with each other so as to collide with each other from behind the first Pac-Man 3a.

The definition of the rear can be set as appropriate. The traveling direction of the first Pac-Man 3a is set as the direction "0 degree", and is set as a predetermined angle range (for example, a range of plus or minus "60 degrees") plus or minus based on the direction "180 degrees". The angle range referred to here is not limited to 60 degrees, but may be included in "rearward" even when the angles formed by the directions of travel are right angles and are in contact with each other from the side. Further, the value is not limited to a fixed value, and may be changed according to the progress of the game.

When it is determined that the first Pac-Man 3a and the second Pac-Man 3b satisfy the first connection condition, as shown in FIG. 26, both are subsequently set and controlled as a single connection group 5. In the examples of FIGS. 24 to 26, since the characters satisfying the first connection condition are Pac-Man 3 as a single unit (meaning a non-connection group), the connection group 5 is newly set. If the third Pac-Man 3c collides from behind the second Pac-Man 3b, the third Pac-Man 3 will be additionally connected to the end of the existing connection group 5. The same applies to the fourth and subsequent Pac-Man rear-end collisions.

The plurality of Pac-Man 3s constituting the connection group 5 are connected and display-controlled like, for example, one train. Then, the operation right of the connection group 5 is set to the first character of the connection group 5. The operation contents included in the "operation right" referred to here are all or a part of the operation contents permitted when the connection group 5 is regarded as one player character. For example, the movement operation as the connection group 5 is included in at least the "operation right". Further, it may include an operation of using an effect activation item as a group (for example, an item that brings about an action effect of improving the ability as a group). Then, as a matter of course, no operation right is given to any character other than the first character for which the operation right is set.

Then, in the configuration, one of the propagation conditions is "contact with the character in which the property change area 20 is set (or a short-distance condition considered to be equivalent to contact)" and "property change area 20". "Consists of the same connection group as the character that is in" is included. Then, when the first character of the connection group 5 eats the power cookie 14, the property change area 20 is set for the first character, and the property change area 20 is set one after another for the following characters following the first character in a chain reaction, and finally. Is the appearance that the entire connection group 5 is wrapped in the property change area 20. Of course, since the propagation range 25 is set together with the setting of the property change area 20, the propagation range 25 is also set based on the entire connection group 5, which is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The effect will be obtained.

[Modification 8]
Further, the variation of the form of the property change area 20 can be set as appropriate. For example
(1) Polygon with the position of the origin character Pac-Man 3 as the center of gravity, (2) Single or multiple fan shapes with the position of the origin character as the key position of the fan, (3) Centered on the position of the origin character It may be an annular shape or an elliptical shape. Further, the relative position between the property change area 20 and the origin character may be fixed or fluctuate. Further, the property change area 20 set for one origin character is not limited to one, and may be set as a set of a plurality of areas.

[Modification 9]
Further, in the above embodiment, the method of ending the advantageous situation is realized by setting the return time Tg for each ghost 8 and returning from the second property to the first property when the return time has elapsed. Not limited to. For example, the return time Tg is not set for each ghost 8, and the property change area 20 which is the origin of the property change is released, and the property of the ghost 8 whose property is changed in relation to the property change area is restored. The end of the favorable situation may be realized.

[Modification 10]
Further, in the above embodiment, the release elapsed time is set in each of the property change area 20 of the origin character and the secondary property change area 20 of the propagating character, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to release the secondary property change area 20 together with the release of the property change area 20 of the origin character that is the propagation source.

[Modification 11]
Further, in the above embodiment, the propagation range 25 is set only for the Pac-Man 3 who ate the power cookie 14, but is not set for the Pac-Man 3 of the propagation character located within the propagation range 25. In other words, the propagation of the property change area 20 is limited to one stage if it starts from that of the origin character, but is not limited to this. It is also possible to set the propagation range 25 for the propagation character Pac-Man 3. In this case, the property change area 20 is propagated one after another.

[Modification 12]
Further, in the above embodiment, the setting target of the property change area 20 is Pac-Man 3 located within the propagation range 25 and the property change area 20 is not set (see step S40 in FIG. 18). Not exclusively.
For example, step S40 of FIG. 18 is omitted, and in step S42, when the processing target is Pac-Man 3 in which the property change area 20 has already been set, the unlocking elapsed time already set is extended. Is also possible.

The release elapsed time may be extended by resetting the release elapsed time timer 756 (see FIG. 15). Further, when the extension time is added and realized, it may be allowed even if the time length reaches the initial value or more of the release elapsed time as a result.

Further, in the configuration, the release elapsed time is extended between step S42 and step S44 (in other words, the property change area 20 is set in duplicate). It is preferable to add a step of changing the display form of Pac-Man 3 to a special display form.

Further, if the number of times the property change area 20 is set is stored for each Pac-Man 3, the ability of the Pac-Man is improved so that the larger the number of times is, the higher the ability is between step S42 and step S44. Steps may be provided. Abilities to improve may include the addition of new abilities that are not normally set. However, the ability improved in this step shall be restored when the timed completion of the elapsed release time is completed.

According to the configuration of the modified example, depending on the cooperation between the players, the team play that the advantageous situation can be continued without interruption becomes possible, and the interest of the game is enhanced.

3 ... Pac-Man (player character)
8 ... Ghost (enemy character)
10 ... Game space 14 ... Power cookie 20 ... Property change area 25 ... Propagation range 200s ... Server processing unit 210 ... Game management unit 212 ... Activation control unit 214 ... Area setting unit 216 ... Property control unit 220 ... Propagation range setting unit 222 ... Propagation activation control unit 224 ... Propagation content setting unit 226 ... Combined control unit 228 ... Operation right setting unit 500s ... Server storage unit 501 ... Server program 510 ... Game initial setting data 513 ... Ghost initial setting data 515 ... Pacman initial setting data 700 ... Play data 707 ... Game space management data 710 ... Ghost management data 724 ... First property data 730 ... Property change management data 731 ... Origin area ID
732 ... Second property data (propagation content data)
738 ... Return time timer 740 ... Pac-Man management data 750 ... Property change area management data 751 ... Property change area ID
752 ... Origin character ID
753 ... Propagation character ID
756 ... Release elapsed time timer 757 ... Area definition data 770 ... Propagation range management data 775 ... Propagation source property change area ID
779 ... Propagation range definition data 780 ... Propagation condition setting data 1000 ... Game system 1100 ... Server system 1150 ... Control board 1500 ... Player terminal

Claims (19)

A computer system that controls the execution of a multiplayer game in which each player operates a player character to play in a game space in which an enemy character is arranged.
In the game, the properties of a given activation player character and / or the properties of the enemy character are temporarily changed to an advantageous situation in which the activation player character is more advantageous in the progress of the game than the enemy character. It ’s a game that lets you
An activation control means that uses a first player character that satisfies a given activation condition as the activation player character, and
Propagation activation control means in which a second player character satisfying a given propagation condition based on a positional relationship with the first player character satisfying the activation condition is used as the activation player character.
Computer system with. The propagation conditions are (1) that the distance between the first player character and the second player character is equal to or less than a given short distance condition, and (2) that the first player character and the second player character are Including any of contacting,
The computer system according to claim 1. The propagation conditions are (a) satisfying the first propagation permission condition based on the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set for the first player character, or (b) the predetermined predetermined for the first player character. The difference between the parameter value of the parameter and the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set for the second player character satisfies the second propagation permission condition.
The computer system according to claim 1 or 2. The activation control means terminates the first advantageous situation in which the first player character is the activation player character with the lapse of the first time limit.
The propagation activation control means ends the second advantageous situation in which the second player character is the activation player character with the lapse of the second time limit.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the positional relationship between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied.
The computer system according to claim 4. The propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the distance between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied.
The computer system according to claim 4 or 5. The propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set for the first player character.
The computer system according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The propagation activation control means sets the second time limit based on the number of the second player characters satisfying the propagation condition.
The computer system according to any one of claims 4 to 7. The propagation activation control means changes the properties of the second player character and / or changes the properties of the enemy character according to the second advantageous situation in which the second player character is the activation player character (hereinafter, comprehensive). Has a propagation content setting means for setting (referred to as "propagation content"),
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The propagation content setting means sets the propagation content based on the positional relationship between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied.
The computer system according to claim 9. The propagation content setting means sets the propagation content based on the distance between the first player character and the second player character when the propagation condition is satisfied.
The computer system according to claim 9 or 10. The propagation content setting means sets the propagation content based on the parameter value of the predetermined parameter set in the first player character.
The computer system according to any one of claims 9 to 11. The propagation content setting means sets the propagation content based on the number of the second player characters satisfying the propagation condition.
The computer system according to any one of claims 9 to 12. The propagation content setting means sets the propagation content based on the number of the enemy characters.
The computer system according to any one of claims 9 to 13. The advantageous situation includes, at least, changing the properties of the player character and / or the properties of the enemy character so that the activated player character moves faster than the enemy character.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The activation condition includes at least that the first player character has acquired a given item arranged in the game space.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 15. A combination control means for forming a plurality of player characters satisfying a given connection condition among the player characters into one connection group.
An operation right setting means for setting an operation right of the connection group to any one of the characters to be connected which constitutes the connection group, and
With
The propagation condition includes that the first player character and the second player character are included in the same connection group.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The server system, which is the computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which communicates with the player terminal of each player to control the execution of the game. A program for controlling the execution of a multiplayer game in which each player operates and plays a player character in a game space in which an enemy character is arranged in a computer system.
In the game, the properties of a given activation player character and / or the properties of the enemy character are temporarily changed to an advantageous situation in which the activation player character is more advantageous in the progress of the game than the enemy character. It ’s a game that lets you
An activation control means, wherein a first player character satisfying a given activation condition is used as the activation player character.
Propagation activation control means, wherein a second player character satisfying a given propagation condition based on a positional relationship with the first player character satisfying the activation condition is the activation player character.
A program for operating the computer system as.

Images