JP3839825B2 - Video game play control program, video game play control method, and video game apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a video game play control program, a video game play control method, and a video game apparatus for virtually playing a character.

  Conventionally, in a baseball game imitating actual baseball, when playing a pennant race, a method of proceeding carefully while playing 140 games, for example, one game per day between multiple teams (normal game mode), There is a case in which a method (schedule fast forward mode) is automatically prepared in which only the game result (score) is displayed on the schedule table and the schedule is automatically fast forwarded.

  During the pennant race play, various events occur every day or irregularly, and these events are notified to the player through the event report screen in the normal game mode and the message window in the schedule fast forward mode. There are many things that are designed.

  However, in the normal game mode, it takes a long time to advance the play of the pennant race, and a busy player is forced to finish the game halfway. Even players with time may get bored with the game. In addition, there are many types of events that are virtually generated in relation to the play during the play of the pennant trace, and since it is displayed for each team, the amount of information is considerable.

  On the other hand, in the schedule fast-forward mode, although the game time can be shortened, the progress of the game is entirely up to the machine, and the progress of the game is not known at all, so the fun of the game is halved. However, if a button input wait is provided every time the event occurs, this button input wait frequently occurs and the play progress is prolonged, and the meaning of providing the schedule fast forward mode is lost. On the other hand, if you do not wait for button input, only display, and automatically digest the schedule, you will overlook the important events for the player and further reduce the fun of the game.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a video game play control program, a video game play control method, and a video game apparatus capable of reducing the game time without detracting from the fun of the game. It is intended to provide.

The invention described in claim 1 is a video game play control program for playing a character using a video game device so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space. When there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition while progressing at a fast-forward speed at which the play automatically proceeds at a fast-forward speed faster than the play speed , the play speed is paused, the predetermined play speed A state setting means for performing a setting for switching to one of the slower play speed and one of the predetermined play speeds in advance , a play progress means for automatically proceeding play at the fast forward speed, and the fast forward speed. Change determination means for determining whether or not there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition while the play is in progress, and the fast-forward speed If there is play corresponding to the preset game condition while playing progression, the progression of the play, to function the video game device as play changing means for changing pre-set state by the state setting means It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 3 is a video game play control method for playing a character using a video game device so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space, When the state setting means of the video game apparatus has a play corresponding to a preset game condition during the progress at a fast-forward speed at which the play automatically proceeds at a fast-forward speed faster than a predetermined play speed, the play speed Is set in advance to pause, one of the play speed slower than the predetermined play speed, and one of the predetermined play speeds, and the play progress means of the video game device is set to the fast-forward speed. The play is automatically advanced, and the change determination means of the video game device is configured to perform a preset game while the play at the fast-forward speed is in progress. If there is a play corresponding to the preset game condition during play progress at the fast-forward speed, the play change means of the video game device determines whether there is a play corresponding to the game condition. The progress of play is changed to a state preset by the state setting means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video game apparatus for causing a character to play so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space, and is played at a fast-forward speed faster than a predetermined play speed. When there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition while progressing at a fast-forward speed that automatically progresses, the play speed is paused, the play speed slower than the predetermined play speed, and the predetermined speed State setting means for setting in advance to switch to one of the play speeds, play progress means for automatically progressing the play at the fast forward speed, and preset during progress of the play at the fast forward speed Change determination means for determining whether or not there is a play corresponding to the game condition, and the game condition that is set in advance during the play progress at the fast-forward speed If there is a corresponding play, the progress of the play, is characterized in that a play changing means for changing the predetermined state by said state setting means.

According to these , the play speed is paused when there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition during the progress at the fast forward speed at which the play automatically proceeds at a fast forward speed faster than the predetermined play speed. The play speed is slower than the predetermined play speed, and a setting to switch to one of the predetermined play speeds is made in advance, and the play proceeds at the fast forward speed, and the play progresses at the fast forward speed. If it is determined that there is a play corresponding to a specific scene on the game set in advance, the play is changed to a state set in advance by the state setting means . For example, in a baseball game, the play is progressed at a fast-forward speed, and this play is automatically slower than the predetermined play speed only when the player who is attracting attention as a character stands in the batter box. Speed or pause.

Therefore, as compared to the case of playing only at a predetermined speed, the time required for play progress is shortened as a whole, so that even a busy player is forced to finish the game halfway, and a player who has time However, in a particular play, the play speed is slower than the predetermined play speed so that the player can make a desired and visible view. Since it is changed to one of the play speed or the pause state of the game, the fun of the game is not spoiled by overlooking a specific scene on the game as in the case of play only at the fast forward speed where such visual recognition is impossible, It will be an interesting video game.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the play control program for a video game according to the first aspect, during play progress at a fast-forward speed, an event that is virtually generated with the progressing play is preset. When there is a play corresponding to a specific event, the video game apparatus is further caused to function as a reporting means for reporting a result of the specific event in the play .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the video game play control method according to the third aspect, the reporting means of the video game apparatus virtually follows the progressing play while the fast-forwarding play is in progress. When there is a play corresponding to a preset specific event among the events to be generated, the result of the specific event in this play is reported .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the video game apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a preset specific event is selected from among the events virtually generated along with the progressing play during the progress of the play at the fast-forward speed. When there is a play corresponding to, a report means for reporting a result of a specific event in this play is provided .

According to these, the play is advanced at a fast feed speed during the play progresses and there is a play which corresponds to the predetermined specific events of the event to be generated virtually with the play of the proceeding The result of a specific event in this play is reported.

Therefore, be previously set a specific event you want to report a player, during the play progress by the fast-forward speed, because that particular event is always reported, detract from the fun and accidentally To miss a particular event It will be a fun video game.

According to the inventions described in claims 1 , 3 , and 5 , play progress at a fast-forward speed is possible, the time required for play progress is shortened, and even a busy player has to finish the game halfway. it is not the fact that, also, while it is not necessary to get bored even game there in time a certain player, in the specific play, so players become visible, play, and the player is desired The game is automatically changed to one of the set play speed slower than the predetermined play speed, the predetermined play speed, or the paused state, so that the game is played only at the fast-forward speed where such visual recognition is impossible. It is possible to make the video game rich in fun without missing the fun of the game by overlooking the above specific scene.

According to claim 2, 4, 6 the invention described, be previously set a specific event you want to report a player, while playing progress by fast forward speed, since the specific event is always reported, carelessly This makes it possible to create an interesting video game by not overlooking a specific event.

  Hereinafter, a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, a home video game apparatus configured by connecting a home video game machine to a home television will be described as an example of the video game apparatus, but the present invention is particularly limited to this example. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to a commercial video game apparatus with an integrated monitor, a personal computer that functions as a video game apparatus by executing a game program, and the like.

  The video game apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a home game machine 100 and a home television 200. The home-use game machine 100 is loaded with a computer-readable recording medium 300 on which a game program including a video game play control program and game data are recorded, and the game program and game data are appropriately read to execute the game. Is done.

  A consumer game machine 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a bus line 2, a graphics data generation processor 3, an interface circuit (I / F) 4, a main memory 5, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, and an expansion circuit 7. , Parallel port 8, serial port 9, drawing processor 10, audio processor 11, decoder 12, interface circuit 13, buffers 14 to 16, recording medium drive 17, memory 18, and controller 19. The home television 200 includes a television monitor 21, an amplifier circuit 22 and a speaker 23.

  The CPU 1 is connected to the bus line 2 and the graphics data generation processor 3. The bus line 2 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. The CPU 1, interface circuit 4, main memory 5, ROM 6, decompression circuit 7, parallel port 8, serial port 9, drawing processor 10, audio processor 11, decoder 12 And the interface circuit 13 are connected to each other.

  The drawing processor 10 is connected to the buffer 14. The audio processor 11 is connected to the buffer 15 and the amplifier circuit 22. The decoder 12 is connected to the buffer 16 and the recording medium drive 17. The interface circuit 13 is connected to the memory 18 and the controller 19.

  The television monitor 21 of the home television 200 is connected to the drawing processor 10. The speaker 23 is connected to the amplifier circuit 22. In the case of an arcade video game apparatus, the television monitor 21, the amplifier circuit 22, and the speaker 23 may be housed in a single casing together with each block constituting the consumer game machine 100.

  When the video game apparatus is configured with a personal computer, a workstation, or the like as a core, the television monitor 21 or the like corresponds to a computer display. The decompression circuit 7, the drawing processor 10, the audio processor 11, and the like correspond to a part of program data recorded in the recording medium 300 or hardware on an expansion board mounted in an expansion slot of a computer. The interface circuit 4, the parallel port 8, the serial port 9, and the interface circuit 13 correspond to hardware on an expansion board mounted in an expansion slot of a computer. The buffers 14 to 16 correspond to the storage areas of the main memory 5 or the expansion memory, respectively.

  Next, each component shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The graphics data generation processor 3 serves as a coprocessor for the CPU 1. That is, the graphics data generation processor 3 performs coordinate conversion and light source calculation, for example, calculation of a fixed point format matrix or vector by parallel processing.

  The main processing performed by the graphics data generation processor 3 is based on the coordinate data, movement amount data, rotation amount data, etc. of each vertex in the two-dimensional or three-dimensional space of the image data supplied from the CPU 1. There are a process for obtaining address data of a processing target image on the display area and returning it to the CPU 1, a process for calculating the luminance of the image according to a distance from a virtually set light source, and the like.

The interface circuit 4 is used for an interface of a peripheral device such as a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball. The main memory 5 is a RAM (Random
Access Memory). The ROM 6 stores program data serving as an operating system for the video game apparatus. This program corresponds to a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) of a personal computer.

The decompression circuit 7 performs decompression processing on a compressed image compressed by intra coding conforming to the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard for moving images and the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) standard for still images. Decompression processing is decode processing (VLC: Variable
Decoding of data encoded by Length Code), inverse quantization processing, IDCT (Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform) processing, intra image restoration processing, and the like.

The drawing processor 10 performs CPU every predetermined time T (for example, T = 1/60 seconds in one frame).
A drawing process for the buffer 14 is performed based on the drawing command issued by 1.

  The buffer 14 is constituted by a RAM, for example, and is divided into a display area (frame buffer) and a non-display area. The display area is composed of a data development area to be displayed on the display surface of the television monitor 21. The non-display area is composed of storage areas such as data for defining a skeleton, model data for defining polygons, animation data for causing the model to move, pattern data indicating the contents of each animation, texture data, and color palette data.

  Here, the texture data is two-dimensional image data. The color palette data is data for designating a color such as texture data. The CPU 1 records these data in the non-display area of the buffer 14 in advance at a time from the recording medium 300 or in a plurality of times according to the progress of the game.

  The drawing command includes a drawing command for drawing a stereoscopic image using a polygon and a drawing command for drawing a normal two-dimensional image. Here, the polygon is a polygonal two-dimensional virtual figure, and for example, a triangle or a quadrangle is used.

  A drawing command for drawing a stereoscopic image using polygons is polygon vertex address data indicating the storage position of polygon vertex coordinate data on the display area of the buffer 14, and the storage position of the texture to be pasted on the polygon 14 on the buffer 14. Is performed on each of the color address data indicating the storage position on the buffer 14 and the color data indicating the texture brightness.

  Among the above data, the polygon vertex address data on the display area is converted by the graphics data generation processor 3 by performing coordinate conversion of the polygon vertex coordinate data in the three-dimensional space from the CPU 1 based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data. It is replaced with polygon vertex coordinate data in two dimensions. The luminance data is determined by the graphics data generation processor 3 based on the distance from the position indicated by the polygon vertex coordinate data after the coordinate conversion from the CPU 1 to the light source virtually arranged.

  The polygon vertex address data indicates an address on the display area of the buffer 14. The drawing processor 10 performs a process of writing texture data corresponding to the display area range of the buffer 14 indicated by the three polygon vertex address data.

  An object such as a character in the virtual game space is composed of a plurality of polygons. The CPU 1 stores the coordinate data of each polygon in the three-dimensional space in the buffer 14 in association with the corresponding skeleton vector data. When the character is moved on the display screen of the television monitor 21 by an operation of the controller 19 to be described later, when the character movement is expressed or the viewpoint position at which the character is viewed is changed, the following Processing is performed.

  That is, the CPU 1 obtains the graphics data generation processor 3 from the three-dimensional coordinate data of the vertices of each polygon held in the non-display area of the buffer 14, the skeleton coordinates, and the rotation amount data. Polygon movement amount data and rotation amount data are given.

  The graphics data generation processor 3 sequentially obtains the three-dimensional coordinate data after moving and rotating each polygon based on the three-dimensional coordinate data of the vertex of each polygon and the movement amount data and rotation amount data of each polygon.

  Of the three-dimensional coordinate data of each polygon thus obtained, the coordinate data in the horizontal and vertical directions are supplied to the drawing processor 10 as address data on the display area of the buffer 14, that is, polygon vertex address data.

  The drawing processor 10 writes the texture data indicated by the texture address data assigned in advance on the display area of the buffer 14 indicated by the three polygon vertex address data. As a result, on the display screen of the television monitor 21, an object in which textures are pasted on a large number of polygons is displayed.

  A drawing command for drawing a normal two-dimensional image indicates vertex address data, texture address data, color palette address data indicating the storage position on the buffer 14 of color palette data indicating the color of the texture data, and luminance of the texture. This is performed on the luminance data. Among these data, the vertex address data is obtained by the coordinate conversion of the vertex coordinate data on the two-dimensional plane from the CPU 1 by the graphics data generation processor 3 based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data from the CPU 1.

The audio processor 11 reads ADPCM (Adaptive) read from the recording medium 300.
Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data is stored in the buffer 15, and the ADPCM data stored in the buffer 15 becomes a sound source.

  Also, the audio processor 11 reads ADPCM data from the buffer 15 based on, for example, a clock signal having a frequency of 44.1 kHz. The audio processor 11 performs processing such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting, and reverb addition on the read ADPCM data.

When the audio data read from the recording medium 300 is PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data such as CD-DA (Compact Disk Digital Audio), the audio processor 11 converts the audio data into ADPCM data. Further, the processing for the PCM data by the program is directly performed on the main memory 5. The PCM data processed on the main memory 5 is supplied to the audio processor 11 and converted into ADPCM data. Thereafter, the various processes described above are performed, and sound is output from the speaker 23.

  As the recording medium drive 17, for example, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM drive, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, a cassette medium reader, or the like is used. In this case, as the recording medium 300, a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is used.

The recording medium drive 17 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 300 and supplies the read data to the decoder 12. The decoder 12 performs error correction processing by ECC (Error Correction Code) on the reproduced data from the recording medium drive 17 and supplies the data subjected to the error correction processing to the main memory 5 or the audio processor 11.

  For example, a card-type memory is used as the memory 18. The card type memory is used for holding various game parameters at the time of interruption, such as holding the state at the time of interruption when the game is interrupted.

  The controller 19 is an operation device used by a player who is a user of the video game apparatus to input various operation commands, and sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the player to the CPU 1. The controller 19 includes a first button 19a, a second button 19b, a third button 19c, a fourth button 19d, an up key 19U, a down key 19D, a left key 19L, a right key 19R, and L1 buttons 19L1, L2. A button 19L2, an R1 button 19R1, an R2 button 19R2, a start button 19e, a select button 19f, a left stick 19SL and a right stick 19SR are provided.

  The up direction key 19U, the down direction key 19D, the left direction key 19L, and the right direction key 19R are used, for example, to give the CPU 1 a command for moving a character or cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen of the television monitor 21. .

  The start button 19e is used to instruct the CPU 1 to load a game program from the recording medium 300. The select button 19f is used to instruct the CPU 1 to make various selections related to the game program loaded from the recording medium 300 to the main memory 5.

  The buttons and keys of the controller 19 except for the left stick 19SL and the right stick 19SR are turned on when pressed from the neutral position by an external pressing force, and return to the neutral position when the pressing force is released. It consists of an on / off switch that turns off.

  The left stick 19SL and the right stick 19SR are stick-type controllers having almost the same configuration as a so-called joystick. This stick-type controller has an upright stick, and can be tilted over a 360 ° direction including front, rear, left and right with a predetermined position of the stick as a fulcrum. The left stick 19SL and the right stick 19SR are connected to the CPU 1 via the interface circuit 13 using the values of the x-coordinate in the left-right direction and the y-coordinate in the front-rear direction as the operation signals according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the stick. To send.

  The first button 19a, the second button 19b, the third button 19c, the fourth button 19d, the L1 button 19L1, the L2 button 19L2, the R1 button 19R1, and the R2 button 19R2 correspond to the game program loaded from the recording medium 300. Used for various functions.

  Next, the general operation of the video game apparatus will be described. When the recording medium 300 is loaded in the recording medium drive 17, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on and the video game apparatus is turned on, the recording medium is recorded based on the operating system stored in the ROM 6. The CPU 1 instructs the recording medium drive 17 to read the game program from 300. As a result, the recording medium drive 17 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 300. The read image data, audio data, and program data are supplied to the decoder 12, and the decoder 12 performs error correction processing on each data.

  The image data that has been subjected to error correction processing by the decoder 12 is supplied to the decompression circuit 7 via the bus line 2. The image data that has been subjected to the expansion processing described above by the expansion circuit 7 is supplied to the drawing processor 10, and is written into the non-display area of the buffer 14 by the drawing processor 10. The audio data that has been subjected to the error correction processing by the decoder 12 is written into the buffer 15 via the main memory 5 or the audio processor 11. Program data that has been subjected to error correction processing by the decoder 12 is written into the main memory 5.

  Thereafter, the CPU 1 advances the video game based on the game program stored in the main memory 5 and the content instructed by the player using the controller 19. That is, based on the content that the player instructs using the controller 19, the CPU 1 appropriately performs control of image processing, control of sound processing, control of internal processing, and the like.

  As image processing control, for example, the calculation of the coordinates of each skeleton or the calculation of the vertex coordinate data of polygons from the pattern data corresponding to the animation instructed to the character, the obtained three-dimensional coordinate data and the graphics data of the viewpoint position data Supply to the generation processor 3, issue of a rendering command including address data and luminance data on the display area of the buffer 14 obtained by the graphics data generation processor 3 are performed.

  As control of audio processing, for example, issue of an audio output command to the audio processor 11, specification of level, reverb, etc. are performed. As control of the internal processing, for example, calculation according to the operation of the controller 19 is performed.

  Next, an example of a video game using the video game apparatus according to the present invention will be described. This video game is based on, for example, baseball, and a professional baseball player as a character plays a baseball game in accordance with an operation on the controller 19 by the player.

  In this baseball game, for example, when a spring camp ends, a pennant race is started. In the pennant race, 140 games are played between multiple teams, for example, one game per day (corresponding to a predetermined competition action taken by a character), and the play is advanced slowly at a predetermined play speed. (Normal game mode: equivalent to the normal mode) and a method of automatically playing at a fast-forward speed faster than a predetermined play speed while displaying only the game result (score) on the schedule table (schedule Fast-forward mode: equivalent to high-speed mode). The schedule fast forward mode can be set, for example, so that the play speed increases in six stages. However, this play speed may be set to only the highest speed that is invisible to the player, or may be set steplessly.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a screen displayed in the normal game mode. On this screen 201, the character plays a game of standing in a batter box as the batter 202 on the attack side, and waits for a pitch from the opponent pitcher 203. Or, if the character is also on the attacking side, the character plays as a runner. The position of the cursor 204 corresponding to the catcher mitt at this time is displayed at the center of the screen. On the defensive side, as shown in the figure, the character performs a play of standing on the mound as a pitcher and throwing a ball toward the opponent batter. Alternatively, if the character is also on the defensive side, the character plays as a fielder to be distributed to each defensive position.

  The content of play performed by the character operated by the controller 19 by the player is in accordance with the operation of the controller 19, while the other characters use the rules according to the rules and rules of thumb of normal baseball games. It is processed according to the game program designed. In the pennant trace, as the play progresses, various events related to the play are set to be virtually generated, and these events occur probabilistically or arbitrarily.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen displayed in the schedule fast forward mode. In this screen 301, a diamond 302 is displayed in the center, and a pitcher, a catcher, and a fielder as other characters, as well as a batter as a character 303, are displayed thereon. The game speed 304 is on the upper left side of the diamond 302, the play result 305 is on the left side of the middle stage, the performance 306 of the character 303 and other characters is on the right side, the defensive instruction content 307 is on the lower left side, and the play state is on the center. "Stopping" 308, and the attack side instruction content 309 are displayed on the right side.

  As will be described in detail later, the player, in advance of the start of the game, a condition for preventing a specific scene on the game from being overlooked (hereinafter referred to as a game condition) and a play speed (fast forward speed) in the schedule fast forward mode. It is possible to set a play state or a stop state (hereinafter referred to as a play state, etc.) at a slower play speed, while the video game device is automatically playing in the schedule fast forward mode, When there is a play corresponding to a game condition (corresponding to a play corresponding to a specific scene), the play state or the like is appropriately changed with respect to the play.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a setting screen for game conditions and the like, and game conditions, play status, and the like can be set on this screen 401. As a game condition, first, it is determined whether a target is a team to which a character belongs or a player as the character. The setting fields 402 (402a, 402b) and 403 (403a, 403b) are arranged on the upper left and right sides of the screen 401, respectively. The team is, for example, a team belonging to a professional baseball 12 team. The players are players belonging to a specific team, for example.

  (A) When targeting a team, a team name field 404 (404a) for designating the team and a condition field 405 (405a, 405a, 405) for setting to detect when the next game condition is satisfied 405 b) is arranged on the left side of the middle stage of the screen 401.

  (A1) Pinch (405a): When the team falls into a pinch.

  (A2) Chance (405b): When the team has a chance.

  (B) When targeting a player, a player name field 406 (406a) for designating a player and a condition field for setting so as to detect when the designated player meets the following game conditions 407 (407a to 407d) are arranged on the right side of the middle stage of the screen 401, respectively.

  (B1) At bat (407a): When the designated player stands at bat.

  (B2) At-bat chance (407b): When the designated player stands at the at-attack.

  (B3) When climbing (407c): When the designated player climbs.

  (B4) Pinch when climbing (407d): This is the time when the designated player climbs when pinching.

  (C) Transition condition columns 408 (408 a to 408 c) and 409 (409 a to 409 c) for setting a play state or the like when the above game conditions are met are arranged on the lower left and right sides of the screen 401, respectively.

  (C1) Pause (408a, 409a): Play is paused. The operation is resumed by pressing a predetermined button of the controller 19.

  (C2) Slow playback (408b, 409b): The play speed is slowed only when the designated game conditions are met. This play speed can be set in advance.

  (C3) To normal game (408c, 409c): Move to the normal game mode screen operated by the player.

  In addition, an “OK” button 410 for confirming each selection content and a “Cancel” button 411 for canceling the same content are arranged at the top of the screen 401.

  In FIG. 4, one team and one player belonging to the one team can be targeted at the same time. However, a plurality of team name fields 404 can be provided so that two or more teams can be designated, or a plurality of player name fields 406 can be designated to designate two or more players belonging to one of the two or more teams. It may be. Furthermore, the condition columns 405 and 407 and the transition condition columns 408 and 409 may have contents other than those described above.

  Next, main functions of the video game apparatus when a video game based on baseball is performed using the video game apparatus configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main functions of the video game apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, this video game apparatus functionally includes a program execution unit 31, a data storage unit 32, a program storage unit 33, a display unit 34, and an operation unit 35.

  The program execution unit 31 is realized by, for example, the CPU 1 or the like, and the CPU 1 or the like executes a game program stored in the main memory 5, whereby the condition setting unit 41, the state setting unit 42, the play progress unit 43, and the play change unit. 44, which functions as a reporting means (described later) 45.

  The condition setting means 41 is for setting the game conditions (A), (B) and the like. The screen 401 is displayed on the display unit 34, and the controller 19 appropriately selects each column on the screen. It is possible to set conditions. When the game condition (B) is selected, if the designated player is a batter, either (B1) or (B2) can be selected, and if the designated player is a pitcher, (B3), Any one of (B4) can be selected.

  The state setting means 42 is for setting the play state and the like (C). The state setting means 42 displays the screen 401 described above on the display unit 34, and by appropriately selecting each column on this screen according to an instruction from the controller 19, The play state and the like can be set. When the play state (C2) is selected, another play screen (not shown) is displayed, and one of play speeds that are slowed down to, for example, six levels can be selected.

  The play advancing means 43 is for playing a character in a normal game mode at a predetermined play speed, or for playing a character in a schedule fast-forward mode as a fast-forward speed faster than that. An event generating means 431 for generating various events, and a mode switching means 432 for causing the display unit 34 to display a screen for mode switching (not shown) and for switching the player to one of the normal game mode and the schedule fast-forward mode. And progress determination means 433 for determining whether or not there is a next play or team while the play is in progress.

  The play change means 44 changes the play to a preset play state or the like when there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition while the play in the schedule fast forward mode is in progress. A change determination unit 441 for determining whether or not there is a play corresponding to the condition is provided. If the specified player is a specific player, the determination is repeated until the player standing in the batter box as a batter becomes the specific player.

  The data storage unit 32 is realized by, for example, the main memory 5 and stores various data related to characters and events being played.

  The program storage unit 33 is realized by, for example, the recording medium drive 17 or the like, and is loaded with a computer-readable recording medium 300. The recording medium 300 stores a game program. The game program also includes a play control program for controlling the movement of the character and display data relating to the displayed character and object. When the character change program is read from the recording medium 300 and the program is recorded in the main memory 5, the main memory 5 functions as the program storage unit 33.

  The display unit 34 is realized by, for example, the television monitor 21 or the like. The operation unit 35 is realized by the controller 19 or the like, for example.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the video game apparatus shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 6 is a process performed by the CPU 1 or the like executing a play control program or the like stored in the recording medium 300.

  First, in FIG. 6, condition setting by the condition setting means 41 is performed (step S1). Here, since the display unit 34 displays a screen 401 as shown in FIG. 4, the player pays attention to, for example, the player on the screen 401, and “does” the setting column 403 (403 a), and the player name column 406. “M player” (406a), and “At bat” (407a) are sequentially selected in the condition column 407. As for the setting field 403 and the condition field 407, a desired display item can be selected by placing a cursor (not shown) on the screen 401 by operating the controller 19 and pressing a predetermined button on the controller 19. it can. For the player name column 406, simply placing the cursor on the screen 401 displays another small screen (not shown), and a list of player names of teams registered in advance is displayed in the small screen. The player can specify the player by selecting the player name to be noticed from the display items. By this selection, the player name (406a) designated in the player name column 406 is displayed.

  Next, a play state or the like is set by the state setting means 42 (step S2). Here, in the screen 401 shown in FIG. 4 again, the player pays attention to the player, for example, so that “pause” (409a) in the transition condition column 409 below the condition column 407 is selected. In the transition condition column 409 as well, a desired display item can be selected by placing an unillustrated cursor on the screen 401 and pressing a predetermined button of the controller 19 by operating the controller 19.

  When a desired display item is selected on the screen 401 in FIG. 4 (an example of selection content is indicated by hatching in the drawing), an “OK” button 410 is pressed by an operation from the controller 19. When there is an error in the selection contents, the “Cancel” button 411 can be pressed to perform selection again. After completing these settings, the game is started by the play progress means 43.

  At that time, a mode screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 34 by the mode switching means 432. When the player makes a selection on this screen, the selection mode is determined (step S3). Here, when the normal game mode is selected, a game in the normal game mode as shown in FIG. 2 is started, and the play in the normal game mode is advanced by the play progress means 43 (step S4). On the other hand, when the schedule fast-forward mode is selected, a game in the schedule fast-forward mode as shown in FIG. 3 is started, and play in the schedule fast-forward mode is advanced by the play advancing means 43 (step S5). Various events are generated by the event generation means 431 as the game progresses.

  FIG. 7 is a sub-flowchart showing an example of the process in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, in step 5 described above, play in the schedule fast-forward mode is progressed by the play advancing means 43, and a work for one play is set first. Thereby, for example, a play in which one player stands in the batter box is performed (step S51).

  Next, it is determined by the change determination means 441 of the play change means 44 whether the above-mentioned 1 play is a play corresponding to the game conditions, for example, whether the player standing in the batter box is “M player” ( Step S52). At this time, if it is determined that the player standing in the batter box is “M player”, the change determination means 441 determines whether the play state or the like is set to “pause” (step S53). In this example, as described above, since the play state is set to “pause”, the game is paused (step S54). Then, the “stopped” screen similar to that shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. That is, the screen in which the batter is replaced with “M player” is displayed in a paused state. When this “pause” is canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, the process proceeds to step S60 described later (step S54a).

  Unlike the above, if the play state or the like is not set to “pause”, it is determined in step S53 that the play state or the like is not set to “pause”. It is determined by 441 whether the play state or the like is set to “normal game” (step S55). Here, if it is determined that the play state or the like is set to “normal game”, the game is shifted to the normal game mode in step 4 in FIG. 6 (step S56). Then, a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. That is, a screen in which the batter is replaced with “M player” is displayed, and thereafter, play in the normal game mode is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S55 that the play state or the like is not set to “normal game”, the change determination unit 441 determines whether or not the play state or the like is set to “slow playback”. (Step S57). Here, if it is determined that the play state or the like is set to “slow playback”, the display speed of the game is slowed down (step S58).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that the play state is not set to “slow playback”, the process proceeds to step S60 without changing the play state or the like.

  Next, the progress determination means 433 of the play progress means 43 determines whether there is a next play (step S60). If it is determined that there is a next play, the work of this play is set (step S61). Return to the position before step S52. Thereby, for example, a play in which another player stands in the batter box is performed, and steps S52 to S61 are sequentially repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60 that there is no next play, the process returns immediately after step S5 in FIG. 6, and the game ends after, for example, 9 innings are repeated.

  As described above, according to this example, using the video game device, the play control program for playing a character in a virtual game space allows the character to play in the normal game mode or the schedule fast-forward mode. When a play corresponding to a preset game condition occurs during play in the means 43 and the schedule fast forward mode, a video game device is used as a play change means 44 for changing the play to a preset play state or the like. Make it work.

  In other words, when the play is progressed in the normal game mode or the fast-forward schedule mode, and there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition while the play in the fast-schedule mode is in progress, the play is in a preset play state or the like. Be changed. For example, in the above-mentioned baseball game, this play is automatically thrown only in a specific scene such as when the play progresses at the fast-forward speed and the play progresses at the fast-forward speed and a player who is noted as a character stands in a batter box. Down or paused.

  Therefore, as compared to the case of playing only at a predetermined speed, the time required for play progress is shortened as a whole, so that even a busy player is forced to finish the game halfway, and a player who has time However, in certain play, the play is changed to a play state or a stop state at a play speed that is slower than the fast-forward speed so that the player can see in a specific play. Therefore, as in the case of playing only at the fast-forwarding speed where such visual recognition is impossible, there is no loss of interest by overlooking a specific scene on the game, and the video game is interesting.

  By the way, during the progress of the Pennant race, various events occur every day or irregularly, and these events are notified to the player through the event report screen in the normal game mode and the message window in the schedule fast forward mode. It has become so.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display contents such as a play result in the normal game mode, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display contents such as a play result in the schedule fast forward mode. Here, in the normal game mode, as shown in FIG. 8, when a battle card is selected on the today's game screen (symbol I in FIG. 8), the game of that card is played (same symbol II), and the game result Is reported (also symbol III), followed by an event report (also symbol IV). This event report includes, for example, an injury report (also IV-1), an injury return report (also IV-2), a trade result report (also IV-3), a trade request report (also IV-4), a scout report (also IV-5), a new record report (also IV-6). When all the battle cards are consumed, the day ends, the next day (also V), and the above I to V are repeated.

  On the other hand, in the schedule fast-forward mode, as shown in FIG. 9, the game of all cards is digested on the schedule fast-forward screen (symbol I ′ in FIG. 9), and then an event report is made (also II ′). This event report includes, for example, an injury report (also II'-1), an injury return report (also II'-2), a trade result report (also II'-3), a trade request report (also II'-4), This is a scout report (also II'-5).

  In this way, there are various types of events, from the occurrence of injury, trade establishment, information from scouts, achievement of new records, and so on.

  Here, “injury report” (corresponding to symbols IV-1 and IV-2 in FIG. 8 and symbols II′-1 and II′-2 in FIG. 9, respectively) is an occurrence of injury of a player as a character, A report for an injury return event (corresponding to an injury event) and a “trade result report” (corresponding to symbol IV-3 in FIG. 8 and symbol II′-3 in FIG. 9) are the establishment and non-establishment of a trade. A report on a trade result report event (corresponding to a trade event) such as “trade request report” (corresponding to reference symbol IV-4 in FIG. 8 and reference symbol II′-4 in FIG. 9) is from other teams. A report on a trade request event (which also corresponds to a trade event), and a “Scout report” (corresponding to symbol IV-5 in FIG. 8 and symbol II′-5 in FIG. 9, respectively) are draft candidates. Report on scout reporting event (corresponding to scouting event) such as hand rumors acquisition, ability survey results, discovery of new foreigners, etc., “other report” (corresponding to symbol IV-6 in FIG. 8) A report on other reporting events such as achievement of a record, and a “growth report” in the figure are reports on a growth reporting event related to a player's ability improvement as a character.

  FIG. 10 shows a matrix screen in which specific events as reported events can be set for each team (A team, B team,...).

  Here, for each item, either “Yes” → “No” → “Suspend” can be set according to the preference of the player. “Yes” means to report, “No” means not to report, and “Suspend” means to pause. The “interrupt” function is effective only in the schedule fast forward mode, and is treated in the same manner as “Yes” in the normal game mode.

  In the matrix screen, it is assumed that the player has selected “Team A” as the team to operate. Since it is not necessary to report trade requests other than for the own team, it is set to “No”. In this case, even if a trade request report event occurs in another team, nothing is displayed on the screen, and the flow of the game is not delayed.

  The team's trade report says “suspend”, which means the function of “report and suspend schedule fast-forward”. The use of “Yes” and “Report and suspend schedule fast-forwarding” is an event that only confirms the result of a trade completion report, for example. There is no problem if you continue to fast-forward the schedule again.

  However, in the case of “Trade Request Report”, it is an inquiry event from other teams, “Would you like to trade?”, So many players would like to pause the fast forward and move to the trade screen. For these types of events, there is a function to “report and suspend schedule fast-forward”.

  For this purpose, the video game apparatus, as shown in FIG. 5, as the game condition set by the condition setting unit 41, among the events scheduled to be generated during the progress of the play, An event can be set, and when there is a play corresponding to the above event while the play is in progress in the normal game mode or the schedule fast forward mode, a function as a reporting means 45 for reporting this event Is also provided. The report means 45 includes report determination means 451 for determining whether there is a play corresponding to the event.

  FIG. 11 is a sub-flowchart showing another example of the process of step S5 in FIG. Note that the processing illustrated in FIG. 11 is processing performed by the CPU 1 or the like executing a program or the like stored in the recording medium 300. The following processing can be applied to both the normal game mode and the schedule fast-forward mode. Here, the schedule fast-forward mode in which the player can easily miss an event will be described. However, in the case of the normal game mode, as described above, the same processing is performed except that “interrupt” and “perform” are treated equally.

  In this case, in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 10, the target team and the specific event are set (step S1), step S2 is skipped, the mode is switched (step S3), and the schedule is fast forwarded. It is assumed that play in the mode is in progress (step S5).

  In FIG. 11, first, in the one-day game in the pennant race, the play work belonging to one team is set by the play progression means 43 (step S70). In this example, it is assumed that the “A team” is set in advance by the condition setting means 41.

  Next, it is determined by the report determination means 451 of the report means 45 whether an injury event has occurred in “Team A” (step S71). Here, if it is determined that an injury event has occurred, it is determined in advance by the condition setting means 41 whether an injury report for “Team A” has been set (step S72). Since “Yes” is set in FIG. 10, an injury report is made by the reporting means 45 (step S 73). On the other hand, unlike FIG. 10, if “NO” is set, the injury event report is not made and the process proceeds to step S76 described later. If “interrupt” is set, after the injury report is made (step S74), the play change means 44 interrupts the schedule fast-forward (step S75). This interruption can be canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, and in that case, the process proceeds to the next step S76 (step S75a).

  If it is determined in step S71 that no injury event has occurred, the report determination unit 451 determines whether a trade request event for “Team A” has occurred (step S76). Here, if it is determined that a trade request event has occurred, it is determined in advance by the condition setting means 41 whether a trade request report for “Team A” has been set (step S77). Since “interruption” is set in FIG. 10, after a trade request report is made by the reporting means 45 (step S78), the schedule advance is interrupted by the play progress means 43 (step S79). This interruption can be canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S81 described later (step S79a). On the other hand, unlike FIG. 10, if “Yes” is set, a trade request report is made (step S80), and if “No” is set, the next step is made without making a trade request report. Proceed to S81.

  In step S81, the report determination unit 451 determines whether a trade result event of “Team A” has occurred. Here, if it is determined that a trade result event has occurred, it is determined in advance by the condition setting means 41 whether a trade result report for “Team A” has been set (step S82). Since “Yes” is set in FIG. 10, a trade result report is made (step S83), and the process proceeds to step S86 described later. On the other hand, unlike FIG. 10, if “No” is set, the trade result report is not made and the process proceeds to step S86. If “Suspend” is set, the trade result report is made ( Step S84), schedule fast forward is interrupted (step S85). This interruption can be canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, and in that case, the process proceeds to the next step S86 (step S85a).

  If it is determined in step S76 that a trade request event has not occurred, the report determination means 451 determines whether a scout report event for “Team A” has occurred (step S86). Here, if it is determined that a scout report event has occurred, it is determined in advance by the condition setting means 41 whether a scout report for “Team A” has been set (step S87). Since “interrupt” is set in FIG. 10, after the scout report is made (step S88), the schedule fast forward is interrupted (step S89). This interruption can be canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S91 described later (step S89a). On the other hand, unlike FIG. 10, if “Yes” is set, a scout report is made (step S90), and if “No” is set, no scout report is made and the process proceeds to step S91. .

  If it is determined in step S86 that no scout reporting event has occurred, the condition setting means 41 determines in advance whether or not another reporting event for “Team A” has occurred (step S91). If it is determined that another report event has occurred, the report determination unit 451 determines whether another report for “Team A” is set (step S92). Since “Yes” is set in FIG. 10, after other reports are made (step S93), the process proceeds to step S96 described later. On the other hand, unlike FIG. 10, if “NO” is set, the process proceeds to step S96 without any other report, and if “STOP” is set, the other report is made (step S94). The schedule fast forward is interrupted (step S95). This interruption can be canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, and in that case, the process proceeds to the next step S96 (step S95a).

  If it is determined in step S91 that no other report event has occurred, it is determined in advance by the condition setting means 41 whether a growth report event for “Team A” has occurred (step S96). If it is determined that a growth report event has occurred, the report determination unit 451 determines whether a growth report for “Team A” is set (step S97). Since “Yes” is set in FIG. 10, after the growth report is made (step S98), the process proceeds to step S101 described later. On the other hand, unlike FIG. 10, if “No” is set, the process proceeds to step S101 without making a growth report. If “Suspend” is set, the growth report is made (step S99). The fast forward of the schedule is interrupted (step S100). This interruption can be canceled by a predetermined button operation of the controller 19, and in that case, the process proceeds to the next step S101 (step S100a).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S96 that no growth report event has occurred, the progress determination unit 433 of the play progress unit 43 determines whether there is a next team (step S101). If it is determined that there is a next team, a play work belonging to this team is set (step S102), and the process returns to the position before step S71. Then, following the event report of the next team, processing for all teams (12 teams) is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that there is no next step, the process returns immediately after step S5 in FIG. 6 to end the game.

  As described above, according to this example, a video game play control program for playing a character using a video game device so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space, Play progress means 43 for playing a character in the normal game mode or the schedule fast forward mode, and corresponding to a specific event set in advance among the events that virtually occur during the play in the schedule fast forward mode. When there is a play to be performed, the video game apparatus is caused to function as the reporting means 45 for reporting a result of a specific event in the play (for example, the injury report or the like).

  That is, if there is a play corresponding to a preset specific event among the events that are virtually generated with the progressing play during the play in the schedule fast-forward mode, this play is the fast-forward speed in the schedule fast-forward mode. The specific event is reported in a state appropriately changed to a play state with a slower play speed.

  Therefore, if a specific event that the player wants to report is set in advance, in a specific play, the play will be in a play state with a play speed that is slower than the fast-forward speed so that the player can see it. Since the result of the specific event is reported in the changed state, the interest is not spoiled by overlooking the specific event, and the video game is more interesting.

  However, if there is a play corresponding to a specific event set in advance among the events that virtually occur during the play in progress during the play in the normal game mode, the reporting means 45 specifies the play in the play. It is also possible to report the result of the event, and in that case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a baseball game program is described. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to other team competitions, or any video program including a game or simulation as a mere play. Moreover, the character in a game is not restricted to a human being, For example, an animal and a robot may be sufficient.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the case where all the elements are provided is illustrated. However, it is not always necessary to provide all or part of these elements, and for example, the function as the reporting means 45 of the video game apparatus may be omitted.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video game device concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen of normal game mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen of a schedule fast forward mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen for conditions etc. setting. It is a block diagram which shows the main functions of a video game apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by a video game device. FIG. 7 is a sub-flowchart illustrating an example of a process of step S5 in FIG. 6. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display content of the play result of a normal game mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display content of the play result of schedule fast forward mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the screen for conditions etc. setting. It is a subflowchart which shows the other example of the process of step S5 in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

31 Program Execution Unit 32 Data Storage Unit 33 Program Storage Unit 34 Display Unit 35 Operation Unit 41 Condition Setting Unit 42 State Setting Unit 43 Play Progressing Unit 431 Event Generation Unit 432 Mode Switching Unit 433 Progress Determination Unit 44 Play Change Unit 441 Change Determination Unit 45 Reporting means 451 Reporting judgment means

Claims (6)

A video game play control program for playing a character using a video game device so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space,
When there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition during the progress at the fast-forward speed at which the play automatically proceeds at a fast-forward speed faster than the predetermined play speed , the play speed is paused, the predetermined play A state setting means for performing in advance a setting for switching to one of the play speed slower than the speed and the predetermined play speed ;
Play progress means for automatically progressing play at the fast-forward speed ;
Change determination means for determining whether or not there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition during play progress at the fast-forward speed;
If there is play corresponding to the preset game condition while playing progress in the fast-forward speed, the video game progress of the play, as play changing means for changing pre-set state by the state setting means A video game play control program characterized by causing a device to function. If there is a play corresponding to a preset specific event among the events virtually generated with the progressing play during the play at the fast-forward speed, the result of the specific event in this play is reported. 2. The video game play control program according to claim 1, wherein said video game device is further caused to function as a reporting means . A video game play control method for playing a character using a video game device so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space,
When the state setting means of the video game apparatus has a play corresponding to a preset game condition during the progress at a fast-forward speed at which the play automatically proceeds at a fast-forward speed faster than a predetermined play speed, A setting is made in advance for switching the speed to one of pause, a play speed slower than the predetermined play speed, and the predetermined play speed,
The play progress means of the video game device automatically advances the play at the fast-forward speed,
The change determination means of the video game device determines whether or not there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition during the progress of the play at the fast-forward speed,
When the play changing means of the video game device has a play corresponding to the preset game condition during the progress of the play at the fast-forward speed, the progress of the play is set in a state preset by the state setting means. A video game play control method characterized by being changed to When the reporting means of the video game device has a play corresponding to a predetermined specific event among the events virtually generated in accordance with the progressing play during the progress of the play at the fast-forward speed, 4. The video game play control method according to claim 3, wherein a result of a specific event in play is reported . A video game device for playing a character so that the character takes a predetermined competition action in a virtual game space ,
When there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition during the progress at the fast-forward speed at which the play automatically proceeds at a fast-forward speed faster than the predetermined play speed , the play speed is paused, the predetermined play A state setting means for performing in advance a setting for switching to one of the play speed slower than the speed and the predetermined play speed ;
Play progress means for automatically progressing play at the fast-forward speed;
Change determination means for determining whether or not there is a play corresponding to a preset game condition during play progress at the fast-forward speed;
When there is a play corresponding to the preset game condition during play progress at the fast-forward speed, a play change unit is provided for changing the progress of the play to a state preset by the state setting unit. A video game apparatus characterized by that . If there is a play corresponding to a predetermined specific event among the events virtually generated with the progressing play during the progress at the fast forward speed, the result of the specific event in the play is reported. 6. The video game apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a reporting unit.

Images