JP6084411B2 - Game program and game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to improvement of a game image at the time of lock-on in a video game.

  There is a game in which a player character operated by a player attacks a target object such as an enemy character. In order to facilitate the game play of this type of game, there is one provided with a lock-on function for fixing the target object to be attacked in the field of view (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The lock-on function of the prior art guides the camera line of sight near the face of the target monster regardless of conditions such as the size of the target object and the distance from the target object.

JP 2001-84397 A

  However, many monsters that are target objects are larger than player objects, and some target objects fly or jump toward the player object.

  If the camera's line of sight is directed toward the face of a large target object or a target object that is flying away as described above, the line of sight looks up greatly, making it difficult to see the target object. There was a point.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a game program and a game system that can display a target object on a game screen in an easy-to-see manner when the lock is turned on.

A game program according to the present invention includes a computer having a display and an operation unit operated by a user, game space control means for generating a virtual game space, a player object in the game space, and the operation unit Player object control means for activating the player object in the game space based on the object operation information input from the target object control means for generating a target object in the game space and activating in the game space, Game image drawing means for generating a game image that is an image of a game space taken from a specific line of sight with a virtual camera and displaying it on the display. Towards a focused point of view Te instructing the game image drawing means to control the line of sight of the virtual camera to a lock-on means game program to function as, the lock-on means, and the player object or the virtual camera and the target object The gazing point is moved downward as the distance becomes smaller .

In the above invention, the lock-on means further moves the gazing point downward in accordance with an upward difference in height from the position of the player object or the virtual camera to the position of the target object . It may be a thing.

A game program according to the present invention includes a computer having a display and an operation unit operated by a user, game space control means for generating a virtual game space, a player object in the game space, and the operation unit Player object control means for activating the player object in the game space based on the object operation information input from the target object control means for generating a target object in the game space and activating in the game space, Game image drawing means for generating a game image that is an image of a game space taken from a specific line of sight with a virtual camera and displaying it on the display. Towards a focused point of view Wherein a said game image lock-on means for instructing the drawing unit game program to function as a, so as to control the line of sight of the virtual camera, the lock-on means, the target object from the position of the player object or the virtual camera Te The gazing point is moved downward in accordance with an increase in altitude difference up to the position of .

  The lock-on means instructs the game image drawing means to further control the height of the virtual camera based on the positional relationship between the player object or the virtual camera and the target object. It may be a thing.

  A game system according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores the game program and a processing unit that executes the game program stored in the storage unit.

  According to the present invention, even if the target object is larger than the player object or flying, the gazing point is controlled according to the positional relationship with the player object or the virtual camera. It becomes possible to display the target object in an easy-to-see manner when turned on.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] It is an external view which shows one Embodiment of the game device based on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the hardware constitutions of the game device shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a functional structure of a control part. It is a screen figure which shows the one scene in progress of a game. It is a figure which shows a "target control" panel image. It is a figure which shows the image of the state in which the "target scope" image is superimposed and displayed on the "target control" panel. It is a figure which shows the image of the state in which the "outside area" image is superimposed and displayed on the "target control" panel. It is a figure which shows the image of the state in which the "target scope" image and the "out of area" image are superimposed and displayed on the "target control" panel. It is a figure explaining the visual line direction of the virtual camera at the time of lock on. It is a figure explaining the visual line direction of the virtual camera at the time of lock on. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image in which a first “target” image and a second “target” image are displayed in a “target control” panel. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image in which a first “target scope” image is superimposed and displayed on a “target control” panel. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image in which a second “target scope” image is superimposed and displayed on a “target control” panel. It is a figure which shows the image by which the 2nd "outside area" image is superimposed and displayed on the "target control" panel. It is a figure which shows the image by which the 2nd "target scope" image and the "out of area" image are superimposed and displayed on the 2nd "target" panel display part. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of target control display processing executed by a control unit 30. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the interrupt I performed by the control part 30 in case the number of target characters is one. It is a flowchart which shows the process of interruption II performed by the control part 30 in the case of two target characters. It is a flowchart which shows the process of interruption III in case the number of target characters is two performed by the control part 30. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of "target scope display process I." It is a flowchart which shows a lock on process. It is a flowchart which shows a camera reset process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of “target scope display processing II”. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of “target scope display processing II”.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of a game apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 includes an upper main body 10 and a lower main body 20 each having a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper main body 10 and the lower main body 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to open and close by rotating around the central hinge portion 1A. On the surface where the upper body 10 and the lower body 20 face each other, that is, on both surfaces visible in FIG. The display units 11 and 21 can employ a liquid crystal panel display, a plasma display, an EL (Electro luminescence) display, or the like.

  The lower main body 20 is provided with an operation member 22 known as a controller of the game machine on the left and right sides of the display unit 21. The operation member 22 includes a start button 221 and a select button 222, and includes four buttons 223 to 226 of X, Y, A, and B, a cross button 227, and an analog pad 228. Further, the operation member 22 includes an L button 22L and an R button 22R disposed at the left and right corners of the upper portion of the lower body 20.

  The start button 221 is provided for instructing the start of the game. The select button 222 is provided for instructing to select a game type and respond to various other selection requests. The A button 223 is provided, for example, to instruct an action such as punching or jumping with respect to the player character. The B button 224 is provided to instruct to change the content selected by the select button 222, cancel the action instructed by the A button 223, or the like. The X button 225 and the Y button 226 are used auxiliary when there are instructions other than the instructions by the A button 223 and the B button 224, for example, instructions for using weapons and items. The cross button (Directional pad) 227 has a pressing part and a sensing part for detecting the pressing in four parts, top, bottom, left and right. The cross button 227 is used to instruct the moving direction of the player character or the like appearing in the game in the game space in the associated direction or to move the cursor by selectively pressing any of the pressing portions. It is provided to indicate the direction. The analog pad 228 is a joystick having an operating rod erected so as to be tiltable and a detection unit that detects the tilting direction and tilting angle of the operating rod, and is provided for instructing the moving direction of the player character. The L button 22L and the R button 22R can be used for the same operation as the A button 223 and the B button 224, or can be used for these auxiliary operations. In the present embodiment, the L button 22L is also operated when resetting the line of sight of a virtual camera that is arranged in the game space and takes a game image (camera reset).

  A touch panel 23 is laminated on the upper surface of the display unit 21. As the touch panel 23, a touch panel using a thin layer transparent material that senses a pressing (including contact) operation position can be used. In addition to the electrode pressure-sensitive element method, a pressure drop detection method, an optical method, a capacitive coupling method, and the like can be appropriately employed as the pressure sensing method. In addition, the touch panel 23 detects the two-dimensional coordinates of the pressed position by detecting the pressed position of the upper surface by the player's finger or the stylus pen 25 as a sensing signal such as a voltage in a direction orthogonal to, for example. By associating the relationship between the display coordinates of the image displayed on the display unit 21 and the orthogonal detection signal (position coordinates) of the touch panel 23 in advance, any image on the screen of the display unit 21 is pressed. Detect. Moreover, the continuous press is detected because the press detection operation with respect to the touch panel 23 is periodically repeated at a high speed. For example, it is possible to detect a point in time when the pressing is released (detection is interrupted) from the state where the pressing is continuously detected. Further, it is possible to detect a change (that is, movement) of the pressed position detected in a state where the press is continuously detected. In the mode of pressing with a finger or the like, the pressed position is detected with a width. In this case, the center point may be calculated (to calculate the center of gravity), and this point may be handled as the pressed position. Hereinafter, a configuration including the display unit 21 and the touch panel 23 which is a mode for detecting a pressed position and a pressed state is referred to as a touch screen 24.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the game apparatus shown in FIG. The game apparatus 1 includes a computer and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 300. The CPU 300 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 321 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 322 via a bus BA.

  In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes a drawing processor 323, VRAM (Video RAM) 111 and 211, and a sound processor 331. The drawing processor 323 displays necessary images on the display units 11 and 21. The VRAMs 111 and 211 correspond to the display units 11 and 21. The sound processor 331 generates sound signals such as game sound effects, BGM, and sound, and the unillustrated speakers 33 (or unillustrated earphones provided on the side surfaces) provided on the left and right of the display unit 11 of the upper body 10. Terminal).

  In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes an input signal processing unit 34 that continuously receives a detection signal from the touch screen 24 (the display unit 21 and the touch panel 23) and detects pressing and coordinate information. Furthermore, the game apparatus 1 can be connected to a wireless communication module 35 as necessary. The wireless communication module 35 enables data communication with other server devices on the Internet by wireless communication complying with a communication standard such as HSPA (High Speed Packet Access). The wireless communication module 35 downloads a game program and game data from a server device that stores the game program and game data on the Internet. The game media 36 stores a game program and game data. The game program and game data are downloaded from the game media 36 to the RAM 322 or the like. As game data, each character appearing in the game space, various objects constituting the game space, various data necessary for the progress of the game, images of each menu screen displayed on the display unit 21, and various icons (Including panel images). Note that the wireless communication module 35 can perform a battle game or the like with another player by performing data communication with another game device via (or without) the Internet.

  The ROM 321 stores a program for loading a game program and various data from the wireless communication module 35, the game media 36, and the like to the RAM 322. The external memory 37 stores game history information when saved during the game as serve information, and is a memory stick, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or the like. In this case, a connection terminal that enables communication with the external memory 37 may be provided at an appropriate position on the main body of the game apparatus 1. The RAM 322 has a load area for storing the loaded game program and game data, and a work area for use when the CPU 300 executes the game program.

  The CPU 300 controls the progress of the game by executing the game program loaded in the RAM 322 according to the content of the press on the touch screen 24 and the operation on the operation member 22. Specifically, the CPU 300 controls the game progress according to the following procedure. The CPU 300 detects an operation with the stylus pen 23 using the touch screen 24. This operation signal is input through the input signal processing unit 34. The CPU 300 inputs an operation signal from the operation member 22. The CPU 300 performs a predetermined game progress process corresponding to the operation signal according to the game program developed in the RAM 322. The CPU 300 displays the processing result on the screen of the display unit 11 as an image indicating the progress of the game (hereinafter “game image”). Further, the CPU 300 outputs a sound signal indicating the progress of the game (hereinafter referred to as “game sound”) to the speaker 33 or the earphone terminal as necessary.

  The drawing process of the game image on the display unit 11 is executed by the drawing processor 323 in response to an instruction from the CPU 300. That is, the CPU 300 determines the content of the game image to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 based on an operation signal or the like input from the operation member 22 and the touch screen 24 by the player. The CPU 300 causes the drawing processor 323 to generate necessary drawing data for the contents and perform drawing processing using the drawing data. The drawing processor 323 generates a game image at a predetermined cycle, for example, every 1/60 seconds based on the drawing data, and writes the generated game image in the VRAM 111. The game image written in the VRAM 111 is repeatedly read out in units of frames every 1/60 seconds and rendered on the display unit 11.

  In addition, a drawing process processor 323 performs an image drawing process on the display unit 21 described later in response to an instruction from the CPU 300. That is, the CPU 300 determines the content of an image to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 21 based on operation signals input from the operation member 22 and the touch screen 24 by the player. The drawing processor 323 generates necessary drawing data for the contents, and further performs drawing processing using the drawing data. The drawing processor 323 generates an image at a predetermined cycle, for example, every 1/60 seconds based on the drawing data, and writes the generated game image in the VRAM 211. The game image written in the VRAM 211 is repeatedly read out in units of frames every 1/60 seconds and drawn on the display unit 21. Here, the CPU 300, the ROM 321, the RAM 322, the drawing processing processor 323, and the audio processing processor 331 constitute a control unit 30.

  Note that the game that can be executed by the game apparatus 1 includes a game performed by one player in addition to a game by a plurality of players. The one-player game may be a game in which an opponent uses an NPC (Non Player Character) controlled by the CPU so as to act according to a preset game rule. In this case, a team such as a soccer game It may be a battle game. Also, the game types can be applied to various battle games and competitive games.

  Here, an example of a game executed on the game apparatus 1 will be described. This game is a battle game, and a plurality of game spaces for battle (battle game space) and a game space that serves as a base for the player character operated by the player to prepare for the battle (base game) Space) and have been prepared. Each battle game space is assigned with a target NPC monster character for each game space, and various enemy characters that are NPCs are prepared for the purpose of enhancing the difficulty of the game. The enemy character and the monster character are controlled to execute various actions such as playing against the player character in accordance with the game program in the battle game space.

  In the base game space, the player character can use various points for battles (points that have been given in advance or acquired in the past battle record), and other items (weapons, NPC fellow characters “Player2, Player 3, ... "). The fellow character is controlled by the game program so as to execute an action that supports the battle action of the player character from the side.

  Further, in the base game space, a command for extermination or capture of a certain monster character is generated for the player character, for example, at random. Upon receiving this command, the player character replenishes and reinforces necessary items, weapons, fellow characters, etc., and then moves to the battle game space to which the monster character is assigned. Then, the player character fights against various enemy characters in the battle game space of the transfer destination and within a predetermined time limit. The battle game space is divided into a plurality of battle areas, and the player character finally finds the target monster character using the entire map and performs the battle. Then, when the player character achieves the command within the time limit and returns to the base game space, the player can acquire a predetermined point. Thereafter, the CPU 300 ends one game stage.

  In the above, in order to advance a battle advantageously, it is desirable for the player to make a quick instruction for the use of an item and to make a quick situation determination. Various instructions for progressing the game can be given by the mechanical operation member 22. However, considering that the operation member 22 is fixed in arrangement and the number of types of commands, it is possible to prepare a panel image associated with the instruction content related to the game progress on the touch screen 24 to some extent. It is desirable to do. For example, referring briefly to FIG. 5, when one of the upper, lower, left, and right parts of the “camera” panel image Q <b> 1 is pressed among the panel images displayed on the display unit 21, the game is displayed on the display unit 11. The line of sight of the virtual camera for taking an image is turned in the corresponding direction, and the field of view with respect to the game space can be changed. Further, when the “companies status” panel image Q10 is pressed, the situation of the fellow characters can be immediately grasped, and the game strategy can be revised. In addition, when the “action shortcut” panel image is pressed, a predetermined action can be instructed to the player character.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a functional configuration of the control unit. The control unit 30 of the game apparatus 1 functions as an operation reception processing unit 302, a game progress processing unit 303, an upper screen display processing unit 304, a lower screen display processing unit 305, a target scope processing unit 310, and the like. The operation reception processing unit 302 performs an operation signal reception process from the operation member 22 and the touch screen 24. The game progress processing unit 303 controls the game progress based on processing by the operation reception processing unit 302. The upper screen display processing unit 304 receives an instruction from the game progress processing unit 303 and displays a game image on the screen of the display unit 11. Let it draw. The lower screen display processing unit 305 causes a predetermined image to be drawn on the screen of the display unit 21. The coincidence determination unit 309 determines whether a panel image that is the same as or corresponds to a predetermined panel image scheduled to be displayed on the display unit 11 is selected on the display unit 21 by the panel image registration processing unit 306 while the game is in progress. To do. The target scope processing unit 310 performs display and deletion of the target scope for permitting the process of directing the virtual camera toward the target character, and the visual line changing process of the virtual camera when the L button 22L is operated.

  The operation reception processing unit 302 continuously detects input of operation signals from the operation member 22 and the touch screen 24 at a predetermined period. When an operation signal is detected from the operation member 22, the operation reception processing unit 302 determines which one of the buttons 221 to 226, the L button 22L, the R button 22R, the cross button 227, and the analog pad 228 is operated and detects the operation signal. The signal is output to the game progress processing unit 303 and a necessary processing unit. Further, when a pressing signal is input from the touch screen 24 by pressing with the finger of the player or the stylus pen 25, the operation reception processing unit 302 calculates a position coordinate from the pressing signal, and the game progress processing unit 303 and necessary processing are performed. To the output. The operation reception processing unit 302 can detect an operation mode in which, for example, the stylus pen 25 is slid while being pressed against the touch screen 24 by continuously detecting whether or not the touch screen 24 is pressed. In addition, it is possible to detect that the stylus pen 25 is separated from the touch screen 24 because the signal that has been continuously detected is interrupted.

  The game progress processing unit 303 develops the game according to the game program based on the signal or the like input from the operation reception processing unit 302 and instructs the upper screen display processing unit 304 to perform a game image rendering process accordingly. For example, when it is detected that the analog pad 228 is tilted in a predetermined direction, for example, leftward, the game progress processing unit 303 receives this signal and walks the player character on the game screen leftward on the game screen. Specifies the drawing process to be performed. In this case, the upper screen display processing unit 304 displays an effect image that causes the player character to walk in the left direction.

  In the battle game space, a virtual camera is disposed that is linked to the movement of the player character or that is controlled by the player's instruction operation using the cross button 227, for example. On the display unit 11, an image within a predetermined visual field in the visual line direction of the virtual camera is drawn. The behavior of the virtual camera is normally controlled by the game progress processing unit 303. For example, the virtual camera is movable in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction with a required radius around the player character, and in principle, is controlled so that a required field of view around the player character is taken from behind the player character. . For example, on the display unit 11 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a scene of a battle game in which the player character is photographed in the center is drawn.

  In addition, when a position coordinate is input from the touch screen 24 via the operation reception processing unit 302 while the game is in progress, the game progress processing unit 303 continuity of the input of the position coordinate, a change in the input position coordinate, or the like. Then, from the display address indicating the display position of various icons (including panel images) displayed on the display unit 21, processing for determining the instruction content related to the game progress is performed. The game progress processing unit 303 determines, for example, where the position coordinates from the touch screen 24 are on the screen of the corresponding display unit 21, and identifies the panel image displayed at the location, The pressed panel image can be specified. As a result, the game progress processing unit 303 reflects the function or process corresponding to it in the game progress. Further, when the calculated position coordinates are changed as a result of the stylus pen 25 and the like being slid on the touch screen 24, an instruction including the slide operation is detected by using the change direction and the change speed. can do.

  The lower screen display processing unit 305 performs a display process on the display unit 21 with respect to a layout panel display screen displayed on the display unit 21 during the game and other settings and panel images for adjustment. To do so.

  The “camera” panel image is associated with the function of turning the line of sight of the virtual camera. When a press on any of the upper, lower, left and right parts of the cross button image drawn inside the “camera” panel image is detected, the line of sight of the virtual camera is within the required radius centered on the player character. It turns to the direction matched with, ie, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction. In parallel with this turning process, the face direction of the player character is changed to the direction in which the virtual camera is facing. This process is similarly performed for an operation on the cross button 227 which is the operation member 22. The “target control” panel image is a function (lock-on function) that directs the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the target monster character in the battle game space by a reset operation (for example, operating the L button 22L) for the virtual camera. ). When this operation is performed, the viewing direction of the virtual camera in the battle game space is changed to the direction of the monster character.

  FIG. 4 is a screen diagram showing a scene in progress of the game. The upper display unit 11 displays a screen that produces a game space in which a battle is performed, and the lower display unit 21 displays a panel image. The operation members 22 of the lower body 20 are omitted for convenience.

  The display unit 11 displays a player character 120 in the approximate center of the screen, and further includes, for example, a “My Status” image 121, a “Map” image 122, an item being selected, and a certain type of “stamina recovery item”. "Image 123" is displayed, and the "Friend Status" image is displayed in the region FG. That is, the “My Status” image 121 and the like are synthesized and displayed on the display unit 11 on the two-dimensional image of the game space taken by the virtual camera. The “my status” image 121 displays at least a “physical strength” gauge image 1211 and a “stamina” gauge image 1212 so that the “physical strength” and “stamina” of the player character can always be recognized. In addition, a timer image 1213 for timing the game time limit is also displayed. As described above, the “physical strength” gauge image 1211 and the “stamina” gauge image 1212 are subjected to display processing so that the value increases or decreases depending on their consumption or recovery state, and the gauge length expands or contracts in conjunction with the current value. The The “physical strength” gauge image 1211, the “stamina” gauge image 1212, the “my status” image 121 such as the timer image 1213, and the “map” image 122 displayed on the display unit 11 indicate the state of the player character and the game situation. It is an indicator image displayed with respect to a player.

  In the “map” image 122, the position of the player character is indicated by a mark P, and battle area information is assigned to each battle area that divides the battle game space, for example, by serial numbers. In addition to the mark P on the “map” image 122, the positions of the fellow character and the target character are displayed as identifiable marks as necessary. You can even know if you are in the battle area.

  In the display unit 21 in the state shown in FIG. 4, a “camera” panel image Q1 and a “friend status” panel image Q10 are arranged. In addition, an “action” panel image, a “formulation” panel image, and a “kick” panel An image is placed.

  When the player presses the display position of “Player 1”, “Player 2”, or “Player 3” in the “friend status” panel image Q10, the status information (physical strength, stamina, etc.) of the specified friend character is displayed. Is done. Alternatively, when the player presses the “friend status” panel image Q10, the status information of each friend character may be enlarged and displayed in a window separately formed on the display unit 21.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the “target control” panel image Q20 displayed on the display unit 21. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an image in which a “target” image 601 corresponding to a target such as a monster assigned for each battle game space is displayed. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an image in a state where a “target scope” image 602 is superimposed on a “target” image 601. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an image in a state where an “out of area” image 603 is displayed superimposed on a “target” image 601. FIG. 5D is a diagram showing an image in a state where a “target scope” image 602 and an “out of area” image 603 are displayed superimposed on a “target” image 601. That is, the “target control” panel image Q20 has a target display area (601) for displaying one “target” image 601.

  In FIG. 5A, the “target control” panel image Q20 is selected in the customize mode and displayed in the designated arrangement area in the arrangement display area. The “target” image 601 is an image simulating a predetermined monster, for example, an image simulating a monster character associated in advance so as to appear in the battle game space to which the player character moves. The “target control” panel image Q20 is read from the game data in the RAM 322 and displayed on the display unit 21. The monster character is a target character that is a target of a command for extermination or capture in the base game space. Further, a mode may be adopted in which a predetermined monster, for example, a monster having a maximum value corresponding to the strength set for each is set as a target character regardless of the command.

  When the target scope processing unit 310 detects that the display position of the “target” image 601 on the touch screen 24 is pressed with the stylus pen 25 while the game is in progress, the target scope processing unit 310 determines whether or not the “target scope” image 602 is displayed. . If the “target scope” image 602 is not displayed, the target scope processing unit 310 displays the “target scope” image 602 in a superimposed manner (see FIG. 5B), and conversely, the “target scope” image 602 is being displayed. If so, an instruction to delete the “target scope” image 602 (see FIG. 5A) is output to the lower screen display processing unit 305. Note that the display of the “target scope” image 602 is stopped when the game progress processing unit 303 determines that the command for the player character has ended.

  Further, the battle game space is divided into a plurality of battle areas as described above, and the battle proceeds in any one of the battle areas. That is, the game progress process in the game image displayed on the display unit 11 is performed in units of battle areas, thereby reducing the amount of data temporarily developed in the RAM 322 and reducing the processing burden. Therefore, in the battle game space, when the target character is not in the same battle area as the player character but in another battle area, the player character is not directly involved in the target character. On the other hand, it is desirable for the player character to be able to grasp the location of the target character in order to reflect the strategy. Therefore, the game progress processing unit 303 constantly monitors which battle area the target character is in. Then, when the target character deviates from the same battle area as the player character to another battle area, the target scope processing unit 310 changes the “target” image 601 from the image in FIG. The image is switched to the image shown in FIG. In the opposite case, the target scope processing unit 310 switches the image of the “target” image 601 from the image of FIG. 5C to the image of FIG. When the target scope processing unit 310 determines that the target character is in a battle area different from the player character when the “target” image 601 is pressed in the display state of FIG. Instead of the image of (B), an image shown in FIG. 5D in which a “target scope” image 602 and an “out of area” image 603 are written together is displayed.

  By the way, while the game is in progress, the line of sight of the virtual camera deviates from the reference position with respect to the player character, depending on the player's operation or the game progress state. In such a case, the direction in which the player character once faces the line of sight of the virtual camera ( It is important to return to the reference position (camera reset) and grasp the situation of the player character. For example, an L button 22L is provided as an operation member for that purpose. When the L button 22L is operated while the game is in progress and the “target scope” image 602 is not set, the game progress processing unit 303 displays the current position information of the player character in the battle game space. It acquires the current viewpoint information of the virtual camera itself and performs camera reset processing. The camera reset process is a process of changing the line of sight of the virtual camera so that the player character enters the center of the visual field from behind.

  On the other hand, when the L button 22L is operated in a state where the “target scope” image 602 of FIG. 5B is set, the game progress processing unit 303 causes the current viewpoint information of the virtual camera itself and the current of the player character to be displayed. The position information and the current position information of the target character are acquired, and a virtual camera lock-on process is performed. Lock-on processing is to change the viewpoint of the virtual camera to a line connecting the player character and the target character, and adjust the line of sight of the virtual camera so that the player character takes the side closer to the visual field and the target character takes the far side. It is processing to do. 5C and 5D, since the target character does not exist in the same battle area, when the L button 22L is operated, a camera reset process is executed for the virtual camera.

  When it is detected that a specific reset operation is performed by a predetermined button, for example, the L button 22L, the camera reset is performed regardless of the arrangement of the “target control” panel image in the arrangement display area 42. Processing is executed. As the specific reset operation, for example, the button pressing operation is continuously performed twice.

  Here, the lock-on process and the camera reset process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The lock-on process is a process of changing the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 in the direction of the target character 130 as described above. The virtual camera 140 turns and tilts up and down (tilts) around the player character by operating the camera panel image Q1 or the cross button 227 by the player's operation. Since the virtual camera 140 turns around the player character, the player character 120 is in the center of the visual field regardless of the turning angle. When a lock-on operation (for example, pressing down the L button 22L) is performed, the virtual camera 140 turns the line of sight toward the target character 130 while maintaining the player character 120 at the center of the field of view. 6A to 7B show a state in which the virtual camera 140 is locked on.

  A gazing point 131 that is a target point of the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 is set for the target character 130. The gazing point 131 is set near the face of the target character 130. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the virtual camera 140 directs the camera's line of sight to the gazing point 131 (131A) of the target character 130 in response to the lock-on operation.

  Some target characters 130 are larger than the player character 120. When a lock-on operation is performed in a state where the player character 120 and the target character 130 are close to each other, when the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 is directed to the gazing point 131A set near the face of the target character 130, the line of sight looks up greatly. As a result, the player character 120 is almost out of view. Therefore, according to the distance between the player character 120 and the target character 130, as shown in FIG. 6B, the gazing point 131 is corrected to the position of the lower 131B, and the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 does not look up greatly. Perform lock-on processing with line of sight.

  Further, when the target character 130 is flying in the air as shown in FIG. 6C, or the ground where the target character 130 is located is higher than the ground where the player character 120 is located (stage) as shown in FIG. 6D. Even in this case, the gazing point 131 is corrected to the low positions 131C and 131D, and the lock-on process of the virtual camera 140 is performed. 6C and 6D, when there is an altitude difference between the positions of the player character 120 and the target character 130, the gaze point 131 may be corrected without considering the distance. Similarly to the case of (B), the gaze point 131 may be corrected in consideration of the distance in addition to the altitude difference.

  The virtual camera 140 can be moved up and down by the player's operation, but is reset to the default height (the height shown in FIG. 6) when the lock is turned on. When the L button 22L is pressed twice at the time of lock-on, camera reset processing is performed to return the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 in the direction in which the player character 120 faces. May be returned to that height, or the camera may be reset at the default height.

  In the example of FIGS. 6C and 6D, the virtual camera 140 is tilted according to the distance to the target character 130 and the height of the gazing point 131, but according to the distance of the target character 130, The virtual camera 140 may be moved up and down. Examples are shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 when the distance between the player character 120 and the target character 130 is long when a lock-on operation is performed. The virtual camera 140 is moved upward from the default position, and the target character 130 is locked on with a line of sight looking down with a wide field of view. A gazing point 132 (132A) is set at a low position on the target character 130, and the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 is directed toward the gazing point 132A.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 when the distance between the player character 120 and the target character 130 is short when a lock-on operation is performed. The target character 130 is locked on with a line of sight as if the virtual camera 140 is moved downward from the default position and looked up. The target character 130 is set with a gazing point 132 (132B) at a low position, and the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 is directed toward the gazing point 132B.

  In this way, by moving the virtual camera 140 up and down (and changing the viewing angle), it is possible to enhance the sense of distance while putting the player character 120 in the field of view of the virtual camera 140.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the “target control” panel image Q30 displayed on the display unit 21. FIG. 8 shows a case where a plurality of types of monsters, here two types of monsters, are assigned to the battle game space, unlike the case of FIG. The two types of monster characters are the first and second target characters that are targets of commands for extermination or capture in the base game space. Regardless of the command, in the predetermined two types of monsters, for example, in the battle game space, the monster having the largest value corresponding to the strength set for each and the second monster are the first and second targets. An aspect set as a character may be used. That is, the “target control” panel image Q30 has two target display areas (701, 801) for displaying the “target” images 701, 801.

  FIG. 8A is an image diagram in which a first “target” image 701 and a second “target” image 801 corresponding to a target character such as a monster assigned for each battle game space are displayed together. . FIG. 8B is an image diagram in a state where the first “target scope” image 702 is superimposed on the first “target” image 701. FIG. 8C is an image diagram in a state where the second “target scope” image 802 is superimposed on the second “target” image 801. FIG. 8D is an image diagram in a state where the “out of area” image 803 is superimposed and displayed on the second “target” image 801. FIG. 8E is an image diagram in a state where the second “target scope” image 802 and the “out of area” image 803 are superimposed and displayed on the second “target” image 801. When one of the two target characters is exterminated or captured, the “target” panel image of the target character is deleted, and only the other “target” panel image is displayed.

  The target scope processing unit 310 determines which side of the first “target” image 701 and the second “target” image 801 is pressed. When the target scope processing unit 310 determines that the first “target” image 701 has been pressed, the target scope processing unit 310 determines whether or not the first “target scope” image 702 is displayed. When the first “target scope” image 702 is superimposed on the “target” image 701 and the second “target scope” image 802 is superimposed on the second “target” image 801, 2 “target scope” image 802 is deleted (see FIG. 8B). On the other hand, if the target scope processing unit 310 determines that the first “target” image 701 has been pressed, and the first “target scope” image 702 is being displayed, the first “target scope” The image 702 is deleted (see FIG. 8A).

  When the target scope processing unit 310 determines that the second “target” image 801 has been pressed, the target scope processing unit 310 determines whether or not the second “target scope” image 802 is displayed. The second “target scope” image 802 is superimposed on the “target” image 801 and the first “target scope” image 702 is superimposed on the first “target” image 701. 1 "target scope" image 702 is deleted (see FIG. 8C). On the other hand, if the target scope processing unit 310 determines that the second “target” image 801 is pressed and the “second target scope” image 802 is being displayed, the second “target scope” The image 802 is deleted (see FIG. 8A).

  In this way, the player can identify which target the virtual camera is to be locked on by operating the L button 22L so that only one of the “target scope” images 702 and 802 is displayed.

  Further, the game progress processing unit 303 constantly monitors the battle area where the first and second target characters are located. Then, for example, when the second target character moves out of the same battle area as the player character to another battle area, the target scope processing unit 310 is shown in FIG. In the opposite case, the image is changed from FIG. 8D to FIG. 8A. Further, when a target character that does not exist in the same battle area as the player character is selected, this second target character is selected, for example, in a situation where there is no second target character in the same battle area (FIG. 8D). (When it is determined that the second “target” image 801 is pressed), the “second target scope” image 802 and the “out of area” image 803 are superimposed on the second “target” image 801. Displayed together (see FIG. 8E). Although the second target character has been described, the same applies to the first target character.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of target control display processing executed by the control unit 30. This process uses the result of continuous monitoring as to which battle area the target character is in. That is, in the present embodiment, processing using the monitoring result is performed in the game progress when the “target” image is arranged in the arrangement display area 42.

  In this flowchart, first, when the player character moves to one battle movement space, the number of target characters in the battle game space is determined to be, for example, one or two monsters (step S121). Next, in each case under the target control display process, a predetermined interrupt process is permitted (steps S123 and S127). If there is one monster, “target scope display processing I” is executed in step S125, and if there are two monsters, “target scope display processing II” is executed in step S129.

  10 to 12 show the contents of interrupt processing that is permitted for interrupts. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of interrupt I executed by the control unit 30 when there is one target character. First, based on the result of continuous monitoring for the target character and the player character, it is determined whether or not the battle area where the target character exists is different from the battle area where the player character is located (step S131). The difference change is a match / mismatch change between the battle area where the target character exists and the battle area where the player character is located. If there is no difference, the interrupt I process does not occur.

  If the target character and the player character are present in different battle areas in the difference, the “out of area” image 603 is superimposed on the “target” image 601 (step S133). On the other hand, if the target character and the player character are present in the same battle area in the difference, the “out of area” image 603 is deleted from the “target” image 601 (step S135). Then, the display / non-display state is maintained until the next difference is changed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of interrupt II executed by the control unit 30 when there are two target characters. First, from the result of continuous monitoring for the first target character and the player character, it is determined whether or not the battle area in which the first target character exists has changed in a similar manner to the battle area in which the player character is present. (Step S141). If there is no difference, interrupt II processing does not occur.

  If the first target character and the player character are in different battle areas in the difference, the “out-of-area” image 703 is superimposed on the first “target” image 701 (see FIG. 8). Are displayed (step S143). On the other hand, if the first target character and the player character are present in the same battle area in the difference, the “out of area” image 703 is deleted from the first “target” image 701 ( Step S145). Then, the display / non-display state is maintained until the next difference is changed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process of interrupt III executed by the control unit 30 when there are two target characters. First, based on the result of continuous monitoring for the second target character and the player character, it is determined whether or not the battle area where the second target character exists has changed in a similar manner to the battle area where the player character is located. (Step S151). If there is no difference, interrupt III processing does not occur.

  If the second target character and the player character are in different battle areas in the difference, the “out of area” image 803 is superimposed on the second “target” image 801 (see FIG. 8). Is displayed (step S153). On the other hand, if the second target character and the player character are present in the same battle area in the difference, the “out of area” image 803 is deleted from the second “target” image 801 ( Step S155). Then, the display / non-display state is maintained until the next difference is changed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of “target scope display processing I” (see step S125 of FIG. 9). First, the presence or absence of pressing of the “target” image 601 (see FIG. 5A), operation of the L button L22, and specific operation (reset operation) of the L button L22 is determined in this order, for example (steps S161 and S163). , S165). If it is determined that there is no operation, this flow is exited.

  On the other hand, if the “target” image 601 has been pressed in step S161, it is determined whether or not the “target scope” image 602 is being displayed (step S167). The image 602 is erased (step S169). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S167 that it is not being displayed, a “target scope” image 602 is displayed (step S171).

  When the L button L22 is operated in step S163, it is determined whether the “target scope” image 602 is displayed and the “out of area” image 603 is not displayed (step S173), and the “target scope” image 602 is displayed. Is displayed and the “out of area” image 603 is not displayed, lock-on processing is performed on the virtual camera (step S175), the “target scope” image 602 is displayed, and the “out of area” image 603 is displayed. If not displayed, camera reset processing is performed (step S177). When a specific operation, for example, an operation of pressing the L button L22 twice is detected, it is determined that the camera is reset, and the process proceeds to step S177.

  The lock-on process and the camera reset process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When a lock-on operation is performed, first, the current camera position is stored (S101). The camera position is information including the turning angle, height, and tilt angle of the camera. Then, the distance and altitude difference between the current player character 120 and the target character 130 to be locked on are calculated (S102, S103). Based on the distance and altitude difference, the height of the gazing point 131 of the target character 130 is corrected (S104). Then, the height of the virtual camera 140 is returned to the default height (S105), and based on the above calculation result, the virtual camera 140 is turned so as to face the gazing point 131 in which the line of sight of the virtual camera 140 is corrected ( S106), the tilt angle is controlled (S107).

  The gaze point correction (determination) in S104 is a calculation formula for calculating a gaze point position (for example, height) using a distance and / or altitude difference as a variable, and a gaze point position corresponding to the distance and / or altitude difference. What is necessary is just to use a stored table.

  The correction (determination) of the gazing point may be continuously changed according to the distance and / or altitude difference, or may be changed stepwise for each section of the distance and / or altitude difference. In the present invention, “in response to a decrease in the distance to the target object” and “in response to an increase in altitude difference up to the position of the target object” include both.

  The table and the calculation formula may be stored as game data together with the game program, but may be set by the user. For example, before starting the game, the table value may be released to the user, and the input of the position of the gazing point corresponding to each distance / altitude difference section may be received.

  FIG. 14B is a flowchart showing camera reset processing. When the camera reset operation is performed, the camera position information stored during the lock-on process (FIG. 14A) is read (S111). Based on this camera position information, the turning angle and tilt angle of the virtual camera 140 are controlled (S112). At this time, the height of the virtual camera 140 may be controlled simultaneously.

  15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of “target scope display process II” (see step S129 in FIG. 9). First, the first “target” image 701 (see FIG. 8A) is pressed, the second “target” image 801 (see FIG. 8A) is pressed, the L button L22 is operated, and the L button L22 is pressed. The presence / absence of a specific operation (reset operation) is determined, for example, in this order (steps S181, S183, S185, S187). If it is determined that there is no operation, this flow is exited.

  On the other hand, if the first “target” image 701 is pressed in step S181, it is determined whether or not the first “target scope” image 702 is being displayed (step S189). If it is determined that the first “target scope” image 702 is being displayed, the first “target scope” image 702 is deleted (step S191). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S189 that the first “target scope” image 702 is not being displayed, the first “target scope” image 702 is displayed, and the second “target scope” image 802 is displayed. If so, the second “target scope” image 802 is erased (step S193).

  If the second “target” image 801 is pressed in step S183, it is determined whether the second “target scope” image 802 is being displayed (step S195), and the second “target scope” is displayed. When it is determined that the “image 802” is being displayed, the second “target scope” image 802 is deleted (step S197). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S195 that the second “target scope” image 802 is not being displayed, the second “target scope” image 802 is displayed, and the first “target scope” image 702 is displayed. If so, the first “target scope” image 702 is erased (step S199).

  Further, when the L button L22 is operated in step S185, whether or not the first “target scope” image 702 is being displayed and the “out of area” image 703 is in a non-display state, Whether or not the “target scope” image 802 of No. 2 is being displayed and the “out of area” image 803 is not being displayed is determined in this order, for example (steps S201 and S203).

  If the determination in step S201 is affirmative, a virtual camera lock-on process for the first target character is executed (step S205). On the other hand, if the determination in step S203 is affirmative, a virtual camera lock-on process for the second target character is executed (step S207). On the other hand, if both the determinations in steps S201 and S203 are negative, a camera reset process is executed for the virtual camera (step S209).

If a specific operation, for example, an operation of pressing the L button L22 twice is detected (Yes in step S187), it is determined that the camera is reset, and the process proceeds to step S209.
The present invention can adopt the following aspects.

  (1) In the target control, when the target character is in a different battle area, the “out-of-area” images 603, 703, and 803 are displayed to make it impossible to lock on the target character. In the case of a game in which the target character is diving in the ground, if the L button L22 is operated in a state in which the underground dive is detected, an “not-detectable” image is written together (or changed to the image). ) You may make it alert | report that lock-on cannot be performed.

  (2) In a game having a mode in which the target character is submerged in the water, the camera reset to the target character may adopt a process different from that on the ground. For example, when the target character is on the ground, the virtual camera is locked on by turning on the horizontal plane, and when the target character is underwater, the virtual camera is locked on the horizontal plane and turning on the vertical plane. The target character may be faced directly in front of the head.

  (3) In this embodiment, the “target scope” image as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is adopted, but the image at the time of setting the target scope is not limited to this. It suffices if the design of the target scope is easily identified. Alternatively, it may be expressed by a change to the “target” image, such as changing or blinking at least one of the shape and display color of the “target” image as shown in FIGS.

  (4) The camera reset is performed by pressing the L button 22L twice. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other buttons in the operation member 22 may be used, and a camera reset button image is separately provided in the display unit 21. May be.

  (5) In the present embodiment, the range of the selection display area 41 uses the upper part and the left side part of the screen of the display unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An embodiment in which the arrangement display area 42 is provided in a ring shape may be employed.

  (6) The “camera” panel image has a shape simulating a cross key, but may have a shape simulating a joystick or the like, a shape simulating an analog stick, or the like. In addition to the cross key, a panel image simulating a physical operator such as an analog stick or a button may be prepared. According to this, the player can freely determine the arrangement and play the game. Note that when a panel image simulating a physical operator is arranged, the input of the physical operator may not be accepted. Thereby, even if the operator is operated by mistake, it is possible to prevent the game progress from being affected.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the game in which the player object is displayed on the game screen has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a first-person viewpoint game in which the player object is not displayed on the game screen.

  (8) Although the correction (decision) of the gazing point is performed based on the positional relationship (distance and / or altitude difference) between the player character and the target character, it is performed based on the positional relationship between the virtual camera and the target character. May be.

  (9) In the present embodiment, the two screens of the display units 11 and 21 are used. However, one screen may be divided into two regions. For example, one touch screen is divided into two areas for use.

  In this embodiment, the game program is stored in the game media 36, but the medium for storing the game program in the present invention is not limited to the game media 36. The server on the network may be a storage medium that stores the game program, and the internal memory or the external memory of the game apparatus 1 that downloaded the game program on the server via the network is a storage medium that stores the game program. There may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 11,21 Display part 23 Touch panel 24 Touch screen 30 Control part q, Q Panel image Q20, Q30 Target control panel image 601,701,801 Target image (display area)
602, 702, 802 Target scope image 603, 803 Image outside area

Claims (5)

A computer having a display and an operation unit operated by a user,
Game space control means for generating a virtual game space;
Player object control means for generating a player object in the game space and causing the player object to be active in the game space based on object operation information input from the operation unit;
Target object control means for generating a target object in the game space and activating in the game space;
Game image rendering means for generating a game image that is an image of the game space taken from a specific line of sight with a virtual camera and displaying the game image on the display;
Lock-on means for instructing the game image drawing means to control the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the gazing point set for the target object when a lock-on operation is performed by the operation unit;
A game program that functions as
The game program for moving the gazing point downward as the distance between the player object or the virtual camera and the target object decreases . The lock-on means further moves the gazing point downward in accordance with an upward difference in altitude from the position of the player object or the virtual camera to the position of the target object. The described game program. A computer having a display and an operation unit operated by a user,
Game space control means for generating a virtual game space;
Player object control means for generating a player object in the game space and causing the player object to be active in the game space based on object operation information input from the operation unit;
Target object control means for generating a target object in the game space and activating in the game space;
Game image rendering means for generating a game image that is an image of the game space taken from a specific line of sight with a virtual camera and displaying the game image on the display;
Lock-on means for instructing the game image drawing means to control the line of sight of the virtual camera toward the gazing point set for the target object when a lock-on operation is performed by the operation unit;
A game program that functions as
The game program for causing the lock-on means to move the gazing point downward in accordance with an upward difference in altitude from the position of the player object or the virtual camera to the position of the target object.   The lock-on means instructs the game image drawing means to further control the height of the virtual camera based on a positional relationship between the player object or the virtual camera and the target object. 4. The game program according to any one of 3.   A game system comprising: a storage unit that stores the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a processing unit that executes the game program stored in the storage unit.

Images