JP2023130458A - Game system, computer program used therefor, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of preferentially providing a user with other game elements than guidance of each execution time based on an instruction sign and a reference sign.SOLUTION: A game system 1 guides a touch operation execution time and provides a music game for evaluating the timing of actual touch operation through a play guidance screen 50B that displays the movement of an object 51 toward each reaching position index 52A. On the other hand, the game system 1, when a switching conditions is satisfied, switches the display of a monitor 37 to a dance screen 50D for displaying a dance video, on which screen the display of the objects 51 and the like are less visible on the play guidance screen 50B, more specifically with the objects 51 and the like being hidden from the play guidance screen 50B. In such a dance screen 50D, the evaluation of each object 51 to be guided through the play guidance screen 50B is uniformly processed as a predetermined evaluation result instead of the evaluation based on the actual touch operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention provides a display device that displays a guide screen including an input device for inputting a user's play action, an instruction mark corresponding to the execution time when the play action should be performed, and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. and, based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described, causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark coincide at each execution time. The present invention relates to a game system and the like that provides a game that guides each execution time through a guide screen and evaluates the actual play time of the user inputted through an input device based on each execution time.

Connected to an input device for inputting a user's play action, and a display device for displaying a guide screen including an instruction mark corresponding to the execution time when the play action should be performed and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. The guide screen is displayed by creating a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the reference mark and the reference mark coincide at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. There is a game system that provides a game that guides each execution period and evaluates the timing of the user's actual play action inputted via an input device based on each execution period. For example, a music game is known that uses an object, a judgment mark, a normal game screen, and an operation of pressing a rotation button as the instruction mark, reference mark, guide screen, and play action (for example, Patent Document 1) reference).

Patent No. 6030712

In the music game disclosed in Patent Document 1, each determination mark moves toward each object, and the time when the rotation button should be pressed is guided based on the time when their positions match, and the time is evaluated. Therefore, the user's attention is mainly focused on each determination mark and each object, which are displayed most conspicuously (conspicuously) even on the normal game screen. On the other hand, in such a music game, there is a possibility that there may be elements that should be recognized by the user preferentially than instructional signs and reference signs, in other words, the music game play itself. For example, such music games may be provided as part of various games. In such a case, even if a music game is being played, it would be better to have the user recognize instructional signs or reference signs based on the overall game progress, etc., rather than the music game play itself. Good elements can arise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and the like that can provide a user with other game elements preferentially than guidance on each execution time based on instruction markers and reference markers.

The game system of the present invention displays a guide screen including an input device for inputting a user's play action, an instruction mark corresponding to the execution time when the play action should be performed, and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. and a display device connected to the display device, between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark coincide at each execution time based on sequence data in which each execution time is described. Provided is a game that guides each execution time through the guide screen by causing relative displacement, and evaluates the time of the user's actual play act inputted via the input device based on each execution time. A display for switching the display of the display device from the guide screen to a special screen in which the display of the instruction mark and the reference mark are less conspicuous than the guide screen when a switching condition is satisfied in the game, in the game system. a switching means, and when the display of the display device is switched to the special screen, an evaluation of each execution time to be guided through the guide screen is processed according to a predetermined rule instead of an evaluation based on the actual play action. and timing processing means.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the input device and the display device to function as each means of the game system described above.

Further, the control method of the present invention provides a guide screen including an input device for inputting a play action of a user, an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time when the play action should be performed, and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. and a display device that displays the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark coincide at each execution time based on sequence data in which each execution time is described. A game in which each execution time is guided through the guide screen by creating a relative displacement between the two, and the time of each user's actual play act inputted through the input device is evaluated based on each execution time. When a switching condition is satisfied in the game on a computer incorporated in a game system that provides and a display switching procedure for switching the display, and when the display of the display device is switched to the special screen, the evaluation of each execution time to be guided through the guide screen is set to a predetermined value instead of the evaluation based on the actual play action. A time processing procedure for processing according to rules is executed.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing main parts of a control system of a game machine. The figure which shows typically an example of a home screen. The figure which shows typically an example of a team selection screen. The figure which shows typically an example of the guidance screen for a play. The figure which shows typically an example of the guidance screen for a play which is providing a selection opportunity. The figure which shows typically an example of a partner selection screen. The figure which shows typically an example of a dance screen. The figure which shows typically an example of the guidance screen for a play in which the switching notice is being provided. The figure which shows typically an example of the guidance screen for a play when an opponent is providing a dance screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an auto setting screen. The figure which shows typically an example of a character screen. The figure which shows typically an example of the character screen which is displaying a skill selection field. The figure which shows typically an example of a lottery result screen. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the personality set for a character regarding dance skills. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a start period and an end period that occur to an opponent when a user satisfies a switching condition first. Explanation to explain an example of the start period and end period that occur to the opponent when the user satisfies the switching conditions after the opponent requests the activation of the dance skill but before the dance skill is actually activated. figure. The figure which shows an example of the structure of sequence data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for screen switching processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a difficulty level switching process. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for guidance omission processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for guidance maintenance processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for video presentation processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of special evaluation processing. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for screen return processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for difficulty level restoration processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of evaluation exclusion processing.

An example of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network NT. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B, . . . as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be configured logically using cloud computing.

The network NT may be configured as appropriate as long as the game machines 3 can be respectively connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT may include the Internet as a WAN, a LAN that connects each of the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet, or various connection facilities or devices such as an access point AP.

In the example of FIG. 1, game machines 3A, 3B, and 3C are shown as the game machines 3. The game machines 3 are all examples of game devices that provide games. The game machine 3A is installed in a facility such as an amusement store, and is configured as a commercial game machine that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined price. This type of game machine is sometimes called an arcade game machine. This type of game machine 3A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as arcade game machine 3A) is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store with the main purpose of increasing profits by having a large number of users repeatedly play the game. There are many. On the other hand, the game machines 3B and 3C are home-use stationary game machines or portable game machines for personal use by users. Such game machines 3B and 3C (hereinafter may be referred to as a stationary game machine 3B or a portable game machine 3C, respectively; if these are not distinguished, they may be referred to as a user terminal device type game machine 3). ) may function as a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (including a tablet terminal and a personal computer). In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of types of game machines 3 are connected to the center server 2, but only one type of game machine 3 may be connected to the center server 2.

The game machine 3 provides a character development game. A character development game is a type of game in which characters in the game are developed. As such characters, people with various jobs such as monsters, athletes, or warriors, and various objects such as cars and animals may be used. Further, the character to be trained may be one character or multiple characters. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the game machine 3 provides a character development game of a type in which a dance unit (a team of a plurality of characters) is developed.

In such a character development game, each character forming a dance unit is developed through various elements in the game. Such training elements include mini-games. In other words, each character is developed through playing such mini-games. Such mini-games may include various games, but include a music game as an example. Music games are a type of timing game. A timing game is a type of game that evaluates when to perform an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, the timing at which the appropriate play action should be performed is provided along with the music. Furthermore, in a music game, a time that matches the rhythm of a song is used as an execution time. In other words, a music game is a type of game that guides the user when to perform an appropriate play action in accordance with the rhythm of a song, and evaluates the time when the play action is actually performed. Further, for example, a plurality of songs are prepared for play in a music game, and a song selected from the songs is used in the actual play. For example, such a music game is provided through a game screen displayed on a display device. Specifically, such a game screen includes an instruction mark corresponding to each execution time and a reference mark that functions as a reference for the current time, and uses these instruction marks and reference marks to set the instruction mark at each execution time. Each execution timing is guided by causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the reference mark and the reference mark coincide.

A user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via the network NT. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for the user's personal use. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer 4A, or a mobile terminal device 4B such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to a network and are used for the user's personal use, such as a stationary home game machine, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device, can be used as the user terminal device 4. It's fine. By implementing various computer software, the user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2. Note that such user terminal device 4 may function as game machine 3 through computer software.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. The game machine services include a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the game machine 3 via the network 5. The center server 2 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing the character development game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. Furthermore, the game machine services include a matching service that matches users when they play a common game via the network 5. The game system 1 provides a character development game (including a part of a character development game such as a music game) through such a matching service as a multiplayer game that allows multiple users to share the progress. There is.

Note that the game machine service may also include a service that receives user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user. The service may also include a service that receives and stores the play data of the authenticated user from the game machine 3, or provides the game machine 3 with play data to be stored. Furthermore, it may include a billing service or the like that collects fees from users. Similarly, the center server 2 may provide various web services to the users of the user terminal devices 4 via the network 5. The web service includes a game information service that provides various information regarding the game provided by the game machine 3, a distribution service that distributes various data or software (including updates of data, etc.) to each user terminal device 4, and a service provided by the user. It may include services such as a community service that provides a place for interaction such as transmitting, exchanging, and sharing information, and a service that assigns a user ID to identify each user.

Next, the main parts of the control system of the game system 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage section 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor, that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined computer program, and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to store data in a distributed manner in a plurality of storage units. A program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. The storage unit 22 also stores server data necessary for providing various services. Such server data includes various data for character development games, and in the example of FIG. 2, video data MD and sequence data QD are shown as types of such various data.

Both the video data MD and the sequence data QD are data for music games. Specifically, the video data MD is data for displaying a video during a music game. Such videos include dance videos (including dance animations by each character). The dance (movement) of the character in such a dance video may be realized at any time by the program PG1 based on the video data MD. It may also be realized by a trajectory based on In such a case, the video data may be configured as data that reproduces an action based on the detection result of such a motion sensor. Furthermore, each video may be configured as a result of photographing a virtual three-dimensional space. In this case, each video is a video based on the shooting results of a virtual camera at a fixed position (the shooting direction and angle of view may change as appropriate) (a video in which each character moves around the virtual camera). For example, it may be configured as a moving image based on the shooting result of a movable virtual camera whose position changes so as to revolve around an appropriate character (or characters). That is, the video data MD may be appropriately configured based on well-known techniques.

The sequence data QD is data that describes each execution time when a play action is to be performed by a user in a music game. The sequence data QD is used to guide the user regarding each execution timing. Furthermore, when the user actually performs a play action, the play action is evaluated based on the execution timing of the sequence data QD. In other words, each execution timing guide and its evaluation are executed based on the sequence data QD. Therefore, in the sequence data QD, each execution time and information on an appropriate play action to be performed at the execution time are described so as to be associated with each other. Moreover, in a music game, when a plurality of songs or a plurality of difficulty levels are prepared, sequence data QD is prepared for each song or for each difficulty level. Details of the sequence data QD will be described further later.

Note that the server data may include, for example, various other types of data for realizing various services. For example, such data may include song data, play data, ID management data, and the like. The music data is data for playing music used in a music game. The play data is data in which information regarding each user's past play performance is described. The play data is used, for example, to carry over previous play results (past achievements) to the next time or later, or to carry over settings specific to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, their illustration was omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a game machine service management section 24 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as software resources. The game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-described game machine services on the game machine 3. Note that an input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, etc. may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, their illustration was omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage section 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor, that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program, and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation. Various logical devices are configured in the control unit 31 by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the program PG2 as a software resource. Various processes necessary for providing the character development game (including processes necessary for enjoying the game machine services provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2) are executed through these logical devices. However, in the example of FIG. 2, a guidance control section 33, a video control section 34, and an evaluation section 35 are shown as logical devices related to the music game.

The guidance control unit 33 is a logical device that performs various processes for controlling guidance at each execution time using instruction markers and reference markers. For example, the guidance control unit 33 executes various processes for controlling the display (including relative displacement) of the instruction mark and the reference mark. Such processing includes screen switching processing, difficulty level switching processing, guidance omission processing, guidance maintenance processing, screen return processing, and difficulty level return processing. The video control unit 34 is a logical device that performs various processes for presenting a video on a game screen for a music game. Such processing includes video presentation processing. The evaluation unit 35 is a logical device that performs various processes for evaluating each play action of the user in the music game. Such processing includes special evaluation processing and evaluation exclusion processing. The procedures of the screen switching process, difficulty level switching process, guidance omission process, guidance maintenance process, screen return process, difficulty level return process, video presentation process, special evaluation process, and evaluation exclusion process will be described later.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 32 records the above-mentioned program PG2 as well as game data necessary for providing the character training game. Such game data also includes various data for music games, but in the example of FIG. 2, video data MD and sequence data QD are shown as part of such data for music games. There is. Both the video data MD and the sequence data QD are provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service. Note that the game data also includes image data for displaying various images for the game, BGM data for playing various BGMs, and the like. However, these illustrations were omitted.

Further, the game machine 3 may be provided with various output devices and input devices as appropriate depending on the type of the arcade game machine 3A or the user terminal type game machine 3, but in the example of FIG. A monitor 37 as a device and a speaker SP are shown as output devices provided in the game machine 3. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are a well-known display device for displaying a game screen and the like, and a well-known sound playback device for playing back audio, respectively. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 2, an input device 36 for inputting a user's play action is shown as an input device provided in the game machine 3. The input device 36 may be configured as appropriate depending on the type of game machine 3. For example, in the case of the arcade game machine 3A, a stage with a push button that is pressed by stepping on the foot may be used as the input device 36. The user may then play a music game on this stage. Alternatively, a control panel may be provided with multiple pushbuttons. In such a case, the operation of pressing a push button with a foot or hand is used as a play action. Further, a touch pad or a touch panel display may be used as the input device 36. In this case, the action of touching these with a hand, foot, or touch pen (so-called stylus pen) is used as a play action.

On the other hand, for example, in the case of a stationary game machine 3B, a keyboard including a plurality of push buttons or a dedicated controller (including a mat controller that is placed on the floor or the like to be operated mainly with the feet) is used as the input device 36. It's fine. In this case, the operation of pressing those push buttons is used as a play action. Similarly, for example, in the case of the portable game machine 3C, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (touch operation with a finger) may be used as the input device 36, for example. In this case, the touch operation and its position are used as a play action. Further, a dedicated controller (including the above-mentioned mat controller) may be connected to the portable game machine 3C by wire or wirelessly and used.

In addition, for example, the arcade game machine 3A may use cash, alternative coins, medals, electronic currency (including points), credit card functions, etc. to collect a predetermined price necessary for the game from the user. A consideration collection device may be provided as an input device. Such a device may collect various types of consideration such as electronic currency, for example, via a card that records the remaining amount of electronic currency. Further, for example, in the case of a user terminal device type game machine 3, the user terminal device type game machine 3 provides music games for a fee (including cases where a part of the game is paid for play in an additional range, etc.). However, the software may be provided free of charge (including cases where the software has been purchased in advance). If the music game is provided for a fee, the fee may be collected in the user terminal type game machine 3 through various well-known payment processes.

Next, a game screen for providing a character development game will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 14. More specifically, a game screen related to a music game among game screens for a character development game will be described. Such game screens include a home screen, character screen, music game screen, and lottery result screen. In the following, an example of a game screen displayed on the monitor 37 of the portable game machine 3C will be described using a portable game machine 3C that uses a touch panel as the input device 36 as an example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the home screen. The home screen 40 is a game screen that primarily functions as a starting point for other game screens. Therefore, on the home screen 40, an icon (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a transition icon) that functions as a touch position (a position where a touch operation is to be performed) for transitioning to each screen is displayed. Further, the home screen 40 may be provided with other management functions and information. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the home screen 40 includes a "STORY" icon 41, a "DANCER" icon 42, a "TEAM" icon 43, a "lottery" icon 44, an "errand" icon 45, and a "DANCE BATTLE" icon. 46, a "MISSION" icon 47, an information area 48, and a character image CA.

The “STORY” icon 41 is a transition icon for transitioning to a story screen (not shown). The story screen is a game screen for selecting and viewing a story animation (video) set for each character, such as an individual history of each character in the game or a conversation scene between multiple people. Such a story may include things that are newly unlocked (become viewable) depending on the play situation, such as rewards earned in the game and the level of each character.

The “TEAM” icon 43 is a transition icon for transitioning to a team (unit) formation screen (not shown). The team formation screen is a game screen for selecting characters forming a dance unit. Although one dance unit may be formed by an appropriate number of characters, a case will be described below in which one dance unit is formed by three characters.

The “errand” icon 45 is a transition icon for transitioning to an errand screen (not shown). The errand screen is a game screen for providing an errand event. The errand event is an event for acquiring various items, and is provided when a predetermined value set in the game is consumed. For example, a physical strength value among parameters set for the user is used as such a predetermined value. The physical strength value is a value that recovers to an upper limit value (which may change depending on the level, etc.) over time, and is a value that is consumed for the use of various events. Since the physical strength value is a value that increases (recovers to the upper limit value) as time passes, it is often more effective for the user to consume it actively. Therefore, by using such physical strength values to provide errand events, it is possible to promote the use of characters (for example, characters that are not often used) in errand events. Further, when a period is set for the errand event, use of the character used in the errand event may be restricted during the period. In such a case, even if it is possible to use an errand without consuming physical strength, it is possible to promote the use of a character that is rarely used. Further, the value of the item obtained by the event may change so that the longer the period is, the higher (or more) the value of the item becomes. Similarly, items obtained through events may be randomly determined in addition to or regardless of such a period, or may be determined according to the play situation or the like.

The “MISSION” icon 47 is a transition icon for transitioning to a mission screen (not shown). The mission screen is a game screen for providing information regarding the missions, such as a list of missions prepared during the game, conditions for completion, rewards for completion, and history of achievements. A mission is a type of event for granting a predetermined reward to a user by satisfying (achieving) an achievement condition. There are many missions in the game, ranging from missions that can be determined with each play, to missions that require a relatively long period of play that cannot be achieved in just one play. It's fine. For example, if there is a concept corresponding to time in the game, such a concept of time may be taken into consideration in the mission achievement conditions. Specifically, for example, as a type of long-term mission, a mission whose achievement conditions are related to an appropriate period such as daily or weekly based on the time concept of the game may be prepared. Alternatively, similar long-term missions may be accomplished using real-world time concepts. Note that the "MISSION" icon 47 is not a transition icon, but an additional area (so-called pop-up) such as a mission information field (an area for presenting information similar to the mission screen described above) on the home screen 40 upon touch operation ) may function as an icon for adding a new one.

Similarly, the "DANCER" icon 42 is a transition icon, the "Lottery" icon 44 is a lottery result screen, and the "DANCE BATTLE" icon 46 is a music game screen. Details of the music game screen, character screen, and lottery result screen will be described later.

On the other hand, the information area 48 is an area for presenting various information related to the game. The information area 48 includes, for example, a name area 48A, a rank area 48B, a physical strength area 48C, and a currency area 48D. The name area 48A contains the user's in-game name (“Gogo”) and various titles for the user prepared during the game (if the play situation satisfies various granting conditions, depending on the conditions that are satisfied). It is often provided to correspond to some of the ranks described below, and often functions as a type of information indicating the user's rank, but it is not assigned independently from the rank. This is an area for displaying the title (``Beitzuru Gakuen Gold Student'') given to the user who is playing the game.

The rank area 48B is a rank area prepared during the game (same as a title, when the play situation satisfies various granting conditions, it is given according to the fulfilled conditions, and is given to some ranks at predetermined intervals etc.) This is an area for displaying the rank ("1") that the user who is playing the game has acquired (of which there are often titles). The rank is a value indicating the degree of growth of the user in the game, and a larger value often indicates that the user has played more games.

The currency area 48D is an area that displays information regarding currency value that functions as currency within the game (hereinafter sometimes referred to as in-game currency). In-game currency is value consumed to purchase items or use predetermined functions such as granting various lottery opportunities. In-game currency is purchased, for example, with the consumption of real currency (which may be collected in the same way as play fees). The currency area 48D is provided with, for example, a currency balance area 48D1 and a currency purchase icon 48D2. The currency balance area 48D1 is an area for presenting the balance (“0”) of in-game currency currently owned by the user. The currency purchase icon 48D2 is an icon that functions as a touch position for purchasing in-game currency (increasing the balance). Specifically, the currency purchase icon 48D2 functions as a position that is touched to request the purchase of in-game currency. In conjunction with a touch operation on the currency purchase icon 48D2, an additional area (so-called pop-up) may be further presented for selecting the purchase amount or confirming whether or not to execute the purchase, for example.

The physical strength value area 48C is an area that displays information regarding the user's physical strength value. The physical strength value area 48C is provided with, for example, a physical strength value presentation area 48C1 and a recovery icon 48C2. The physical strength value presentation area 48C1 is an area for presenting the current value and upper limit of the physical strength value of each character. In the example of FIG. 3, "30" is presented as the character's current physical strength value (numerator of "30/30") and upper limit value (denominator of "30/30"). The recovery icon 48C2 is an icon that functions as a touch position for recovering physical strength. More specifically, the recovery icon 48C2 functions as a position that is touched to request recovery of physical strength. In response to a touch operation on the recovery icon 48C2, an additional area (so-called pop-up) may be further presented, for example, for selecting an item or confirming whether or not the item can be used. As described above, the physical strength value is consumed by, for example, performing errand events or playing music games.

Character images CA are images corresponding to each character. On the home screen 40, character images CA corresponding to each character forming the dance unit to be trained are displayed as appropriate. In the example of FIG. 3, three character images CA corresponding to three (all) characters forming the dance unit are displayed on the home screen 40, respectively.

Note that the physical strength value presentation area 48C1 is not limited to such a user's physical strength value, but also includes information on physical strength values regarding characters that meet appropriate conditions, such as characters specified by a predetermined specifying means such as a cursor. May be presented. Alternatively, the physical strength values of all characters may be presented in the physical strength value presentation area 48C1. Similarly, the arrangement of each character image CA on the home screen 40 may be arbitrary. For example, even if the character most recommended by the user (so-called recommended member) is determined according to a prior designation or conditions such as the play situation, and the character image CA of such character is placed at the forefront on the home screen 40, good. Alternatively, the arrangement of each character image CA may be determined based on user specifications.

4 to 11 each schematically show an example of a music game screen. The music game screens are all game screens related to playing a music game. Specifically, the music game screen includes a team selection screen, a play guide screen, a partner selection screen, a dance screen, and an auto setting screen. Among these, FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a team selection screen. The team selection screen 50A is a game screen for selecting a dance unit (team) to be used in playing the music game. That is, the team selection screen 50A is used to select a dance unit to be trained through playing the music game. As shown in FIG. 4, such a team selection screen 50A includes a team formation icon 50A1, a team presentation area 50A2, a switching instruction icon 50A3, an auto designation area 50A4, and a decision instruction icon 50A5.

The team formation icon 50A1 is one of the transition icons and has the same function as the "TEAM" icon 43. The team presentation area 50A2 is an area for presenting detailed information on the currently selected team. The team presentation area 50A2 further includes, for example, a character information area 50A6 and a team information area 50A7. The character information area 50A6 is an area that presents the characteristics of each character constituting the currently selected team. Therefore, the character information area 50A6 includes a character image CA representing each character (the character image CA may be either a still image or a moving image, and may have different postures, plurality, etc. depending on the game screen or situation). , and information on the characteristics. Furthermore, each character may be set with various characteristics that lead to the characteristics of each character, and in the example of FIG. It is shown. On the other hand, the team information area 50A7 is an area that presents the characteristics of each team (dance unit). As such a feature, the total value of the parameters of each character presented in the character information area 50A6 is used. That is, in the team information area 50A7, the total value of the values of the parameters presented in the character information area 50A6 is presented for each parameter.

The switching instruction icon 50A3 is an icon that functions as a touch position for executing a request to switch the currently selected team to another selectable candidate team. If there are selectable teams, the currently selected team is switched to another team as a selection candidate in response to a touch operation on the switching instruction icon 50A3. That is, in response to a touch operation on the switching instruction icon 50A3, the display content of the team presentation area 50A2 is switched to the content of another team. On the other hand, the decision instruction icon 50A5 is an icon that functions as a touch position for requesting the currently selected team to decide the team to play. In response to a touch operation on the determination instruction icon 50A5, the currently selected team (the team being presented via the team presentation area 50A2) is determined as the team to be played.

The auto designation area 50A4 is an area for presenting information regarding auto play. Autoplay is one of the play forms (modes) provided for the music game, and is a mode in which evaluations of play actions to be performed by each user are automatically processed as predetermined evaluation results. In other words, when a music game is played by autoplay, the user is given a predetermined evaluation result (or a predetermined score if the evaluation result is given as a score) without performing a play action. Such autoplay can be selected (played) when autoplay conditions are met. Further, as such an autoplay condition, for example, the use of a specific item (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a ticket) may be used. In this case, auto play can be specified as the ticket is used (consumed). In this case, the automatic designation area 50A4 includes, for example, an availability information area 50A8 and a ticket purchase icon 50A9. The availability information area 50A8 is an area that presents information regarding whether autoplay can be selected. For example, information regarding the number of tickets owned is presented in the availability information area 50A8. The ticket purchase icon 50A9 is an icon that functions as a touch position for purchasing (increasing the remaining number of) tickets that enable autoplay. Therefore, in conjunction with a touch operation on the ticket purchase icon 50A9, an additional area (so-called pop-up) may be further presented for selecting the number of purchases or confirming whether or not the purchase can be executed, for example.

In the example of FIG. 4, "0" is displayed as the number of tickets held (number of possessions) in the availability information area 50A8. In other words, the user does not have any tickets. In this case, a ticket purchase icon 50A9 is displayed in the automatic designation area 50A4, and a ticket is purchased through a touch operation or the like on this ticket purchase icon 50A9. On the other hand, if the user owns a ticket, an auto-play instruction icon (not shown) for instructing auto-play may be displayed in the auto-designation area 50A4 instead of the ticket purchase icon 50A9. Then, such an auto play instruction icon may function as a transition icon for transitioning to an auto setting screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a play guide screen. The play guide screen 50B is a type of game screen that allows users to actually play a music game, and is a game screen that actually guides each user as to when to perform a play action that each user should perform. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the play guide screen 50B includes an object 51, a determination line 52, and a character image CA. The character images CA are images corresponding to each character as described above. The play guide screen 50B displays character images CA of each character corresponding to the dance unit determined on the team selection screen 50A. Moreover, each character image CA functions as a moving image (animation) that dances to the rhythm of a song. That is, the character image CA (video) dancing is displayed on the play guide screen 50B. The object 51 is an image that functions as an instruction mark, and appears at the back side of the play guide screen 50B at an appropriate time and moves toward the front side. Further, the size of the object 51 changes so that it gradually becomes larger as it moves from the back side to the front side.

On the other hand, the determination line 52 is an image that functions as a reference mark, and is arranged at a fixed position on the near side of the play guide screen 50B. The determination line 52 is provided with a plurality of reached position indicators 52A. Each reached position index 52A is an image that functions as an index indicating the reached position of each object 51, and is formed to have the same form as each object 51, that is, the same size and shape as each object 51 at that position. In other words, each arrival position index 52A functions as a transit position for a route (not shown) for each object 51 extending from the back side to the front side of the play guide screen 50B, and each object 51 functions as a transit position for a route (not shown) for each object 51 extending from the back side to the front side of the play guide screen 50B. , and moves to match the position of each reached position index 52A at each execution time. Then, each user is requested to perform a touch operation on the position of each reached position index 52A whose position matches each object 51 in accordance with the coincidence between each object 51 and each reached position index 52A. Further, such a touch operation is evaluated highly as the time difference between the time when each object 51 reaches each arrival position index 52A (the time when sequence data QD is executed) and the time of the actual touch operation is smaller. . In other words, the smaller the deviation time, the higher the score is given to the user.

In the example of FIG. 5, the determination line 52 is formed in an arc shape on the near side of the play guide screen 50B, and has four reached position indicators 52A. Furthermore, these four reached position indicators 52A are associated with each character of the dance unit. For example, the first reached position index 52A from the left is associated with the character of the leftmost character image CA and the character of the central character image CA next to it at a rate of 70% and 30%, respectively. Similarly, for example, the rightmost reached position index 52A is 70% associated with the character in the rightmost character image CA and 30% associated with the character in the center character image CA. In this way, each reached position index 52A is associated with each character with an appropriate inclination. Such association is then associated with each character's growth. Specifically, the evaluation result of the touch operation for each reached position index 52A is assigned to the growth of each character according to such association. In this example, the play guide screen 50B functions as a guide screen of the present invention.

Note that the association between each reached position index 52A and each character may be set as appropriate. For example, three reached position indicators 52A may be associated with three characters on a one-to-one basis. In this case, the remaining one reached position index 52A may be associated equally with the three characters so as to be approximately averaged, or may be associated with an appropriate character with an appropriate slope. Alternatively, since an appropriate number of reached position indicators 52A may be provided on the determination line 52, for example, the number of reached position indicators 52A may be three to correspond to the number of characters. Further, the correspondence between each arrival position index 52A and each character is not limited to the arrangement of each character image CA. For example, the correspondence between each arrival position indicator 52A and each character may be set based on appropriate conditions such as user designation. Alternatively, the arrangement itself of each character image CA may be determined based on appropriate conditions such as user specifications. Through such association, the arrangement position of each character or the result of a touch operation for each reached position index (in other words, the characteristics of a song), etc. can be associated with the growth of each character. In other words, the placement position of each character can be used as an element that influences the growth of the character. Thereby, it is possible to give individuality to each character's growth, etc. according to each user's play situation, etc. In addition, if such placement is based on the user's designation, the user's intention can be reflected in such growth. In addition, it is possible to increase the degree of involvement in the user's growth, for example by devising character placement when forming a team.

Furthermore, each character is provided with a parameter (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a score-related parameter) that is related to the size of the score per object 51, and such a score-related parameter determines the play result of the music game ( (obtained points) may be affected. In such a case, when a song has a large number of objects 51 that reach the leftmost destination position index 52A, it is recommended to arrange each character image CA so that a character with a high score-related parameter is associated with the leftmost destination position index 52A. can. This allows the user to consider the character placement strategy according to the difference in the number of objects 51 that reach each arrival position index 52A for each song (or each difficulty level), etc. It can be added as a game element.

Further, when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied while playing the music game, in other words, while playing through the play guide screen 50B, the music game screen switches from the play guide screen 50B to the dance screen. The dance screen is a game screen for providing a special video in which a dance unit (not all dance units but some dance units) performs a special dance according to the skills (characteristics) of each character. The details of the dance video will be described further below together with the dance screen, but before switching to the dance screen, a selection opportunity is provided to select which dance unit character is the main character of the dance video to be displayed on the dance screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the play guide screen 50B that provides such selection opportunities. As shown in FIG. 6, the play guide screen 50B that provides such a selection opportunity has information that corresponds to each character of the dance unit dancing on the play guide screen 50B, compared to the example shown in FIG. The display of a character icon 53 has been added. The character icon 53 is an icon that functions as an option for selecting the main character in the dance video. Specifically, when a character icon 53 corresponding to each character is touched, the character corresponding to the character icon 53 is determined as the main character in the dance video. The character icon 53 also functions as a transition icon for transitioning to a partner selection screen. That is, in response to a touch operation on the character icon 53, a transition is made to the partner selection screen. Note that after a touch operation on the character icon 53, a pop-up or the like may be presented as appropriate to confirm whether or not to confirm the selection result.

In the example of FIG. 6, each character icon 53 displays an image corresponding to the head of the character image CA, and is also provided with a dance pattern image 54. The dance pattern image 54 is an image that indicates, as a symbol, the characteristics of a dance video when the character corresponding to each character icon 53 becomes the main character. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the dance pattern images 54 each show a dance performed by two characters as a feature of the dance video. Each user selects a main character while referring to such a dance pattern image 54.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a partner selection screen. The partner selection screen 50C is a game screen for selecting a character to be a partner (cooperator) of the main character in the dance video. Therefore, the partner selection screen 50C is provided when the dance video corresponds to a dance performed by some of the characters in the dance unit. The example in FIG. 7 shows a case where the character icon 53 located in the middle in the example in FIG. 6 is selected. A dance pattern image 54 showing a dance performed by two characters is displayed on this character icon 53. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the partner selection screen 50C includes a main character area 55 and a partner candidate icon 56.

The main character area 55 is an area indicating the main character in the dance video. The partner candidate icon 56 is an area showing each character that is a partner candidate for the main character. The partner candidate icon 56 also functions as a touch position for requesting the determination of a partner in a dance movement. That is, in response to a touch operation on the partner candidate icon 56, the character corresponding to the touched partner candidate icon 56 is determined as the main character's partner.

In the example of FIG. 7, character images CA (mainly only the head) corresponding to each character are displayed in both the main character area 55 and the partner candidate icon 56. Furthermore, two partner candidate icons 56 corresponding to the other two characters of the main character are displayed. Therefore, when one of these is touched, the character corresponding to the touched partner candidate icon 56 is determined as the partner in the dance video. A count information area 57 is also provided on the partner selection screen 50C. The count information area 57 is an area indicating the remaining time for partner selection through the partner selection screen 50C. Then, when the remaining time ("3") in the count information area 57 becomes zero, the character of the partner candidate icon 56 located above of the two partner candidate icons 56 is automatically determined as the partner. . Note that the selection of a partner on the partner selection screen 50C is not limited to time, and may be terminated according to appropriate conditions such as a termination instruction from the user. Further, the partner selection screen 50C may also be displayed when a dance by three characters is selected, and the main partner may be selected from two characters other than the main character. On the other hand, if a dance by three characters is selected, the display of the partner selection screen 50C may be omitted. In this example, two characters (two character images CA) respectively corresponding to the two partner candidate icons 56 function as two or more characters of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a dance screen. The dance screen 50D is a game screen for displaying a special video as described above. The special video is a dance video performed by the main character and the partner character. In such special videos (dance videos), dances are performed according to the skills of the main characters. Therefore, each character performs an action (dance) that is not performed during normal play, in other words, that is not shown on the play guide screen 50B. Further, the dance screen 50D is a game screen that can be switched from the play guide screen 50B when switching conditions are satisfied. The switching condition may be, for example, a specified operation that specifies user switching (e.g., a specific operation corresponding to such a designation, or an action depending on the type of input device, and the specified act of the present invention that includes such an action) (for example, a limit of a predetermined number of times, such as once, may be set for each character in a predetermined range such as one play range or a predetermined period). Alternatively, a value indicating whether or not to switch to the dance screen 50D and a gauge indicating the amount thereof are provided, and play situations such as when the value exceeds a predetermined amount or when the acquired points exceed a predetermined value The switching condition may be satisfied when a predetermined situation is met. Further, the switching condition may be satisfied when the user's designation is executed after such a play situation occurs.

As shown in FIG. 8, in such a dance screen 50D, the object 51 and the determination line 52 (each arrival position index 52A (including) are omitted and hidden. That is, on the dance screen 50D, guidance regarding when to perform a play action (touch operation) is omitted so that the user's attention is directed toward viewing the dance video (viewing the dance video is prioritized). In the example of FIG. 8, not only the object 51 and the determination line 52 but also various other information are similarly hidden. That is, all other images (including information) other than the character image CA in the play guide screen 50B are omitted so that the character image CA makes the dance video most prominent. On the other hand, a dance video information column DI is added to the dance screen 50D. In the dance video information column DI, information (“overhead”) regarding the type of dance video (in other words, the type of dance expressed through the dance video) is displayed. In this example, the dance screen 50D functions as a special screen of the present invention. Further, the two character images CA (or two characters corresponding to them) displayed on the dance screen 50D function as further some characters of the present invention.

Note that the dance screen 50D may be configured as appropriate as long as the dance video stands out compared to the play guide screen 50B. For example, in the play guidance screen 50B, a guidance image layer (which may be determined as an image area) including an object 51 and a determination line 52, and a dance image layer displaying a character image CA (in other words, a dance video) The image layer is separated. The image layer for dancing may be used, for example, if the portable game machine 3C is equipped with a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and the user's movements can be detected (for example, the stationary game machine 3B or arcade game machine 3A may also have a similar sensor). The same applies if the user's movements can be detected, such as when a head-mounted display is used), the position of the virtual camera may change depending on the user's movements. In such a case, while it is necessary to change the size and orientation of the character image CA (display of the image layer for dancing) appropriately according to the user's movements, the object 51 etc. It is preferable that the display position etc. (guidance image layer) be displayed in a fixed manner. For this reason, they are configured as separate layers in this way. The same applies to the dance screen 50D, and in the example of FIG. 8, only the guidance image layer corresponding to the object 51 etc. is not displayed (transparent layer). In other words, the screen that hides only the guidance image layer of the play guidance screen 50B functions as the dance screen 50D. However, the configuration in which the dance video stands out is not limited to this configuration. For example, the dance screen 50D may be configured by placing another image layer on the play guide screen 50B so as to hide the object 51, the determination line 52, and the like. Alternatively, all image layers including the dance image layer on the play guide screen 50B may be replaced with another image layer corresponding to the dance video. Furthermore, the dance screen 50D does not need to be configured to hide the object 51 and the determination line 52 as long as the dance video stands out compared to the play guide screen 50B. For example, the dance screen 50D may hide only one of the object 51 and the judgment line 52, or may hide the entire play guide screen 50B (for example, a part of the object 51 and the judgment line 52). It may be displayed in a reduced size. That is, the dance screen 50D may be displayed in parallel on the image layer displaying the special video or in a separate area by reducing the entire play guide screen 50B.

Further, since the dance screen 50D is also a part of the music game screen, the music game continues even while the dance screen 50D is displayed, and each user is normally required to perform appropriate play actions. On the other hand, on the dance screen 50D, both the object 51 and the determination line 52 are hidden so that the dance video stands out, so the guidance for the play action itself is omitted, making it difficult for the user to grasp the appropriate time to perform it. Therefore, while the dance screen 50D is displayed, the evaluation of the play action that the user should normally perform, in other words, the evaluation of each execution time that should normally be guided through the play guide screen 50B, is Processed automatically according to rules. Although various predetermined rules may be set, for example, a predetermined evaluation result is used as the predetermined rule. In this case, on the dance screen 50D, each execution time corresponding to the sequence data QD being played through the play guide screen 50B is processed as a predetermined evaluation result.

Specifically, for example, the evaluation result is "PERFECT!!" for a predetermined range before and after the execution time of the sequence data QD, "GREAT" for a predetermined range before and after the predetermined range, and "GREAT". If the range of "GOOD" is used as a reference and the predetermined range before and after it is defined as "GOOD", and the range of "GOOD" is used as a reference and the area outside of that range is defined as "MISS", and each is included in descending order of evaluation, the predetermined evaluation result is "PERFECT!". !” is used. That is, on the dance screen 50D, the evaluation results of the objects 51 that move toward the respective destination position indicators 52A as the music progresses are uniformly processed as "PERFECT!!" even though they are not displayed. Note that the predetermined evaluation result is not limited to "PERFECT!!", and any appropriate evaluation result such as "GREAT" may be used as the predetermined evaluation result. Alternatively, non-evaluation may be adopted as the predetermined rule. That is, in the dance screen 50D, each execution time may be excluded from the evaluation target and treated as not existing in the sequence data QD. On the other hand, if the display of the object 51 or the like can be confirmed, such as when the play guide screen 50B is displayed in a reduced size, such processing may be omitted. In other words, even while the dance screen 50 is displayed, the user may be given an appropriate treatment (or an appropriate treatment to reduce the burden) as usual even while the dance screen 50 is displayed. In this case, such treatment may function as a predetermined rule. ) may require a play action (for example, the requested play action may change from a touch operation to a button operation, etc. as a type of appropriate treatment). Further, such a request for a play action while the dance screen 50 is displayed is made when the user expresses an intention to perform a play action, such as when the user performs an appropriate play action on the object 51 etc. may be limited to.

The music game may be provided to one user as a one-person play (simply as an element for developing each character), or may be provided to a plurality of users as a multiple play. In the case of multiple play, the music game may be provided as a cooperative game where multiple users (which may include computers) cooperate with each other, or as a competitive game where multiple users compete with each other. However, in many cases, the game is played so that the progress is common among multiple users. Even if at least the display of each character image CA and their movements (dances) are different so as to correspond to the dance unit of each user, the guidance for each execution time based on the sequence data QD is often the same. An example of the play guide screen 50B when a music game is provided as a competitive game will be described below. Note that when a plurality of users (people) other than the computer play as opponents in such a music game, each user may be matched through a matching service, for example. The matching service may be realized by the game machine 3A such that, for example, one game machine 3A matches users in the vicinity or users of other game machines 3A in the same facility. That is, the game machine 3A may function as the center server 2.

In a competitive game, there are cases where the opponent user satisfies the switching conditions (the dance screen 50D is provided to the opponent user). Furthermore, when the music game is provided as a competitive game, the difficulty level of the opponent's music game changes while the dance screen 50D is being displayed (in other words, while the main character's skills are being activated). Specifically, while the dance screen 50D is displayed, as an effect accompanying skill activation, the difficulty level of the opponent's music game changes from the current difficulty level (before skill activation) to a different difficulty level that is higher than the current difficulty level (before skill activation). Switch to . Such switching may be realized by any appropriate method, but for example, in a competitive game, there may be guidance based on the sequence data QD of the difficulty level selected by the user, and guidance based on the sequence data QD of the difficulty level selected by the user, and guidance of the difficulty level one level higher than that although it is hidden. Guidance based on sequence data QD is simultaneously executed in parallel. Then, with the switch to the dance screen 50D, the hidden guidance based on the sequence data QD of the next higher difficulty level is displayed, and the guidance based on the sequence data QD of the difficulty level selected by the user is hidden. , respectively. That is, the guidance in the non-display state and the guidance in the display state are switched when switching to the dance screen 50D. In order to prepare for such a change in difficulty level, a change notice is provided to an opponent user who is playing the same game through the play guide screen 50B in accordance with the provision of the change conditions. The switching notice is information indicating in advance that the opponent's game screen will switch from the play guide screen 50B to the dance screen 50D, in other words, that the difficulty level of the music game currently being played will increase.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the play guide screen 50B during which a switching notice is being provided. As shown in FIG. 9, when the opponent user switches to the dance screen 50D, a switching preview icon 58 is displayed on the play guide screen 50B before such switching. The switching notice icon 58 is an icon that functions as information indicating the above-mentioned switching notice. In addition, during the notice period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the start period) from after the switching notice icon 58 is displayed until the opponent's game screen actually switches to the dance screen 50D, there is a start period to prepare for the change in difficulty level. Preparation may be performed. Specifically, for example, the sequence data QD may be a continuous operation such as a play action in which the touch operation on the arrival position index 52A is maintained (continued) for a predetermined period of time, or a play action in which the touch operation is repeated. When information on an execution period corresponding to a request for a repeated operation is included, such continuous operation or repeated operation may cross changes in difficulty level. A change in difficulty level corresponds to a change in sequence data QD, and an execution period spanning such a change in difficulty level may disappear after the change, so special measures are required. In this case, processing related to an execution period spanning such a change in difficulty level is executed as preparation for starting.

Similarly, a preparation period is also required when returning from the dance screen 50D to the play guide screen 50B, that is, when returning to the original difficulty level. Therefore, even when returning from the dance screen 50D to the play guide screen 50B, the end period is set after returning to the play guide screen 50B. Then, during the termination period, preparation for termination may be executed. For example, the above-described execution period that straddles the difficulty level switching may occur even at the end (at the end of the dance screen 50D). For this reason, for example, a process related to an execution period that straddles such a change in difficulty level is also executed as a preparation for completion at the end. Details of the start preparation and end preparation will be described later.

For example, if three difficulty levels are provided for the user to select: "EASY," "NORMAL," and "HARD," "SUPER" above "HARD" is selected specifically for switching to the dance screen 50D. It may be provided as a fourth difficulty level. In other words, a difficulty level (selectable) may be provided specifically for switching to the dance screen 50D, separately from the one for user selection. Moreover, the switching of the difficulty level is not limited to the above-described method of switching the two difficulty levels that are guided in parallel between the non-display state and the display state. Switching of the difficulty level may be realized by an appropriate method. For example, guidance based on the highly difficult sequence data QD may be started upon switching to the dance screen 50D. Alternatively, it may be realized by appropriately adding the execution time (in other words, the object 51) to the guidance based on the current sequence data QD. That is, sequence data QD with a different difficulty level may be generated based on the current sequence data QD.

Furthermore, switching the difficulty level is not limited to increasing the difficulty level. For example, the difficulty level may be switched in the direction of decreasing the difficulty level. In this case, as the difficulty level decreases, the number of objects 51 also decreases, which can lead to a decrease in the total points earned by the opponent. Alternatively, such a switch may be used simply to disrupt the opponent's pace due to the change in rhythm that accompanies the switch in difficulty. In addition, while switching the difficulty level (for example, the number of objects 51 to be manipulated increases in many cases at a high difficulty level, and vice versa in many cases at a low difficulty level), the case where such switching is not performed The evaluation results for each object 51 may be adjusted as appropriate so that the achievable points (denominator of the achievable points in the game) are the same. Specifically, for example, during switching, the score per object 51 (the score that should be given to the user when an appropriate play action is performed on one object 51) changes (the number of objects 51 increases). (smaller if the number is smaller, larger if the number is smaller). Generally, higher difficulty levels have more objects 51, so if the scores are uniformly the same, higher difficulty levels may have an advantage in terms of points earned (lower difficulty levels) In this case, it is possible to suppress such an influence, and it is possible to ensure relative fairness in terms of the effects associated with skill activation. Alternatively, on the contrary, the evaluation results (scores obtained per object) for each object 51 may increase while the difficulty level is being switched. In this case, although more points can be obtained through appropriate playing actions, more points can be lost due to failure, which can increase the user's sense of tension. Further, even when a predetermined parameter is subtracted due to failure of an appropriate play action, the same effect can be obtained by increasing the evaluation result for each object 51 (the amount of subtraction per object). On the other hand, such difficulty level switching may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the play guide screen 50B while the opponent is providing the dance screen 50D. As shown in FIG. 10, compared to the example of FIG. 5, a situation presentation area 59 is added to the play guide screen 50B while the opponent is providing the dance screen 50D. The situation presentation area 59 is an area indicating that the opponent is providing the dance screen 50D. In other words, the situation presentation area 59 also functions as an area indicating that the difficulty level currently being played is higher than the original difficulty level (the difficulty level selected by the player). The situation presentation area 59 includes a main character notification area 59A, a partner character notification area 59B, and a dance skill notification area 59C. The main character notification area 59A and the partner character notification area 59B are areas for respectively notifying information about the main character and partner character who are performing a dance on the opponent's dance screen 50D. In these areas, for example, character images CA (mainly only the heads) of the main character and the partner character are displayed as information about the main character and the partner character. Further, the dance skill notification area 59C is an area for notifying the type (for example, "overhead") of the dance (dance accompanying skill activation) that the main character and partner character are performing. By presenting the situation presentation area 59 in this manner, it is understood that the difficulty level is increasing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an auto setting screen. The auto setting screen 50E is a game screen for making settings related to auto play. The auto setting screen 50E is transitioned to when the auto play instruction icon is touched on the team selection screen 50A as described above. As shown in FIG. 11, the auto setting screen 50E includes an auto setting area 60 for performing various settings related to auto play. The auto setting area 60 also includes a "UI display" switch icon 60A, an "opponent display" switch icon 60B, and a "skill activation" switch icon 60C. The "UI display" switch icon 60A is an icon that functions as a switch for determining whether or not to display the object 51 and determination line 52 included in the play guide screen 50B during autoplay. That is, in the case of auto play, the user sets whether to display or hide the object 51, etc. on the play guide screen 50B using the "UI display" switch icon 60A. Further, the "UI display" switch icon 60A may also function as a switch for displaying various UIs (user interfaces) such as information on acquired points.

The "opponent display" switch icon 60B is an icon that functions as a switch for determining whether or not to display each character image CA corresponding to the opponent's dance unit during autoplay. On the play guide screen 50B, the character image CA may be switched from one's own dance unit to one corresponding to the character of the opponent's dance unit at an appropriate timing (there are many character images CA corresponding to one's own dance unit). (preferably displayed). The "opponent display" switch icon 60B functions as a switch for selecting whether or not to perform such switching even in auto play when such switching is performed.

The "skill activation" switch icon 60C is an icon that functions as a switch for selecting whether or not to execute a dance video accompanying skill activation, that is, switching to the dance screen 50D also in autoplay. When the "skill activation" switch icon 60C is set to "ON", the dance screen 50D is switched to the dance screen 50D at an appropriate timing based on the activation conditions even in auto play. In other words, each character's skills are activated at appropriate timing. On the other hand, when the "skill activation" switch icon 60C is set to "OFF", switching to the dance screen 50D is not performed in auto play. In other words, no special video will be provided when the skill is activated.

Note that "ON" and "OFF" of the "skill activation" switch icon 60C may be set for both teams (uniformly for both teams), or may be set separately for each team. Furthermore, in autoplay, all play actions required in the music game may be processed according to predetermined rules based on the sequence data QD. Specifically, similar to the provision of the dance screen 50D described above, all play actions may be uniformly processed as a predetermined evaluation result such as "PERFECT!!", for example. Therefore, in the case of autoplay, a uniform score may be given to the user for each selected song (or difficulty level). Furthermore, a reward may be given to the user based on such acquired points. Further, when the "skill activation" switch icon 60C is set to "OFF", a process may be performed in which the skill is activated but the accompanying video (dance screen 50D) is not displayed. In this case, the "skill activation" switch icon 60C can satisfy the user's desire to view only normal dance.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a character screen. The character screen 70 is a game screen for presenting details of each character. Many characters are prepared for the music game, and the details of each character are displayed on the character screen 70. The character screen 70 is transitioned to when the "DANCER" icon 42 is touched on the home screen 40 as described above. As shown in FIG. 12, the character screen 70 includes a character image CA and a character detail area 71. The character images CA are images corresponding to each character as described above. The character details area 71 is an area for displaying detailed information of each character. The character detail area 71 is provided for each character image CA so as to correspond to each character. Each character detail area 71 includes a character name area 72, a parameter area 73, a dance skill area 74, and a costume area 75.

The character name area 72 is an area that displays the name of each character. The parameter area 73 is an area for displaying parameter information for each character. The dance skill area 74 is an area for displaying skill information regarding dance of each character. Specifically, a large number of tansu-related skills (dance skills) are prepared for the music game, and at least one is set for each character. Such dance skills may be duplicated among a plurality of characters (including cases where they are different between some characters) or may be uniquely different. The dance skill area 74 displays dance skill information for each character. The costume area 75 is an area for displaying information on costumes worn by each character.

In the example of FIG. 12, the same information as the character information area 50A6 on the team selection screen 50A is displayed in the parameter area 73 as information on the parameters of each character. In addition, "overhead" information is displayed as a dance-related skill in the dance skill area 74 of each character. In this case, each character performs a dance corresponding to the "overhead" when providing a dance video (special video) on the dance screen 50D as the main character. If a plurality of dance skills are set for each character, the dance skill area 74 also functions as an icon for popping up a skill selection column. Further, in the costume area 75, information on costumes such as "exclusive wear (Reiji)" is displayed. These items all correspond to the same dedicated wear, although there are some differences for each character. Therefore, all the characters wear the same costume, although there are differences in how they wear it. If there are a plurality of wearable candidate costumes, the costume area 75 also functions as an icon for popping up a costume selection field (not shown; a separate screen may be used). In the costume selection column, a costume to be worn by each character, in other words, each character image CA, is selected from a plurality of candidate costumes. By changing this costume, the costume worn by the character image CA is changed. Note that the costume selection column may be configured to allow selection of not wearing a costume, and in response to such selection of not wearing a costume, a shirtless character image CA may be displayed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the character screen 70 while displaying the skill selection field. As shown in FIG. 13, the skill selection field 76 includes a skill selection icon 78 and a cancel icon 79. The skill selection icon 78 is an icon indicating a dance skill that is a selection candidate. Therefore, the skill selection icon 78 is provided for each dance skill that is a selection candidate. The skill selection icon 78 also functions as a touch position for setting the dance skill of each selection candidate to the dance at the time of skill activation (changing from the current skill). That is, when the skill selection icon 78 is touched, the dance skill corresponding to the touched skill selection icon 78 is determined as the dance to be performed on the dance screen 50D. On the other hand, the cancel icon 79 functions as a touch position for canceling the dance skill change (pop-up of the skill selection field 76). That is, in response to the touch operation on the cancel icon 79, the display of the skill selection field 76 disappears, and the screen returns to the character screen 70 in FIG. 12.

In the example of FIG. 13, two skill selection icons 78 are displayed in the skill selection field 76, corresponding to "Overhead" and "Slide Cinderella", respectively. In this case, as each skill selection icon 78 is touched, "Overhead" and "Slide Cinderella" are determined as the dances to be performed on the dance screen 50D. Further, a dance pattern image 54 is displayed on the skill selection icon 78, similar to the character icon 53 on the play guide screen 50B in each selection opportunity state. More specifically, the two skill selection icons 78 display a dance pattern image 54 indicating "overhead" and a dance pattern image 54 indicating "slide Cinderella," respectively. The "overhead" dance pattern image 54 shows a dance performed by two characters, and the "slide Cinderella" dance pattern image 54 shows a dance performed by three characters.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a lottery result screen. The lottery result screen 80 is a game screen for providing a lottery game for awarding various elements related to the character development game by lottery. The lottery result screen 80 is transitioned to when the "lottery" icon 44 is touched on the home screen 40 as described above. Specifically, when the “lottery” icon 44 is selected on the home screen 40, a transition is made to a lottery selection screen (not shown) where multiple options are displayed, and from among the multiple options regarding the lottery displayed here, An arbitrary option is selected by the user, and in-game currency is consumed as necessary. Then, after a lottery is executed as appropriate (a screen for the lottery may be provided separately), the screen transitions to the lottery result screen 80. The example in FIG. 14 shows a case where a lottery game of a type in which cards corresponding to each character are drawn is provided as an element related to the character development game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the lottery result screen 80 includes, for example, a card image 81 and a lottery icon 82.

The card image 81 is an image showing a card obtained in this lottery. A character image CA corresponding to each character is displayed on the card image 81. Furthermore, if the same card as an already acquired card is obtained duplicately as a result of a lottery game, the duplicated card is automatically combined with the already obtained card, and the card image 81 corresponding to the card is Information indicating the number of times of synthesis (for example, a number such as "2") is displayed. As a result of the combination, the parameters of the already acquired cards or their upper limit values increase by a predetermined amount, while the association between the duplicately acquired cards and the user is canceled. Note that the increase in parameters and the like may be omitted at the time of synthesis.

On the other hand, the lottery icon 82 is an icon that functions as a touch position for requesting execution of a lottery game, in other words, a lottery of cards. That is, in response to a touch operation on the lottery icon 82, a lottery game is provided, and a card lottery is actually executed. The lottery game may be provided with the consumption of an appropriate amount of value, but as an example, a predetermined amount of in-game currency is consumed for the lottery game per one lottery.

In the example of FIG. 14, ten card images 81 are displayed on the lottery result screen 80. In other words, this indicates that the user has won 10 cards in this lottery. Furthermore, information such as "item conversion" is displayed on one of the ten card images 81 instead of the character image CA. This means that the corresponding card (card image 81) has been converted into an item. Each card image 81 has the right to be converted into an item when a predetermined number of card images 81 of the same type are collected (when cards of the same type are combined a predetermined number of times and a preset upper limit of combinations is reached). will be granted. When this right is exercised, the card image 81 is converted to an item, and information indicating such conversion (such as "item conversion") is displayed on the card image 81. The item to be converted may be changed (including a change in value) depending on the type and rarity of the card used for conversion, or may be the same item. Further, after the right to convert into an item is granted, an item to be granted may be randomly selected at any timing, and an item may be awarded according to the lottery result.

Further, in the example of FIG. 14, each card image 81 is configured to have different types depending on the posture of each character, the plurality of characters, etc. On the other hand, such a card image 81 itself is not expected to be used in a music game or the like. In other words, each card image 81 is collected like a so-called bromide and is displayed mainly for viewing purposes only. However, as each card image 81 is acquired, the costume worn by the character of each card image 81 becomes selectable as the costume of each character when playing the music game. That is, as each card image 81 is owned, the costume of that card image 81 is displayed, for example, in the costume area 75 of the character screen 70, and is used as a dance costume when a skill is activated. Therefore, the lottery game is played to acquire ornamental bromides and collections thereof, as well as to acquire such costumes.

Note that various characteristics may be set for each character in dance skills (a type of characteristics). Such characteristics may include growth-related characteristics. For example, a character with high rarity (so-called rarity) may be given the characteristic of growing faster than other characters even if the character has the same experience. Furthermore, the dance skills may include skills that are granted (unlocked) only when various conditions such as play status are met. Moreover, each card image 81 may be used for playing in a game rather than for viewing. For example, each card image 81 may be configured so that the character corresponding to the card image 81 appears in the game through selection on a team formation screen or the like. Specifically, card images 81 corresponding to characters with different skills, rarities, etc. as described above (including cases where the same character has different skills, etc.) are displayed in play situations, lottery, etc. It may be provided according to appropriate conditions. Then, based on such a card image 81, a character with different skills etc. may be reproduced in the game. Furthermore, such a card image 81 may be actually generated (issued) as a physical card using an appropriate method.

Next, details of start preparation and end preparation will be explained. The preparation for starting and the preparation for ending occur when switching between the dance screen 50D and the play guide screen 50B when the music game is provided as a competitive game as described above. Therefore, before and after switching between the dance screen 50D and the play guide screen 50B, a start period during which preparations for starting are performed and an end period during which preparations for ending are performed are set. First, in the start period, when an execution period is guided in a music game, the guidance of an execution period that spans a switch is omitted as preparation for the start, and such an execution period is also excluded from the evaluation target. In other words, the period during which such omissions and exclusions are performed serves as the starting period. Therefore, such a start period is set based on the execution period. Specifically, a period having the same length as the execution period is set as the start period. The starting period may be fixed or variable. For example, the longest execution period in the music game may be fixedly set as the start period. Alternatively, as the switching conditions are met, it may be determined whether there is an execution period that straddles the switching time, and a start period corresponding to the execution period may be set depending on the presence or absence.

Further, the user side also executes start preparations when the match falls within the start period (start period of the opponent) associated with the switching conditions of the opponent. As the opponent's dance skill is activated, the difficulty level of the music game changes, and the sequence data QD for guidance also changes. Therefore, when the post-switching sequence data QD indicates an execution period that straddles the switching, a process is performed on the user side to hide such an execution period and exclude it from the evaluation target in preparation for starting. . Note that the execution period that is hidden in the start period may not be excluded from the evaluation target, but may be processed as a predetermined evaluation result.

Furthermore, during the start period, an opportunity to select a partner character who performs a dance in the special video (including an opportunity to select a partner via the partner selection screen 50C) is also provided. Therefore, such a selection opportunity is limited to a period that matches the start period (even if the start period is variable, a certain period is secured to ensure the user's selection time during the selection opportunity). Similarly, during the start period, a preview of the opponent is also notified. Note that in the start period, various guidance such as execution timing and execution period may be omitted as appropriate. Specifically, for example, in the start period, guidance on all execution times and all execution periods may be omitted. For example, if the length of the start period is shorter than the length of the execution period, it may be difficult to determine in advance whether there is an execution period that straddles the switching. In other words, depending on the length of the start period, it may be preferable for the execution period to be hidden. Furthermore, if a notice is given in conjunction with the activation of an opponent's dance skill, the user may need to consider whether or not to activate the dance skill to counter the opponent. For example, in such a case, guidance on the execution time and execution period may be omitted. Alternatively, in the start period, guidance on execution times and execution periods that are not displayed (scheduled to be displayed from now on) may be omitted. Moreover, only the guidance for either the execution time, the execution period, etc. may be omitted. In these cases, the non-display execution timing, etc. may be processed as a predetermined evaluation result, or may be excluded from the evaluation target. That is, they may be processed accordingly. Further, in such a case, the start period (the same applies to the end period described below) is not limited to the execution period, and may be set as appropriate.

On the other hand, on the dance screen 50D, the display of objects 51 and the like (guidance for each execution time) is omitted, and during that time they are automatically processed as predetermined evaluation results according to predetermined rules. Therefore, in the termination period, when the execution period is guided, evaluation of the execution period that straddles the switching is automatically processed as preparation for termination. In other words, even after returning from the dance screen 50D to the play guide screen 50B (the game screen where the display of objects 51, etc. returns and the automatic processing normally ends), only the evaluation of the execution period that straddles the switching is performed for a certain period of time. Automatic processing continues. Such a fixed period functions as an end period.

Also, when the match falls within the opponent's end period, the user side executes end preparations. Contrary to when the dance skill is activated, when the opponent's dance skill ends, the difficulty level of the music game returns to the original difficulty level, and the guidance sequence data QD also returns to the original level. Therefore, when the returned sequence data QD provides guidance on an execution period that straddles the switching, such guidance on the execution period is maintained on the user side as preparation for termination. In other words, although originally such guidance for the execution period may no longer exist as the sequence data QD is switched, there is a possibility that the user continues to play. Therefore, during the end period, the display of the object 51 that guides such a period is maintained so that the guidance of the execution period that straddles such a switch is continued.

On the other hand, if the execution time comes immediately after the return, the difficulty level of guidance on the execution time increases, so guidance on the execution time is omitted during the end period. That is, during the end period, all objects 51 corresponding to the respective execution times of the restored sequence data QD are hidden. Furthermore, if there is an execution period that spans the end of the end period in the returned sequence data QD, the guidance of such an execution period is also omitted. An example of a pattern of a start period and an end period that occurs when the opponent is a computer (including the case of auto play) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. Note that, similarly to the case of the start period, the execution period that is hidden in the end period is not excluded from the evaluation target, and may be processed as a predetermined evaluation result.

In addition, the preparation for the start and the end of the start period and the end period are not limited to the above-mentioned forms, but may also be requested by the user who activates the dance skill, such as the user's activation or the opponent's activation, and the execution timing or execution period. Depending on the combination of the types of play actions to be performed (in other words, the types of objects 51), the various processes in the start preparation and end preparation described above may be appropriately combined and realized. For example, if you want the user to perform only a specific play action even during the start period, etc., hiding, display, predetermined evaluation, evaluation exclusion, etc. may be set as appropriate depending on the type of play action. On the other hand, such start preparation and end preparation, in other words, the start period and the end period may be omitted as appropriate (including the case where only one of them is involved). In other words, the start period and end period may not be set, and for example, immediately after the end of the dance screen 50, guidance based on the original sequence data QD may start as usual for the user, and the user may be requested to perform touch operations as usual. .

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the personality set for a character regarding dance skills. As shown in FIG. 15, each character has a personality related to dance skills that includes tendencies related to three types of classification: "possibility", "timing", and "time of execution by partner". “Possibility” is a tendency regarding whether or not to activate the dance skill (possible). Therefore, the classification of "possible" includes classifications of "possible" and "no". “Time” is a tendency regarding the time when the dance skill is activated. The "period" classification includes, for example, "early stage," "middle stage," "late stage," and "advantageous period." The "beginning", "middle", and "endgame" correspond to the beginning, middle, and end of the music game, respectively. The "advantageous period" corresponds to the period when it is advantageous to activate the dance skill. For example, if an advantageous period may occur in a part of a song depending on the character's characteristics, such a period is used as an advantageous period.

“When the opponent executes” is a tendency regarding whether or not to activate the dance skill to counter when the opponent activates the dance skill. For this reason, the classification of "when executed by the opponent" includes the classifications of "countering" (activating the skill in a countering manner) and "not countering". A personality is set for each character to include tendencies based on these combinations (nine combinations (4×2+1, since no subsequent combinations occur if the dance skill is not activated)). The personality of each character is reflected in the dance unit when the character is set as the leader of the dance unit. Note that the leader of the dance unit may be set under appropriate conditions. For example, it may be set based on a user's designation on the team formation screen, or it may be set automatically according to the order of arrangement at the time of team formation. In addition, the above-mentioned characteristics such as "possibility" are just trends; for example, even if the "early stage" category is set as a character in the "period" classification, there is a 100% probability that the character will dance at the beginning of the music game. There is no need to activate the skill. That is, a probability is set for each character such that the set tendency is likely to be selected by the computer. The set probabilities may be different between characters for which similar tendencies are set. Furthermore, regarding whether or not to activate a dance skill, a setting of not activating (“no”) may also function as a probability setting (for example, 5% activation probability) such that there is a strong tendency not to activate the dance skill. In this case, a tendency regarding "timing" or "when activated by the opponent" may also be set for the setting of "not to be activated" ("no").

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a start period and an end period that occur to an opponent when the user satisfies the switching condition first. In the example shown in FIG. 16, for example, in the dance unit of the opponent (computer), a character whose personality is set to "opposing" in the classification "when executing opponent" is a leader (hereinafter referred to as a leader character). This can occur in some cases. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the music game switches to the dance screen 50D when the switching conditions are met (dance skill activation), and the switching (dance skill activation) ends when the end conditions are met ( Return to the original play guide screen 50B). The end condition is satisfied, for example, when a predetermined period of time corresponding to the dance skill has elapsed. In this case, this predetermined period functions as a dance skill activation period. The patterns of the start period and end period that occur to the opponent (computer) when the user satisfies the switching condition first include three patterns: pattern 1, pattern 2, and pattern 3.

Pattern 1 corresponds to a case where the opponent's dance skill activation period (dance screen 50D provision period, in other words, the length of the special video) matches the user's dance skill activation period. In this case, the opponent's dance skill activation period is adjusted to match the user's skill activation period. Specifically, the timing of the starting period that should originally be given to the opponent is adjusted so that the timing of the skill activation period matches that of the user. In other words, the start period of the opponent is shortened so that the start time of the skill activation period matches that of the user. During the start period, for example, start preparations, selection opportunities, and notices are performed as described above, but these are not necessary for the computer over the same period as for the user. Therefore, in order to match the timing of the skill activation period, the length of this start period is adjusted.

On the other hand, the activation period of the dance skill may be uniformly the same period, or may be set to be different depending on the skill of the main character. In patterns 2 and 3, the activation period of the dance skill is set to be different depending on the skill of the main character, and when the activation period of the user's dance skill and the activation period of the opponent's dance skill are different. Applicable. Specifically, pattern 2 is used when the opponent's dance skill activation period is longer than the user's, and pattern 3 is used when the opponent's dance skill activation period is shorter than the user's. Applicable to each. In both of these patterns 2 and 3, as in pattern 1, the start period is adjusted so that the start time of the user's dance skill matches that of the opponent. As a result, in pattern 2, the user finishes activating the dance skill (providing the dance screen 50D) earlier than the opponent. For this reason, the user is not allowed to use the opponent's skill until the activation period of the opponent's dance skill ends (the opponent's end condition has been met) after returning to the play guide screen 50B (having met the end condition of the user). A highly difficult play is required to activate it. On the other hand, in pattern 3, the opponent finishes activating the dance skill earlier than the user. Therefore, the user can request the opponent to play at a high level of difficulty due to skill activation from the time the user returns to the play guide screen 50B until the user's dance skill activation period ends. In this way, when the opponent is a computer, the start period on the computer side is adjusted so that the skill activation start times match as much as possible by adjusting the start period on the opponent side. As a result, the disadvantage experienced by the user, for example, the period during which play at a high level of difficulty is required, is reduced as much as possible. As a result, the user can enjoy the game more comfortably. In this example, the time when the end condition is satisfied (return time) functions as the return time of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows the start period and the period that occurs to the opponent when the user satisfies the switching condition after the opponent requests the activation of the dance skill (with the switching condition) and before the dance skill is actually activated. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an end period. In other words, the example in FIG. 17 shows an example of an opponent's start period, etc. when a user requests activation of a dance skill to counter the opponent's activation of a dance skill. In such a case, similarly to the example of FIG. 16, the opponent (computer) has the timing to activate the dance skill adjusted in accordance with the start timing of the user's dance skill. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, when a user requests the activation of a dance skill to counter the activation of an opponent's dance skill, the pattern of the start period and end period that occurs for the opponent (computer) is as follows. It includes three patterns: pattern 4, pattern 5, and pattern 6.

Pattern 4 is when the activation period of the dance skill is the same between the user and the opponent, pattern 5 is when the activation period of the opponent's dance skill is longer than the user's, and pattern 6 is the opposite. corresponds to the case where the activation period of the user's dance skill is longer than that of the opponent. In other words, patterns 4 to 6 correspond to patterns 1 to 3 in the example of FIG. 16, respectively, although there is a difference in whether the dance skill is activated first by the user or by the opponent. On the other hand, compared to the example in Figure 16, there is a difference in that the opponent activates the dance skill first, so in patterns 4 to 6, the actual dance starts after the start period has passed compared to patterns 1 to 3. There will be a waiting period before the skill starts activating. Specifically, in each of Patterns 4 to 6, unlike in Patterns 1 to 3, a predetermined start period is provided in the same way as for the user. Then, if the switching condition is satisfied by the user during this start period, the waiting period is set so as to coincide with the start time of the user's dance skill. In other words, the start timing of the dance skills is adjusted according to the waiting period so that they match each other. In this way, the activation start timing of the dance skill is adjusted as appropriate so that the opponent's skill activation period coincides with that of the user as much as possible.

Note that the music game may have a plurality of attributes having superiority and inferiority, and such attributes may be set for each character. As mentioned above, if the activation periods of the dance skills of the user and the opponent match (match), even if the scores (evaluation results) obtained there are different depending on the superiority or inferiority of the main character's attributes. good. Specifically, for example, if the attributes of the user's main character are superior to those of the opponent, 20% points will be added to the standard when the user activates a dance skill alone, and vice versa. If the attributes of the user's main character are inferior to those of the opponent, the standard may be subtracted by 20%.

Next, details of the sequence data QD will be explained. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of sequence data QD. Sequence data QD is prepared for each song and each difficulty level. That is, the sequence data QD includes a plurality of sequence data QDa, QDb, QDc, . . . corresponding to a plurality of pieces of music having different difficulty levels. The difficulty level of each sequence data QD depends on the number of execution periods (if an execution period is included, the number of execution periods is also the same), so in many cases, the number of execution periods, etc. is different between them. There is. The example in FIG. 18 shows an example of sequence data QD in a case where both an execution time and an execution period are guided in a music game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, each sequence data QD includes a sequence record RS that manages information on when an appropriate play action should be performed. Further, the sequence record RS includes a first sequence record RS1 and a second sequence record RS2.

The first sequence record RS1 is a sequence record RS that manages information on execution timing as information on when an appropriate play action should be executed. The first sequence record RS1 includes information on "execution time", "route", and "type". “Execution time” is information indicating the execution time to be guided to each user. For example, in "execution time", information in which values indicating the bar number, the number of beats, and the time during the beat in the music are separated by commas is described as information on the execution time. “Route” is information indicating each route. As the "route" information, information identifying each route is described. Specifically, for example, if each route is distinguished by a number such as 1 to 4 in order from the left so as to correspond to the destination position index 52A, such a number is described as the route information. Further, each reached position index 52A also functions as information on a position to be touched as an appropriate play action. Therefore, the "route" information indicating the route corresponding to each reached position index 52A also functions as information indicating appropriate play behavior. “Type” is information indicating the type of object 51. For example, each execution time and each execution period are guided by different types of objects 51. Therefore, information for distinguishing these types is described as type information.

The second sequence record RS2 is a sequence record RS that manages information on an execution period as information on when an appropriate play action should be performed. The second sequence record RS2 includes information on "execution period", "route", and "type". The “route” and “type” information are the same as the “route” and “type” information of the first sequence record RS1. On the other hand, the "execution period" is information indicating a period during which an appropriate play action should be continued as an appropriate play action. The information on the "execution period" includes, for example, information on the execution start time and the execution end time (in this case, the execution start time and the execution end time may each be understood as the execution time). Further, as information on the execution start time and execution end time, information in which values indicating the bar number, the number of beats, and the time during the beat in the music are separated by commas is used, similar to the execution time. In the sequence record RS, various kinds of information as described above are recorded so as to be correlated with each other. Note that the "route" information may be replaced by various types of information. For example, information on the appearance position and arrival position of the object 51 may be used as "route" information. Similarly, when the "execution period" information functions as the type information of the object 51, the "type" information may be omitted.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 27, screen switching processing, difficulty level switching processing, guidance omission processing, guidance maintenance processing, video presentation processing, special evaluation processing, screen return processing, difficulty level return processing, and evaluation exclusion processing The process will be explained. The screen switching process is a process for switching the game screen from the play guide screen 50B to the dance screen 50D. When the switching condition is satisfied while the play guide screen 50B is being provided, the guidance control unit 33 starts the screen switching process shown in FIG. 19, and first provides a selection opportunity (step S101). Selection of each character is realized, for example, by a touch operation on the character icon 53. Therefore, the guidance control unit 33 provides a selection opportunity by displaying the character icon 53 corresponding to each character on the play guidance screen 50B.

Subsequently, the guidance control unit 33 sets the start time of switching to the dance screen 50D (step S102). If the start period is fixed to a predetermined period due to the switching conditions, the guidance control unit 33 sets the start time to the end of the start period so that such a start period is formed before switching. . Next, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether a start condition for starting switching to the dance screen 50D is satisfied (step S103). As an example, the start condition is met upon the end of the start period. That is, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether or not the end of the start period has arrived as a start condition. If the end time has not yet arrived, the guidance control unit 33 returns to step S103 again and repeatedly executes the process of step S103 until the end time arrives. That is, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether the end time of the repeat start period has arrived until the end time has arrived.

On the other hand, when the start condition is satisfied, that is, when the end of the start period has arrived, the guidance control unit 33 switches the game screen from the play guidance screen 50B to the dance screen 50D (step S104). More specifically, the guide control unit 33 changes the play guide screen 50B to the dance screen 50D by hiding the object 51, the determination line 52 (including the reached position indicator 52A), etc. on the play guide screen 50B. Switch. After this switching, the guidance control unit 33 ends the current screen switching process. Thereby, the game screen can be switched according to the switching conditions. More specifically, when the switching condition is satisfied, a start period is set, and after the start period has elapsed, the play guide screen 50B is switched to the dance screen 50D. A selection opportunity will also be provided during the initiation period. Note that the selection opportunity may include a partner selection opportunity (presentation of the partner selection screen 50C, etc.), or provision of such an opportunity may be realized by a separate process.

The difficulty level switching process is used to switch (change) the difficulty level of the music game in accordance with the activation of the opponent's dance skill while the dance screen 50D is provided as one of the effects of the dance skill (while the dance skill is activated). It is processing. When the switching condition is satisfied by the opponent while the play guide screen 50B is being provided, the guide control unit 33 starts the difficulty level switching process shown in FIG. 20, and first specifies the current difficulty level and the difficulty level after switching. (Step S201). The difficulty level of the music game depends on the contents of the sequence data QD. Therefore, the guidance control unit 33 specifies the current sequence data QD and the switching sequence data QD as the current difficulty level and the difficulty level after switching. Furthermore, in a music game, for such switching, guidance based on the current sequence data QD and guidance based on the switching sequence data QD are executed in parallel while not being displayed. Therefore, the guidance control unit 33 identifies these sequence data QD as the current sequence data QD and the switching sequence data QD. In this case, the current sequence data QD and the switching sequence data QD function as the current sequence data and other sequence data of the present invention, respectively. Similarly, the current difficulty level and the difficulty level after switching function as the current difficulty level and another difficulty level of the present invention.

Subsequently, the guidance control unit 33 sets the start time for switching the difficulty level (step S202). If the start period is fixed to a predetermined period due to the switching conditions, the guidance control unit 33 sets the start time to the end of the start period so that such a start period is formed before switching. . Alternatively, if the start time is set in step S102 of the screen switching process in FIG. 19, the guidance control unit 33 may obtain the processing result and set the same start time. Next, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether a start condition for starting difficulty level switching is satisfied (step S203). As an example, the start condition is met upon the end of the start period. That is, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether or not the end of the start period has arrived as a start condition. If the end time has not yet arrived, the guidance control unit 33 returns to step S203 again and repeatedly executes the process of step S203 until the end time has arrived. That is, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether the end time of the repeat start period has arrived until the end time has arrived.

On the other hand, when the start condition is satisfied, that is, when the end of the start period has arrived, the guidance control unit 33 switches the difficulty level of the music game (step S204). Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 switches the guidance sequence data QD from the current sequence data QD to the switching sequence data QD that was not displayed but was used for guidance in parallel. That is, the guidance based on the current sequence data QD is switched to non-display, and the guidance based on the switching sequence data QD is switched to display. After this switching, the guidance control unit 33 ends the current difficulty level switching process. As a result, the difficulty level can be switched in accordance with the activation of the opponent's dance skill.

The guidance omission process includes the start period (including the start period when the opponent's skill is activated, that is, the opponent's start period) or the end period (including the end period when the opponent's skill is activated, that is, the opponent's end period) ) is a process for realizing start preparation or end preparation. More specifically, the guidance omission process is performed when the start period includes an execution period that straddles the switching, or when the execution period that straddles the end of the end period is included. This is a process for omitting (hiding) guidance. Alternatively, the guidance omission process is also a process for omitting guidance on the execution timing based on the sequence data QD during the end period. The guidance control unit 33 repeatedly starts the guidance omission process shown in FIG. 21 at a predetermined cycle during the start period or end time, and first determines whether the omission condition is satisfied (step S301). The omission condition is satisfied, for example, when there is an execution period that straddles the switching at the start time. Further, the omission condition is satisfied, for example, in the end period, if the end period includes an execution time, or if there is an execution period that spans the end of the end period. In other words, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether or not there is an execution period that straddles the switching in the start period, whether or not the execution time is included in the end period in the end period, and whether or not there is an execution period that straddles the end time. Determine whether each exists or not.

Subsequently, the guidance control unit 33 identifies the omission target (step S302). Specifically, the execution period or execution time that satisfies the omission condition in the start period and the end period is specified. Next, the guidance control unit 33 omits the identified guidance to be omitted (step S303). Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 realizes this guidance by hiding (including transparent display) the display of the object 51 corresponding to the specified execution period to be omitted. The guidance control unit 33 then ends the current guidance omission process after omitting the guidance to be omitted. Thereby, preparations for the start and end of the start period (including those of the opponent) and the end period are realized. More specifically, during the start period, guidance for the execution period spanning the switching is omitted. Further, in the end period, guidance for each execution time and guidance for an execution period that spans the end of the end period are omitted.

The guidance maintenance process is a process for realizing completion preparation in the end period when the execution period is guided based on the sequence data QD. More specifically, this is a process for maintaining the display of the execution period spanning the return from the dance screen 50D to the play guide screen 50B during the end period. The guidance control unit 33 repeatedly starts the guidance maintenance process shown in FIG. 22 at a predetermined cycle at the end time, and first determines whether the maintenance condition is satisfied (step S401). The maintenance condition is satisfied, for example, when there is an execution period that straddles the return period. Furthermore, in the case of the end period of the opponent, whether or not there is such an execution period is determined based on the sequence data QD before returning. That is, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether or not there is an execution period that straddles the return period in the end period.

Subsequently, the guidance control unit 33 identifies the maintenance target (step S402). Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 specifies an execution period that satisfies the maintenance condition, that is, an execution period that straddles the return period, as a maintenance target. Next, the guidance control unit 33 maintains the identified guidance to be maintained (step S403). Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 realizes this guidance by continuing to display the object 51 corresponding to the specified execution period of the maintenance target until the execution period ends. Then, the guidance control unit 33 ends the current guidance maintenance process after maintaining the guidance to be maintained. Thereby, preparation for termination is realized in the termination period when the execution period is guided based on the sequence data QD. More specifically, guidance for the execution period that straddles the return period is maintained in the end period. In addition, in the guidance maintenance process of FIG. 22, in the case of the user's end period, the execution period may be guided by normal guidance even in the end period. Therefore, in such a case, the guidance maintenance process of FIG. 22 may be omitted. That is, the guidance maintenance process in FIG. 22 may be executed only when the opponent's period ends (when the difficulty level is switched).

The video presentation process is a process for presenting a special video on the dance screen 50D. That is, the video presentation process is a process for displaying a dance video associated with the activation of a dance skill on the dance screen 50D. When switching to the dance screen 50D is executed, the video control unit 34 starts the video presentation process shown in FIG. 23, and first obtains the selection result of the selection opportunity and, if the partner selection opportunity is given, the selection result. (Step S501). More specifically, the video control unit 34 obtains information about the dance skill to be activated, the main character who activates the skill, and its partner character as the selection result.

Next, the video control unit 34 determines the song being played (step S502). Next, the video control unit 34 specifies a video to be presented on the dance screen 50D (step S503). The video data MD is configured to be able to reproduce a plurality of special videos, for example, for each song, each dance skill, and each character combination (which may be differentiated depending on the main character and partner character). Therefore, the video control unit 34 performs this identification based on, for example, the dance skill acquired in step S501, the information on the main character and the partner character, and the music determined in step S502. That is, based on the dance skill to be activated, the main character, and the partner character, the video control unit 34 identifies a video corresponding to a combination of these as a special video to be presented on the dance screen 50D from a plurality of videos.

Subsequently, the video control unit 34 presents the specified video on the dance screen 50D (step S504). That is, the video control unit 34 displays a video (dance animation by each character) on the dance screen 50D based on the video data MD corresponding to the specified video. After this presentation, the video control unit 34 ends the current video presentation process. As a result, a special video (dance video corresponding to the dance skill activation) by the dance skill selected by the user, the main character, and the partner character is displayed on the dance screen 50. In other words, the display of the dance screen 50 (activation of the dance skill) is realized.

The special evaluation process is a process for processing the evaluation of each execution time according to a predetermined rule while the dance screen 50D is being displayed (while the dance skill is being activated). The example in FIG. 24 shows a case where a predetermined evaluation result is used as a predetermined rule, and each execution time is processed as a predetermined evaluation result. In this case, the evaluation unit 35 starts the special evaluation process shown in FIG. 24 repeatedly at a predetermined cycle while the dance screen 50D is displayed, and first determines whether or not there is an evaluation target (step S601). The evaluation target is the execution time corresponding to the object 51 that should arrive at each arrival position index 52A while the dance screen 50D is being displayed while not being displayed, that is, each execution time that comes at the time while the dance screen 50D is being displayed. Therefore, the evaluation unit 35 determines whether each object 51 has reached the arrival position index 52A while not being displayed while the dance screen 50D is being displayed, or whether there is an execution time corresponding to the current time. Further, when an execution period that spans a switch or an execution period that spans a return is evaluated, these may also be specified as evaluation targets. The same is true when the execution period, etc. included in the start period or end period is processed according to predetermined rules (in other processes, targets may be set as appropriate depending on the contents of start preparation or end preparation). ). Then, if each object 51 that has reached the reached position index 52A does not exist, or if there is no execution time corresponding to the current time, the evaluation unit 35 determines that the evaluation target does not exist. The evaluation unit 35 then skips the subsequent processing and ends the current special evaluation processing.

On the other hand, if an evaluation target exists, that is, if each object 51 that has reached the reached position index 52A exists, or if an execution time corresponding to the current time exists, the evaluation unit 35 determines the evaluation of the evaluation target. (Step S602). In other words, the evaluation unit 35 determines the evaluation of the execution time etc. (for example, execution period) corresponding to such object 51 as a predetermined evaluation result. More specifically, the evaluation unit 35 uses, for example, "PERFECT" as a predetermined evaluation result, and determines the evaluation of each execution time to be "PERFECT." Furthermore, if there is an execution period that spans a switch or an execution period that spans a return as an evaluation target, the evaluation is similarly determined to be "PERFECT" even if the execution period has not yet ended.

Subsequently, the evaluation unit 35 actually gives the evaluation determined in step S602 to the user (step S603). This assignment is realized by assigning points. That is, the evaluation unit 35 actually gives the user a score corresponding to "PERFECT" determined in step S602. After giving such an evaluation, the evaluation unit 35 ends the current special evaluation process. Thereby, the evaluation at each execution time is processed as a predetermined evaluation result while the dance screen 50D is being provided. That is, in addition to providing the special video, the effect of activating the dance skill is provided in that a predetermined evaluation result can be obtained for a certain period of time without performing a play action.

The screen return process is a process for returning the game screen from the dance screen 50D to the play guide screen 50B. When the provision of the dance screen 50D is started, the guidance control unit 33 repeatedly starts the screen return process shown in FIG. 25 at a predetermined period, and first determines whether the end condition is satisfied (step S701). The end condition is satisfied, for example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of switching to the dance screen 50D (the start of activation of the dance skill). Further, the predetermined period is set according to the dance skill being activated. Therefore, in order to determine whether the end condition is met, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether a predetermined period corresponding to the dance skill in progress has elapsed since the start of providing the dance screen 50D. If the end condition is not met, that is, if a predetermined period of time has not passed since the start of providing the dance screen 50D, the guidance control unit 33 skips the subsequent process and ends the current screen return process.

On the other hand, if the end condition is satisfied, that is, if a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of providing the dance screen 50D, the guidance control unit 33 sets an end period (step S703). Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 uses, for example, a uniform period as the end period, and sets the uniform period as the end period after the predetermined period has elapsed. Subsequently, the guidance control unit 33 returns the game screen to its original state (step S703). That is, the guidance control unit 33 switches the game screen from the dance screen 50D to the play guidance screen 50B. Then, the guidance control unit 33 returns the game screen to the play guidance screen 50B in this way, and then ends the current screen return process. As a result, after the dance screen 50D (in other words, a special dance video) is provided for a predetermined period of time depending on the dance skill, the game screen is returned to the original play guide screen 50B. Also, a termination period is set after such return during which termination preparation is to be performed.

The difficulty level return process is a process for returning the difficulty level of the opponent to the original level (returning to the original difficulty level) upon the end of the dance screen 50D (the end of the activation of the dance skill). When the provision of the dance screen 50D is started, the guide control unit 33 repeatedly starts the difficulty level restoration process shown in FIG. 26 at a predetermined period, and first determines whether the end condition is satisfied (step S801). The end condition is satisfied, for example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of switching to the dance screen 50D (the start of activation of the dance skill). Further, the predetermined period is set according to the dance skill being activated. Therefore, in order to determine whether the end condition is met, the guidance control unit 33 determines whether a predetermined period corresponding to the dance skill in progress has elapsed since the start of providing the dance screen 50D. If the end condition is not met, that is, if a predetermined period of time has not passed since the start of providing the dance screen 50D, the guidance control unit 33 skips the subsequent process and ends the current screen return process.

On the other hand, if the termination condition is satisfied, that is, if a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of providing the dance screen 50D, the guidance control unit 33 returns the difficulty level of the music game to the original level (step S802). As mentioned above, the difficulty level of a music game mainly depends on the contents of the sequence data QD, and the difficulty level switching process can also be changed by changing the sequence data QD for guidance so that the sequence data QD for switching is used for guidance. has been realized. Therefore, the guidance control unit 33 realizes this return by returning the guidance sequence data QD to the original sequence data QD. Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 hides the guidance (object 51) based on the switching sequence data QD, and displays the original sequence data QD (current sequence data QD in the difficulty level switching process in FIG. 20, in other words). Then, this return is realized by displaying a guide (object 51) based on the sequence data (QD) selected for play by the user. As a result, the difficulty level of the music game is returned to its original level when the opponent's dance screen 50D ends (dance skill activation ends).

The evaluation exclusion process is a process for excluding execution timing, etc. included in the sequence data QD to be evaluated from the evaluation target in the start period or the end period. More specifically, the evaluation exclusion process is executed to exclude execution periods that straddle switching in the start period, and to exclude execution periods that straddle the end period and each execution time included in the end period in the end period. Ru. When the start period or the end period starts, the evaluation unit 35 repeatedly starts the evaluation exclusion process shown in FIG. 27 at a predetermined cycle, and first determines whether or not there is an exclusion target (step S901). Specifically, the evaluation unit 35 determines that during the start period, an execution period spanning the switching exists in the sequence data QD to be evaluated (the current sequence data QD, in other words, the sequence data QD selected for play by the user). Determine whether or not. In addition, in the end period, the evaluation unit 35 determines whether there is an execution time that belongs to the end period in the sequence data QD to be evaluated (original sequence data QD, in other words, sequence data QD selected for play by the user). It is determined whether or not there is an execution period that spans the end time. If such an exclusion target does not exist, that is, if there is no execution period that straddles the switch in the start period, if there is no execution period that belongs to the end period in the end period, and if there is an execution period that straddles the end period, If the evaluation unit 35 does not exist, the evaluation unit 35 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current evaluation exclusion processing.

On the other hand, the evaluation unit 35 evaluates whether there is an exclusion target, that is, if there is an execution period that straddles the switching in the start period, if there is an execution period that belongs to the end period in the end period, or if there is an execution period that straddles the end period. If periods exist, these execution periods are specified as exclusion targets (step S902). Subsequently, the evaluation unit 35 excludes the specified execution period and the like of the exclusion target from the evaluation target (step S903). Specifically, the evaluation unit 35 realizes such exclusion by excluding the scores to be given by these excluded targets from the total score to be given as a result of playing the music game. In other words, the scores obtained by these excluded targets are excluded from the denominator of the score obtained as the evaluation result. After executing such exclusion, the evaluation unit 35 ends the current evaluation exclusion process. As a result, execution periods to be excluded in the start period or end period are excluded from the evaluation target. More specifically, in the start period, the execution period that straddles the switching is excluded from the evaluation target, and in the end period, all execution periods belonging to the end period and the execution period that straddles the end time are excluded from the evaluation target. In other words, part of the start preparation and end preparation is realized. In addition, regarding the execution timing that straddles the switching timing (starting timing), if it is processed by either the evaluation target (special evaluation process) or the exclusion target process, it does not have to be the target of the other process. For example, if all of these execution times are to be evaluated and there are no exclusion targets, the process in FIG. 27 may be omitted.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the switching condition is satisfied in the music game, the play guide screen 50B including the display of the object 51 etc. is changed to the dance screen 50D not including the display of the object 51 etc. can be switched to Then, on the dance screen 50, a special video, that is, a dance video accompanying the activation of the dance skill, is displayed instead of guidance on each execution timing based on the object 51 and the like. For this reason, it is possible to visually give priority to the display of such a special moving image through the dance screen 50D rather than the guidance of each execution time based on the object 51 or the like. In addition, in such a dance screen 50D, the evaluation of each execution time etc. that should originally be guided through the play guide screen 50B is based on a predetermined rule, more specifically a predetermined evaluation, instead of an evaluation based on the actual touch operation of each user. is processed as the evaluation result. That is, on the dance screen 50D, each execution time etc. is processed as a predetermined evaluation result according to a predetermined rule without the user being aware of it. Therefore, the user can also consciously give priority to the special video over the guidance of each execution timing based on the object 51 and the like. As a result, the special video can be provided to the user preferentially through the dance screen 50D, rather than guidance on each execution time based on the object 51 and the like. As a result, the degree of freedom in game development can be improved compared to the case where guidance regarding each execution time, etc. is required.

In addition, when switching to the dance screen 50D is performed based on a user's specified operation (when the switching conditions are satisfied with the execution of such specified operation), the user's intention may be reflected in the switching timing. can. This allows such switching to be used as a game feature. On the other hand, the dance screen 50D ends when the end conditions are met. Therefore, the period during which the dance screen 50D is provided can be limited to a part of the music game. Thereby, it is possible to give strategic consideration to the switching to the dance screen 50D, such as where to switch in the music game.

Furthermore, switching to the dance screen 50D or returning from the dance screen 50D to the play guide screen 50B may have various effects, such as when an execution period spanning these switches is announced. . On the other hand, guidance such as an execution period that straddles such switching is hidden (guidance is omitted) during, for example, start preparation or end preparation. Therefore, such an influence can be suppressed by setting the start period during which such start preparations are performed or the end period during which end preparations are performed.

On the other hand, when such a music game is provided as a competitive game, when the user switches to the dance screen 50D, the difficulty level of the opponent's game changes from the current difficulty level to a higher difficulty level. Can be switched at any time. In other words, from the perspective of the opponent, the difficulty level of the game changes regardless of the player's own play. Therefore, compared to a case where the difficulty level is switched based on the player's own play, it can be made difficult for the opponent to predict when the difficulty level will be switched. This makes it possible to relatively suppress user boredom. Furthermore, when such switching of the difficulty level is performed based on a user's designated operation, such switching can be used as an element of strategy such as where to switch in the music game. As a result, these can improve the interest of the game.

In the above embodiment, the guidance control section 33 of the game machine 3 functions as a display switching means of the present invention by executing the process of step S104 in FIG. 19. Further, the guidance control section 33 of the game machine 3 functions as a guidance control means of the present invention by executing the process of step S303 in FIG. 21. Similarly, the guide control unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the screen return means of the present invention by executing step S703 in FIG. 25. On the other hand, the evaluation unit 35 of the game machine 3 functions as a period processing means and a period processing means of the present invention by executing the process of step S602 in FIG. Further, the video control unit 34 of the game machine 3 functions as an image presentation means of the present invention by executing step S504 in FIG. 23. Further, the guide control section 33 of the game machine 3 functions as a time setting means and a difficulty level switching means by executing the process shown in FIG. Specifically, the guidance control unit 33 executes step S202 in FIG. 20 to function as the timing setting means of the present invention, and executes the process in step S204 in FIG. 20 to function as the difficulty level switching means of the present invention. Function. Similarly, the guide control unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the difficulty level return means of the present invention by executing step S803 in FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the form described above, and may be implemented in forms with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, in the above embodiment, a special video (special dance video) is displayed on the dance screen 50D as an effect of activating the dance skill. However, the images displayed on the dance screen 50D are not limited to such moving images. For example, various still images related to the dance skills of each character may be displayed on the dance screen 50D. Furthermore, the screen that can be switched from the play guide screen 50B is not limited to the dance screen 50D that displays such a dance video. For example, appropriate game elements such as another mini-game or a story related to each character may be prioritized over the guidance for each execution time on the screen that is switched from the play guidance screen 50B.

Further, the center server 2 may perform all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the game machine 3 in the above-described form. That is, the game system of the present invention may be configured such that the center server 2 and the game machine 3 cooperate as appropriate to realize each function that the game machine 3 and the center server 2 of this embodiment have. On the other hand, the center server 2 may be omitted. In this case, one game machine 3 may function as the game system of the present invention.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the embodiments and modifications described above will be described below. In the following description, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated form. It's not a thing.

The game system of the present invention includes an input device (36) for inputting the play action of the user, an instruction mark (51) corresponding to the execution time when the play action is to be performed, and a reference mark (51) corresponding to the current time. 52A) and a display device (37) for displaying a guide screen (50B), the display device (37) is connected to Each execution time is guided through the guidance screen by causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that they coincide at the execution time, and the user's information input via the input device is A game system (1) that provides a game in which the timing of an actual play action is evaluated based on each execution timing, wherein when a switching condition is satisfied in the game, the instruction from the guidance screen is changed from the guidance screen to the guidance screen. a display switching means (33) for switching the display of the display device to a special screen (50D) in which the display of the sign and the reference sign is inconspicuous; The playback apparatus includes timing processing means (35) for processing the evaluation of each execution timing to be guided through the game in accordance with a predetermined rule instead of the evaluation based on the actual play action.

According to the present invention, when a switching condition is satisfied in a game, the display on the display device is switched from the guide screen to a special screen in which the display of instruction signs and reference signs is less conspicuous than that of the guide screen. Therefore, it is possible to visually give priority to other game elements through the special screen rather than the guidance of each execution time based on the instruction mark and the reference mark. Further, on such a special screen, the evaluation of each execution time that should be guided through the guide screen is processed according to a predetermined rule instead of the evaluation based on the actual play action. In other words, on the special screen, the evaluation of each execution time is processed according to predetermined rules without the user being aware of it. Therefore, the user can consciously prioritize other game elements over the guidance of each execution time based on the instruction mark and the reference mark. As a result, other game elements can be preferentially provided to the user through such a special screen, rather than the guidance of each execution time based on the instruction mark and the reference mark. As a result, the degree of freedom in game development can be improved, which in turn can lead to an increase in the interest of the game.

Depending on the type of game, etc., appropriate elements may be provided to the user with priority over the guidance of each execution time based on the instruction mark and the reference mark. For example, if a game's story explanation, background display, other mini-games, or communication with other users (email, chat, etc.) are provided as part of the game, such as game elements (e.g. chat with users, etc.) (It does not have to be an element constituting the game itself) as long as it is used. Alternatively, if a character appears in the game, various elements related to such character, such as introduction of the character and various movements, may be provided to the user with priority over guidance on each execution time, for example. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when the game includes a plurality of characters having different characteristics and progresses through some of the plurality of characters, The image display device may further include image presentation means (34) for presenting an image (CA) related to the characteristic on the special screen so as to make it more conspicuous than the instruction mark and the reference mark. Note that the characters may include not only anthropomorphic things such as people but also objects such as cars and animals.

The characteristics of the character may be set as appropriate depending on the type of game. For example, in the case of a game in which multiple characters battle, characteristics related to such battles may be set for each character. Alternatively, in the case of a type of game in which characters are trained, characteristics related to training elements may be set for each character. For example, if the target is a baseball player, characteristics related to batting and pitching, if the target is a soccer player, characteristics related to various kicks such as dribbling, passing, shooting, or goalkeepers, and if the target is an idol, characteristics such as singing and dancing. are respectively set, and various images (including videos) related to batting etc. may be presented on the special screen more prominently than the instruction mark and reference mark. Similarly, for example, in a mode in which an image related to a character's characteristics is presented on a special screen, the image presentation means may be configured as a music game that guides each execution period in accordance with the rhythm of a song. A video in which a character image corresponding to the some of the characters performs a dance according to the characteristics of the some of the characters in accordance with the rhythm of the song is presented as an image related to the characteristics of the some of the characters. It's okay.

The dancing video may be provided by any number of characters. For example, such animation may be provided by one character or multiple characters. Furthermore, when the game is provided by a plurality of characters, the plurality of characters may be determined at random or may be determined according to the play situation. Alternatively, such multiple characters may be determined according to the user's selection. Specifically, for example, in a mode in which a dancing video is presented on a special screen, the display switching means may switch from the guide screen to the special screen when some of the characters include two or more characters. Before this, a selection opportunity may be provided to further select some of the two or more characters as the dance target.

The guidance screen may be switched to the special screen immediately after the switching conditions are met, or may be switched after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When switching is performed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the switching timing may be fixed or variable. Moreover, such a switching period may be set to an appropriate period. For example, if a predetermined period, such as the duration during which the playing activity should continue, is announced, the decision will be made based on such period (if such period has been determined in advance, and if appropriate) (including both cases where it is determined based on processing). Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the display switching means includes an execution period in the sequence data indicating a period in which the play action should be continuously performed or a period in which the play action should be repeatedly performed. When information is written and the execution period is also guided through the guidance screen, the switching is performed so that a start period based on the execution period is formed before switching from the guidance screen to the special screen. The timing may be adjusted based on the execution period. In this case, a start period based on the execution period is set before switching from the guide screen to the special screen. Therefore, for example, switching can be realized such that an execution period that straddles such switching does not occur. Alternatively, such execution periods can be excluded from guidance and evaluation targets. In other words, it is possible to suppress the influence caused by the execution period spanning the switching throughout the start period.

As described above, switching from the guide screen to the special screen may be realized so that an execution period spanning the switching does not occur. Alternatively, if such an execution period occurs, such execution period may be excluded from the guidance target. In this case, such execution period may be excluded from the evaluation target, or may be evaluated according to appropriate rules. Specifically, for example, as a mode in which a start period is formed, when the start period is formed in the switching, guidance control means for omitting guidance for the execution period included in the start period from the guidance screen. An embodiment further including (33) may be adopted.

Various conditions may be used as switching conditions. For example, a condition that is met randomly or a condition that is met depending on the play situation may be used as the switching condition. Alternatively, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the switching condition may be such that when the input device allows input of a designated action that designates switching to the special screen, the designated action is not inputted via the input device. The condition may be satisfied when an input is made on the guidance screen. In this case, such switching can be used as a game feature.

The special screen may be configured using various techniques so that the indication signs and reference signs are less conspicuous than the guide screen. For example, the instruction signs and reference signs may be displayed smaller on the special screen than on the guide screen. Alternatively, the display of the instruction mark and the reference mark itself may be hidden. In this case, hiding of the instruction mark and the reference mark may be realized by various methods. For example, a special screen that does not include display of instruction signs etc. may be displayed on top of the guidance screen so as to cover the guidance screen, or a guidance screen on which images of instruction signs etc. are hidden may function as a special screen. It's okay. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the display switching means uses, as the special screen, a screen in which the instruction mark and the reference mark are hidden when the switching condition is satisfied; The guide screen may be switched to a special screen.

Various rules may be used as the predetermined rules. For example, the predetermined rule may be a rule that excludes each execution time from the evaluation target. That is, on the special screen, the evaluation of each execution time may be processed so as to be excluded from the evaluation target. Alternatively, a predetermined evaluation result may be used as the predetermined rule. That is, on the special screen, the evaluation at each execution time may be processed as a predetermined evaluation result. In this case, the predetermined evaluation results may be different for some execution periods depending on various conditions such as the play situation, or may be the same for all execution periods. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the time processing means uses a predetermined evaluation result as the predetermined rule, and uniformly evaluates the evaluation of each execution time as the predetermined evaluation result. May be processed.

The special screen may be switched to return to the guide screen again, or may be switched to another screen. Alternatively, the special screen may be maintained as it is. Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a screen returning means (33) returns the display on the display device from the special screen to the guide screen when the termination condition is satisfied on the special screen. An embodiment further comprising: may be adopted. In this case, switching to the special screen can be limited to a part of the music game. Thereby, it is possible to give strategic value to switching to the special screen.

Various conditions may be adopted as the termination condition. For example, as the ending condition, a condition that is met irregularly (the period of the special screen is randomly set) may be adopted, or a condition that is met depending on the play situation may be adopted. Moreover, such a play situation may include elapsed time (play time). Alternatively, conditions based on the user's selection results may be adopted. Specifically, for example, in an aspect of the present invention that utilizes the termination condition, the termination condition may be satisfied when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of display of the special screen.

When returning from the special screen to the guide screen, such guidance and evaluation at each execution time may be executed at appropriate times, similar to the switching from the guide screen to the special screen. For example, the guidance and evaluation for each execution time may be returned to the original immediately after the end conditions are met, or a predetermined period may be provided before the guidance and evaluation for each execution time are returned. For example, in the mode of returning from the special screen to the guide screen, the timing processing means describes in the sequence data execution period information indicating a period in which the play action should be continuously performed or a period in which the play action should be repeatedly performed; When the execution period is also guided through the guidance screen, the execution period is changed in the termination period so that an end period based on the execution period is formed after switching from the special screen to the guidance screen. The evaluation may be processed as a predetermined evaluation result instead of the evaluation based on the actual play action.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG2) of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (31) connected to the input device and the display device to function as each means of the game system described above.

Further, the control method of the present invention includes an input device (36) for inputting a user's play action, an instruction indicator (51) corresponding to an execution time when the play action should be performed, and a reference corresponding to the current time. a display device (37) that displays a guide screen (50B) including a sign (52A), and a display device (37) that displays a guide screen (50B) including a sign (52A), and displays the position of the instruction sign and the reference sign based on sequence data (QD) in which each execution time is described. Each execution time is guided through the guidance screen by causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the marks coincide at each execution time, and each execution time inputted via the input device When a switching condition is satisfied in the game, a computer (31) installed in a game system (1) that provides a game that evaluates the timing of the user's actual play action based on each execution timing, displays the relevant information from the guidance screen. a display switching procedure for switching the display of the display device to a special screen in which the display of the instruction sign and the reference sign is less conspicuous than the guide screen; and a time processing procedure for processing the evaluation of each execution time to be guided through according to a predetermined rule instead of the evaluation based on the actual play action. By executing the computer program or control method of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

(Reference example)
An input device for inputting a user's play action, and a display device for displaying a guidance screen for guiding each execution time based on sequence data in which each execution time at which the play action should be performed is described. Connected to the game, the game guides each execution period through a guide screen and evaluates the timing of the user's actual play action inputted through the input device based on each execution period, and plays against an opponent based on the evaluation results. There are game systems that provide competitive games. For example, using these instruction signs, reference signs, guide screens, and play actions such as score display, judgment display, game screen, and controller button operations, the difficulty of the song can be adjusted according to level-up conditions, etc. A music game in which the degree etc. can be changed is known (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-246156). In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-218046 also exists as a prior art document related to the present invention.

In the music game disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-246156, the judgment display moves toward each musical score display, and the time to operate the button is guided based on the time when these positions match, and the time is evaluated. Further, based on the evaluation results, if the level-up condition is satisfied, the difficulty level of the song is increased, while if the level-down condition is satisfied, the difficulty level of the song is lowered. However, such a change in the difficulty level of a song is based solely on the evaluation result (skillfulness) of one's own play. Therefore, such changes may be predicted in advance from the user's own playing situation, and are often included in the user's expectations. Furthermore, the timing of such changes in difficulty is often fixed, and there is a high possibility that the timing of such changes will be easily memorized. As a result, the user may become bored early.

Furthermore, in the music game disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-218046, the timing of operating the operation button is guided by the arrival of the timing mark at the bottom of the track, and the time difference between the timing of arrival and the timing of pressing the operation button is is evaluated. Such timing marks include event timing marks, and an event may occur depending on an evaluation result for such an event timing mark. Additionally, such events include those in which timing marks are masked by masking areas, and such masking areas are used to mask timing marks depending on the operation result of one player when two players compete for score. It may also appear to interfere with the player. In the music game disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2000-218046, the difficulty level is changed by displaying such a masking area. However, such a masking area merely hides the display of the current timing marks, and does not change the number of timing marks or, in other words, the sequence data. For this reason, although it may be possible to use such changes in difficulty level as a tactical element, it is still possible to take measures such as memorizing the display of timing marks before displaying the masking area, which may still affect the user's expectations. There is a possibility that the change will fall within the category, and there is room for improvement in interest.

Therefore, the embodiments illustrated below aim to provide a game system and the like that can suppress user boredom.

The game system of this reference example uses an input device (36) for inputting a user's play action, and determines each execution time based on sequence data (QD) that describes each execution time when the play action should be performed. a display device (37) for displaying a guide screen (50B) for guiding the user, and is connected to a display device (37) for displaying a guide screen (50B) for guiding the user through the guide screen to guide each execution time and to display the user's actual play inputted through the input device. A game system (1) that provides a game in which the timing of an action is evaluated based on each execution timing as a competitive game in which the user competes against an opponent based on the evaluation results, wherein the user in the competitive game selects a switching condition. a time setting means (33) for setting a start time as a time at which the difficulty level of the game is to be switched in the competitive game played by the user's opponent when Difficulty switching means for switching the difficulty level of the competitive game played by the opponent from the current difficulty level corresponding to the current sequence data to another difficulty level corresponding to sequence data different from the current sequence data. (33).

According to this reference example, when the switching condition is met, the start time is specified in the game of the user's opponent who satisfied the switching condition, and the difficulty level of the game is different from the current difficulty level at that start time. You can change the difficulty level. In other words, from the perspective of the opponent, the difficulty level of the game changes regardless of the player's own play. Therefore, compared to the case where the difficulty level is switched based on the player's own play, it is possible to make it more difficult for the opponent user to predict when the difficulty level will be switched. Thereby, it is possible to relatively suppress user boredom, and in turn, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

The start time (difficulty level switching time) may be set immediately after the switching condition is met, or may be set after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the start time is set after a predetermined period has elapsed, the predetermined period may be fixed or variable. Moreover, such a predetermined period may be set to an appropriate period. For example, if a predetermined period, such as the duration during which the playing activity should continue, is announced, the decision will be made based on such period (if such period has been determined in advance, and if appropriate) (including both cases where it is determined based on processing). Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game system of this reference example, information on an execution period indicating a period in which the play action should be continuously performed or a period in which the play action should be repeatedly performed is described in the current sequence data. and when the execution period is guided through the guidance screen, the execution period that straddles the start time in the start period so that the start period based on the execution period is formed before the start time. An embodiment may also be adopted that further includes a guidance control means (33) that omits guidance. In this case, a start period based on the execution period is set before switching the difficulty level. Therefore, for example, switching can be realized such that an execution period that spans such switching does not occur. Alternatively, such execution periods can be excluded from guidance and evaluation targets. In other words, it is possible to suppress the influence caused by the execution period spanning the switching throughout the start period.

As described above, the difficulty level switching may be implemented such that there is no execution period that straddles the switching. Alternatively, if such an execution period occurs, such execution period may be excluded from the guidance target. In this case, such execution period may be excluded from the evaluation target, or may be evaluated according to appropriate rules. Specifically, for example, as a mode in which the start period is formed, when guidance is omitted by the guidance control means, period processing means (35 ) may be adopted.

The difficulty level may be switched from another difficulty level back to the original difficulty level, or may be further switched to another difficulty level. Alternatively, another difficulty level may be maintained. Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game system of this reference example, when an end condition is satisfied in the competitive game having the different difficulty level, the difficulty level of the game is set to the other sequence data. An embodiment may be adopted in which the apparatus further includes difficulty level return means (33) for returning the corresponding another difficulty level to the current difficulty level corresponding to the current sequence data. In this case, switching to the difficulty level can be limited to a part of the music game. Thereby, it is possible to add a strategic aspect to the difficulty level switching.

Various conditions may be adopted as the termination condition. For example, as the ending condition, a condition that is met irregularly (the period of the special screen is randomly set) may be adopted, or a condition that is met depending on the play situation may be adopted. Moreover, such a play situation may include elapsed time (play time). Alternatively, conditions based on the user's selection results may be adopted. Specifically, for example, in an aspect using the termination condition of this reference example, the termination condition may be satisfied when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start time.

When the difficulty level returns to the original difficulty level from another difficulty level, the guidance and evaluation at each execution time may be returned to normal immediately after switching to another difficulty level, or special processing may be performed. may run for a predetermined period of time and then return to normal. As such special processing, for example, processing may be used to exclude appropriate objects included in the predetermined period from display objects or evaluation objects, or to treat them as predetermined evaluation results. For example, in a mode in which the difficulty level of the game returns to the original difficulty level from another difficulty level, the guidance control means may control the execution period during which the difficulty level of the game straddles the return period from the different difficulty level to the current difficulty level. included in the sequence data of , and when guided at the different difficulty level, an execution period that straddles the return time in the end period so that an end period based on the execution period is formed after the return time. The guidance may also be omitted. Further, in this aspect, the guidance control means may further omit guidance of all execution times included in the current sequence data during the end period. Furthermore, in this aspect, the period processing means may further process at least one of the evaluation of the execution period that straddles the return period in the end period and the evaluation of all the execution periods according to the predetermined rule.

Various conditions may be used as switching conditions. For example, a condition that is met randomly or a condition that is met depending on the play situation may be used as the switching condition. Alternatively, in one aspect of the game system of this reference example, the switching condition is such that when the input device allows input of a designated action that designates switching of the difficulty level of the game, the designated action is performed by the user. It may be satisfied when the current difficulty level is input via an input device. In this case, such switching can be used as an element of bargaining with the opponent.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG2) of this reference example is configured to cause a computer (31) connected to the input device and the display device to function as each means of the game system described above.

In addition, the control method of this reference example uses an input device (36) for inputting the user's play action, and each execution based on sequence data (QD) that describes the execution timing at which the play action should be performed. a display device (37) that displays a guidance screen (50B) for guiding the timing; A computer (31) incorporated in a game system (1) that provides a game that evaluates the timing of each play action based on each execution time as a competitive game in which you play against an opponent based on the evaluation results. a timing setting procedure of setting a start time as a time when the difficulty level of the game should be switched in the competitive game played by the user's opponent when the user satisfies a switching condition in the game; Switching the difficulty level of the competitive game played by the opponent at the start time from the current difficulty level corresponding to the current sequence data to another difficulty level corresponding to sequence data different from the current sequence data. The difficulty level switching procedure is executed. By executing the computer program or control method of this reference example, the game system of this reference example can be realized.

1 Game System 3 Game Machine 31 Control Unit (Computer)
33 Guidance control unit (display switching means, guidance control means, screen return means, time setting means, difficulty level switching means, difficulty level return means)
34 Video control unit (image presentation means)
35 Evaluation section (period processing means, period processing means)
36 Input device 37 Monitor (display device)
51 Object (instruction sign)
52A Arrival position indicator (reference indicator)
50B Play guide screen (guide screen)
50D dance screen (special screen)
CA Character image (character, image)
QD Sequence data PG2 Program (computer program)

Claims (1)

Connected to an input device for inputting a user's play action, and a display device for displaying a guide screen including an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time when the play action should be performed and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. and causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark coincide at each execution time based on sequence data in which each execution time is described. A game system that provides a game that guides each execution period through the guidance screen and evaluates the timing of the user's actual play action inputted via the input device based on each execution period,
Display switching means for switching the display of the display device from the guide screen to a special screen in which the instruction sign and the reference sign are less conspicuous than the guide screen when a switching condition is satisfied in the game;
When the display of the display device is switched to the special screen, timing processing means processes evaluations of each execution timing to be guided through the guide screen in accordance with a predetermined rule instead of evaluations based on the actual play action. and,
A game system equipped with.

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