JP6522685B2 - Game device and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device for executing a music game, and a program.

  Conventionally, a game (so-called music game) in which points are calculated by performing an input operation at a predetermined timing according to music is known. A game device executing this game moves an icon (object) indicating timing of an input operation along a predetermined route according to music. The player performs an input operation so as to coincide with the timing at which the icon reaches a predetermined position. The game device evaluates the correlation between the timing at which the icon reaches a predetermined position and the timing of the input operation and displays a point.

  In a conventional game device installed in a game center or the like, while a game is not being executed, a screen for demonstration determined in advance is repeatedly displayed in order to promote the use of the game.

JP 10-263203 A

  The game device described in Patent Document 1 prompts the player to use the game by displaying a demonstration screen. However, the player only has to wait until the demonstration screen on which the desired information is displayed is displayed, since the demonstration screen is only repeatedly displayed in advance in the game device during the demonstration.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a game in which information provided through a demonstration screen can be easily acquired even during a demonstration while the game is not being executed. It is in providing an apparatus and a program.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the game apparatus of the present invention is a game apparatus that executes a game that receives an input operation while outputting music selected from a plurality of music, and while the game is not being executed The plurality of different screens are repeated and sequentially displayed, and after all of the plurality of different screens are displayed, the plurality of different screens are displayed again each time the plurality of different screens are repeatedly displayed. Screen display means for changing and displaying the display content only for any of the included screens, and a specific screen included in the plurality of screens while repeatedly displaying the plurality of different screens by the screen display means Detecting means for detecting a predetermined input operation for selecting, the screen display means displaying the specific screen in response to the input operation; Repeat the plurality of different screens from successively been made to display, in a single screen that is included in the plurality of different screens, depending on the ranking of the selected song for the execution of the game, the 1 Every time one screen is displayed, the game screen corresponding to the music of a different ranking is displayed for a predetermined time together with the reproduction of the music .

  According to the present invention, information provided through the demonstration screen can be easily acquired even during a demonstration while the game is not being executed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The block diagram which shows the structure of the game system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game server 10. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of player data 31 b stored in a storage unit 31. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of data stored in the game server 10; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a game device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a game device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a game device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a game device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance configuration of a game device 20 according to the present embodiment. The perspective view which expanded the circumference of operation devices 56a and 56b. The figure which shows the cross section in the AA shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing the player using the game apparatus 20. The perspective view showing the appearance composition of operation device 56a. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the state which removed the outer cover of the operation device 56a shown in FIG. The top view of the operation device 56a. The side view of operation device 56a. FIG. 7 is a view showing details of a configuration for enabling the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a to be horizontally movable. FIG. 7 is a view showing details of a configuration for enabling the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a to be horizontally movable. FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration of a support mechanism for supporting a shaft member 73. The figure which shows the cross section in the BB line shown to Fig.17 (a). The figure which expands and shows the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which an operation to move the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction is performed. The figure which expands and shows the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game device 20 in the present embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the game device 20 in the present embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation of demonstration processing. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a function selection window displayed on a display 51. The flowchart which shows start processing. The figure which shows the example of a display of a card use confirmation screen. The figure which shows an example of the screen for mode selection. The figure which shows the example of a display of a music selection screen. The figure which shows the example of a display of a mode (degree of difficulty) selection screen. The flowchart which shows game processing. The figure which shows an example of the game screen 120 for solo play. The figure which shows the example of a display of the game screen 120 different from FIG. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. The figure which shows the advancing route and the example of a target. 6 is a flowchart showing a progress route setting process. The figure which shows the example which changes an advancing route. The figure which shows the example which changes an advancing route. The figure which shows the example which changes an advancing route. 6 is a flowchart showing checkpoint processing. 6 is a flowchart showing checkpoint processing. The figure which shows the example of a display of a surprise roulette. The figure which shows the example of a change of the game screen (progression route) according to the icon selected from the surprise roulette. The figure which shows an example of a game score screen (result screen). The figure which shows an example of a reward screen. The flowchart which shows a hidden music unlocking process. The figure which shows an example of a hidden music unlock screen. The figure which shows an example of an item acquisition screen. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of an operation device 156. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of line E-E in FIG. 61. The top view in the FF line shown in FIG. The side view of FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of an operation device 256 obtained by deforming the operation device 156. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the operation unit 1562 is removed. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a sensor blade 259 and two sensors A and B provided to detect the rotation of the sensor blade 259. The figure which shows an example of the detection data by sensor A, B. FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the operation device 356. The front view of the operation device 356. FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG shown in FIG. 69. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the operation device 356. The side view of operation device 356. Sectional drawing of the state in which the operation unit 357 was moved to the left direction.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the game system according to the present embodiment, the game server 10 is connected to a system of a plurality of stores 14-1, ..., 14-x existing throughout the country via a network 12 including the Internet and the like. ing.

  For example, in the store 14-1, a plurality of (eight in FIG. 1) game devices 20 are mutually connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Also, the plurality of game devices 20 are connected to the network 12 via the host device 21. Therefore, the game device 20 can communicate with the game server 10, and can transmit and receive various data. The game device 20 may be configured to be able to directly communicate with the game server 10 through the network 12.

  Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which eight game devices 20 are provided in the store 14-1, one or more game devices 20 are provided in the stores 14-2, ..., 14-x. It shall be. In the store 14-1 provided with a plurality of game devices 20, it is possible to perform in-store competitive play (match play) between the game devices 20 in the store.

  The game device 20 of the store 14-1, ..., 14-x can upload and store player data including operation data such as a game result on the game server 10 by executing the game.

  In addition, the game performed by the game device 20 in this embodiment is a game performed with the reproduction | regeneration output of a music by selecting a music. When the music is selected, the game device 20 displays, along with the reproduction output of the music, an advancing route that changes in accordance with the music, for example, in the game screen representing a three-dimensional space. Move (fly) the determined object (character, avatar). Then, the object is moved along the traveling route, and a target indicating the timing of the input operation appears in accordance with the traveling route, and the input timing is adjusted based on the data input by the player operation on the input device according to the target. Are determined, and effect processing such as screen display and voice output is performed according to the determination result, and point calculation and evaluation are performed.

  The game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment is provided with, for example, two operation devices as an input device for receiving an input operation of the player. It is assumed that the same data is input to the game device 20 in the present embodiment if the same operation is performed regardless of which of the two operation devices is operated. Thus, the player can optionally use two operating devices to facilitate operation. The details of the operation device and the game will be described later.

  The game server 10 manages various data related to the game executed by the game device 20 in the store 14-1, ..., 14-x. The details of the data managed by the game server 10 will be described later (FIG. 3, FIG. 4).

  The portable terminal 16 is realized by, for example, another electronic device provided with a touch screen as an input device operated by a player, such as a smartphone, a slate PC, a portable telephone, a portable game machine or the like. The portable terminal 16 can communicate with the game server 10 via the network 12 to receive game data, and execute a game.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game server 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 10 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication interface 32.

  Control unit 30 controls the entire game server 10, manages data stored in storage unit 31, and communicates with game device 20 and portable terminal 16 based on programs and data stored in storage unit 31. 32 execute various processing such as data transmission / reception via 32. The control unit 30 realizes various functions by executing the game data management program 31 a stored in the storage unit 31 by a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)).

  The functions realized by the control unit 30 include, for example, a player data processing unit 30a, a ranking data processing unit 30b, and a game data processing unit 30c.

  The player data processing unit 30a processes various data relating to the game executed by the player for each player ID presented to the game apparatus 20 using the card. The player data processing unit 30a executes various processes such as processing of various data (player management data) set for each player ID and recording and updating of a game result (operation data) received from the game apparatus 20.

  The ranking data processing unit 30b creates various ranking data based on the game results (player achievements) corresponding to a plurality of players (player IDs).

  The game data processing unit 30 c processes game data (for defining a progress route or a target in the game screen) for executing a game on the mobile terminal 16 or the game device 20. Delivery of game data, additional recording of game data uploaded from the portable terminal 16 and game data corresponding to a new music, and the like are executed.

  The storage unit 31 stores programs and data for controlling the game server 10. The programs stored in the storage unit 31 include a game data management program 31a for managing various data for executing a game in the game apparatus 20, in addition to a basic program (OS (Operating System)).

  The game data management program 31a includes a player data processing program 31a1 for realizing the player data processing unit 30a, a ranking data processing program 31a2 for realizing the ranking data processing unit 30b, and a game data processing unit 30c. A game data processing program 31a3 is included.

  The data recorded in the storage unit 31 includes player data 31 b, ranking data 31 c, and game data 31 d.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the player data 31 b stored in the storage unit 31. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the player data 31 b includes data 41 to 4 m for each player ID corresponding to each of the players 1 to m. In FIG. 3, for example, player management data 41a and player operation data 41c are shown as data 41 corresponding to the player 1.

  The player management data 41a is data stored when the player designates a player ID and executes a game, and includes various data related to the game set for each player ID. For example, in the player management data 41a, data such as player ID (identification information), store ID, play area, player name, custom image, player experience value, class, level, title, acquired item, player record, unlocked music, etc. include.

  The player ID is for identifying the player, and is read from, for example, a game card (storage medium) owned by the player by the game device 20, and notified to the game server 10. The store ID is for identifying a store in which the game apparatus 20 is installed, and is notified from the game apparatus 20 together with, for example, the player ID. The play area indicates, for example, an area including the store indicated by the store ID, and is represented by, for example, a prefecture. The player name is used to identify the player, and is represented by, for example, a character string (for example, eight alphanumeric characters) arbitrarily designated by the player at the time of new registration of a game card (player ID). The custom image is an image (avatar, character) representing the player created by the player, and is configured by combining, for example, images of a background, a symbol (mark, character), and an effect (decoration). Each part that constitutes a custom image can be earned (purchased) by the player consuming points, earned as a prize for event play different from that of a normal game, or earned after a specified number of plays. it can.

  The player experience value, class, level, title, acquired items, and player performance data are data updated based on the game result executed on the game device 20.

  The player experience value is a parameter added by the player executing the game. The player's experience value is added in accordance with the number of times of game execution, and is added in accordance with the opponent and the match result when the in-store match play is performed. For example, if the player wins against another player in a class or level higher than the player's class or level, more experience points are added according to the difference in class or level.

  The level is a parameter acquired when the player's experience value rises to a predetermined level. The class classifies the level of a player, and is classified into, for example, a beginner class (BEGINNER CLASS), an intermediate class (MIDDLE CLASS), an advanced class (ADVANCED CLASS), and a master class (MASTER CLASS). A class is defined to be promoted when a predetermined number of songs is evaluated for a predetermined number of songs (rATING) for a predetermined condition (e.g., a game (music) with a predetermined difficulty level (mode)). It is done.

  The class is referenced to provide player-specific control, such as restricting the songs selectable by the player. The title is obtained when a game result satisfying a specific condition is obtained, or obtained by the player consuming points, and is represented by a specific character string (for example, 15 characters). The title is used to identify the player along with the player name, and a plurality of levels (for example, 10 levels) are defined. Higher-level titles are more scarce and harder to earn. The game results satisfying the specific conditions for obtaining the title include the number of faces cleared by the music of the predetermined difficulty level, the total number of winnings, the top prizes of various rankings, etc. The title level according to each condition is defined ing.

  The acquired item indicates an item acquired by the player. Items can be acquired after the game is over (hidden song unlocking processing described later) or when the level is raised according to the game result. The items are used at the time of game execution to change the game content to be advantageous to the player, or to allow the game to be executed in a play style different from normal play. For example, by setting items to be available during the game before starting the game, the input operation required of the player can be changed to a simple operation, or the judgment on the input operation can be made advantageous to the player, the hint It is suggested to change the timing of target appearance. As a play style different from normal play, for example, there is a case where a game is executed by performing input operation on the operation device while standing at a position different from that in normal play.

  The player game record is a history of various data regarding each game executed by the player, such as game execution date, music selected as a game target, difficulty level, ranking obtained as a game result, points acquired, and the like.

  The unlock music is a music specially provided among the music used for the game, and is used in the game by performing a predetermined operation by the hidden music unlocking process (described later) executed after the game ends. Shows the songs that can be done. In the player data, data indicating the setting status corresponding to the predetermined operation on the unlock music is recorded for each player.

  The player management data 41a is used for displaying player information on the game device 20 (for example, a player matching screen at the time of in-store competitive play, a game result display screen, a ranking display screen).

  The player operation data 41 c indicates the past game result of the player when the player played the game on the game device 20. The player operation data 41c includes, for example, the latest operation data and data creation date when the player last played and the high score for each of a plurality of game difficulty levels (simple, normal, hard, expert) for one music. Includes high score operation data and date and time of data creation when The operation data includes, for example, data indicating determination results (GREAT, COOL, GOOD, MISS) for the input operation, and scores (play score, total score, etc.).

  For example, when the player selects the “normal” of “music 1” in the game device 20 and executes the game, operation data indicating the game result is transmitted from the game device 20 to the game server 10 after the game is over. The player data processing unit 30a stores the operation data received from the game device 20 as the latest operation data of “normal” of “music 1”. If a high score is obtained, it is also stored as high score operation data.

  Further, the operation data may include data indicating an input operation by the player at the time of game execution. For example, data indicating an input operation is time-series data in which data indicating the player's operation (button press, operation direction, etc.) on the operation device is associated with the reproduction time of the music. The input operations required of the player during the game include, for example, hit, slide, hold, scratch, beat and the like. By including data indicating various input operations in the operation data, it is possible to reproduce the game content executed by the player in the past based on the data. That is, by displaying the game screen according to the operation data in accordance with the reproduction of the music, it is possible to display the same game screen as when the game is played.

  In the player operation data 41c shown in FIG. 3, since the player 1 has executed the game on all the difficulty levels (simple, normal, hard, expert) of "music 1" Although the latest operation data and the high score operation data are stored, the operation data regarding the music for which the game is not executed and the difficulty level are not stored.

  The player data processing unit 30a stores, as player data 31b, data 42 to 4m similar to that of the player 1 shown in FIG. 3 for each of the players 2 to m that executed the game by designating the player ID in the game apparatus 20. .

4A shows an example of ranking data 31c stored in the game server 10. FIG. 4B shows an example of game data 31d stored in the game server 10. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the ranking data 31c includes, for example, total score ranking, simple score ranking, normal score ranking, hard score ranking, expert score ranking, winning several monthly rankings, popular song daily ranking, etc. There is.

  The ranking data processing unit 30b adds up the rankings, for example, every fixed period or every time the data is updated, based on the data 41 to 4m of each player 1 to m included in the player data 31b. It stores as data 31c.

  The simple score ranking, the normal score ranking, the hard score ranking, and the expert score ranking are rankings obtained by summing up the game results of each player according to the difficulty level, and for example, a predetermined number of players (player IDs) are stored from the top. The total score ranking is a ranking obtained by summing up the game results of all difficulty levels. Moreover, each ranking can also be totaled according to music.

  The number of winning monthly rankings is a ranking that counts the number of winnings (the number of first place winnings) for each player per month, and the popular song daily ranking is a ranking that counts the number of times each song for each day has been selected for game is there.

  The ranking data 31 c may include data of various rankings other than the rankings described above.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the game data 31d includes, for example, data 31d1, 31d2,..., 31dY corresponding to each of the plurality of music pieces 1,. In FIG. 4B, for example, sound data 31d1a, game screen data 31d1b, and event data 31d1c for executing a game on the game apparatus 20 or the portable terminal 16 are shown as data 31d1 corresponding to the music piece 1. The sound data 31d1a is data for outputting music, sound effects, and the like. The game screen data 31d1b is data including a traveling route to be displayed along with the reproduction of music, background data for expressing a three-dimensional space, data for effect in a game screen, and the like. The event data 31d1c is data relating to an event to be generated at a predetermined timing according to the traveling route.

FIG. 4C shows an example of the event data 31d1c.
As shown in FIG. 4C, in association with time data indicating the time from the start of the music, data relating to an event to be generated at each time is recorded. Events include, for example, occurrence of various targets, checkpoints, and the like. At the check point, for example, at the time of in-store competitive play (match play), an icon roulette (details will be described later) for rotating and displaying a plurality of icons is displayed.

  In the game data 31 d, data corresponding to each of a plurality of game difficulty levels (simple, normal, hard, expert) is prepared for one music. In addition, in the game screen data 31d1b of FIG. 4 (b), it is assumed that a traveling route and background data are prepared in advance, but based on the event data 31d1c, the traveling route (straight line) It is also possible to generate background data according to a combination of curves, curves, etc.) and the progress route.

  The communication interface 32 controls data communication with the portable terminal 16 and the game device 20 (host device 21) via the network 12.

  5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are views showing the external appearance of the game apparatus 20 according to this embodiment. 5 is a perspective view of the game apparatus 20, FIG. 6 is a front view of the game apparatus 20, FIG. 7 is a side view of the game apparatus 20, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the game apparatus 20, and FIG. The perspective view from each is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment is configured of a first housing 50 a, a second housing 50 b, and a connecting member 50 c.
The first housing 50a is composed of a box-shaped base portion 50a1 and a thin box-shaped upper housing 50a2 provided above the base portion 50a1. A display 51 is provided on the front surface (the second housing 50b side) of the upper housing 50a2. The display 51 is formed of, for example, a plasma display (may be another display such as a liquid crystal display) having a rectangular display surface of 60 inches, for example, and the upper housing has a vertical display surface It is provided in 50a2.

  The display 51 is provided in the upper housing 50a2 such that, for example, the lower end is below the operation device and the upper end is above the viewpoint position of the player operating the operation device in a general state (stand state in this embodiment). It shall be. By arranging the display surface of the display 51 to be vertically long, it is possible to display a dynamic game screen in which the player's line of sight during the game is largely moved in the vertical direction. As a result, since the game screen is viewed in a wide range of the player's field of view, the player can be provided with an immersive feeling in the game. Further, by arranging the display 51 in a vertically long, the installation area of the game apparatus 20 does not significantly increase even with a large screen, so the installation area of the game apparatus 20 in a game center or the like may be small. It does not take up space at the time of transportation of the container, and does not incur increase of the transportation cost.

  Loudspeakers 52a and 52b are provided on the upper front surface of the base portion 50a1 so as to be separated to the left and right. The speakers 52a and 52b have, for example, a performance suitable for the output of sounds in the middle to high range, and are mainly used for the output of music and sound effects during game execution.

  The speakers 52a and 52b are attached to the base portion 50a1 such that the central axis is directed obliquely upward. The mounting positions of the speakers 52 a and 52 b are lower than the height of the face of the player using the game apparatus 20. Therefore, the sounds output from the speakers 52a and 52b are transmitted to the player standing in front of the game apparatus 20 from below. Therefore, even if there is noise around the game apparatus 20, the sounds output from the speakers 52a and 52b can be effectively transmitted to the player without being mixed with the ambient noise. Further, a speaker 52c (woofer speaker) for a low frequency band is provided at the lower front center of the base portion 50a1. The speaker 52c is mainly used for outputting music and sound effects during game execution together with the speakers 52a and 52b.

  A display panel 53 for displaying a game title or the like is supported by the mounting member 53 a on the upper portion of the upper housing 50 a 2 such that the panel surface faces in the same direction as the display surface of the display 51. As shown in FIG. 7, one end of the attachment member 53 a is attached to the upper end portion of the upper housing 50 a 2, and the display panel 53 is attached to the other end via the upper side of the display 51.

  The second housing 50b is provided with a function mainly related to the operation by the player. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second housing 50b includes a left housing 50b1, a right housing 50b2, a bottom housing 50b3, an upper panel 54, and operation devices 56a and 56b.

  The left housing 50b1 is disposed on the bottom housing 50b3 configured in a substantially thin box shape in alignment with the left end, and the right housing 50b2 is disposed on the bottom housing 50b3 in alignment with the right end There is. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a space is provided between the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2, that is, in the lower part of the second housing 50b. Therefore, as shown in the front view of FIG. 6, the front of the speaker 52c provided in the base portion 50a1 is not blocked by the second housing 50b, and the sound output from the speaker 52c is easily transmitted to the outside ing. Also, the player can use the space under the second case 50b for placing luggage.

  The left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2 form an inclined surface in the upper surface portion, and extend in a diagonally backward direction. A speaker 52d is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the left housing 50b1 which extends obliquely rearward, and a speaker 52e is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the right housing 50b2 which extends obliquely rearward.

  The upper surface panel 54 is provided to cover the upper side of the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2. The upper surface panel 54 is formed of, for example, a translucent member, and forms a horizontal surface in a range covering the upper side of the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2. In the upper surface panel 54, circular openings are provided at two symmetrical positions, and the upper portions (operation parts) of the operation devices 56a and 56b project.

  The operating devices 56a and 56b are supported by the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2 in accordance with the position of the opening of the top panel 54, and the operating surface is horizontal when not operated by the player. (Details are shown in FIG. 10).

  Between the operation devices 56a and 56b, a headphone terminal 57 and a volume button 58 (for example, two buttons of upward and downward, or dial type may be provided). By attaching a headphone plug to the headphone terminal 57, sound can be output from the headphones instead of the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e (or parallel to the output from the speaker, the sound is output from the headphones You may choose to In addition, the volume button 58 can adjust the volume of the sound output to the headphones. In addition, it is also possible to connect an earphone or a further speaker to the headphone terminal 57.

  In addition, a coin insertion slot 61 and a card reader 63 are provided on the upper inclined surface of the right housing 50b2. In the coin insertion slot 61, a coin is inserted by the player when the game device 20 is used. The card reader 63 reads data from a game card (storage medium) storing card-specific data (player ID) by proximity wireless communication without contact. The player can read the player ID recorded on the game card by bringing the game card close to the card reader 63 (holding the game card). In addition, a coin payout opening 62 is provided on the lower front of the right housing 50b2. In the coin payout opening 62, unusable coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 61 and coins inserted beyond the upper limit of insertion can be paid out.

  Since the speakers 52d and 52e are provided in the vicinity of the upper ends of the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2 which are extended diagonally rearward, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, the top surfaces The upper side is not covered by the panel 54. Further, since the speakers 52d and 52e are provided on the inclined surfaces, the central axis is directed obliquely upward. The mounting positions of the speakers 52 d and 52 e are lower than the height of the face of the player using the game apparatus 20. For this reason, the sound output from the speakers 52d and 52e is transmitted to the player standing in front of the game apparatus 20 from the lower direction as the speakers 52a and 52b. Therefore, even if there is noise around the game apparatus 20, the sounds output from the speakers 52d and 52e can be effectively transmitted to the player without being mixed with the ambient noise.

  The speakers 52d and 52e have, for example, a performance suitable for outputting high-pitched sounds, and are mainly used for outputting sounds (operation sounds) corresponding to operations on the operation devices 56a and 56b during game execution. Be done. Since the speakers 52d and 52e are provided in the vicinity of the operation devices 56a and 56b, respectively, by outputting an operation sound according to the operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b, it is as if from the operation devices 56a and 56b. It can give the impression that the operation sound was emitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the connecting member 50c connects the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b arranged such that the display surface of the display 51 faces the operation devices 56a and 56b. It is a member of As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting member 50c is configured by a left connecting member 50c1 provided near the left end of the game apparatus 20 and a right connecting member 50c2 provided near the right end.

  As shown in FIG. 8, by connecting the first housing 50 a and the second housing 50 b by the left side connecting member 50 c 1 and the right side connecting member 50 c 2, between the first case 50 a and the second case 50 b A space in which the installation surface is open is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9, the left side connecting member 50c1 and the right side connecting member 50c2 connect the both in the vicinity of the bottom portions of the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b. Therefore, the player can easily enter and exit between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b.

  The operation devices 56a and 56b provided in the second housing 50b are arranged such that the operation surface is horizontal. Therefore, when the player stands in front of the game apparatus 20 facing the display 51 and operates the operation devices 56a and 56b (hereinafter, the standing position of the player in this case is referred to as a first player position), the first case The same operation feeling is obtained in any of the cases where the operation devices 56a and 56b are operated while standing between the body 50a and the second housing 50b (hereinafter, the player's standing position in this case is referred to as the second player position). Can be provided.

  The second player position is for the case where the player plays with the display 51 on the back side. For example, the advanced game player may aim to play without looking at the game screen displayed on the display 51 by storing the timing of operating the operation devices 56a and 56b during the reproduction of the music and the music. is there. The second player position can be used when such advanced game player plays.

  The connecting member 50c (the left side connecting member 50c1 and the right side connecting member 50c2) can be fixed after adjusting to an arbitrary length by providing an extendable structure in the length direction. That is, the distance between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b can be adjusted by changing the length of the connecting member 50c.

  Further, the connecting member 50c may be detachably attached to the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, and a plurality of connecting members 50c having different lengths may be prepared and optionally replaced. Also in this case, the distance between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b can be adjusted in the same manner.

  In the game device 20 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the sizes of the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b in the width direction are substantially the same. The width of the first housing 50 a is substantially the same as the size of the display 51 in the horizontal direction (short side). That is, although the game apparatus 20 mounts the display 51 of the large screen, the display surface of the display 51 is arranged to be vertically long, and the first case 50a and the second case 50 are combined with the short side of the display 51. Since the case 50b is configured, the enlargement is avoided.

  In addition, by adjusting the distance between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, the size in the depth direction of the game apparatus 20 can also be changed, so the size of the game apparatus 20 is changed according to the installation location. be able to. Further, by making the connecting member 50c detachable from the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, the game apparatus 20 can be separated into the first housing 50a, the second housing 50b, and the connecting member 50c. . Therefore, by separating the game apparatus 20 at the time of transportation or the like, the transportation operation can be facilitated. In addition, by making the attachment member 53a attached to the upper part of the upper housing 50a2 detachable, the height of the first housing 50a can be lowered to facilitate the transportation.

  The main control unit for controlling the game apparatus 20 is accommodated in the first housing 50a (the base portion 50a1), and various units provided in the second housing 50b and the connection member 50c. It is connected via a cable disposed inside. By providing a connector or the like that can be arbitrarily connected / disconnected to a cable for connecting between the control unit and the like housed in the first housing 50a and the various units housed in the second housing 50b, The operation for connecting and separating the housing 50a and the second housing 50b can be facilitated.

Next, the details of the operation devices 56a and 56b will be described.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the operation devices 56a and 56b. As shown in FIG. 10, the operation devices 56a and 56b are attached so that the upper portion operated by the player protrudes from the opening provided in the top panel 54. The operation devices 56a and 56b are symmetrically arranged, and when the player faces the second housing 50b and stands in the center, they can be operated with the same sense of distance by the left and right hands. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, since the operation surfaces of the operation devices 56a and 56b are horizontal, the player operates at any position of the first player position and the second player position. However, the same operation feeling can be obtained.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a cross section taken along line AA shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the operation device 56a is provided between a left side housing 50b1 and a right side housing 50b2 and a prismatic first support member 56b11 disposed to extend upward from the side surface of the left side housing 50b1. It is supported by a prismatic second support member 56b12 disposed horizontally above it.

  The side surface of the operation device 56a is provided with a coupling member 56a1 provided with a coupling portion for coupling with the first support member 56b11 and the second support member 56b12. The operation device 56a is brought into a stable state by engaging the first support member 56b11 and the second support member 56b12 with the coupling member 56a1 and fixing them with screws or the like.

  The coupling member 56a1 of the operation device 56a is fixed to the first support member 56b11 and the second support member 56b12 on the side facing the display 51, that is, the back side of the operation device 56a. Therefore, when the player stands at the first player position (the front position of the game apparatus 20 (the second housing 50b facing the display 51) to use the game apparatus 20, the attached portion by the coupling member 56a1 is hidden. Become invisible. Therefore, by making the top panel 54 transparent (or semi-transparent), the operation device 56a appears to be floating in the air.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the player using the game device 20. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is an example of a state in which the player stands at the first player position and operates the operation devices 56a and 56b. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation surfaces of the operation devices 56a and 56b are set to a height at which the player can easily operate with light elbows bent.

  In addition, since a space is provided between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, the player standing at the first player position has the lower end of the display 51 below the operation devices 56a and 56b. Even if the game screen displayed on the display 51 can be viewed to the lower end, the upper surface panel 54 is not obstructed. Further, since the display screen of the display 51 is arranged to be vertically long, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper end of the display 51 is higher than the viewpoint position of the player. Therefore, it is possible to immerse in the game by providing the player with a dynamic game screen which causes the player to visually recognize the game screen in a wide range of the field of view and to move the sight line largely in the vertical direction.

Next, the detailed configuration of the operation devices 56a and 56b will be described.
The operation devices 56a and 56b in the present embodiment have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the operation device 56a will be described as an example, and the description of the operation device 56b will be omitted.

  13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the operation device 56a, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the operation device 56a shown in FIG. 13 with the external cover removed, and FIG. 15 is a plan view of the operation device 56a. The figure, FIG. 16 has shown the side view of the operation device 56a, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, an operation unit 56 a 2 operated by the player is provided on the upper portion of the operation device 56 a. The operation portion 56a2 is formed of a substantially cylindrical portion and a member having a bottom portion with a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion at the bottom of the cylindrical portion. A flat operation surface is formed on the upper portion of the operation device 56a, and the player can operate by placing a palm or a finger. The operation unit 56a2 constitutes a push button, and a predetermined stroke amount (for example, 2 to 3 mm) is pushed in by depression by the player. The depression of the operation unit 56a2 is detected by a switch housed inside. The operation unit 56a2 is held so that the operation surface is horizontal when the player is not operating, and the operation unit 56a2 is operated when there is an operation of moving the player in the horizontal direction (a range of 360 °) by the player. It is configured to move in a direction.

  Therefore, the operation on the operation unit 56a2 includes an operation of pressing the operation unit 56a2 (push button), an operation of moving the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction, and an operation of moving the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction with the operation unit 56a2 pressed. .

  A light 56a3 is accommodated at the center of the operation unit 56a2. The light 56a3 is used for game effect such as lighting up (or blinking) according to an operation on the operation unit 56a2, for example.

  An upper cover 56a4 is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the operation portion 56a2 in a range larger than the diameter of the bottom. For example, lights 56a5 are disposed at four places on the upper cover 56a4. The light 56a5 is disposed to emit light upward, and is used for game effect such as lighting (or blinking) according to an operation on the operation unit 56a2 or a game situation, for example.

  The side surface of the operation device 56a is covered by an outer cover 56a6. The outer cover 56a6 is formed of, for example, a permeable member. Inside the operation device 56a, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) panels 70 are disposed along the outer periphery of the operation device 56a. In the present embodiment, for example, eight LED panels 70 are disposed at equal intervals. For example, four LEDs 70 a are arranged in the vertical direction on one LED panel 70, and are controlled to individually turn on (or blink) or change the display color. Since the outer cover 56a6 is formed of a transparent member, the player can visually recognize the lighting (flashing) of the LED panel 70 (LED 70a). For example, by lighting the plurality of LEDs 70a in order from the bottom for all the LED panels 70 at predetermined time intervals, it is possible to produce an effect that the ring of light rises. The display pattern of the LED panel 70 is changed at random or in accordance with the operation on the operation device 56 a or the game situation, and is used for the game effect.

Next, a configuration for making the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a movable will be described.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams showing details of the configuration for enabling the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a to move in the horizontal direction. FIG. 17 (a) is a view showing an appearance of a mounted state, and FIG. 17 (b) shows an internal configuration except a part of a member (bearing member 75) shown in FIG. 17 (a). FIG. 18 (a) and 18 (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the bottom. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a part of the configuration shown in FIG.

  Two plate-like members 71 extending perpendicularly to the operation surface of the operation portion 56a2 are attached to the bottom portion of the operation portion 56a2 at a distance from each other. The other end of the plate-like member 71 is attached to a plane member 72 parallel to the operation surface of the operation portion 56a2. Since the two plate members 71 are separated, the operating portion 56a2 can be stably supported.

  One end of a rod-like shaft member 73 is attached to the plate-like member 71 so as to coincide with the central axis of the operation device 56a (the operation unit 56a2). The plate-like member 71, the flat member 72, and the shaft member 73 are integrated and function as a support member having a predetermined length for supporting the operation portion 56a2.

  The other end of the shaft member 73 is penetrated through a hole provided at the center of the base 74. The shaft member 73 is provided with a support mechanism in the longitudinal direction. The support mechanism has a configuration for movably supporting the shaft member 73 (the operating portion 56a2) in the X direction and the Y direction shown in FIG. 17B by the two orthogonal first and second shafts 78 and 76. .

  19 (a) and 19 (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of a support mechanism for supporting the shaft member 73. FIG. FIG. 19 (b) is a side view from the direction of the first axis 78 in the line CC shown in FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. 19 (a) is a plane at line DD shown in FIG. 19 (b) FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the support mechanism rotates the first shaft 78 that rotatably supports the shaft member 73, the bearing member 77 that supports the first shaft 78, and the bearing member 77. It is comprised of a movable second shaft 76 orthogonal to the first shaft 78. The second shaft 76 is rotatably supported by a bearing member 75.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the shaft member 73 can be rotated by the first shaft 78. In addition, the bearing member 77 supporting the first shaft 78 can be rotated by the second shaft 76. Therefore, the shaft member 73 can be rotated by the two first shafts 78 and the second shaft 76 which are orthogonal to each other.

  By combining the two first axes 78 and the second axis 76, the operation portion 56a2 can be moved to the entire horizontal range (a range of 360 °). The support member that supports the operation portion 56a2 is pivoted by the first shaft 78 and the second shaft 76. Therefore, the operating portion 56a2 provided at the tip of the support member does not move exactly horizontally, but moves so as to draw an arc centered on the axis. However, by shortening (narrowing) the movable distance (range) of the operation unit 56a2, it is possible to give the player a sense of horizontal movement.

  A spring 79 is wound around the end of the shaft member 73 passing through the base 74 as shown in FIG. 18 (b). The spring 79 presses the circular member 80 movable along the shaft member 73 to the bottom side of the base 74. The surface on the base 74 side of the member 80 is formed to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member 73. Therefore, when the operation portion 56a2 is not operated by the player, the spring 79 presses the member 80 into contact with each other, whereby the member 80 and the bottom surface of the base 74 are in close contact with each other. Is held by. In this case, since the shaft member 73 is maintained at the center by the spring 79, the operation surface of the operation portion 56a2 becomes horizontal. Further, when the player releases the operation portion 56a2 after the player operates to move in the horizontal direction, the spring 79 causes the shaft member 73 to return to the original position.

  The member 80 is made of, for example, hard plastic (polyacetal or the like). At the bottom of the base 74, switches 84a, 84b, 84c and 84d are attached at four positions around the member 80. The switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d are turned on by the member 80 being in contact with the movable portion.

  FIG. 18 (a) shows the arrangement of the switches 84a, 84b, 84c and 84d except for the spring 79 and the member 80 from the shaft member 73. FIG. As shown in FIG. 18A, the movable portions of the switch 84a and the switch 84c are disposed to sandwich the shaft member 73, and the movable portions of the switch 84b and the switch 84d are disposed to sandwich the shaft member 73. The movable parts of the switches 84a and 84c are arranged, for example, to coincide with the axis of the first shaft 78, and the movable parts of the switch 84b and the switch 84d are, for example, arranged to coincide with the axis of the second shaft 76 . That is, the switch 84a and the switch 84c, and the switch 84b and the switch 84d are disposed on orthogonal lines that intersect the position of the shaft member 73, respectively.

  When the operation unit 56a2 is moved in the horizontal direction, the shaft member 73 is rotatably supported by the first shaft 78 and the second shaft 76. Therefore, the shaft member 73 is moved along with the movement of the operation unit 56a2. The end of the moves. When the end of the shaft member 73 moves, the member 80 attached to the shaft member 73 contacts any movable portion of the switches 84 a, 84 b, 84 c, 84 d disposed around the shaft member 73. As a result, it is possible to detect in which direction the end of the shaft member 73 is moved depending on which switch 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d is turned on. That is, the direction opposite to the movement direction of the end portion of the shaft member 73 can be determined as the operation direction of the operation portion 56a2 by the player.

  Note that by providing the four switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, the four adjacent members 80 are turned on in four directions (front, rear, left, right) in which the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d are individually turned on. A total of eight operation directions in four directions (left and right diagonal directions) can be determined. In this embodiment, four switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d are provided to detect the operation directions in eight directions, but instead of the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, all directions (360 A detector (sensor) capable of detecting the movement direction (°) may be mounted.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 17A, and FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation unit 56a2 is not operated by the player.
As shown in FIG. 20, the operation unit 56a2 constitutes a push button, and is provided with a switch 85 for detecting that the button is pressed inside.

  In the vicinity of the base 74 of the shaft member 73, a buffer member 82 made of rubber or the like is provided. Further, on the base 74, a buffer member 81 is provided between the buffer member 82 and at an interval corresponding to the range in which the movement of the operation portion 56a2 is allowed. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the operation portion 56a2 is not operated, the shaft member 73 is maintained in the vertical state by the spring 79, so that the buffer members 81 and 82 have a space.

  The base 74 is formed with a hole 83 for allowing the shaft member 73 to pass therethrough. The diameter of the hole 83 is determined in such a size that the space between the shaft member 73 and the shaft member 73 can be secured so that the shaft member 73 can move according to the range in which the movement of the operation portion 56a2 is permitted.

  FIG. 22 shows a state in which the operation part 56a2 is operated to move in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 22, the operation unit 56a2 is operated to move in the right direction. Accordingly, the lower end portion of the shaft member 73 moves in the left direction. At this time, before the shaft member 73 contacts the inner surface of the hole 83, the buffer members 81 82 come in contact with each other. Thereby, the impact when the player operates the operation unit 56a2 can be mitigated. Further, since the diameter of the hole 83 is determined in accordance with the range in which the movement of the operation portion 56a2 is permitted, the operation portion 56a2 does not move beyond the allowable range. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the support mechanism and the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the member 80 contacts the movable portion of the switch 84 a disposed on the left side of the shaft member 73 in order to move together with the shaft member 73. Thereby, the switch 84a is turned on.

  Thereafter, when the player's operation on the operation portion 56a2 is completed, the spring 79 acts to press the bottom portion of the base 74 via the member 80, so that the shaft member 73 has a central axis, as shown in FIGS. Return to the position of.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, various input operations can be performed by mounting the operation devices 56a and 56b capable of simultaneously performing the pressing operation and the moving operation in the horizontal direction. That is, by combining the operations on the two operation devices 56a and 56b, it is possible to select an operation method that each player can easily operate, though it is only a simple operation of the pressing operation and the moving operation in the horizontal direction.

Next, game control performed in the game device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game device 20 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 24, the game device 20 includes a control unit 90, a storage unit 92, a display controller 93, an input interface 94, a sound controller 95, a writing controller 96, a coin sensor 97, and a communication interface 98.

  The control unit 90 controls the entire game apparatus 20, and executes each unit by executing a basic program (OS (Operating System)) stored in the storage unit 92 and various application programs (including the game program 92a). Control. The control unit 90 realizes various functions for executing the game controlled according to the input operation on the display 51 by executing the game program 92a stored in the storage unit 92 by the processor (CPU or DSP). Do.

  The functions realized by the control unit 90 include a start processing unit 90a (demonstration processing unit 90a1), a player matching processing 90b, a game processing unit 90c (a game screen display processing unit 90c1, an operation determination processing unit 90c2, a battle processing unit 90c3, The game sound processing unit 90c4), the game result processing unit 90d (result display unit 90d1, unlock processing unit 90d2), the player data processing unit 90e, and the input control unit 90f are included.

  The start processing unit 90a executes start processing until the game is started. In the start process, a demonstration process for displaying a demonstration game screen, a process for newly registering a game card, a process for reading out data from the game card, a point charge process, a play style selection process (solo play, in-store competition play (match play) ), Event play, song selection processing, mode (degree of difficulty) selection processing.

  The player matching process 90b executes a matching process for determining an opponent when the player instructs execution of in-store match play (match play). In the game device 20 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that a match between four players is executed in the in-store match play. In match play, it is assumed that a battle is performed by four players who perform input operations on four game devices 20 installed in the same shop. The in-store competition play is not limited to four, and two or more players may be played by any number of players.

  The game processing unit 90 c controls the game according to the play style specified by the player based on the game data 92 b for each music received from the game server 10. In the case of in-store competition play, in addition to processing on operation data input by an input operation on the display 51, processing on operation data on the opponent is executed. The game processing unit 90c includes the functions of a game screen display processing unit 90c1, an operation determination processing unit 90c2, a battle processing unit 90c3, and a game sound processing unit 90c4.

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 is a route display function of displaying a traveling route on the display 51a in the game space representing a three-dimensional space based on the game data 92b, and a traveling route for changing the display position and shape of the traveling route. A control function, a target display function for displaying a target indicating the timing of an input operation in accordance with a traveling route, and an effect for executing rendering processing such as screen display or voice output based on the determination result by the determination function of the operation determination processing unit 90c2. Including features. The game screen display processing unit 90c1 can change and display the traveling route in the vertical direction of the display 51 arranged vertically long.

  The operation determination processing unit 90c2 also includes a determination function of performing input determination based on the input operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b and the display position of the target. The operation determination processing unit 90c2 determines, for example, in the four stages of evaluation, in the order of high evaluation, GREAT, COOL, GOOD, and MISS.

  The match processing unit 90c3 controls in-store match play (match play), and the game situation (match player data including score data, etc.) to be executed by another player (other game device) as an opponent. Acquisition, score difference calculation, order judgment, etc. are executed.

  The game sound processing unit 90c4 controls sound output during game execution. The game sound processing unit 90 c 4 controls the sound output from the speakers 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e and the headphone terminal 57 through the sound controller 95. For example, the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c are mainly used for outputting music or sound effects (BGM) during game execution, and the speakers 52d, 52e are responsive to operations on the operation devices 56a, 56b during game execution. Mainly used for the output of rattle (operation sound). Of course, it is also possible to output operation sounds from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, and output music or sound effects (BGM) from the speakers 52d, 52e, or change them according to the game situation. In addition, as an output method of music (BGM), for example, it is possible to output BGM for normal output and BGM (shot BGM) to be temporarily output, and mute (shot 0) the shot BGM in a normal state. It is also possible to use a method of rendering a game by BGM by canceling the mute of the shot BGM (returning the volume to the original) according to the play result.

  The game result processing unit 90d executes processing on the game result by the game processing unit 90c. The game result processing unit 90d includes functions of a result display unit 90d1 and an unlock processing unit 90d2. The result display unit 90d1 displays, on the result screen, a score (points) acquired by the player as a game result, an aggregation of the determination results for the input operation, a total evaluation (RATING), and the like. In the case of in-store competition play, the game result of the opponent is also displayed in the same manner, and the competition order is displayed.

  The unlock processing unit 90d2 controls the hidden song unlocking process to be executed after the game is over, displays the unlock screen based on the hidden song data provided from the game server 10, and performs the input operation by the player Accept The unlock processing unit 90d2 allows the music provided as the hidden music to be used in the game by performing a predetermined input operation through the unlock screen. The unlock processing unit 90d2 transmits data indicating the setting status set according to the input operation to the game server 10, and stores the data as player data for each player.

  The player data processing unit 90e executes processing for various data related to the player, and other things in the relation of browsing and editing of the player management data 41a managed in the game server 10, results browsing, and follow / link. Execute processing such as viewing player information (such as grades).

  The input control unit 90 f controls input data from the operation devices 56 a and 56 b input through the input interface 94. The input control unit 90f turns on / off the input data (switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d depending on whether the operation position of the player with respect to the operation devices 56a, 56b is the first player position or the second player position. Determine the input operation for). For example, even if the player performs the same operation on the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a at the first player position and the second player position, the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d to be turned on are different. The input control unit 90f determines the input operation according to the player position at which the player is operating the operation devices 56a and 56b, and notifies the operation determination processing unit 90c2. Note that which of the first and second player positions the player operates the operation devices 56a and 56b may be set by an instruction from the player in the start processing by the start processing unit 90a (selection from the menu or Using a special item, etc.) to detect that the player is present at the second player position by detecting the image of an image taken by a sensor (such as an infrared sensor, not shown) or a camera (not shown) it can. A sensor or camera for player detection can be installed on the lower surface of the upper surface panel 54, for example, with the direction of the display 51 as the detection direction.

  The storage unit 92 stores programs and data for controlling the game executed on the game device 20. The programs stored in storage unit 92 include, in addition to the basic program, a game program 92 a for executing a game on game device 20. The game program 92a can implement each function of the control unit 90 by being executed by a processor or the like.

  The data stored in the storage unit 92 includes game data 92b, player management data 92c, battle player management data 92d, ranking data 92f, input operation data 92g, and game result data 92h.

  The game data 92 b is received from the game server 10 and includes data of a plurality of games (musical pieces) executable by the game device 20. The player management data 92 c is data received from the game server 10 based on the player ID read from the game card by the card reader 63. The player management data 92 c corresponds to the player management data 41 a stored as the player data 31 b of the game server 10 in association with the player ID. The battle player management data 92 d is data received from the game server 10 based on the player ID read from the game card by the card reader 63. The battle player management data 92 d includes player management data of the player who is the opponent at the time of in-store battle play (match play), and a game situation (competitive player data including score data) acquired by the battle processing unit 90 c 3 at the time of the battle. Contains the data shown.

  The input operation data 92g is recorded in response to the player's operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b during the game, and is operation data indicating the player's input operation, that is, data indicating the pressing of the push button and the operation direction of the operation unit It is the time series data which matched with and the reproduction time of music. The input operation data 92g is uploaded to the game server 10 after the game is over, and stored as high score operation data corresponding to, for example, the played music and the degree of difficulty. The game outcome data 92 h is data such as various pieces of data regarding the game executed by the player, such as music selected as the game target, the ranking obtained as the game result, and points acquired.

The display controller 93 controls the display of the game screen and various setting screens on the display 51 a under the control of the control unit 90.
The input interface 94 controls the input of data according to the input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b under the control of the control unit 90. That is, the input interface 94 receives data indicating ON detection of the switch 85 by pressing the push button of the operation device 56a, and ON detection of the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d by horizontal movement operation of the operation unit 56a2. Do. Similarly, data from the operation device 56b is input. The input interface 94 outputs the input data input from the operation devices 56a and 56b to the control unit 90.
The sound controller 95 controls audio output from the speakers 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e and the headphone terminal 57 under the control of the control unit 90 (game audio processing unit 90 c 4). When a headphone plug is attached to the headphone terminal 57, the sound controller 95 stops the audio output from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e. In addition, when the sound controller 95 detects that a headphone plug is attached to the headphone terminal 57, the sound controller 95 sets the volume to an initial value of zero, and then the headphone according to the up / down instruction by the operation of the volume button 58. The level (volume) of the audio signal output from the terminal 57 is adjusted (high / low). By setting the volume to zero each time a headphone is connected to the headphone terminal 57, it is possible to prevent the sound from being output from the headphone with the volume setting of the player who used the game apparatus 20 last time. Thus, for example, even if the player who used the game apparatus 20 last time set the large volume output, the large volume sound is not suddenly output from the headphones connected to the headphone terminal 57. . In addition to setting the initial value to zero, the initial value may be set to a predetermined level (for example, a small volume). Thus, when a headphone is connected to the headphone terminal 57, the sound is output at a small volume, so that it is possible to confirm that the connection has been made. The volume setting may be set to an initial value for the next player when the headphones are disconnected from the headphone terminal 57 instead of when the headphones are connected to the headphone terminal 57.

  Further, volume buttons 58 a and 58 b are connected to the sound controller 95. The volume buttons 58a and 58b are provided, for example, on a control panel for the manager of the game apparatus 20 housed inside the housing (right housing 50b2). The volume button 58a is for adjusting the volume of, for example, the speakers 52a and 52b (or including the speakers 52c and 52d), and the volume button 58b corresponds to the volume adjustment of the speakers 52a and 52b (or the speakers 52c and 52d) It is for adjusting the volume balance of 52e (woofer speaker). Accordingly, it is possible to output sounds of appropriate volume and balance from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d and 52e in accordance with the place where the game apparatus 20 is installed and the surrounding environment.

  The lighting controller 96 controls lighting / blinking of the plurality of lights 56 a 3 56 a 5 and the LED panel 70 under the control of the control unit 90. For example, the lighting controller 96 switches lighting and blinking of the lights 56a3 and 56a5 according to the game situation. In addition, the lighting controller 96 can change the display pattern and the color of the LED panel 70.

  The coin sensor 97 detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 61 and notifies the control unit 90 (start processing unit 90a).

  The communication interface 98 controls communication with other game devices 20 and the host device 21 in the store, and communication with the game server 10 via the network 12.

Next, the operation of the game device 20 in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the game device 20 in the present embodiment.

  When the power is turned on, the game device 20 starts the game program 92a and starts processing by the start processing unit 90a. First, the start processing unit 90a executes a demonstration (demonstration) process by the demonstration processing unit 90a1 (step S1).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the demonstration process.
The demo processing unit 90a1 displays the NOTICE screen for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) at the time of activation (Step A1), and then shifts to the logo display screen (Step A2). When the demonstration process is repeatedly (looped) executed or executed after the game is over, the demonstration process is started from the display of the logo display screen (step A2).

  When the game process is not started, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 continues to display the demonstration screen described below on the display 51.

  For example, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 displays a logo display screen (step A2) displaying a maker name etc., a news screen (step A3) displaying a news screen (an image prepared in advance or an image received from the game server 10), Title screen (step A4), tutorial screen for explaining how to play the game (step A5), and music list screen (step A6) for displaying a list of songs available in the game, after a predetermined time has elapsed or all displays After the display of the contents is completed, the display is switched sequentially.

  Further, the demo processing unit 90a1 reproduces and displays the game screen for demonstration (demo play screen) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), for the music of the first to fifth places of the popular music daily ranking, for example Step A8). The demo play screen displays, for example, the demo play screen of the popular song at one loop, and similarly displays the demo play screen of the popular songs at the second, third, fourth, and fifth places in the second, third, fourth, and fifth loops. Do.

  In addition, when the display of the demonstration screen for one piece of music ends, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 displays a ranking screen of rankings collected by the game server 10 or the host device 21 (step A10). The demonstration processing unit 90a1 alternately displays the total score national ranking screen (step A10a) and the total score in-store ranking screen (step A10b) for each loop.

  The demonstration processing unit 90a1 displays, for example, a message "Please press a button" in the screen of the above-described steps A3 to A10. Further, when there is no coin credit, for example, a message prompting to insert a coin of “INSERT COIN (S)” is displayed.

  When the screens shown in steps A2 to A10 are displayed, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 displays a function selection window when the push button of the operation device 56a or 56b is pressed (step A11).

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the function selection window displayed on the display 51. As shown in FIG.
A plurality of selection items are provided in the function selection window, and the cursor is moved by operating the operation unit of either of the operation devices 56a and 56b back and forth, and any of the selection items is pressed by pressing a button. Can be selected. The function selection window is displayed, and the window is automatically closed when there is no input for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds).

  For example, "CLOSE" instructs to close the window, "Start the game" instructs to move to the start screen, "Show tutorial" to skip the demonstration loop and instructs to display the tutorial, and a demonstration loop Skip to instruct the display of the song list "Show the song list", skip the demo loop to instruct the display of the total score national ranking "See national ranking", skip the demo loop to instruct the display of the total score in-store ranking "Show in-store ranking" is included. The demo processing unit 90a1 shifts the process according to the selection item selected by the operation of the operation devices 56a and 56b.

  When “view music list” is selected, the demonstration processing unit 90 a 1 receives a card scan by the card reader 63 only for a predetermined time, for example. During this time, when reading of the card is executed by the card reader 63 (step A13), if the demonstration processing unit 90a1 can identify that the card is usable (Yes at step A14), the player read from the card The ID is transmitted to the game server 10, and the unlocked music data corresponding to the player ID is received (step A15). That is, the data indicating the unlocked music acquired by the player possessing the card using the game device 20 in the past is received. The unlocked music is a special music that can be acquired by releasing all panels in a predetermined number for each music, for example, by a hidden music unlocking process (described later) executed after the game is over.

  In this case, the demo processing unit 90a1 can display a list including not only songs available to any player but also special songs acquired by the player playing a game.

  In this way, various information related to the game can be optionally confirmed even during the demonstration process while the game is not being executed, so that the game can be played against the player who has not used the game apparatus 20 as well. It becomes easy to appeal the use.

  When the processing of the demonstration processing unit 90a1 is shifted according to the selection of the selection item, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 continues to display the screen until the corresponding processing is completed. For example, when "View National Ranking" is selected, the function selection window is not displayed even if the button of the operation device 56a, 56b is pressed until all the display of the national ranking is completed, and another screen is displayed. To prevent the switching of This prevents the screen switching from being repeated frequently.

  In addition, even when any screen is displayed, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 ends the demonstration processing and shifts to the start processing when coin insertion by the player is detected by the coin sensor 97. That is, the player inserts a coin and gives priority to the player who is about to actually start the game so that the game device 20 can be used.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the start process.
If the start processing unit 90a detects that the button on the operation device 56a or 56b is pressed (Yes in step B3), if there is a credit equal to or more than the number of coin set for the game start (for example, 1 coin) (Yes in step B4), Alternatively, if the free play is set (step B5, Yes), the demonstration process is ended. If there is no credit (step B4, No) and free play is not set (step B5, No), the demonstration process is continued. The start processing unit 90a also ends the demonstration processing when the coin sensor 97 detects that a coin has been inserted without the input operation (step B2, Yes). In addition, if there is a card scan during execution of the demonstration process (Yes in step B1) (except when "watch music list" is selected), the demonstration process is ended.

  When the demonstration processing is ended by coin insertion or button operation, and in the case of an off-line state (step B6, No), the start processing unit 90a displays a start screen (step B7). Thereafter, when an input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b is detected before time-out (for example, 30 seconds), the start processing unit 90a shifts to processing for game start preparation (avatar selection processing). When the time out occurs (Yes in step B8), the process returns to the demonstration process.

  On the other hand, when the game apparatus 20 is in the online state (Yes in step B6), the start processing unit 90a displays the start screen, and the buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b are pressed until the time out (for example, 30 seconds). Or the card reader 63 waits until the game card is read. If it times out (step B11, Yes), the process returns to the demonstration process.

  Here, when pressing of the button of the operation device 56a, 56b is detected (Step B12, Yes), the start processing unit 90a displays a card non-use confirmation display for confirming to the player that the game card is not used. (Step B22). In the card non-use confirmation display, for example, a message of "Do you play without using a card? When using a card, please hold over a card reader" is displayed.

  Here, if timed out (for example, 30 seconds) (step B23, Yes), or if an input operation on the display 51 is detected (step B24, Yes), the start processing unit 90a does not use the card, and the game is performed. To execute avatar selection processing.

  On the other hand, when the player holds the game card over the card reader 63 (step B13, Yes), the start processing unit 90a starts reading data from the game card by the card reader 63 (step A14). ), Display a card window for notifying the player that card data is being read.

  When the card reader 63 can not correctly read data from the game card (Yes in step B15), the start processing unit 90a displays a card use disabled state (step B16). In the card non-availability display, for example, a message of "data reading failed" is displayed, and then card non-use confirmation display is performed (step B22). In this case, the card can be changed to another game card and the reading can be performed again.

  When the data is correctly read from the game card by the card reader 63 (No in step B15), the start processing unit 90a inquires the game server 10 whether the read player ID (card ID) has been recorded. When the player ID (card ID) of the game card registered for the game apparatus 20 is recorded in advance in the game apparatus 20, the recorded player ID (card ID) is not inquired to the game server 10. It may be determined based on the card ID).

  Here, if it is a new card in which the player ID is not recorded (step B17, Yes), for example, the start processing unit 90a says, “This card is an unregistered card in this game device. The new registration is started. Is displayed, and when the execution of new registration is instructed, the process proceeds to new registration processing (step B20). In the new registration process, the player name used on the game device 20 is input by the operation of the player on the software keyboard displayed on the display 51. The start processing unit 90a transmits the player ID read from the new card and the data of the player name input by the player operation to the game server 10 for recording.

  If the card is not a new card (step B17, No), the start processing unit 90a requests transmission of player management data corresponding to the player ID read from the game card. The start processing unit 90a records the player management data 92c transmitted from the game server 10 in the storage unit 92, displays the data stored in association with the game card (player ID), and uses the card. Confirm with the player (display of a card use confirmation screen) (step B18).

  FIG. 29 is a view showing a display example of a card use confirmation screen. In the example shown in FIG. 29, for example, the player's class, level, and rank are displayed in addition to the player's custom image and player name. Note that other data included in the player management data 92c may be simultaneously displayed. For example, it is possible to display acquired items and the date and time of the last play.

  Here, when no card use is selected ("NO") (step B19, No), the start processing unit 90a displays a card non-use confirmation display for confirming to the player that the game card is not used. (Step B22).

  On the other hand, when using a card ("YES") is selected (Step B19, Yes), start processing part 90a shifts to avatar selection processing.

  Next, the start processing unit 90a executes avatar selection processing (step S3). The start processing unit 90a displays a list of avatars (characters) in the avatar selection screen. The player can select an avatar to be used in the game screen by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b from the avatar list displayed on the avatar selection screen. The avatar is a character that is displayed moving along the traveling route displayed in the game screen.

  When the avatar used in the game is selected by the operation of the player, the start processing unit 90a executes the mode selection process (step S4). The start processing unit 90a displays a screen for mode selection and allows the player to make a selection.

  FIG. 30 shows an example of a screen for mode selection. In the example shown in FIG. 30, as a selectable play mode, "SOLO PLAY" (a mode in which one player executes a game and aims to clear the score or achieve a high score), "MATCH PLAY" (a plurality of games in the store) "EVENT PLAY" (a time-limited mode in which one player can use a task song determined for each event in a game) is prepared by communicating with the device 20 and playing a game with 2 to 4 players). It is done. The player can select one of the modes by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b on the mode selection screen.

  First, the case where "SOLO PLAY" is selected will be described (step S5, solo play). When "SOLO PLAY" is selected, the start processing unit 90a shifts to music selection processing and displays a music selection screen (step S6).

  FIG. 31 is a view showing a display example of the music selection screen. In the music selection screen, as shown in FIG. 31, a list of music titles of a plurality of music is displayed, and for the music title at the center of the screen, the jacket image, artist name, difficulty, evaluation, etc. Enlarge the information of. The list display of the music titles can be scrolled by the operation of the operation devices 56a and 56b, and the music displayed at the center can be selected as the music to be used in the game by pressing the button.

  In addition, a plurality of sort buttons can be provided on the music selection screen, and the plurality of music can be sorted under a predetermined condition and displayed as a list. A plurality of sort buttons are, for example, in order of difficulty (SIMPLE, NORMAL, HARD), genre of music (J-POP, GAME, ORIGINAL etc.), title name (in ABC order, in numerical order, in Japanese syllabary order) Etc.), and the order in which the player has selected in the past is the highest. By selecting one of the sort buttons to rearrange the music list, it is possible to easily select a desired music.

  When one of the music pieces is selected from the list display of music pieces, the start processing unit 90a shifts to mode (difficulty degree) selection processing, and displays a mode (difficulty degree) selection screen (step S7).

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of a mode (difficulty) selection screen. As shown in FIG. 32, in the mode (degree of difficulty) selection screen, in addition to music information (jacket image, title, difficulty, time, etc.) selected by the player, selectable game difficulty levels (modes) are displayed in a list It is done. In the example shown in FIG. 32, it is assumed that three stages of “simple”, “normal” and “hard” are prepared as options of the game difficulty level. It is also possible to limit the selectable difficulty levels according to the player's class and level. For example, when the player's class is low, it is possible to select only the simple and the normal, and to display the hardware in a locked (not selectable) state.

  The player can designate any one of the game difficulty levels by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b in the front-rear direction, and can determine by pressing the button.

  In addition, when using a card, in the mode (difficultity) selection screen, by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b in the left and right direction, any tag of an item or a skin is designated, and for each item selection The screen can be switched to the screen for skin selection.

  For example, on the item selection screen, a list of items acquired by the player is displayed. Here, by selecting any item, it is used in the game processing, and the game content can be changed to be advantageous to the player. For example, in the setting in the basic game mode (degree of difficulty), when the input operation requested by the target appearing in the game is a multi hit, using the item changes the game content to a single hit can do. In addition, it is possible to make the degree of difficulty of the game easy (or difficult) by changing the operation method of the input operation such as making the hit operation a slide operation as well as the hit operation.

  In the skin selection screen, a list of skins acquired by the player is displayed. Here, by selecting any skin, it can be used in the game processing, and the screen effect in the game content can be changed. For example, changing an effect that usually draws multiple circles like ripples to a skin called [flower] will draw a floral effect, and changing it to a skin called [butterfly] will make a butterfly effect It will be drawn.

  When the game mode (degree of difficulty) is selected by the mode selection process, the game processing unit 90c starts the game process (step S8).

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing game processing.
When the game processing is started, the game processing unit 90c executes a traveling route setting process for generating a traveling route to be displayed on the game screen (step D1). The traveling route setting process is a process for changing the traveling route according to the game situation during the game execution. In the initial state, a traveling route prepared in advance as game data for music is used.

  In addition, the traveling route setting process may be performed when a predetermined condition determined in advance is satisfied, instead of being performed in all the games. As the predetermined condition, for example, when the mode selected in the mode (hardness) selection process is a specific mode (for example, in the case of hardware with a high degree of difficulty), the player's class or level is a predetermined setting value determined in advance. In the above case, the player may designate the game before starting the game.

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 of the game processing unit 90c displays the game screen (progressive route, target, etc.) on the display 51a based on the game data corresponding to the music while reproducing and outputting the music selected by the player (Step D2). If a check point set on the progress route is displayed in the game screen (Yes in step D3), the game screen display processing unit 90c1 executes a check point process for changing the game content ( Step D4). Details of the checkpoint process will be described later.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen 120 for solo play. As shown in FIG. 34, on the game screen 120, a traveling route 121 is displayed, and a character (avatar) 122 designated by the player and a plurality of targets 123 are arranged on the traveling route. The character 122 moves along the traveling route 121 and approaches the target 123 on the traveling route 121. By performing the input operation in accordance with the timing at which the character 122 reaches the target 123, the determination on the input operation is performed, and a character string (“COOL” in FIG. 34) representing the determination result 124 is displayed. A plurality of types of targets 123 are prepared, the details of which will be described later.

  Further, at the upper part of the game screen 120, a score 125, a MAX chain number 126, and a groove gauge 127 which are updated according to the situation of the game are displayed. The groove gauge 127 is increased or decreased according to the evaluation (GREAT, COOL, GOOD, MISS) for the input operation. For example, when 70% of the gauge is reached at the end of the music, the clear determination is made.

  In addition, the effect display 137 according to the determination on the input operation is added to the progress route 121 of the game screen 120. The effect display 137 is displayed at the position where the target was displayed, for example, when the evaluation of GOOD or higher is performed in response to the input operation. For the effect display 137, various display modes such as light or appearance of ripples can be used. The effect display 137 is displayed so as to change over the predetermined time at the position where the target has been displayed. Further, it is assumed that the effect display 137 is not displayed when the input operation fails (when the MISS evaluation is made), and the target simply disappears.

  The effect display 137 may not only be displayed so as to change at the position at which the target was displayed, but also the display position may be moved as the character 122 moves the advancing route 121 (advancing route 121 Display as it flows over the

  FIG. 35 is a view showing a display example of the game screen 120 different from that of FIG. FIG. 35 is a view showing an example of the game screen 120 at the time of in-store competitive play (match play) described later.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the player's custom image 131 and the opponent's ghost's custom images 132, 133, 134 are displayed at the bottom of the game screen 120 for in-store match play (match play). In the vicinity of the custom images 131 to 134, score rankings that change in accordance with the progress of the game are displayed (1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH). In addition, a character string (GREAT, COOL, GOOD, MISS) as a determination result for the input operation is displayed in accordance with the timing of the input operation. In addition, it displays the current groove gauge and score. Therefore, by viewing the order display and the custom images 131 to 134, the ghost situation can be confirmed in real time, and the feeling of playing against the ghost can be felt more strongly.

  Further, although one traveling route 121 is displayed in FIG. 34, in FIG. 35, in addition to the traveling route 121 for the player, the traveling routes 121a and 121b for the opponent player are performed in parallel with the traveling route 121. , 121 c are displayed. In the progress route 121a, 121b, 121c, based on the operation data of the game being played by the other game device 20 in the store, the effect display 138 according to the judgment on the input operation is added. The effect display 138 is displayed in the same manner as the effect display 137 described above. Therefore, on the game screen 120 shown in FIG. 35, the situation of the other player can be grasped also by the effect display 138 added on the traveling route 121a, 121b, 121c, and further, the character 122 and the characters of the other players. Because it feels that they are running parallel, it is possible to get a stronger feeling of playing against other players.

  Next, the game processing will be described while exemplifying a traveling route and a specific example of targets displayed on the game screen, and an operation method of the operation devices 56a and 56b for the targets. Note that a simple game screen is illustrated to facilitate the description.

  FIG. 36 (a) shows an example in which a straight traveling route is displayed. In FIG. 36A, a straight traveling route is displayed, and a game screen is displayed to indicate that the character C is moving (flying) along the traveling route. For characters, for example, various characters such as birds flying in space, airplanes, butterflies, and flowers can be used. When one of a plurality of characters can be selected, the background music (BGM) (songs, arrangements, etc.) and evaluation criteria that are output during the game are changed according to the character type. Also good.

  In FIG. 36A, the target T indicating the timing of the input operation is arranged on the traveling route. Therefore, as the character moves on the traveling route, it gradually approaches the target. As shown in FIG. 36 (b), the player performs a hit operation (single hit) on the operation devices 56a and 56b in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. In the hit operation (single hit), one of the push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b is pressed. In the hit operation, as shown in FIG. 36C, either of the operation device 56a and the operation device 56b may be used. Therefore, for example, in the case of a right-handed player, it is sufficient to use the right operating device 56b which is easy for the player to operate. In the game device 20 of the present embodiment, since the operation devices 56a and 56b have the same function, it is detected that the same input operation is performed regardless of which one is used. Therefore, even a beginner who is not used to the game can easily enjoy the game. In addition, two players can individually operate the operation devices 56a and 56b to enjoy one game with two people.

  The operation determination processing unit 90c2 inputs data indicating an input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b through the input interface 94 (Yes in step D5), and the input operation is performed based on the input data. It detects (step D6). That is, the push button is pressed, and the movement direction (any of eight directions) of the operation units of the operation devices 56a and 56b is determined.

  In addition, the game sound processing unit 90c4 causes the sound controller 95 to output sound effects corresponding to the input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b from the speakers 52d and 52e arranged in the vicinity of the operation devices 56a and 56b (step D7).

  Next, the operation determination processing unit 90c2 compares the display position of the character when the input operation is performed with the position of the target (determines the distance), and performs the input operation according to the content of the input operation and the type of the target. Determine If the target does not exist near the character (No in step D8), the operation determination processing unit 90c2 determines that it is a MISS. The game screen display processing unit 90c1 causes the character string of the MISS determination to be displayed on the game screen, and continues the display of the game screen (step D2).

  Here, when the target exists near the character (Step D8, Yes), the operation determination processing unit 90c2 determines whether the input operation according to the target has been performed based on the input data (Step D9). ). For example, for the target T placed on the traveling route shown in FIG. 36A, an input operation (push button press) by a hit operation is required. Here, it is determined that the hit operation has been performed, and when the input operation is evaluated, points are added according to the evaluation result or the like for the input operation (step D10). Further, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 executes effect processing according to the target (step D11). As the effect processing according to the target, for example, a screen expressing effects such as the target bursting and disappearing by a hit operation is displayed, and sound effects according to the display contents are output from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c Let

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 subsequently displays a game screen representing the character moving (flying) along the traveling route (step D2). Therefore, when targets are continuously arranged, they can be cleared by successively performing a hit operation in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches each target.

  The traveling route shown in FIGS. 36 (a) and 36 (b) shows a portion which is a simple straight line, but depending on the traveling route, for example, as shown in FIGS. 37 (a) and (b), The orientation or position of the character in the screen changes. In FIG. 37 (a), the direction changes so that the straight traveling route bends, and in FIG. 37 (b), the traveling route changes so as to draw a curve. The position changes. In addition, the character is moving in the back direction or the near direction by changing the background outside the traveling route and changing the speed of moving on the traveling route of the character so that the game screen represents a three-dimensional space. Is expressed.

  When the orientation, position, or direction of the character in the screen changes, the position where the character overlaps (or approaches) the target changes in the screen. Therefore, the player needs to make an input operation by determining the position at which the character changing in the screen reaches the target and the timing at which the character reaches the target. Thus, unlike the game in which the input operation is performed by simply gazing at a predetermined position on the display screen, a game having a change can be realized.

Next, specific examples of other types of targets and input operations for each target will be described.
FIG. 38 (a) shows an example in which a band-shaped target is arranged on the traveling route. For a band-shaped target, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), according to the timing when the character reaches the target, as shown in FIG. 38 (c), the hold operation (push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b Continue to hold down the state of). While the hold operation is being performed, the strip-like target is erased. In addition, you may make it display the effect which shows that hold operation is carried out. Also in the case of the hold operation, any push button of the operation devices 56a and 56b may be operated.

  FIG. 39 (a) shows an example in which a plurality of (connected) targets are arranged on a traveling route. For a plurality of connected targets, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), according to the timing at which the character reaches the connected targets (during passing between the front end and the rear end of the target), As shown in (c), the beat operation (the hit operation to the push button of the operation devices 56a and 56b is repeated) is performed. While the beat operation is being performed, an effect may be displayed such that the target is shattered and disappears. In the beat operation, pressing on any one push button of the operation devices 56a and 56b may be repeated, or pressing of the push buttons on the two operation devices 56a and 56b may be alternately repeated.

  FIG. 40A shows an example in which a double dashed line (helix) target is disposed on the traveling route. As shown in FIG. 40 (b), the scratch operation (operation device) is performed on the double-broken line (helical) -shaped target as shown in FIG. 40 (c) in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. An operation of alternately changing one of the operation units 56a and 56b in the left and right direction is performed. While the scratch operation is being performed, for example, the effect display is performed such that the double broken line is released. In the case of the scratch operation, any operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b may be operated.

  FIG. 41 (a) shows an example in which a target with an arrow in the left direction is arranged on the traveling route. For a target with an arrow, as shown in FIG. 41 (b), sliding in the same direction as the arrow of the target, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), according to the timing of the character reaching the target. An operation (an operation of moving any of the operation units of the operation devices 56a and 56b in the arrow direction) is performed. In the case of the slide operation, not only the operation device 56a on the left side but also the operation unit of the operation device 56b may be operated even if the arrow attached to the target is in the left direction. In order to change the level of difficulty of the game, if the predetermined conditions are met (player's level, game mode (degree of difficulty), etc.), for example, in the case of left arrow, the left operation device 56a, right arrow In such a case, the operation devices 56a and 56b to be operated may be limited as in the operation device 56b on the right side (or vice versa).

  The examples shown in FIGS. 41 (a) and 41 (b) show examples of targets requesting movement operation in the left (lateral) direction with respect to the operation devices 56a and 56b. The target may be an anteroposterior arrow, or an oblique arrow (right diagonal front, right diagonal rear, left diagonal front, left diagonal rear).

  Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 41 (a) and 41 (b), the case where the slide operation is performed in the arrow direction of the target set on the traveling route is shown. Alternatively, slide operation may be performed.

  FIG. 42 (a) shows an example in which the target extends from the right side of the traveling route from the direction perpendicular to the traveling route. When the target reaches the traveling route, it is displayed to stop stretching and stop on the traveling route, as shown in FIG. 42 (b). For a target extending toward the traveling route, according to the timing at which the character reaches the target on the traveling route, or, as shown in FIG. , Make the slide operation in the direction the target has been stretched. In the example shown in FIG. 42C, since the target extends from the right side of the traveling route, one of the operation units of the operation devices 56a and 56b is moved to the right as shown by the arrows in the drawing.

  If it is determined that the slide operation has been performed in the correct direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 42 (d), effect display is performed such that the extended target and line disappear from the tip like a fireworks display.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 42 (a) to (c), not only can the target extend from the vertical direction on the left and right with respect to the traveling route, but the target may extend randomly from other directions. it can. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 42 (e), the target extends from the front right of the traveling route. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42 (f), at the timing when the target approaches (or overlaps with) the character, as indicated by the arrow in the figure, the direction in which the target has been stretched (diagonal direction to the right) The slide operation can be used to erase the target.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 42 (g), the target extends from the rear left of the traveling route. In this case, as shown by (h) in FIG. 42, at the timing when the target approaches (or overlaps with) the character, the target extends in the same manner (left as shown by the arrow in the figure) (left The target can be erased by sliding operation in the diagonally backward direction).

  Furthermore, instead of the targets extending from a specific direction, as shown in FIG. 42 (i), a plurality of targets may extend toward the traveling route from different directions. The player can perform slide operation by arbitrarily selecting one of the two operation devices 56a and 56b, for example, in the direction according to each target, at the timing when each target approaches (or overlaps) the character. .

  FIG. 43 (a) shows an example in which a target having a long continuous arrow in the right direction is arranged on the traveling route. For a target with a long arrow, as shown in FIG. 43 (b), slide hold operation in the same direction as the arrow of the target (operation device 56a, 56b) in accordance with the timing when the character reaches the target. While the arrow continues, the operation of moving any operation unit in the arrow direction is performed). In the case of the slide hold operation, not only the operation device 56b on the right side but also the operation unit of the operation device 56a may be operated even if the arrow attached to the target is in the right direction. In order to change the level of difficulty of the game, if the predetermined conditions are met (player's level, game mode (degree of difficulty), etc.), for example, in the case of left arrow, the left operation device 56a, right arrow In such a case, the operation devices 56a and 56b to be operated may be limited as in the operation device 56b on the right side (or vice versa).

  FIG. 44 (a) shows an example in which targets of a specific shape different from normal are arranged on the traveling route. For a target of a specific shape, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), critical operations (two operation devices 56a, 56b) are performed on the two operation devices 56a, 56b in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. Make a simultaneous hit operation on the push button of.

  FIG. 45 (a) shows an example in which a target of a specific shape different from the usual is placed on the traveling route, and the target has two arrows indicating different directions. For a target with a specific shape with two arrows, as shown in FIG. 45 (b), the dual slide operation (for the two operation devices 56a and 56b) is performed according to the timing when the character reaches the target. An operation of individually moving the operation units of the two operation devices 56a and 56b in different arrow directions is performed. In FIG. 45 (b), an input operation is performed to move the operation unit in the left front and left directions with respect to the left operation device 56a and in the right front and left direction with respect to the right operation device 56b. An input operation may be performed to move the operation unit in the front right direction with respect to 56a and in the front left direction with respect to the operation device 56b. That is, since it is determined that the same input operation is performed when any of the operation devices 56a and 56b is operated, the operation devices 56a and 56b can be selectively used so that the player can easily operate.

  FIG. 46 (a) shows an example in which a target having a specific shape different from a normal is disposed on the traveling route, and two strip-shaped lines are attached to the target. For a strip-shaped target of a specific shape, as shown in FIG. 46 (b), dual-hold operation (two operation devices for two operation devices 56a and 56b in accordance with the timing when the character reaches the target) An operation of continuing the state in which the push buttons 56a and 56b are simultaneously pressed is performed.

  FIG. 47 (a) shows an example in which a hidden target not to be displayed is arranged on the traveling route. For the hidden target, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), the input operation (hit of any push button of the operation devices 56a, 56b) by the hit operation is performed at the timing of passing the ad-lib point hidden in the traveling route. It shall be necessary. Also for the hidden target, it is assumed that evaluation is performed and points are added in the same manner as a normal target by performing input operation with good timing.

The above-described traveling route and target are merely examples, and other traveling routes and targets can be used.
In the example shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, the same type of input operation is simultaneously performed on two operation devices 56a and 56b for one target, but different types of input operations may be combined. For example, an input operation may be performed to simultaneously perform the hit operation and the slide operation separately using the two operation devices 56a and 56b. In this case, it is assumed that a target instructing a combination of the above-described input operations is disposed on the traveling route.

  Further, in the above description, only one traveling route is shown, but it may be branched into, for example, two traveling routes during the game. In this case, the input operation according to the targets set in each of the two traveling routes is individually performed on the operation devices 56a and 56b using, for example, both hands.

  Furthermore, in the above description, although it is described that the push on the push button or the move operation of the operation unit is performed on the operation devices 56a and 56b, the move operation is performed while the push button is pressed. Is also possible. In this case, it is assumed that a target for instructing an input operation combining the pressing of the push button and the movement operation is disposed on the traveling route.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, since the pressing operation and the sliding operation on the two operation devices 56a and 56b can be combined, the various input operations described above are enabled, and the game contents are changed. Is possible.

  In the above description, although the case where the player performs an input operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b at the first player position is described, the same input operation is performed when the player operates at the second player position. Do it. That is, when the operation unit 56a, 56b is operated to move the operation unit at the second player position, data indicating an operation direction different from that in the case of the first player position is input. Since the input determination according to is performed, the player does not have to perform the input operation in consideration of the difference in position.

Next, the travel route setting process (step D1) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The game screen display processing unit 90c1 basically displays the traveling route based on the data of the traveling route prepared in advance for the music, but can change the traveling route according to the game situation. The game screen display processing unit 90c1 determines whether to change the progress route during the game or not by the progress route change determination (step C1).

  In the progress route change determination, for example, determination is made based on data representing the current game situation such as the determination result (immediately or within a predetermined time) about the input operation to the target, the number of chains, the current score and the like. Further, in in-store competition play (match play) described later, determination can also be made based on the score difference with the opponent, the order, and the like.

  When the game screen display processing unit 90c1 determines that the traveling route is to be changed (Yes in step C2), the game screen display processing unit 90c1 sets a traveling route after the change based on the result of the traveling route change determination (step C3).

  For example, "Change the progress route to go upward if the input judgment is successful, go downward if it is unsuccessful" "Go to the right direction when the match order goes up, go to the left direction if you go down" By defining rules such as “change to a traveling route that goes forward as the number of chains increases and to a forward direction as it decreases as you increase the number of chains”, it is possible to set a traveling route according to the result of the input determination. . In this case, the player can more easily understand the current situation of the game from the change of the traveling route.

49 (a) (b) (c) and FIGS. 50 (a) (b) (c) show an example of changing the traveling route.
FIG. 49 (a) shows a traveling route prepared in advance. If the input determination is successful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the traveling route shown in FIG. 49 (a) to extend upward in the game screen as shown in FIG. 49 (b). Also, if the input determination is unsuccessful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the traveling route shown in FIG. 49 (a) to extend downward on the game screen as shown in FIG. 49 (c). Do.

  FIG. 50 (a) shows a travel route prepared in advance. If the input determination is successful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the traveling route shown in FIG. 50 (a) to a complicated shape as shown in FIG. 50 (b). That is, by making the camera direction parallel to the traveling direction when generating a three-dimensional game screen, the traveling route is shaped so as to travel from the near side to the back direction and the apparent length of the traveling route Change (eg, make it longer). Further, if the input determination is unsuccessful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 simplifies the traveling route shown in FIG. 50 (a) by, for example, making it linear as shown in FIG. 50 (c). Make it easy to get the timing to the target.

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 generates, for example, an advancing route by combining arithmetic processing for generating a straight line or a curve, and on this advancing route, an event (target) indicated by event control data shown in FIG. Deploy. When the apparent length of the traveling route changes, the speed of the target moving on the traveling route changes, and the time to reach each event (target) (time data shown in FIG. 4C) is before the route change. Make it the same. That is, even if the shape of the traveling route changes, the content and operation timing of the input operation requested to the player are not changed. In addition, as the shape of the advancing route changes, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the display form of the target (event) in accordance with the shape of the advancing route.

Also, the traveling route may be changed as follows.
For example, as shown in FIG. 51A, a plurality of traveling routes 121a, 121b, and 121c having different shapes are simultaneously displayed on the game screen in advance. Then, according to the game situation, any traveling route is selected, the character (avatar) 122 is moved to the selected traveling route, and the target is displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 51 (b) and 51 (c), a plurality of route parts forming the traveling route are prepared in advance, and the traveling route is formed by selecting and connecting the parts according to the situation. 51 (d) shows an example of the traveling route 121f generated by connecting the parts of the traveling route 121d shown in FIG. 51 (b) and the parts of the traveling route 121e shown in FIG. 51 (c) There is.

  In the above description, the route change is determined based on a predetermined condition in the traveling route determination process, but the traveling route may be changed randomly during the game. In addition to determining the route change based on only the game situation, it is also possible to determine the route change based on other data. For example, when the player uses a card, the game server 10 stores player data for each player (player experience value, class, player name, etc.) and personal data (birthday, address, etc.) The route change may be determined based on personal data. For example, when the game execution date is the player's birthday, it may be changed to a traveling route with a low degree of difficulty.

  Furthermore, when the progress route is changed, after the game is over, data indicating the progress route is stored in the game server 10 in association with the player ID together with the operation data corresponding to the input operation of the player, It is also possible to reproduce the content of execution or to provide it as an advancing route used by other players to play a game.

  Thus, in the game according to the present embodiment, by changing the shape of the traveling route in real time according to the game situation etc., it is possible to provide a dynamic game screen and change the ease of timing for the target. Can change the level of difficulty. In addition, more effective game presentation can be achieved by changing other elements such as effects, music reproduction, and sound effects in accordance with the change of the progress route.

  Next, check point processing (step D4) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 52 and 53. The flowcharts of FIGS. 52 and 53 show the first and second check point processing at the time of in-store competition play, and it is assumed that only a part of the flowchart is executed in solo play. First, the first check point process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The checkpoint process is for changing the game content, and is generated at a checkpoint set in advance on the traveling route. Check points can be set at multiple locations on one ongoing course (in one song).

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 displays a surprise roulette on the check point when the check point appears on the progress route displayed on the game screen. FIG. 54 (a) is a view showing a display example of a surprise roulette. The surprise roulette rotates and displays a plurality of types of icons (options) determined for each content that changes the game content, centering on the check point. In the example shown in FIG. 54 (a), eight icons are displayed. The contents that change the game contents include "the one that leads the player in an advantageous manner" and the one that "provides the player a trial". For example, by changing the judgment criteria for the input operation, changing the obtained score magnification (2 times, 1/2 times, etc.), changing the traveling route shape, changing the display form of the game screen, etc. generate.

  In the first check point process, according to the game situation (for example, the score before reaching the check point, the judgment result for the input operation, etc.), the surprise roulette is selected using eight options (icons) out of a large number of options prepared in advance. Display In Surprise roulette, the same type of icon may be duplicated.

  As shown in FIG. 54 (b), when the avatar (character) reaches the check point (Yes in step E3), the game processing unit 90c randomly selects one of the plurality of icons displayed on the surprise roulette. (Step E4). The game screen display processing unit 90c1 displays the selected icon on the check point, as shown in FIG. 54 (c). Further, the game processing unit 90c causes the game screen (progressing route) corresponding to the selected icon to be displayed, and changes the game contents by, for example, changing the determination criteria by the operation determination processing unit 90c2 (step E5).

FIG. 55 shows an example of changing the game screen (progressive route) according to the icon selected from the surprise roulette.
FIG. 55 (a) shows an example of a normal traveling route. Here, when an icon indicating that the traveling route is to be changed into a straight line is selected (“STRAITE” icon), as shown in FIG. 55 (b), the difficulty is lowered by changing the traveling route into a straight line. Can make the player advantageous. Also, when an icon indicating that the display range of the progress route is to be narrowed is selected (“SPOT LIGHT” icon), as shown in FIG. 55 (c), the display range of the progress route is limited to the periphery of the avatar. You can raise the level of difficulty and put the player at a disadvantage.

  In the above description, the icon is selected at random for solo play, but at the time of in-store match play, the game processing unit 90 c indicates the current score and rank of each player as the opponent (match player management data 92 d (Step E1), and after adjusting the selection probabilities of the plurality of icons based on the score difference with each player and the order, the icons are selected. That is, it is easy to generate "what leads the disadvantaged player in an advantageous manner" and "the one which challenges the advantageous player". In this case, the opposite situation is likely to occur with low probability.

  In addition, the icon displayed on the surprise roulette is a game situation (order, score difference, judgment result for input operation, etc.) for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds before passing) before the avatar reaches the check point. It shall be selected accordingly.

  In the first check point process shown in FIG. 52, the icon is selected without intervention by the player, but the icon may be selected in the same manner as the input operation to the target. In the second check point process shown in FIG. 53, the icon is selected in accordance with the input operation from the player.

  In the case of solo play, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 adjusts the speed of rotation display of the surprise roulette icon according to the score immediately before the check point (step F2). For example, the higher the score, the higher the speed of the rotation display.

  When there is an input operation to move the operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b in any direction in accordance with the timing when the avatar passes the check point (steps F3, F4, Yes), the game processing unit 90c performs the input An icon is selected based on the operation direction and the display position of the icon in the surprise roulette (step F5). For example, when there is an input operation to move the operation units of the operation devices 56a and 56b in the right direction, the game processing unit 90c selects an icon displayed at the right position at that timing.

  The game processing unit 90c executes the same process as step E5 shown in FIG. 52 according to the selected icon (step F6).

  In the second check point process, when the score is low, the speed of rotation display of the icon of the surprise roulette becomes slow, and it becomes easy for the player to select the desired icon (the icon to be advantageous). On the other hand, if the score is high, it is difficult to select a desired icon (incorrectly, it becomes easy to select an adverse icon).

  In this way, in the checkpoint process, since the game contents can be changed during the game, in the case of solo play, even if the same music is selected each time the game is executed, the game is performed at the checkpoint each time Because the content is changed, even the same music can be enjoyed without getting bored with the game.

  Also in the first check point process, the icon (option) may be selected according to the input operation of the player, as in the second check point process.

  Further, in the case of in-store match play (match play), the game content is likely to be changed advantageously / unfavorably according to the situation of the match (order, score difference), so even between players who have a difference in ability You can enjoy the match. In addition, even in a match, the players do not directly interfere with each other, etc., and it is possible to give a feeling of occurrence of an unintended surprise, thereby giving an unpleasant feeling to the opponent player. It's not good.

  As described above, the game processing unit 90c receives an input operation by the player while updating the advancing route, and advances the game. When the music reproduction ends and the character reaches the end of the traveling route (Yes in step D13), the game processing unit 90c ends the game processing. When the game processing ends, the game device 20 shifts to the display of the game score (step S9).

  FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an example of the game score screen (result screen). The result display unit 90d1 displays a game score screen based on the data recorded during the game execution. As shown in FIG. 56, in the game score screen, for example, in addition to music information as a game target, the total evaluation of the input operation by the player, the maximum number of chains, the score (points), the overall evaluation, the competition ranking ( In the case of match play, etc. are displayed. The whole evaluation is represented, for example, by E, D, C, B, A, S in ascending order.

  When the display of the game score screen (result screen) is ended, if there is a remainder in the coin charge (step S10, Yes), the control unit 90 selects the music and executes the game processing in the same manner as described above. Can.

  When there is no remainder in the coin charge and the game is ended (No in step S10), the result display unit 90d1 displays a reward screen (step S11). FIG. 57 shows an example of the reward screen. On the reward screen, for example, information on music used in the game, acquired experience value, level up gauge, information such as titles, etc. are displayed. When leveling up, it is displayed that the reward (item, avatar, skin) set for each level is acquired.

Next, the case where “MATCH PLAY” (in-store competition play) is selected on the mode selection screen will be described.
First, the player matching process 90b executes an in-store matching process for determining a competing player. In in-store competitive play, the game can be played by two to four players who use the game device 20 in the same in-store. Among the plurality of game devices 20 in the store, the game device 20 to which the execution of the in-store competitive play is first instructed becomes the host player, and recruits opponents (guests) to the other game devices 20. In the in-store battle play, the player can select an opponent by selecting one of the party battle using the above-described check point process and the normal battle not using the check point process.

  If there is no match request from one or more players (one or more players) within a predetermined time, the player matching processing 90b shifts to the solo play described above. On the other hand, when there is a battle request, the player matching processing 90b shifts to processing for preparation of in-store battle play.

  Next, when the host processor is selected, the start processing unit 90a displays a music selection screen to cause the player to select a music piece to be used in the game (step S13). In addition, the start processing unit 90a displays a mode (degree of difficulty) selection screen and is selected by the player. The mode (degree of difficulty) can be selected by each player.

  When the mode (degree of difficulty) is selected, the game processing unit 90c starts game processing (step S15). The game screen is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG.

  When the game processing is completed, the result display unit 90d1 displays the result (order, etc.) of the in-store competition play (step S16), and displays the game score for the in-store competition game (step S17).

  Here, when the coin is charged (step S18, Yes), it is possible to repeatedly execute the in-store competition play. When the game is ended without performing the in-store competitive game (Step S18, No), the result display unit 90d1 displays a reward screen (Step S11).

  Next, the case where “EVENT PLAY” (period-limited play) is selected on the mode selection screen will be described. Event play is selectable only in a predetermined period (a date and time indicating a period is set in advance).

  First, the start processing unit 90a displays an event regulation screen for displaying various information related to the event, sets the music used in the game and the degree of difficulty according to the instruction of the player, and then executes the game processing (step S20). In the music, it is assumed that a specific music (target music) is prepared in advance for the event.

  When the game processing is completed, the result display unit 90d1 displays an event result for displaying an event reward (such as a prize for participation), and then displays a reward screen (step S11).

  When the display of the reward screen is ended, the unlock processing unit 90d2 executes the hidden music unlock processing in any mode (however, in the case of using the card).

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the hidden song unlocking process.
First, the unlock processing unit 90d2 reads the data of the unlocked music from the player's player data (step G1), and displays the hidden music unlock screen based on the data.

  FIG. 59A shows an example of the hidden song unlock screen. On the hidden song unlock screen, an unlocked image representing that an image (for example, a jacket image etc.) representing the song is hidden by the panel is displayed (step G2). The example shown in FIG. 59 (a) shows an example in which unlocked images corresponding to three pieces of music are simultaneously displayed, and an unlocked image of one piece of music hidden by one panel and four pieces of unlocked images are displayed. It contains unlocked images of two songs hidden in the panel.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 59 (a), two panels for the second unlocked image and one panel for the third unlocked image are executed after the game processing executed earlier. It indicates that the hidden song unlocking process has already been released.

  Here, any unlock image can be selected by an operation of moving the operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b back and forth. Then, the release of the panel can be instructed by depressing the push button of the operation devices 56a and 56b (Step G3, Yes). After displaying the screen for opening any panel in the selected unlocked image (step G4), the unlock processing unit 90d2 displays an item acquisition screen showing items acquired by the player after the game is over (step S4). G5).

  FIG. 59 (b) shows that one panel is opened in the second unlock image. In addition, the number of panels opened in one hidden song unlocking process is, for example, one for solo play and event play, and two for in-store competition play (match play), etc. . Also, the number of released cards may be changed in accordance with the number of game continuations. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the number of panels to be opened according to other conditions, such as opening two during the campaign period.

  FIG. 60 shows an example of the item acquisition screen. As described above, an item can be acquired when the panel is opened (including the case where there is no panel to be opened) by the hidden music unlocking process. Items can be acquired when a new song is released due to unlocking, or when a high score is given after the end of play, or when the class or rank goes up.

  In this way, the music for which all the panels are open can be selected in the music selection process when the player executes the game. Moreover, about the music in which all the panels are not open | released, it matches with player ID and is memorize | stored in the game server 10, and it is displayed in the next hidden music unlocking process.

  Note that the panel opening number may be charged without opening the panel. For example, in the hidden music unlock screen, the charge can be selected by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b. When the charge is selected, the unlock processing unit 90 d 2 is made to be stored in the game server 10 (player data) in association with the player ID. The charged panel opening number is used in the other hidden song unlocking process so that a plurality of panels can be opened collectively.

  The number of panels can be nine, twenty-five, or any other number (one or more panel shapes may be provided) in addition to one or four as shown in FIG. The music provided in the hidden music unlocking process is a music specially provided, and for example, the latest music is used.

  The unlock processing unit 90d2 can also change the number of panels in accordance with the elapsed time since the music is provided. For example, it is possible to hide with 25 panels within 3 months from the start of provision, change to 16 after 3 months, and 9 after 4 months. In this case, if, for example, 18 panels are opened within 3 months, the target music will be released (game available) after 6 months.

  When the hidden music unlocking process is finished (step S23), the control unit 90 stores all data of the game result (step S24), and transmits it to the game server 10 (step S25). Thereafter, the control unit 90 returns to the demonstration processing by the start processing unit 90a (the demonstration processing unit 90a1) (step S1).

  When the player data processing unit 30a of the game server 10 receives the game result data from the game device 20, the player management data 41a of the player (for example, player experience value, class, level, title, acquired item, player's record, unlock) Update music data etc.)

  In the above description, player data of each player is stored and managed in the game server 10, but may be stored in the game device 20. In this case, the game device 20 performs the same data management process as the game server 10 described above. When the player data stored in the game device 20 is updated, the update contents may be notified to the other game devices 20 sharing the player data to synchronize the data.

Next, a modification of the operation device mounted on the game device 20 will be described.
When the operation device 56a shown in FIGS. 13 to 23 performs an operation of moving the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction, the operation device 56a2 does not move horizontally but draws an arc centered on the axis. Moving. 61 to 64 are diagrams showing the operation device 156 configured to move the operation unit in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of the operation device 156, and FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, an operation unit 1562 operated by the player is provided on the upper portion of the operation device 156. The operation unit 1562 is formed of a substantially cylindrical portion and a member having a bottom portion with a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion at the bottom of the cylindrical portion. A flat operation surface is formed on the upper portion of the operation device 156, and the player can operate by placing a palm or a finger. The operation unit 1562 constitutes a push button, and a predetermined stroke amount (for example, 2 to 3 mm) is pushed in by pressing by the player. The depression of the operation unit 1562 is detected by a switch 185 housed inside. The operation unit 1562 is configured to move the operation unit 1562 horizontally in the operation direction when there is an operation of moving the player horizontally (in the range of 360 °) by the player.

  Therefore, the operation on the operation unit 1562 includes an operation of pressing the operation unit 1562 (push button), an operation of moving the operation unit 1562 horizontally, and an operation of moving the operation unit 1562 horizontally while keeping the operation unit 1562 depressed. .

  A light 1563 is accommodated at the center of the operation unit 1562. The light 1563 is used for game effect such as lighting up (or blinking) according to an operation on the operation unit 1562, for example. The side of the operation device 156 is covered by an outer cover 1566. The operation unit 1562 is supported by a support member 175 in which a space is provided.

Next, a configuration for horizontally moving the operation unit 1562 of the operation device 156 will be described.
At the bottom of the operation portion 1562 is provided a bottom member 170 whose lower surface is flat. On the lower surface of the bottom surface member 170, two plate-like members 171 extending perpendicularly to the operation surface of the operation portion 1562 are attached separately. Further, the other end of the plate-like member 171 is attached to a flat member 172 parallel to the operation surface of the operation unit 1562. Since the two plate-like members 171 are separated, the operation portion 1562 can be stably supported.

  A shaft attachment portion 174 is provided at the center between the two plate members 171. One end of a rod-like shaft member 173 is movably attached to the shaft attachment portion 174 so as to coincide with the central axis of the operation device 156 (the operation portion 1562). The lower other end side of the shaft member 173 is movably mounted by a shaft mounting portion 177. Therefore, when the operation unit 1562 is moved in the horizontal direction, the upper end portion (the position of the shaft attachment portion 174) of the shaft member 173 moves in the horizontal direction along with the movement of the operation unit 1562 and the shaft member 173 moves in the movement direction. Be tilted.

  A support member 176 having a flat surface facing the bottom surface member 170 of the operation unit 1562 is provided on the top of the support member 175. A plurality of (for example, eight) spherical members 178 arranged at equal intervals are rotatably held on a plane of the support member 176 opposite to the bottom surface member 170. When the bottom surface member 170 of the operation unit 1562 is placed on the spherical member 178 of the support member 175, the bottom surface member 170 moves on the spherical member 178 in response to an input operation in the horizontal direction on the operation portion 1562. Thereby, the operation unit 1562 moves in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 63 is a plan view taken along the line F-F shown in FIG. 62, and FIG. 64 is a side view of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 63, eight spherical members 178 are disposed on the upper surface (plane) of the support member 176 at equal intervals. The operation unit 1562 is horizontally movable in a state where the operation unit 1562 is placed on the spherical member 178 in the bottom surface member 170.

  A spring 180 is connected between a member 179 fixed near the bottom of the support member 175 and the bottom member 170. The springs 180 are disposed, for example, at four positions around the shaft member 173 at equal intervals. The bottom member 170 is pulled by the spring 180 from the periphery, so that the operation portion 1562 (shaft member 173) is positioned at the center. When the operation unit 1562 is not operated by the player, when the shaft member 173 is held at the central axis by the action of the spring 180 and the operation unit 1562 is operated to move horizontally by the player, then the hand is released. The spring 180 returns the shaft member 173 to its original position.

  As in the case of the spring 79 of the operation device 56a, a spring acting to maintain the shaft member 173 at the center may be wound around the shaft member 173.

  Near the bottom of the support member 175, for example, four switches 184 are disposed around the shaft member 173. The switch 184 functions in the same manner as the switches 84a, 84b, 84c and 84d provided on the operation device 56a. A detector (sensor) capable of detecting the moving direction in all directions (360 °) may be mounted.

  Thus, in the operation device 156 shown in FIGS. 61 to 64, the operation unit 1562 can be moved horizontally. Therefore, even when the moving distance in the horizontal direction with respect to the operation unit 1562 is increased, it is not necessary to impair the feeling of operation to move horizontally. By mounting the two operation devices 156 on the game device 20 instead of the operation devices 56a and 56b, it is possible to implement a game similar to the case where the operation devices 56a and 56b are used.

Next, a modification of the operation device 156 shown in FIGS. 61 to 64 will be described.
FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of an operation device 256 obtained by modifying the operation device 156. As shown in FIG. In the operation device 256, a rotating member 258 is added to the configuration of the operation device 156.

  The rotating member 258 is a member that rotates on the turntable 257 in response to the operation of the player at the outer peripheral portion of the operation unit 1562. The rotation member 258 can be operated independently of the operation unit 1562 individually. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 258 is provided with a plurality of holes 259 penetrating inside at a constant interval. For example, air can be blown out from the hole 259 by mounting an apparatus for injecting air inside the operation device 256 and injecting air at a predetermined timing during game execution. Thereby, in addition to the sound and the light, further game effects are possible.

  FIG. 66 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the operation unit 1562 is removed. As shown in FIG. 65, on the inner circumferential side of the rotating member 258, a sensor blade 259 is provided which rotates with the rotation of the rotating member 258. The sensor blade 259 is provided with a plurality of blades at a constant cycle.

FIG. 67 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a sensor blade 259 and two sensors A and B provided to detect the rotation of the sensor blade 259.
The sensors A and B are sensors disposed at positions where the blade of the sensor blade 259 passes, for example, optically detecting the passage of the blade. The sensors A and B are disposed at positions where the blades are detected at different timings. Data detected by the sensors A and B are notified to the control unit 90 through the input interface 94.

68 (a) and 68 (b) are diagrams showing an example of detection data by the sensors A and B. FIG.
Since the sensors A and B detect the blades at different timings, as shown in FIGS. 68 (a) and 68 (b), detection data whose phase is shifted is output. Therefore, the phase output is opposite between right rotation (CW) and left rotation (CCW) shown in FIG. 68 (a) (detected by sensor A → sensor B or detected by sensor B → sensor A) .

  The control unit 90 can detect the presence / absence of rotation of the rotation member 258, the rotation direction, the rotation speed, and the number of rotations based on the blade detection result by the sensors A and B.

  When the operation device 256 is mounted on the game device 20, in the game processing, a target for instructing rotation of the rotation member 258 with respect to the traveling route is displayed. Further, the target may indicate the rotation direction (right rotation, left rotation) and rotation speed (fast or slow) of the rotating member 258. Furthermore, it is also possible to display a target for instructing pressing of the push button or moving the operation unit 1562 in any direction while rotating the rotation member 258.

  As described above, by using the operation device 256 provided with the rotating member 258, it is possible to realize a game that can be performed by more various input operations.

  Two operation devices 256 may be provided for the game apparatus 20, or only one operation device may be provided. However, in the case of installing only one, it is assumed that a target requiring operation of two operation devices at the same time is not used.

Next, another modified example of the operation device mounted on the game device 20 will be described.
69 to 74 show the operation device 356 configured to move the entire operation unit including the operation unit in the horizontal direction. 69 is a plan view of the operating device 356, FIG. 70 is a front view of the operating device 356, FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G shown in FIG. 69, and FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the operating device 356, FIG. 73 show side views of the operation device 356, respectively.

  The operation device 356 has a structure that enables the horizontal movement mechanism 390 to horizontally move the entire operation unit 357 having a configuration capable of moving in the horizontal direction with the push button similar to the operation device 56a and the operation device 156 described above. Have.

  As shown in FIGS. 69 to 73, an operation unit 3563 operated by the player is provided on the upper portion of the operation unit 357. The operation unit 3563 is, for example, a dome shape having a size enough to mount both hands. The inside of the operation unit 357 is hollow and the mechanism portion is accommodated. The operation unit 3563 forms a push button, and a predetermined stroke amount (for example, 2 to 3 mm) is pushed in by pressing by the player. The depression of the operation unit 3563 is detected by a switch 385 housed inside. The operation unit 3563 is configured to move the operation unit 3563 horizontally in the operation direction when there is an operation of moving the player horizontally (in the range of 360 °) by the player.

  Therefore, to operate the operation unit 3563, an operation to press the operation unit 3563 (push button), an operation to move the operation unit 3563 horizontally, an operation to move the operation unit 3563 horizontally while keeping the operation unit 3563 pressed There is an operation to move the entire unit 357 in the right or left direction.

Next, a configuration for horizontally moving the operation unit 3563 of the operation unit 357 will be described.
At the bottom of the operation unit 3563, two first rails 358 that allow the operation unit 3563 to move in the X direction (left and right direction) shown in FIG. 69, and the Y direction shown in FIG. , And two second rails 359 disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first rails 358 movable.

  The second rail 359 is supported by the lower unit 361. Therefore, the operation unit 3563 can be moved in the horizontal direction (360 °) according to the input operation of the player by the first rail 358 and the second rail 359 disposed in the orthogonal direction on the lower unit 361. Become.

  An axial attachment portion 374 is provided at the center of the inside of the operation portion 3563. One end of a rod-like shaft member 373 is movably attached to the shaft attachment portion 374 so as to coincide with the central axis of the operation portion 3563. The other end of the lower portion of the shaft member 373 is movably mounted by a shaft mounting portion 377 in the lower unit 361. Therefore, when the operation unit 3563 is moved in the horizontal direction, the upper end portion (the position of the shaft attachment portion 374) of the shaft member 373 moves in the horizontal direction along with the movement of the operation unit 3563, and the shaft member 373 moves in the movement direction. Be tilted.

  For example, four switches 384 are disposed around the shaft member 373 of the lower unit 361. The switch 384 functions in the same manner as the switches 84a, 84b, 84c and 84d provided on the operation device 56a. A detector (sensor) capable of detecting the moving direction in all directions (360 °) may be mounted.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 390 is provided with a rail 360 disposed on the inner side in the same direction as the first rail 358. A lower unit 361, a left moving unit 362 a disposed on the left of the lower unit 361, and a right moving unit 362 b disposed on the right of the lower unit 361 are engaged with the rail 360 of the horizontal moving mechanism 390. The lower unit 361, the left moving unit 362a, and the right moving unit 362b are movable along the rails 360, respectively. However, the left moving unit 362a is movable leftward from the initial position shown in FIGS. 69 to 72, and the right moving unit 362b is movable rightward from the initial position.

  The left moving unit 362a is held at the initial position by the action of the conston spring 384a provided in the horizontal moving mechanism 390, as shown in FIG. The left moving unit 362a is returned to the initial position by the conston spring 384a when moved leftward by the operation of the player.

  As shown in FIG. 71, the right moving unit 362b is held at the initial position by the action of the conston spring 384b provided in the horizontal moving mechanism 390. The right moving unit 362 b is returned to the initial position by the conston spring 384 b when it is moved to the right by the operation of the player.

FIG. 74 shows a cross-sectional view of the operation unit 357 moved leftward.
As shown in FIG. 74, the player moves the operation unit 357 in the left direction with a strong force, whereby the operation unit 357 moves in the left direction together with the left moving unit 362a. In this case, since the Conston spring 384a is in an extended state, it acts to return the left moving unit 362a to the initial position after the player's input operation is completed. Accordingly, the operation unit 357 is also returned to the initial position by being pushed by the left moving unit 362a. The same applies to the case of moving in the right direction.

  When the operation device 356 is mounted on the game apparatus 20, by using the operation unit 357, game processing can be executed in the same manner as the case where the operation devices 56a and 56b and the operation device 156 described above are used. Furthermore, when using the operation device 356, an input operation for moving the entire operation unit 357 rightward or leftward at a special timing in the game, for example, at the most exciting scene of music or at the end of music. You can request the player (use a special target). Since the input operation for moving the entire operation unit 357 is significantly different from the input operation for the normal operation unit 3563, a game with high impact can be provided.

  The input determination is performed in the same manner as the input operation (pressing of the push button, movement in the horizontal direction) on the operation unit 3563 also for the input operation of moving the entire operation unit 357 in the right direction or the left direction.

  As described above, by using the operation device 356 that allows the entire operation unit 3563 to move, it is possible to realize a game that can be performed by more various input operations.

  In the above description, although the entire operation unit 357 is in the left-right direction (X direction shown in FIG. 69), that is, the movement direction of the operation unit 3563 by the first rail 358, the movement direction by the second rail 359 It may be made to coincide with (the Y direction shown in FIG. 69), or a structure may be provided in which it is moved in the direction which does not coincide with either the X direction or the Y direction shown in FIG.

  Further, it is assumed that only one operation device 356 is installed on the game apparatus 20, and a target that requests to operate the two operation devices described above simultaneously is not used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment as it is, and at the implementation stage, the constituent elements can be modified and embodied without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components in different embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

  The control method described in the embodiment is, for example, a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), semiconductor as a program (software means) that can be executed by a computer. It can be stored in a storage medium such as a memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), and can be distributed by transmission via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side includes a setting program for configuring in a computer software means (not only an execution program but also a table and a data structure) to be executed by the computer. A computer for realizing the present apparatus reads a program stored in a storage medium, and sometimes constructs a software means by a setting program, and executes the above-mentioned processing by controlling the operation by this software means. The storage medium referred to in the present specification is not limited to distribution but includes storage media such as a magnetic disk and a semiconductor memory provided in an apparatus connected inside a computer or via a network.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game server, 20 ... Game device, 50a ... 1st housing | casing, 50b ... 2nd housing | casing, 50c ... Connection member, 51 ... Display, 56a, 56b ... Operation device, 90 ... Control part, 90c ... Game processing part , 92a ... game program, 156 ... operation device, 356 ... operation device.

Claims (5)

A game device that executes a game that receives an input operation while outputting music selected from a plurality of music,
A plurality of different screens are repeated and sequentially displayed while the game is not being executed, and after all the plurality of different screens are displayed, the plurality of different screens are repeatedly displayed again And screen display means for changing and displaying the display contents only for any screen included in the plurality of different screens;
And detecting means for detecting a predetermined input operation for selecting a specific screen included in the plurality of screens while repeatedly displaying the plurality of different screens by the screen display means.
The screen display means displays the specific screen according to the input operation, repeats the plurality of different screens from the specific screen, and sequentially displays , and is included in the plurality of different screens. Every time the one screen is displayed according to the ranking of the music selected for executing the game, the game screen corresponding to the music of a different ranking is predetermined along with the reproduction of the music. A game device that displays the hour   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the input operation for selecting any one of the screens in which the display content is changed.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection means limits the detection of the input operation until the display content to be displayed is displayed, when the screen in which the display content is changed according to the input operation is displayed. .   2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising game processing means for terminating the screen display by the screen display means and starting the game when detecting a game start instruction. A computer of a game apparatus that executes a game that receives an input operation while outputting music selected from a plurality of music ,
A plurality of different screens are repeated and sequentially displayed while the game is not being executed, and after all the plurality of different screens are displayed, the plurality of different screens are repeatedly displayed again And screen display means for changing and displaying the display contents only for any screen included in the plurality of different screens;
A program for functioning as detection means for detecting a predetermined input operation for selecting a specific screen included in the plurality of screens while repeatedly displaying the plurality of different screens by the screen display means And
The screen display means displays the specific screen according to the input operation, repeats the plurality of different screens from the specific screen, and sequentially displays , and is included in the plurality of different screens. Every time the one screen is displayed according to the ranking of the music selected for executing the game, the game screen corresponding to the music of a different ranking is predetermined along with the reproduction of the music. A program to display the hourly time .