JP2024019265A - Game system, and computer program and control method used for game system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of expressing relationships among a plurality of characters in more detail.SOLUTION: A game system 1 provides a game that causes two characters to execute a behavior according to a predetermined rule in correspondence with relationship parameters indicating a degree of relationship between the two characters. Specifically, using a first relationship parameter indicating a degree of relationship of one character with the other character viewed from the one character of the two characters as the relationship parameter, and a second relationship parameter indicating, conversely, a degree of relationship with the one character viewed from the other character, the game system 1 imparts different changes to the first relationship parameter and the second relationship parameter respectively with a predetermined imparting condition according to a play status of the game as a criterion, and controls a behavior of the one character to the other character according to the first relationship parameter, and, conversely, a behavior of the other character to the one character according to the second relationship parameter, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention displays a game screen including an input device for inputting a user's instructions, and a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the user's instructions. between the first character and the second character as the parameter, when a predetermined rule is set so that the behavior of each character changes according to a parameter that defines each character. The present invention relates to a game system and the like that provides a game in which each character is made to perform an action according to a predetermined rule according to the relational parameter using a relational parameter indicating the degree of the relation between the characters.

an input device for inputting a user's instructions; a display device that displays a game screen including a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the user's instructions; and a predetermined rule is set such that each character's behavior changes according to the parameters that define each character, and the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character as that parameter. There is a game system that provides a game in which each character is made to perform an action according to a predetermined rule according to the relational parameter using a relational parameter indicating the relational parameter. For example, a game is known that uses a first parameter and a video (concert by characters) showing the relationship between the main characters in the first part as such relational parameters and actions (for example, Patent Document 1 reference).

Patent No. 6453500

In the game of Patent Document 1, the first part includes special images of two or more characters (automatically controlled characters, in other words, characters that perform actions according to predetermined rules) depending on the relationship between those characters. include. Therefore, an opportunity is provided to enjoy the relationships between these characters by using such special images. On the other hand, the first parameter indicating such a relationship is set in units of two or more characters. Therefore, the values of the first parameters are the same and do not differ between these two or more characters. As a result, for the same two or more characters, as long as the value of the first parameter does not change, for example, in both cases when one of these characters acts independently and when the other character acts independently The same special footage will be used in

However, real human relationships are often not this simple. Specifically, even in a human relationship between two people, there is often a difference between the emotions one person expresses to the other person and the emotions the other person expresses to the other person. As a result, even actions by the same two people may lead to different actions depending on who is the main actor in the action. For this reason, if relationships are uniformly set for two or more characters, delicate relationships such as the subtleties of real human relationships may not be sufficiently reflected. As a result, there is a possibility that the relationships between multiple characters cannot be adequately expressed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and the like that can express relationships between a plurality of characters in more detail.

The game system of the present invention includes an input device for inputting a user's instruction, and a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the user's instruction. a display device that displays a screen, and when the predetermined rule is set such that the behavior of each character changes according to a parameter that defines each character, the parameter is connected to the first character; A game system that provides a game that uses a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the second character and the character and makes each character perform an action according to the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter, the game system comprising: A first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character as a relationship parameter, and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character. parameter changing means for applying separate changes to the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on predetermined provision conditions according to the play situation of the game; The apparatus further comprises an action control means for controlling the action of the second character towards the first character according to the first relational parameter and the action of the second character towards the first character depending on the second relational parameter.

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 includes an input device for inputting a user's instruction, and a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance according to the user's instruction. a display device that displays a game screen including a game screen, and when the predetermined rule is set such that the behavior of each character changes according to a parameter that defines each character, the first Incorporated into a game system that provides a game that uses a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between a character and the second character and causes each character to perform an action according to the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter. A first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character as viewed from the first character, and a second relationship indicating the degree of relationship between the first character and the first character as viewed from the second character. a parameter change procedure for applying separate changes to the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on predetermined provision conditions according to the playing situation of the game; executing a behavior control procedure for controlling the behavior of one character toward the second character according to the first relationship parameter and the behavior of the second character toward the first character according to the second relationship parameter; It is something that makes you

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 the control system of the 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 team selection screen which is displaying the relationship display area. The figure which shows typically an example of the guidance screen for a play. The figure which shows typically an example of a play result screen. The figure which shows an example of the structure of parameter data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for relationship update processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of behavior control processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a privilege provision process.

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 for 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 to be 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 multiple 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 music game has a plurality of songs prepared for play, 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 a character development game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. Furthermore, the game machine service includes 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, parameter data PD is shown as one type of such various data. Details of the parameter data PD will be described 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 music data, sequence data, video data, play data, ID management data, and the like. The music data is data for reproducing music used in a music game. The sequence data is data that describes each execution timing at which a play action is to be performed by a user in a music game. Sequence data is used to guide and evaluate each execution timing. Therefore, in the sequence data, each execution time and information on an appropriate play action to be performed at each execution time are described so as to be associated with each other. The video data 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, but for example, it may be possible to record the trajectory of a person wearing a motion sensor and based on the detection results. It may also be realized by a trajectory. Furthermore, each video may be configured as a result of photographing a virtual three-dimensional space. 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.

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. A program PG2 is recorded in the storage unit 32 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. Further, the storage unit 32 records game data necessary for providing a character development game. Such game data includes various types of data including music game data, and the example in FIG. 2 shows parameter data PD as one type of data. The parameter data PD is provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service. Note that the game data may include music data, sequence data, video data, play data, or ID management data provided through a distribution service, similar to the parameter data PD. Further, the game data may also include, for example, image data for displaying various images for the game, BGM data for reproducing various BGM, and the like. However, these illustrations were omitted.

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, an image control section 33, a parameter management section 34, and an evaluation section 35 are shown as logical devices related to the character development game.

The image control unit 33 is a logical device that performs various processes for displaying various images on the game screen for the character development game. Such processing includes, for example, processing for guiding each execution time through instruction signs and reference markings, or processing for displaying various videos such as dances by a dance unit, etc. to realize the play of a music game. Includes various types of processing. Furthermore, unlike characters (so-called avatars) that are operated by the user as alter egos, each character, including the movements (behaviors) of the characters in videos such as dancing, follow predetermined rules according to the user's instructions. It is controlled so that the behavior according to the following is automatically executed as a training target. For this reason, the processing executed by the image control unit 33 includes predetermined rules for each character on the game screen (preset rules such that the actions of each character change according to the parameters that define each character even if the instructions are the same). It also includes the process of executing actions according to For example, the image control unit 33 executes behavior control processing as a process for controlling the motion of such a character. Furthermore, as the game progresses, benefits may be granted according to benefit conditions. The image control unit 33 also executes a benefit granting process as an example of a process for granting such a benefit. The procedures of such privilege grant processing and behavior control processing will be described later.

On the other hand, the parameter management unit 34 is a logical device that performs various processes related to management of various parameters prepared for defining each character. Such processing includes processing for updating parameters that change in relation to the game play situation. Further, such parameters may be managed by parameter data PD. Therefore, the processing executed by the parameter management unit 34 includes processing for updating the parameter data PD in relation to the play situation. For example, the parameter management unit 34 executes a relationship update process as a process to update such parameter data PD. The procedure for the relationship update process will be described later.

The evaluation unit 35 is a logical device that performs various processes for evaluating various play actions of each user in the character development game. Such play actions include, for example, play actions in music games. That is, the processing executed by the evaluation unit 35 includes processing for evaluating each play action of the user in the music game. Note that since such processing may be realized by well-known processing, details of the procedure will be 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. 37 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 the user's play actions (including instructions to the character) 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 can be pressed with a foot for a music game 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, through a card that records the remaining amount of electronic currency, for example. 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, the progress of the character development game will be explained. In the following, a portable game machine 3C that uses a touch panel as the input device 36 will be taken as an example, and the progress of the character development game will be explained with reference to an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor 37 of such a portable game machine 3C. explain. 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 among the various game screens displayed on the monitor 37 for the character development game. 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. Specifically, 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 "DANCER" icon 44. It includes a "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 "DANCER" icon 42 is a transition icon for transitioning to a character screen (not shown). The character screen is a game screen for presenting details of each character. Many characters are prepared in the character development game, and the details of each character are displayed on the character screen. For example, on the character screen, information on the parameters of each character is displayed as details for 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 “lottery” icon 44 is a transition icon for transitioning to a lottery result screen (not shown). The lottery result screen is a game screen for providing a lottery game for awarding various elements related to the character development game by lottery. For example, in such a lottery game, cards corresponding to each character are randomly awarded as elements related to the character development game. The cards awarded in the lottery game may be used to advance the play in the character development game, or may simply function as cards for collection or appreciation.

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. The errand event is provided upon consumption of a predetermined value set in the game.

The "DANCE BATTLE" icon 46 is a transition icon for transitioning to a music game screen. The music game screen is a game screen that allows the user to actually play the music game by displaying the above-mentioned instruction signs and the like. Additionally, dance videos by dance units are also displayed on such music game screens. Details of the music game screen will be described later.

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.

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 a title is often provided). 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 (playing the above-mentioned lottery game). 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 physical strength value. The physical strength value is a value consumed in order to provide various progresses such as the use of events to the character development game. The physical strength value is set for each user as the user's physical strength value. Such physical strength values may be used to grant various advancements, but are consumed, for example, to provide (use) the above-mentioned errand event or to play a music game. Your physical strength will recover to its upper limit (which may change depending on your level, etc.) over time. The character development game also includes items for recovering a predetermined amount of physical strength.

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 (remaining amount) and upper limit value of the user's physical strength value. In the example of FIG. 3, "30" is presented as the user'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 conjunction with a touch operation on the recovery icon 48C2, an additional area (a so-called pop-up) is further presented, for example, for selecting an item for recovering physical strength or for confirming whether such an item can be used. Good too. Then, when the item is actually used (consumed) by such a touch operation, the physical strength value is recovered by a predetermined amount.

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.

Next, the music game screen will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. The music game screen is a game screen for a music game. The music game screen includes, for example, a team selection screen, a play guide screen, and a play result screen. 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. The team selection screen 50A is displayed in response to a touch operation on the "DANCE BATTLE" icon 46. 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, a team information area 50A7, and a soul link icon SL. 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.

Further, the soul link icon SL is an icon that functions as a touch position for displaying relationship parameters set for each character forming the team. Various parameters that define each character are set for each character as described above, and such parameters also include relational parameters. The relationship parameter is a parameter that indicates the degree of relationship between two characters (including, for example, feelings that each character has for each other). When the soul link icon SL is touched, a relationship display area for displaying information on such relationship parameters is displayed. Details of the relationship display area will be described later.

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. That is, 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 any 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 the availability of autoplay selection. 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 (a 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, when such an autoplay instruction icon is touched, autoplay may be realized. Note that autoplay may be implemented as appropriate. For example, autoplay may be realized via an autoplay screen (not shown) so as to show the progress (process leading to a predetermined evaluation result). Specifically, autoplay may be realized by displaying a predetermined evaluation result on each instruction sign via a play guide screen to be described later. Alternatively, such intermediate steps may be omitted. That is, in the case of automatic play, only a predetermined evaluation result (eg, predetermined acquired points, etc.) may be given.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the team selection screen 50A in which the related display area is being displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, in this case, the team selection screen 50A includes a relationship display area RA. The relationship display area RA includes a character icon 53 and a numerical value column NA. Character icon 53 is an icon corresponding to each character. In the relationship display area RA, character icons 53 corresponding to the characters forming the team being presented in the team presentation area 50A2 are displayed. The numerical value column NA is an area for displaying values of relationship parameters between two characters. Relationship parameters are set bidirectionally between the two characters. In other words, separate relationship parameters with directions are set between the two characters. Specifically, between two characters, there are relationship parameters (hereinafter sometimes referred to as first relationship parameters) that indicate the relationship that occurs from one character to the other character, and vice versa. A relationship parameter (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a second relationship parameter) indicating a relationship that occurs toward one character is set. The total value of such two-way relationship parameters (first relationship parameter and second relationship parameter) is displayed in the numerical value field NA.

Note that the numerical value column NA is not limited to the total value, but may display an appropriate value based on the first relationship parameter and the second relationship parameter between the two people. For example, the average value of the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter may be displayed in the numerical value column NA, or the maximum value may be displayed. Similarly, regarding the use of the total value below, an appropriate numerical value such as the average value may be used as appropriate instead of the total value.

In the example of FIG. 5, three character icons 53 corresponding to the three characters of the example of FIG. 4 are displayed. Further, each character icon 53 displays an image corresponding to the head of the character image CA. Further, between each character icon 53, a numerical column NA is displayed that displays "2" as the value of the related parameter. Specifically, three types of relationships are formed between each two characters among the three characters. Therefore, three numerical columns NA corresponding to these three types of relationships are respectively displayed between the two character icons 53. All of these numerical columns NA display "2" as the value of the related parameter. In other words, between every two characters corresponding to each of these three types, a relationship is established in which the total value of the relationship parameters corresponds to "2".

FIG. 6 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. The play guide screen 50B is displayed, for example, when the decision instruction icon 50A5 is touched on the team selection screen 50A, after passing through an appropriate screen (for example, a screen for selecting the difficulty level of the game, various production screens, etc.). Ru. As shown in FIG. 6, 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. 6, 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.

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 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 possible to encourage the arrangement of each character image CA such 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.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a play result screen. The play result screen 50F is a game screen for displaying the play results of the music game. The play result screen 50F is displayed after a play using the play guide screen 50B to present the result of the play. A music game may be provided as a competitive game in which the user competes against an opponent (a computer or another user matched through a matching service). Therefore, such play results include scores and match results in the case of competitive play. Moreover, the values of the above-mentioned related parameters also change through the play of the music game. Therefore, such play results also include changes in related parameters. The example in FIG. 7 shows an example of a play result screen 50F in which a change in such a related parameter is displayed as a play result. Further, the example in FIG. 7 shows a case where the music game is provided as a competitive game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the play result screen 50F includes a match result display area 50F1 and a relationship change display area 50F2.

The battle result display area 50F1 is an area for presenting the battle results when the music game is played as a battle-type game. The relationship change display area 50F2 is an area for presenting the change in the relationship parameter when the relationship parameter changes through the play of the music game. Similar to the relationship display area RA, the relationship change display area 50F2 includes a character icon 53 and a numerical value field NA. Changes in the related parameters are then presented through these character icons 53 and the numerical column NA. Further, as such relational parameters, a first relational parameter and a second relational parameter are used. That is, the degree of relationship between each character is presented not as a total value but as a direction (from one to the other, or from the other to one).

Specifically, three character icons 53 corresponding to the three characters used in playing the music game are displayed in the relationship change display area 50F2. Then, in order to show the three types of relationships formed for each two of those three characters, there are two characters between each of the two character icons 53 that indicate the changed values of the relationship parameters between those two characters. Two numerical columns NA are displayed. In these numerical columns NA, the value of the first relational parameter and the value of the second relational parameter are respectively displayed as the value of the relational parameter. That is, unlike the relationship display area RA, the relationship change display area 50F2 displays the values of relationship parameters so that each direction of the relationship is distinguished.

Changes in the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter may occur as appropriate; however, there are two cases in which the same change (change) is imparted uniformly to both, and a case in which separate changes (different changes) are made based on predetermined conditions. ) occurs. In addition, such uniform changes and changes based on the provision conditions may occur as appropriate depending on the play situation, etc., but the use in playing a music game is used as a uniform change. Specifically, for example, when used for playing a music game, the amount increases by a certain amount among all characters on the team. As a result, the first relationship parameter and the second relationship parameter between each character also uniformly increase (change) by a certain amount. Furthermore, in music games, a dance video in which a plurality of characters perform a dance is provided as one of the cooperative actions in which the characters cooperate with each other. Execution of such a dance (cooperative behavior) may be used as a uniform change. That is, with the performance of such a dance, a uniform (fixed amount) change in the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter may be given to each character who performed the dance.

Further, as the granting condition, appropriate conditions such as play status, user selection, random, etc. may be used. Changes based on such application conditions may also occur as appropriate. For example, in an action performed by a plurality of characters, when an action is performed in which one of the characters can be identified, the separate changes based on the conditions associated with such action are the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter. granted to. For example, an independent action may be used as such action that can identify one person. In other words, an action that each character performs together with other characters, such as by inviting or guiding other characters, may be used as a change based on the provision conditions. For example, each character may be provided with various skills (characteristics) as appropriate, but if such skills include skills that involve other characters (execute together with other characters), such skills Activation of skills may function as an independent action. That is, upon activation of such a skill, changes based on the provision conditions may be applied to the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter. For this reason, when a cooperative action such as the above-mentioned dance is performed, and the subject of the action can be identified, a change based on the provision conditions may be applied instead of a uniform change (or in addition to it). Below, as an example of such a skill, if each character has a skill in which two or more characters perform a special dance (a special dance according to the type of skill), in other words, a cooperation called a special dance is used. A case will be explained in which a change based on the granting conditions is given along with an action.

In this case, with the execution of such a special dance (activation of a skill), the values of the related parameters of two or more characters who performed (participated in) the special dance are added by a predetermined amount as a bonus. Specifically, such a dance involves a main character who functions as the subject of skill activation (action), and a sub-character (one or more people who are the recipients of skill activation) who function as assistance to such main character. ) are divided into roles. Therefore, when a skill is activated as a main character (performs an independent action), there will be separate changes in the first relationship parameter and the second relationship parameter with the recipient (sub character). will be granted. Such separate changes may occur as appropriate based on the various granting conditions described above, but for example, there may be a condition in which the main character (the subject of the action) changes more than the sub-character (the recipient of the action). Adopted. In other words, the subject of the action (which may be interpreted as a type of play situation or a type of user selection) is used as the granting condition to indicate the degree of relationship with the sub character from the main character's perspective. The related parameters change more than the opposite. Therefore, for example, when a main character and a sub-character function as one character and the other character, respectively, separate changes may occur between them such that the first relational parameter changes more than the second relational parameter. will be granted.

In the example of FIG. 7, the characters "LOSE" indicating a loss are displayed in the battle result display area 50F1 as information on the battle result. In addition, in the relationship change display area 50F2, six numerical columns NA1 to NA6 are provided as a numerical column NA so as to indicate the mutual relationship parameters of each two characters between the three character icons 53 corresponding to the three characters, respectively. is displayed. The outer three numerical columns NA1 to NA3 indicate the values of the relational parameters corresponding to the clockwise relationship, and the inner three numerical columns NA4 to NA5 indicate the values of the relational parameters corresponding to the counterclockwise relation. it's shown.

Specifically, the character icon 53 includes a first character icon 53A, a second character icon 53B, and a third character icon 53C. Furthermore, two numerical columns NA1 and NA6 are displayed between the first character icon 53A and the second character icon 53B, both of which indicate "1" as the value of the related parameter. Among these, the numerical value field NA1 located on the outside displays the value of a relational parameter (for example, a first relational parameter) indicating the relationship with the second character icon 53B (character) as seen from the first character icon 53A (character). There is. On the other hand, the numerical value column NA6 located inside displays the value of a relational parameter (for example, a second relational parameter) that indicates the relationship between the second character icon 53B and the first character icon 53A. From this point of view, the two characters corresponding to the first character icon 53A and the second character icon 53B have the same degree of relationship with each other. In this case, for example, in the relationship display area RA of the team selection screen 50A, "2" is displayed as the total value of the relationship parameters between the first character icon 53A and the second character icon 53B. The same holds true for the relationship between the second character icon 53B and the third character icon 53C.

On the other hand, two numerical columns NA3 and NA4 indicating values of different related parameters are displayed between the third character icon 53C and the first character icon 53A. Specifically, "3" is displayed in the outer numerical column NA3, and "2" is displayed in the inner numerical column NA4 as the value of the related parameter. In other words, the value of the relational parameter (for example, the first relational parameter) that indicates the relationship with the first character icon 53A as seen from the third character icon 53C is higher than the value of the relational parameter that is the opposite (for example, the second relational parameter). big. For example, as described above, by activating the skill of the third character icon 53C, a special dance is performed in a music game so that the third character icon 53C functions as the main character and the first character icon 53A functions as the sub character. When exposed, such differences may occur according to the application of separate changes based on the application conditions. In such a case, various differences in behavior may occur between the character corresponding to the third character icon 53C and the character corresponding to the first character icon 53A, depending on the values of these relationship parameters. Further, in this example, the character corresponding to the third character icon 53C and the character corresponding to the first character icon 53A function as the first character and second character of the present invention, respectively.

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 7, information on the values (necessary amounts) necessary for the related parameters to rise to the next stage is displayed in each of the numerical columns NA1 to NA6. Specifically, only integer values are displayed in each of the numerical columns NA1 to NA6, but the numerical values of the related parameters are set up to the decimal point. Therefore, in each of the numerical columns NA1 to NA6, information corresponding to the value below the decimal point is displayed as the value necessary to reach the next integer. Such information may be displayed as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 7, it is displayed through changes in color (or background pattern) indicated by diagonal lines on the left. Specifically, in the numerical value column NA3 that displays the relationship between the third character icon 53C and the first character icon 53A, a left diagonal line is displayed almost everywhere except for a small portion at the top. This indicates that the value of the related parameter will change to the next stage, ie, "4", in a little while. On the other hand, the numerical value column NA1 etc. indicating the relationship between the second character icon 53B as seen from the first character icon 53A is displayed in almost white, and only a slight diagonal line to the left is displayed in a part of the lower part. . This indicates that a relatively large increase in the relational parameter is required until the value of the relational parameter changes to the next stage, ie, "2". Note that the values of the related parameters (the values of the portions below the decimal point) necessary for ascending to each stage may be uniform or may vary. Specifically, for example, the value required for the value of the relational parameter to increase from "1" to "2" and the value required for it to increase from "7" to "8" are the same. may also be different. These differences are due to differences in the concept of integer values (for example, 10 steps when the integer value is between "1" and "2", and 100 steps when the integer value is between "7" and "8"). It may be realized by the difference in the amount of increase obtained from the same play result. Moreover, the integer value or less of the relational parameter is not limited to the concept of a decimal point, and may be set as appropriate. Similarly, the value displayed in the numerical value column NA is not limited to an integer value, but may be any appropriate value. That is, the value of the related parameter may be increased to the next stage as appropriate.

The value of a relationship parameter is determined by the various actions that may occur between the two characters corresponding to the relationship parameter (it does not have to be an action performed by two characters at the same time, but even if it is a single action performed by one character for the sake of the other). good). For example, the value of the related parameter is the behavior of the character image CA in a music game (including behavior in a dance video), the release of a story animation on the story screen (permission to view), the performance when two or more characters activate a skill, and the like. This may be reflected in an attack on an opponent (an action that causes a disadvantage) due to skill activation, or the action of the character image CA on the home screen 40. In these, the total value or individual values may be appropriately used as the values of the related parameters. For example, in this case, the total value is used for actions by two characters, and the individual values are used for actions from one character toward another character as the first relationship parameter (or, for the opposite action, the second relationship parameter is used). parameters) may be used respectively.

For example, in a music game, one character performs an action of calling out to another character as an action of the character image CA (for example, a starting motion before the start of the music game, a warm-up movement before dancing, or a motion at the end). In this case, the manner of calling may change depending on the value of the first related parameter. Specifically, when the value of the first relational parameter is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, one character performs an action of calling out to the other character with a name, such as "A, nice to meet you" or "A, let's warm up." Execute on the character. On the other hand, if the value is less than the predetermined value, one character performs an action of simply calling out to the other character, such as "Nice to meet you" or "Let's get warmed up."

Alternatively, when two character images CA are displayed on the game screen at the same time, the distance between the two character images CA may change depending on the value of the related parameter. Specifically, the two corresponding character images CA may be displayed such that the larger the value of the first relational parameter, the closer one character is to the other character. In addition, as a motion at the end of the battle when the battle is lost, one character places a hand on the shoulder of the other character who becomes depressed when the value of the first related parameter is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or the other character performs an action (movement) such as walking together. You may also take actions such as going home. Similarly, in various actions of one character toward the other character depending on the value of the first relationship parameter, details such as the direction of the face, whether or not to look at the other character, whether or not to call out to the other character, and how to call out to the other character. changes occur.

Similarly, for example, if the total value of the relationship parameters between two characters reaches a predetermined value or more, a specific story (video) regarding those two characters will be unlocked, or the effects associated with the skill activation will be spectacular. Or, the effect of reducing the opponent's score may be improved as an effect associated with skill activation. That is, depending on the total value of the related parameters, various benefits regarding each character of the related parameters may be provided. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 7, if "4" or more is adopted as the predetermined value, the two characters corresponding to the first character icon 53A and the third character icon 53C, respectively, will have a specific story as a benefit. The ban will be lifted. On the other hand, such release is not performed on the two characters corresponding to the first character icon 53A and the second character icon 53B, respectively. Similarly, when the two characters respectively corresponding to the first character icon 53A and the third character icon 53C activate the skill, compared to the case where the first character icon 53A and the second character icon 53B activate the skill, Even if the skill is the same, its production and effects are different. That is, if the total value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a benefit is given to such production and effects. As described above, various differences in behavior may occur between the character corresponding to the third character icon 53C and the character corresponding to the first character icon 53A in the example of FIG. 7, depending on the values of the related parameters.

Note that the values of the related parameters may be increased or decreased as appropriate, for example, in accordance with various events such as errand events. Specifically, for example, when an errand event is realized by a plurality of characters, the value of the related parameter may change depending on the situation of such an errand event. Furthermore, if multiple names in such an errand event are divided into main characters and sub-characters, the change in the value of the relationship parameter may be the same or different between the main character and sub-characters. You can leave it there. Specifically, for example, when one of two characters invites the other to perform an errand event, the one who invites functions as the main character (the main character of the action), and the one who is invited functions as the subcharacter. good. For example, the first relational parameter (the relational parameter seen from the main character) may have a larger increase value than the second relational parameter (the relational parameter seen from the sub-character) because the wish will come true.

Similarly, for example, if a character development game has an event in which one character sends a present to another character (this may be based on user instructions or may be provided automatically as the user progresses). , the value of the relational parameter may change based on such a present. Specifically, each character is set with one of multiple preferences (likes, dislikes, etc.), and multiple items are prepared as gifts in the game, each with a degree of match between those preferences. In some cases, the relationship parameters may change differently depending on the degree of matching between the present and the preference. For example, when one character sends a present to the other character, the first relationship parameter may increase by a predetermined amount as the present is executed. On the other hand, the second relationship parameter may change depending on the degree of match between the present and the other character's preferences. Specifically, the present may be something that the other character likes (something that matches their preferences), something that they do not like (something that has normal preferences), or something that they dislike (something that is the opposite of their preferences). The amount of increase (or amount of decrease) of the second related parameter may change depending on the type of item). Furthermore, such a degree of matching may be reflected in a change in the first relational parameter. In other words, using preference as another example of the granting condition, if one character sends a present that matches the preference of the other character, the higher the degree of matching, the higher the value of the first relationship parameter and the The values of the two relational parameters (both values including not only the relational parameter on the sending side but also the relational parameter on the sending side) may change so as to become higher. In this way, the degree of matching of the preferences of the gift is reflected in the degree of relationship with the other character from the perspective of one character on the sender's side, from the perspective of bonuses such as whether or not it made the recipient happy. may be done.

Next, details of the parameter data PD will be explained. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of parameter data PD. Parameter data PD is data for managing various parameters that define each character. The example in FIG. 8 shows a case where parameter data PD manages related parameters as such parameters. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the parameter data PD includes a parameter record PDR that manages related parameters in association with each user. Further, the parameter record PDR includes information on "character ID", "first target character", "first relationship value", "second target character", and "second relationship value".

“Character ID” is information indicating a unique character ID for each character in order to identify each character. “First target character” and “second target character” are information indicating each character (other character) that can function as the other character when the character corresponding to the “character ID” functions as one character. It is. As information indicating such other characters, for example, character IDs corresponding to the other characters are used. That is, information on character IDs corresponding to other characters is written in the "first target character" and "second target character". On the other hand, the "first relationship value" and the "second relationship value" are both information indicating the value of the first relationship parameter when the character corresponding to the "character ID" functions as one of the characters. Specifically, the "first relationship value" is the value of the first relationship parameter when the character corresponding to the "first target character" functions as the other character, and the "second relationship value" is the value of the first relationship parameter when the character corresponding to the "first target character" functions as the other character. This is information indicating the values of the first relationship parameters when the character corresponding to the character ``character'' functions as the other character. This information is recorded in the parameter record PDR so as to be correlated with each other. Note that the parameter data PD is not limited to these pieces of information, and may manage appropriate information depending on the purpose of the related parameters.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, relationship update processing, behavior control processing, and benefit granting processing will be described. The relationship update process is a process for changing the value of the relationship parameter based on a predetermined play related to the change of the relationship parameter when the play is executed. The parameter management unit 34 starts the relationship update process shown in FIG. 9 every time a predetermined play (for example, playing the above-mentioned music game, a special dance, an errand event, or sending a present) ends, and The amount of change in the related parameters associated with play is determined for each character (step S101). For example, when a predetermined play corresponds to a uniform change, the parameter management unit 34 determines the uniform amount of change. Specifically, for example, when a uniform change occurs as a music game is played, the parameter management unit 34 stores values for all characters used in the play of the music game as the amount of change in the related parameters of each character. Uniformly determines a certain amount (increase amount). Note that such a certain amount may be set in advance, or may be calculated as appropriate according to various standards.

Alternatively, if the predetermined play corresponds to a change based on the granting conditions, the parameter management unit 34 determines the amount of change for each character based on the granting conditions. Specifically, for example, when a bonus is added due to a special dance (skill activation), the main character (skill activation person) and sub-character of that dance are specified, and the main character is added based on the granting conditions. The amount of change in the first relational parameter of the sub-character and the amount of change in the second relational parameter of the sub-character are determined separately. That is, the parameter management unit 34 determines the amount of change in the relational parameter for each character by dividing it into a first relational parameter and a second relational parameter. In this case, these amounts of change may be set in advance such that, for example, the amount of change in the first related parameter is larger than the amount of change in the second related parameter, or may be set as appropriate according to various standards. It may be calculated.

Next, the parameter management unit 34 updates the relationship parameters of each character based on the determination result in step S101 (step S102). Such an update is realized, for example, by updating the parameter data PD. Specifically, the parameter management unit 34 sets the "first relational parameter" for each character described in the parameter data PD so that the amount of change in the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter for each character determined in step S101 is reflected. 1 relation value" and "second relation value" information is updated. For example, when a predetermined play corresponds to a uniform change, the parameter management unit 34 updates the "first relation value" and "second relation value" of the parameter data PD so as to apply a uniform change to the "first relation value" and "second relation value". . Alternatively, if the predetermined play corresponds to a change based on the provision conditions, the parameter management unit 34 updates the "first relation value" and "second relation value" of the parameter data PD so as to add separate changes to each. Execute. After this update, the parameter management unit 34 ends the current relationship update process.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 9, when a predetermined play related to changing the relational parameter is executed, the value of the relational parameter of each character is changed as appropriate based on the play. Further, such a change is performed uniformly when a predetermined play corresponds to a uniform change, and separately for each of the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter when the predetermined play corresponds to a change based on the granting conditions. Ru. Specifically, for example, when a music game is played, the related parameters of each character increase uniformly. Furthermore, for example, if a special dance is performed (a skill is activated) in the music game, the main character and sub-characters in that dance are determined, and the relationship parameters between those characters are given bonuses (additional bonuses). changes) are added. Additionally, such bonuses are added so that the first relationship parameter (the relationship with the sub character as seen from the main character) is larger than the second relationship parameter (the relationship with the main character as seen from the sub character). is executed. That is, the value of the relational parameter is changed in units of the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter (with direction) for each character.

The behavior control process is a process for changing the behavior of each character according to the value of the related parameter. As described above, the values of the related parameters may be reflected in the actions of each character as appropriate, but the example in FIG. 10 shows a case where the actions of each character are displayed via the character image CA. In this case, the image control unit 33 starts the action control process of FIG. 10 when each character is about to perform a predetermined action (an action related to other characters) on the game screen displaying a plurality of character images CA. First, parameter data PD is acquired (step S201).

Subsequently, the image control unit 33 specifies a predetermined action to be performed by the character (step S202). For example, the image control unit 33 specifies the type of predetermined action and the character that is the target of the action. Specifically, for example, when calling out during a warm-up exercise is performed as a predetermined action, the image control unit 33 may change the calling and the character to whom the calling is directed to the type of the predetermined action and the target character. Identify each as a character.

Next, the image control unit 33 determines a related parameter related to the behavior specified in step S202 (step S203). This determination is performed based on the parameter data PD acquired in step S201. Specifically, the image control unit 33 first determines whether the target character of the action (for example, calling out) identified in step S202 corresponds to the "first target character" or the "second target character" in the parameter data PD. Determine whether or not. This determination is performed based on the character ID, for example. Subsequently, the image control unit 33 outputs a "first relationship value" when the discrimination result is a "first target character", a "second relationship value" when the determination result is a "second target character", Each is specified as a first related parameter. Further, the image control unit 33 determines whether the action identified in step S202 (for example, calling out to someone) is an action for which individual values of the related parameters should be used or a total value should be used. For example, if the usage of these (individual values or total values) is managed using data (not shown) for each predetermined action, this determination can be made based on such data. be done. Then, while referring to such data, the image control unit 33 selects the specified first relational parameter (“first relational value” or “second relational value”) if the current action is an object of an individual value. The value ") is determined as a related parameter related to the behavior specified in step S202.

On the other hand, if the current action is the target of the total value, the image control unit 33 selects a character (hereinafter referred to as the main character) who is about to perform a predetermined action (for example, calling out) based on the parameter data PD. ) and its target character (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a passive character). Specifically, the image control unit 33 specifies the information of the first relationship parameter of the main character as described above, and also sets the "character ID" of the passive character to "first target character" or "second target character". ” information on the first relational parameter (“first relational value” or “second relational value”, which corresponds to the second relational parameter when viewed from the main character) of the main character is similarly obtained. Then, the total value (total value) of the values of both of the first relationship parameters is calculated, and the total value is determined as the relationship parameter related to the behavior specified in step S202.

Subsequently, the image control unit 33 controls the behavior of the main character according to a predetermined rule so that the main character actually executes the action based on the value of the relational parameter determined in step S203 (step S204). That is, the image control unit 33 performs automatic control according to a predetermined rule according to the relational parameter so that the main character performs an action according to the relational parameter as a predetermined action. Specifically, for example, when calling out is performed as a predetermined action, the image control unit 33 causes the image control unit 33 to perform calling out with a name if the value of the related parameter determined in step S203 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Then, the behavior of the character making the call is controlled. Alternatively, if the value of the related parameter determined in step S203 is less than a predetermined value, the image control unit 33 controls the behavior of the character making the call so that the character simply calls out without a name. After such control, the image control unit 33 ends the current behavior control process.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 10, the behavior of each character is controlled according to the value of the related parameter. Specifically, when one character calls out to another character (predetermined action), the specific action content (whether to give a name or not) is determined depending on the value of the first relationship parameter. Be changed. Furthermore, when the roles of these two characters change, that is, when the other character calls out to one character, the value of the second parameter is reflected in such behavior. As a result, even if the action is between the same two characters, the content of the action changes between when one character calls out to the other character and when the other character calls out to one character.

The benefit granting process is a process for granting a benefit to the progress of the game according to benefit conditions. An appropriate condition may be adopted as the benefit condition, and for example, a condition that is satisfied when the total value of relational parameters among a predetermined number (an appropriate number may be used) reaches a predetermined value or more is adopted. For this reason, the image control unit 33 starts the benefit granting process shown in FIG. 11 every time the value of the related parameter is changed, and first determines whether the total value of the related parameters satisfies the benefit condition (step S301). This determination is performed, for example, as follows. Specifically, the image control unit 33 first identifies the values of the relationship parameters for each two characters between a predetermined number of characters, and calculates their total value. This calculation may be realized in the same manner as when the total value is calculated in step S203 of FIG. 10, for example. Then, the image control unit 33 determines whether the total value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. When the total value is less than the predetermined value (when the privilege conditions are not satisfied), the image control unit 33 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current privilege granting process.

On the other hand, when the total value of the related parameters is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (when the bonus conditions are satisfied), the image control unit 33 gives a bonus to the progress of the game (S302). For example, as such a benefit, the release of a story, a gorgeous performance, etc., as described above, are used. Therefore, the image control unit 33 realizes the provision of such benefits by, for example, releasing a specific story related to a predetermined number of characters. Similarly, for example, when a luxurious performance is to be used as a benefit, the provision of the benefit is realized by permitting such a performance to be performed. Then, the image control unit 33 ends the current benefit granting process after granting such a benefit. As a result, benefits based on the benefit conditions are provided to the progress of the game. More specifically, depending on the total value of the related parameters, a story of a character corresponding to the total value is given as a benefit. In this case, the total value (sum value) of the relational parameters functions as the summation relational parameter of the present invention.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, the relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between two characters includes the first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the other character as seen from one character, and the first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between two characters. A second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with one character as seen from the other character is used, and separate changes are given to each character. Therefore, by using such first relational parameters and second relational parameters, it is possible to generate different relational degrees between two characters who act according to the same predetermined rule. Furthermore, the behavior of one character toward the other character is controlled according to the first relationship parameter, and the behavior of the other character toward the one character is controlled according to the second relationship parameter. Therefore, the different degrees of relationship that occur between the two characters can be reflected in these actions. As a result, the relationship between the two characters can be expressed in more detail than when the relationship parameters are uniformly managed as the degree of relationship between the two characters (for example, only the total value is managed).

Specifically, for example, when the subject of action is used as a given condition and separate changes occur in the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on such given condition, the subjectivity of the action is determined by the subject of the relational parameter. changes and can be reflected in actual actions based on them. Alternatively, if preference is used as a granting condition and separate changes based on such granting conditions occur in the first relational parameter and second relational parameter, the preference of each character is determined by changes in the relational parameter and based on the change in the relational parameter. This can be reflected in actual actions. These allow the relationship between two characters to be expressed in more detail, for example, when one character has a unilateral preference for the other. Even when there are three or more characters, similar detailed (or delicate) relationships can be expressed by combining more detailed relationships between the two characters. As a result, by using these first relationship parameters and second relationship parameters, relationships between multiple characters can be expressed in more detail.

In the above embodiment, the parameter management unit 34 of the game machine 3 functions as a parameter changing means of the present invention by executing the process of step S102 in FIG. Furthermore, the image control unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the behavior control means of the present invention by executing the process of step S204 in FIG. Furthermore, the image control unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as a privilege granting means of the present invention by executing step S302 in FIG. 11.

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, the game machine 3 provides a character development game. However, the games provided by the game machine 3 are not limited to such games. The game machine 3 may provide appropriate games. The above-mentioned relationship parameters may be applied to various characters included in such a game.

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 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 a user's instruction, a first character (53C) that performs an action according to a predetermined rule set in advance according to the user's instruction, and a display device (37) that displays a game screen (50F) including a second character (53A), and the predetermined rules are connected to If set, a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character is used as the parameter, and each character follows the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter. A game system (1) that provides a game in which an action is performed, wherein the relationship parameters include a first relationship parameter indicating a degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character; and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character, and the first relationship parameter and the second relationship parameter are set based on predetermined conditions according to the play situation of the game. a parameter changing means (34) for applying separate changes to the actions of the first character to the second character; The apparatus includes a behavior control means (33) for controlling each of the two relationship parameters.

According to the present invention, the relationship parameters include a first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character, and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character. are used, and a separate change is given to each. Therefore, by using such first relationship parameters and second relationship parameters, different degrees of relationship can be generated between the first character and the second character who act according to the same predetermined rule. Furthermore, the behavior of the first character toward the second character is controlled according to the first relationship parameter, and the behavior of the second character toward the first character is controlled according to the second relationship parameter. Therefore, different degrees of relationship occurring between the first character and the second character can be reflected in these actions. Thereby, the relationship between the two characters can be expressed in more detail than when the relationship parameters are uniformly managed as the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character. Even when there are three or more characters, similar detailed relationships can be expressed by combining more detailed relationships between the two characters. As a result, by using these first relationship parameters and second relationship parameters, relationships between multiple characters can be expressed in more detail.

As the granting condition, various conditions such as play status, user selection, random, etc. may be adopted. Then, appropriate changes may be made to the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter according to such various conditions. For example, the independence of action (a type of play situation) may be used as such a granting condition. Alternatively, if a preference is set for each character and items corresponding to that preference are prepared in the game, such preference (similarly, a type of play situation) is used as a granting condition. Good too. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the parameter changing means uses the main character of the action as the provision condition, and the first character takes a proactive action with respect to the second character. When executing the above, the first relational parameter may be given a larger change than the second relational parameter. In this case, the independence of behavior can be reflected in changes in relational parameters. In another aspect, the game includes a cooperative action in which roles are divided into a main character who functions as a main character of the action and a sub-character who functions as an assistant to the main character, the first character and the second character may perform the cooperative action so as to function as the main character and the sub character, respectively.

Alternatively, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the parameter changing means may set one of a plurality of preferences for each character, and a plurality of preferences may be set for each of the preferences. When an item is prepared in the game as a present to be sent to each other between characters, the preference of each character is used as the granting condition, and one of the first character and the second character sends the item to the other. The change may be separately applied to the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter depending on the degree of coincidence between the present and the other character's preference. In addition, in this aspect, the parameter changing means may adjust the first relational parameter and the Each of the changes may be applied separately such that both of the second related parameters change highly. In these cases, the preferences of each character can be reflected in changes in the related parameters.

Further, the relational parameters may be used individually as the first parameter and the second parameter, or they may be used in combination. Alternatively, these may be used appropriately. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a benefit is provided to the game when a total related parameter (for example, a total value) that is the sum of the first related parameter and the second related parameter satisfies a benefit condition. An embodiment including a privilege granting means (33) may be adopted.

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 instruction, and a first character (53C) that performs an action according to a predetermined rule set in advance according to the user's instruction. ) and a display device (37) for displaying a game screen (50F) including a second character (53A), and the predetermined display device (37) is connected to When a rule is set, a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character is used as the parameter, and each character is instructed to follow the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter. A computer (31) incorporated in a game system (1) that provides a game that allows the user to perform an action according to the above-mentioned instructions is provided with a first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character as the relationship parameter. , a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character, and based on a predetermined provision condition according to the play situation of the game, the first relationship parameter, and a parameter changing procedure of making separate changes to the second relationship parameters, and changing the behavior of the first character toward the second character according to the first relationship parameter, and adjusting the second character's behavior toward the first character. and a behavior control procedure for controlling each behavior according to the second related parameter. By executing the computer program or control method of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Game System 3 Game Machine 31 Control Unit (Computer)
33 Image control unit (behavior control means, privilege granting means)
34 Parameter management section (parameter changing means)
36 Input device 37 Monitor (display device)
53A 1st character icon (2nd character)
53C 3rd character icon (1st character)
PG2 program (computer program)

Claims (5)

an input device for inputting instructions from a user; and a display device for displaying a game screen including a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the instructions from the user; , and the predetermined rule is set such that each character's behavior changes according to a parameter that defines each character, and the parameter is a link between the first character and the second character. A game system that provides a game that uses a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between characters and causes each character to perform an action according to the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter,
A first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character as the relationship parameter, and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character; A total relational parameter obtained by adding up the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter is used to calculate the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on a predetermined provision condition according to the playing situation of the game. and parameter changing means for applying separate changes to the summation-related parameters, respectively;
behavior control means for controlling the behavior of each character based on the relationship parameter when at least one of the first relationship parameter, the second relationship parameter, and the total relationship parameter satisfies a predetermined condition;
A game system equipped with. an input device for inputting instructions from a user; and a display device for displaying a game screen including a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the instructions from the user; , and the predetermined rule is set such that each character's behavior changes according to a parameter that defines each character, and the parameter is a link between the first character and the second character. A game system that provides a game that uses a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between characters and causes each character to perform an action according to the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter,
A first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character as the relationship parameter, and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character; A total relational parameter obtained by adding up the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter is used to calculate the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on a predetermined provision condition according to the playing situation of the game. and parameter changing means for applying separate changes to the summation-related parameters, respectively;
When at least one of the first relational parameter, the second relational parameter, and the total relational parameter satisfies a predetermined condition, a benefit granting means that grants a benefit to the game based on the relational parameter;
A game system equipped with. A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to the input device and the display device to function as each means of the game system according to claim 1 or 2. an input device for inputting instructions from a user; and a display device for displaying a game screen including a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the instructions from the user; , and the predetermined rule is set such that each character's behavior changes according to a parameter that defines each character, and the parameter is a link between the first character and the second character. A computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game that uses a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the characters and makes each character perform an action according to the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter,
A first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character as the relationship parameter, and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character; A total relational parameter obtained by adding up the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter is used to calculate the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on a predetermined provision condition according to the playing situation of the game. and a parameter change procedure for making separate changes to each of the summation-related parameters;
a behavior control procedure for controlling the behavior of each character based on the relationship parameter when at least one of the first relationship parameter, the second relationship parameter, and the total relationship parameter satisfies a predetermined condition;
A control method for executing. an input device for inputting instructions from a user; and a display device for displaying a game screen including a first character and a second character that perform actions according to predetermined rules set in advance in response to the instructions from the user; , and the predetermined rule is set such that each character's behavior changes according to a parameter that defines each character, and the parameter is a link between the first character and the second character. A computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game that uses a relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship between the characters and makes each character perform an action according to the predetermined rule according to the relationship parameter,
A first relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the second character as seen from the first character as the relationship parameter, and a second relationship parameter indicating the degree of relationship with the first character as seen from the second character; A total relational parameter obtained by adding up the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter is used to calculate the first relational parameter and the second relational parameter based on a predetermined provision condition according to the playing situation of the game. and a parameter change procedure for making separate changes to each of the summation-related parameters;
When at least one of the first relational parameter, the second relational parameter, and the total relational parameter satisfies a predetermined condition, a benefit granting procedure of granting a benefit to the game based on the relevant parameter;
A control method for executing.

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