JP3061781B2 - Game control device, game control method, computer-readable recording medium storing game program, and game system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a computer game, a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for implementing a computer game is recorded, and a game system for implementing a computer game. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional computer game, for example, an image urging a player to make a decision is displayed on a display device, and the game proceeds when a player who has watched the image inputs a command based on the decision result. There are many. Generally, when the player inputs a command based on a wrong judgment or erroneously operates an input device (controller or the like) used for inputting the command, the progress of the game becomes difficult.

For example, in a car racing game in which a player can experience a race by operating a driver's own car displayed on a display screen by operating an input device, a car should be taken according to a displayed straight road or curve. It is necessary to judge the operation and actually operate the input device. If the input operation is appropriate, straight and smooth acceleration can be performed or a curve can be quickly turned. However, if the input operation is inappropriate, the acceleration may be slow or the curve may not be able to be completely turned. In an action game or a role playing game (Role Playing Game: RPG), usually, in consideration of the enemy character's ability displayed on the screen,
It is necessary to determine an action to be performed by one's own character (player character) displayed on the screen. If the player makes an appropriate input based on this determination, the player character on the screen can dodge the attack of the enemy character or counterattack and defeat the enemy.

[0004] As described above, in a computer game, the player's ability to judge and operation techniques often greatly influence the development of the game.

[0005]

However, in such a game, the game cannot proceed unless an operation exceeding a certain level is performed. Therefore, the game cannot proceed even if the player repeatedly plays. In some cases, the player loses interest in the game.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game control device, a game control method, a computer-readable recording medium, and a game system for realizing a computer game capable of increasing the interest of a player. .

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A game control device according to the present invention is a device for controlling a game in a game system for realizing a game in which a player can operate an operating tool. A determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in the support state is provided, and a support unit that provides support in the game when the determination unit determines that the operating body is in the support required state. Since support is provided according to the state of the operating body in this way, the interest and unexpectedness of the game are increased, and the player's interest in the game can be increased.

[0008] The above-mentioned game system may include a notifying means capable of notifying the player through a sense of the player. In this case, the supporting means includes:
The information processing device may include a notification control unit that causes the notification unit to perform a notification when the determination unit determines that the operation tool is in the support required state. Since the notification is made to the player according to the state of the operating tool, the player can know the state of the operating tool during the game, thereby increasing the interest of the player in the game.

A game control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling a game in a game system for realizing a game in which a player can operate an operating tool, and determines whether the operating tool is in a support required state predetermined in the game. And a support step of providing support in the game when it is determined that the operating tool is in the support required state. Since support is provided according to the state of the operating body in this way, the interest and unexpectedness of the game are increased, and the player's interest in the game can be increased.

[0010] The above-mentioned game system may include a notifying means capable of notifying the player through the sense of the player. In this case, the above-mentioned support step is a step in which the operating tool informs the player that the notification is necessary. It may include a notification control step of causing the notification means to perform notification when it is determined that the vehicle is in the state. Since the notification is made to the player according to the state of the operating tool, the player can know the state of the operating tool during the game, thereby increasing the interest of the player in the game.

A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which a game program executed by a game system for realizing a game in which a player can operate an operating tool is recorded. Executes, in the game system, a determination step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state and a support step of providing support in a game when the operating tool is determined to be in a required support state. Let it. Since support is provided according to the state of the operating body in this way, the interest and unexpectedness of the game are increased, and the player's interest in the game can be increased.

The above-mentioned game system may include a notifying means capable of notifying the player through the sense of the player. In this case, the above-mentioned assisting step is that the operating tool needs assistance in the determining step. It may include a notification control step of causing the notification means to perform notification when it is determined that the vehicle is in the state. Since the notification is made to the player according to the state of the operating tool, the player can know the state of the operating tool during the game, thereby increasing the interest of the player in the game.

The notification means may include a display means capable of displaying a game screen. In this case, the notification control step may include a step of displaying notification information on the display means. The notifying unit may include a sound output unit. In this case, the notification control step may include a step of causing the sound output unit to output a predetermined sound. Still further, the notifying means may include a force applying means capable of applying a force to the player, and in this case, the notifying control step causes the force applying means to apply a predetermined force to the player. Steps may be included. As the predetermined force, any force such as a vibration force over a certain period of time or an instantaneous impact force can be used. In addition, the notification means, these display means,
Any combination of the sound output means and the force applying means may be included, and accordingly, the notification control step may also include any combination of the display step, the sound output step, and the force applying step.

[0014] The above-mentioned game system may include a storage device for storing a parameter associated with the operating tool. In this case, the determining step includes a step of obtaining the value of the parameter from the storage device. And a step of comparing the value or the value of the function of the parameter with a threshold value, and a step of making a determination according to a result of the comparison.

Further, the above-mentioned game system may include a storage device for storing a parameter associated with a predetermined state of the operating tool in the game. Obtaining a value of the parameter associated with the state from the storage device when the game is in the predetermined state in the game; comparing the value or a function value of the parameter with a threshold; Performing a determination according to the result.

Still further, the above-mentioned game system may include a storage device used in executing the above-mentioned game program, and this game program counts the number of times a predetermined operation of the operating tool has occurred in the game. The step and the step of storing the counted value in the storage device may be further executed by the game system. In this case, the determination step obtains the number of times stored in the storage device. The method may include a step, a step of comparing the number of times or a value of a function of the number of times with a threshold value, and a step of making a determination according to a result of the comparison. Here, the predetermined operation of the operating tool includes, for example, contact between a player's car and an obstacle or another car in a car racing game.

The threshold value may be a value determined at random. In this case, since the unexpectedness of the game is increased, the player's interest in the game can be further increased.

[0018] The supporting step may include a step of increasing or decreasing the value of a parameter associated with the operating tool.

The above-mentioned game system includes display means capable of displaying a game screen, and the above-mentioned game program causes the display means to display one or more operation options of an operating tool, and allows the player to operate. In the case where the operating tool can be operated by selectively instructing any one of the options, the support step is performed when the operating tool is determined to be in the support required state in the determining step. The method may include a step of displaying on the display means a new operation option that can be instructed.

Next, in the game system according to the present invention, a processing device for executing a process according to the game program, a storage device for storing the game program, a display device for displaying a game screen, An input device used for input is provided, and a game is realized in which a player can operate an operating tool displayed on the display device by operating the input device. The game program includes: a determination step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state; and a support step of providing support in a game when the operating tool is determined to be in a required support state. Cause the processing unit to execute. Since support is provided according to the state of the operating body in this way, the interest and unexpectedness of the game are increased, and the player's interest in the game can be increased.

[0021] The game system according to the present invention may further comprise a notifying means capable of notifying the player through the player's feeling. In this case, the support step requires an operating tool in the determination step. The method may include a notification control step of causing the notification unit to perform notification when it is determined that the vehicle is in the support state. Since the notification is made to the player according to the state of the operating tool, the player can know the state of the operating tool during the game, thereby increasing the interest of the player in the game.

[0022] In this specification, the game system and the game control device are concepts including a computer.

In the present invention, various factors can be used as a criterion for determining whether or not the operating tool is in a support required state. It is preferable to make the determination using

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. In the following description, a case where the present invention is applied to a home game machine will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The game system 51 executes a main function of the game system 51 and controls a game realized by the game system 51, and a controller as an input device for inputting an instruction to the game control device 52. 53, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only) for storing programs, image data, sound data, and the like for realizing processing related to a game described later.
Memory) 54, a memory card 55 for storing game data such as game progress data and game environment setting data, and receiving video and audio signals from the game control device 52 to display images and output sounds according to the contents of the game. Monitor 56 with audio output function
It has. In the present embodiment, the game control device 52
Is a main body of a home game machine.

The game control device 52 has a C
Disk holder 6 for setting D-ROM 54
1. Open button 6 for opening disk holder 61
2, and a power button 63 and a reset button 64 are provided. Further, on the front of the game control device 52,
A connector section 65 including two slots for mounting the controller 53 and the memory card 55 is provided. Controller 53 and memory card 55
Is detachably attached to the game control device 52 via the connector section 65.

On the rear surface of the game control device 52, A
AV to which V (Audio and Visual) cable 57 is connected
An output unit (not shown) is provided. The game controller 52 and the monitor display 56 are connected via the AV cable 57. As the monitor display 56, a home television system using a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like can be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the game control device of FIG. 1 together with peripheral devices. The game control device 52 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit;
Central processing unit 101, GTE (Geometric Tr)
ansform Engine (graphics data generation processor) 102, peripheral device 103, main memory 10
4. OS-ROM (Operating System ROM) 105, M
DEC (Motion DECoder; data decompression engine) 10
6, PIO (Parallel Input Output; extended parallel port) 107, SIO (Serial Input Output; extended serial port) 108, GPU (Graphics Processing)
Unit: graphics drawing processor (processor) 109, frame buffer 110, SPU (Sound Processing Uni)
t; sound reproduction processor) 111, sound buffer 112, CD-ROM drive 113, CD-R
An OM decoder 114, a CD-ROM buffer 115, and a communication device 116 are provided. In addition, the CPU 10
1 has a built-in timer counter 117 for controlling time in the game control device.

CPU 101, peripheral device 103, main memory 104, OS-ROM 105, MDEC 10
6, PIO107, SIO108, GPU109, SP
The U111, the CD-ROM decoder 114, and the communication device 116 are connected to each other via the bus 100.

The CPU 101 stores an OS (operating system) stored in the OS-ROM 105,
Each part of the game control device 52 is controlled based on programs and data read from the D-ROM 54 and stored in the main memory 104.

More specifically, the CPU 101 executes a CD-RO
The game program and the modeling data of the three-dimensional model are read from M54 and transferred to the main memory 104. Further, the CPU 101 reads a color look-up table (CLUT: Color Look-Up T) from the CD-ROM 54.
), texture pattern data, and the like are transferred to the frame buffer 110, and the GPU 109 is instructed to draw an image.

The GPU 109 performs processing for display on the monitor display 56 under the control of the CPU 101. Specifically, the GPU 109 responds to the instruction from the CPU 101 and responds to the instruction from the CPU 101 by using the coordinate data and color information obtained by the GTE 102 and the CLUT stored in the frame buffer 110.
Modeling processing and rendering processing are performed on the basis of image data and texture pattern data. And GPU
Reference numeral 109 stores, in the frame buffer 110, image data obtained by projecting an arbitrary region in the virtual three-dimensional space formed by arranging the three-dimensional model onto the two-dimensional space. A video signal including the image data in synchronization with the synchronization signal is formed, and then the video signal is supplied to the monitor display 56. This makes it possible to display an image corresponding to the content of the game on the screen of the monitor display 56. Thus, the CPU 101, the main memory 104, the GPU 109, and the frame buffer 11
0 constitutes one image processing apparatus.

The CPU 101 has a CD-ROM 54
After reading the sound data from the main memory 104 and transferring it to the main memory 104 and the SPU 111, the SPU 111 instructs the SPU 111 to reproduce the sound. In response to this instruction, the SPU 111
Performs appropriate modulation processing and reproduction processing on these sound data. Further, the SPU 111 converts the sound reproduction data into a CD-ROM decoder 114.
To form an audio signal by superimposing the audio reproduction data transferred from the device, and send it to the monitor display 56. As a result, the BGM (BackGr) according to the game content is output from the built-in speaker (not shown) of the monitor display 56.
oud Music) and sound effects.

The CPU 101 generates a clock signal based on a timing signal supplied from an oscillator (not shown). The CPU 101 can perform time counting processing by counting the clock signal using the built-in timer counter 117.

Since the GTE 102 is connected to the CPU 101, it can operate as a coprocessor of the CPU 101. The GTE 102 performs a fixed-point matrix and vector calculation in response to a calculation instruction from the CPU 101. These arithmetic processes include, for example, coordinate calculation such as movement, rotation, enlargement, and reduction for each of the three-dimensional coordinate data constituting the three-dimensional model,
Calculation for perspective transformation to two-dimensional coordinate data, and calculation of the brightness of each part according to the type of light source virtually set, and brightness of each part according to the distance from the light source, angle, viewpoint position, etc. , And the like.

The peripheral device 103 performs interrupt control and D
Performs control related to MA (Direct Memory Access) transfer. The main memory 104 is a storage device used by the CPU 101 to execute a program.
1 stores a program to be executed, data necessary for the execution, and the like. The memory configuration and stored data of the main memory 104 will be described later. OS
-The ROM 105 stores an OS for performing basic control of the game control device 52, such as an OS kernel and a boot loader.

The MDEC 106 performs a process of expanding a compressed image. Specifically, the MDEC 106 is a JPEG (Join
t Photographic Coding Experts Group) and MPE
Huffman coding (Huffma coding) is applied to still image and moving image compressed image data such as the G (Moving Picture Expert Group) method.
n coding) decoding processing, inverse quantization processing, and inverse discrete cosine translation (Inversed Discrete Cosine Translation; I
DCT) operation or the like is sequentially applied to decompress the compressed image data. The PIO 107 is an expansion port for parallel data, and the SIO 108 is an expansion port for serial data. The timer 117 controls the time of the game control device 52.

The GPU 109 is a sub-processor that can operate independently of the CPU 101. This GP
U109 follows GT according to the drawing instruction from CPU101.
Based on the coordinate data and color information obtained in E102, CLUT and texture pattern data stored in the frame buffer 110, etc., a modeling process and a rendering process of a three-dimensional model composed of a plurality of polygons (polygons) are performed. Do. Then, image data obtained by projecting an arbitrary region in the virtual three-dimensional space configured by arranging the three-dimensional model onto the two-dimensional space is stored in the frame buffer 110. Here, a polygon is a minimum element of a figure constituting a three-dimensional model, and this minimum element includes a polygon plane such as a triangle or a quadrangle.

The GPU 109 generates a video signal containing the stored image data or the image data transferred from the main memory 104 in synchronization with the synchronization signal.
This is supplied to the monitor display 56.

As the frame buffer 110, a dual port RAM can be used. The frame buffer 110 has a drawing area and a display area. The drawing area stores image data drawn by the GPU 109 or image data transferred from the main memory 104. The display area stores image data to be displayed on the monitor display 56. The drawing area and the display area are alternately switched by the GPU 109 according to the field rate used when displaying an image.

The frame buffer 110 can also store a color lookup table (CLUT) referred to for color designation, texture pattern data for texture mapping, and the like.

The SPU 111 is a sub-processor that can operate independently of the CPU 101. SPU1
11 reproduces a sound according to an instruction from the CPU 101. To play the sound, the SPU 111
ADPCM (Adap) stored in the sound buffer 112
For example, various modulation processes such as volume adjustment, pitch conversion, pitch adjustment, envelope, and reverb are performed on sound data in the form of tive differential pulse code modulation. Further, the SPU 111 performs the reproduction process to generate an audio signal, and sends this signal to the monitor display 56.

The SPU 111 converts the audio reproduction data transferred from the CD-ROM decoder 114 into an S
A sound signal is generated by superimposing the sound reproduction data reproduced by the PU 111 on the monitor display 5.
Send to 6.

The sound buffer 112 is a CPU 101
Transferred from the main memory 104 according to the instruction of
This is a memory for temporarily storing PCM-format sound data and the like. This sound buffer 112 is the SPU1
11 can be used as a work area when performing reverb processing, and can also be used as a buffer memory when transferring processing sound data or the like to the main memory 104.

The CD-ROM drive 113 has a CD-R
In order to drive and control the OM 54, the CD-ROM 5
4 can be read. The CD-ROM decoder 114 is a CD-RO decoder.
The M drive 113 decodes the data read from the CD-ROM 54 and performs error correction processing and the like, and transfers the decoded programs and data to the main memory 104, the SPU 111, and the like. Also CD
-The ROM drive 113 includes an internal sound source and a mixer (both not shown), and has a function of reproducing audio data. The CD-ROM buffer 115 is a memory for temporarily storing transfer data.

The communication device 116 includes the controller 5
3 and the memory card 55 are connected. The communication device 116 controls data transfer between the controller 53 and the memory card 55 and each unit of the game control device 52, for example, data transfer between the CPU 101 and the main memory 104.

The controller 53 is an input device or an operating device operated by the player. The player can input instructions to the game control device 52 by operating the controller 53. The controller 53 sends various operation signals according to the input by the player's controller operation to the game control device 52 via the communication device 116. The controller 53 is provided with a plurality of input buttons such as a start button used for outputting a game start command and the like, and a direction key for inputting direction information. Further, the controller 53 has a vibration (vibration) function. That is, the controller 53 has a built-in motor, and the game control device 52
When a predetermined control signal is received from the controller, the motor operates to vibrate the controller 53 as a whole.

The memory card 55 is composed of a flash memory and is used for storing game data.

In the game control device 52, for example, when displaying an image or outputting a sound, the main memory 10
4, frame buffer 110, sound buffer 11
2. It is necessary to transfer a large amount of image data and sound data between the CD-ROM buffer 115 and the MDEC 106. Therefore, in order to perform data transfer at high speed, the peripheral device
Transfer data directly between two devices under the control of
A so-called DMA transfer is performed.

When playing the game, the player operates the open button 62 to open the disc holder 61 and
After setting the ROM 54 in the CD-ROM drive 113 of the game control device 52, the disc holder 61 is closed. In this state, the player presses down the power button 63 or, if the power is on, the reset button 64.
By pressing down, the CPU 101 performs a predetermined activation process, and thereafter reads the game program and data recorded on the CD-ROM 54 and executes the game.

In the present embodiment, various memories such as the memory card 55 and the main memory 104 have the function of the storage device in the present invention. The CPU 101 has a function of a determination unit in the present invention. CPU101, GTE10
2. The GPU 109 has functions of a support unit and a notification control unit in the present invention. Monitor display 56
Has a function of a notification unit.

Hereinafter, a game control procedure of the game system 51 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the processing executed by the CPU 101 includes the processing actually executed by the GTE 102. The game program is actually executed by the CPU 101.
Under the control of the CD-ROM according to the progress of the processing.
The data is read out of the CD-ROM 54 and transferred to the main memory 104. In the following, a detailed description of the reading of the processing program from the CD-ROM 54 and the transfer to the main memory 104 may be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the game system 51
Implements a role playing game (hereinafter abbreviated as RPG). In general, in the RPG, a character manipulated by a player (hereinafter, abbreviated as a player character) grows by experiencing encounters and parting with fellow characters, a battle with an opposing character (hereinafter, abbreviated as an enemy character), and the like. . Further, the player competes for hegemony in the virtual world provided by the game through the player character, and unravels the mysteries and secrets of the world. As described above, the RPG generally indicates a game that has a feature that the player character grows up and has a story.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main memory 104 when a battle between a player character and an enemy character is performed in the RPG of the present embodiment. During a battle, the main memory 104 stores the system area 10
4a, a resident area 104b, a battle data / program area 104c, and a related data area 104d.
It has a stack area 104e used by the program.

The system area 104a has a
The basic program read from the OS-ROM 105 by U101 is stored. This basic program is
Various kinds of hardware constituting the game control device 52 are referred to as CPs.
U101 can be controlled.

The resident area 104b is an area for storing data and programs resident in the main memory 104 after initialization performed at the time of startup in the present embodiment. ,
Item and status data are stored.

The resident program operates to replace the movement processing program with the battle processing program at the start of the battle. In the RPG, a battle with an enemy character often occurs during the movement of the player character on a background screen (referred to as a movement map or the like) that visually represents the virtual world. Since the processing performed by the CPU 101 is significantly different from the time, it is necessary to execute the movement processing and the battle processing using programs having different processing procedures. When the storage capacity of the main memory 104 is small, the storage locations of the movement processing program and the battle processing program may be the same in order to use the storage area of the main memory 104 efficiently. In this case, the resident program controls which of the movement processing program and the battle processing program is stored and executed in the storage location.

The magic data is data relating to magic used by the player character, and the item data is data such as names and numbers of items owned by the player character. Magic data and item data are
Since the data is used both during the movement of the player character and during the battle, it is stored in the resident area 104b. For example, a menu displayed on the screen by pressing a predetermined button of the controller 53 when the player character is moving includes an “item” command. When the player operates the controller 53 to select and input "item", the CPU 101 reads out the item data stored in the resident area 104b, and a list of items currently owned by the player character is displayed on the screen. To do. When the player selects and inputs “magic” from the menu, the CPU 10
1 reads out the magic data in the resident area 104b so that a list of magics usable by the player character is displayed on the screen. Thereafter, when a certain magic is selected and input by the player, the CPU 101 controls the game so that the magic is executed in the game.

The status data includes various data representing the situation of the player character. In RPG,
The player character grows with the progress of the game, and a parameter called "level" is prepared as an index indicating the degree of growth, and a predetermined "experience value" is required to raise the "level". Many. The status data includes such numerical values of “level” and “experience value”. The status data also includes data representing the ability of the player character (for example, the current vitality and attack power of the player character), and an abnormal state (for example, “poison”) set by the game program by the player character. State or "sleeping" state), the type of the abnormal state is also included. The status data is arranged so that when the player inputs a save command of the game data to the game control device, the status data can be directly transferred to and stored in the memory card 55.

The battle data / program area 104c stores data necessary for battle processing and a program for executing battle processing.

The related data area 104d stores various data necessary for executing the battle process. In this area, for example, image data having virtual three-dimensional information for displaying a battle screen, two-dimensional image data for a background, and sound data for outputting a sound effect and the like are stored. In addition, image data relating to a notification cursor described later is also stored.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a battle process performed by the CPU 101 when a battle between a player character and an enemy character is performed. In this process, first,
Pre-battle processing is performed (step 410). In this pre-battle processing, data required for the battle is stored in the battle data / program area 10 of the main memory 104 from the CD-ROM 54.
4c and the related data area 104d, and various settings necessary for battle are performed using these data. The CPU 101 also performs necessary graphics processing and sound processing via the GPU 109 and the SPU 111 so that a battle screen is displayed on the display screen of the monitor display 56. If necessary, predetermined music is displayed on the monitor display. 56.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a battle screen displayed on the monitor display 56. As shown in this figure, the battle screen 1000 displays a player character 1001, an enemy character 1002, a player character name 1004, and a hit point (hereinafter, “HP”) which is a numerical value representing the player character's vitality, together with a background image.
1006) and an HP bar 1008 are displayed. The HP bar 1008 is for visually displaying the numerical value of the HP of the player character, and its total length represents the maximum value of the HP, that is, the maximum HP, and the portion 1009 of the bar having a predetermined color is the current value. HP is shown.

Referring again to FIG. 4, after the pre-battle processing is completed in step 410, a character to be processed is specified (step 420). This identification is performed by determining the “rapidness” parameter value of the player character stored in the resident area 104b of the main memory and the “rapidness” of the enemy character stored in the battle data / program area 104c in the pre-battle processing (step 410). This is performed based on the parameter value.

If the character specified in step 420 is a player character (Yes in step 430), player character processing is performed (step 440). Here, the action of the player character in the battle is determined according to an operation instruction by the player using the controller 53, and is executed in the game. Step 440 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. If the character specified in step 420 is an enemy character (N in step 430
o), enemy character processing is performed (step 45)
0). Here, the action of the enemy character is automatically determined according to the battle processing program, and is executed in the game. H of the player character by the action of the enemy character
When data relating to the player character or the enemy character changes due to the action of the enemy character, such as when P decreases, the CPU 101 updates the data stored in the main memory 104.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the player character processing 440. In this process, first, an action selection window (menu) and a character instruction cursor are displayed in the battle screen (step 510).

FIG. 10 shows a battle screen on which an action selection window 1010 and a character instruction cursor 1014 are displayed. The cursor 1014 is displayed above the player character, and indicates that the player character can currently act. Action selection window 10
In 10, action commands that can be selectively input by the player are listed. In the present embodiment, action commands of “fight”, “magic”, “bug” and “item” are displayed in the window 1010.
Here, “fight” is a command that causes the player character to execute a normal attack on the enemy character.
“Mahou” is a command for causing the player character to execute magic. “Bug” is a command that causes the player character to take a defensive position. "item"
Is a command for causing the player character to use the possessed item. A command instruction cursor 1012 is displayed on the left side of the command in the window 1010. The cursor 1012 is moved to the window 1010 by operating the directional keys of the controller 53 up and down.
It can be moved up and down within. The player
By moving the cursor 1012 to the position to the left of the desired action command and then pressing a button of the controller set for determination, the desired action command can be input.

Returning to FIG. 5, after step 510, it is determined whether or not the player character is in a danger state, that is, in a support required state in the present invention. Where CPU
101 calculates the risk D according to the following equation (step 515). D = {(maximum HP) ² · SP / (current HP) ² } + SP (1)

Here, the maximum HP is the maximum value of the HP of the player character at the time of calculating the risk D, and the current HP is the HP that the player character has at the time of calculating the risk D. These are parameters that are associated with the player character and represent the ability of the player character. The current HP is a parameter serving as a criterion for judging the end of the game because the game is over when it reaches 0. Such a maximum HP and a current HP are stored in the resident area 104b of the main memory.

SP in the equation (1) represents a status parameter. The status parameter is a value associated with various states of the player character by the game program. Generally, in a game such as RPG, a player character may fall into a predetermined abnormal state due to an attack from an enemy character or the like. For example,
In the "poison" state, the HP decreases after a certain period of time, in the "silence" state, it is impossible to cast magic, and in the "darkness" state, the hit rate of attacks on enemy characters is low. is there. The game control device according to the present embodiment sets status parameters having various values corresponding to such an abnormal state of the player character, and uses the status parameters to calculate the degree of risk D. In the present embodiment, a status parameter is also set in a normal state (a state that is not an abnormal state).
Is assigned. The “total value of SP” in the above equation (1) indicates that, when the player character overlaps with a plurality of states, the sum of SP values corresponding to those states is used for calculating the degree of risk. .

The table storing the values of the status parameters associated with the various states of the player character is stored in the battle data / program area 104 of the main memory.
c. FIG. 11 shows an example of the status parameter table. Where "silence",
The abnormal states of “darkness” and “poison” are as described above. “Confusion” is an abnormal state in which the player character may not perform an attack as instructed by the player, and “Death Declaration” is an abnormal state in which the HP of the player character becomes zero after a certain time has elapsed.

The CPU 101 obtains the respective values of the maximum HP, HP and SP from the main memory 104, calculates D according to the equation (1), and then makes the following determination: D> RAND (3-255) (2) (Step 520). Where RAND (3-25
5) is a threshold value as a criterion for determining whether or not the player character is in a danger state, and is a value selected at random from an integer from 3 to 255. By setting a randomly determined numerical value as the threshold value, it is not determined whether or not the player character is dangerous based on a consistent reference, and the unexpectedness of the game can be improved. In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 obtains the counter value of the timer counter 117 at the time of determining the danger state, and uses the numerical value represented by the lower 8 bits as the above RAND (3-255). Since the timing at which the dangerous state is determined during the progress of the game is not constant, the counter value obtained when determining the dangerous state is a random number. Therefore, the numerical value represented by the lower 8 bits is determined at random. Even if a random value is used as the threshold value, according to equation (1), when the HP of the player character is extremely low or when the player character is in a plurality of abnormal states, the value of the risk level D Is large, the possibility of being determined to be in a dangerous state is sufficiently high.

If equation (2) holds, the CPU 101
Determines that the player character is in danger.
On the other hand, if the equation (2) does not hold, the CPU 101
Determines that the player character is not in danger.

The reason why the minimum value of the threshold value is 3 in the equation (2) is that the current HP
= Maximum HP and D = 2 when the player character is in the normal state (SP = 1), so that it is not determined to be dangerous in such a case. As can be seen from Expression (1), if the current HP is low or the player character is in an abnormal state, the value of the risk D increases, and the possibility that Expression (2) is satisfied increases.

If it is determined that the player character is in a danger state, a notification to notify the danger to the player is made (step 530). In the present embodiment, the monitor display 56 is used as the notification means, and a predetermined graphic is displayed as the notification information in the battle screen to perform the notification through the player's vision. FIG. 12 shows a battle screen on which a notification mark 1020 is displayed.
The notification mark 1020 is a triangle pointing rightward, and is displayed in the window 1010 on the right side of the “fight” command. The graphic data of the notification mark 1020 is stored in the related data area 104d of the main memory.
, And are read from here at the time of display.

When the notification is completed, the process proceeds to step 540
Proceed to. Also, if it is determined in step 520 that the player character is not in danger, the processing is performed in step 5
Proceed to 40. Here, the action instructed by the player is executed on the game.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the instruction action execution processing in step 540. In this process,
First, it is determined whether or not the action instructed by the player is “fight” shown on the battle screen, that is, an attack (step 610). If it is determined that the instructing action is an attack, a process of executing an attack on the game is performed (step 620). In this attack process, the success or failure of the attack is determined based on status data stored in the resident data area 104b of the main memory, weapon data and enemy character data stored in the battle data / program area 104c, and the attack succeeds. In this case, the effect is applied to the enemy character (for example, the enemy character's HP
Is reduced). Further, an animation representing an attack is displayed on the screen of the monitor display 56 using the animation data stored in the related data area 104d, and an appropriate sound effect is output from the monitor display 56. When step 620 is completed, the instruction action execution processing (step 540) ends.

If it is determined in step 610 that the instructing action is not an attack, it is determined whether or not the instructing action is “magic” (magic) (step 630). Then, a process of executing magic on the game is performed (step 640). In this magic processing, a magic selection window showing a list of currently usable magic is displayed on the battle screen using the magic data stored in the resident data area 104b. When a desired magic is designated by the player from the magics displayed in this window, the status data in the resident data area 104b, the battle data / program area 104c
Is determined based on the magic effect data and enemy character data stored in the. If it is determined that the magic has succeeded, the predetermined effect stored in the battle data / program area 104c in association with the type of magic is applied to the enemy character or the player character. Further, an animation representing a magic is displayed on the screen of the monitor display 56 using the animation data stored in the related data area 104d, and an appropriate sound effect is output from the monitor display 56. When step 640 is completed, the instruction action execution processing (step 540) ends.

If it is determined in step 630 that the instructing action is not magic, the instructing action is changed to “Bugyo” (defense).
It is determined whether or not (step 650). If it is determined that the instruction action is defense, a process of causing the player character to perform defense in the game is performed (step 660). In this defense processing, the resident data area 104b
The defense effect is exhibited based on the status data stored in the game data, the defense effect data and the enemy character data stored in the battle data / program area 104c (that is, the defense power of the player character is increased).
In addition, an animation representing defense is displayed on the screen of the monitor display 56 using the animation data stored in the related data area 104d, and an appropriate sound effect is output from the monitor display 56. When step 660 is completed, the instruction action execution processing (step 540) ends.

If it is determined in step 650 that the instructing action is not defense, it is determined whether or not the instructing action is “item” in the figure (step 670). If it is determined that the designated action is an item, a process of causing the player character to use the item in the game is performed (step 680). In this item processing, an item window showing a list of items currently owned by the player character is displayed based on the item data stored in the resident data area 104b. When a desired item is designated by the player from the items displayed in this window, the battle data / program area 1
At 04c, the effect stored in association with the item is exhibited. Further, an animation representing the use of an item is displayed on the screen of the monitor display 56 using the animation data stored in the related data area 104d, or an appropriate sound effect is output from the monitor display 56. When step 680 is completed, the instruction action execution processing (step 540) ends.

If it is determined in step 670 that the designated action is not an item, the processing proceeds to step 710 in FIG.
Proceed to. At step 710, the information mark 10 is displayed on the screen.
It is determined whether or not 20 is displayed. If it is determined that the notification mark is not displayed, the process returns to step 610 in FIG. If it is determined that the notification mark is displayed, it is determined whether to switch the display of window 1010 to include the “special technique” command described below (step 720). In the present embodiment, after the player operates the direction key of the controller 53 to set the position of the cursor 1012 to the “flick” command, and presses the right direction key of the controller 53, the “special technique” command is displayed in the window 1010. Is displayed. In step 720, the CPU 101 monitors the input from the controller 53, determines that the display of the window 1010 needs to be switched when the right key is pressed (Yes in step 720), and proceeds to step 730. . On the other hand, if the right key has not been pressed, the process returns to step 610 (No in step 720).

In step 730, as shown in FIG. 13, "special technique" is displayed in the window 1010 instead of "fight". The display of the “special technique” command is continued while the right direction key of the controller 53 is pressed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the player has instructed the "special technique" command by pressing the determination button of the controller 53 (step 740). When the “special technique” is selected and instructed, processing for causing the player character to execute the special technique in the game is performed (step 7)
50). It is preferable that this special technique is more effective than ordinary attacks, magic, etc., because it increases the enjoyment of the game. The special technique processing will be described later in detail.
In the present embodiment, when the player character is in a danger state, it is a support determined in the game that a special technique that cannot be normally used can be used, and the danger state of the player character is a support required state. Have been considered. When step 750 is completed, the instruction action execution processing (step 540) ends.

On the other hand, if the player stops pressing the right key without selecting “special technique” (No in step 740), “fight” is displayed again in window 1010 instead of “special technique”. (Step 760) Then, the process returns to Step 610 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the special technique processing in step 750. In this process, the CPU
The 101 first obtains the degree of risk D represented by the above equation (1) (step 810). In the present embodiment, the risk D is calculated according to the equation (1). Instead, the D value calculated in the above-described step 515 is stored in the main memory 104, and is referred to or read in the step 810. It may be.

In the following steps, using the risk level D obtained in this way, it is determined to which level from 1 to 4 the dangerous state (or the state requiring support) of the player character corresponds. Then, a special technique corresponding to the determined level is executed on the game. In step 820, it is determined whether or not the support required state of the player character is level 1. Specifically, when the quotient obtained by dividing the value of D by 80 is 0, that is, when D <80,
The player character is determined to be in the level 1 support required state. In this case, processing for executing a special technique corresponding to level 1 on the game is performed (step 830). Specifically, the special technique stored in the battle data / program area 104c of the main memory in association with Level 1 is executed. At this time, the effect of the attack determined based on the status data stored in the resident data area 104b of the main memory and the enemy character data stored in the battle data / program area 104c is applied to the enemy character. Further, the action selection window 1010 and the character cursor 1014 are deleted on the battle screen 1000, and a technique name display window is newly displayed at the top of the screen.

FIG. 14 shows that the HP of the player character is 1
In the case of 96, a technique name display window 1030 is displayed. In this window 1030, the name "AAA" of the special technique to be executed is displayed. Thereafter, an animation representing the special technique attack is displayed using the animation data stored in the related data area 104d, and an appropriate sound effect is output from the monitor display 56.

If it is determined in step 820 that the player character is not in the level 1 support required state, it is continuously determined whether or not the player character is in the level 2 state (step 840). If the quotient obtained by dividing the D value by 80 is 1, that is, if 80 ≦ D <160, the player character is determined to be in the level 2 support required state, and the special technique corresponding to the level 2 is executed on the game. Is performed (step 850). When it is determined that the player character is not in the level 2 state, it is determined whether or not the player character is in the level 3 state (step 860). When the quotient obtained by dividing the D value by 80 is 2, that is, when 160 ≦ D <240, the player character is determined to be in the level 3 support required state, and the special technique corresponding to the level 3 is executed on the game. Is performed (step 870). If it is determined that the player character is not in the level 3 state,
The player character is in the level 4 state, and processing for executing a special technique corresponding to the level 4 on the game is performed (step 880).

The types of special skills corresponding to levels 2 to 4 are stored in the battle data / program area 104c of the main memory.
Performed in the same manner as the special technique corresponding to level 1. Level 2
Also in the special technique processing corresponding to ~, a technique name display window 1030 is displayed at the top of the battle screen. FIG.
A technique name display window 1030 is displayed when the HP of the player character is 16. In this figure, a special technique name “BBB” different from FIG. 14 is displayed in the technique name display window 1030. This is because, in FIG. 15, since the HP is smaller than in FIG. 14, a higher risk D is calculated, and it is determined that the player character is in a higher-level required state of support. This is because a special technique was performed.

Steps 830, 850, 870 and 88
When any of 0 is completed, the special technique processing in step 750 ends, and the instruction action execution processing (step 540) ends therewith.

As shown in FIG. 5, when step 540 ends as described above, the player character process ends. As shown in FIG. 4, when either the player character process (step 440) or the enemy character process (step 450) is completed, it is determined whether the battle has ended (step 460). The battle ends when the HP of the player character or the enemy character becomes 0, or when the player character escapes from the battle. If it is determined that the battle has ended, post-combat processing is performed (step 470). Here, updating of experience value data and the like stored in the resident area 104b of the main memory, switching from the battle processing program to the movement processing program, and the like are performed. When the post-battle processing is completed, the battle processing by the CPU 101 ends. on the other hand,
If it is determined in step 460 that the battle has not ended, the process returns to step 420 and step 42
The processing from 0 to step 460 is performed in step 46.
Repeat until it is determined at 0 that the battle is over.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the player character falls into a dangerous state, a specific mark is displayed on the battle screen, and the player can select a new action option. As a result, the game can be progressed relatively easily even by a player with low skill, and the interest of the player in the game can be increased by increasing the fun of the game. Further, in the present embodiment, the added action option is to exhibit a special ability that cannot be normally exhibited (use of “special skill”), so that not only players with low skills but also skilled players Will be given the pleasure of trying out the action options, and in this respect too, the interest of the game can be increased and the player's interest in the game can be increased.

In this embodiment, as shown in the above equations (1) and (2), the value of a function using the current HP, the maximum HP, and the status parameter as parameters are compared with a threshold value that is randomly determined. Thus, it is determined whether to display the notification mark or to enable the use of the “special technique”. However, the above determination can be made by various methods other than the above. For example, a fixed value may be used instead of randomly determining the threshold value. Further, the above determination may be made by comparing the current HP or the value of the status parameter itself with a threshold value, or by comparing the current HP / maximum HP value with a threshold value. Furthermore, in addition to the current HP, the maximum HP, and the status parameter, the above determination may be made using other elements associated with the character (such as the growth level of the character) and other elements associated with the state of the character. .

In the present embodiment, the notification is performed by displaying a mark on the screen, but the notification may be performed by displaying other information (characters, figures, etc.). For example, when the notification is determined based on “current HP / maximum HP”, when 3/10 <current HP / maximum HP ≦ 4/10, “HP is less than 4/10!”, 2/10 < Currently H
When P / Max HP ≦ 3/10, “HP is 3/10 or less!”, 1/10 <Current HP / Max HP ≦ 2/10, “HP is 2/10 or less!”, Currently When HP / Max HP ≦ 1/10, “HP is 1/10 or less!”
The notification may be performed by displaying character information such as

In the present embodiment, the support is provided by displaying a notification mark or adding an action option of “special skill”. However, the support is provided by another method, for example, the recovery of the HP or the increase of the growth level. May go.

[Second Embodiment] The configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. The present embodiment relates to an apparatus for controlling a game in a game system for implementing a car racing game.
In this game, a virtual race course is displayed on the screen of the monitor display 56, and when a player operates an operation tool also displayed on the screen, that is, a race car, a race operated by a computer or another player is performed. Can compete with cars. This game is
The processing is performed by the game control device 52 executing a process according to the game program recorded on the CD-ROM 54.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, C
Various memories such as the D-ROM 54 and the main memory 104 have functions of various storage devices in the present invention. C
The PU 101 has a function of a determination unit in the present invention. The CPU 101, the GTE 102, and the GPU 109 have functions of a support unit and a notification control unit in the present invention. The monitor display 56 has a function of a notification unit.

FIG. 16 shows a game control device 5 according to the present embodiment.
2 shows a screen during a race of a game executed by the game No. 2. This race screen 2000 is displayed on the display screen of the monitor display 56. As shown in FIG. 16, the race course and the background are displayed on the race screen,
A race car 2010 is displayed at the lower center of the screen. Reference numeral 2020 indicates a road shoulder located at both edges of the road surface of the course. At the top of the race screen, the number of laps (LAP), the total time elapsed since the start of the race (TOTAL TIME), and the lap time for each lap (LAP)
TIME), the shortest total race time (COURSE RECORD) and the shortest lap time (BEST LA) in the game history so far.
P) is displayed. The “number of laps” indicates the number of times the car has completed the course, and the game ends when this value of the race car 2010 reaches the number of laps specified in the game.
The “lap time” indicates the time required to make one round of the course.

In the following, a game control procedure of the game system 51 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main memory 104 during the race processing. Main memory 104
Are the program area 104f and the course data area 104
g, vehicle data area 104h, and other data area 10
4i. In addition to this, the main memory 104
Like the first embodiment, it has a system area and a stack area, but is omitted in FIG.

A program for executing a race is read from the CD-ROM 54 into the program area 104f. The course data area 104g stores graphics of road surfaces and buildings in a virtual space constituting a course of a racing game, and coordinate data representing their positions in the virtual space. The vehicle data area 104h stores graphic data and performance data (data relating to acceleration performance, cornering performance, maximum speed, etc.) of a race car, coordinate data in a virtual space, and the like. In the other data area 104i, data other than the course data and the car data are stored, and specifically, coordinate data of a viewpoint in a virtual space, data of characters displayed during a game, and the like are stored.

FIG. 18 shows the structure of the other data area 104i. Other data area 104i includes remaining time recording area 150 and level 1 contact frequency recording area 1.
51, a level 2 contact count recording area 152, and a level 3 contact count recording area 153 are included. In each of the contact number recording areas 151 to 153, the number of times the race car 2010 has contacted the road shoulder 2020 on the course during the race is recorded. Remaining time recording area 15
Zero is recorded as the time left until the race car makes one round of the course, that is, the remaining time. This remaining time
This is obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the present time to the preset time limit in the game. The remaining time is extended by a predetermined time each time the race car makes one round of the course. If the remaining time becomes 0 before the race car makes one round of the course, the race is forcibly terminated and the game is over.
This remaining time is one of the parameters associated with the player's race car, like the speed and the maximum speed value.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the race processing by the CPU 101. CPU 101
First, pre-race processing is performed (step 1210).
In the pre-race processing, necessary data is read from the CD-ROM 54 into the main memory 104, and various settings necessary for executing the game are performed. Then, CPU
101 receives an operation instruction input by the player via the controller 53 (step 1215).
Next, the CPU 101 calculates the speed, the moving distance, the moving direction, etc. of the race car based on the operation instruction information, the current state of the car (speed, moving direction, etc.) and the performance data stored in the vehicle data area. (Step 1220). This calculation result is stored in the other data area 104 of the main memory.
recorded in i.

After that, the CPU 101 records a predetermined history (step 1225). Here, first, it is determined whether or not the player's car has contacted the road shoulder of the race course in the game. If it is determined that the contact has been made, the CPU 101 determines whether the contact count recording areas 151 and 1 for level 1 to level 3 included in the other data area 104i.
1 is added to the value stored in each of 52 and 153 (the initial value is 0). As a result, the number of contacts stored in each area increases by one. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no contact, each of the contact number recording areas 151 to 1
The value stored in 53 is maintained as it is.

Next, CPU 101 determines whether or not the player's car is in a state that requires notification to the player (step 1230). In the present embodiment, the required notification state is a state in which the remaining time described above is small.
This determination is made by comparing the remaining time stored in the remaining time recording area 150 of the main memory with a predetermined threshold. In the present embodiment, the threshold value is 30 seconds. If the remaining time is less than 30 seconds, it is determined that the vehicle is in the notification required state. If the remaining time is more than 30 seconds, it is determined that the vehicle is not in the notification required state.

Next, the CPU 101 specifies which of the predetermined level 1 to level 3 notification required states the vehicle is in, and performs notification corresponding to the specified required notification state (step 1235).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the notification process. In this notification processing, the threshold value corresponding to the notification required state of each level is compared with the remaining time to identify which notification state the race car is in. In the present embodiment, a state of 20 seconds ≦ remaining time <30 seconds is a level 1 notification state, a state of 10 seconds ≦ remaining time <20 seconds is a level 2 notification state, and a state of remaining time <10 seconds is a level. 3, the threshold value corresponding to level 1 is 30 seconds, and the threshold value corresponding to level 2 is 2
The threshold value corresponding to 0 seconds and level 3 is 10 seconds. The comparison between the threshold value (30 seconds) corresponding to level 1 and the remaining time has already been executed in step 1230, and if it is determined that the remaining time is less than 30 seconds, step 1235 is performed.
Since the process proceeds to (FIG. 21), in the flow of FIG. 21, it is determined whether the state of the vehicle corresponds to any one of levels 2 and 3, and if neither of them corresponds to level 1,
Is determined to be true.

In the flow shown in FIG. 21, first, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the level 3 notification required state (step 1310). This determination is made based on whether or not the remaining time recorded in the remaining time recording area 150 of the main memory 104 is less than 10 seconds. If the remaining time <10 seconds is satisfied (Yes in step 1310), notification information corresponding to level 3 is displayed on the race screen (step 1320).

FIG. 22 shows a race screen on which notification information 2030 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the notification information corresponding to level 3 is character information indicating that "there is no remaining time of 10 seconds!" As shown in the figure, this notification message is displayed slightly above the center of the screen to notify the player that the remaining time is less than 10 seconds.

On the other hand, if the remaining time is 10 seconds or more (No in step 1310), it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the level 2 notification required state (step 133).
0). This determination is made based on whether or not the remaining time <20 seconds. If this inequality holds (Yes in step 1330), a notification message corresponding to level 2 “No remaining time is 20 seconds!” Is displayed on the game screen (step 1340).

If the remaining time is 20 seconds or more (step 1
(No in 330) indicates that the car is in the level 1 notification required state, so a notification message corresponding to level 1 "There is no remaining time of 30 seconds!" Is displayed on the game screen (step 1350). When any of the notification messages is displayed, the process of step 1235 ends.

Returning to FIG. 19, after step 1235,
The CPU 101 determines whether or not the player's car is in a state requiring rescue, based on a criterion predetermined by the game program, and executes a predetermined remedy in the game when the player's car is in the required rescue state. (Step 124
0). In this step, when it is determined that the vehicle is in the rescue required state, it is specified which of the predetermined level 1 to level 3 rescue required states is specified, and the corresponding rescue required state is determined. The remedy is performed.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing in step 1240. In this process, it is determined whether the vehicle is in the rescue state by comparing the remaining time and the number of times the vehicle has touched the road shoulder with the threshold value set for the rescue state in each level. If the state is in the rescue required state, the level of the required rescue state is specified. These rescue required states are defined based on the remaining time and the number of times of contact with the road shoulder. In the present embodiment, the rescue-required states of levels 1 to 3 are set, level 3 is (remaining time <10 seconds) and (number of contacts> 30), and level 2 is level 3 (Remaining time <20 seconds) and (contact count> 20), and level 1 is the level excluding the levels 2 and 3 (remaining time <30 seconds) and (contact count> 10). State. The reason for this setting is that when a player with an inexperienced skill operates the car, the remaining time tends to decrease, and it is considered that the number of times of collision with the road shoulder increases.

The CPU 101 first determines whether or not the car is in a level 3 rescue required state (step 141).
0). This determination is made in the remaining time recording area 1 of the main memory.
This is performed by comparing the remaining time stored in 50 with a threshold (10 seconds) and comparing the number of contacts stored in the level 3 contact frequency recording area 153 with the threshold (30). The CPU 101 determines whether both the remaining time <10 seconds and the number of contacts> 30 are satisfied, and if both are satisfied, determines that the vehicle is in the level 3 rescue required state (Yes in step 1410). In this case, the measurement of the rescue time is started (step 1415),
Next, relief corresponding to level 3 is performed (step 1420). Here, the rescue time refers to the duration of the rescue in which the effect lasts for a certain period of time. In the present embodiment, as relief corresponding to level 3, an increase in the remaining time and an increase in the maximum speed of the vehicle for 10 seconds are executed. Accordingly, the rescue time in this embodiment is 10 seconds at which the maximum speed value is increased, and step 1415 is for measuring the rescue time. This measurement ends when the rescue time of 10 seconds is counted. In step 1420, the CPU
101 is a value obtained by updating the value of the remaining time stored in the remaining time storage area 150 of the main memory to a value increased by 30 seconds and increasing the maximum speed value stored in the vehicle data area 104h of the main memory by 20%. Update to

Thereafter, the CPU 101 sets the value stored in the level 3 contact frequency recording area 153 to 0 (step 1425), and then stores the value in the level 2 and level 1 contact frequency recording areas 152 and 151. Are sequentially set to 0 (steps 1430 and 1435), and the process ends. The reason for clearing not only the recording area for Level 3 but also the recording areas for Level 1 and Level 2 is that if these areas are not cleared, even if there is no contact with the road shoulder after Level 3 relief is executed, This is because the relief of level 1 or 2 is executed only after a short time elapses, which is not preferable in terms of game balance.

Returning to step 1410, the remaining time <1
If at least one of 0 seconds and the number of times of contact> 30 is not established, the CPU 101 determines that the car is not in the level 3 rescue state (No in step 1410), and determines whether the car is still in the level 2 rescue state. It is determined whether or not it is (step 1440). The CPU 101 determines whether both the remaining time <20 seconds and the number of contacts> 20 are satisfied. If both are satisfied, the CPU 101 determines that the vehicle is in the level 2 rescue required state and executes the corresponding rescue. (Step 144
5). The relief corresponding to the level 2 relief required state is an increase of the remaining time by 20 seconds. That is, in step 1445, the value of the remaining time stored in the remaining time recording area 150 is updated to a value increased by 20 seconds. After this, CPU1
In step 01, the values stored in the contact count recording areas 152 and 151 for level 2 and level 1 are sequentially set to 0 (steps 1430 and 1435), and the process ends.

Returning to step 1440, remaining time <2
If at least one of 0 seconds and the number of contacts> 20 is not established, the CPU 101 determines that the vehicle is not in the level 2 rescue state (No in step 1440), and
(Step 145)
0). The CPU 101 sets the remaining time <30 seconds and the number of contacts>
It is determined whether both of 10 are satisfied, and if both are satisfied, it is determined that the car is in a level 1 rescue required state,
The corresponding relief is executed (step 1455). The relief corresponding to the level 1 relief required state is an increase of the remaining time by 10 seconds. That is, in step 1455, the value of the remaining time stored in the remaining time recording area 150 is updated to a value increased by 10 seconds. Thereafter, the CPU 101 resets the value stored in the contact number recording area 151 for level 1 to 0.
(Step 1435), and the process ends.

Returning to step 1450, remaining time <3
If at least one of 0 seconds and the number of contacts> 10 is not established, it is determined that the car is not in the rescue state (step 14).
No at 50). In this case, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the measurement of the rescue time started in step 1415 is continued (step 1460). If the time measurement has been completed, the rescue time, that is, 10 seconds for increasing the speed maximum value as level 3 remedy has elapsed, so that the CPU 101 determines the maximum speed stored in the vehicle data area 104h of the main memory. The value is returned to the initial value (step 1465), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measurement of the rescue time is ongoing (step 1)
If Yes in 460), the CPU 101 ends the processing without updating the maximum speed value.

When Step 1240 is completed, the process proceeds to Step 1245 in FIG. In this step, the CPU 101 executes various time counting. For example, the CPU 101 obtains the time (total time) elapsed from the start of the race to the present or the time elapsed in the current lap, and stores the time in the other data area 140i of the main memory. Further, the CPU 101 calculates the remaining time based on the obtained total time, and updates the value stored in the remaining time recording area 150 with the calculated value.

Next, the CPU 101 performs graphic processing (step 1250). Here, the graphic of the car on the race screen is displayed in step 1220 (FIG. 1).
The speed, the moving distance, the moving direction, and the like obtained in 9) are updated, and the total time displayed on the race screen is updated to the value obtained in the timing step 1245. Subsequently, the CPU 101 performs sound processing (step 1).
255). Here, sound effects and music appropriate for the progress of the game are output from the monitor display 56.

Thereafter, CPU 101 determines whether or not a preset race end condition is satisfied (step 1260). For example, when the remaining time becomes 0 or when the car has completed the course a specified number of times, it is determined that the race is over. In this case, the CPU 101 performs a result process (step 1265). Here, for example, the total time from the start to the goal and the shortest round time are acquired from the main memory 104 and displayed on the screen of the display 56. When step 1265 is completed, the race processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1260 that the race has not ended, the processing proceeds to step 1215.
It returns to (FIG. 19). Thereafter, the processing from step 1215 to step 1260 is repeated until it is determined in step 1260 that the race has ended.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned notification required state and the rescue required state are the support required states in the present invention. The notification message is displayed on the race screen, the remaining time is increased, and the speed maximum value is not increased. Help by performing the ascent.

According to the game control device of the present embodiment, when the remaining time is short, a warning message is displayed on the race screen. It is possible to increase the interest of the player in the game by increasing the interest. In addition, since the remaining time is increased or the maximum speed is increased based on the remaining time and the number of times of contact with the road shoulder, even a player with low skill can easily proceed with the game. And the player's interest in the game can be increased.

In the present embodiment, whether or not rescue is to be performed and which rescue is to be performed are determined by comparing the remaining time of the race car and the number of times of contact with the road shoulder with a predetermined threshold value. The above determination can be made by various methods other than the above. For example, instead of the number of contacts with the shoulder,
Alternatively, the above determination may be made using the number of contacts between the competitor's car and the player's car in addition to the number of contacts with the road shoulder.

In this embodiment, as the rescue, the remaining time is increased and the maximum speed value is increased over a certain period of time. However, various other remedies can be executed. For example, as a rescue, the speed of the player's car may be instantaneously increased. In addition, as a remedy, the performance of the competitor's car (such as the maximum speed) may be reduced.

[Third Embodiment] This embodiment is a modification of the notification method in the second embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, the game control device 52 displays the notification message on the screen and notifies the player through the visual sense of the player. However, in this embodiment, the game control device 52 causes the monitor display 56 to output the sound. , The player is notified through his / her hearing. More specifically, in the present embodiment, a predetermined warning sound is output from the monitor display 56 instead of performing the display in steps 1320, 1340, and 1350 in FIG. It is preferable that different sounds (for example, sounds having different timbres or sounds having different durations) be output for each level of the notification required state. The other configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the duplicate description will be omitted.

[Fourth Embodiment] This embodiment is also a modification of the notification method in the second and third embodiments.
That is, in the present embodiment, the game control device 52 causes the controller 53 to vibrate, and notifies the player through the tactile sensation of the player. More specifically, in the present embodiment, instead of performing the display in steps 1320, 1340, and 1350 of FIG. It is preferable that different vibrations (for example, vibrations having different durations) occur for each level of the notification required state. The other configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the duplicate description will be omitted.

Although the present invention has been specifically described based on the first to fourth embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the RPG and the car racing game has been described. However, the application range of the present invention is not limited to these game genres, but can be applied to games of other genres, such as simulation games and adventure games.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is realized using a home game machine as a platform has been described. However, the present invention may be realized by using a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer or an arcade game machine as a platform.

Although the display device and the game control device are separated in the game system of the above embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a game system in which the display device and the game control device are integrated. is there.

In the above embodiment, programs and data for realizing the present invention are stored on a CD-ROM.
This CD-ROM was used as a computer-readable information recording medium. However, the information recording medium is CD
-Not limited to ROM, magnetic disk and R
Other computer-readable magnetic and optical recording media such as an OM card or a semiconductor memory may be used.

Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to the form provided by a medium such as a CD-ROM that is detachable from a game machine or a computer. May be preinstalled. Further, a program or data for implementing the present invention may be received from another device connected via a communication line or the like and recorded in a memory. Further, the program and data may be recorded in a memory of another device connected via a communication line or the like, and the program or data may be used via a communication line or the like.

[0134]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since the support for the player is performed according to the state of the operating tool, the interest of the game in the game is increased by increasing the interest of the game. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the game control device together with peripheral devices thereof.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main memory during a battle.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a battle process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a player character process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an instruction action execution process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an instruction action execution process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special technique process.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a status parameter table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a race screen displayed on a monitor display.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main memory during a race process.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of another data area of the main memory.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the first half of the race processing.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the race processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a notification process.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a race screen on which notification information is displayed.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a process for executing a rescue.

[Explanation of symbols]

51 Game System 52 Game Control Device 53 Controller 54 CD-R
OM 55 Memory card 56 Monitor display 101 CPU 102 GTE 104 Main memory 109 GPU 111 SPU

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Katano 1-8-1, Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Alco Tower Square Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-11-123279 (JP, A) Hei 8-155140 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 13/06 A63F 13/00 A63F 13/10

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. An apparatus for controlling a game in a game system using a computer that realizes a game in which a player can operate an operation tool displayed on a game screen, wherein the operation tool is predetermined in the game. Determining means for determining whether or not the game is in a support required state; and support means for performing support in the game when the operating tool is determined to be in the required support state by the determination means; The system includes a notifying unit capable of notifying the player through a sense of the player, and the supporting unit is configured to determine whether the operating tool is in the support required state by the determining unit. A notification control unit that causes the notification unit to perform notification, wherein the notification unit includes a force application unit that can apply a force to a player. Comprise and, the notification control means, the game control device to perform the notification by applying a predetermined force to the player on the force applying means. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit further includes a display unit capable of displaying a game screen, and the notifying control unit causes the notifying unit to perform the notifying by displaying the notifying information on the display unit. Item 3. The game control device according to Item 1. 3. The game control according to claim 1, wherein the notification means further includes a voice output means, and the notification control means causes the voice output means to output the predetermined voice to perform the notification. apparatus. 4. A display device for displaying a game screen, an input device used by a player to input an instruction, and a notifying unit capable of notifying the player through a sense of the player, A method of controlling the notifying means in a game system that implements a game in which an operating tool displayed on a display device can be operated by the player operating the input device, wherein the operating tool is predetermined in the game. A determining step of determining whether the operating body is in the required support state; and a notification control step of causing the notifying unit to perform a notification when the operating body is determined to be in the required support state. The means includes a force applying means capable of applying a force to a player, and the notification control step includes a step of: The method comprising the step of causing the notification by applying a predetermined force to. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the notification control step further includes the step of causing the notification to be performed by displaying notification information on the display unit. 6. The notification means further includes a sound output means, and the notification control step further includes a step of causing the sound output means to output a predetermined sound to perform the notification. The method of claim 4. 7. The game system can operate the operation tool by displaying one or more operation options of the operation tool on the display means and selectively instructing one of the operation options by the player. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of displaying a new operation option on the display unit when the operation tool is determined to be in the support required state in the determination step. 6. 8. The game system includes a storage device for storing a parameter associated with the operating tool, wherein the determining includes obtaining a value of the parameter from the storage, A step of comparing a value or a value of a function of the parameter with a threshold value, and a step of making a determination according to a result of the comparison, wherein the threshold value is a value determined at random. 4
The described method. 9. The game system further includes a storage device for storing a parameter associated with a predetermined state of the operating tool in the game, wherein the determining step includes: Obtaining the value of the parameter associated with the state from the storage device when in the predetermined state, comparing the value or a function value of the parameter with a threshold value, Performing a determination in accordance with the threshold value, wherein the threshold value is a value determined at random.
The described method. 10. The game system includes a storage device, a step of counting the number of times the predetermined operation of the operating tool has occurred in the game, and a step of storing the counted value in the storage device. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: obtaining the number of times stored in the storage device; and comparing a value of the number of times or a function of the number of times with a threshold value. And a step of making a determination according to the result of the comparison, wherein the threshold value is a value determined at random.
The described method. 11. A computer-readable recording medium in which a game program executed by a game system using a computer that realizes a game in which a player can operate an operation tool displayed on a game screen is recorded, A determining step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state; and a supporting step of providing support in the game when the operating tool is determined to be in the required support state. The game system includes a notifying unit capable of notifying the player through a sense of the player, and the supporting step includes: A notification control step of causing the notification means to perform notification when it is determined that the vehicle is in the support required state The notifying unit includes a force applying unit capable of applying a force to a player, and the notifying control step includes causing the force applying unit to apply a predetermined force to the player. A computer-readable recording medium including a step of causing a notification. 12. The notifying unit further includes a display unit capable of displaying a game screen, and the notifying control step includes a step of causing the notifying unit to perform the notifying by displaying the notifying information on the display unit. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 11, further comprising: 13. The notification unit includes a voice output unit, and the notification control step includes a step of causing the voice output unit to output a predetermined voice to perform the notification. 12. The computer-readable recording medium according to item 11. 14. The game system includes display means capable of displaying a game screen, wherein the game program causes the display means to display one or more operation options of the operating tool. The player is capable of operating the operating tool by selectively instructing any one of the action options, and the supporting step is that the operating tool is in the support required state in the determining step. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 11, further comprising a step of displaying a new operation option on the display means when the determination is made. 15. A computer-readable recording medium on which a game program executed by a game system using a computer for realizing a game in which a player can operate an operation tool displayed on a game screen is recorded, A determining step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state; and a supporting step of providing support in the game when the operating tool is determined to be in the required support state. And causing the game system to execute, the game system includes a storage device for storing a parameter associated with the operating tool, and the determining step obtains a value of the parameter from the storage device And comparing the value or a function value of the parameter with a threshold value. Performing a determination in accordance with the result of the comparison, it includes a computer-readable recording medium wherein the threshold is a value determined at random. 16. A computer-readable recording medium in which a game program executed by a game system using a computer, which realizes a game in which a player can operate an operation tool displayed on a game screen, is recorded, A determining step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state; and a supporting step of providing support in the game when the operating tool is determined to be in the required support state. And a storage device for storing a parameter associated with a predetermined state of the operating tool in the game, wherein the determining step includes: Is in the predetermined state in the game, the parameter associated with the state Acquiring a value from the storage device, comparing the value or the value of the function of the parameter with a threshold, and performing a determination in accordance with the result of the comparison. A computer-readable recording medium whose threshold is a value determined at random. 17. A computer-readable recording medium in which a game program executed by a game system using a computer that realizes a game in which a player can operate an operation tool displayed on a game screen is recorded, A determining step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state; and a supporting step of providing support in the game when the operating tool is determined to be in the required support state. The game system includes a storage device used in the execution of the game program. The game program determines the number of times the predetermined operation of the operating tool has occurred in the game. Counting, and storing the counted value in the storage device; The game system is further executed, wherein the determining step is a step of obtaining the number of times stored in the storage device, a step of comparing a value of this number or a function of this number with a threshold, Performing a determination in accordance with the result of the comparison, wherein the threshold value is a value determined at random. 18. A processing device for executing a process according to a game program, a storage device storing the game program, a display device for displaying a game screen, and an input device used by a player to input an instruction. And a notifying unit capable of notifying a player through a sense of the player, and a game system for realizing a game in which the player can operate an operation tool displayed by the display device by operating the input device. A determination step of determining whether the operating tool is in a predetermined support required state; and supporting the game when the operating tool is determined to be in the required support state. And a support step of causing the processing device to execute the support step. It includes a notification control step of causing the notification means to perform notification when it is determined that the state is in a support required state, wherein the notification means includes a force applying means capable of applying force to a player, The game system includes a step of making the notification by giving a predetermined force to the player by the force applying means. 19. The notifying unit further includes a display unit capable of displaying a game screen, and the notifying control step includes a step of causing the notifying unit to perform the notifying by displaying the notifying information on the display unit. 19. The game system according to claim 18, further comprising: 20. The notifying unit includes a sound output unit, and the notifying control step includes a step of causing the sound output unit to output a predetermined sound to perform the notification. 19. The game system according to 18.