JP4741710B2 - Program, information storage medium, and game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system and the like.

  For example, as in the game “Pacman (registered trademark)” made by Namco Co., Ltd., the applicant, an item moved in the virtual space while avoiding being caught by an appearing enemy character, and placed in the virtual space A game that collects

  On the other hand, there is known a game device that uses a GPS (Global Positioning Systems) function to actually perform a so-called “game of tag” possessed by each of a plurality of players (see Patent Document 1). According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-260260, on the game device possessed by each player, the current position of the player participating in the game is displayed as an icon. At this time, the current position of the “demon” player is identified and displayed by the color of the icon. A player who is a “demon” looks for another player while viewing the display content of his game device.

JP 2003-210831 A

  By the way, in a game such as “Pac-Man” described above, there are the following problems when a plurality of players share a virtual space. That is, first, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine which player is operated by each player character simply by displaying the player characters by color using the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above. there were. Secondly, when adding a “game tag” element to a game where a player character tracks and catches another player character, the current position of each player character in the virtual space as described in Patent Document 1 above. There is a problem that it is not interesting just to display.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to display a player who operates each player character in an easily identifiable manner in a game where a plurality of players share a virtual space, and to improve the fun of the game.

The program of the 1st invention for solving the above subject is:
A computer having communication means (for example, the communication unit 500 shown in FIG. 12) communicates with other devices operated by other players to share a virtual space, and each player is in a good state at least at the start of the game. A program for operating a player character to execute a game that moves in the virtual space so that it does not come into contact with a character in a bad state that is computer controlled at least at the start of the game,
A character in a good state and a character in a bad state have different forms,
Own player character control means for controlling the movement of the own player character in accordance with the operation input of the own player (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12),
Other player character control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that communicates with other machines to control the movement of other player characters,
When the player character in the good state and the character in the bad state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character to the bad state. State change control means (for example, the contact-time control unit 223 shown in FIG. 12) for performing control to change the other player character to a good state.
Regardless of whether the player character is in a good state or a bad state, identification display control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) for identifying and displaying which character each player character is,
As a program for causing the computer to function.

The game device of the 23rd invention is
A player character that includes communication means (for example, the communication device 500 shown in FIG. 12), communicates with other machines operated by other players, shares a virtual space, and each player is in a good state at least at the start of the game. A game device that executes a game that moves in the virtual space so as not to contact a character in a bad state that is computer controlled at least at the start of the game,
A character in a good state and a character in a bad state have different forms,
Own player character control means for controlling the movement of the player character in accordance with the operation input of the player (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12);
Other player character control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that controls the movement of other player characters by communicating with other machines,
When the player player character in the good state and the character in the bad state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character to the bad state. State change control means (for example, a contact-time control unit 223 shown in FIG. 12) for performing control to change the other player character to a good state;
Regardless of whether the player character is in a good or bad state, identification display control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) for identifying and displaying which player character is,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the first or twenty-third aspect, when the player player character in the good state and the character in the bad state are in contact with each other, the player player character is changed to the bad state and the character in the contacted bad state is in contact. If the player character is another player character, the other player character can be changed to a good state. In addition, regardless of whether the player character is in a good or bad state, it is possible to easily display which player the character is operated by.

The second invention is the program of the first invention,
The state change control means performs control to change the own player character to the good state when the own player character in the bad state and another player character in the good state come into contact with each other, This is a program for causing the computer to function so as to perform control to be changed.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, when the own player character in the bad state and another player character in the good state contact each other, the own player character is changed to the good state and the other player character is changed to the bad state. be able to.

The third invention is the program of the second invention,
When the character state of the player character is changed by contact with another player character by the state change control means, an effect sound for controlling the output of the game sound according to the changed character state and performing a predetermined effect It is a program for causing the computer to further function as control means.

  According to the third aspect, when the character state of the player character is changed by contact with another player character, the game sound is output according to the character state of the player character after the change. it can.

The fourth invention is the program of any one of the first to third inventions,
The identification display control means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to perform identification display by attaching an identification display body capable of identifying each player character to each player character.

  According to the fourth aspect, each player character can be accompanied by an identification display. Therefore, it is possible to display which player character is a character operated by which player so that it can be easily identified visually.

A fifth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourth inventions,
Different movement characteristics are defined for each player character,
The self-player character control means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to control the movement of the player character based on the movement characteristics of the player player character.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to control the movement of the player player character based on the corresponding movement characteristic regardless of whether the player player character is in the good or bad state.

6th invention is the program of 1st-5th invention, Comprising:
When the player player character is in a bad state, display target space control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 12) controls the display of the game screen so that a narrow range in the virtual space is displayed as compared with the case of the good player state. This is a program for causing the computer to function as the virtual camera control unit 221).

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a narrow range in the virtual space is displayed on the game screen when the player player character is in the bad state compared to when the player player character is in the good state. Therefore, the range of the virtual space to be displayed can be changed according to whether the player player character is in a good or bad state, and the fun of the game can be improved.

7th invention is the program of 6th invention,
When the display target space control means is in a bad state when the player character is in a bad state, the display target space control means displays a narrower range than in the good state, and the number of player characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state Is a program for causing the computer to function so as to vary the range to be displayed according to the ratio.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when the player character is in a bad state, the display range is narrower than that in the good state, and the number of player characters in the good state is in a bad state. The display target range can be varied according to the ratio with the number of characters.

The eighth invention is a program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
The computer is used as display direction control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) for controlling the direction of the virtual space displayed on the game screen depending on whether the player player character is in a good or bad state. It is a program to make it function.

  According to the eighth aspect, the orientation of the virtual space displayed on the game screen can be changed according to whether the player player character is in a good or bad state.

A ninth invention is a program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,
Depending on whether the player's player character is in a good or bad state, the game screen is a first-person view that looks at the virtual space from the viewpoint of the player's character, or a third-person view that looks down on the virtual space. This is a program for causing the computer to function as viewpoint control means (for example, the virtual camera control unit 221 shown in FIG. 12) that controls whether to display a game screen.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, for example, when the player character is in a good state, the game screen is displayed from a third-person viewpoint overlooking the virtual space. It is possible to display a game screen from the first person viewpoint when viewing the virtual space from the viewpoint.

The tenth invention is the program of the ninth invention,
When the player control character is in a good state, the viewpoint control unit can switch between the first-person viewpoint game screen and the third-person viewpoint game screen in accordance with the operation input of the player player. When the player character is in a bad state, the computer screen is set to the game screen from the first person viewpoint or the game screen from the third person viewpoint so that switching according to the operation input of the player is impossible. Is a program for making

  According to the tenth aspect, when the player player character is in a good state, the player determines whether the game screen is a game screen from the first person viewpoint or the game screen from the third person viewpoint. Can be switched. On the other hand, when the player's player character is in a bad state, the player's player cannot change the game screen from the third person viewpoint.

The eleventh invention is a program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,
Determining means for determining a ratio between the number of player characters in a good state and the number of characters in a bad state in the virtual space;
The number of viewpoints for performing control to switch and display the game screen at the viewpoint that enables the switching operation when the switching operation is performed based on the determination result by the determination unit. Control means,
As a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to set a viewpoint that enables a switching operation according to the ratio between the number of player characters in a good state and the number of characters in a bad state in the virtual space.

The twelfth invention is a program according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions,
This is a program for causing the computer to function as stage form changing means for changing the display form of the stage constituting the virtual space according to the ratio of the number of player characters in a good state and the number of characters in a bad state.

  According to the twelfth aspect, the display form of the stage constituting the virtual space can be changed according to the ratio between the number of player characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state.

A thirteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions,
A program for causing the computer to function as object variable means for changing the number and / or type of objects arranged in the virtual space according to the ratio of the number of player characters in a good state and the number of characters in a bad state is there.

  According to the twelfth aspect, the number and / or types of objects arranged in the virtual space can be varied according to the ratio of the number of player characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state.

A fourteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions,
This is a program for causing the computer to function as game sound output control means for controlling the output of game sound in accordance with the ratio between the number of player characters in a good state and the number of characters in a bad state.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the output sound effect and game sound such as BGM according to the ratio between the number of player characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state.

The fifteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions,
The game is a game for competing for the number of items that can be acquired by contact of a player character in a good state,
Causing the computer to function as item placement means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) for placing a plurality of the items in the virtual space;
The computer as item acquisition control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that performs control to acquire an item that has touched the player character when the player character in a good state touches the arranged item. Is a program for making

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a game that competes for the number of items that can be acquired by contact of a player character in a good state.

The sixteenth invention is the program of the fifteenth invention,
This is a program for causing the computer to function as item acquisition status display control means (for example, acquisition status display bar B10 shown in FIG. 3) for controlling the display of the item acquisition status by each player character on the game screen.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, in the game for competing for the number of items described above, the item acquisition status by each player character can be presented to each player on the game screen.

The seventeenth invention is the program of the fifteenth or sixteenth invention,
When the item placement means makes contact with another player character in a bad state, the player player character in a good state rearranges some or all of the items acquired by the player player character in the virtual space. Is a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, in the game for competing for the number of items described above, when the own player character in the good state contacts with another player character in the bad state, the item acquired by the own player character A part or the whole can be rearranged in the virtual space.

An eighteenth invention is the program according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth inventions,
If a player character in a good state and a player character in a bad state come into contact with each other for a predetermined period, the player character in a good state is left in a good state and the player character in a bad state is changed to a good state. Causing the computer to function as special item placement means (for example, the game operation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) for placing a special item for a period in the virtual space;
Causing the computer to function as special item acquisition detection means (for example, a game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) for detecting acquisition of the special item by a player character in a good state,
During the predetermined period from the detection by the special item acquisition detection unit, the computer is caused to function as an effect control unit (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that performs a predetermined effect indicating that the period is in effect. ,
If the player character in the good state and the player character in the bad state come into contact with each other during the predetermined period from the detection by the special item acquisition detection unit, the state change control unit determines the player character in the good state. This is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have state special change control means (for example, the contact-time control unit 223 shown in FIG. 12) that changes the player character in the bad state to the good state while remaining in the good state. .

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, when a player character in a good state and a player character in a bad state come into contact with each other within a predetermined period after the player character acquires a special item, the player in a bad state The character can be changed to a good state.

The nineteenth invention is the program of the eighteenth invention,
Control for transferring part or all of items acquired by the player character changed from the bad state to the good state by the state special change control means as the acquired item of the player character in the good state in contact with the player character This is a program for causing the computer to function as item transfer control means (for example, the contact time control unit 223 shown in FIG. 12).

  According to the nineteenth invention, an item that has been acquired by a player character who has changed to a good ball in contact with a player character in a good ball state during a predetermined period after the player character has acquired the special item described above. Can be transferred as an acquired item of the player character in the good state in contact with the player character.

The twentieth invention is the program of the nineteenth invention,
This is a program for causing the computer to function so that the item transfer control means changes the transfer number of acquired items in accordance with the number of player characters that the special state change control means has changed from a bad state to a good state. .

  According to the twentieth aspect, the number of transferred acquired items to be transferred can be changed according to the number of player characters changed from the bad state to the good state.

A twenty-first invention is a program according to any one of the first to twentieth inventions,
Change item placement means (for example, a game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that places in the virtual space a state change item that changes a player character from a bad state to a good state when all player characters are in a bad state. ) To function the computer,
Causing the computer to function as change item acquisition detection means (for example, a game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that detects acquisition of the state change item by a player character in a bad state,
In response to detection by the change item acquisition detection means, the computer is used as change item acquisition character change control means (for example, the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12) that changes the player character that has acquired the state change item to a good state. It is a program to make it function.

  According to the twenty-first aspect, the player character who has acquired the character variation item can be changed from the bad state to the good state.

  A twenty-second invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program of any one of the first to twenty-first inventions.

  According to the twenty-second aspect, an information storage medium that achieves the same effects as any of the first to twenty-first aspects is realized by causing a computer to read a program from the information storage medium and perform arithmetic processing. be able to.

The 24th invention is the game apparatus of the 23rd invention,
Providing means for performing a predetermined effect when the character state of the player character is changed by the state changing means.

  Here, the effect means includes, for example, a sound output means that has a vibration means, a sound output means, or a light emission means, and vibrates the vibration means in response to the change of the character state of the player character by the state change means. It is a means having a function of outputting a sound effect or a game sound such as BGM or causing a light emitting means to emit light.

  Therefore, according to the twenty-fourth aspect, a predetermined effect can be performed when the character state of the player character is changed.

The figure which shows the example of an external appearance of a game device. The figure for demonstrating the form of the player character in a good ball state, and the form of the player character in a bad ball state. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of a good ball state. The figure for demonstrating control of the virtual camera at the time of a bad ball state. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of a bad ball state. The figure for demonstrating the principle of the control processing at the time of a contact. The figure which shows the example of a game screen in the scene where the own character in a good state contacts the player character in a bad state. The figure for demonstrating the principle of the control processing at the time of a power period. The figure which shows an example of the scene where the own character in a bad state contacted the other character in a good state during a power period. The figure for demonstrating the change of the transfer number of a cookie. The figure which shows the example of a game screen in the scene where the own character acquired resurrection fruit. The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a game device. The figure which shows the data structural example of camera control information. The figure which shows the data structural example of player character information. The figure which shows the data structural example of game condition information. The figure which shows the data structural example of opponent player information. The figure which shows the data structural example of arrangement | positioning cookie data. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a game process. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a control process at the time of a contact. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a game device. The figure for demonstrating the modification of the control of the virtual camera at the time of a bad ball state. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of enabling switching operation of the game screen in a 1st person viewpoint, and the game screen in a 3rd person viewpoint. The figure for demonstrating the modification of the control of the virtual camera at the time of a bad ball state. The figure which shows the modification of a game screen when the own character is in a bad state. The figure which shows the example of an external appearance of a game system.

  Hereinafter, a game apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment relating to a game in which a plurality of players share the same virtual space at the same time. Hereinafter, a case where four players participate in the game and play a battle will be described as an example.

[Game device overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a game apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment. A game apparatus 1a shown in FIG. 1 is a portable game apparatus that is carried and used by a player, for example, and includes a direction key 3, a button switch 5, a display 7, a speaker 9, and the like for the player to input a game operation. It is configured with. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, and the like (not shown) are provided on the side of the housing.

  In the portable game apparatus 1a, an information storage medium 20 that is detachably attached to the housing body is used as an information storage medium for storing programs and data necessary for executing game processing. Or the above-mentioned program and data are good also as acquiring from an external device (for example, another game device) by the wireless communication module 13 mentioned later.

  Inside the housing, there is a control unit 11 equipped with a CPU and IC memories, and a game device (hereinafter referred to as “an opponent game device”) 1b operated by an opponent player (hereinafter referred to as “an opponent player”). And a wireless communication module 13 for forming a communication network, a reading device for the information storage medium 20, and the like, an operation signal input from the direction key 3 or the button switch 5, and a program read from the information storage medium 20 Various game processes are executed based on the data received from the opponent game device 1b by the wireless communication module 13 or the data, and the image signal of the game image and the sound signal of the game sound are generated. In the present embodiment, in each of the game devices 1a and 1b, processing for realizing a game in which the player who operates the game device 1a and the opponent player who operates the opponent game device 1b play each other is performed.

  The generated image signal of the game screen is output to the display 7, and the sound signal of the game sound is output to the speaker 9. The player himself / herself operates the direction key 3 and the button switch 5 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 7 to play against the opponent player and enjoy the game.

[Game Overview]
In the game according to the present embodiment, at least four players each operate a player character that is in a good state at the start of the game, and at least not in contact with a character (monster character) in a bad state that is computer controlled at the start of the game. The game is a game that moves in a maze-like virtual space that is shared between the two, and competes for the number of items that will be called “cookies” arranged in the virtual space.

As will be described in detail later, the player character in the good state changes to a bad state when it comes into contact with the monster character, and becomes a monster role that tracks the player character in the good state.
Alternatively, as described above, when the player character comes into contact with the monster character and changes to the bad character state, the player character changes to the bad character state. In this case, a player character that is in a bad state in contact with the player character changes to a good state.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the form of the player character in the good state and the form of the player character in the bad state. As shown in FIG. 2, since the form of the player character changes depending on whether the player character is in a good or bad state, the character state of the player character is in a good or bad state depending on the form of the player character. Can be identified.

  Each player character wears a different accessory as an identification display, and the player character is identified by this accessory so that a player who operates the player character can be identified. For example, a player character operated by the second player is identified from other player characters by “headphones” worn. In the following description, the second player wearing “headphones” will be described as the player.

  Furthermore, different player movement characteristics (movement characteristics) are defined in advance, and each player character has a corresponding movement characteristic regardless of whether it is in a good or bad state.

  For example, a player character operated by the first player moves at a speed 1.2 times that of other player characters. In addition, the player character operated by the second player obtains a cookie at a speed 1.5 times faster than other player characters. In addition, the player character operated by the third player has a jumping ability and performs a jumping action in accordance with instructions from the third player. The player character operated by the fourth player has a slip-through ability, and can pass by the side of other player characters and monster characters that face each other in the maze in accordance with instructions from the fourth player.

[Principle of virtual camera control processing]
First, the principle of the virtual camera control process will be described. In this embodiment, the virtual camera is controlled according to whether the player character is in a good or bad state.

1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the good state. As shown in FIG. 3, when the player character PC_2 is in a good state, the game screen is a third-person viewpoint overlooking the virtual space, and is an image showing the entire maze set in the virtual space. A game screen is generated. In the maze, computer control is performed so that the player characters PC_1, PC_2, PC_3, and PC_4 controlled based on the operation input of each player, and the player character moves in the maze starting from the nest N and tracks the player character. A monster character MC or the like is placed.

  Also, in the maze, a cookie C that can be acquired by contact of a player character in a good state and an item Pw_C, which will be referred to as “power cookie” hereinafter, as a special item are arranged. When the player's character PC_2 is in the good state, the player moves the player in the maze while avoiding the player character PC_3 and the monster character MC in the bad state, and makes contact with the cookie C arranged along the maze. Pick up cookies.

  In the present embodiment, the game is described as being terminated when all cookies are picked up. However, the game ends when a predetermined time limit elapses regardless of whether or not all cookies have been picked up. It doesn't matter.

  Further, when any player character obtains this by contacting the power cookie Pw_C, when a player character in a good state and a player character in a bad state are in contact for a predetermined period, This is a period in which the player character in the bad state is changed to the good state (hereinafter referred to as “power period”).

  In the game screen, the total number of cookies arranged on the maze in the initial state (cookie total number) and the remaining number of cookies currently arranged in the virtual space (cookie remaining number) are presented. For example, in the game screen shown in FIG. 3, the remaining number of cookies “167” currently arranged in the virtual space is presented in the remaining number display area E10.

  Also, the game screen presents the current cookie acquisition status by each player. For example, on the game screen shown in FIG. 3, the acquisition status display bar B10 presents the acquisition status of the cookie by each player, and the icon IC_2 represented in the form of the player's own character in the good state indicates the cookie acquisition status of the player. This shows that the number of acquisitions is the second highest at the present time.

2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the control of the virtual camera CM in the bad state. As shown in FIG. 4, when the player character PC_2 is in a bad state, the virtual camera CM is arranged closer to the player character PC_2 than in the case of a good player, and follows the player character PC_2 with a constant line-of-sight direction. Thus, the arrangement position is controlled. More specifically, in the bad state, the virtual camera CM follows the player character PC_2 with the direction of looking down slightly from the near side of the virtual space (lower side of FIG. 3) to the rear side (upper side of FIG. 3). To be controlled.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen in the bad state. As shown in FIG. 5, when the player character PC_2 is in a bad state, the virtual camera is controlled as described above, so that an image representing a narrow range including the player character PC_2 (an image with a narrow angle of view) is displayed. Is generated as a game screen. As described above, when the player character PC_2 is in a bad state, the player can not grasp the state of the entire maze, which is disadvantageous.

[Principle of control processing during contact]
Next, the principle of the contact control process will be described. In the present embodiment, when the player characters come into contact with each other, or when the player character and the monster character (hereinafter, collectively referred to as each player character and the monster character, simply referred to as “character”), Processing according to the character state of the character (control processing at the time of contact) is performed.

  More specifically, this contact-time control process branches depending on whether or not it is during a power period. When the player characters in the good state come into contact with each other, the player characters collide with each other, and when the characters in the bad state come into contact with each other, they pass through without colliding. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given focusing on the case where the player character comes into contact with a character having a different character state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the control process at the time of contact, and (a) is a diagram for explaining the control when the player character comes into contact with the monster character. As shown in FIG. 6A, when a player character in a good state comes into contact with a monster character, the player character changes to a bad state.
In this case, for example, an effect is given as if the monster character has been transferred to the player character, and the monster character that has contacted the player character is deleted.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining control when the player characters come into contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 6B, when a player character in a good ball state contacts a player character in a bad ball state, the player character in the good ball state is in a bad ball state, and the player character in the bad ball state is in a good ball state. Thus, the character state is switched.

  A specific explanation will be given with reference to the game screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in a situation where the player character PC_2 in the good state is in contact with the player character (hereinafter referred to as “partner character”) PC_3 in the bad state.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the own character PC_2 in the good state and the opponent character PC_3 in the bad state come into contact with each other in the maze, the virtual camera control process described above is performed as shown in FIG. 7B. A game screen representing a narrow range including the player character PC_2 is displayed, and the player character PC_2 in a good state changes to a bad player state. The own character PC_2 in a bad state is forcibly returned to the nest N of the monster character shown in FIG.
In this case, the player player moves the player character PC_2 using the nest N as a start point and tracks the player character in a good state.

  Then, the opponent character PC_3 in the bad state changes to a good state. Thus, when the player character is in a bad state, the player can return the character state to the good state by making contact with the player character in the good state.

  At this time, a part or all of the cookies acquired by the player (may be a predetermined number or all of them) may be rearranged in the maze. Become. That is, if the player character is in a good state and touches a player character in a bad state, the corresponding player loses the already acquired cookie. On the other hand, for the players other than the player, since the cookies lost by the player are rearranged in the maze as described above, it becomes an opportunity to increase the number of acquired cookies, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the control process at the time of contact during the power period, and (a) is a diagram for explaining the control when the player character in the power period comes into contact with the monster character. It is.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when a player character in a good state and a monster character come into contact with each other during the power state, the player character remains in a good state and the monster character is forcibly returned to the nest.
In this case, the monster character is controlled to perform the action of tracking the player character again using the nest as a starting point. At this time, a predetermined number of cookies may be given as a bonus to the player character that has contacted the monster character.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining control when the player characters come into contact with each other during the power period. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the player character in the good state contacts the player character in the bad state during the power period, the player character in the good state remains in the good state, and the bad character The player character in the state changes to a good state.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene in which the own character PC_2 in the bad state contacts the opponent character PC_3 in the good state during the power period. During the power period, a predetermined effect display indicating that the power period is in effect is performed. In the present embodiment, like the player character PC_2 shown in FIG. 9A, the fact that the character is in the power period is displayed by changing the color and expression of the character in the bad state.

  Then, when the own character PC_2 in the bad state and the opponent character PC_3 in the good state are in contact with each other in the maze during the power period, the opponent character PC_3 in the good state is good as shown in (b). The player character PC_2 that is in the state and in the bad state changes to the good state. At this time, a predetermined number (for example, 20) of cookies set in advance among the cookies acquired by the player are transferred to the opponent player who operates the opponent character PC_3.

  In this way, a player character in a bad state can return to a good state by contacting the player character in a good state during the power period, but loses a predetermined number of cookies acquired at this time. . On the other hand, the player character in the bad state can take away a predetermined number of cookies from the player who operates the player character in the bad state by contacting the player character in the bad state during the power period.

  Specifically, the number of cookies transferred from a player character that is in a bad state during a power period to a player character that is in a good state is the number of cookies that the player character that is in a good state has a player character that is in a bad state during the power period. It changes according to the number of times changed to the good state.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the change in the number of cookie transfers. When the player character PC_2 sequentially contacts the opponent characters PC_1, PC_3, and PC_4, the opponents who operate the opponent characters PC_1, PC_3, and PC_4. The number of cookies transferred from the player to the player is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the number of cookies transferred from the player to the player of the opponent character PC_1 that is first changed to the good state after the power period is reached is, for example, 20, and the second character is changed to the good state. For example, the number of cookies transferred from the player of the opponent character PC_3 to the player is 40, for example, and the number of cookies transferred from the player of the opponent character PC_4 changed to the third good player to the player is 80, for example. Yes, it will be increased sequentially. The change in the number of transfers shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and is set as appropriate. Further, the number of transfers is a number within the range of the number of cookies that the player has, for example, a maximum of 50 is transferred from a player who has 50 cookies, and the number of cookies is not negative.

  In this way, for the opponent player who operates the opponent character PC_4 that is in contact with the third player, the opponent character PC_4 can return to the good state, but the number of cookies to be lost becomes enormous. On the other hand, during the power period, the player character in the good state can take away more cookies from the corresponding player as he / she continuously contacts the player character in the bad state, so there is an opportunity to increase the number of acquired cookies. .

  Then, if all the player characters in the maze are in a bad state by the above-described control process at the time of contact, a state that can be acquired by contacting a player character in a bad state at a predetermined position in the maze An item called “Resurrection fruit” as a change item appears. The player character who has acquired this fruit by touching the resurrection fruit changes from a bad state to a good state.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in a scene where the player character PC_2 has acquired the revival fruit F. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the player character PC_2 acquires the revived fruit F arranged in the maze when all the player characters are in a bad state, as shown in FIG. In addition, the game screen showing the entire maze is displayed by the virtual camera control process described above, and the player character PC_2 in the bad state changes to the good state.

  Thus, even if all player characters are in a bad state, the player character who has acquired the revival fruit F that appears at a predetermined position in the maze can change from a bad state to a good state.

  In addition, the arrangement | positioning position of resurrection fruit may be a predetermined position, and may be decided at random each time. The revived fruit may be caused to appear regardless of whether or not all player characters are in a bad state. According to this, the player character in the bad state who can luckily acquire the recovered fruit can return to the good state.

[Function configuration]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the game apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the game apparatus 1a includes an operation unit 100, a processing unit 200, a display unit 300, a sound output unit 400, a communication unit 500, and a storage unit 600.

  The operation unit 100 is a device for the player who operates the game apparatus 1 a to input various game operations, and an operation signal input from the operation unit 100 is output to the processing unit 200. The operation unit 100 is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, and various sensors. In FIG. 1, the direction key 3 and the button switch 5 correspond to this.

  The processing unit 200 performs various processes such as control of the entire game apparatus 1a, instructions to each functional unit in the game apparatus 1a, image processing, sound processing, and the like based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 600. . The functions of the processing unit 200 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and a given program. In FIG. 1, the control unit 11 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 includes a game calculation unit 220, an image generation unit 240, and a sound generation unit 260 as main functional units, and generates one image in one frame time (1/60 seconds). The display unit 300 displays and outputs sound effects and BGM to the sound output unit 400 as appropriate.

  The game calculation unit 220 is based on an operation signal input from the operation unit 100, a program or data read from the storage unit 600, data transmitted from the opponent game device 1 b connected via the communication unit 500, or the like. Various processes including virtual space setting processing, object placement processing in virtual space, object intersection determination processing (hit check processing), game result calculation processing, virtual camera position and line-of-sight direction, angle of view setting processing, etc. The game process is performed, and the processing result is output to the image generation unit 240 and the sound generation unit 260.

  The game calculation unit 220 includes a virtual camera control unit 221, a contact time control unit 223, and a game situation management unit 225.

  The virtual camera control unit 221 performs virtual camera control processing according to whether the player character is in a good or bad state according to camera control information 620 described later.

  The contact-time control unit 223 performs a contact-time control process according to the state of each contacted character depending on whether or not the character is in contact in the virtual space.

  The game situation management unit 225 periodically transmits the game situation information 640 stored in the storage unit 600 to the opponent game apparatus 1b, and uses the game situation information of the opponent player received from the opponent game apparatus 1b as the opponent player information 650. Processing for updating and storing in the storage unit 600 is executed.

  The image generation unit 240 is realized by, for example, hardware such as a CPU or DSP, a control program for the hardware, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. The image generation unit 240 generates a game screen based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 220 and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the display unit 300.

  The sound generator 260 is realized by, for example, hardware such as a CPU and a DSP and a control program thereof. The sound generation unit 260 generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM used during the game based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 220, and outputs the generated game sound signal to the sound output unit 400. To do.

  The display unit 300 is a device for displaying various game screens based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 240. The display unit 300 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), and the display 7 corresponds to this in FIG. The player enjoys the game by operating the operation unit 100 while watching the game screen displayed on the display unit 300.

  The sound output unit 400 is a device for outputting sound effects and BGM based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 260, and the speaker 9 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The communication unit 500 controls data communication with the outside (for example, the opponent game device 1b). The function of the communication unit 500 is realized by, for example, a wireless communication module, a modem, TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and the wireless communication module 13 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The storage unit 600 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 200 to control the game apparatus 1a in an integrated manner, and a program and data necessary for executing the game. The function of the storage unit 600 is realized by, for example, an IC memory, a hard disk, a memory card, and the like. In FIG. 1, the information storage medium 20 and the IC memory mounted on the control unit 11 correspond to this. In particular, a game program 610 is stored to realize this embodiment.

  The game program 610 functions as a virtual camera control program 611 for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the virtual camera control unit 221, a contact time control program 613 for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the contact time control unit 223, and a game situation management unit 225. And a game situation management program 615 for making it happen.

  The data includes camera control information 620, player character information 630, game situation information 640, opponent player information 650, arrangement cookie data 660, and power period flag 670. Although not shown in the drawing, as other information, information related to objects for displaying various items such as game stages and cookies arranged on the stage, power cookies, revived fruits, and the like are stored.

  The camera control information 620 stores setting values such as a posture and an angle of view as data relating to control of the virtual camera. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the camera control information 620. As shown in FIG. 13, the camera control information 620 defines the virtual camera placement position, the line-of-sight direction, and the angle of view for each character state.

  According to the camera control information 620, when the player character is in a good state, the virtual camera control unit 221 fixes the placement position and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera so that the entire maze fits within the game screen as the angle of view. Set a wider value than the angle of view of the virtual camera in the state. On the other hand, when the player character is in the bad state, the virtual camera control unit 221 fixes the virtual direction in the good state so that the direction of the line of sight is fixed and an image representing a narrow range including the player character is generated as the angle of view. A value smaller than the angle of view of the camera is set, and the arrangement position of the virtual camera is controlled so as to follow the player character.

  The player character information 630 stores data related to the player character. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the player character information 630. Player character information 630 shown in FIG. 14 is prepared for each player character, and player character identification information 631 that is a character name or the like for identifying the player character, an accessory 632 worn by the player character, and the player character. Each of the movement characteristics 633. Each player is assigned such that any one of a plurality of types of player characters defined in the player character information 630 does not overlap with other players at the start of the game.

  The game status information 640 updates and stores information related to the current game status of the player. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the game situation information 640. As shown in FIG. 15, the game situation information 640 is player identification information 641 such as a player name for identifying the player, and player character identification information of the player character (own character) assigned to the player. The player character identification information 642 used, the current character state (good or bad state) 643, the current character's acquired cookie count 644, the current position 645 of the current character, And the number of times the character has changed to a bad state 646.

  The opponent player information 650 updates and stores the latest game status information of the opponent player received from the opponent game device 1b as needed. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the opponent player information 650. As shown in FIG. 16, the opponent player information 650 is data having the same data structure as the game situation information 640 described above, and the game situation information received from each opponent game device 1b is stored as the opponent player information 650. .

  The arrangement cookie data 660 stores information related to cookies arranged in the virtual space. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the arrangement cookie data 660. As shown in FIG. 17, the arrangement cookie data 660 includes the total number of cookies 661 arranged in the virtual space at the start of the game, the remaining number of cookies 662 arranged in the virtual space at the present time, and the virtual space at the present time. And the arrangement position information 663 of the cookies arranged in.

  The power period flag 670 is flag information in which “OFF” is set as an initial value, and is set to “ON” when a good player character and a power cookie come into contact with each other, and when a predetermined time has elapsed. It is updated to “OFF”.

[Process flow]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 19, the game processing in the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized by the processing unit 200 reading and executing the game program 610 including the virtual camera control program 611, the contact time control program 613, and the game situation management program 615.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game process in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, first, the game calculation unit 220 accepts an opponent player participating in the game (step s10). At this time, the game calculation unit 220 initializes the game situation information 640 by determining that the player character assigned to the player does not overlap with the opponent player.

  Subsequently, the game situation management unit 225 starts a game situation management process (step s20).

  In this game situation management process, the game situation management unit 225 executes the following process until a game end determination to be described later is made. That is, the game situation management unit 225, for example, transmits the game situation information 640 to the opponent game device 1b for each frame, and receives the game situation information from the opponent game device 1b, according to the player identification information. The player information 650 is updated / stored.

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 220 starts the game by displaying on the display 7 a game screen in which items such as the player character, the opponent character, the monster character, the cookie, and the power cookie are arranged at the initial position in the virtual space, and ends the game. Until the determination is made, the process of loop A is repeatedly executed (steps s30 to s220). At this time, the arrangement cookie data 660 is initialized based on the arrangement position and the total number of cookies arranged in the virtual space.

  In the loop A, the game calculation unit 220 first executes a CPU character control process to control the movement of the CPU-controlled monster character (step s40).

  Next, the game calculation unit 220 controls the movement action of the player character based on the operation input of the player player, and updates the game situation information 640 (step s50). More specifically, the game calculation unit 220 refers to the corresponding player character information 630 according to the used player character identification information 642 set in the game situation information 640, and controls the movement of the player character based on the movement characteristic 633.

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 220 refers to the opponent player information 650 and controls the movement action of the opponent character (step s60).

  And the game calculating part 220 performs a game determination process (step s70). Here, contact determination between characters, acquisition detection of various items by the player character, arrangement cookie data 660 and update of the number of acquired cookies of each player based on the detection result are executed.

  If it is determined that the characters are in contact with each other in the virtual space as a result of the game determination in step s70 (step s80: YES), then the contact time control unit 223 performs the contact time control process (step s80). s90). FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the contact control process.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, the contact time control unit 223 first refers to the power period flag 670 to determine whether or not the power period is in progress. If it is not during the power period (step s901: NO), the contact-time control unit 223, when the contacted character is a player character and a monster character, as described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the touched characters are the player characters, processing corresponding to the character state of each touched character is executed as shown in FIG. 6B (step s903).

  Subsequently, the contact-time control unit 223 determines that the cookie is rearranged when the contact between the characters is between the player character in the good state and the player character in the bad state (step s905: YES) If the contact between the player character in the good state and the opponent character in the bad state is further made (step s907: YES), for example, the rearrangement positions of a predetermined number of cookies are determined at random, for example. The cookie is rearranged and the arrangement cookie data 660 is updated (step s909). Then, the contact control unit 223 distributes the updated arrangement cookie data 660 to each opponent game device 1b (step s911).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step s907 that the contact character is not in contact with the opponent character in the bad state and the opponent character in the bad state in step s907, the control unit 223 waits until receiving the arrangement cookie data from the opponent game device 1b. To do. When receiving the contact (step s913: YES), the contact control unit 223 updates the arrangement cookie data 660 (step s915), and rearranges the cookie based on the updated arrangement cookie data 660 (step s915). s917).

  If it is determined in step s901 that the power period is in progress, the contact-time control unit 223, when the contacted character is a player character and a monster character, as described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the touched characters are the player characters, the process according to the character state of each touched character is executed as shown in FIG. 8B (step s919).

  Subsequently, the contact-time control unit 223 determines that the cookie is transferred when the contact between the characters is between the player character in the good state and the player character in the bad state (step s921: YES). ) Further, if the contact between the player character in the good state and the opponent character in the bad state is made (step s923: YES), the player character in which the player character is in the bad state during the power period is in the good state. The number of transfers is determined according to the number of times of change, and the number of acquired cookies for each player is updated (step s925). Then, the contact-time control unit 223 designates the transfer-source opponent player and the transfer-destination player, and distributes the determined transfer number of cookies to each opponent game device 1b (step s927).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step s923 that the contact character is not in contact with the player character in the good state and the opponent character in the bad state, the contact-time control unit 223 receives the number of cookies transferred from the opponent game device 1b. Wait until. Then, when receiving (step s929: YES), the contact-time control unit 223 updates the number of acquired cookies of the corresponding player (step s931).

  Returning to FIG. 18, when it is detected as a result of the game determination in step s70 that a power cookie has been acquired by a player character in a good state (step s100: YES), the game calculation unit 220 subsequently sets the power state flag to “ON”. (Step s110).

  Further, the game calculation unit 220 determines whether or not it is the end timing of the power state, and in the case of the end timing (step s120: YES), sets “OFF” in the power state flag (step s130).

  Next, the game calculation unit 220 determines the character state of each player character, and if it is determined that all player characters are in a bad state (step s140: YES), the restored fruit is placed at a predetermined position in the maze. Arrange (step s150).

  On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the game determination in step s70 that the acquisition of the revived fruit by the player character in the bad state is detected (step s160: YES), the game calculation unit 220 determines the character state of the player character. The bad state is changed to the good state (step s170), and the resurrection fruit is deleted (step s180).

  Subsequently, the virtual camera control unit 221 controls the virtual camera according to the character state of the player character according to the camera control information 620 (step s190). Then, the image generation unit 240 generates an image of the virtual space viewed from the virtual camera (step s200), and displays the game screen on the display unit 300 (step s210).

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 220 performs a game end determination, and when the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the process of the loop A is ended. Specifically, the game calculation unit 220 determines whether or not the game is over on condition that the remaining cookie number 662 is updated to “0”.

  When the loop A is completed, the game calculation unit 220 refers to, for example, the game situation information 640 and the opponent player information 650, and calculates a game result based on the number of acquired cookies of each player (step s230). And the game calculating part 220 displays the calculated game result (step s240), and complete | finishes this process.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the game apparatus 1a in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 20, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and I / O ports 1012 and 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so A control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

  The CPU 1000 controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing in accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as initialization information of the apparatus main body), and a signal input by the control apparatus 1022. Do.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, and the like.

  An information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like. As an information storage medium, a memory such as a ROM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, an IC card, a magnetic A disk, an optical disk or the like is used. This information storage medium 1006 corresponds to the storage unit 600 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008 provided in this apparatus can appropriately output sound and images.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information based on information sent from the ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, the information storage medium 1006, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 1000, and the generated display signal is output to the display device 1018. . The display device 1018 is realized by a CRT, LCD, TV, plasma display, projector, or the like, and corresponds to the display unit 300 shown in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates sound signals according to information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 and sound data stored in the RAM 1004 according to instructions from the CPU 1000. Output from the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 400 shown in FIG.

  The control device 1022 is a device for the player to input an operation related to the game, and its function is realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing. The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation unit 100 shown in FIG.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges information used inside the device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is used to transmit / receive given information according to a program to / from another device. The communication device 1024 corresponds to the communication unit 500 shown in FIG.

  The above-described processing such as game processing is realized by the information storage medium 1006 storing the game program 610 and the like described with reference to FIG. 12, and the CPU 1000, the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like that operate according to these programs. . The CPU 1000 and the image generation IC 1010 correspond to the processing unit 200 shown in FIG. 12, and the CPU 1000 mainly corresponds to the game calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 12, and the image generation IC 1010 corresponds to the image generation unit 240 shown in FIG. .

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP. In this case, the CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 200 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each player character is worn with a different accessory regardless of whether the player character is in a good or bad state. Therefore, it is easy to identify which player character is operated by which player, and it can be visually displayed.

Moreover, the area | region in the virtual space made into display object can be changed according to whether a self-character is in a good state or a bad state. Specifically, when the player character is in a good state, the game screen is an image representing the entire maze set in the virtual space, which is a third-person game screen overlooking the virtual space. Is displayed.
On the other hand, when the player character is in a bad state, a game screen that is an image representing a narrow range including the player character is displayed. As described above, when the player's character is in a bad state, the player cannot grasp the entire maze, which is disadvantageous. Therefore, an interesting screen display according to the character state of the player character can be realized, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  The region in the virtual space to be displayed may be changed so as to become narrower as the number of times increases, for example, according to the number of times 646 that the player character has changed to a bad state.

[Modification]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the virtual camera is controlled by the control of the virtual camera control unit 221 so that an image representing a narrow range including the own character is generated when the own character is in a bad state. However, it may be as follows.

  That is, the virtual camera control unit 221 may control the virtual camera so that when the player character is in a bad state, a game screen is generated with a first-person viewpoint that looks at the virtual space from the viewpoint of the player character. .

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the control of the virtual camera CM in this case. As shown in FIG. 21, when the player character PC_2 is in a bad state, the virtual camera CM is arranged so as to look down slightly from the upper and rear sides of the player character PC_2, and its arrangement position is controlled following the player character PC_2. Is done. At this time, the viewing direction of the virtual camera CM is the viewing direction of the player character PC_2.

  Even in this case, since the state of the entire maze cannot be grasped on the game screen when the player character is in the bad state, it is disadvantageous for the player. Furthermore, since the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera CM becomes the line-of-sight direction of the player character, the upper, lower, left, and right directions of the game screen are changed along with the movement of the player character, and the direction of the virtual space is easily lost. It is. Note that an image of a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint corresponding to the eyes of the player character may be generated as a game screen.

Alternatively, when the player character is in a good state, the player's operation is performed on the game screen in the first person viewpoint as described above and the game screen in the third person viewpoint overlooking the virtual space shown in FIG. It may be switchable according to the input.
Further, in this case, when the player character is in a bad state, the switching operation described above may be impossible.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen when a switching operation between a game screen from the first person viewpoint and a game screen from the third person viewpoint is enabled. As shown in FIG. 22, the game screen (a) is a third-person viewpoint overlooking the virtual space, which is an image showing the entire maze set in the virtual space, and the own character PC_2. The game screen (b) from the first person viewpoint when viewing the virtual space from the viewpoint may be switched and displayed according to the operation input of the player.

  In the above-described embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 4, in the bad state, the virtual camera CM follows the own character with the direction of looking down slightly from the near side of the virtual space toward the rear. Although controlled, the line-of-sight direction is not limited to this direction.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the control of the virtual camera CM in this case. As shown in FIG. 23, when the player character PC_2 changes to a bad state, the virtual camera CM is arranged at a position closer to the player character PC_2 than in the good state. Direction looking down slightly from the front side of the space toward the rear, (2) Direction looking down slightly from the back side of the virtual space, (3) Direction looking down slightly from the left side of the virtual space toward the right, (4) A direction slightly looking down from the right side to the left side of the virtual space is randomly selected. In this case, the virtual camera CM is controlled to follow the player character PC_2 with the selected direction as the line-of-sight direction.

  According to this, when the player character is in a bad state, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera CM is randomly determined as any one of the above-described (1) to (4), so the virtual space on the game screen The direction of is changed. Therefore, since it becomes easy to lose sight of the direction of the virtual space, it is disadvantageous for the player.

  In addition, an effect that the player character is in a bad state may be performed on the game screen. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen in this case. As shown in FIG. 24, when the player character PC_2 is in a bad state, an effect display such as changing the background color of the game screen may be performed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when all the player characters are in a bad state, an item called resurrection fruit is arranged in the maze. For example, this resurrection fruit is arranged in a virtual space at predetermined intervals. It may be a character that moves its position or moves at a constant slow speed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the movement is controlled based on the movement characteristics defined for the player character regardless of whether the player character is in a good or bad state. It may be. In other words, when the player character in the good state and the player character in the bad state come into contact with each other, the movement characteristic of the player character that has changed from the good state to the bad state is changed to that of the player character that has changed from the bad state to the good state. It is good also as adding. According to this, the character in the bad state learns the movement characteristics of the player character and grows by contacting the player character in the good state.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a player character in a good state and a player character in a bad state come into contact with each other during the power period, a predetermined number of cookies are given to a player who operates the player character in the good state. In this case, the movement characteristic of the player character that has changed from the bad state to the good state may be added to the movement characteristic of the player character that has been in the good state from the beginning. According to this, a character in a good state learns the player's movement characteristics and grows by contacting a player character in a bad state during the power period.

  Moreover, it is good also as effect display according to the ratio of the number of characters in the good state in a virtual space, and the number of characters in a bad state. As a specific example, the background image may be changed and produced according to the ratio of the number of characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state. For example, the color information is varied such that the more characters in the good state, the brighter the screen, and the darker the screen, the more characters in the bad state. Or it is good also as changing and producing BGM and the sound effect to output.

  Moreover, it is good also as changing the appearance probability of the object of various items arrange | positioned in a stage (maze) according to the ratio of the number of characters in a good state in a virtual space, and the number of characters in a bad state.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the own character is in the bad state, the virtual camera is controlled so that an image having a narrow angle of view is generated compared to the case where the own character is in the good state. However, the angle of view may be further changed according to the ratio between the number of characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state in the virtual space. For example, the virtual camera may be controlled so that an image with a narrower angle of view is generated as the proportion of characters in a bad state increases.

  Further, the number of virtual camera viewpoints that can be switched may be changed according to the switching operation of the player in accordance with the ratio between the number of characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state in the virtual space. For example, you may comprise so that the viewpoint of a virtual camera can be switched in multiple steps, so that the ratio of the character in a bad state is small. Specifically, as a switchable viewpoint, for example, a viewpoint that gradually narrows the display range in the virtual space is defined in advance, and the switching operation is not possible according to the proportion of characters in a bad state. Adjust the viewpoint.

  In addition, depending on the ratio of the number of characters in the good state and the number of characters in the bad state in the virtual space, the type and color of the objects placed in the stage (maze) are changed and set in the virtual space. It is also possible to change the structure of the maze. Specifically, depending on the proportion of characters in the bad state, the number of block objects that become walls that block the passage in the maze is changed in stages to increase or decrease the portion that cannot be advanced, and the player character It is good also as restrict | limiting the movement path | route in a maze.

  Also, when the character state of the player character is changed by the contact between the player character in the good state and the opponent character in the bad state, or the contact between the player character in the bad state and the partner character in the good state The sound effect according to the character state of the changed character may be output.

  Alternatively, the BGM to be output may be changed depending on whether the player character is in a good or bad state, and the character state of the player character may be produced. That is, the BGM for the good ball state may be output in the good ball state, and the BGM for the bad ball state may be output in the bad ball state.

Further, the game apparatus 1a may be configured to include a light emitting device, and when the character state of the player character is changed, the processing unit 200 may control the light emission of the light emitting device.
Alternatively, the game apparatus 1a may be configured to include a vibration device, and the processing unit 200 may control the vibration of the vibration device when the character state of the player character is changed.

  In the above description, the character states are described as “good state” and “bad state”, but this is a naming for simplifying the description, and “first state” and “second state”. Of course, even if it is naming.

  Further, the game of the present embodiment can also be played as a group, and can be realized as follows, for example. That is, the team is organized according to the player's operation input before the game starts. Then, when the player characters come into contact with each other during the game, the contact-time control unit 223 switches the character state when the teams of the players who are in contact are different.

  As the game apparatus, not only the portable game apparatus 1a shown in FIG. 1, but also an arcade game machine, a home game machine, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, and a large attraction apparatus in which a large number of players participate. It can be similarly applied to.

  Specifically, as a system configuration for realizing a network game, for example, (1) a personal computer or a home game machine installed in a home is used as a game terminal, and a wired / wireless communication line such as an Internet network or a dedicated network (2) A configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are connected to each other via a communication line without using a game server, (3) A plurality of game terminals to be connected to each other via a communication line However, one of them has a game server function, and (4) a configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are physically combined to form a single system (for example, a game machine). Etc. The present invention is applicable to any system configuration.

  Here, the communication line N means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line N is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  For example, FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of the game system 1300 when the system configuration is a configuration in which a plurality of game devices are physically coupled to form a single device as a whole. In the game system 1300 shown in FIG. 25, four players can play a game simultaneously. Each player operates the stick 1340 and the button 1360 while listening to the game sound output from the speaker 1320, and enjoys the game while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1310.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Game device 100 Operation part 200 Processing part 220 Game calculating part 221 Virtual camera control part 223 Control part at the time of contact 225 Game situation management part 240 Image generation part 260 Sound generation part 300 Display part 400 Sound output part 500 Communication part 600 Storage part 610 Game program 611 Virtual camera control program 613 Contact control program 615 Game situation management program 620 Camera control information 630 Player character information 640 Game situation information 650 Opponent player information 660 Placement cookie data 670 Power period flag

Claims (12)

A player character that shares a virtual space in which a moving path through which the character can move is shared with a computer system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game, and each player is in a first state at least at the start of the game Is a program for executing a game that moves on the movement path so as not to contact a character in a second state that is computer controlled at least at the start of the game,
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Stage form changing means for changing the form of the stage by increasing or decreasing the portion of the moving path that cannot be advanced according to the ratio of the number of player characters in the first state and the number of characters in the second state;
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
A program for causing the computer system to function as The stage form changing means, the number of player characters in a first state and in accordance with the ratio of the number of characters in the second state, and the traveling impossible by changing the number of arranged objects as walls blocking the passage The program of Claim 1 for functioning the said computer system so that the part to perform may be increased / decreased . A computer system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game shares a virtual space, and each player operates a player character that is in the first state at least at the start of the game, and is computer controlled at least at the start of the game This is a program for executing a game in which the player character in the first state competes for the number of items that can be acquired by moving in the virtual space so as not to contact the character in the second state. And
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Item placement means for placing a plurality of the items in the virtual space;
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
Item acquisition control means for performing control to acquire an item in contact with the player character when the player character in the first state contacts the arranged item;
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
As the computer system functions as
When the item placement means contacts the player character in the first state with the player character in the second state, some or all of the items acquired by the player character in the first state are stored in the virtual space. A program for causing the computer system to function so as to be rearranged. A computer system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game shares a virtual space, and each player operates a player character that is in the first state at least at the start of the game, and is computer controlled at least at the start of the game This is a program for executing a game in which the player character in the first state competes for the number of items that can be acquired by moving in the virtual space so as not to contact the character in the second state. And
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Item placement means for placing a plurality of the items in the virtual space;
If the player character in the first state and the player character in the second state contact each other for a predetermined period, the player character in the first state remains in the first state, and the player character in the second state remains Special item placement means for placing a special item to be changed to the first state in the virtual space;
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
Item acquisition control means for performing control to acquire an item in contact with the player character when the player character in the first state contacts the arranged item;
Special item acquisition detecting means for detecting acquisition of the special item by the player character in the first state;
During the predetermined period from the detection by the special item acquisition detection means, during the period, a period effect control means for performing a predetermined effect that is in the period,
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
As the computer system functions as
The state change control means is in the first state when the player character in the first state and the player character in the second state contact each other for the predetermined period from the detection by the special item acquisition detection means. A program for causing the computer system to function so as to have state special change control means for changing the player character in the second state to the first state while keeping the player character in the first state. Part or all of items acquired by the player character changed from the second state to the first state by the state special change control means are acquired items of the player character in the first state in contact with the player character. The program according to claim 4 for causing the computer system to function as item transfer control means for performing control of transfer. The item transfer control means causes the computer system to function so as to change the transfer number of acquired items in accordance with the number of player characters that the state special change control means has changed from the second state to the first state. The program according to claim 5 . A computer system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game shares a virtual space, and each player operates a player character that is in the first state at least at the start of the game, and is computer controlled at least at the start of the game A program for executing a game for moving in the virtual space so as not to contact a character in the second state,
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
As well as causing the computer system to function as
Change item placement means for placing in the virtual space a state change item that changes the player character from the second state to the first state when all player characters are in the second state;
Change item acquisition detection means for detecting acquisition of the state change item by the player character in the second state;
Change item acquisition character change control means for changing the player character that has acquired the state change item to the first state in response to detection by the change item acquisition detection means;
A program for causing the computer system to function as Computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to any one of claims 1-7. A game system having a plurality of operation means and executing a multiplayer game, sharing a virtual space in which a moving path through which a character can move is set , and each player being in a first state at least at the start of the game A game system for operating a character and executing a game that moves on the moving path so as not to contact a character in a second state that is computer controlled at least at the start of the game,
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Stage form changing means for changing the form of the stage by increasing / decreasing a portion of the moving path that cannot be advanced according to the ratio of the number of player characters in the first state and the number of characters in the second state;
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
A game system with A game system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game, shares a virtual space, and each player operates a player character in a first state at least at the start of the game, and at least a computer at the start of the game It is a game system that executes a game in which the player character in the first state competes for the number of items that can be acquired by moving in the virtual space so as not to contact the character in the second state that is the control. And
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Item placement means for placing a plurality of the items in the virtual space;
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
Item acquisition control means for performing control to acquire an item in contact with the player character when the player character in the first state comes into contact with the arranged item;
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
With
When the item placement means contacts the player character in the first state with the player character in the second state, some or all of the items acquired by the player character in the first state are stored in the virtual space. To rearrange,
Game system. A game system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game, shares a virtual space, and each player operates a player character in a first state at least at the start of the game, and at least a computer at the start of the game It is a game system that executes a game in which the player character in the first state competes for the number of items that can be acquired by moving in the virtual space so as not to contact the character in the second state that is the control. And
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Item placement means for placing a plurality of the items in the virtual space;
If the player character in the first state and the player character in the second state contact each other for a predetermined period, the player character in the first state remains in the first state, and the player character in the second state remains Special item placement means for placing a special item to be changed to the first state in the virtual space;
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
Item acquisition control means for performing control to acquire an item in contact with the player character when the player character in the first state contacts the arranged item;
Special item acquisition detecting means for detecting acquisition of the special item by the player character in the first state;
During the predetermined period from the detection by the special item acquisition detection means, during the period, a period effect control means for performing a predetermined effect that is in the period,
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
With
The state change control means is in the first state when the player character in the first state and the player character in the second state contact each other for the predetermined period from the detection by the special item acquisition detection means. State special change control means for changing the player character in the second state to the first state while keeping the player character in the first state;
Game system. A game system that has a plurality of operation means and executes a multiplayer game, shares a virtual space, and each player operates a player character in a first state at least at the start of the game, and at least a computer at the start of the game A game system for executing a game for moving in the virtual space so as not to contact a character in a second state as a control,
The character in the first state and the character in the second state have different forms,
Player character control means for controlling the movement of the corresponding player character in accordance with the operation input of each player;
When the player character in the first state and the character in the second state come into contact with each other, control is performed to change the player character in the first state to the second state. In the case of a character, state change control means for performing control to change the player character to the first state;
Identification display control means for identifying and displaying which character each player character is, regardless of whether the player character is in the first state or the second state;
In addition,
Change item placement means for placing in the virtual space a state change item that changes the player character from the second state to the first state when all player characters are in the second state;
Change item acquisition detection means for detecting acquisition of the state change item by the player character in the second state;
In response to detection by the change item acquisition detection means, a change item acquisition character change control means for changing the player character that has acquired the state change item to the first state;
A game system with

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