JP7504245B2 - GAME PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND GAME PROCESSING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game program, an information processing system, an information processing device, and a game processing method that are capable of generating items that appear in a game.

Conventionally, there are games in which a wide variety of items appear in the game (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

"THE LEGEND OF ZELDA BREATH OF THE WILD", [online], Nintendo of America Inc. , [Retrieved January 12, 2023], Internet <https://www.zelda.com/breath-of-the-wild/>

It is preferable for a game to have a greater variety of items, but considering the burden of development work and the increase in data, there is a limit to simply increasing the number of item types. Also, there is an issue that increasing the number of item types also increases the number of icon images representing the items.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a game program, information processing system, information processing device, and game processing method that can allow many types of items to appear in a game while reducing the amount of data for the icon images of the items.

To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configurations (1) to (9).

(1)
An example of the present invention is a game program that causes a computer of an information processing device to execute a process of controlling a player character based on an operation input. The game program causes a computer of an information processing device to execute the following process in response to a first instruction based on the operation input.
a process of generating a first synthesized equipment item object, which is an object obtained by synthesizing a specified first equipment item object and a specified first item object, among a plurality of equipment item objects that the player character can possess and use by equipping them, in place of a specified first item object among a plurality of item objects in the virtual space; a process of having the first synthesized equipment item object possessed by the player character; a process of generating a three-dimensional model of the first synthesized equipment item object based on a three-dimensional model of the first equipment item object and a three-dimensional model of the first item object; a process of generating and storing an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object by photographing the three-dimensional model of the first synthesized equipment item object using a virtual camera; and a process of displaying a list image of the equipment item objects and synthesized equipment item objects possessed by the player character in a form including the icon image, in accordance with a second instruction based on the operation input.

According to the above configuration (1), a new synthesized equipment item object can be generated by synthesizing an item object with an equipment item object, so that many types of items can appear in the game. Furthermore, according to the above configuration (1), there is no need to prepare an icon image of the synthesized equipment item in advance, so the amount of data for the item icon image can be reduced.

(2)
In the above configuration (1), the game program may cause the computer to generate an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object in response to the first synthesized equipment item object being possessed by the player character.

The configuration (2) above eliminates the need to generate icon images that are not required for generating a list image, thereby improving the efficiency of processing in the information processing system.

(3)
In the above configuration (1) or (2), the game program may cause the computer to display, in the list image, an icon image of a composite equipment item object in a display manner different from the icon image of the equipment item object possessed by the player character.

The configuration (3) above makes it easier for the player to distinguish between the icon images of composite equipment item objects and the icon images of equipment item objects in the list image.

(4)
In the above configuration (3), the game program may cause the computer to generate an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object in which a contour line is further added to an image representing the first synthesized equipment item object.

The configuration (4) above makes it possible to easily distinguish the icon images of synthesized equipment item objects from among the icon images in the list image.

(5)
In any of the above configurations (1) to (4), the game program may cause the computer to set a virtual camera so that, in order to generate an icon image of the first composite equipment item object, the orientation of the three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object relative to the virtual camera corresponds to a predetermined orientation for the first equipment item object, and the entire three-dimensional model is within the imaging range of the virtual camera.

The above configuration (5) makes it easier for the player to understand how the appearance of the equipment item object has changed as a result of synthesis.

(6)
In any of the above configurations (1) to (5), the game program may further cause the computer to execute the following process in response to a third instruction based on an operation input while the list image is being displayed.
A process of returning the second synthesized equipment item object possessed by the player character to the second equipment item object before synthesis. A process of changing the icon image of the second synthesized equipment item object in the list image to the icon image of the second equipment item object stored in advance.

According to the above configuration (6), the contents of the list image can be changed to reflect that the synthesis of the synthesis equipment item object has been released.

(7)
In any of the above configurations (1) to (6), the game program may cause the computer to display a list image of at least the specified synthetic equipment item object or equipment item object in a form that includes the name in addition to the icon image.

The above configuration (7) makes it possible to provide the player with more detailed information regarding the specified composite equipment item object.

(8)
In the above configuration (7), at least information on the name of the item object and the effect of the item object when combined may be pre-associated with the item object. At least information on the name, type, and performance of the equipment item object may be pre-associated with the equipment item object. The game program may cause the computer to execute the following process in response to the first instruction.
A process for generating a name of a first combined equipment item object, the name being composed of a first portion, a second portion following the first portion, and a third portion following the second portion, based on a combination of a first item object and a first equipment item object, by (a) determining the first portion to be either a name representing the first item object or a name representing an effect when combined of the first item object, (b) determining the second portion to be either a predetermined particle, a predetermined suffix added to the first portion, or none, and (c) determining the third portion to be either a name representing the type of the first equipment item object or a name according to a combination of an effect when combined associated with the first item object and a type associated with the first equipment item object.

The configuration (8) above allows the name of the composite equipment item object to be automatically assigned.

(9)
In the above configuration (8), the game program may cause the computer to determine the first part, the second part, and the third part based on a naming rule that is preset corresponding to a pattern that matches for the combination of a first item object and a first equipment item object, out of a plurality of preset patterns for a combination of any of the information associated with the item object and any of the information associated with the equipment item object.

The configuration of (9) above allows for the use of naming rules that correspond to the combination of each item object that is the basis of synthesis, making it easier to generate an appropriate name that matches the characteristics and appearance of the synthesized equipment item object, for example.

Another example of the present invention may be an information processing device or information processing system that executes the processes in (1) to (9) above. Also, another example of the present invention may be a game processing method that executes the processes in (1) to (9) above.

The above game program, information processing system, information processing device, and game processing method allow many types of items to appear in the game while reducing the amount of data required for the icon images of the items.

A diagram showing an example of a state in which a left controller and a right controller are attached to a main unit. A diagram showing an example of the state when the left controller and the right controller are removed from the main unit. Six-sided diagram showing an example of a main unit Six-sided diagram showing an example of the left controller Six-sided diagram showing an example of the right controller FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a main unit. A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit, the left controller, and the right controller. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game image showing a game field on which a player character is placed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a game image when the player character becomes ready for synthesis from the situation shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a game image including a player character equipped with the generated composite equipment item. A diagram showing an example of a method for generating a name for a composite equipment item. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of material item data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a post-combination name set for each material item. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of equipment item data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence information. A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item "ruby" and an equipment item "iron sword." A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item "ruby" with an equipment item "wooden stick." A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item "dragon tail" and an equipment item "iron sword." A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item "dragon horn" and an equipment item "soldier's spear." A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item "dragon horn" and an equipment item "iron sword." A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item "Dragon Horn" and an equipment item "Bone Boomerang" A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "bomb" material item and an "iron sword" equipment item. A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "bomb" material item with a "wooden stick" equipment item. A diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining an "iron sword" material item and a "wooden spear" equipment item. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of determining a name of a composite equipment item to be a predetermined specific name for a specific equipment item. A diagram showing an example of a method for generating an icon image of a composite equipment item. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list image. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a list image when the above-mentioned synthesis cancellation instruction is given for the designated synthesis equipment item in the situation shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of various data used in information processing in the game system 1. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of a field process executed by the game system 1. A sub-flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the player-related control process in step S3 shown in FIG. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of a list process executed by the game system 1.

[1. Game System Configuration]
A game system according to an example of this embodiment will be described below. An example of the game system 1 in this embodiment includes a main unit (information processing device; in this embodiment, it functions as a game device main unit) 2, a left controller 3, and a right controller 4. The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. In other words, the game system 1 can be used as an integrated device by attaching the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the main unit 2. In addition, the game system 1 can also be used as a separate device from the main unit 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4 (see FIG. 2). The hardware configuration of the game system 1 of this embodiment will be described below, and then the control of the game system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a left controller 3 and a right controller 4 are attached to a main unit 2. As shown in Figure 1, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are each attached to the main unit 2 and integrated together. The main unit 2 is a device that executes various processes (e.g., game processes) in the game system 1. The main unit 2 includes a display 12. The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are devices that include an operation unit that allows the user to perform input.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the state in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 have been removed from the main unit 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. In the following, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 may be collectively referred to as "controller."

Figure 3 is a six-sided view showing an example of the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes a generally plate-shaped housing 11. In this embodiment, the main surface of the housing 11 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on which the display 12 is provided) is generally rectangular.

The shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. As an example, the housing 11 may be of a size that is portable. Furthermore, the main unit 2 alone or an integrated device in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2 may be a portable device. Furthermore, the main unit 2 or the integrated device may be a handheld device. Furthermore, the main unit 2 or the integrated device may be a portable device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes a display 12 provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays images generated by the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, the display 12 may be any type of display device.

The main unit 2 also includes a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12. In this embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type that allows multi-touch input (e.g., a capacitive type). However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, and may be of a type that allows single-touch input (e.g., a resistive film type).

The main unit 2 is provided with a speaker (i.e., speaker 88 shown in FIG. 6) inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed on the main surface of the housing 11. The output sound of the speaker 88 is output from these speaker holes 11a and 11b, respectively.

The main unit 2 also includes a left side terminal 17, which is a terminal for the main unit 2 to perform wired communication with the left controller 3, and a right side terminal 21, which is a terminal for the main unit 2 to perform wired communication with the right controller 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes a slot 23. The slot 23 is provided on the upper side of the housing 11. The slot 23 has a shape that allows a predetermined type of storage medium to be attached thereto. The predetermined type of storage medium is, for example, a storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) dedicated to the game system 1 and the same type of information processing device. The predetermined type of storage medium is used, for example, to store data used by the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and/or programs executed by the main unit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.). The main unit 2 also includes a power button 28.

The main unit 2 has a lower terminal 27. The lower terminal 27 is a terminal through which the main unit 2 communicates with the cradle. In this embodiment, the lower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector). When the all-in-one device or the main unit 2 alone is placed on the cradle, the game system 1 can display images generated and output by the main unit 2 on a stationary monitor. In this embodiment, the cradle also has a function of charging the all-in-one device or the main unit 2 alone that is placed on it. The cradle also has a function of a hub device (more specifically, a USB hub).

Figure 4 is a six-sided view showing an example of the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 4, the left controller 3 includes a housing 31. In this embodiment, the housing 31 has a vertically long shape, that is, a shape that is long in the up-down direction (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in Figures 1 and 4). The left controller 3 can also be held in a vertically long orientation when removed from the main unit 2. The housing 31 has a shape and size that allows it to be held in one hand, particularly the left hand, when held in a vertically long orientation. The left controller 3 can also be held in a horizontally long orientation. When the left controller 3 is held in a horizontally long orientation, it may be held with both hands.

The left controller 3 has an analog stick 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the analog stick 32 is provided on the main surface of the housing 31. The analog stick 32 can be used as a direction input unit capable of inputting a direction. By tilting the analog stick 32, the user can input a direction according to the tilt direction (and input a magnitude according to the tilt angle). Note that instead of an analog stick, the left controller 3 may be equipped with a cross key or a slide stick capable of slide input as the direction input unit. Also, in this embodiment, input is possible by pressing the analog stick 32.

The left controller 3 is equipped with various operation buttons. The left controller 3 is equipped with four operation buttons 33 to 36 (specifically, a right button 33, a down button 34, an up button 35, and a left button 36) on the main surface of the housing 31. Furthermore, the left controller 3 is equipped with a record button 37 and a - (minus) button 47. The left controller 3 is equipped with a first L button 38 and a ZL button 39 on the upper left of the side of the housing 31. The left controller 3 is also equipped with a second L button 43 and a second R button 44 on the side of the housing 31 that is attached when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. These operation buttons are used to give instructions according to various programs (for example, OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2.

The left controller 3 also includes a terminal 42 that enables the left controller 3 to communicate with the main unit 2 via a wired connection.

Figure 5 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4. As shown in Figure 5, the right controller 4 includes a housing 51. In this embodiment, the housing 51 has a vertically long shape, that is, a shape that is long in the up-down direction. The right controller 4 can also be held in a vertical orientation when removed from the main unit 2. When held in a vertical orientation, the housing 51 has a shape and size that allows it to be held in one hand, particularly the right hand. The right controller 4 can also be held in a horizontal orientation. When the right controller 4 is held in a horizontal orientation, it may be held with both hands.

The right controller 4, like the left controller 3, has an analog stick 52 as a direction input section. In this embodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as the analog stick 32 of the left controller 3. The right controller 4 may also have a cross key or a slide stick capable of slide input, instead of an analog stick. The right controller 4, like the left controller 3, has four operation buttons 53 to 56 (specifically, an A button 53, a B button 54, an X button 55, and a Y button 56) on the main surface of the housing 51. The right controller 4 further has a + (plus) button 57 and a home button 58. The right controller 4 also has a first R button 60 and a ZR button 61 on the upper right of the side of the housing 51. The right controller 4 also has a second L button 65 and a second R button 66, like the left controller 3.

The right controller 4 also includes a terminal 64 for wired communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes components 81-85, 87, 88, 91, 97, and 98 shown in Figure 6. Some of these components 81-85, 87, 88, 91, 97, and 98 may be mounted on an electronic circuit board as electronic components and stored in the housing 11.

The main unit 2 includes a processor 81. The processor 81 is an information processing unit that executes various information processing executed in the main unit 2, and may be composed of only a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, or may be composed of a SoC (System-on-a-chip) that includes multiple functions such as a CPU function and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. The processor 81 executes various information processing by executing an information processing program (for example, a game program) stored in a storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84, or an external storage medium inserted in the slot 23, etc.).

The main unit 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 85 as examples of internal storage media built into the main unit 2. The flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected to the processor 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory used primarily to store various data (which may be programs) saved in the main unit 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used to temporarily store various data used in information processing.

The main unit 2 includes a slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I/F") 91. The slot I/F 91 is connected to the processor 81. The slot I/F 91 is connected to the slot 23, and reads and writes data from a specific type of storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) inserted in the slot 23 in response to instructions from the processor 81.

The processor 81 reads and writes data from and to the flash memory 84, DRAM 85, and each of the above storage media as appropriate to perform the above information processing.

The main unit 2 includes a network communication unit 82. The network communication unit 82 is connected to the processor 81. The network communication unit 82 communicates with an external device via a network (specifically, wireless communication). In this embodiment, the network communication unit 82 connects to a wireless LAN and communicates with an external device using a method conforming to the Wi-Fi standard as a first communication mode. The network communication unit 82 also performs wireless communication with other main units 2 of the same type using a predetermined communication method (e.g., communication using a proprietary protocol or infrared communication) as a second communication mode. Note that the wireless communication using the second communication mode enables wireless communication with other main units 2 located within a closed local network area, and realizes a function that enables so-called "local communication" in which data is transmitted and received by directly communicating between multiple main units 2.

The main unit 2 includes a controller communication unit 83. The controller communication unit 83 is connected to the processor 81. The controller communication unit 83 performs wireless communication with the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4. Any communication method may be used between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and right controller 4, but in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 performs communication with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

The processor 81 is connected to the left terminal 17, the right terminal 21, and the lower terminal 27. When the processor 81 performs wired communication with the left controller 3, it transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17 and receives operation data from the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17. When the processor 81 performs wired communication with the right controller 4, it transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and receives operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21. When the processor 81 performs communication with the cradle, it transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal 27. Thus, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. When the integrated device with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 or the main unit 2 alone is attached to the cradle, the main unit 2 can output data (e.g., image data and audio data) to a stationary monitor or the like via the cradle.

Here, the main unit 2 can communicate with multiple left controllers 3 simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). The main unit 2 can also communicate with multiple right controllers 4 simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Therefore, multiple users can simultaneously input to the main unit 2 using each set of left controllers 3 and right controllers 4. As an example, a first user can input to the main unit 2 using a first set of left controllers 3 and right controllers 4, while a second user can input to the main unit 2 using a second set of left controllers 3 and right controllers 4.

The display 12 is also connected to the processor 81. The processor 81 displays images generated (e.g., by executing the above-mentioned information processing) and/or images acquired from the outside on the display 12.

The main unit 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The codec circuit 87 is connected to the speaker 88 and the audio input/output terminal 25, and is also connected to the processor 81. The codec circuit 87 is a circuit that controls the input and output of audio data to the speaker 88 and the audio input/output terminal 25.

The main unit 2 includes a power control unit 97 and a battery 98. The power control unit 97 is connected to the battery 98 and the processor 81. Although not shown, the power control unit 97 is also connected to each part of the main unit 2 (specifically, each part that receives power from the battery 98, the left terminal 17, and the right terminal 21). The power control unit 97 controls the power supply from the battery 98 to each of the above-mentioned parts based on instructions from the processor 81.

The battery 98 is also connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (e.g., a cradle) is connected to the lower terminal 27 and power is supplied to the main unit 2 via the lower terminal 27, the supplied power is charged into the battery 98.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4. Note that details of the internal configuration of the main unit 2 are omitted in Figure 7 because they are shown in Figure 6.

The left controller 3 is equipped with a communication control unit 101 that communicates with the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication control unit 101 is connected to each component including the terminal 42. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 101 can communicate with the main unit 2 both by wired communication via the terminal 42 and by wireless communication not via the terminal 42. The communication control unit 101 controls the communication method that the left controller 3 uses with the main unit 2. That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 communicates with the main unit 2 via the terminal 42. Also, when the left controller 3 is removed from the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 performs wireless communication with the main unit 2 (specifically, the controller communication unit 83). The wireless communication between the controller communication unit 83 and the communication control unit 101 is performed according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for example.

The left controller 3 also includes a memory 102, such as a flash memory. The communication control unit 101 is formed, for example, by a microcomputer (also called a microprocessor), and executes firmware stored in the memory 102 to perform various processes.

The left controller 3 is equipped with buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, and 47). The left controller 3 also has an analog stick (written as "stick" in FIG. 7) 32. Each button 103 and analog stick 32 repeatedly outputs information relating to operations performed on them to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

The communication control unit 101 acquires information related to the input (specifically, information related to the operation, or the detection results by the sensor) from each input unit (specifically, each button 103 and analog stick 32). The communication control unit 101 transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing a specified process on the acquired information) to the main unit 2. Note that the operation data is repeatedly transmitted once every specified time. Note that the interval at which the information related to the input is transmitted to the main unit 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

By transmitting the above operation data to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 can obtain the input made to the left controller 3. In other words, the main unit 2 can determine the operation of each button 103 and analog stick 32 based on the operation data.

The left controller 3 is equipped with a power supply unit 108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 108 has a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each part of the left controller 3 (specifically, each part that receives power from the battery).

As shown in FIG. 7, the right controller 4 includes a communication control unit 111 that communicates with the main unit 2. The right controller 4 also includes a memory 112 that is connected to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 is connected to each component including the terminal 64. The communication control unit 111 and the memory 112 have the same functions as the communication control unit 101 and the memory 102 of the left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control unit 111 can communicate with the main unit 2 both by wired communication via the terminal 64 and by wireless communication (specifically, communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard) that does not go through the terminal 64, and controls the method of communication that the right controller 4 uses with the main unit 2.

The right controller 4 has input sections similar to those of the left controller 3. Specifically, it has buttons 113 and an analog stick 52. Each of these input sections has the same function as the input sections of the left controller 3, and operates in the same way.

The right controller 4 is equipped with a power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 has the same functions as the power supply unit 108 of the left controller 3 and operates in the same manner.

2. Overview of Processing in the Game System
Below, an overview of the game processing executed in the game system 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the game system 1 executes game processing for a game in which a player (in other words, a user) operates a player character on a virtual game field. In this embodiment, the game system 1 generates a new equipment item (referred to as a "synthesized equipment item") by synthesizing an equipment item object (hereinafter referred to as an "equipment item") and a material item object (hereinafter referred to as a "material item").

An equipment item refers to an item object that can be equipped and used by a player character among the item objects that appear in the game. For example, equipment items are item objects such as swords, shields, and bows. Note that specific examples of equipment items are arbitrary and are not limited to the above examples. Furthermore, a state in which the "player character is equipped with an equipment item" refers to a state in which the player character can use the equipment item (i.e., can perform an action using the equipment item, such as swinging a sword, holding a shield, or shooting an arrow with a bow). In this embodiment, the player character can equip an equipment item designated by the player from among the equipment items possessed by the player character.

A material item refers to an item object that can be used as a material for synthesis with an equipment item among the item objects that appear in the game (i.e., can be synthesized with an equipment item). In this embodiment, various item objects that appear in the game are material items. For example, item objects that are placed on the game field (or can be said to be "falling"), such as a pebble object or a log object, can be material items. Also, for example, an object that the player character can obtain from an object placed on the game field (e.g., a tree object), such as a nut object, can be a material item. Also, for example, an object that the player character can obtain from a character that appears in the game field (e.g., an enemy character) (e.g., can be obtained by defeating the character), such as a monster horn object, can be a material item. Also, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned equipment item can be a material item. Note that specific examples of material items are arbitrary and are not limited to the above examples.

A synthetic equipment item is an item object obtained by synthesizing an equipment item and a material item. Like equipment items, synthetic equipment items are item objects that can be equipped and used by a player character. In this embodiment, the synthesis of a synthetic equipment item refers to the generation of a synthetic equipment item in exchange for the original equipment items and material items. In other words, when a synthetic equipment item is generated, the original equipment items and material items of the generated synthetic equipment item disappear. Note that the specific process for synthesizing an equipment item and a material item is arbitrary, as will be described in detail later.

[2-1. Overview of Combining Processing]
An overview of the synthesis process for generating a synthesis equipment item will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a game image showing a game field on which a player character is placed. Note that in this embodiment, the game image is displayed on the display 12 of the main unit 2, but may be displayed on another display device connected to the main unit 2.

In the situation shown in FIG. 8, the player character 201 is equipped with a sword object 202, a shield object 203, and a bow and arrow object (specifically, a bow object 204 and an arrow object 205) as equipment items. Thus, in this embodiment, the player character 201 can be equipped with multiple types of equipment items at the same time. Specifically, the player character 201 can be equipped with one each of a close-range equipment item, a defensive equipment item, and a long-range equipment item. A close-range equipment item is an equipment item of a weapon type that can perform a close-range attack, such as the sword object 202. A defensive equipment item is an equipment item of a weapon type that can perform defense, such as the shield object 203. A long-range equipment item is an equipment item of a weapon type that can perform a long-range attack, such as the bow and arrow object. In this embodiment, when the player character 201 is equipped with an equipment item, the player character 201 is in a state of wearing at least a part of the equipment item (see FIG. 8). In other embodiments, the number of equipment items that the player character 201 can equip at the same time is arbitrary, and may be as few as one.

In the situation shown in FIG. 8, a fang object 206, which is an example of a material item, is placed on the game field. The fang object 206 represents the fang of an enemy character (not shown), and is placed on the game field, for example, when the player character 201 defeats the enemy character.

In this embodiment, the player can issue a synthesis instruction to synthesize an equipment item and a material item during the game. For example, the game system 1 accepts the synthesis instruction on the condition that the player character 201 is in a state in which it can demonstrate the ability to perform synthesis (referred to as a "synthesis-enabled state"). The synthesis-enabled state may be, for example, a state in which the player character can use a specific item for synthesis, or a state in which the player character can use a specific skill for synthesis. In another embodiment, the player may be able to issue a synthesis instruction during the game when the player character 201 is in any state (i.e., without any conditions).

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a game image when the player character becomes ready for synthesis from the situation shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, when the player character 201 becomes ready for synthesis (i.e., when the synthesis instruction is possible), the material item is displayed in an emphasized manner. Specifically, the material item is displayed in a different display manner from other objects that are different from the material item. More specifically, the material item is displayed in a different color from the other objects, or an effect image is added to the material item. In the example shown in Figure 9, the tusk object 206, which is a material item, is displayed in a different display manner from other objects (e.g., a tree object) (note that in Figure 9, the difference in display manner is represented by diagonal lines). In this way, the game system 1 can clearly present the objects that are material items among the objects on the game field when a game image showing the game field is displayed to the player.

In this embodiment, when the player character is in a synthesis-enabled state and a synthesizable material item exists in the game field, the game system 1 displays an effect image 211 showing the material item to be synthesized (referred to as the "target material item") (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the target material item is determined based on the position and/or orientation of the player character 201. Specifically, the target material item is determined to be the material item that is closest to the player character 201 among the material items that exist within a determination range that is set based on the position and orientation of the player character 201. Therefore, the player can select the target material item from among the material items that exist in the game field by moving the player character 201 in the game field. Note that in other embodiments, the method of identifying the target material item from among the material items that exist in the game field is arbitrary.

Note that if there is no material item that is the target material item among the material items present in the game field (i.e., if there is no material item within the above-mentioned determination range), the effect image 211 is not displayed and the game system 1 does not accept a synthesis instruction. In other words, in the above case, the player character 201 cannot perform synthesis.

In this embodiment, the effect image 211 has an integrated shape that surrounds the fang object 206, which is the target material item, and a part of the player character 201 (the right hand in the example shown in FIG. 9), and is shaped to connect these objects (see FIG. 9). In this way, by displaying an effect image that associates the target material item with the player character, it is possible to make the target material item easier for the player to recognize.

In this embodiment, the equipment item (referred to as the "target equipment item") that is the target of the synthesis process among the equipment items equipped by the player character 201 is specified by the player. Specifically, the game system 1 displays an equipment designation image 212 as an image for the player to designate the target equipment item (see FIG. 9). The equipment designation image 212 is displayed when a synthesis equipment item can be generated (i.e., when a target material item is placed within the above-mentioned judgment range of the player character 201 in a synthesis-enabled state). The equipment designation image 212 is an image that shows, as options, a plurality of equipment items that are equipped by the player character. In this embodiment, the game system 1 performs a process of synthesizing the equipment item specified by the player from the options shown in the equipment designation image 212 and the target material item. As described above, the game system 1 can present an instruction for designating the target equipment item by the equipment designation image 212 in an easy-to-understand manner for the player. Note that, in other embodiments, the game system 1 may accept a synthesis instruction without displaying the equipment designation image 212.

In this embodiment, the equipment designation image 212 shows the correspondence between the instruction for designating the target equipment item and the equipment item. Specifically, the equipment designation image 212 includes an image showing the correspondence between an instruction indicating the left direction and a close-range equipment item, an image showing the correspondence between an instruction indicating the right direction and a long-range equipment item, and an image showing the correspondence between an instruction indicating the down direction and a defensive equipment item (see FIG. 9). When the equipment designation image 212 is displayed, the player gives an instruction to move left, right, or down (for example, by pressing any of the left button 36, right button 33, or down button 34 of the left controller 3). When any of these instructions is given by the player, the game system 1 determines the equipment item corresponding to the instruction as the target equipment item.

In this embodiment, in response to an instruction specifying the above-mentioned target equipment item, the game system 1 combines the equipment item corresponding to the instruction with the target material item. In other words, in this embodiment, the instruction specifying the target equipment item also serves as a combination instruction for combining the equipment item with the target material item. This makes it easier for the player to perform the operations for the combination process when the player character is equipped with multiple equipment items.

The method for determining the target equipment item is arbitrary. For example, in another embodiment, the game system 1 may determine, as the target equipment item, the equipment item for which the player character 201 is taking a ready action.

As described above, in this embodiment, the game system 1 generates a composite equipment item in response to a synthesis instruction from the player. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game image including a player character equipped with the generated composite equipment item. In FIG. 10, as a result of the player issuing a synthesis instruction specifying the sword object 202 in the state shown in FIG. 9, the player character 201 is equipped with a composite equipment item 213 that combines the sword object 202 and the fang object 206.

In this embodiment, when a synthesis command is issued, the game system 1 first moves the target material item (fang object 206 in FIG. 9) on the game field closer to the player character 201 (which may be the target equipment item). In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the game system 1 displays the fang object 206 as being drawn toward the player character 201 by the effect image 211. Then, when the target material item approaches the player character 201, the game system 1 deletes the target material item and changes the target equipment item equipped by the player character 201 to the synthesis equipment item 213 (see FIG. 10). In this way, when a synthesis equipment item is generated, it is possible to clearly present to the player which material item was the basis for generating the synthesis equipment item. Note that the behavior of the target material item, the target equipment item, and the player character when the synthesis equipment item is generated is arbitrary.

In this embodiment, the appearance of the synthesized equipment item is determined based on the target material item and the target equipment item. For example, the synthesized equipment item 213 shown in FIG. 10 has an appearance in which the fang object 206 is integrated with the tip of the sword object 202 (it can also be said that the tip of the sword object 202 is replaced with the fang object 206). Thus, in this embodiment, the synthesized equipment item has an appearance that includes at least a part of the appearance of the equipment item that is the basis of the synthesized equipment item and at least a part of the appearance of the material item that is the basis of the synthesized equipment item. This allows the player to get the impression that the synthesized equipment item is an object formed by synthesizing an equipment item and a material item. In addition, the appearance of the synthesized equipment item allows the player to easily recognize the equipment item and material item that are the basis of the synthesized equipment item. Note that the appearance of the synthesized equipment item is arbitrary, and may have no overlapping parts with the appearance of the original material item and/or the appearance of the original equipment item.

In this embodiment, the game system 1 generates a synthesized equipment item based on a target equipment item and a target material item in a synthesis process. That is, the game system 1 generates a three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item using a three-dimensional model of the target equipment item and a three-dimensional model of the target material item. However, the specific process for generating the synthesized equipment item is arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the game system 1 may store data of the three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item in advance.

Although the above describes an example in which the synthesis process is executed in a state in which a game image is displayed in which the player character 201 is placed on the game field, the timing at which the synthesis process is executed during the game is arbitrary. For example, during the game, the game system 1 may accept a synthesis instruction from the player in a state in which a list image (see FIG. 27) showing a list of items possessed by the player character 201 is displayed, and execute the synthesis process in response to the synthesis instruction. At this time, the target material item and the target equipment item may each be selected by the player from the items included in the list image.

As described above, in this embodiment, a new composite equipment item can be generated by combining an equipment item with a material item. This makes it possible to efficiently increase the number of items that appear in the game, allowing a wide variety of items to appear in the game.

[2-2. How to generate names for composite equipment items]
In this embodiment, a name is given to the synthesized equipment item generated as described above. If the game system 1 were to store in advance the names of all the synthesized equipment items that can be generated, the names would be stored for all combinations of equipment items and material items that can be synthesized therewith, which would increase the amount of data stored in the game system 1. The amount of data may become enormous as the number of combinations increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a synthesized equipment item is generated, a name to be given to the synthesized equipment item is newly generated and determined. This eliminates the need for the game system 1 to store in advance the data of the name of the synthesized equipment item, which can reduce the amount of data stored in the game system 1. Hereinafter, a method for generating a name for a synthesized equipment item will be described.

In the following, an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item that is synthesized using close-range equipment items such as swords and spears as the equipment item will be described. Note that when generating a name for a composite equipment item that is synthesized using the above-mentioned defensive equipment items and long-range equipment items as the equipment item, not limited to close-range equipment items, the name can be generated in a similar manner to that for close-range equipment items.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method for generating the name of a synthesized equipment item. Figure 11 shows an example of generating the name of a synthesized equipment item obtained by synthesizing a material item named "Ruby" with an equipment item named "Iron Sword". As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the name of a synthesized equipment item is composed of three parts, from the front: a first part, a second part, and a third part.

The first part is determined based on the material item. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the first part is "Ruby" based on the name of the material item, "Ruby." As will be described in more detail later, the first part is not limited to a name that uses the name of the material item as is, but may be an abbreviation of the name of the material item or a name that reflects the properties of the material item.

The third part represents the type of the synthesized equipment item (e.g., sword, spear, etc.). In the example shown in FIG. 11, the type of the synthesized equipment item is sword, based on the equipment item "iron sword". Therefore, the third part is "sword". In this way, the third part is a name indicating the type, such as "sword" or "spear", so it can also be said to represent the appearance of the synthesized equipment item. As will be described in detail later, the third part is determined based on the equipment items and/or material items that are the source of synthesis. Furthermore, the third part may be a name (e.g., axe or club) that represents a type or appearance different from the type or appearance of the equipment item (sword in FIG. 11).

The second part is a word that connects the first part and the third part. The second part is a word that is inserted between the first part and the third part to make the name of the synthesized equipment item natural. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the second part is "no". Note that there may be cases where there is no second part (i.e., the name of the synthesized equipment item is composed of the third part following the first part). Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the second part is determined based on the equipment item and/or material item.

As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the name of the synthesized equipment item is "Ruby Sword", which is the name created by joining the first to third parts. In this manner, in this embodiment, the game system 1 generates the name of the synthesized equipment item by determining the first to third parts based on the combination of the material items and equipment items that are the source of the synthesis.

Next, the data used to generate the name of a composite equipment item will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of material item data. In this embodiment, the game system 1 pre-stores material item data for each material item. As shown in Figure 12, the material item data includes material name data and property data.

The material name data indicates the name of the material item. In this embodiment, the name of the material item may be used as part (specifically, the first part) of the name of the synthesized equipment item. The material item data may also include abbreviated name data indicating the abbreviated name of the material item. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, when an abbreviated name is set for a material item, the abbreviated name is used as part (specifically, the first part) of the name of the synthesized equipment item instead of the name of the material item itself. The abbreviated name may be any name that allows the player to recall the material item, such as an abbreviation of the name of the material item. Note that abbreviated names do not need to be set for all material items, and may be set for certain material items (for example, those with long names).

The property data indicates the property of the material item. In this embodiment, the synthesized equipment item inherits the property of the material item from which it was synthesized. In other words, the synthesized equipment item is set with the property set in the material item from which it was synthesized. The property of the material item can be said to be the effect (called the "synthesis effect") that the synthesized equipment item generated based on that material item has.

The specific content of the properties of the material items is arbitrary. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the properties of the material items are set to, for example, a "range expansion" property indicating an effect when combined that expands the attack range of the combined equipment item compared to the equipment items before combination, or a "magic attack" property indicating an effect when combined that enables magic attacks.

In this embodiment, at least one property is set for each material item. That is, the material item data for each material item includes at least one property data. Note that two or more properties may be set for some material items. Also, in other embodiments, there may be material items for which no properties are set.

In this embodiment, the property data may include post-synthesis name data indicating a post-synthesis name that is set in association with the property indicated by the property data (see FIG. 12). The post-synthesis name is a name that may be used for the third part of the synthesized equipment item based on the material items. As an example, the post-synthesis name may be a name that indicates the type of synthesized equipment item (or may be said to indicate the appearance), such as "rod", "jackhammer", or "hammer" described below. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, if the third part of the synthesized equipment item is given the same name as the type of the equipment items before synthesis (for example, sword), the name of the synthesized equipment item may become unnatural depending on the material items used during synthesis. In such a case, the post-synthesis name is used to give the third part of the synthesized equipment item a name different from the name that indicates the type of the equipment items before synthesis.

Figure 13 shows an example of a post-combination name set for each material item. In the example shown in Figure 13, three types of equipment items are set as the source of synthesis: one-handed sword, two-handed sword, and spear. Figure 13 also shows the post-combination name in Japanese (i.e., the post-combination name used when Japanese is used in the game) and the post-combination name in English.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the "ruby" material item is set with the above-mentioned "magic attack" property, and the post-composition name is set with "rod." The "dragon's tail" material item is set with the above-mentioned "range expansion" property, and the post-composition name is set with "whip." The "bundle of firewood" material item is set with the property "lighting," which represents the post-composition effect of brightening the surroundings, and the post-composition name is set with "torch." These are examples in which one post-composition name is set for one material item, and the same post-composition name is set for each type of equipment item that is the source of the combination.

Note that the number of post-combination names set for one material item is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In the example shown in FIG. 13, for the "dragon horn" material item, "hammer" is set as the post-combination name used when the type of the equipment item to be combined is a one-handed sword or a two-handed sword, and "sledge" is set as the post-combination name used when the type of the equipment item to be combined is a spear. Note that for the "dragon horn" material item, the property "crushing" is set, which represents the post-combination effect of being able to crush a specific object. For the "goblin horn" material item to which the property "crushing (non-hammer)" is set, "smasher" is set as the post-combination name used when the type of the equipment item to be combined is a one-handed sword or a two-handed sword, and "pulverizer" is set as the post-combination name used when the type of the equipment item to be combined is a spear. The "Crush (non-hammer)" property represents a post-composite effect that can crush certain objects, and does not look like a hammer.

Also, for one material item, a different post-combination name may be set for each equipment item that is the source of the synthesis. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the post-combination names "edge" (in English: reaper) used when the type of equipment item that is the source of the synthesis is a one-handed sword, "blade" (in English: blade) used when the type of equipment item that is the source of the synthesis is a two-handed sword, and "spear" (in English: spear) used are set for the material item "golem horn". Note that the property "blade" is set for the material item "golem horn", which indicates the post-combination effect of being a bladed weapon. Similarly, the post-combination names "axe" (in English: hand axe) used when the type of equipment item that is the source of the synthesis is a one-handed sword, "two-handed axe" (in English: two-handed sword), and "halberd" (in English: spear) are set for the material item "sharp stone". For the "pointed stone" material item, the property "felling" is set, which indicates the post-composition effect of being able to cut down tree objects. For the "log" material item, the post-composition names "club" is set when the type of equipment item to be combined is a one-handed sword, "bat" is set when the type of equipment item to be combined is a two-handed sword, and "spear" is set when the type of equipment item to be combined is a spear. For the "log" material item, the property "blunt weapon" is set, which indicates the post-composition effect of being a blunt weapon.

As mentioned above, the post-combination name is set in advance (e.g., before the game starts) for each pair of the combination effect associated with the material item and the type associated with the equipment item.

In addition, in this embodiment, the material item data may include property name data (see FIG. 12). Property name data is data that indicates a name that represents the property of a material item. For example, for a material item that has the property "explosion" set as the synthesis effect, property name data that indicates the name "explosion" that represents that property is set. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the property name set for the material item may be used as the first part of the synthesis equipment item instead of the name of the material item.

Whether or not the property data of the material item data includes the above-mentioned post-synthesis name data and/or property name data is set for each material item. Depending on the material item, the property data may include only post-synthesis name data, may include only property name data, may include both post-synthesis name data and property name data, or may include neither post-synthesis name data nor property name data.

In this embodiment, the same post-synthesis name data and/or property name data is set for property data that indicates the same property. However, in other embodiments, even if material item data includes property data that indicates the same property, different post-synthesis name data and/or property name data may be set depending on the material item.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of equipment item data. In this embodiment, the game system 1 pre-stores equipment item data for each equipment item. As shown in Figure 14, the equipment item data includes equipment name data, type data, type name data, and property data.

The equipment name data indicates the name of the equipment item. In this embodiment, the name of the equipment item can be used as part (specifically, the first part) of the name of the composite equipment item when the equipment item is used as a material item.

The type data indicates the type of equipment item (e.g., one-handed sword or spear). The type name data is data that indicates the name (called the "type name") that represents the type of equipment item. For example, if the equipment item is an "iron sword", the type of the equipment item is set to one-handed sword, and the type name data indicates the type name "sword". The type name can also be said to be an abbreviated name of the equipment item. Note that, depending on the equipment item, the type name may be set to the same name as the name of the equipment item. In this embodiment, the type name may be used as part of the name (specifically, the third part) of the composite equipment item based on the equipment item.

The property data indicates the property of an equipment item. The property of an equipment item can also be said to be the performance that the equipment item has. In this embodiment, a synthesized equipment item inherits the property of the equipment items that were synthesized from it (in addition to inheriting the property of the material items that were synthesized from it). In other words, the properties that were set in the equipment items that were synthesized from it are set in a synthesized equipment item. The property of an equipment item can also be said to be the effect (or function) that the equipment item has. The property of an equipment item can also be said to be the effect that the synthesized equipment item that is generated based on the equipment item has (i.e., the effect at the time of synthesis).

The specific content of the property of an equipment item is arbitrary. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the property of an equipment item is set to, for example, a "blunt" property indicating that the equipment item is a blunt weapon, or a "blade" property indicating that the equipment item is a bladed weapon.

Although not shown, the equipment item data, like the material item data, may include post-combination name data or property name data depending on the equipment item.

In this embodiment, the game system 1 generates a name for the synthesized equipment item based on each data included in the material item data and each data included in the equipment item data. Here, in this embodiment, a rule (called a "naming rule") for generating a name for the synthesized equipment item is determined in advance according to a pattern of material items (specifically, the properties of the material items) and equipment items (specifically, the type or properties of the equipment items) (see FIG. 15). Specifically, the game system 1 stores in advance correspondence information (e.g., a table) that indicates the correspondence between conditions related to the above patterns and naming rules, and by referring to the correspondence information, identifies the naming rule to be used for generating a name for the synthesized equipment item based on the material items and the equipment items.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence information. As shown in Figure 15, the correspondence information includes a pattern of material items and/or equipment items (which can be said to be conditions related to the pattern; hereinafter, referred to as "pattern conditions") and a naming rule corresponding to the pattern. In this embodiment, when a pattern related to the material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis matches a pattern condition included in the above-mentioned correspondence information, the game system 1 generates a name for the synthesized equipment item according to the naming rule corresponding to the matching pattern condition.

For example, if the property of the material items to be synthesized is "range expansion", the pattern relating to the material items and equipment items to be synthesized matches the pattern condition with a priority of 3 shown in FIG. 15, so the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition (i.e., the rule that names the synthesized equipment item "'Material name (i.e., the name of the material items)' and 'Synthesized name'") is used. Thus, in this embodiment, a naming rule is identified based on the pattern of the material items and the equipment items, and the name of the synthesized equipment item is generated according to the identified naming rule.

As described above, in this embodiment, the properties of the material items that were the basis of the synthesis and the type and properties of the equipment item are set for the synthesized equipment item. Therefore, the game system 1 may determine the pattern conditions included in the correspondence information that match the patterns of the material items and the equipment items by referring to the type and properties set for the synthesized equipment item (instead of referring to the properties of the material items and the equipment items).

Next, with reference to Figures 16 to 24, a specific example of generating a name for a composite equipment item based on the pattern conditions and naming rules in the correspondence information will be described. Below, a typical combination of pattern conditions and naming rules included in the correspondence information shown in Figure 15 will be described with reference to the figures. Note that in this embodiment, a priority order is set for the pattern conditions as shown in Figure 15, but in order to make the explanation of the naming rules easier to understand, a specific example will be described in an order different from the priority order. The priority order will be described later.

(Example 1: Naming rule using the name of a material item and the name of an equipment item type)
Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining the "Ruby" material item and the "Iron Sword" equipment item shown in Fig. 12. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the "Ruby" material item has the property set to "Magic Attack" and the name after combination is set to "Rod". In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 16, the type of the "Iron Sword" equipment item is a one-handed sword, and the type name is set to "Sword".

Note that in Figures 16 to 24, information set for material items and equipment items that is not directly used to generate the name of the composite equipment item may be omitted (for example, in Figure 16, the performance set for the equipment item is omitted).

In addition, a composite equipment item generated by combining the "ruby" material item and the "iron sword" equipment item shown in FIG. 16 will have the appearance of, for example, a ruby gemstone attached to the tip of a sword, and will be capable of exerting the effect of a "magic attack." In other words, when the player character performs an attack action using the composite equipment item, the game system 1 executes processing to cause a magic attack (for example, an attack that fires a magic bullet).

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 16 matches the pattern condition of including the "magic attack" property (a pattern condition with a priority of 5 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is "of", and the third part is the type name of the equipment item. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the name of the material item is "Ruby" and the type name of the equipment item is "Sword", so the name of the composite equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "Ruby Sword".

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the game system 1 generates a name for a synthesized equipment item that is associated with a material item and includes a name that represents the material item (i.e., the name or abbreviated name of the material item) and a name that is associated with an equipment item and represents the type of the equipment item (i.e., the type name of the equipment item). This makes it easy for the player to understand the source items, and can generate a name for the synthesized equipment item that is easy for the player to understand.

(Specific Example 2: Naming rule 1 using the name of a material item and the name of an equipment item type)
Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "ruby" material item with a "wooden stick" equipment item. In the example shown in Fig. 17, the "ruby" material item is the same as the example shown in Fig. 16. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 17, the type of the "wooden stick" equipment item is set to "one-handed sword", and the property of the equipment item is set to "blunt weapon after synthesis", which indicates that the equipment item becomes a blunt weapon after synthesis.

The composite equipment item created by combining the "ruby" material item and the "wooden stick" equipment item shown in Figure 17 will have the appearance of a ruby gemstone attached to the end of a wooden stick, for example, and will be able to exert the "magic attack" effect described above.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 17 matches the pattern condition of including the "magic attack" property and including the "blunt weapon after synthesis" property (the pattern condition with a priority of 4 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the naming rule corresponding to the pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the synthesized equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is "of", and the third part is the synthesized name (set for the material item). As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the name of the material item is "Ruby" and the synthesized name is "Rod", so the name of the synthesized equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "Ruby Rod".

In this embodiment, the following example is used to generate the name of a synthesized equipment item using the names of the material items and the synthesized name, as shown in FIG. 17.

In other words, in this embodiment, the correspondence information shown in FIG. 15 includes, as a combination of a pattern condition with a priority of 12 and a naming rule, a pattern condition that includes the property of "lighting" that can brighten the surroundings, and a naming rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is "of", and the third part is the name after synthesis. For example, when a "bundle of firewood" material item (see FIG. 13) with the abbreviated name "firewood" and the post-synthesis name "torch" is synthesized with the above-mentioned "wooden stick" equipment item, the combination of the material item and the equipment item matches the above-mentioned pattern condition. As a result, the name of the synthesized equipment item will be "firewood torch".

As described above, in the examples shown in Figures 16 and 17, the first pattern (specifically, the pattern shown in Figure 16) and the second pattern (specifically, the pattern shown in Figure 17) among the multiple patterns prepared in the game system 1 have common information on the effect when synthesized (specifically, both are set to the property of "magic attack"), and the information associated with the equipment item is different from each other (specifically, only one is set to the property of "blunt weapon after synthesis"). The naming rules corresponding to the first pattern and the second pattern have a common rule for determining the first part (i.e., both use the name of the material item), but different rules for determining the third part (i.e., one uses the type name of the equipment item, and the other uses the post-synthesis name set for the material item).

In this manner, in this embodiment, even if the material items are the same, different naming rules are used depending on the equipment item (specifically, the type or nature of the equipment item), so that the name of the synthesized equipment item can be generated according to different naming rules. In this embodiment, the synthesized equipment item has a different appearance from the original equipment items, so by using different naming rules depending on the equipment item even if the material items are the same as described above, it is possible to easily generate a name that suits the appearance of the synthesized equipment item.

(Specific Example 3: Naming rule 2 using the name of a material item and the name of an equipment item type)
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "dragon's tail" material item with an "iron sword" equipment item. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the "dragon's tail" material item is set to have a short name of "dragon". In addition, the material item has a property set to "range expansion", which indicates an effect of expanding the attack range, and a name after the composite is set to "whip". In the example shown in FIG. 18, the "iron sword" equipment item is the same as the example shown in FIG. 16.

The synthesized equipment item generated by synthesizing the "dragon's tail" material item and the "iron sword" equipment item shown in FIG. 18 will have a whip-like appearance, for example, with a tail attached to the tip of a sword, and will have the effect of "expanding range." In other words, the game system 1 executes a process to expand the attack range of an attack action using the synthesized equipment item compared to the equipment item before synthesis.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 18 matches the pattern condition of including the "range expansion" property (the pattern condition with a priority of 3 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, there is no second part, and the third part is the post-combination name (set to the material item). As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the material item has the abbreviated name set to "Dragon" and the post-combination name is "Whip", so the name of the composite equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "Dragon Whip". Thus, in this embodiment, when the naming rule sets the first part as the name of the material item, if a shortened name is set to the material item, the game system 1 uses the shortened name as the first part. This reduces the possibility that the name of the composite equipment item will be too long.

17 and 18, the game system 1 generates a name for the synthesis equipment item that is associated with the material item and includes a name representing the material item (i.e., the name or abbreviated name of the material item) and a name representing the type and/or appearance of the synthesis equipment item according to the material item (i.e., the synthesis name). Here, in this embodiment, since the synthesis equipment item has an appearance different from that of the source equipment item (see FIG. 10), the appearance of the synthesis equipment item may not match the type represented by the name of the source equipment item (e.g., one-handed sword, spear, etc.). For example, the appearance of the synthesis equipment item in the example shown in FIG. 18 is like a whip with a dragon's tail attached to the tip of the sword. Therefore, if the name of the synthesis equipment item is "XX Sword" using the type name of the source equipment item, the name of the synthesis equipment item will not match the appearance. In contrast, according to this embodiment, by using the naming rule shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, the name of the synthesis equipment item can be made more appropriate to match the appearance of the synthesis equipment item.

(Specific Example 4: Naming Rule 1 when multiple types of post-composition names are set)
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name of a composite equipment item generated by combining a material item of "dragon horn" and an equipment item of "soldier's spear". In the example shown in FIG. 19, the material item of "dragon horn" is set as an abbreviated name "dragon". In addition, the property of the material item is set as "crush", which represents an effect that a specific object can be crushed by a composite equipment item based on the material item. In addition, two types of names are set as post-combination names for the material item. Specifically, the material item is set as a post-combination name "jackhammer" to be used when the type of the equipment item is a spear, and as a post-combination name to be used when the type of the equipment item is other than a spear (see FIG. 13). In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 19, "spear" is set as the type of the equipment item of "soldier's spear".

The composite equipment item generated by combining the "dragon horn" material item and the "soldier's spear" equipment item shown in FIG. 19 has the appearance of, for example, a spear with a horn on the tip, and has the effect of "crushing." That is, when an attack action using the composite equipment item hits a specific object, the game system 1 executes a process to crush (or destroy) the specific object. The specific object is, for example, a rock object that cannot be crushed by an attack action using an equipment item that does not have the effect of crushing.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 19 matches the pattern condition that includes the "crushing" property and that the type of equipment item is "spear" (a pattern condition with a priority of 6 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the naming rule corresponding to the pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is nothing, and the third part is the name after synthesis. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the short name of the material item is set to "Dragon", and the name after synthesis used when the type of equipment item is "Spear" is "Rackhammer", so the name of the synthesized equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "Dragon Rockhammer".

(Specific Example 5: Naming Rule 2 when multiple types of post-composition names are set)
20 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "dragon horn" material item with an "iron sword" equipment item. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the "dragon horn" material item is the same as the example shown in Fig. 19, and the "iron sword" equipment item is the same as the example shown in Fig. 16.

The composite equipment item created by combining the "dragon horn" material item shown in Figure 20 with the "iron sword" equipment item will have an appearance similar to a hammer with a horn attached to the tip of a sword, and will have the "crushing" effect mentioned above.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 20 matches the pattern condition of including the "crushing" property (a pattern condition with a priority of 8 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is nothing, and the third part is the name after synthesis. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the short name of the material item is set to "Dragon", and the name after synthesis used when the type of equipment item is other than "Spear" is "Hammer", so the name of the synthesized equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "Dragon Hammer".

According to the example shown in Figures 19 and 20, the game system 1 can generate a name including a name representing a material item (i.e., the name or abbreviated name of the material item) and a name representing the type and/or appearance of the synthesized equipment item according to the material item (i.e., the post-synthesis name) as in the example shown in Figures 17 and 18. Furthermore, as in the example shown in Figures 19 and 20, the game system 1 can set multiple post-synthesis names according to the type of equipment item, thereby making it possible to vary the name of the synthesized equipment item depending on the type of equipment item.

In this embodiment, as shown in the examples in Figures 19 and 20, the following example is used to generate the name of a synthesized equipment item using the name of a material item and one of multiple types of post-synthesis names set for the material item.

The correspondence information shown in FIG. 15 includes, as a combination of a pattern condition with a priority of 13 and a naming rule, a pattern condition that includes the property of "felling" that allows cutting down a tree object, and a naming rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is "of", and the third part is the name after synthesis. In addition, for the "pointed stone" material item to which the property of "felling" is set, the abbreviated name "stone" is set, and three types of post-synthesis names "hand axe", "two-handed axe", and "halberd" are set for each type of equipment item (i.e., one-handed sword, two-handed sword, and spear) (see FIG. 13). Here, when the above material item is synthesized with the above equipment item "wooden stick", the combination of the material item and the equipment item matches the above pattern condition. As a result, the name of the synthesized equipment item uses "stone" as the first part and "hand axe" set for the one-handed sword as the third part, resulting in "stone hand axe".

(Specific Example 6: Naming Rule 3 when multiple types of post-composition names are set)
Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "dragon horn" material item with a "bone boomerang" equipment item. In the example shown in Fig. 21, the "dragon horn" material item is the same as the example shown in Fig. 19. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 21, "boomerang" is set as the type of the "bone boomerang" equipment item, and "thrown" is set as the property of the equipment item, indicating that it can perform a throwing attack.

The composite equipment item created by combining the "Dragon Horn" material item and the "Bone Boomerang" equipment item shown in Figure 21 will have the appearance of a boomerang with a horn on the end, and will have the "crushing" effect mentioned above.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 21 matches the pattern condition of including the "crush" property and the "throw" property (the pattern condition with a priority of 7 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the naming rule corresponding to the pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the naming rule applied is that the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is nothing, and the third part is the type name of the equipment item. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the material item has the abbreviated name "Dragon" set, and the type of equipment item is "Boomerang", so the name of the composite equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "Dragon Boomerang".

In this embodiment, the following example is used as another example of using a pattern condition related to the properties of an equipment item as in the example shown in FIG. 21. That is, in this embodiment, the correspondence information shown in FIG. 15 includes, as a combination of a pattern condition with a priority of 11 and a naming rule, a pattern condition including the property of "throwing", and a naming rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is none, and the third part is the type name of the equipment item. In this way, the pattern condition may be determined based on the property of the equipment item, with the property of the material item being arbitrary. For example, when a material item "pebbles" whose abbreviated name is "stone" is synthesized with the above-mentioned equipment item "bone boomerang", the combination of the material item and the equipment item matches the above-mentioned pattern condition. As a result, the name of the synthesized equipment item becomes "stone boomerang".

As in the example shown in FIG. 21, the game system 1 may generate a name for the synthesized equipment item using the type name of the equipment items, even if a post-synthesis name is set for the material items. According to the examples shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the game system 1 may set the portion of the name of the synthesized equipment item that represents the type and/or appearance (i.e., the third portion) to a name that corresponds to the properties set for the material items, or to a name that corresponds to the type of the original equipment items. This makes it possible to generate an appropriate name that corresponds to the appearance of the synthesized equipment item, for example.

(Specific Example 7: Naming rule 1 using property names)
22 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining a "bomb" material item with an "iron sword" equipment item. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the property of the "bomb" material item is set to "explosion", which indicates the explosive effect, and the property name is set to "explosion". In the example shown in FIG. 22, the equipment item "iron sword" is the same as the example shown in FIG. 16.

The composite equipment item generated by combining the "bomb" material item and the "iron sword" equipment item shown in FIG. 22 will have the appearance of, for example, a sword with a bomb attached to the tip, and will be capable of exerting an "explosion" effect. In other words, when the player character performs an attack action using the composite equipment item, the game system 1 executes a process that causes an explosion (for example, a process that blows away surrounding objects or inflicts additional damage on surrounding enemy characters).

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 22 matches the pattern condition of including the "explosion" property (a pattern condition with a priority of 10 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the property name of the material item, the second part is nothing, and the third part is the type name of the equipment item. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the property name of the material item is "explosion" and the type name of the equipment item is "sword", so the name of the composite equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "explosive sword".

As shown in the example of FIG. 22, the game system 1 generates a name for the synthesized equipment item that is associated with the material items and includes a name that indicates the properties of the material items (i.e., a property name). This makes it possible to generate a name that allows the player to easily recognize the effect that the synthesized equipment item will have due to the properties of the material items (i.e., the effect when synthesized).

(Specific Example 8: Naming rule 2 using property names)
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a synthesized equipment item generated by synthesizing a "bomb" material item with a "wooden stick" equipment item. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the "bomb" material item is the same as the example shown in FIG. 22. It is assumed that the "bomb" material item has a post-synthesis name set to "rod." Also, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the "wooden stick" equipment item is the same as the example shown in FIG. 17.

The composite equipment item created by combining the "bomb" material item and the "wooden stick" equipment item shown in Figure 23 will have the appearance of, for example, a wooden stick with a bomb attached to the end, and will be able to exert the "explosion" effect described above.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 23 matches the pattern condition of including a property that represents an "explosion" and including a property that is a "blunt weapon after synthesis" (a pattern condition with a priority of 9 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the naming rule corresponding to the pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the synthesized equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the property name of the material item, the second part is nothing, and the third part is the name after synthesis. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the property name of the material item is "explosion" and the name after synthesis is "rod", so the name of the synthesized equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "explosive rod".

Even when a property name is used as the name of a synthesized equipment item, as in the examples shown in Figures 22 and 23, by using different naming rules depending on the equipment item (specifically, the type or property of the equipment item), it is possible to generate a name for the synthesized equipment item according to different naming rules. For example, as described above, by changing the third part (i.e., the name representing the type or appearance of the synthesized equipment item) depending on the type or property of the equipment item, it is possible to easily generate a name that is suitable for the appearance of the synthesized equipment item.

(Example 9: Naming rules when material items are equipment items)
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of generating a name for a composite equipment item generated by combining an "iron sword" material item with a "wooden spear" equipment item. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the "iron sword" equipment item in the example shown in FIG. 16 etc. is used as the material item. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the "soldier's spear" equipment item is the same as the example shown in FIG. 19. Note that the composite equipment item generated by combining the "iron sword" shown in FIG. 24 as the material item with the "wooden spear" equipment item has an appearance of, for example, a spear with a sword attached to the tip.

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 24 matches the pattern condition that the material item is an equipment item (a pattern condition with a priority of 2 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 24, the naming rule applied is a rule in which the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is "attached", and the third part is the type name of the equipment item. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the name of the material item is "iron sword" and the type name of the equipment item is "spear", so the name of the synthesized equipment item generated according to the above naming rule is "iron sword attached spear". Note that in this embodiment, when synthesis is performed using an equipment item as a material item, if the first part becomes the name of the equipment item, the name of the equipment item is used, but the abbreviated name (or type name) of the equipment item may also be used for the first part.

As in the example shown in FIG. 24, the game system 1 may synthesize a synthetic equipment item using equipment items as material items. In addition, at this time, the game system 1 generates a name that includes a name representing the equipment item used as the material item (i.e., the name or abbreviated name of the equipment item) and a name representing the type and/or appearance of the equipment item to be synthesized with the material item (i.e., the type name). In this way, it is possible to generate a name that is easy for the player to understand as the name of the synthetic equipment item, while also being easy for the player to understand.

As described above, in this embodiment, at least any of the multiple equipment items that appear in the game can be synthesized as a material item into other equipment items. This can increase the number of synthesized equipment items that can be generated, and can further increase the variety of items. Note that in other embodiments, the equipment items may be items of a type that cannot be used for synthesis as a material item.

(Specific Example 10: Naming rules when giving a specific name)
Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example in which the name of a composite equipment item is determined to be a predetermined specific name for a specific equipment item. In the example shown in Fig. 25, the material item "Ruby" is the same as the example shown in Fig. 16. Also, it is assumed that "special equipment" is set as the property of the specific equipment item (the name is written as "XX" in the figure).

The pattern of material items and equipment items in the example shown in FIG. 25 matches the pattern condition of including the property of "special equipment" (the pattern condition with a priority of 1 in the corresponding information shown in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 25, the naming rule corresponding to the pattern condition is applied to generate the name of the composite equipment item.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the naming rule applied is a rule that the name of the synthesized equipment item is a specific name (written as "○○" in the figure). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 25, regardless of the names set for the material items and equipment items (i.e., the name, abbreviated name, type name, synthesized name, and property name of the material item or equipment item), the name of the synthesized equipment item will be a specific name.

As shown in the example of FIG. 25, the naming rule may be a rule that specifies a specific name for a synthesized equipment item under certain conditions. This makes it possible to generate a name for a synthesized equipment item regardless of the source material items, or to use the name of the source equipment items as the name for the synthesized equipment item. This allows for more freedom in generating names for synthesized equipment items.

As in the examples shown in Figures 16 to 25 above, in this embodiment, the game system 1 determines the third part of the synthesized equipment item to be either (a) a name indicating the type of equipment item (i.e., a type name), or (b) a name indicating the type and/or appearance of the synthesized equipment item that is determined based on the synthesis effect (i.e., properties) associated with the material items and/or based on the type or performance associated with the equipment items (i.e., a name indicated by the property data of the equipment items, or a post-synthesis name set for the material items). This allows the name to be determined to indicate the type and/or appearance of the synthesized equipment item, reducing the possibility of the name being unnatural.

In this embodiment, it is possible that a combination of a synthesis source material item and an equipment item matches multiple pattern conditions in the correspondence information, such as the two pattern conditions shown in Figures 16 and 17, the three pattern conditions shown in Figures 19 to 21, or the two pattern conditions shown in Figures 22 and 23. Here, in this embodiment, the game system 1 identifies one pattern condition that corresponds to the naming rule used to generate the name in the above cases by determining the pattern conditions based on the priority set for each pattern condition.

Specifically, the game system 1 judges each pattern condition included in the correspondence information in order of priority (i.e., in ascending order of priority number), and when a pattern condition that matches a combination of a material item and an equipment item of a synthesis source is found, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is used. For example, consider a case where a combination of a material item and an equipment item of a synthesis source matches a pattern condition with a priority of 4 in the example shown in FIG. 15. In this case, the game system 1 judges each pattern condition in order of priority, and as a result, it is first determined that a pattern condition with a priority of 4 matches the above combination, and the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is used. The above combination also matches a pattern condition with a priority of 5, but since no judgment is made for that pattern condition, the naming rule corresponding to that pattern condition is not used. As described above, in this embodiment, the game system 1 can uniquely identify a naming rule to be used even when a combination of a material item and an equipment item of a synthesis source may match multiple pattern conditions.

In the example of the correspondence information shown in FIG. 15, the priority is set to 1 for the set of pattern conditions and naming rules for giving a specific name to a specific composite equipment item. Therefore, the game system 1 can apply the above naming rules to a specific equipment item (i.e., an equipment item that has the property of "special equipment" set) regardless of the property set for the material item.

In the example of the correspondence information shown in FIG. 15, a pattern condition including the property of "blunt weapon" and a pattern condition including the property of "blade" are set as the pattern conditions with the last priority and the one before that (i.e., priority levels 14 and 15). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the property of either "blunt weapon" or "blade" is set for all equipment items. Therefore, all combinations of material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis match either the pattern condition including the property of "blunt weapon" or the pattern condition including the property of "blade". As a result, in this embodiment, all combinations of material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis can be matched with one of the pattern conditions in the correspondence information shown in FIG. 15, so that it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as not being able to determine the naming rule to be used (because there is no pattern condition that matches the combination of material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis).

As described above, in this embodiment, the game system 1 determines the first part, the second part, and the third part based on a naming rule that is preset in accordance with a pattern that matches the combination of the material item and the equipment item that are the source of the synthesis, among a plurality of patterns (specifically, the pattern conditions shown in FIG. 15) that are preset for the combination of any of the information associated with the material item (specifically, the information on the name and properties of the material item) and any of the information associated with the equipment item (specifically, the information on the name, type, and properties of the equipment item). According to this, the naming rule for generating the name of the synthesis equipment item can be made different depending on the properties of each of the items that are the source of the synthesis. This allows the use of an appropriate naming rule depending on the synthesis equipment item, making it easier to generate an appropriate name, such as generating a name that matches the appearance of the synthesis equipment item. Note that in other embodiments, the method of determining the naming rule is arbitrary and is not limited to the method of determining the naming rule based on the correspondence between the above patterns and the naming rule.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a priority order is set for the above-mentioned multiple pattern conditions (see FIG. 15). The naming rule used to generate the name of the synthesized equipment item is specified based on the above-mentioned priority order. That is, the game system 1 determines the above-mentioned first part, second part, and third part based on the naming rule corresponding to the pattern that matches the combination of the material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis among the multiple patterns and is specified based on the priority order. In this way, even if there are multiple pattern conditions that match the above combination, the naming rule can be uniquely determined. Note that, in other embodiments, the pattern conditions do not need to be prioritized. For example, the naming rule may be uniquely determined by setting the contents of each pattern condition so that there is only one pattern condition that matches the combination of the material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis.

Note that the above "determining based on priority" is not limited to the method of searching for pattern conditions that match the combination of the material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis in an order according to priority, as in this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the game system 1 may determine whether or not all pattern conditions match the above combination, and determine the naming rule used to determine the name of the synthesized equipment item to be the naming rule corresponding to the pattern condition with the highest priority among the matching pattern conditions. This also makes it possible to obtain the above-mentioned effect similar to that of this embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, among the pattern conditions in the correspondence information, the pattern conditions with priorities of 3-10, 12, and 13 are conditions that specify the effect (nature) of the material items when combined, and the other pattern conditions are conditions that specify that the effect of the material items when combined is optional. In other words, in this embodiment, each pattern condition in the correspondence information is a condition related to the effect of the material items when combined. In this manner, in this embodiment, each of the multiple pattern conditions is set as a pattern of combination of the information of the effect of the material items when combined and any of the information associated with the equipment items. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the name of the combined equipment item can be made according to the effect of the material items when combined. According to this embodiment, the name of the combined equipment item can be generated according to different naming rules depending on the effect of the combined item, so that, for example, for a combined equipment item that exerts a predetermined effect when combined, a name can be generated to include a part that evokes that effect (for example, the above-mentioned nature name).

In this embodiment, as in the examples shown in Figs. 16 to 22 above, the game system 1 imparts the properties of the original material items (i.e., the synthesis effect) to the synthesis equipment item. That is, when the player character uses the synthesis equipment item object based on the operation input by the player (e.g., when an attack action is performed using the synthesis equipment item), the game system 1 executes a process of generating an effect (e.g., magic attack, range expansion, crushing, explosion, etc.) corresponding to the synthesis effect associated with the item object. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a name can be generated so that the function when the synthesis equipment item is used (i.e., the effect of the synthesis equipment item) is easy for the player to understand. Note that the synthesis effect is not limited to one that occurs in response to the use of the synthesis equipment item object, but may occur when the player character is equipped with the synthesis equipment item object, or may occur under certain conditions (e.g., in response to the player character being attacked).

In this embodiment, the game system 1 generates the name of a synthesized equipment item by combining four types of names associated with the material items: (a) a name representing the material item (i.e., the name or abbreviated name of the material item), (b) a name representing the nature of the material item (i.e., the nature name), and (c) a name representing the type/appearance of the synthesized equipment item (i.e., the synthesized name), and (d) a name representing the type of equipment item (i.e., the type name) associated with the equipment item. This makes it possible to generate a variety of names based on the above combinations, making it easier to generate an appropriate name that matches the nature and appearance of the synthesized equipment item.

The pattern conditions and naming rules shown in Figures 15 to 25 described above are examples, and in other embodiments, pattern conditions different from the above pattern conditions may be used, and naming rules different from the above naming rules may be used.

Note that in the correspondence information that associates the above patterns with naming rules, even if there is a single pattern for material items and equipment items, the naming rules may be set to differ depending on the language used in the game.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, when the language is Japanese, the second part is "no", but when the language is English, the second part may be absent. In other words, when the language is English, the naming rule in the example shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 may be that the first part is the name of the material item, there is no second part, and the third part is the name of the type of equipment item. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the name of the composite equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "ruby word".

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 24, when the language is Japanese, the second part is "attached", but when the language is English, the second part may be a suffix such as "-attached". In other words, when the language is English, the naming rule in the example shown in FIG. 24 may be that the first part is the name of the material item, the second part is "-attached", and the third part is the name of the type of equipment item. In this case, the name of the composite equipment item generated according to the above naming rule will be "iron sword-attached spear".

In addition, in order to make the naming rules for composite equipment items different depending on the language used in the game, the data structures of the material item data and the equipment item data may also differ depending on the language. For example, for the "goblin horn" material item in the example shown in FIG. 13, if the language is Japanese, the composite name "smasher sword" is set regardless of whether the equipment item type is a one-handed sword or a two-handed sword, whereas if the language is English, the composite name is set to "smasher" if the equipment item type is a one-handed sword, and "pounder" if the equipment item type is a two-handed sword.

In this embodiment, the synthesis equipment item is generated by synthesis according to the player's instructions using the method shown in Figures 8 to 10 above, but it may also be generated according to other conditions (for example, synthesis by a character other than the player character), or it may appear at the start of the game (for example, placed on the game field or held by an enemy character). When the synthesis equipment item is generated using the method shown in Figures 8 to 10 above, the synthesis equipment item is held by the player character according to synthesis. On the other hand, when the synthesis equipment item is generated according to other conditions or appears at the start of the game, the synthesis equipment item is not held by the player character at the time of synthesis, but may be held by the player character later (for example, by the player character acquiring a synthesis equipment item that has fallen on the game field).

Here, in this embodiment, the game system 1 generates a name in response to the synthesized equipment item being possessed by the player character. However, the timing at which the name of the synthesized equipment item is generated is arbitrary, and the game system 1 may generate a name in response to the synthesized equipment item appearing on the game field. For example, when displaying the name of the synthesized equipment item in a list image (i.e., a list image showing items possessed by the player character) described below, the game system 1 may generate a name at the timing when the list image is displayed. Also, for example, when displaying the name of a synthesized equipment item placed on the game field, the game system 1 may generate a name in response to the synthesized equipment item being generated and placed on the game field.

[2-3. How to generate icon images for composite equipment items]
In this embodiment, a list image showing a list of each equipment item and each composite equipment item possessed by the player character is displayed in response to an instruction from the player during the game (see FIG. 27). In the list image, icon images showing each equipment item and each composite equipment item possessed by the player character are displayed.

If the game system 1 were to store in advance icon images for all possible combinations of equipment items and material items that can be synthesized with them, the amount of data stored in the game system 1 would increase because icon images would be stored for all combinations of equipment items and material items that can be synthesized with them. The amount of data could become enormous as the number of combinations increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a synthetic equipment item is generated and possessed by the player character, a new icon image for that synthetic equipment item is generated. This eliminates the need for the game system 1 to store in advance data for the icon image of the synthetic equipment item, and therefore reduces the amount of data stored in the game system 1. Below, a method for generating an icon image for a synthetic equipment item is described.

Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of a method for generating an icon image of a composite equipment item. In Figure 26, an example is described in which an icon image of a composite equipment item 213 is generated, which is synthesized by using the fang object 206 shown in Figure 8 etc. as a material item and the sword object 202 as an equipment item.

In this embodiment, the game system 1 prepares in advance a three-dimensional model 206 of a material item that is the source of synthesis, and a three-dimensional model 202 of an equipment item (see FIG. 26(a)). For example, data of these three-dimensional models is stored in advance in the game system 1 together with the game program. In this embodiment, the game system 1 uses these three-dimensional models to generate an icon image of the synthesized equipment item.

The three-dimensional model used to generate the icon image of the composite equipment item may be the same as or different from the three-dimensional model for drawing the material item and the equipment item present in the game field. If the three-dimensional model for generating the icon image and the three-dimensional model for drawing the item present in the game field are the same, the amount of data of the three-dimensional model stored in the game system 1 can be reduced. If the three-dimensional model for generating the icon image and the three-dimensional model for drawing the item present in the game field are different, the two models only need to have a similar appearance to the extent that the player recognizes them as the same item. If the two models are different, for example, one three-dimensional model can be made to have a smaller amount of data (i.e., a lower level of detail) than the other three-dimensional model, thereby reducing the processing load of the process using the one three-dimensional model (i.e., the process for generating the icon image or the process for drawing the item present in the game field).

When generating an icon image, the game system 1 first generates a three-dimensional model 213 of the synthesized equipment item based on the three-dimensional models of the material items and the equipment items that are the source of synthesis (see FIG. 26(b)). For example, the game system 1 attaches (or places) the three-dimensional model 206 of the material item to a predetermined position on the three-dimensional model 202 of the equipment item to generate the three-dimensional model 213 of the synthesized equipment item. Note that any specific method can be used to generate the three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item using the three-dimensional models of the material items and the equipment items. For example, the game system 1 may generate the three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item by replacing a part of the three-dimensional model of the equipment item with the three-dimensional model of the material item. For another example, the game system 1 may perform some processing on the part near the boundary between the two three-dimensional models to make the part look more natural.

Next, the game system 1 generates an icon image of the synthesized equipment item by capturing an image of the three-dimensional model 213 of the synthesized equipment item using the virtual camera 221 (see FIG. 26(c)). In other words, the icon image of the synthesized equipment item is generated as an image of the three-dimensional model 213 viewed from the position of the virtual camera 221.

In this embodiment, the game system 1 sets the position and angle of view of the virtual camera 221 relative to the three-dimensional model 213 of the synthesized equipment item so that the entire three-dimensional model 213 is within the imaging range of the virtual camera 221. For example, if boundary boxes are set to include the material items and equipment items that are the source of the synthesized equipment item, the virtual camera can be set so that each boundary box is within its imaging range, thereby making it possible to bring the entire three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item within the imaging range of the virtual camera. Based on the above, even if the actual size in the game field (i.e., the size when placed on the game field) differs depending on the synthesized equipment item, an icon image representing the entirety of each synthesized equipment item can be generated.

The game system 1 may set the imaging range of the virtual camera 221 so that the length of the margin in the icon image (i.e., the distance from the edge of the synthesized equipment item to the boundary of the imaging range) varies depending on the size of the synthesized equipment item. Specifically, the length of the margin may be made larger for small synthesized equipment items and smaller for large synthesized equipment items. This allows the size of the synthesized equipment item in the icon image to reflect its size in the game field to some extent, even if it does not directly reflect its size.

The game system 1 also sets the orientation of the virtual camera 221 relative to the three-dimensional model 213 so that the orientation of the combined equipment item is the same as the orientation of the equipment item in the icon image of the original equipment item. In this embodiment, it is assumed that icon images of each equipment item that is the source of the combination are prepared in advance. This icon image shows the equipment item when viewed from a predetermined orientation. The predetermined orientation may be the same or different for each equipment item. The predetermined orientation may also be set for each type of equipment item. For a combined equipment item that is combined based on an equipment item, the game system 1 sets the orientation of the virtual camera 221 so that the orientation of the three-dimensional model of the combined equipment item relative to the virtual camera 221 is the same as the above-mentioned predetermined orientation for the equipment item. According to this, the orientation of the combined equipment item in the icon image of the combined equipment item is the same as the orientation of the equipment item in the icon image of the original equipment item (see FIG. 27 described later).

In other embodiments, the icon image of the equipment item does not need to be prepared in advance, and may be generated during the game, similar to a composite equipment item. In this case, the icon image of the equipment item is generated by setting the orientation of the virtual camera 221 so that the orientation of the three-dimensional model of the equipment item relative to the virtual camera 221 is the above-mentioned predetermined orientation for the equipment item.

In this embodiment, the appearance of a synthesized equipment item formed by synthesizing equipment items for which the above-mentioned "special equipment" properties are set changes only while the player character is performing an action (e.g., an attack action) using the synthesized equipment item, and the appearance does not normally change from that of the original equipment item. Therefore, for the above-mentioned synthesized equipment items, the game system 1 uses the icon image of the original equipment item without generating a new icon image. In this way, the game system 1 may not generate an icon image for certain synthesized equipment items (e.g., synthesized equipment items whose appearance does not change from before synthesis).

[2-4. List of images]
In this embodiment, the game system 1 displays a list image of equipment items and composite equipment items possessed by the player character in response to an instruction from the player during the game. For example, the list image is displayed in response to a predetermined list display instruction by the player in a state in which a game image showing a game field including the player character is displayed.

Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of a list image. In the example shown in Figure 27, the list image shows a list of equipment items and synthesized equipment items possessed by the player character. However, the list image may show a list of material items along with the equipment items and synthesized equipment items, or may show a list of equipment items and synthesized equipment items and a list of material items that can be switched between (for example, the player can switch between the two by selecting a tab).

As shown in FIG. 27, the list image includes icon images (eight icon images 231-238 in FIG. 27) of one or more equipment items and composite equipment items possessed by the player character. Here, equipment items and composite equipment items have in common that they are items that can be equipped by the player character. Therefore, by displaying a list image that includes both equipment items and composite equipment items, it is possible to make it easier for the player to check the items that can be equipped by the player character. Note that in other embodiments, the game system 1 may display the list image of equipment items and the list image of composite equipment items separately.

In this embodiment, the list image includes a cursor 239 that can be operated by the player. The game system 1 moves the cursor 239 in response to an instruction from the player so that one of the icon images 231 to 238 is designated by the cursor 239. In this embodiment, the player can perform a predetermined operation on the item designated by the cursor 239. Specifically, the game system 1 accepts at least an equipment instruction and a decomposition instruction while the list image is displayed.

The equipment instruction is an instruction to equip the player character with the item designated by the cursor 239. In response to the player issuing the equipment instruction, the game system 1 equips the player character with the designated item.

The above-mentioned synthesis cancellation command is a command to cancel the synthesis of the synthesized equipment item and return it to the original equipment item when the specified item is a synthesized equipment item. In response to the player making the above-mentioned synthesis cancellation command, the game system 1 returns the specified synthesized equipment item to a state in which the original material items have been deleted from the synthesized equipment item (i.e., to the original equipment item). At this time, the original material items may be held by the player character or may be destroyed.

As shown in FIG. 27, the list image includes a character image 240 showing a player character equipped with an equipment item or composite equipment item designated by cursor 239. In the example shown in FIG. 27, character image 240 shows a player character equipped with the composite equipment item "Ruby Sword" indicated by icon image 233 designated by cursor 239. Character image 240 allows the player to check the appearance of the player character when equipped with the designated equipment item or composite equipment item.

As shown in FIG. 27, the list image includes a name image 241 that indicates the name of the equipment item or synthesized equipment item designated by the cursor 239. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the name image 241 indicates "Ruby Sword", which is the name of the synthesized equipment item indicated by the icon image 233 designated by the cursor 239. Thus, in this embodiment, in response to an instruction based on an operational input by the player (e.g., the above-mentioned list display instruction), the game system 1 displays a list image of the equipment items and synthesized equipment item objects possessed by the player character in a manner in which the names of at least the equipment item or synthesized equipment item designated (e.g., that has become designated by the cursor) are displayed. Therefore, when a synthesized equipment item is designated, the player can confirm the name of the synthesized equipment item from the list image.

As described above, the game system 1 displays a list image including the name in addition to the icon image for at least the specified equipment item or composite equipment item. This makes it possible to provide the player with more detailed information about the specified item through the list image.

Note that in the list image, the names of equipment items and composite equipment items other than the specified equipment item or composite equipment item may also be displayed. For example, in the list image, the names of each equipment item and composite equipment item held by the player character may be associated with each icon image and displayed.

27, the list image includes an explanatory image 242 that shows an explanation of the equipment item or composite equipment item designated by the cursor 239. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the name image 241 shows an explanation of the composite equipment item "Ruby Sword" indicated by the icon image 233 designated by the cursor 239. In this embodiment, the explanatory image 242 of the composite equipment item shows the names of the material items and equipment items that are the source of the composite equipment item. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the explanatory image 242 of the composite equipment item "Ruby Sword" shows the name of the source material item "Ruby" and the name of the source equipment item "Iron Sword". Note that the explanatory image 242 is not limited to showing the name of the source item of the composite equipment item, and may show any information (e.g., the properties and performance set for the item) related to the equipment item or composite equipment item designated by the cursor 239.

As described above, in this embodiment, the game system 1 displays a list image for at least a specified synthesized equipment item in such a manner that in addition to the name of the synthesized equipment item, the list image further includes the name of the material item and the name of the equipment item that were used to synthesize the synthesized equipment item. This allows the material items and equipment items that were used to synthesize the synthesized equipment item to be presented to the player in the list image. Note that in other embodiments, the name of the material item and the name of the equipment item that were used to synthesize the synthesized equipment item do not have to be displayed in the list image.

In addition, in the list image, the source material items and equipment items of synthesis equipment items other than the specified synthesis equipment item may also be displayed. For example, in the list image, the icon images of each synthesis equipment item possessed by the player character may be displayed in association with the source material items and equipment items of each synthesis equipment item.

As described above, in this embodiment, the orientation of a synthesized equipment item in the icon image of the synthesized equipment item is the same as the orientation of that equipment item in the icon image of the original equipment item. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 27, the orientation of the items indicated by the icon images is the same for the icon image 232 indicating the "iron sword" equipment item and the icon image 233 indicating the "ruby sword" synthesized equipment item that is synthesized based on the equipment items (i.e., in both cases, the handle of the sword is at the bottom left and the tip of the sword is at the top right).

As described above, in this embodiment, in order to generate an icon image of a synthesized equipment item, the game system 1 sets the virtual camera so that the orientation of the three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item relative to the virtual camera corresponds to the orientation previously set for the equipment item (specifically, the same orientation as the orientation in which it was entertained), and the entire three-dimensional model is within the imaging range of the virtual camera. This makes it easier for the player to understand how the appearance has changed due to synthesis by comparing the icon image of the equipment item with the icon image of the synthesized equipment item based on it. Note that in other embodiments, the icon image of the synthesized equipment item may be generated in any manner, and the orientation of the synthesized equipment item object in the icon image may be different from the orientation of the equipment item in the icon image of the equipment item that is the source of the synthesis.

In this embodiment, the game system 1 displays the icon image of the synthesized equipment item in the list image in a display mode different from that of the icon image of the equipment item. This makes it easier for the player to distinguish between the icon image of the synthesized equipment item and the icon image of the equipment item in the list image. Specifically, in this embodiment, the icon image of the synthesized equipment item includes, in addition to the image of the synthesized equipment item, a contour line surrounding the image (for example, the contour line 243 shown in FIG. 27). That is, the game system 1 generates, as the icon image of the synthesized equipment item, an icon image in which a contour line is further added to the image showing the synthesized equipment item. Note that the contour line is added to each of the icon images of the synthesized equipment items included in the list image, not limited to the icon image designated by the cursor 239. The above-mentioned contour line makes it possible to easily distinguish the icon image of the synthesized equipment item from the icon images in the list image.

Although not shown, in this embodiment, when the game system 1 displays an icon image of an item (i.e., an equipment item, a composite equipment item, or a material item, etc.) in a list image, the game system 1 may display an icon image with a mark indicating the nature of the item. In this embodiment, by distinguishing between equipment items and composite equipment items by the presence or absence of an outline, it is possible to present to the player information indicating whether it is an equipment item or a composite equipment item (i.e., the outline) and information indicating the nature of the item (i.e., the mark) without confusing them.

The specific method for displaying the icon images of the equipment items and the composite equipment items in different display modes is not limited to the method of distinguishing between the presence or absence of an outline as in this embodiment, and may be other methods. For example, in other embodiments, the game system 1 may make the background colors of the icon images different between the icon images of the composite equipment items and the icon images of the equipment items, in addition to (or instead of) the presence or absence of an outline. Also, in other embodiments, the display modes of the icon images of the composite equipment items and the icon images of the equipment items may be made different by a predetermined mark added to the icon images. Also, in other embodiments, the game system 1 may display the icon images of the equipment items and the composite equipment items in the same display mode.

Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of a list image when the above-mentioned synthesis cancellation command is given for the specified synthesized equipment item in the situation shown in Figure 27. In Figure 28, as a result of a synthesis cancellation command being given for the "Ruby Sword" specified by the cursor 239 shown in Figure 27, the icon image 233 has been changed from one showing a "Ruby Sword" to one showing an "Iron Sword". Additionally, the character image 240, name image 241, and description image 242 have also been changed to images relating to the "Iron Sword".

As described above, in this embodiment, while the list image is being displayed, in response to a synthesis cancellation instruction based on an operation input, the game system 1 performs a process of returning the synthesized equipment item possessed by the player character to the equipment item before synthesis. In addition, the game system 1 changes the icon image of the synthesized equipment item in the list image to the icon image of the equipment item stored in advance. In this way, the content of the list image can be changed to reflect that the synthesis of the synthesized equipment items has been canceled.

In this embodiment, the game system 1 generates an icon image of the composite equipment item in response to the player character possessing the composite equipment item. Therefore, when a composite equipment item is generated by performing synthesis in response to a player's instruction using the method shown in Figures 8 to 10 above, the composite equipment item is in a state of being possessed by the player character, so an icon image of the composite equipment item is generated immediately after generation. In addition, for a composite equipment item that is not in a state of being possessed by the player character at the time of generation (for example, a composite equipment item placed on the game field), an icon image is generated when the player character possesses the composite equipment item. In this way, the game system 1 generates only the icon images used to generate the list image, so that unnecessary icon image generation processing is not performed, and processing efficiency can be improved. In other embodiments, the timing of generating the icon image of the composite equipment item is arbitrary. For example, when the list image is displayed (i.e., in response to the above-mentioned list display instruction being performed), the game system 1 may generate an icon image for a composite equipment item possessed by the player character and for which an icon image has not yet been generated.

In this embodiment, when the synthesized equipment item is no longer possessed by the player character, the game system 1 deletes the icon image data of the synthesized equipment item. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the game system 1. When the synthesized equipment item is no longer possessed by the player character, it means, for example, when the synthesized equipment item disappears due to the synthesis cancellation instruction, or when the player character discards the synthesized equipment item. When the synthesized equipment item is no longer possessed by the player character and then is possessed by the player character again, the game system 1 regenerates the icon image of the synthesized equipment item.

3. Specific examples of processing in a game system
Next, a specific example of information processing in the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of various data used for information processing in the game system 1. The various data shown in Figure 29 is stored in a storage medium accessible by the main unit 2 (e.g., flash memory 84, DRAM 85, and/or a memory card inserted in slot 23, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 29, the game system 1 stores a game program. The game program is a game program for executing the game processing in this embodiment (specifically, the processing shown in FIG. 30 to FIG. 32).

The game system 1 also stores the above-mentioned material item data (see FIG. 12), the above-mentioned equipment item data (see FIG. 14), correspondence information data, model data, and icon data. These data are prepared in advance and are stored in the game system 1 together with the game program (or included in the game program), for example.

As described above, material item data is data indicating the name, properties, etc. of a material item, and is stored for each material item. Equipment item data is data indicating the name, properties, etc. of an equipment item, and is stored for each equipment item. Correspondence information data is data indicating the above-mentioned correspondence information. Model data is data indicating three-dimensional models of material items and equipment items. Icon data is data indicating icon images of material items and equipment items.

The game system 1 also stores possessed item data and composite item data as game processing data that is generated and used during game processing. These data are stored in memory (e.g., DRAM 85) used for game processing. These data are stored in memory at appropriate times after the start of the game, and are updated as appropriate as the game progresses.

Possessed item data is data that indicates items (e.g., material items, equipment items, composite equipment items, etc.) possessed by the player character.

The composite item data indicates various information related to the composite equipment item. The composite item data is stored in memory for each composite equipment item. Specifically, the composite item data includes composite name data indicating the name of the composite equipment item, and composite icon data indicating the icon image of the composite equipment item. In addition to the above data, the composite item data also includes data indicating the properties of the composite equipment item.

Figure 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of field processing executed by the game system 1. Field processing is game processing that is executed when the player character moves through the game field during the game. Field processing is started, for example, when the player character is placed on the game field at the start of the game.

In this embodiment, the processor 81 of the main unit 2 executes the game program stored in the game system 1 to execute the steps shown in FIG. 30 and in FIGS. 31 and 32 described below. However, in other embodiments, some of the steps may be executed by a processor (e.g., a dedicated circuit) other than the processor 81. If the game system 1 is capable of communicating with another information processing device (e.g., a server), some of the steps shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 may be executed by the other information processing device. The steps shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 are merely examples, and the order of the steps may be changed, or other processing may be executed in addition to (or instead of) the steps, as long as the same results are obtained.

The processor 81 also executes the processing of each step shown in Figures 30 to 32 using a memory (e.g., DRAM 85). That is, the processor 81 stores information (in other words, data) obtained by each processing step in memory, and when using the information in a subsequent processing step, reads the information from the memory and uses it.

In step S1 shown in FIG. 30, the processor 81 acquires the above-mentioned operation data indicating an instruction by the player. That is, the processor 81 acquires the operation data received from each controller via the controller communication unit 83 and/or each terminal 17 and 21. Following step S1, the process of step S2 is executed.

In step S2, processor 81 determines whether or not the player has issued the list display instruction described above, based on the operation data acquired in step S1. If the determination result in step S2 is positive, processor 81 ends the field processing, and starts executing list processing (see FIG. 32), which will be described later. Details of the list processing will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S2 is negative, the processing of step S3 is executed.

In step S3, the processor 81 executes a player-related control process. In the player-related control process, various processes (e.g., control processes related to the player character) are executed based on operation input by the player. Details of the player-related control process are described below with reference to FIG. 31.

Figure 31 is a sub-flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the player-related control process of step S3 shown in Figure 30. In the player-related control process, first, in step S21, the processor 81 determines whether or not it is an operation acceptance period during which operation input for the player character is accepted. Here, in this embodiment, an action period during which an object such as a player character performs a predetermined action (for example, an action initiated in step S26 or S28 described below) in response to operation input for the player character is excluded from the operation acceptance period. If the determination result in step S21 is positive, the process of step S22 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S21 is negative, the process of step S31 described below is executed.

In step S22, the processor 81 determines whether the player character is in the above-mentioned synthesis-enabled state. The determination in step S22 is made, for example, based on whether the player character is in a state in which a specific item for synthesis can be used by the player character. For example, during the game, the player character may be controlled to a state in which it can use any one of a plurality of types of items including the specific item. At this time, if the player character is in a state in which it can use the specific item, the processor 81 determines that the player character is in a synthesis-enabled state, and if the player character is in a state in which it can use an item other than the specific item, the processor 81 determines that the player character is not in a synthesis-enabled state. If the determination result in step S22 is positive, the process of step S23 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S22 is negative, the process of step S27 described below is executed.

In step S23, the processor 81 determines whether or not an operation input for the above-mentioned synthesis instruction has been performed based on the operation data acquired in step S1. As described above, in this embodiment, the synthesis instruction is an instruction to specify a target equipment item from among the options shown by the above-mentioned equipment specification image (see FIG. 9). If the determination result in step S23 is positive, the process of step S24 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S23 is negative, the process of step S27 described below is executed.

In step S24, the processor 81 determines whether or not the above-mentioned target material items to be combined are present around the player character. Specifically, the processor 81 determines whether or not the material items are present within the above-mentioned determination range based on the position and orientation of the player character. If the determination result in step S24 is positive, the process of step S25 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S24 is negative, the process of step S27, which will be described later, is executed.

In step S25, the processor 81 generates a synthesized equipment item based on the target material item and the target equipment item. Specifically, the processor 81 reads out model data of the target material item and model data of the target equipment item from the storage medium of the game system 1, and generates a three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item to be placed on the game field using the read model data. The processor 81 also reads out material item data of the target material item and equipment item of the target equipment item from the storage medium of the game system 1, and sets the properties of the synthesized equipment item using the read data. The data of the three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item generated as described above, and the data indicating the properties of the set synthesized equipment item are stored in memory as the synthesized item data. Following step S25, the process of step S26 is executed.

When a synthesized equipment item appears on the game field in cases other than when the synthesized equipment item is generated in response to a synthesis command from the player (for example, when the synthesized equipment item is placed on the game field at the start of the game), a synthesis process similar to step S25 above is executed when the synthesized equipment item appears on the game field. However, in this case, the process of generating the name and icon image of the synthesized equipment item (steps S6 to S9 described below) does not need to be executed when the synthesized equipment item appears on the game field.

In step S26, the processor 81 starts the performance action performed when the target material item and the target equipment item are combined. As described above, the performance action for combination in this embodiment is a series of actions in which the target material item is drawn toward the player character, and after the target material item approaches the player character, the target equipment item equipped by the player character is changed to the combined equipment item generated in step S25. After the performance action is started in step S26, each item is controlled to perform the performance action for a certain period of time by the processing of step S31 described below. After step S26, the processor 81 ends the player-related control processing shown in FIG. 31.

In step S27, the processor 81 determines whether or not an operation input has been made to instruct the player character to perform an action, based on the operation data acquired in step S1. An action instruction is, for example, an instruction to cause the player character to perform an attack action, a jump action, or an action to pick up an item on the game field. If the determination result in step S27 is positive, the process of step S28 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S27 is negative, the process of step S29 is executed.

In step S28, processor 81 causes the player character to start an action corresponding to the action instruction made in step S27. After the player character starts an action in step S28, the player character is controlled to perform the action for a certain period of time by the processing of step S31 described below. After step S28, processor 81 ends the player-related control processing shown in FIG. 31.

In step S29, the processor 81 determines whether or not an operation input has been made to instruct the player character to move, based on the operation data acquired in step S1. A movement instruction is an instruction to perform an action to move the player character on the game field. If the determination result in step S29 is positive, the process of step S30 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S29 is negative, the process of step S31 is executed.

In step S30, processor 81 causes the player character to move on the field in response to the movement instruction made in step S29. After step S30, processor 81 ends the player-related control process shown in FIG. 31.

In step S31, the processor 81 controls each object (specifically, the player character and material items) to perform various actions, such as proceeding with the action started in step S26 or S28, or performing an action when no input is made by the player. In one execution of step S31, the processor 81 controls each object to perform an action for one frame time. The process of step S31 is executed repeatedly over multiple frames, causing each object to perform a series of actions in accordance with the synthesis instructions and action instructions described above.

In addition, in step S31, when the player character performs an action using a synthesized equipment item (e.g., an attack action using a synthesized equipment item), the processor 81 executes processing to generate an effect according to the synthesis effect set for the synthesized equipment item at the time of synthesis (i.e., the synthesis effect set for the source material items and/or equipment items). For example, when an action is executed using a synthesized equipment item for which the synthesis effect of the above-mentioned "magic attack" is set, the processor 81 executes processing to generate a magic attack (e.g., an attack that fires a magic bullet).

If the action to be performed by the player character has not been instructed by the player (for example, the action started in step S26 or S28 has ended), in step S31, processor 81 may not cause the player character to perform an action, or may cause the player character to perform an action that makes the player character's behavior appear natural (for example, looking around or swaying). After step S31, processor 81 ends the player-related control process shown in FIG. 31.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 30, in step S4, the processor 81 controls the movement of a character other than the player character (e.g., an enemy character). For example, if the other character is an enemy character, the processor 81 controls the movement of the enemy character according to an algorithm defined in the game program. In each step S4, the processor 81 controls each character to progress in movement for one frame time. Following step S4, the process of step S5 is executed.

In step S5, processor 81 determines whether or not a synthetic equipment item has been newly acquired by the player character. For example, if a synthetic equipment item has been synthesized in response to a synthesis instruction from the player (step S25), or if the player character has picked up a synthetic equipment item in response to an action instruction from the player (step S28), processor 81 determines that a synthetic equipment item has been newly acquired by the player character. If the determination result in step S5 is positive, processing in step S6 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S5 is negative, processing in steps S6 to S10 is skipped and processing in step S11, described below, is executed.

In step S6, processor 81 changes the items possessed by the player character. Specifically, processor 81 updates the possessed item data stored in memory to include the synthesized equipment item determined to be newly possessed in step S5. Furthermore, if a synthesized equipment item is synthesized in response to a synthesis instruction from the player, processor 81 updates the possessed item data to delete the original equipment items used for synthesis. Following step S6, the process of step S7 is executed.

In step S7, the processor 81 determines a naming rule for generating a name for the synthesized equipment item newly possessed by the player character. Specifically, the processor 81 determines a naming rule to be used for generating a name based on the pattern of the material items and equipment items that are the source of the synthesized equipment item, while referencing the correspondence information data stored in the storage medium of the game system 1. Note that the specific method for determining the naming rule is as described above in the section [2-2. Method for generating a name for a synthesized equipment item]. Following step S7, the process of step S8 is executed.

In step S8, processor 81 generates a name for the synthesized equipment item newly possessed by the player character in accordance with the naming rule determined in step S7. Specifically, processor 81 generates a name for the synthesized equipment item in accordance with the method described above in section [2-2. Method for generating a name for a synthesized equipment item], and stores data indicating the generated name in memory as synthesized name data. Following step S8, the process of step S9 is executed.

In step S9, the processor 81 generates a three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item newly possessed by the player character. Specifically, the processor 81 reads model data relating to the three-dimensional models of the material items and equipment items that are the source of synthesis from the storage medium of the game system 1, and generates a three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item based on the read model data (see [2-3. Method of generating an icon image of a synthesized equipment item]). Following step S9, the process of step S10 is executed.

In step S10, processor 81 generates an icon image of the composite equipment item newly possessed by the player character. Specifically, processor 81 generates the icon image using the three-dimensional model generated in step S9 above, according to the method described above in [2-3. Method for generating an icon image of a composite equipment item]. Data of the generated icon image is stored in memory as composite icon data. Following step S10, the process of step S11 is executed.

In step S11, the processor 81 generates a game image showing the game field and displays it on the display 12. For example, the processor 81 generates a game image showing the game field by setting a virtual camera in the game field so that the player character is included in the field of view, and performing a drawing process based on the virtual camera. Following step S11, the process of step S12 is executed.

In step S12, processor 81 determines whether or not to end the game. For example, processor 81 determines to end the game when a predetermined operational input for ending the game is performed by the player. If the determination result in step S12 is negative, the process of step S1 is executed again. Thereafter, the series of processes from step S1 to S12 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S12 that the game is to end. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S12 is positive, processor 81 ends the field process shown in FIG. 30.

Figure 32 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of list processing executed by the game system 1. The list processing is game processing for displaying the above-mentioned list image (Figure 27) during the game. The list processing is started in response to a list display instruction being given by the player in the above-mentioned field processing.

In the list processing, first in step S41, the processor 81 generates and displays a list image. Specifically, the processor 81 reads possessed item data from a storage medium of the game system 1, and reads icon data and composite icon data for the items indicated by the possessed item data from the storage medium. Then, using the read icon data and composite icon data, the processor 81 generates a list image including icon images of each item possessed by the player character. Following step S41, the process of step S42 is executed.

In step S42, the processor 81 acquires the operation data indicating an instruction by the player. The process of step S42 is performed in the same manner as the process of step S1. After step S42, the process of step S43 is executed.

In step S43, the processor 81 determines, based on the operation data acquired in step S42, whether or not the player has issued a movement instruction to move the cursor included in the list image. If the determination result in step S43 is positive, the process of step S44 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S43 is negative, the process of step S44 is skipped and the process of step S45 is executed.

In step S44, processor 81 changes the position of the cursor in the list image in response to the movement instruction. That is, processor 81 changes the information indicating the position of the cursor in the list image so as to switch the icon image designated by the cursor among the icon images included in the list image. Processor 81 also changes the character image, name image, and description image included in the list image to images indicating the content related to the equipment item or composite equipment item designated by the icon image designated by the moved cursor. As a result of the processing of step S44, when the processing of step S41 is next executed, the position of the cursor on the list image is moved and displayed, and the content of the character image, name image, and description image is updated and displayed. Following step S44, the processing of step S45 is executed.

In step S45, processor 81 determines whether or not the above-mentioned command to cancel the combination has been issued by the player based on the operation data acquired in step S42. If the determination result in step S45 is positive, the process of step S46 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S45 is negative, the processes of steps S46 to S48 are skipped and the process of step S49 described below is executed.

In step S46, processor 81 changes the items possessed by the player character. Specifically, processor 81 deletes the synthesized equipment item related to the synthesis cancellation instruction (i.e., the synthesized equipment item designated by the cursor when the synthesis cancellation instruction was issued) from the items possessed by the player character, and updates the possessed item data stored in memory so as to add the equipment item that is the source of the synthesized equipment item to the items possessed by the player character. Following step S46, the process of step S47 is executed.

In step S47, processor 81 changes the icon image designated by the cursor in the list image. That is, processor 81 changes the icon image designated by the cursor from the icon image of the synthesized equipment item to the icon image of the equipment item that is the basis of the synthesized equipment item. Processor 81 also changes the character image, name image, and description image included in the list image to indicate the content related to the equipment item that is the basis of the synthesized equipment item. As a result of the processing of step S47, when the processing of step S41 is next executed, the content of the icon image designated by the cursor is changed and displayed, and the content of the character image, name image, and description image are updated and displayed. Following step S47, the processing of step S48 is executed.

In step S48, the processor 81 deletes from memory the synthesized item data relating to the synthesized equipment item related to the synthesis cancellation instruction. After step S48, the process proceeds to step S49.

In step S49, processor 81 determines whether or not to end the display of the list image. For example, processor 81 determines to end the display when a predetermined operational input for ending the display of the list image is performed by the player. If the determination result in step S49 is negative, the process of step S41 is executed again. Thereafter, the series of processes from step S41 to S49 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S49 that the display is to end. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S49 is positive, processor 81 ends the list processing shown in FIG. 32. Note that when the list processing ends, processor 81 resumes execution of the field processing (FIG. 30) described above.

[4. Effects and Modifications of the Present Embodiment]
The game program in the above embodiment is configured (referred to as a first configuration) to cause a computer (eg, processor 81) of an information processing device (eg, game device 2) to execute the following processes.
- Processing for controlling the player character based on the operation input (steps S26, S28, S30, S31)
A process of generating a first synthesized equipment item, which is an object formed by synthesizing a first equipment item (e.g., the above-mentioned target equipment item) among a plurality of equipment items that the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by replacing the first equipment item (e.g., the above-mentioned target material item) among a plurality of items in the virtual space with the first equipment item, in response to a first instruction (e.g., a synthesis instruction) based on an operation input (step S25).
Here, at least the name of the item and the effect (i.e., properties) of the item when combined are pre-associated with the item (FIG. 12). Also, at least the name, type, and performance (also called properties) of the equipment item are pre-associated with the equipment item (FIG. 14).
The game program in the above embodiment is configured to cause the computer of the information processing device to further execute the following process in response to the first instruction.
A process of generating a name of the first composite equipment item, which is composed of a first part, a second part following the first part, and a third part following the second part, based on the combination of the first item and the first equipment item, by the following (a) to (c) (step S8).
(a) The first part is determined to be either a name representing the first item (for example, the name or abbreviated name of a material item) or a name representing the effect of the first item when combined.
(b) determining the second portion to be either a predetermined particle (for example, "no"), a predetermined suffix added to the first portion (for example, "-attached"), or nothing;
(c) The third part is determined to be either a name indicating the type of the first equipment item (for example, the above-mentioned type name), or a name corresponding to a combination of the synthesis effect associated with the first item and the type associated with the first equipment item (for example, the above-mentioned post-synthesis name) (step S8).
A process of having the player character possess the first composite equipment item (step S6)

The "name according to the combination of the synthesis effect associated with the first item and the type associated with the first equipment item" is, for example, a name set (more specifically, set in advance) for each pair of the synthesis effect and the type, such as the post-synthesis name described above (see FIG. 13).

According to the first configuration, a new synthesized equipment item can be generated by synthesizing an item with an equipment item, allowing many types of items to appear in the game. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the synthesized equipment item can be automatically named based on the combination of the synthesized items and equipment items. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data that is prepared in advance as data indicating the names of items.

Furthermore, the game program in the above embodiment can also be said to be configured (referred to as a second configuration) to cause a computer (e.g., processor 81) of an information processing device (e.g., game device 2) to execute the following processing.
- Processing for controlling the player character based on the operation input (steps S26, S28, S30, S31)
In response to a first instruction (for example, a synthesis instruction) based on an operation input, a process of generating a first synthesized equipment item that can be possessed by the player character and equipped and used by replacing a designated first equipment item (for example, the above-mentioned target equipment item) among a plurality of equipment items that the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by, and a designated first item (for example, the above-mentioned target material item) among a plurality of items in the virtual space, which is an object obtained by synthesizing the first equipment item and the first item, is generated as a first synthesized equipment item that can be possessed by the player character and equipped and used by the player character (step S25).
A process of having the player character possess the first combined equipment item in response to the first instruction (step S6).
A process of generating a three-dimensional model of a first combined equipment item based on the three-dimensional model of the first equipment item and the three-dimensional model of the first item in response to the first instruction (step S9).
In response to the first instruction, a process of generating and storing an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item by photographing a three-dimensional model of the first synthesized equipment item using a virtual camera (step S10).
In response to the first instruction, a process of displaying a list image of the equipment items and the composite equipment items possessed by the player character in a form including icon images in response to a second instruction based on an operation input (for example, a list display instruction) (step S41).

According to the second configuration, a new composite equipment item can be generated by combining an item with an equipment item, allowing many types of items to appear in the game. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, an icon image of a composite equipment item to be displayed as a list image can be generated, eliminating the need to prepare data for the icon image in advance, thereby reducing the amount of data for the icon image.

In addition, according to the second configuration, an icon image is generated using a three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item generated based on the three-dimensional models of each of the original items. Here, for example, consider a case where an icon image of the synthesized equipment item is generated using two-dimensional images (e.g., icon images) of each of the original items. In this case, since it is not possible to synthesize the two items by orienting each item in various directions on a two-dimensional image, even if two-dimensional images of each item are used, it is not possible to correctly represent the appearance of the synthesized equipment item generated by attaching each item in a specified direction. In contrast, according to the above configuration, a three-dimensional model of the synthesized equipment item is generated using the three-dimensional models of each item, so an icon image that correctly represents the appearance of the synthesized equipment item can be generated.

In other embodiments, the icon image of the combined equipment item may be generated using two-dimensional images (e.g., icon images) of each of the items that are to be combined.

In addition, by combining the first and second configurations, the name and icon image of the synthesized equipment item can be automatically generated. Therefore, the information processing system does not need to prepare data in advance for both the name and icon image of the synthesized equipment item, so the amount of data that the information processing system needs to prepare in advance can be further reduced.

In the above embodiment, when a process is executed using data (meaning a program) in an information processing device, a portion of the data required for the process may be transmitted from another information processing device different from the information processing device. In this case, the information processing device may execute the process using the data received from the other information processing device and the data stored in the information processing device.

In other embodiments, the information processing system may not have some of the configurations in the above embodiments, and may not execute some of the processes executed in the above embodiments. For example, in order to achieve some of the specific effects in the above embodiments, the information processing system only needs to have a configuration for achieving that effect and execute processes for achieving that effect, and may not have other configurations or execute other processes.

The above embodiment can be used, for example, as a game system or game program, with the objective of allowing many types of items to appear in a game while reducing the amount of data for item icon images.

1 Game system 2 Main device 81 Processor 201 Player character 202 Sword object 206 Fang object 213 Synthetic equipment item 231-238 Icon image

Claims (28)

The computer of the information processing device
Controlling a player character based on an operational input;
In response to a first instruction based on an operation input,
generating a first synthesized equipment item object which can be possessed by the player character and equipped for use, in place of a designated first equipment item object among a plurality of equipment item objects possessed by the player character and which can be equipped for use, and a designated first item object among a plurality of item objects in a virtual space, the first equipment item object being synthesized with the designated first item object, the first synthesized equipment item object being possessed by the player character and which can be equipped for use,
executing a process of having the player character possess the first composite equipment item object;
generating a three-dimensional model of the first combined equipment item object based on the three-dimensional model of the first equipment item object and the three-dimensional model of the first item object;
By photographing a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object using a virtual camera, an icon image of the first composite equipment item object is generated and stored;
A game program that displays a list image of the equipment item object and the composite equipment item object possessed by the player character in a manner including the icon image in response to a second instruction based on an operation input. The computer includes:
generating an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object in response to the first synthesized equipment item object being possessed by the player character;
The game program according to claim 1 . The computer includes:
In the list image, an icon image of the composite equipment item object is displayed in a display manner different from that of the icon image of the equipment item object possessed by the player character.
The game program according to claim 1 . The computer includes:
generating, as the icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object, an icon image in which a contour line is further added to an image showing the first synthesized equipment item object;
The game program according to claim 3. The computer includes:
setting the virtual camera so that, for generating the icon image of the first composite equipment item object, the orientation of a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object relative to the virtual camera corresponds to a preset orientation for the first equipment item object, and the entire three-dimensional model falls within an imaging range of the virtual camera;
The game program according to claim 1 . The computer further controls the display device to, in response to a third instruction based on an operation input while the list image is being displayed,
performing a process of returning the second synthesized equipment item object possessed by the player character to the second equipment item object before synthesis;
changing an icon image of the second composite equipment item object in the list image to an icon image of the second equipment item object stored in advance;
The game program according to claim 1 . The computer includes:
displaying the list image in a manner including a name in addition to the icon image for at least the designated synthesized equipment item object or the designated equipment item object;
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The item object is associated in advance with at least information on the name of the item object and the effect of the item object when combined;
At least information on the name, type, and performance of the equipment item object is associated with the equipment item object in advance;
In response to the first instruction, the computer:
a name of the first composite equipment item object consisting of a first part, a second part following the first part, and a third part following the second part, based on a combination of the first item object and the first equipment item object;
determining the first part to be either a name representing the first item object or a name representing the effect of the first item object when combined;
determining the second portion to be one of a predetermined particle, a predetermined suffix added to the first portion, or nothing;
generating the third part by determining either a name representing a type of the first equipment item object or a name according to a combination of the synthesis effect associated with the first item object and the type associated with the first equipment item object;
The game program according to claim 7. The computer includes:
The game program according to claim 8, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are each determined based on a naming rule that is preset corresponding to a pattern that matches a combination of the first item object and the first equipment item object, out of a plurality of preset patterns regarding a combination of any of the information associated with the item object and any of the information associated with the equipment item object. At least one information processing device having a processor,
At least one processor of the at least one information processing device
Controlling a player character based on an operational input;
In response to a first instruction based on an operation input,
generating a first combined equipment item object, which is an object obtained by combining a first equipment item object and a first item object in a virtual space, in place of a designated first equipment item object among a plurality of equipment item objects which the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by, and which is an object obtained by combining the first equipment item object and the first item object, and which the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by,
having the player character possess the first composite equipment item object;
generating a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object based on the three-dimensional model of the first equipment item object and the three-dimensional model of the first item object;
By photographing a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object based on a virtual camera, an icon image of the first composite equipment item object is generated and stored;
An information processing system that, in response to a second instruction based on operational input, displays on a display device a list image of the equipment item object and the composite equipment item object possessed by the player character, including the icon image. At least one of the processors
generating an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object in response to the first synthesized equipment item object being possessed by the player character;
The information processing system according to claim 10. At least one of the processors
displaying, on the display device, an icon image of the composite equipment item object in the list image in a display manner different from that of the icon image of the equipment item object possessed by the player character;
The information processing system according to claim 10. At least one of the processors
generating an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object by further adding a contour line to an image showing the first synthesized equipment item object;
The information processing system according to claim 12. At least one of the processors
setting the virtual camera so that, for generating the icon image of the first composite equipment item object, the orientation of a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object relative to the virtual camera corresponds to a preset orientation for the first equipment item object, and the entire three-dimensional model falls within an imaging range of the virtual camera;
The information processing system according to claim 10. The at least one processor further performs, in response to a third instruction based on an operation input while the list image is being displayed,
performing a process of returning the second synthesized equipment item object possessed by the player character to the second equipment item object before synthesis;
changing an icon image of the second composite equipment item object in the list image to an icon image of the second equipment item object stored in advance;
The information processing system according to claim 10. At least one of the processors
displaying the list image on the display device in a form including a name in addition to the icon image for at least the designated synthesized equipment item object or the designated equipment item object;
The information processing system according to any one of claims 10 to 15. The item object is associated in advance with at least information on the name of the item object and the effect of the item object when combined;
At least information on the name, type, and performance of the equipment item object is associated with the equipment item object in advance;
In response to the first instruction, the at least one processor:
a name of the first composite equipment item object consisting of a first part, a second part following the first part, and a third part following the second part, based on a combination of the first item object and the first equipment item object;
determining the first part to be either a name representing the first item object or a name representing the effect of the first item object when combined;
determining the second portion to be one of a predetermined particle, a predetermined suffix added to the first portion, or nothing;
generating the third part by determining either a name representing the type of the first equipment item object, or a name according to a combination of the synthesis effect associated with the first item object and the type associated with the first equipment item object;
17. The information processing system according to claim 16. At least one of the processors
The information processing system according to claim 17, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are each determined based on a naming rule that is preset corresponding to a pattern that matches for a combination of the first item object and the first equipment item object, among a plurality of preset patterns regarding a combination of any of the information associated with the item object and any of the information associated with the equipment item object. A processor is provided.
The processor,
Controlling a player character based on an operational input;
In response to a first instruction based on an operation input,
generating a first combined equipment item object, which is an object obtained by combining a first equipment item object and a first item object in a virtual space, in place of a designated first equipment item object among a plurality of equipment item objects which the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by, and which is an object obtained by combining the first equipment item object and the first item object, and which the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by,
having the player character possess the first composite equipment item object;
generating a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object based on the three-dimensional model of the first equipment item object and the three-dimensional model of the first item object;
By photographing a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object based on a virtual camera, an icon image of the first composite equipment item object is generated and stored;
an information processing device that displays a list image of the equipment item objects and the composite equipment item objects possessed by the player character in a form including the icon image in response to a second instruction based on an operation input; A game processing method executed by an information processing system, comprising:
The information processing system includes:
Controlling a player character based on an operational input;
In response to a first instruction based on an operation input,
generating a first combined equipment item object, which is an object obtained by combining a first equipment item object and a first item object in a virtual space, in place of a designated first equipment item object among a plurality of equipment item objects which the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by, and which is an object obtained by combining the first equipment item object and the first item object, and which the player character possesses and can be equipped and used by,
having the player character possess the first composite equipment item object;
generating a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object based on the three-dimensional model of the first equipment item object and the three-dimensional model of the first item object;
By photographing a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object based on a virtual camera, an icon image of the first composite equipment item object is generated and stored;
A game processing method for displaying a list image of the equipment item object and the composite equipment item object possessed by the player character in a manner including the icon image in response to a second instruction based on an operation input. The information processing system includes:
generating an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object in response to the first synthesized equipment item object being possessed by the player character;
The game processing method according to claim 20. The information processing system includes:
In the list image, an icon image of the composite equipment item object is displayed in a display manner different from that of the icon image of the equipment item object possessed by the player character.
The game processing method according to claim 20. The information processing system includes:
generating an icon image of the first synthesized equipment item object by further adding a contour line to an image showing the first synthesized equipment item object;
The game processing method according to claim 22. The information processing system includes:
setting the virtual camera so that, for generating the icon image of the first composite equipment item object, the orientation of a three-dimensional model of the first composite equipment item object relative to the virtual camera corresponds to a preset orientation for the first equipment item object, and the entire three-dimensional model falls within an imaging range of the virtual camera;
The game processing method according to claim 20. The information processing system further includes, in response to a third instruction based on an operation input while the list image is being displayed,
performing a process of returning the second synthesized equipment item object possessed by the player character to the second equipment item object before synthesis;
changing an icon image of the second composite equipment item object in the list image to an icon image of the second equipment item object stored in advance;
The game processing method according to claim 20. The information processing system includes:
For at least the designated composite equipment item object or equipment item object, the list image is displayed in a form including a name in addition to the icon image.
The game processing method according to any one of claims 20 to 25. The item object is associated in advance with at least information on the name of the item object and the effect of the item object when combined;
At least information on the name, type, and performance of the equipment item object is associated with the equipment item object in advance;
In response to the first instruction, the information processing system:
a name of the first composite equipment item object consisting of a first part, a second part following the first part, and a third part following the second part, based on a combination of the first item object and the first equipment item object;
determining the first part to be either a name representing the first item object or a name representing the effect of the first item object when combined;
determining the second portion to be one of a predetermined particle, a predetermined suffix added to the first portion, or nothing;
generating the third part by determining either a name representing the type of the first equipment item object, or a name according to a combination of the synthesis effect associated with the first item object and the type associated with the first equipment item object;
27. The game processing method according to claim 26. The information processing system includes:
The game processing method according to claim 27, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are each determined based on a naming rule that is preset corresponding to a pattern that matches for the combination of the first item object and the first equipment item object, among a plurality of preset patterns regarding a combination of any of the information associated with the item object and any of the information associated with the equipment item object.

Images