JP3138494U - Portable game device and game system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable game device that can be accepted by elementary school children.
A portable game device includes, for example, a general-purpose interface for connecting to a personal computer and a communication interface for communicating with another portable game device that is an opponent of a battle game. The execution control unit executes a battle game with another portable game device connected via the communication interface, using the game data received via the general-purpose interface.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable game device and a game system using the same.

  In recent years, arcade game machines that use barcode-printed cards have become popular. Since game characters and the like are printed on the cards, hobbies for collecting cards are also popular. In particular, it seems that such arcade game machines are particularly popular among kindergarteners and elementary school children.

  However, it seems that arcade game machines using cards such as those described above are not well accepted by elementary school children. This is because playing with an arcade game machine that uses a card can feel childish when it comes to elementary school children.

  Therefore, there is a demand from the market for a game device that can be accepted by elementary school children. For example, if a portable game device that is not embarrassed even if it is owned, or a portable game device that works in conjunction with a personal computer or the like, it can be accepted by these children.

By the way, conventionally, a memory card connected to a home video game machine has been proposed that includes a liquid crystal display and operation buttons. Further, this memory card is provided with a dedicated connector for connecting to the home video game machine body.
JP 2000-200250 A Special Table 2002-530017 JP 2002-516734 A

  Since the above-mentioned memory card is premised on being connected to a corresponding home video game machine, it cannot be connected to a generally popular personal computer.

  In general, specialized knowledge is required to use a PC, so it is difficult for a kindergarten child or an elementary school child to use the PC alone. On the other hand, the number of elementary school children who can use PCs is increasing rapidly. However, there is still no new play using PC.

  On the other hand, a game device called PlayStation Portable (registered trademark) is currently spreading. This game device includes an IrDA interface, an IEEE 802.11b interface, and a USB interface. However, this game device is not provided with game software that uses game data received from a PC connected via a USB interface to play against an opponent game device via an IrDA or IEEE802.11b interface. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve at least one of such problems and other problems. Other issues can be understood throughout the specification.

The present invention can be realized as, for example, an apparatus, a system, a method, or a computer program. The first portable game device is, for example,
A general-purpose interface for connecting to a personal computer;
A communication interface for communicating with other portable game devices that are opponents of the battle game;
A storage unit for storing game data received via the general-purpose interface;
An execution control unit that executes the battle game using the game data with the other portable game device connected via the communication interface;
An input unit for inputting at least instructions regarding the battle game;
And a display unit that displays at least the execution content of the battle game.

  The second portable game device is characterized in that, in the first portable game device, the general-purpose interface is a USB interface.

  The third portable game device is the first or second portable game device, wherein the game data is at least one of character data, item data, and special effect data in the battle game. .

The third portable game device is
The execution control unit is
It is a third portable game apparatus that exchanges or moves game data with the other portable game apparatus connected via the communication interface.

A fifth portable game device is any one of the first to fourth portable game devices,
The total size of all the game data that can be used in the battle game exceeds the storage capacity of the storage unit,
Of the game data, game data that cannot be stored in the storage unit is stored in a storage device of a personal computer connected via the general-purpose interface, and the personal computer is stored in the game device. Any other game data stored in the storage device of the personal computer is stored in the storage unit by moving any game data stored in the storage unit to the storage device of the personal computer. It is characterized by doing.

A sixth portable game device according to any one of the first to fifth portable game devices, wherein the battle game is a game in which a player parameter is changed according to the progress of the game, and the player A game in which a team composed of one or more game characters organized by the above and another team in the other portable game device face each other,
The execution control unit calculates a total value of levels given in advance to the game character to be included in the team to be organized when the team is formed, and the total value is equal to or less than the parameter of the player The selection of the game character is allowed within such a range.

  According to a seventh portable game apparatus, in the sixth portable game apparatus, the parameter is determined using at least one of a player's experience value, the number of competitions, and the competition results. The parameter may be the player's experience value itself, the number of matches itself, or the match score itself.

  The eighth portable game device is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh portable game devices, the execution control unit changes the increase rate of the parameter of the player according to time.

  In a ninth portable game device, in the eighth portable game device, the rate of increase is different from that at the time when the execution control unit belongs to at least one of a class at school and a class at school. It is characterized by being lowered as compared to the time.

A tenth portable game device is any one of the first to ninth portable game devices,
The execution control unit is
When inputting an instruction for the battle game, the display direction of the display unit is the first direction,
When playing against the other portable game device, the display direction of the display unit is set to a second direction different from the first display direction.

The eleventh portable game device is the tenth portable game device,
The first direction and the second direction differ by approximately 90 degrees.

The twelfth portable game device is the tenth portable game device,
The second direction is a direction in which the communication interface and a communication interface of the other portable game device face each other.

A thirteenth portable game device is any one of the tenth to twelfth portable game devices,
The first direction is a horizontally long direction of the display unit, and the second direction is a vertically long direction of the display unit.

The fourteenth portable game device is any one of the first to thirteenth portable game devices,
The weight of the portable game device is less than 150 grams and 5 grams or more including a battery.

The fifteenth portable game device is any one of the first to fourteenth portable game devices,
As for the size of the portable game device, the longest value among width, height, and depth is less than 170 mm and 50 mm or more.

The sixteenth portable game device is any one of the first to fifteenth portable game devices,
The portable game device is a USB memory game device.

A first game system including any one of the first to sixteenth portable game devices, a personal computer connected to the portable game device, and a server device connected to the personal computer,
The personal computer is
Means for reading out a parameter that is changed according to the progress of the battle game from the portable game device when the portable game device is connected;
Means for transmitting the parameter to the server device;
Means for displaying a web page received from the server device,
The server device includes means for transmitting different web pages to the personal computer when the parameter is received and when the parameter is not received.

A second game system including any one of the first to sixteenth portable game devices, a personal computer connected to the portable game device, and a server device connected to the personal computer,
The personal computer is
Means for reading experience values from the portable game device, if the portable game device is connected;
Means for accessing a web page corresponding to the experience value among a plurality of web pages provided by the server device;
Means for displaying the web page,
The server device
The apparatus includes means for transmitting a plurality of Web pages according to the experience value to the personal computer.

  The third game system is characterized in that, in the first or second game system, the web page corresponding to the experience value is a web page accessible only by a player having the same or approximate experience value.

The fourth game system is any one of the first to third game systems,
The Web page corresponding to the experience value includes an image that is relatively finer than the game data displayed on the display unit of the portable game device with respect to the game data related to the portable game device. .

A fifth game system is a game system including any one of the first to thirteenth portable game devices, a personal computer connected to the portable game device, and a server device connected to the personal computer. There,
The personal computer is
Means for transmitting, to the server device, predetermined information read from the portable game device or connected information indicating that the portable game device is connected when the portable game device is connected;
Means for displaying a web page received from the server device,
The server device
When the predetermined information or the connected information is received, the first Web page is transmitted to the personal computer, and when the predetermined information or the connected information is not received, the first Web page Includes means for transmitting a different second Web page.

  In a sixth game system according to any one of the first to fifth game systems, the web page includes a catalog of the game data.

A seventh game system is the game system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The server device further includes storage means for storing the game data,
Means for downloading game data read from storage means of the server device;
Means for writing the downloaded game data into the portable game device.

The eighth game system is the seventh game system,
The Web page includes download ranking information related to the game data.

A ninth game system is any one of the first to eighth game systems,
The personal computer is a mobile phone.

A computer program for a portable game device is:
Receiving game data used in a battle game from a personal computer via a general-purpose interface;
Storing game data received via the general-purpose interface in a storage unit;
Communicating with another portable game device that is the opponent of the battle game via the communication interface;
Executing the battle game using the game data with the other portable game device connected via the communication interface;
Inputting at least instructions regarding the competitive game through the input unit;
And a step of displaying at least the execution contents of the battle game.

The first computer program is
A computer program executed on a personal computer connected to a portable game device,
When the portable game device is connected, a parameter that is changed according to the progress of the battle game from the portable game device is read by a reading unit;
A step of transmitting the parameter by a transmission unit to a server device that transmits a Web page that is different from when the parameter is received when the parameter is received and connected to the personal computer;
And a step of displaying the Web page received from the server device by a display means.

The second computer program is
A computer program executed on a personal computer connected to a portable game device,
When the portable game device is connected to the personal computer, the experience value is read from the portable game device by a reading unit;
A step of accessing, by an access means, a web page corresponding to the experience value among a plurality of web pages provided by a server device connected to the personal computer;
A step of displaying the Web page by display means.

The third computer program is
A computer program executed on a personal computer connected to a portable game device,
Detecting by the detection means whether or not the portable game device is connected to the personal computer;
When the predetermined information read from the portable game device or the connected information indicating that the portable game device is connected is received, the first Web page is transmitted to the personal computer, and the predetermined information or When the portable game device is connected to the personal computer with respect to a server device that transmits a second Web page different from the first Web page when the connected information is not received, Transmitting the predetermined information read from the portable game device or the connected information indicating that the portable game device is connected to the server device by a transmission unit;
And a step of displaying the Web page received from the server device by a display means.

A method for executing a battle game on a portable game device is as follows:
Receiving game data used in a battle game from a personal computer via a general-purpose interface;
Storing game data received via the general-purpose interface in a storage unit;
Communicating with another portable game device that is the opponent of the battle game via the communication interface;
Executing the battle game using the game data with the other portable game device connected via the communication interface;
Inputting at least instructions regarding the competitive game through the input unit;
And a step of displaying at least the execution contents of the battle game.

The first web page display method is:
A method of displaying a web page executed on a personal computer connected to a portable game device,
When the portable game device is connected, a parameter that is changed according to the progress of the battle game from the portable game device is read by a reading unit;
A step of transmitting the parameter by a transmission unit to a server device that transmits a Web page that is different from when the parameter is received when the parameter is received and connected to the personal computer;
And a step of displaying the Web page received from the server device by a display means.

The second Web page display method is
A method of displaying a web page executed on a personal computer connected to a portable game device,
When the portable game device is connected to the personal computer, the experience value is read from the portable game device by a reading unit;
A step of accessing, by an access means, a web page corresponding to the experience value among a plurality of web pages provided by a server device connected to the personal computer;
A method for displaying the Web page, comprising: displaying the Web page by display means.

The third web page display method is:
A method of displaying a web page executed on a personal computer connected to a portable game device,
Detecting by the detection means whether or not the portable game device is connected to the personal computer;
When the predetermined information read from the portable game device or the connected information indicating that the portable game device is connected is received, the first Web page is transmitted to the personal computer, and the predetermined information or When the portable game device is connected to the personal computer with respect to a server device that transmits a second Web page different from the first Web page when the connected information is not received, Transmitting the predetermined information read from the portable game device or the connected information indicating that the portable game device is connected to the server device by a transmission unit;
And a step of displaying the Web page received from the server device by a display means.

  According to the first portable game device, not only has an interface for executing a battle game and an interface for connecting to a PC, but also a battle game using game data written from the PC. Execute. As a result, a portable game device that can be accepted by upper grades of elementary school will be realized. Note that the same effect can be obtained by the above-described computer program for the portable game device and the execution method of the battle game.

  According to the second portable game device, the second portable game device will be easily accepted in the market by adopting the USB interface that most personal computers will have.

  According to the third portable game apparatus, game characters, item data, special effect data, and the like can be received from a computer and used. In conventional battle games, game data is also fixed when a computer program is written to a storage medium. In contrast, according to the present invention, new game data and the like can be received from a computer and a battle game can be executed, so that the user of the portable game device can enjoy a change in game data that has never existed before.

  According to the fourth portable game device, game data can be exchanged and moved with other portable game devices. Therefore, it will be possible to transfer or transfer the game data to a third party. If the value of each game data changes depending on the progress of the battle game and the attributes of the game device, it will be meaningful for the player to be able to exchange or move the game data.

  According to the fifth portable game device, since game data is diverse, when all the game data cannot be written to the portable game device, other game data is transferred to the PC by moving the game data to the PC. Can be written from. Thus, the player can enjoy the pleasure of carefully selecting game data held in the portable game device.

  According to the sixth portable game device, when a team-type battle game of a team is executed, game characters that can be included in the team can be selected in accordance with the parameters of the player. Therefore, if the parameter increases with the progress of the game, the player will be able to enjoy the pleasure of increasing the freedom of organization, such as the formation of a stronger team.

  According to the seventh portable game device, the parameter can be a value calculated according to the player's experience value, the number of battles, the battle results, and the like. Since these values are changed, for example, by winning or losing the game, the enjoyment of winning the game will increase. For example, the more you win the game, the more fun it will be, especially if you increase the freedom of organization.

  According to the eighth portable game device, the rate of increase of the player's parameter is changed according to the time, so that the pleasure of searching for the time when the parameter is likely to increase can be born.

  According to the ninth portable game device, the rate of increase in the parameter is reduced during classes at school or attending a school, so that the player will not play at an inappropriate time. In other words, the player will be able to concentrate on the lesson than when the rate of increase is made independent of time.

  According to the tenth portable game device, the display direction is changed when an instruction for a battle game (eg, an instruction for team formation) is input and when a battle with another game device is performed. Thereby, the display direction according to the battle can be adopted at the time of the battle, while ensuring the ease of inputting the instructions and the visibility of the display.

  According to the eleventh portable game device, by changing the display direction by approximately 90 degrees between the time of inputting an instruction and the time of a battle, especially when the display device is horizontally long or vertically long, the ease of input and the display are displayed. It will be easier to ensure the visibility of

  According to the twelfth portable game device, at the time of a battle, the display direction is such that the communication interface of the opponent game device and the communication interface of the opponent face each other, thereby reducing the probability of communication error and improving the visibility. Can be secured.

  According to the thirteenth portable game device, it is possible to reduce line breaks when characters are written horizontally by setting the display portion to be horizontally long when inputting an instruction.

  According to the fourteenth portable game device, the weight of the portable game device including the battery is less than 150 grams and 5 grams or more, so that even elementary school students and the like can easily carry the portable game device. In addition, the weight of a recent mobile phone is approximately 78 grams to 143 grams. The weight of the USB memory is about 9 grams, for example. Therefore, if the weight is less than 150 grams and 5 grams including the battery, even elementary school students can easily carry it. Also, the weight of the USB game device is easy to realize by design.

  According to the fifteenth portable game device, the portable game device has a size that is less than 170 mm and greater than or equal to 50 mm in the longest value among width, height, and depth, thereby realizing a portable game device. It will be easier.

  According to the first and second game systems, a Web page can be displayed according to a parameter (for example, an experience value) that is changed according to the progress of the battle game read from the portable game device. This makes it possible to limit the information provided and the place of communication according to the parameters. The same effect can be obtained by the first and second Web page display methods and the first and second computer programs.

  According to the third game system, by providing a Web page that can be accessed only by players having the same or similar parameters, there is a problem in using the same Web site by players who do not have the same or approximate parameters. Can be suppressed.

  According to the fourth game system, providing a fine image of the game data will increase the player's interest in the game data. It is difficult for the display unit of the portable game device to display a precise image compared to the display unit of the PC. In particular, the smaller and lighter the portable game device is, the more difficult it becomes to display a precise image. Therefore, although the portable game device can display only a simple image of the game data, the feature of the game data will be easily grasped by displaying a precise image of the game data by the PC.

  According to the fifth game system, by displaying different web pages when the portable game device is connected to the PC and when the portable game device is not connected, the player can cooperate with the portable game device and the PC. Can enjoy. Note that the same effect may be produced by the third computer program or the third Web page display method.

  According to the sixth game system, it is possible to know various other game data not stored in the portable game device by providing the game data catalog on the Web page. This will create interest in game data that you do not have.

  According to the seventh game system, by downloading the game data from the server device and storing it in the portable game device, the enjoyment of obtaining the latest game data will increase. In particular, there is an advantage that new game data can be easily added to the portable game device by purchasing the game data through the server device.

  According to the eighth game system, there is an advantage that a popular game character or an unpopular game character can be known on the Web page. For example, viewing the download ranking will make it easier for the player to select game data to download.

  According to the ninth game system, by using a mobile phone instead of a PC, it will be easy to manage the portable game device or access a website even at a place other than home.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Of course, the individual embodiments described below will be helpful in understanding various concepts such as the superordinate concept, the intermediate concept and the subordinate concept of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the utility model registration request, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

<Appearance of portable game device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a portable game device according to the embodiment. The portable game device (hereinafter referred to as game device) 100 includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 101 as a general-purpose interface for connecting to a PC. The operation button 102 can be operated in four to eight directions. In addition, a determination instruction or the like can be input by depressing the vicinity of the center of the operation button 102.

  The display unit 103 is a display screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). A battle communication interface is housed inside the distal end portion 104. The cap 105 is a protective member for protecting the connector 101. The connector 101 is preferably a male type. This is because the male type can be directly connected to the PC. If a female type is adopted as the connector 101, a connection cable to the PC will be required. Therefore, in order to eliminate the need for a cable, the connector 101 is desirably a male type. However, it goes without saying that the connector 101 may be a female type.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the portable game device according to the embodiment. The CPU 201 is a control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the game apparatus 100 based on a computer program. For example, the CPU 201 functions as an execution control unit that executes a battle game using game data with another game device of the same type connected via the battle communication interface 204.

  The ROM 202 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores a control program such as firmware, a game program, and game data for a battle game. The ROM 202 may be realized by, for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory. The RAM 203 is a volatile storage unit that functions as a work area. The RAM 203 may be configured to hold the stored contents by the battery 207.

  For example, the game data received from the PC via the general-purpose communication interface 208 is stored in the ROM 202 or the RAM 203. Examples of the game data include character data (eg, monsters) appearing in a battle game, item data (eg, weapons), special effect data (eg, magic), and the like. It is assumed that not all game data that can be used in the battle game can be stored in the game data storage unit realized by the ROM 202 or the RAM 203. That is, the total amount of all game data sizes exceeds the storage capacity of the game data storage unit.

  The battle communication interface 204 is a communication unit for connecting to another game device 100 of the same type as the opponent of the battle game. The battle communication interface 204 may be realized as a wireless communication unit such as an IrDA (infrared communication interface), a Bluetooth interface, or a wireless LAN interface. Alternatively, the battle communication interface 204 may be a wired communication unit. Considering the ease of connection and the convenience of carrying, a wireless communication unit would be desirable.

  The display device 205 is a unit for displaying various types of information (at least the execution content of the battle game) on the display unit 103 described above. The operation unit 206 includes an operation button 102 and is an input unit for inputting various instructions (at least instructions related to a battle game) from the player. The battery 207 functions as a power source for the game apparatus 100. A general-purpose communication interface 208 includes a connector 101 and is a general-purpose communication unit for connecting to a PC. Examples of the general-purpose communication interface 208 include USB, IEEE 1394 (i · link), Bluetooth, and wireless LAN.

<Outline of the game system>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the game system according to the embodiment. Note that the game device 100 does not have to be connected to the PC 300 when executing the battle game. The PC 300 is a general personal computer. Needless to say, any mobile phone having a general-purpose interface can be used as the PC 300. However, in this case, a dedicated computer program needs to be installed in the mobile phone.

  The PC 300 can be connected to the server device 350 via the Internet 320. Based on the information received (or read) from the game apparatus 100, the PC 300 connects to the server apparatus 350 and downloads Web page information (source file, image data, video data, script, etc.).

  FIG. 4 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the PC and the server device according to the embodiment. Although the hardware configurations of the PC 300 and the server device 350 are generally different in many cases, it is assumed here that they are the same for convenience of explanation. Of course, the software configurations of the PC 300 and the server device 350 are different as will be described later.

  The CPU 401 is a control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the computer based on the computer program. The ROM 402 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores a control program such as firmware. The RAM 403 is a volatile storage unit that functions as a work area. A hard disk drive (HDD) 407 is a large-capacity storage unit. The display device 405 is a display unit for displaying various information to the user.

  The operation unit 406 is an input unit such as a pointing device or a keyboard. A network interface card (NIC) 404 is a communication unit for connecting to a network such as the Internet. The general-purpose communication interface 408 is a general-purpose communication unit such as a USB interface. The general-purpose communication interface 208 of the game apparatus 100 is connected to the general-purpose communication interface 408 of the PC 300.

<Outline of the fighting game>
Hereinafter, an example of a battle game will be described. This battle game is executed by connecting a plurality of game devices 100 described above. In this competitive game, a team (team) battle type battle (sometimes called a duel) is performed. Each team (sometimes called a deck) is organized by one or more game characters (eg, monsters, anime characters).

  A player who has won the battle (an operator of the game apparatus 100) has an increased parameter on the battle game. In the following description, an experience value is used as an example of a parameter, but the parameter according to the present invention is not limited to the experience value. For example, other information such as hit points (HP) may be used. Further, the maximum value of the hit points (HP) possessed by the winning player may be increased. On the other hand, the maximum HP value of the lost player is lowered. For example, if HP is expressed by the number of stars, the star moves from the game device 100 of the losing player to the game device of the winning player. When the number of stars becomes 0, the CPU 201 may control the player so that the player cannot execute the battle game only for a predetermined time. For example, when the time measured by the timer passes a predetermined time, the CPU 201 automatically recovers one star.

  Each game character has a character level. This character level is referred to when a team is formed. For example, the rule may be that the total of the character levels of the game characters constituting one team must not exceed the current experience value of the player. That is, the player can arbitrarily select a plurality of game characters stored in the game apparatus 100 and form a team within a range where the total character level does not exceed the player's current experience value.

  Since the storage capacity of game device 100 is limited, the number n of game characters that can be stored in game device 100 (n is an integer) is also limited. However, there are more game characters than n in the setting of the battle game. Here, the total number of game characters is m (m is an integer exceeding n).

  When the game apparatus 100 is connected to the PC 300, dedicated management software is activated on the PC 300. This management software may be stored in the game apparatus 100, may be stored in the PC 300, and may be resident.

  Through this management software, the player can move game character data stored in the game apparatus 100 to the PC 300. Thereby, a vacancy can be increased in the storage capacity of the game apparatus 100. Note that data about other game characters stored in the PC 300 can be written in the game apparatus 100 through the management software. Thus, the player can also form a new team using the newly added game character.

  Note that game data such as game characters can be downloaded to the PC 300 from a Web page provided by the server device 350. Of course, the downloaded game data can be written in the game apparatus 100.

  By the way, only a relatively low resolution game character can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the game apparatus 100. Therefore, on the Web page provided by the server device 350, a fine image or video about the game character may be displayed.

<Basic processing of game device>
FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart showing a basic process of the portable game device according to the embodiment. For example, this basic process is executed when the game apparatus 100 is disconnected from the PC 300 and the power is turned on. Further, it is assumed that a computer program related to basic processing is stored in the ROM 202, for example. First, in step S <b> 501, the CPU 201 displays a menu on the display unit 103 of the display device 205.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a menu according to the embodiment. In this example, one of “battle”, “team organization”, and “initial setting” can be selected from the menu. The selection bar 601 is a display object for selecting one of the processes, and moves up and down in the display unit 103 in accordance with the input of the up / down key of the operation button 102. Note that the selection bar 601 can be easily realized by reverse display, for example. In the example of FIG. 6, it is shown that “team formation” is selected. In this state, when the central portion (decision key) of the operation button 102 is pressed down, the selection is decided. The right direction key of the operation button 102 may function as an enter key. In this case, the left direction key of the operation button 102 will function as a cancel key.

  In step S <b> 502, the CPU 201 determines whether an up / down key (either an up key or a down key) is input on the operation unit 206. When either the up key or the down key is input, the process proceeds to step S503, and the CPU 201 displays the selection bar 601 on the display device 205 so as to move up and down according to the key input. If the input is not an up / down key, the process advances to step S504, and the CPU 201 determines whether or not the enter key is input in the operation unit 206. If the enter key is input, the process proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if the enter key has not been input, the process returns to step S502.

  In step S505, the CPU 201 determines whether or not “team formation” is selected in the menu. “Team formation” is a process for selecting game characters included in a team appearing in a competitive game. If the selected process is “team formation”, the process advances to step S506, and the CPU 201 executes the team formation process. On the other hand, if the selected process is not “team organization”, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the selected process is “battle”. “Battle” means execution of a battle game. If the selected process is “battle”, the process advances to step S508, and the CPU 201 executes the battle process. On the other hand, if the selected process is not “battle”, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the CPU 201 performs other processing. Examples of other processing include initial setting processing. For example, in the initial setting process, the CPU 201 adjusts the current time. In addition, a process for moving (transferring) a game character or the like, which will be described later, to another game apparatus 100 or exchanging a game character or the like with another game apparatus 100 may be executed.

  Thereafter, in step S510, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the operation unit 206 has instructed termination. When the termination is instructed, the CPU 201 ends the basic processing and turns off the power or shifts to the power saving mode. On the other hand, if not completed, the process returns to step S501.

<Team formation process>
FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart regarding team formation processing according to the embodiment. This team organization process is a subroutine of step S506. In step S701, the CPU 201 displays a menu for selecting various processes related to team formation.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a team organization process menu according to the embodiment. In this example, a process for deleting a game character (eg, monster) from the team and a process for adding a game character to the team can be selected by the selection bar 601 described above.

  In step S702, the CPU 201 determines whether a deletion process has been selected. If the deletion process is selected, the process proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if an additional process is selected, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S <b> 703, the CPU 201 reads game character data included in the current team from the ROM 202 and displays the data on the display unit 103 of the display device 205.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monster selection screen according to the embodiment. In this example, three monsters A, B, and C included in the team, their character levels (eg, Lv. 3 etc.), and an image 901 of the currently selected monster are displayed. Of course, when a different monster is selected by the selection bar 601, the CPU 201 reads out the image data of the selected monster from the ROM 202 and displays it.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the game character according to the embodiment. This list includes various information about game characters (eg, monsters) stored in the ROM 202. ID is identification information for identifying each monster. The name is a name of the monster, and is displayed on the display unit 103 when the monster is selected. The character level is information representing the attack power or defense power of each monster.

  The team flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current team is joined. The CPU 201 can recognize which game character is a member of the team by referring to the team flag. In the example of FIG. 10, “1” means participation, and “0” means non-participation. Appearance level means the player's experience required to be able to select that monster. That is, when the experience value of the player does not reach the predetermined value, there are monsters that cannot be selected (not displayed). The image file means the name of a file in which data for displaying an image of the game character is stored.

  In step S <b> 704, when the selection determination instruction from the operation unit 206 is input, the CPU 201 determines the monster currently selected by the selection bar 601 as a deletion target. In addition, the CPU 201 changes the team flag for the selected monster to “0”.

  In step S705, the CPU 201 adds the respective character levels of the game characters (monsters) participating in the team, and updates the total value (total). The total value is held in the RAM 203, for example.

  In step S706, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a game character that can be added. For example, the CPU 201 obtains the difference by subtracting the above total value from the player parameter. Note that the CPU 201 determines a player parameter using, for example, at least one of the player experience value, the number of matches, and the match score. For example, a parameter proportional to the experience value or the number of matches may be used, and if the match score is relatively excellent, the parameter may be a relatively large value. Next, the CPU 201 searches and extracts game characters having a character level smaller than this difference and not participating in the team from the above list.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a player profile according to the embodiment. This profile is assumed to be stored in the ROM 202. In the figure, the game device serial ID is unique identification information set when the game device 100 is manufactured or when the server device 350 is accessed, for example. The player name is a name of the player, and is set, for example, when connected to the PC 300. For example, the CPU 401 of the PC 300 executes an initial setting process when the game apparatus 100 is connected for the first time. Then, the CPU 401 writes the name inputted from the operation unit 406 to the game apparatus 100 as a player name.

  The experience value is an experience value of a player that rises at least as the battle game progresses. The parameter determined from the experience value or the like is used by the CPU 201 as the upper limit of the total value of the character level when the team is formed.

  HP (hit points) is information used when a battle is executed in a battle game. HP decreases when there is an effective attack from the opponent. When HP reaches 0, you have lost the battle. Note that the maximum HP value increases by 1 when a battle is won. On the other hand, if you lose the battle, it will decrease by one. The HP may be recovered with the passage of time.

  If the extraction of the game character is successful, the game character can be added to the team. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, if it cannot be added, the process proceeds to step S709, and the CPU 201 determines whether or not to end the knitting according to the input from the operation unit 206. If not completed, the process returns to step S701.

  In step S <b> 707, the CPU 201 displays an addable game character extracted from the character list on the display unit 103 of the display device 205. The display example shown in FIG. 9 is also an example of a screen for selecting an addition target monster. In this example, three monsters can be selected. When three or more monsters can be selected, the CPU 201 displays other monsters by scrolling the screen.

  In step S708, the CPU 201 determines a game character to be added in accordance with a selection and determination instruction input through the operation button 102 of the operation unit 206. Thereafter, the process returns to step S705, and the CPU 201 updates the total value of the team character level.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the CPU 201 calculates the total value of the character levels given in advance to the game characters to be included in the team to be organized. Further, the CPU 201 allows selection of a game character within a range where the calculated total value is equal to or less than the player parameter.

<Battle processing>
FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart of battle processing according to the embodiment. This process is a subroutine of step S508 described above.

  In step S <b> 1201, the CPU 201 changes the display direction of the display unit 103. For example, when inputting an instruction (such as team organization) for a battle game, the display direction of the display unit 103 is set as the first direction. When competing with another game apparatus 100, the CPU 201 sets the display direction of the display unit 103 to a second direction different from the first display direction. In this case, the CPU 201 may change the display direction when a battle execution instruction is input from the operation unit 206.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection example of the game device and a display example of the screen when the competitive game according to the embodiment is executed. In this figure, an opponent game device 100b is connected to a game device 100b operated by a player via a battle interface 204. Further, the display direction at the time of the battle is approximately 90 degrees different from the display direction of the display unit 103 at the time of team formation shown in FIG. By making the display direction different between the normal time and the battle time, the player will be able to further enjoy the dynamics of the battle in the battle game. In the example of FIG. 13, the ally monster is displayed in front, and the enemy (opponent) monster is displayed above. The display positions of allies and enemies may be reversed. However, since the game apparatus 100b is arranged so as to face the game apparatus 100a as shown in FIG. 10 at the time of the battle, it is easier for the player to intuitively understand that the teammate is displayed in front.

  Further, according to FIG. 13, it is understood that the display direction at the time of the battle is such that the battle communication interface of the game device 100b and the battle communication interface of the other game device 100a face each other. Let's go. In particular, as the battle communication interface 204, a communication unit such as a highly oriented IrDA unit or a communication unit using weak radio waves may be used. In this case, the battle communication interface of the game device 100a and the battle communication interface of the game device 100b need to face each other or be sufficiently close so that they can communicate with each other. In general, it can be said that in a battle game, the players who face each other face each other, making it easier to get into the game. In addition, the game apparatus 100 is preferably realized as a USB memory type small and lightweight apparatus. Therefore, it is assumed that the game apparatus 100 is used so as to hold out a playing card or is used so as to point out a sword toward an opponent during a battle. In this case, it will be easier for players to feel the best part of the match. Note that if the game apparatus 100 itself or the display unit 103 thereof is a rectangle (eg, a substantially rectangular shape whose aspect ratio is twice as high), the player can further enjoy the best of the battle game by switching the display direction. I can do it.

  Further, the display direction at the time of team formation shown in FIG. 9 is parallel to the horizontal direction of the display unit 103. On the other hand, the display direction during the battle is the vertically long direction of the display unit 103 as shown in FIG. In particular, a relatively large number of characters are displayed during team formation. Therefore, in order to reduce line breaks, it is desirable that the horizontal direction of the display unit 103 be the display direction. On the other hand, since the amount of display of characters is often relatively reduced during battle, the display unit 103 may be in the vertically long direction.

  In step S <b> 1202, the CPU 201 connects to the opponent game device 100 through the battle communication interface 204. In step S <b> 1203, the CPU 201 reads game data from the ROM 202 or RAM 203 and displays it on the display unit 103 of the display device 205. The CPU 201 also displays the opponent game data received through the battle communication interface 204 in the same manner. As the game data to be displayed, for example, a game character and a status (eg, experience value, HP, etc.) are displayed. Similarly, the name of the game character may be displayed.

  In step S1204, the CPU 201 executes an attack process. For example, the CPU 201 calculates opponent-type damage according to the character level assigned to the game character. The CPU 201 subtracts the calculated damage value from the opponent's HP (hit point). In addition, when the process which determines the first attack after the attack is included, it cannot be overemphasized that it is determined whether to perform an attack process or a defense process previously depending on this result.

  In step S1205, the CPU 201 determines whether or not all the game characters constituting the opponent (enemy) team have been completely annihilated. For example, if the other party's HP becomes 0, the other party is assumed to be completely destroyed. Each game character may have an HP. In this case, when the HP of the first game character becomes 0, the second game character becomes a party to the battle. If the enemy is annihilated, the process proceeds to step S1210, and the CPU 201 executes a victory process. For example, the CPU 201 increases the experience value by a predetermined amount. Further, the CPU 201 may execute a process of increasing the maximum HP value (moving a star from the opponent). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1209. On the other hand, if not annihilated, the process proceeds to step S1206.

  Incidentally, the CPU 201 may change the rate of increase of the experience value according to the time acquired from the timer. For example, if a rate of increase is relatively increased compared to other time zones, the player will enjoy the pleasure of searching for a time with a high rate of increase.

  For example, at a time that belongs to at least one of a time zone in which a player is in class at a school or a time in a cram school, the CPU 201 returns the rate of increase to another time (e.g. It may be reduced as compared to the time until going to cram school. This will make it easier for players to concentrate on classes and attendance. In particular, when the battle game is executed in such a time zone, the rate of increase may be negative as a penalty. In this case, even if the battle game is executed during such a time period, it is only disadvantageous, so the player can naturally concentrate on the class. The time zone may be set, for example, in the initial setting or may be set by management software executed on the PC. It should be noted that the time zone for receiving a penalty and the time zone for receiving a profit are affected by the individual circumstances of the player, and therefore may be set by the CPU 201 in the initial setting. Alternatively, the CPU 401 of the PC 300 may set the time zone based on information input from the operation unit 406. Note that the CPU 201 may increase the rate of increase in comparison to other times during the time period from returning from school to going to a cram school. In this case, the player can enjoy the game between school and cram school. Similarly, the rate of increase of the above-described parameters may be changed similarly to the experience value. Needless to say, when the parameter depends on the experience value, the increase rate of the parameter is naturally linked to the increase rate of the experience value.

  In step S1206, the CPU 201 executes a defense process. This defense process corresponds to the opponent's attack process. Therefore, the CPU 201 performs the damage value calculation as described above. In step S <b> 1207, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the teammate game character has been annihilated. This determination process is the same as step S1205. If the friend is not completely destroyed, the process proceeds to step S1203, and the CPU 201 executes the next battle. If the ally is annihilated, the process proceeds to step S1208.

  In step S1208, the CPU 201 executes a defeat process. For example, the CPU 201 activates an internal timer and sets it so that the next battle cannot be executed for a predetermined period. For example, in this battle prohibition period, the CPU 201 may delete “battle” from the menu shown in FIG. Further, the CPU 201 may execute a process of lowering the HP maximum value (moving the star to the opponent). In this way, the star equivalent to HP moves (stolen / stolen), so the commitment to winning and losing will increase. Thereafter, the process advances to step S1209, and the CPU 201 restores the display direction on the display unit 103 to the original.

<Exchange or transfer of game data between game devices>
As an example of the other processing (S509) described above, the exchange or transfer (movement) of game data between game devices will be introduced. In a battle game or the like, a large number of game characters, items (eg, weapons, vehicles, etc.), and special effects (eg, magic, etc.) may appear. These are important because they affect the battle outcome. Generally, in a battle game, when the experience value rises, it is often possible to obtain these game data. However, it is possible to set rare game data that cannot be obtained unless special conditions are met. In this case, the player who obtained the game data will be able to immerse himself in superiority. Therefore, a transfer value is generated in the game data itself.

  On the other hand, it is not limited to rare game data, but there are cases where it is desired to transfer the game data to another person. In particular, the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment cannot store all game data set in the game in the ROM 202. Therefore, in order to store other game data, it is necessary to delete the currently stored game data, move to the PC 300, or move to another game device 100.

  By the way, there is a case where it is desired to exchange game data with another person. For other people, even game data with low value may be game data with high value for oneself. For example, if the game device 100a has the attribute “fire” and the monster has the attribute “fire”, it is assumed that the attack power increases. Nevertheless, if there are only monsters with the attribute of “water”, the attack power of the game apparatus 100a may be drastically reduced. On the other hand, in the game apparatus 100b having the “water” attribute, the attack power of the monster having the “water” attribute may be relatively increased. Even when a battle game is set in this way, there will be a demand for exchanging game data.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, processing for moving game data to another game device 100 or exchanging game data with another game device will be introduced.

  FIG. 14 is an exemplary flowchart of a game data transfer or exchange process according to the embodiment. This flowchart represents the other processing (S509) described above as a subroutine.

  In step S1401, the CPU 201 reads transferable game data from the ROM 202 or the like and displays it on the display unit 103 of the display device 205. An example of the display screen at this time is also as shown in FIG.

  The transferable game data is, for example, game data having an appearance level lower than the player's current experience value. That is, hidden (secret) game data that the player cannot use yet can not be transferred. This is because if such game data is allowed to be transferred to another game apparatus 100, the pleasure of improving the experience value is halved. The CPU 201 reads the experience value stored in the ROM 202 or the RAM 203, reads the character list stored in the ROM 202 or the like, and compares the experience value with the appearance level. Thereby, the CPU 201 can extract transferable game data.

  In step S1402, the CPU 201 determines game data to be transferred based on a selection instruction and a determination instruction from the operation unit 206. In step S1403, the CPU 201 changes the display direction on the display unit 103. The display direction at this time is the same as in the battle. This is because in order to move the game data, it is desirable to face the battle communication interface provided in the assignee's game device.

  In step S1404, the CPU 201 connects to the assignee's game device through the battle communication interface 204. In step S1405, the CPU 201 transmits the game data to be transferred to the transferee game device. Further, the CPU 201 deletes the transmitted game data from the ROM 202 or the like. Thereby, the movement of the game data is completed. In the case of game data exchange processing, the CPU 201 receives game data from the opponent game device through the battle communication interface 204 and writes the received game data in the ROM 202 or the like.

  In step S1406, the CPU 201 updates the character list. For example, the CPU 201 deletes information regarding transmitted game data from the character list. Further, the CPU 201 adds information related to game data received from the opponent game device to the character list. Thereafter, in step S1407, the CPU 201 changes the display direction of the display unit 103 so as to return to the original.

<Management by PC>
Next, processing for moving or exchanging game data stored in the game apparatus 100 using the PC 300 will be described. As described above, the competitive game according to the present embodiment has game data that cannot be stored in the storage unit of the game apparatus 100. There is data of game characters (eg, monsters) as one of the game data, but since the storage capacity of the storage unit is limited, the game apparatus 100 stores only a predetermined number (eg, 20) of game characters. Can not.

  However, for example, 100 game characters may be set on the battle game. In this example, the remaining 80 game characters are stored in the PC 300 or the server device 350.

  Therefore, in order to use a game character that is not currently stored in game device 100, it is necessary to write the game character into game device 100 using any means. Therefore, in the present embodiment, game data such as a game character is moved from the storage unit of the game apparatus 100 to the storage unit of the PC 300, and the game data stored in the storage unit of the PC 300 is stored in a storage area vacated by the movement. The writing process will be described.

  FIG. 15 is an exemplary flowchart regarding a game data movement process according to the embodiment. The computer program according to this flowchart is stored in the HDD 407 and loaded into the RAM 403 as necessary.

  It is assumed that game device 100 is connected to PC 300 via general-purpose communication interface 208. When the game apparatus 100 is realized as a so-called USB memory, the game data in the flash memory (ROM 202) can be directly operated from the PC 300. However, it is desirable that direct operations from the PC 300 are prohibited for game programs and the like, except for updating.

  In step S1501, the CPU 401 of the PC 300 reads a character list, a player profile, and the like from the ROM 202 of the game apparatus 100 via the general-purpose communication interface 408. Note that if the connection of the game apparatus 100 cannot be confirmed, the CPU 401 may display a warning and prompt the player to connect the game apparatus 100.

  In step S1502, the CPU 401 displays a menu on the display device 405. It is assumed that various processes can be selected from the menu. As various processing, for example, game data is transferred from the game device to the PC (hereinafter referred to as PC), game data is transferred from the PC to the game device (transfer to the game device), and the server device provides. There are access to websites. Here, the movement of game data will be described.

  In step S <b> 1503, the CPU 401 determines whether movement to the PC is selected through the operation unit 406. If the movement process to the PC is selected, the process proceeds to step S1504, and if another process (movement to the game apparatus) is selected, the process proceeds to step S1507.

  In step S1504, the CPU 401 reads game data (eg, monster name, character level, image file, etc.) registered in the read character list from the ROM 202 of the game apparatus 100 and displays it on the display apparatus 405. If the same game data is stored in the HDD 407 of the PC 300, the CPU 401 may read the game data from the HDD 407. The display device 405 displays game data stored in the game device in a state that can be selected from the operation unit 406. For example, if a check box is displayed together with the game data, the game data to be moved is selected by checking the check box with a mouse or the like.

  In step S <b> 1505, the CPU 401 determines game data to be moved in response to a selection instruction from the operation unit 406. In step S <b> 1506, the CPU 401 reads game data to be moved from the game device 100 and stores it in the HDD 407. Needless to say, the CPU 401 deletes the game data in the ROM 202. When the game data to be moved is fixed data, the CPU 401 only deletes the game data in the ROM 202 and does not need to write it in the HDD 407 of the PC 300. This is because the game data is already stored in the HDD 407 of the PC 300.

  In step S <b> 1507, the CPU 401 determines whether movement to the game device is selected through the operation unit 406. If movement processing to the game device is selected, the process proceeds to step S1508. On the other hand, if another process (for example, access to a website, etc.) is selected, the process proceeds to step S1511 after executing the other process.

  In step S1508, the CPU 401 reads catalog data stored in the HDD 407, and displays game data (eg, monster name, character level, image file, etc.) registered in the catalog data on the display device 405. Information on all or almost all game data appearing in the battle game may be registered in the catalog data. Of the game data appearing in the battle game, the game data not stored in the HDD 407 may not be registered in the catalog data. Alternatively, game data that needs to be downloaded from the server device 350 may not be registered in the catalog data. Conversely, these game data may also be registered in the catalog data. The format of the catalog data may be substantially the same as the above-described character data format, for example.

  Further, game data that can be moved to the game device 100 is displayed on the display device 405 in a state that it can be selected from the operation unit 406. For example, if a check box is displayed together with the game data, the game data to be moved is selected by checking the check box with a mouse or the like.

  In step S1509, the CPU 401 determines game data to be moved in accordance with a selection instruction from the operation unit 406. In step S <b> 1510, the CPU 401 reads game data to be moved from the HDD 407 (downloaded from the server device 350 as necessary) and stores it in the ROM 202 of the game device 100. The CPU 401 may or may not delete the game data from the HDD 407. This is because the storage capacity of the HDD 407 in the PC 300 is generally much larger than the storage capacity of the game apparatus 100.

  In step S <b> 1511, the CPU 401 ends the process according to this flowchart when the operation unit 406 instructs the end of the process (such as the end of the computer program). On the other hand, if not completed, the process returns to step S1502.

  Needless to say, when the game data stored in the game apparatus 100 is changed in steps S1506 and S1510 described above, the CPU 401 reflects the change in the character list and stores it again in the ROM 202.

  According to the present embodiment, game data can be moved or exchanged between the PC 300 and the game apparatus 100. For example, game data that cannot be stored in the storage unit of the game device among the game data appearing in the battle game is stored in a storage device (eg, HDD 407) of a personal computer. Further, any game data stored in the storage unit of the game device may be moved to the storage device of the personal computer. Thereby, any other game data stored in the storage device of the personal computer can be written in the free area of the storage unit of the game device.

<Connection to server>
As described with reference to FIG. 3, the server device 350 according to the present embodiment provides information related to the battle game to the PC 300 to which the game device 100 is connected or the PC 300 to which the game device 100 is not connected. For example, if the information provided according to whether or not the game apparatus 100 is connected is changed, or the information provided according to the progress of the game is changed, the player can It is thought that he will be absorbed in the battle game.

  For example, a user who owns the game apparatus 100 is provided with a detailed image or video of a monster on the Web page, and a user who does not own the game apparatus 100 is provided with a general introduction page of the game apparatus 100. Can be considered. There are various methods for determining whether or not the game apparatus 100 is owned. However, if the game apparatus 100 is connected to the PC 300, the player will be able to easily access the Web page.

  By the way, on a bulletin board of a general Web site, threads for various games are generated. Usually, a single thread for a certain game title is often set to be one in order to prevent the thread from being overrun. In this case, there are many problems because one thread is used from a person with a high experience value to a person with a low experience value.

  For example, a person who has a high experience value may write on the bulletin board a statement that contempts a person with a low experience value. If the target age of the game device is low, the player may not have sufficient ethical standards, and it may be difficult to suppress writing of such comments. On the other hand, players with the same level of experience will not be despised for experience. In addition, if a person with a high experience value easily writes information that is the key to a game strategy, the person with a low experience value may lose interest in the game.

  Therefore, it is desirable to provide a web page according to experience values. It may also be desirable to provide different web pages depending on whether or not game device 100 is connected.

  FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process for accessing a Web page according to the embodiment. This access process is executed in the PC 300, but the computer program for that purpose may be stored in the ROM 202 of the game apparatus 100 or may be stored in the HDD 407 of the PC 300.

  In step S <b> 1601, the CPU 401 of the PC 300 reads the user profile from the ROM 202 that is a game data storage unit of the game apparatus 100. The user profile includes, for example, a player ID, password, experience value, and the like (FIG. 11).

  In step S <b> 1602, the CPU 401 transmits the experience value, ID, and password to the server device 350 through the NIC 404. The server device 350 performs an authentication process based on the ID and password. If the authentication is successful, the server device 350 creates a web page source file or the like corresponding to the experience value, and transmits it to the PC 300. Note that the CPU 401 may transmit connected information indicating that the game apparatus 100 is connected to the PC 300 to the server apparatus 350 in advance. Of course, the CPU 401 may transmit any information included in the user profile read from the game apparatus 100 to the server apparatus 350 as connected information.

  In step S1603, the CPU 401 receives a web page (eg, a source file, an image file, a script, etc.) corresponding to the experience value from the server device 350 through the NIC 404. In step S1604, the CPU 401 displays the received Web page on the display device 405.

  FIG. 17 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an information providing process in the server device according to the embodiment.

  In step S <b> 1701, the CPU 401 of the server apparatus 350 receives an experience value, an ID, a password, and the like from the PC 300 through the NIC 404. In step S <b> 1702, the CPU 401 executes authentication processing for the received ID and password based on the authentication database stored in the HDD 407. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S1703. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the process advances to step S1705, and the CPU 401 transmits a Web page representing an error to the PC 300.

  In step S1703, the CPU 401 creates a Web page corresponding to the received experience value. It is assumed that a template file is stored in the HDD 407 in advance for the Web page. Further, the CPU 401 may use a CGI program for creating a download ranking of game data, for example. In step S1704, the CPU 401 transmits the created web page to the PC 300.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Web page corresponding to the experience value according to the embodiment. The title 1801 of the page reflects the received experience value information “level 3”. In addition, a link to another related page is provided from the page. For example, the link 1802 is a link to a monster catalog, which is an example of game data, or a “monster shop” for downloading a monster. Reference numeral 1803 denotes a link to a “magic library” for browsing the explanation of magic (magic) which is a special effect in the game data. The link 1804 is a link to a “magic training hut” for training magic. A link 1805 is a link to an electronic bulletin board that can be written and viewed only by players with the same (or similar) experience value. Since the bulletin board can be accessed only by players with the same or similar experience value, the possibility of a person with a high experience value damaging a low one can be reduced, and only a person with a high experience value can be obtained. It is possible to reduce the possibility that key information is easily leaked to those with low experience. Note that the pointer 1810 moves in conjunction with the operation of the operation unit 406 of the PC 300. Needless to say, any link destination is constituted by a Web page. Note that the degree of approximation of the experience value will be about ± 1 to 2, for example.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another example of the Web page according to the embodiment. In particular, this page is a web page about a monster hut. This Web page includes a link 1901 to a catalog about monsters appearing in the battle game. Further, by operating a link 1902 to a download page, a page where game data such as a monster can be downloaded can be accessed. A download ranking 1903 indicating the number of downloaded monsters is also included. In the monster catalog, game data may be downloaded by clicking game data such as a displayed monster.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the Web page according to the embodiment. This page is displayed when a link 1901 to the monster catalog is clicked. The name, feat, magic, and character level of the monster are displayed. These pieces of information are read by the CPU 401 from the game database stored in the HDD 407 of the server device 350 and included in the Web page.

  When download determination button 2001 is clicked, CPU 401 of server device 350 transfers the displayed game data to PC 300. When the return button 2002 is clicked, the previous page is returned. When the next button 2003 is clicked, the CPU 401 of the server device 350 reads information about the next game data from the game database, creates a next web page, and transmits it to the PC 300. Note that the Web page also includes a detailed image and video (powerful visual) 2004 regarding the game data. Thereby, the player can enjoy more detailed images than the image of the game data displayed on the display unit 103 of the game apparatus 100.

  FIG. 21 is another exemplary flowchart showing a Web page providing process according to the embodiment. Here, different web pages are provided from the server device 350 depending on whether or not the game device is connected. In addition, the description is simplified by attaching | subjecting the same referential mark to the already demonstrated location.

  In step S <b> 2101, the CPU 401 of the server apparatus 350 determines whether the game apparatus 100 is connected to the PC 300. For example, the PC 300 may detect whether or not the game apparatus 100 is connected, and the PC 300 may notify the server apparatus 350 of the detection result. Since the CPU 401 of the PC 300 can easily detect whether or not the game apparatus 100 is connected through the general-purpose communication interface 408, it is desirable that the PC 300 notifies the server apparatus 350. If the game device 100 is connected, the process proceeds to step S1701.

  On the other hand, if not connected, the process proceeds to step S2102, and the CPU 401 of the server apparatus 350 transmits the restricted Web page to the PC 300. The restricted Web page may be, for example, a page that does not include an electronic bulletin board function or a game data download function. The restricted Web page may be, for example, a general product introduction page that can be browsed by users on the Internet without restriction.

  FIG. 22 is another exemplary flowchart showing the access processing according to the embodiment. In FIG. 16, the server apparatus 350 dynamically prepares a Web page corresponding to the experience value. In the present embodiment, a method of acquiring a URL according to the experience value in the PC 300 and accessing the URL is adopted. In addition, about the process which is common in the flowchart of FIG. 16, description is simplified by attaching | subjecting the same referential mark.

  In step S <b> 2201, the CPU 401 of the PC 300 acquires a URL according to the experience value read from the game apparatus 100. For example, it is assumed that the experience value and the URL to be accessed are stored in advance in the HDD 407 in association with each other. In step S2202, the CPU 401 transmits a web page request to the server device 350 based on the acquired URL. Thereafter, in step S1603, a Web page corresponding to the experience value is acquired.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a portable game device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the portable game device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the game system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the PC and the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart showing a basic process of the portable game device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a menu according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart regarding team formation processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a team organization process menu according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monster selection screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the game character according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a player profile according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart of battle processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection example of the game device and a display example of the screen when the competitive game according to the embodiment is executed. FIG. 14 is an exemplary flowchart of a game data transfer or exchange process according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exemplary flowchart regarding a game data movement process according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process for accessing a Web page according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an information providing process in the server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Web page corresponding to the experience value according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another example of the Web page according to the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the Web page according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is another exemplary flowchart showing a Web page providing process according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 is another exemplary flowchart showing the access processing according to the embodiment.

Claims (19)

A team composed of one or more game characters that change a player's parameters according to the progress of the game, change game characters and items according to the parameters, and are organized by the player, and other portable types A portable game device in which another team in the game device battles,
A first interface for receiving game data including image data for connecting to a personal computer and displaying the game character or item and level data representing a level assigned to the game character or item;
A second interface for receiving the game data from another portable game device as an opponent of the battle game;
A storage unit for storing the game data received via the first interface or the second interface, a game program for executing the battle game, and parameters of the player;
A CPU that executes the game program to execute the competitive game using the game data with the other portable game device connected via the second interface;
An input unit for inputting at least instructions regarding the battle game;
A display unit that displays at least the execution contents of the battle game,
The CPU
When the team formation is instructed from the input unit, the level assigned in advance to the game characters included in the team to be organized is read from the storage unit, and the total value of the read levels is obtained. Calculate, read out the player parameters from the storage unit, calculate the difference by subtracting the total value from the parameters, read out the level of game characters not participating in the team from the storage unit, Means for comparing with the calculated difference and extracting a game character having a level smaller than the difference;
A portable game apparatus comprising: means for determining a game character to be added to the team among the extracted game characters according to a selection instruction from the input unit. The total amount of all game data sizes that can be used in the battle game exceeds the storage capacity of the storage unit. Of all the game data, about game data that cannot be stored in the storage unit, Stored in the storage device of the personal computer,
The portable game device includes:
In order to increase the free space of the storage unit, game data to be moved determined by the personal computer among the game data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the personal computer via the first interface. And means to delete
Means for receiving game data selected in the personal computer out of the game data stored in the personal computer via the first interface and storing the game data in a free area of the storage unit. The portable game apparatus according to claim 1. The CPU
A timer to get the time,
If the time acquired from the timer belongs to a time zone in which the rate of increase in experience value in the battle game is set relatively low compared to other time zones, the rate of increase in experience value in the battle game If the time obtained from the timer does not belong to a time zone in which the rate of increase in the experience value in the battle game is set relatively low compared to other time zones, The portable game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an increase rate changing means for relatively increasing an increase rate of the experience value in the battle game. The CPU
When inputting an instruction for the battle game, the display direction of the display unit is the first direction, and when playing the other portable game device, the display direction of the display unit is the first direction. 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction, and the display direction of the display unit is set to the first direction again when the battle with the other portable game device is completed. The portable game device according to the item.   The display unit is rectangular, the first direction is a direction in which the display unit is horizontally long, and the second direction is a direction in which the rectangular display unit is vertically long. The portable game device according to claim 4.   The portable game device according to claim 1, wherein the first interface is a USB interface.   The portable game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game data is at least one of character data, item data, and special effect data in the battle game.   The portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the parameter is determined using at least one of a player's experience value, the number of battles, and battle results.   The portable CPU according to claim 3, wherein the CPU reduces the rate of increase compared to other times at a time belonging to at least one of a class at school and a lecture at a cram school. Game device.   The portable game apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first direction and the second direction are approximately 90 degrees different from each other.   The portable game device according to claim 4 or 10, wherein the second direction is a direction in which the communication interface and a communication interface of the other portable game device face each other.   12. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first direction is a horizontally long direction of the display unit, and the second direction is a vertically long direction of the display unit. Portable game device.   The portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the weight of the portable game device is less than 150 grams and 5 grams or more including a battery.   The portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the portable game device has a maximum length of less than 170 mm and greater than or equal to 50 mm among width, height, and depth. apparatus.   15. The portable game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable game apparatus is a USB memory type game apparatus. A game system comprising the portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, a personal computer to which the portable game device is connected, and a server device to be connected to the personal computer.
The personal computer is
Means for reading out a parameter that is changed according to the progress of the battle game from the portable game device when the portable game device is connected;
Means for transmitting the parameter to the server device;
Means for displaying a web page received from the server device,
The game system, wherein the server device includes means for transmitting different web pages to the personal computer when the parameter is received and when the parameter is not received. A game system comprising the portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, a personal computer to which the portable game device is connected, and a server device to be connected to the personal computer.
The personal computer is
Means for reading from the portable game device a parameter that is changed according to the progress of the battle game when the portable game device is connected;
Means for accessing a web page corresponding to the parameter among a plurality of web pages provided by the server device;
Means for displaying the web page,
The server device
A game system comprising means for transmitting a Web page corresponding to the parameter to the personal computer.   18. The game system according to claim 16, wherein the web page corresponding to the parameter is a web page accessible only to a player having the same or similar parameters.   The Web page according to the parameter includes an image that is relatively finer than the game data displayed on a display unit of the portable game device with respect to game data related to the portable game device. Item 19. The game system according to any one of Items 16 to 18.

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