JP4623841B2 - Game program used for compatible game machines - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a game program, and in particular, for example, a storage medium that can be mounted on both a first game machine that has already been released and a newly released second game machine that is compatible with the first game machine. It is related with the game program for providing the game of the content from which at least one part of the scenario differs according to what kind of game machine was stored.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a portable or stationary game machine for enjoying a game using a storage medium storing a game program (for example, a cartridge equipped with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, etc.) is known. ing. In such a game machine, functionally superior new model (or higher model; second game machine) from the previously released old model (or lower model; first game machine) due to technological innovation and user needs Changes in generations are being made as appropriate. When changing generations, ensuring compatibility with the old model by making software assets for the old model available for the new model is convenient for the user and also advantageous for the manufacturer.
[0003]
For example, a stationary game machine that uses a CD-ROM for an old model (lower model) and a DVD-ROM and a CD-ROM for a new model (upper model) is known. In this case, the new model is equipped with both a new type processing unit (CPU) and a processing unit for the old model in order to ensure compatibility with the old model. This new model reads the model code stored in the storage medium installed in advance by the startup program installed in the main unit, starts the processing unit according to the model code, and uses the processing unit to The game program is running. That is, when a CD-ROM storing a game program for an old model is loaded, the new model starts execution of the game program by the processing unit for the old model and stores the game program for the new model. When the ROM or CD-ROM is loaded, the game program starts to be executed by the processing unit for the new model.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, even after new models such as those mentioned above have been released, each game software manufacturer has decided to use game programs for old models because of the difficulty in developing game programs for new models and the small market for new models. A lot of games are developed and sold. The game program for the old model released after the release of such a new model does not differ from the game program for the old model released before the release of the new model, and can be played on either the new model or the old model. However, the game can be advanced with the same content (for example, scenario, story, event, etc.). Therefore, the user (player) feels that the newly sold game for the old model can be played with exactly the same contents regardless of whether the new model or the old model is purchased, so that it is not necessary to buy a new model again.
[0005]
Such a situation is not preferable for game machine manufacturers because it does not lead to sales expansion of new models, and it is not preferable for game software manufacturers because further expansion of the market cannot be expected. Therefore, game software that allows the player to change the content of the game between a case where the player is made to play single game software for the old model on the new model and a case where the player is played on the old model is conceivable. With such game software, there is a possibility that sales of the new model itself can be expanded by using the game software while making it possible to sell for old models with a large market.
[0006]
However, in the past, in a new game machine, the boot program installed in the game machine determines whether the storage medium is for the new model or the old model. Since the game program stored in the storage medium was executed by the processing unit, it was not necessary to determine the model in which the game program was executed by the game program itself. Further, even on the new model, since it is executed by the processing unit for the old model built in the new model, it is difficult to determine that it is being executed on the new model. Because of these problems, the conventional game program does not make the player feel that the game content changes depending on whether the game is executed on a new model or an old model, leading to sales expansion of the new model. There wasn't.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to identify a type of a game machine when a storage medium for storing a game program is attached to one of at least two compatible game machines, and a scenario according to the type. It is providing the game program which can change.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  First1The present invention is a game program that can be executed in a first game machine and a second game that is compatible with the first game machine. Claim1Then, the game program is stored in a storage medium that can be attached to both game machines. The first game machine and the second game machine each have a processing unit including a plurality of registers and an activation program executed at the time of activation by the processing unit. Claim1The game program includes first data and second data, and causes the processing unit of the game machine to which the storage medium is mounted to function as identification data reading means, identification means, and game progress means. The first data is stored in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after the start of execution of the start program in the processing unit of the first game machine (the internal registers of the CPUs 15 and 61, so-called A register, B register, etc. Data corresponding to a known value remaining in at least one of the above. The second data is data corresponding to a known value remaining in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the second game machine. When the execution of the processing unit is started by the processing unit, the identification data reading means reads the value of the predetermined register of the processing unit remaining at the end of the execution of the startup program that has already been completed as the identification data. The identification means compares the identification data read by the identification data reading means with the first data or the second data, so that the game machine on which the storage medium is mounted is the first game machine and the second data Identify which of the game consoles. Then, the game progression means advances the game so that at least a part of the game content differs depending on whether the identification means identifies the first game machine or the second game machine..
[0010]
  First2The invention includes first character group data and second character group data. Claim2Then, game progress meansIs firstWhen it is identified as one game machine, the first character group data is selected, and when it is identified as the second game machine, the second character group data is selected. Thereby, the characters appearing in the game are switched between the first game machine and the second game machine. The first character group data is data including a first character group appearing in a game on the first game machine. The second character group data is data including a second character group appearing in the game on the second game machine.
[0011]
  First3The invention includes first scenario data and second scenario data.Claim 3Then, game progress meansIs firstWhen it is identified as one game machine, the first scenario data is selected, and when it is identified as the second game machine, the second scenario data is selected. Accordingly, at least a part of the game scenario (or story) is changed between the first game machine and the second game machine. First4Invention (claims)42), the second scenario includes an expansion scenario that extends the first scenario.
[0012]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the game program stored in the storage medium can identify the type of the game machine in which the storage medium is mounted, so that the game can be made according to the type of game machine in which the storage medium is mounted. You can change the content of the game going on board. As a result, it is possible to provide a game that allows the player to feel the fun of playing with both the first game machine and the second game machine (for example, a new model and an old model). Further, further sales expansion of the second game machine having compatibility with the first game machine can be expected.
[0013]
In addition, since the type of the game machine in which the storage medium is mounted is identified based on the value of the predetermined register of the processing unit remaining immediately after the start of execution of the start program in the first game machine and the second game machine, Therefore, it is possible to easily deal with a game machine that has already been sold, without modifying the boot program for compatible game machines that have been used.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, a game system to which the game program of the present invention is applied will be described. 1 and 2 are external views for explaining an embodiment of a game system including a first game machine and a second game machine. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the second game machine, the second cartridge, and the first cartridge.
[0015]
1 and 3 (a), the game system includes a first game machine 10 and a second game machine 30 compatible with the first game machine 10, and further includes a first game machine. First and second game machine cartridges 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as “cartridges” or “game cartridges”) 20 that can be attached to and detached from both the 10 and second game machines 30 and a second game machine 30 that can be attached to and removed from only And two cartridges 40. As will be described later, the game program of the present invention is stored in the first cartridge 20. In the present embodiment, a portable game machine will be described as an example of the first game machine and the second game machine, but a stationary game machine or the like may be used, for example. Further, although a cartridge is described as an example of the storage medium, a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a hard disk may be used.
[0016]
The first game machine 10 is equipped with a processing unit having a relatively low performance (for example, a CPU of about 8 bits; the CPU 15 in FIG. 5), and is an old model (or a lower model) having a low processing capability. On the other hand, the second game machine 30 is equipped with a processing unit with high performance (for example, a CPU of 16 bits or more; the second CPU 63 in FIG. 12), and is a new model (or higher model). Further, the second game machine 30 also includes a processing unit CPU (first CPU 61 in FIG. 12) equivalent to the processing unit of the first game machine 10 in order to ensure compatibility.
[0017]
The shape of the housing 21 of the first cartridge 20 is a rectangular shape (or a substantially square shape) having a longitudinal length of a1 and a lateral length of b1, and the thickness thereof is selected as c1. On the left and right side surfaces of the one main surface of the first cartridge 20, inclined surfaces 211 for preventing reverse insertion of the front and back surfaces are formed. The first cartridge 20 is configured by incorporating a circuit board (not shown) in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 23 storing a game program is mounted in a housing 21. An opening 212 is formed in the lower part of the first cartridge 20, and a plurality of connection terminals (not shown) formed on one side of the circuit board are exposed from the opening 212. An edge connector (not shown) is constituted by a plurality of connection terminals formed on the circuit board.
[0018]
The first game machine 10 includes a housing 11, a liquid crystal display 12 is formed in an upper region of one main surface (the surface shown in the drawing), and a movement direction instruction switch 13a and an operation instruction switch 13b are formed in a lower region. Installed. A cartridge insertion recess (hereinafter referred to as “insertion recess”) 14 for mounting the first cartridge 20 is formed in an upper region of the other main surface (the illustrated back surface) of the first game machine 10. The insertion recess 14 has a recess or space substantially equal to the outer dimensions (vertical × horizontal × thickness = a1 × b1 × c1) of the first cartridge 20 so that the first cartridge 20 can be accommodated or mounted ( The length in the vertical direction may be shorter than a1). A connector (connector 113 in FIG. 5) for electrically connecting the first cartridge 20 to various electronic components such as a CPU in the first game machine 10 is mounted inside the insertion recess 14. Therefore, when the first cartridge 20 is mounted in the insertion recess 14, the connector of the first game machine 10 and the first cartridge 20 are in a state in which the first cartridge 20 is completely fitted in the insertion recess 14. The plurality of connection terminals of the circuit board are electrically connected and used. At this time, the first game machine 10 supplies a first drive voltage (for example, 5 V) to the first cartridge 20.
[0019]
  On the other hand, the housing 41 of the second cartridge 40 is a2 (a2 <a1) whose longitudinal length is shorter than that of the first cartridge 20 and whose lateral length is the same as that of the first cartridge 20, and is a horizontally long planar shape. The thickness c1 is selected to be the same as that of the first cartridge 20. By making the lateral length and thickness of the second cartridge 40 the same as the first cartridge 20, both cartridges can be inserted into the cartridge insertion recess of the second game machine 30. Needless to say, the horizontal length direction and the thickness direction are relative, and the direction is determined in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. Similar to the first cartridge 20, inclined surfaces 411 are formed on the left and right side portions of the one main surface of the housing 41. Further, in order to distinguish the second cartridge 40 from the case where the first cartridge 20 is mounted, a cutout portion 412 as an example of a detected portion is formed at least at the distal end portion in the insertion direction on one of the left and right side surfaces ( (For reasons such as design symmetry, the cutouts may be provided on both the left and right sides). Further, the second cartridge 40 has protrusions 413 that serve as stoppers at the time of insertion on at least one of the left and right sides (upper sides) of the upper side in the vertical direction (upper side). Accordingly, the width b2 of the upper side of the second cartridge 40 is selected to be slightly larger than the lower width (b1 = the width of the first cartridge 20). The second cartridge 40 is a circuit board (illustrated) on which various integrated circuits (IC) such as a ROM 42 storing a game program are mounted.SetZ)). An opening 414 is formed in the lower part of the second cartridge 40, and a plurality of connection terminals formed on one side of the circuit board are exposed from the opening 414. An edge connector (not shown) is constituted by a plurality of connection terminals formed on the circuit board.
[0020]
The second game machine 30 includes a housing 31, and a liquid crystal display 32 is formed in the central region of one main surface (the surface shown in the figure), and the moving direction is in an empty area outside the liquid crystal display 32. An instruction switch 33a and an operation instruction switch 33b are respectively attached. An insertion recess 34 for mounting the second cartridge 40 is formed in the upper region of the other main surface (the back surface in the drawing) of the second game machine 30. The insertion recess 34 has a recess or space substantially equal to the outer dimensions (vertical × horizontal × thickness = a2 × b1 × c1) of the second cartridge 30 so that the second cartridge 30 can be accommodated or mounted ( The length in the vertical direction may be shorter than a2.) A connector (37 in FIGS. 4 and 6) for electrically connecting the second cartridge 40 to various electronic components such as a CPU in the second game machine 30 is mounted in the insertion recess 34. . Therefore, when the second cartridge 40 is mounted in the insertion recess 34, the second cartridge 40 is used in a state where it is completely fitted in the insertion recess 34. At this time, the second game machine 30 supplies the second drive voltage (for example, 3.3 V) to the second cartridge 40.
[0021]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3B, a case where the second cartridge 40 and the first cartridge 20 are mounted on the first game machine 10 and the second game machine 30 respectively. explain.
As shown in the left side view of FIG. 2, when the second cartridge 40 is attached to the first game machine 10, the longitudinal length a <b> 2 of the second cartridge 40 is connected to the connector in the first game machine 10. Therefore, the protrusion 413 is caught on the upper side of the housing 11 next to the insertion recess 14, and the connection terminal (46) of the second cartridge 40 does not reach the connector and is not normally connected. . That is, the connection terminal (46) portion of the second cartridge 40 is mounted in a state of floating from the connector in the first game machine 10. For this reason, the power supply voltage of the first game machine 10 is not supplied to the connection terminals of the second cartridge 40, and thus to the various IC components including the semiconductor memory built in the second cartridge 40. It is possible to effectively prevent parts from being destroyed by overvoltage.
[0022]
Conversely, as shown in the right side view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3B, when the first cartridge 40 is mounted on the second game machine 30, the vertical length a1 of the first cartridge 20 is the second length. Therefore, the connection terminal of the first cartridge 20 reaches the connector 37 in the second game machine 30 and is electrically connected to the insertion recess 34 of the game machine 30 because it is longer than the longitudinal length a2 (a2 <a1). At this time, since a <b> 2 <a <b> 1, the first cartridge 20 is inserted into the second game machine 30 in a state where the portion of the first cartridge 20 in the longitudinal direction a1−a2 (difference) is exposed from the insertion recess 34. It will be installed and used. At this time, the second game machine 30 supplies the first drive voltage (5 V) to the first cartridge 20 instead of the second drive voltage (for example, 3.3 V).
[0023]
Therefore, the first cartridge 20 can be used not only for the first game machine 10 but also for the second game machine 30, and compatibility with higher models is ensured. On the other hand, the second cartridge 40 can be used for the second game machine 30, but cannot be used for the first game machine 10. Even if the second cartridge 40 is mistakenly attached to the first game machine 10, Since it is not electrically connected, destruction of the semiconductor memory or the like due to overvoltage can be effectively prevented.
[0024]
Note that the drive voltages of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 40 are different because the second cartridge 40, which is a cartridge for the higher model, is a semiconductor driven at a low voltage for the purpose of power saving. This is because electronic parts are used. However, if it is not necessary to reduce power consumption, the same power supply voltage may be used in both game machines. In that case, the second game machine 30 does not need to switch the supply voltage to the cartridge depending on which of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 40 is mounted.
[0025]
Next, a case where the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 40 are distinguished and detected by the cartridge shape detection switch (hereinafter referred to as “detection switch”) 35 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0026]
For example, a selector switch of two alternatives is used as the detection switch 35 and is provided in the vicinity of the connector 37. The detection switch 35 is selectively connected to either a 3.3V output terminal or a 5V output terminal of a DC-DC converter (not shown), and is selected as a power supply terminal of the cartridge connected to the connector 37. The circuit is connected to supply power. In the initial state, the detection switch 35 is configured to select 3.3V.
[0027]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the second cartridge 40 is mounted, the detection switch 35 is fitted into the notch portion 412 and remains off. This is detected, and the power (3.3 V) for the second cartridge 40 is supplied. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the first cartridge 20 is mounted, the notch 412 is not formed in the housing 21, so that the detection switch 35 is pushed down by the distal end portion of the housing 21. When the first cartridge 20 is detected, the power supply (5 V) for the first cartridge 20 is supplied. In addition to the cutout portion 412 and the micro switch, various detection portions and detection switches 35 may be used.
[0028]
Next, the first game machine 10 and the first cartridge will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the first game machine 10 and the first cartridge 20 for that model. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a startup program stored in the boot ROM of the first game machine. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a game program stored in the ROM of the first cartridge.
[0029]
The first game machine 10 is a game machine that has already been released and has low performance (old model or lower model). The first game machine 10 includes a CPU 15 as an example of a processing unit, and is further connected to the CPU 15 via a bus, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 12, an operation key (generic name for 13a and 13b) 13, and a WRAM. (Work RAM) 18, VRAM (Video RAM) 19 and the like are included. As is well known, the CPU 15 is a central processing unit including a plurality of internal registers such as an A register (accumulator) 15a and a B register 15b. Further, a connector 17 for connecting a first cartridge 20 as an example of a storage medium is connected to the CPU 15 via an I / O buffer controller (not shown).
[0030]
Furthermore, a boot ROM 16 for starting the main body is connected to the CPU 15. The boot ROM 16 stores a startup program 160 (see FIG. 6) that is first executed by the CPU 15 when the main body is turned on. The activation program 160 includes an initialization program 161 for initializing peripheral circuits such as the WRAM 18 and the VRAM 19, a confirmation logo data 162 for authenticating whether or not the first cartridge 20 is a genuine product, an authentication program 163, and the like.
[0031]
On the other hand, as described above, the first cartridge 20 is configured to be detachable from the second game machine 30 and includes a RAM 22, a ROM 23, and the like. The RAM 22 is used as a memory for storing backup data. The ROM 23 is a nonvolatile memory that stores a game program 220 according to an example of the present invention. The game program 220 includes an evacuation program 221, an identification program 222, a game progress program 223, authentication logo data 224, first data 225, second data 226, basic scenario data 227 as an example of first scenario data, and second scenario data. One example extended scenario data 228 is included.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the first game machine based on the various programs described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first game machine based on the activation program. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the first game machine based on the game program.
[0033]
First, prior to the game play, the player inserts the first cartridge 20 into the insertion recess 14 of the first game machine 10, attaches it to the first game machine, and connects to the connector 17. In step (indicated by the symbol “S” in the figure) 1, the player turns on the power to the game machine body. When the power is turned on, the CPU 15 performs the following processing by sequentially reading and executing each command constituting the startup program 160 from the boot ROM 16.
[0034]
That is, in step 2, the initialization program 161 is executed, so that, for example, “0” is written in a storage area such as the WRAM 18 or the VRAM 19 to initialize them. Subsequently, in step 3, the authentication logo data 224 is read from the first cartridge 20 by executing the authentication program 162. Then, in step 4, it is authenticated whether or not the cartridge is a regular cartridge by determining whether or not the read authentication logo data 224 and the confirmation logo data 163 stored therein match. In step 5, if the logo data do not match, steps S3 and S4 described above are repeated infinitely, making it impossible to execute an illegal game program.
[0035]
On the other hand, if both logo data match in step 5, the process proceeds to step 6. In step 6, the processing target of the CPU 15 shifts from execution of the activation program 160 to execution of the game program 220 of the first cartridge 20. At the start of step 6, that is, immediately after the activation of the activation program 160, the same known value (for example, “01h (h indicates a hexadecimal number)” in the A register 15a) remains in each register of the CPU 15. As is well known, the principle that the known value remains is the same as the principle that the same value remains in the internal register every time the same program is executed by the CPU under the same conditions. As will become apparent later, in the case of the first CPU 61 (see FIG. 12) of the second game machine 30, a value different from the value of the A register 15a of the CPU 15 remains in the A register 61a of the first CPU 61.
[0036]
  Next, the CPU 15 starts executing the game program 220 of the first cartridge 20. That is, in step 11, first, evacuationprogram221 is executed, and the value (identification data) of an A register as an example of a predetermined register of the CPU 15 immediately after the execution of the activation program 160 is saved in, for example, the work RAM 18 (for example, the value of the A register is simply loaded into the WRAM 18 do it). Specifically, as illustrated in the WRAM of FIG. 11, for example, a value saving area 18 a of the A register of the WRAM 18 is provided, and the value “01h” of the A register is stored in the area 18 a. The value is saved in order to secure the value of the A register before the rewriting because the value of the A register is rewritten by executing the program.
[0037]
In subsequent step 12, by executing the identification program 222, the first data 225 and the second data 226 included in the game program 220 are read. In step 13, the value “01h” of the A register saved in the WRAM 18 is compared with the first data or the second data, and it is determined which one matches. In step 14, it is determined that the first data matches, and the process proceeds to subsequent step 15. In step 15, flag data is written in the first game machine flag area 18 b of the WRAM 18. That is, in steps 11 to 15, it is identified that the first cartridge 20 is mounted on the first game machine 10.
[0038]
Then, in step 17, based on the game progress program 223, steps 21 to 24 or steps 21 to 25 to 27 shown in FIG. 10 are executed, thereby starting a game process in which the player can play the game. In step 21, the first game machine flag area 18b and the second game machine flag area 18c of the WRAM 18 are read, and it is grasped in which flag area the flag data is written. Here, since the flag data is written in the flag area 18b in the above-described step S15, the process branches to step 22 and the subsequent steps are executed. That is, when the first cartridge 20 is attached to the first game machine 10, steps 22 to 24 are always executed.
[0039]
In step 22, the basic scenario data 227 included in the game program 220 is selected and the scenario data is read. In step 23, the game is advanced in a scenario according to the basic scenario data 227. For example, when the basic scenario data 227 is a role-playing game, processing for generating various events in the game world is performed in order to cause the player to clear the game by operating the main character appearing in the game world. In step 24, the above-described step 23 is repeatedly performed until the player's intention is turned off (OFF) or until the end of the game is instructed by operating a predetermined button.
[0040]
As described above, when the first cartridge 20 is attached to the first game machine 10, the activation program 160 recognizes the value remaining in the A register of the CPU 15 as identification data, and according to the identification data, It identifies that the first cartridge 20 stored therein is attached to the first game machine 10. Then, the game is advanced with the game content (for example, scenario, story, character, etc.) for the first game machine 10.
[0041]
Next, a case where the first cartridge 20 is mounted on the second game machine 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the second game machine 30, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 40. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing start-up programs stored in two boot ROMs mounted on the second game machine 30, respectively.
[0042]
The second game machine 30 is a newly released and high-performance (new model or host model) game machine, and not only a new processing unit (second CPU 63) having a high processing capability but also the first game machine 10. Is provided with a processing unit (first CPU 61) corresponding to the CPU 15 of the first game machine 10 for ensuring compatibility. Specifically, the second game machine 10 includes a first CPU 61 and a second CPU 63, and further includes an LCD 32, an operation key 66, a WRAM 67, a VRAM 68, and the like that are connected to both the CPUs 61 and 63 through a bus. The first CPU 61 includes a plurality of registers such as an A register 61a and a B register 61b, which are examples of predetermined registers configured in the same manner as the CPU 15 of the first game 10. The second CPU 63 also includes a plurality of registers such as A registers 63a and 63b. However, since the second CPU 63 is, for example, 32 bits, the number of registers and the configuration thereof are different from, for example, the 8-bit first CPU 61. Further, the WRAM 67, VRAM 68, etc. are different from those of the first game machine 10 already described in that the storage capacity is different, so that the description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
Further, a connector 37 for connecting the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 40 is connected to the first CPU 61 and the second CPU 63 via an I / O buffer controller (not shown). A switching circuit 65 for switching the CPU according to the type is connected.
[0044]
The connector 37 is provided with a detection switch 35 such as a selector-type microswitch that operates in association therewith. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the detection switch 35 detects which of the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 40 is inserted into the insertion recess 34 (that is, whether the second cartridge 40 is mounted). To do. For example, the detection switch 35 determines that the second cartridge 40 is mounted by detecting the presence of the notch 412 when the second cartridge 40 is inserted. On the other hand, when the first cartridge 20 is inserted, it is determined that the first cartridge 20 is mounted according to the absence of the notch 412. When the detection switch 35 detects the second cartridge 40, a power supply voltage of 3.3V is selected and supplied to the second cartridge 40. On the other hand, when the detection switch 35 detects the first cartridge 20, a power supply voltage of 5V is selected and supplied to the first cartridge 20. At this time, the switching circuit 65 activates either the first CPU 61 or the second CPU 63 in response to the output of the detection switch 35.
[0045]
Further, the first CPU 61 is connected to a boot ROM 62 for activating the second game machine 30 as the first game machine 10 when activated by the switching circuit 65. Similarly, a boot ROM 64 for starting up as the second game machine 30 is connected to the second CPU 63 when activated by the switching circuit 65. The boot ROM 62 stores a start program 620, and the boot ROM 64 stores a start program 640.
[0046]
The activation program 620 includes an initialization program 621, an authentication program 622, and confirmation logo data 163. The activation program 640 includes an initialization program 641, an authentication program 622, and authentication logo data 163. Here, the startup program 160, the startup program 620, and the startup program 640 of the first game machine 10 already described have the same functions. However, the activation programs 160, 620, and 640 are different from each other in the order of instructions constituting the program due to version upgrades, bug fixes, and differences in the configuration of the peripheral circuits of the first game machine 10 and the second game machine 30. The type may be slightly different. In other words, the value remaining in the A register immediately after the start of the start program differs depending on the type of the start program, and by identifying the difference in this value by the game program, the game content can be changed depending on the type of game machine in which the cartridge is mounted. It becomes possible to change.
[0047]
The operation when the first cartridge 20 is mounted on the second game machine 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart until the second game machine 30 executes the startup program.
[0048]
First, prior to the game play, the player attaches the first cartridge 20 to the second game machine 30. In step 31, the player turns on the power of the game machine body. In step 32, the output of the detection switch 35 is input to the switching circuit 65, whereby the type of cartridge is determined. In step 33, the switching circuit 65 determines whether the cartridge is the first cartridge 20 or the second cartridge 40, and executes a step corresponding to the type of the cartridge. In this case, the switching circuit 65 identifies the first cartridge 20. That is, steps 34 and 35 are executed. Although detailed description is omitted, steps 36 and 37 are executed when the second cartridge 40 is mounted.
[0049]
In step 34, the switching circuit 65 activates the first CPU 61 for the first game machine 10. In subsequent step 35, the first CPU 61 starts execution of the startup program 620 stored in the first boot ROM 62. That is, in step 35, the initialization program 621 and the authentication program 622 perform the same processing as in steps 2 to 6 in FIG. Here, immediately before the process of step 6 is started, that is, immediately after the start of the start program 620, the A register 61a, the B register 61b, etc. of the first CPU 61 are already described as being the time of the first game machine 10. For this reason, a different value (for example, “11h”) remains.
[0050]
  Then, the execution of the game program 220 (see FIG. 7) of the first cartridge 20 is started. As described in FIG. 9, in step 11, the value “11h” of the A register 61 a is saved in the register saving area 67 a of the WRAM 67. Then, the operations of Steps 12 to 14 are executed. In Step 14, the value “11h” of the A register 61a is compared with the first data 225 or the second data 226, thereby matching the second data 226.thingAnd proceed to Step 16. Thereby, in the subsequent step 16, flag data is written in the second game machine flag area 67 c of the WRAM 67. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 17 and the process of FIG. 10 is executed.
[0051]
In step 17, that is, step 21 shown in FIG. 10, flag data indicating the second game machine 30 is detected, and the process branches to step 25. In step 25, the game progress program 223 selects the extended scenario data 228. In subsequent step 26, the game is advanced in a scenario according to the extended scenario data 228. In step 27, step 26 is repeated until there is an end operation or instruction from the player. This extended scenario is different from the basic scenario that generates a new event such as entering a cave or a castle that could not be invaded in the scenario of the basic scenario data 227 or causing a new town that did not exist until now. Scenarios or different branch processing programs.
[0052]
As described above, the content of the game is changed depending on whether the first cartridge 20 that is the storage medium of the game program 220 is attached to the first game machine 10 or the second game machine 30. Can be enjoyed on both old and new models, for example. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with game software that is hard to get bored. It will also enable sales of new models.
[0053]
In the above description, the case where the scenario is changed between the first game machine 10 and the second game machine 30 has been described. However, in step 22, for example, a first character for displaying characters appearing in the game world is displayed. In the case of the first game machine 10 or the second game machine 30, the character may be changed by selecting the data of the second character group and selecting the data of the second character group in step 25. it can.
[0054]
In this embodiment, the value of the A register is saved at the start of execution of the game program. However, the model may be identified immediately based on the value of the A register without saving.
[0055]
In order to ensure compatibility, the activation program 160 executed by the CPU 16 of the first game machine 10 and the activation program 620 executed by the first CPU 61 of the second game machine 30 are configured with exactly the same instructions. If it is necessary to do so, for example, an instruction for incrementing the value of the A register 61a is added to an instruction just before the end of the activation program 620. In this way, the value of the A register 61a can be made different from the value of the A register 15a of the first game machine 10 with almost no change in the program. An identification code for specifying the model may be placed in the boot ROM, and the identification code may be loaded into the A register or the like at the end of execution of the startup program.
[0056]
In the above-described embodiment, the first game machine 10 or the second game machine 30 is identified only by the difference in the value of the A register. For example, the values of a plurality of registers such as the B register are used. Also good. Other register values may be used instead of the A register.
[0057]
Further, when the game program 220 is being executed, by detecting the hardware configuration (RAM capacity, etc.) due to the difference in the model of the game machine, the model that is being executed is determined using the detection result as identification data. It is also possible to identify.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of a game system.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of the game system.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the second cartridge and the first cartridge are used in the second game machine.
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a cartridge identification mechanism.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a first game machine and a first cartridge.
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a startup program stored in a boot ROM.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a game program stored in a first cartridge.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart based on an activation program of a first cartridge.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart based on a game program of the first cartridge.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of game processing.
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing data stored in a WRAM.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a second game machine.
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing start-up programs stored in two boot ROMs of the second game machine, respectively.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation until each activation program is executed in the second game machine;
[Explanation of symbols]
10: First game machine
15; CPU
16; Boot ROM
160; start-up program
20; first cartridge
220; game program
30; Second game machine
40; second cartridge
61; 1st CPU
62; First boot ROM
620: Startup program for the first CPU
63; second CPU
64; second boot ROM
640; start-up program for the second CPU

Claims (7)

The first game machine including a processing unit including a plurality of registers and a startup program executed at the time of startup by the processing unit and a second game machine compatible with the game machine, and both A game program stored in a storage medium that can be attached to a game machine,
Known first data remaining in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the first game machine, and immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the second game machine is completed. Second known data remaining in a predetermined register of the processing unit,
A processing unit of the first game machine or the second game machine to which the storage medium is attached;
Identification data reading means for reading, as identification data, a value of a predetermined register of the processing unit remaining immediately after completion of execution of the startup program, when execution of itself is started by any one of the processing units;
By comparing the identification data read by the identification data reading means with the first data or the second data, the game machine in which the storage medium is mounted becomes the first game machine and the second game. Identifying means for identifying which of the machines, and at least a part of the game content differs depending on whether the identifying means identifies the first game machine or the second game machine. Game progress means to make the game progress,
As a game program, each functioning as Further including first character group data including a first character group for causing the game to appear in the game; and second character group data including a second character group;
When the game progressing unit is identified as the first game machine, it selects the first character group data to cause the first character group to appear in the game and identify it as the second game machine. The game program according to claim 1 , wherein the second character group is made to appear in the game by selecting the second character group data. Further including first scenario data including a first scenario for determining the game content; and second scenario data including a second scenario;
The game progress means, when identified by the identification means as the first game machine, selects the first scenario data to advance the game based on the first scenario, and the second game machine The game program according to claim 1 , wherein the game is advanced on the basis of the second scenario by selecting the second scenario data when identified. The game program according to claim 3 , wherein the second scenario includes an extended scenario that extends the first scenario determined by the first scenario data. The first game machine having a processing unit including a plurality of registers and a startup program executed at the time of startup by the processing unit and a second game machine compatible with the game machine can be executed on both A game processing method using a game program stored in a storage medium that can be attached to a game machine,
  The game program includes known first data that remains in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the first game machine, and an activation program in the processing unit of the second game machine. Second known data that remains in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after execution ends,
An identification data reading step of reading, as identification data, a value of a predetermined register of the processing unit remaining immediately after the execution of the start program when execution of the game program is started by any one of the processing units;
  By comparing the identification data read out in the identification data reading step with the first data or the second data, the game machine in which the storage medium is mounted becomes the first game machine and the second game. An identification step to identify which of the machines, and
A game progressing step for causing the game to progress so that at least a part of the game content is different depending on whether the first gaming machine is identified and the second gaming machine is identified by the identifying step Processing technique. The first game machine having a processing unit including a plurality of registers and a startup program executed at the time of startup by the processing unit and a second game machine compatible with the game machine can be executed on both A game program stored in a storage means of a game machine,
Known first data remaining in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the first game machine, and immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the second game machine is completed. Second known data remaining in a predetermined register of the processing unit,
A processing unit of the first game machine or the second game machine;
Identification data reading means for reading, as identification data, a value of a predetermined register of the processing unit remaining immediately after completion of execution of the startup program, when execution of itself is started by any one of the processing units;
Identification means for identifying the first game machine or the second game machine by comparing the identification data read by the identification data reading means with the first data or the second data. ,and
A game progress means for advancing the game so that at least a part of the game content differs depending on whether the identification means identifies the first game machine or the second game machine;
As a game program, each functioning as The first game machine having a processing unit including a plurality of registers and a startup program executed at the time of startup by the processing unit and a second game machine compatible with the game machine can be executed on both A game processing method using a game program stored in a storage means of a game machine,
The game program includes known first data that remains in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after the execution of the activation program in the processing unit of the first game machine, and an activation program in the processing unit of the second game machine. Second known data that remains in a predetermined register of the processing unit immediately after execution ends,
An identification data reading step of reading, as identification data, a value of a predetermined register of the processing unit remaining immediately after the execution of the start program when execution of the game program is started by any one of the processing units;
An identification step of identifying which of the first game machine and the second game machine is performed by comparing the identification data read in the identification data reading step with the first data or the second data. ,and
A game progressing step for causing the game to progress so that at least a part of the game content is different depending on whether the first gaming machine is identified and the second gaming machine is identified by the identifying step Processing method.

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