WO2010004866A1

WO2010004866A1 - Game system and game device used in same

Info

Publication number: WO2010004866A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/061371
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正徳吉岡; 雄一中原; 聡羽毛田
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2008-07-08
Filing date: 2009-06-23
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: JP2010017257A; JP4503660B2

Abstract

A turn-based game obtains game characteristics similar to a multiplayer game and is executed without causing a waiting time depending on other players. A game system has a plurality of game devices communicably connected to each other via a communication network. In the game system, each game device repeatedly obtains different-character position information at a predetermined timing and, every time when a communication unit in the game device obtains different-character position information, updates corresponding different-character position information to the obtained different-character position information. Each game device displays, based on the different-character position information stored in a game information storage unit in the game device, a game screen on which a different-character position display image is displayed and updates the position of the different-character position display image in correspondence to the updating of the different-character position information by the game information storage unit of the game device, wherein the different character position display image indicates a position within a virtual game space in another game device, at which a character to be operated and corresponding to the different character position information is present.

Description

GAME SYSTEM AND GAME DEVICE USED FOR THE SAME

The present invention relates to a game system in which a plurality of game devices of the same type are communicably connected to each other via a communication network, and a game device used therefor.

Traditionally, the turn in which the action of the operation target character operated by the player is realized, and the action of other characters such as the character that the game machine program such as an enemy monster decides the action and the character that another player decides the action A so-called turn-based game in which the realized turns are executed in a predetermined order is widely known (Patent Document 1). When a player adopts the turn system in a single-type game in which the player alone operates the character to be operated in his / her virtual game space, the game machine program determines the action in the turn other than himself / herself. So, usually you don't have to wait for your turn. However, when a turn system is adopted in a multi-participation game in which multiple players operate their own character to be operated in a common virtual game space, it may take a long time before other players decide on their actions. May take a long time to complete the turn. In such a case, the remaining players have the disadvantage that they wait for a long time before their turn comes around.

Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which each player can play a personal game (single game) different from the turn-based game during his / her own waiting time in a multi-participation type turn-based game. Yes. According to this game system, each player can eliminate the boredom of his / her waiting time by playing the personal game, which can reduce the disadvantages of the multi-participation type turn-based game.

JP 2005-245927 A

However, even in the game system disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since it is waited until the turn of the other player is finished and the player's turn comes around, the waiting time depending on the other player occurs. The same as before. Therefore, a player who cannot solve the boredom even when playing a personal game, such as a player who wants to play a multi-participation type turn-based game, cannot solve the boredom of waiting time.
In addition, if you play another personal game while playing a multi-participation type turn-based game, you will not be able to concentrate on playing the multi-participation type turn-based game, which will reduce the fun of that game It is also a problem.

The present invention provides a game system capable of executing a turn-based game that realizes the same game characteristics as a multi-participation type game but does not cause a waiting time depending on other players, and a game that constitutes the game system Realize equipment provision.

As one aspect of the present invention, an operation receiving unit that receives a player's operation, a virtual game space generating unit that generates a virtual game space in which an operation target character based on the player's character information exists, based on map information, A game information storage unit for storing game information including map information and character information used by the virtual game space generation unit, and the virtual game space generation unit generated according to the content of the player operation received by the operation reception unit An action determining unit for determining a character action including movement of the operation target character in the virtual game space; a game progress control unit for controlling the progress of the game based on a determination result of the action determining unit; and the virtual game space A game image that represents an image overlooking at least a part of the virtual game space generated by the generation unit from a predetermined viewpoint. A game screen display unit that displays a game screen according to the progress control of the game progress control unit, and a communication unit that performs information communication with another game device via a communication network. A game system having a game device and connecting the plurality of game devices via a communication network so as to be able to communicate with each other, wherein the game progress control unit of each game device performs the character action determined by the action determination unit. Controlling the progress of a game in which a turn to be realized and a turn for realizing an action of another character in the virtual game space are executed in a predetermined order, and the turn progress in another game device Controls the progress of the game independently, and the game information storage unit of each game device stores the character to be operated by another player playing on another game device. The other character position information indicating the position of the other game device in the virtual game space is stored, and the communication unit of each game device repeatedly acquires the different character position information at a predetermined timing, The game information storage unit of the game device updates the corresponding different character position information to the acquired different character position information each time the communication unit in the game device acquires the different character position information. The game screen display unit is based on the other character position information in the game information storage unit of the game device of its own in the virtual game space of the other game device in which the operation target character corresponding to the other character position information exists. A game screen displaying another character position display image representing a position is displayed, and a game of its own game device In response to the information storage unit updating the separate character position information, the position of the separate character position display image is updated.
In this game system, each game device executes a stand-alone turn-based game in which each player operates his / her operation target character in a virtual game space independent from each other. That is, each turn-based game executed on each game device proceeds independently of the turn progress on other game devices. Therefore, there is no waiting time depending on other players.

Further, in the above game system, each game device has an operation target character of the player of each game device before a check point provided at a predetermined position in each virtual game space before the operation target character of the other player. When it reaches | attains, it may have a privilege provision part which provides with respect to this player the privilege which this another player cannot obtain.
In this game system, a privilege is given to a player whose operation target character reaches the check point before another player, so the position of the operation target character of another player is confirmed in a stand-alone turn-based game. However, it is possible to realize a game characteristic similar to the game characteristic of the multi-participation type game, which aims to reach the checkpoint first.

Further, in the above game system, the communication unit of each game device allows the other player to play when the action determining unit of his game device determines an action related to the change of character information in the operation target character of the other player. Action specifying information for specifying the action is transmitted to the game device to be played, and the game information storage unit of each game device is a player operation target character that the communication unit of the own game device plays on the own game device. When the action specifying information is received, the character information corresponding to the operation target character is changed in accordance with the action specifying information, and the game progress control unit of each game device uses the changed character information. It may control the progress of the game.
In this game system, the character information of the operation target character of another player can be changed by the player performing a predetermined operation. Here, “character information” is information set for each operation target character of each player, and includes appearance information, status information, and the like of the corresponding operation target character. Changing the character information of the operation target character of another player affects the progress of the game played by the other player. Therefore, it is possible to realize a game property that is closer to the game property of a multi-participation type game.

In the above game system, the game information storage unit of each game device stores different character image specifying information for specifying another character image that is an image of the operation target character of the other player. The game screen display unit may use another character image specified by the corresponding different character image specifying information as the different character position display image.
In this game system, the different character position display image displayed on the game screen of each game device is the same as the image of the operation target character of the corresponding different player. Therefore, each player can be made to recognize more strongly as if the operation target character of another player exists in the virtual game space where the operation target character of the player exists.

Further, in the game system, the communication unit of each game device has a plurality of different character position information indicating each position of the operation target character of the different player at each time point having a predetermined time interval at the predetermined timing. When the game screen display unit of each game device updates the position of the different character position display image, the game screen display unit sequentially updates the position of the different character position display image based on the plurality of updated different character position information. A process for reproducing the movement of the operation target character of the other player may be performed.
In order to smoothly express the movement of the different character position display image on the game screen of each game device, it is preferable to acquire the different character position information at each time point with a short time interval. However, if different character position information at each time point is acquired each time, there arises a problem that a load related to communication processing increases.
According to this game system, a plurality of different character position information can be acquired at a single timing. Therefore, compared to the case where one separate character position information is acquired at a single timing, the load related to communication processing is reduced. Can be reduced. Therefore, the smooth movement of the different character position display image can be realized with a small communication processing load.

In the game system, when the game screen display unit of each game device updates the position of the separate character position display image, the position of the separate character position display image before the update and the position of the separate character position display image after the update are displayed. The position determined in accordance with a predetermined complementation condition is supplemented between the position and the position of another character position display image before update is updated to the updated position via the complemented position. Also good.
When the time interval of the different character position information is wide, when updating the position of the different character position display image, the position of the different character position display image before the update and the position of the different character position display image after the update on the game screen Is far away, and the movement of the different character position display image may not be expressed smoothly. Also, in general, in information communication via a communication network, communication delay, packet loss, etc. may occur. Therefore, when the time-series order of other character position information to be acquired does not match the acquisition order, or some other characters There may be a case where position information cannot be acquired. Even in such a case, the distance between the position of the different character position display image before the update on the game screen is different from the position of the other character position display image after the update, and the movement of the different character position display image is smooth. It may not be possible to express.
According to this game system, a new position is complemented between the positions of the different character position display images before and after the update, and the position of the different character position display image before the update is updated via the complemented position. Therefore, even in the above case, the smooth movement of the different character position display image can be expressed.

In the above game system, the game information storage unit of each game device stores the same map information, and the game screen display unit of each game device has a virtual game space in its own game device. You may display the game screen which displayed the said different character position display image in the same position as the position which the different character position information in the game information storage part in an own game device shows.
In this game system, the virtual game space in each turn-based game executed on each game device is generated based on the same map information, and the maps in the virtual game space are the same. . Therefore, in each game device, the game screen of the virtual game space comprised by the same map is each displayed. And in this game system, the other character position display image which shows the position of the operation object character of the other player played with another game device is also displayed on each game screen displayed on each game device. This different character position display image is the same as the position where the operation target character of the other player is present in the virtual game space in the other game device, and the position in the virtual game space (strictly speaking, slightly smaller than the present time). It is displayed at the previous position). Therefore, each player can be recognized as if the operation target character of another player exists in the virtual game space where the operation target character of the player exists. Thereby, it is possible to realize game characteristics similar to those of the multi-participation type game in which each player is playing a game by operating his / her operation target character in the same virtual game space.

In the above game system, the game information storage unit of each game device stores the same map information, and the game screen display unit of each game device has a virtual game space in its own game device. The game screen on which the different character position display image is displayed is displayed at the same position as the position indicated by the different character position information in the game information storage section of the game device of the player. When the player's operation target character reaches the check point provided at the same position in each virtual game space before the other player's operation target character, the privilege is given to the player. There may be.
In this game system, it is possible to realize a game property closer to a multi-participation type game, aiming to reach a checkpoint provided at the same position on the same map.

Further, in the game system, each game device has a map information generation unit that generates map information corresponding to a predetermined lottery result at a predetermined timing, and the game progress control unit of each game device is the communication unit. A first control for controlling the progress of the game while repeatedly acquiring the different character position information and displaying the game screen displaying the different character position display image corresponding to the acquired different character position information on the game screen display unit. The control mode and the second control mode for controlling the progress of the game without displaying the separate character position display image on the game screen can be selectively operated. In the second control mode, A virtual game based on the map information generated by the map information generation unit of its own game device performing a lottery independent of the lottery on other game devices. Using a spatial, or may be configured to control the progress of the game.
In this game system, a player plays a turn-based game similar to a multi-participation type game (multi-participation similar type turn) in which another character position display image corresponding to an operation target image of another player is played on the game screen. Game) and a pure stand-alone turn-based game (pure stand-alone turn-based game) in which a separate character position display image is not displayed on the game screen can be selectively played.
Here, when a pure single turn-based game is performed on each game device, if the map information used for this is always the same, each player repeats the pure single turn-based game and repeats the pure single turn-based game. There is a risk of getting bored with the game. In each game device of the present game system, when performing a pure stand-alone turn-based game, map information corresponding to the result of the lottery is generated, so that various virtual game spaces based on a large number of map information can be generated. Therefore, a player who plays a pure stand-alone turn-based game can play games in various virtual game spaces with different maps. Moreover, the map information in the pure single turn-based game executed on each game device is generated by lottery independent of the lottery on other game devices. Therefore, in a pure stand-alone turn-based game, there is little possibility of playing in a virtual game space of the same map as a pure stand-alone turn-based game played by another player on another game device.

In the above game system, the map information generation unit of each game device may be configured such that when the game progress control unit of each game device operates in the first control mode, the virtual game space generation unit of each game device uses the virtual game space. Before the generation, map information corresponding to the map information is generated using the same lottery result, and the game information storage unit of each game device uses the map information generated by the map information generation unit as the same map. It may be stored as information.
In this game system, the player of each game device can play games in various virtual game spaces with different maps even in a multi-participation similar turn-based game. The occurrence of the situation where the player gets bored with the multi-participation similar turn-based game can be reduced.
Moreover, in this game system, the same map information is generated using the same lottery results when a multi-participation similar type turn-based game is executed on each game device. Therefore, in order to obtain the same map information in each game device, it is not necessary to communicate the map information itself using the communication network, and it is only necessary to communicate the lottery result information having a much smaller information amount than the map information. . Therefore, communication load can be reduced.

Moreover, as another aspect of the present invention, an operation receiving unit that receives a player's operation, and a virtual game space generating unit that generates a virtual game space in which an operation target character exists based on the player's character information based on the map information A game information storage unit that stores game information including map information and character information used by the virtual game space generation unit, and the virtual game space generation unit according to the content of the player operation received by the operation reception unit. An action determining unit that determines the character action including the movement of the operation target character in the generated virtual game space, a game progress control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the determination result of the action determining unit, An image overlooking at least a part of the virtual game space generated by the virtual game space generation unit from a predetermined viewpoint is expressed. A game screen display unit that displays a game screen to be displayed according to the progress control of the game progress control unit, and a communication unit that performs information communication between the game device and another game device of the same type via the communication network The game progress control unit has a turn for realizing the character action determined by the action determination unit and a turn for realizing the action of another character in the virtual game space. The progress of the game executed in order is controlled, and the progress of the game is controlled independently of the progress of the turn in the other game device. Another character position information indicating the position of the operation target character of another player playing on the other game device in the virtual game space on the other game device is stored. The communication unit repeatedly acquires the different character position information at a predetermined timing, and the game information storage unit obtains the corresponding different character position information every time the communication unit acquires the different character position information. The game screen display unit is updated to the acquired different character position information, and the game screen display unit is based on the different character position information in the game information storage unit and the other game device in which the operation target character corresponding to the different character position information exists. In response to the game screen displaying the different character position display image representing the position in the virtual game space at the same time, and the game information storage unit updating the different character position information, the different character position display image The position of is updated.
According to this game device, in cooperation with other game devices of the same type, in the stand-alone turn-based game in which the waiting time depending on other players does not occur, the same virtual game space is given to each player. It is possible to realize a game characteristic similar to that of a multi-participation type game, in which each player operates a game by operating his / her operation target character.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to execute a turn-based game that achieves the same game characteristics as a multi-participation type game and does not cause a waiting time depending on other players.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire game system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of a game unit constituting the game system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the control system of the game system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game whose progress is controlled by the control device that executes the game execution program. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a name input screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of a name confirmation screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram of an occupation selection screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a main menu screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a castle selection screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a game screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a card selection screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of a shop screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of a card selection screen on which a list of cards that can be purchased on the shop screen is displayed. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of a card selection screen on which a list of cards that can be sold on the shop screen is displayed. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a game end selection screen displayed on the display of the game unit. FIG. 12 is a sequence flow diagram showing the flow of the application process for the simultaneous play game performed at the stage before the simultaneous play game is started in the game system. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a game screen in the simultaneous play game displayed on the display of the game unit participating in the simultaneous play game. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a screen that displays a list of other players participating in the simultaneous play game. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of effects when a magic card is used for another player in the simultaneous play game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game unit 2 Display 4

Operation lever

5a, 5b, 5c Operation button 5d Payout button 5e Save end button 6 Medal insertion slot 7 Medal return slot 8 Card insertion / extraction port 9

Magnetic card

11, 21, 31 Control device 20 Facility management device 30 System management device

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a game system including a plurality of medal game machines which are arcade game machines as game devices will be described.
In each medal game machine according to the present embodiment, the player proceeds through the castle by performing an operation for instructing the action of the game hero character (hereinafter referred to as “hero character”) as the operation target character. A role-playing game that aims to occupy the castle is developed. In that castle, enemy monsters (other characters) that block the hero character from appearing appear, so the player proceeds through the castle without the hero character being killed by the enemy monster, and is a jewel that proves the occupancy of the castle (proof of clear ) Is performed for the action instruction of the hero character. The protagonist character operated by the player attacks the enemy monster and uses various item cards and magic cards that are game status change elements to compete against the enemy monster, and progresses through the castle to prove clear. Try to win. Then, if the protagonist character gains a proof of clearing and successfully occupies the castle, that player can become the owner of the occupied castle, and the player who becomes the owner of the castle will challenge to occupy his castle. It is possible to play a kind of battle game with other coming players (players who play with game units in the same game facility).

In each medal game machine, in the normal mode (second control mode), a single turn-based game in which the game progress is completely independent from each other is executed. Specifically, when the player performs an operation for instructing only the number of actions that can be determined in one turn (one in this embodiment) about the action of the main character, the player's turn is finished and the opponent's turn Then, the control unit of the medal game machine determines the action of the enemy monster or the like according to a predetermined action determination program. In the present embodiment, the game progresses by repeatedly executing one's turn and the opponent's turn alternately. Here, in the normal mode, since it is a stand-alone turn-based game, there is no operation target character (another player character) operated by another player other than the player in the castle of the game played by the player. Another player is not involved in the turn progress in this castle (in other words, the virtual time progress in the castle virtual game space), so until you turn your turn depending on another player There is no waiting situation.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, each medal game machine has the position of the main character (different player character) of another player who is playing simultaneously in each virtual game space having the same map (virtual game space of another player's game). In the simultaneous play mode (first control mode) in which an image of the other player character (another character position display image) is displayed at the same position (a position in the virtual game space of the game). can do. Details of the simultaneous play mode will be described later.

Next, the configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire game system according to the present embodiment.
This game system is constructed across a plurality of game facilities. Each game facility includes twelve game units 1 that are medal game machines for each player to play a game, a facility management device 20, and the like. Is arranged. Each game unit 1 is connected to the facility management apparatus 20 via a communication line such as a LAN cable, and can communicate with each other. The game system also includes a system management device 30 that operates and manages the game system. The system management device 30 controls all the game units 1 through the facility management device 20 in an integrated manner. The system management device 30 and the facility management device 20 are connected by a communication line such as a public communication network and can communicate with each other.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the game unit 1.
The game unit 1 includes a display 2 as a game screen display unit that functions as a game screen display unit that displays a game screen according to the progress of the game, and a speaker that plays sound such as sound effects and back music according to the progress of the game. 3 and an operation lever 4 and three

operation buttons

5a and 5b that constitute an operation reception unit that functions as an operation reception unit that receives a game operation including an operation for instructing the action of the main character appearing on the game screen. , 5c, a payout button 5d for paying back to the player a medal (tangible object) which is a game medium exchanged between the game unit 1 and the player, and a magnetic card as a portable storage medium to be described later And a save end button 5e for ending the game.

The player operates the operation lever 4 and the three

operation buttons

5a, 5b, and 5c while watching the game screen displayed on the display 2, for example, in which direction the hero character that appears on the game screen is displayed. It is possible to instruct whether to move, or to instruct which item card is to be used. The game unit 1 also includes a medal slot 6 for receiving medals from the player in the form of a tangible object, a medal payback 7 for paying back medals to the player, and the player who has finished the game plays the game at the next play. In order to continue, a card insertion / removal port 8 for inserting / removing the magnetic card 9 for recording the personal information of the player and the game situation at the end of the game is also provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the control system of the game system.
The configuration of the game control system in the present embodiment mainly includes a control unit 10 of the game unit 1, a control unit of the facility management device 20, and a control unit of the system management device 30. The control unit 10 of the game unit 1 is mainly responsible for overall progress control of the role playing game described above. In addition, the control unit of the facility management apparatus 20 is responsible for managing and controlling data necessary for a battle game between players playing in 12 game units in the game facility where the facility management apparatus 20 is installed. It controls communication between the game unit 1 in the game facility and the system management device 30 and game units in other game facilities. The control unit of the system management device 30 is responsible for managing player information of the entire game system, and is responsible for managing and controlling a simultaneous play game in a simultaneous play mode described later.

The control unit 10 of the game unit 1 mainly includes a control device 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13 that constitutes a game information storage unit that functions as a game information storage unit, and a communication device 14 that constitutes a communication unit that functions as a communication unit. It consists of. The control device 11, which is a map information generation unit, a virtual game space generation unit, an action determination unit, and a game progress control unit, executes various programs stored in the ROM 12, thereby generating a map information generation unit, a virtual game space generation unit It functions as action determination means and game progress control means, and performs various processes and controls. In particular, the control device 11 performs various controls necessary for progress of the above-described role-playing game by executing a game execution program stored in the ROM 12 by an internal computer. In addition, the control apparatus 11 which comprises a game information storage part functions also as a game information storage means in cooperation with RAM13. The control device 11 constituting the game screen display unit also functions as a game screen display unit in cooperation with the display 2. The ROM 12 stores various processes to be performed by the control unit 10 of the game unit 1 and execution programs for control. The RAM 13 temporarily stores various data or information. In particular, the RAM 13 stores credit data as a player point storage unit that functions as a player point storage unit that stores credit data (point data) that is a game medium obtained by converting the number of medals counted by a medal counter 15 described later into electronic data. Has a region. The communication device 14 is for performing data communication with the control unit of the facility management device 20 or with another game unit installed in the same game facility or another game facility.

In the present embodiment, the game units of each game facility communicate with each other via the facility management device 20 of each game facility, but the facility management device 20 and the game unit in the same game facility are connected to each other. It is also possible to connect in parallel and communicate with each other via a predetermined gateway device without passing through the game management units of the other game facilities or the system management device 30 and the facility management device 20.

The control unit 10 of the game unit 1 includes a display 2, a speaker 3, operation levers and

operation buttons

4, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, and a medal counter that counts the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 6. 15. A card as a data writing unit that functions as a data writing means for writing data to the medal discharge hopper 16 for discharging medals from the medal payback bout 7 and the magnetic card 9 inserted into the card insertion / removal port 8. A writer 17 and a card reader 18 serving as a data reading unit that functions as a data reading unit for reading data from the magnetic card 9 inserted in the card insertion / extraction port 8 are connected.

The control unit of the facility management device 20 mainly includes a control device 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a game unit side communication device 24, and a system management device side communication device 25. The control device 21 executes various programs stored in the ROM 22 and performs various controls. The ROM 22 stores various control execution programs to be performed by the control unit of the facility management apparatus 20. The RAM 23 temporarily stores various data or information. The game unit side communication device 24 is for performing data communication with the control unit 10 of each game unit 1 installed in the game facility. The system management device side communication device 25 is for performing data communication with the control unit of the system management device 30 or with a facility management device installed in another game facility.

The control unit of the system management device 30 mainly includes a control device 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and a communication device 34. The control device 31 executes various programs stored in the ROM 32 and performs various controls. In particular, the control device 31 performs various controls necessary for the simultaneous play game by executing an execution program for the simultaneous play game stored in the ROM 32 by an internal computer. The ROM 32 stores various control execution programs to be performed by the control unit of the system management apparatus 30. The RAM 33 temporarily stores various data or information. The communication device 34 is for performing data communication with the control unit of each facility management device 20.

In this game system, when the player finishes the game, when the next game is resumed, save data, which is game situation information for restoring the game situation at the end of the game, is recorded on the magnetic card 9 by the card writer 17. To do. This save data includes the player name (the name of the main character), the cumulative play time, the last play time, the name of the cleared castle, the name of the castle that you are the castle owner, the ability of the main character (such as occupation), and the player Player information such as the type of item card that can be used among the game situation change elements to be played, the type of castle where the main character is at the end of the game, the main character in the castle, enemy monsters or unacquired item cards Game information such as field data such as position. On the other hand, when the player continues the game once finished, his / her magnetic card 9 is inserted into the card insertion / extraction port 8. As a result, the card reader 18 reads the save data recorded on the magnetic card 9. This save data is stored in the RAM 13 and read into the game execution program stored in the ROM 12. Thereby, the player can resume play from the previous game situation in the game progressed by the control device 11 that executes the game execution program.

It is not necessary to record all the save data on the magnetic card 9. For example, a player ID (card ID) that is player identification information is recorded on the magnetic card 9, and the save data corresponding to each player ID is recorded. A part or all of them may be stored in the RAM 33 of the system management device 30 or the RAM 23 of the facility management device 20. In this case, after reading the player ID from the magnetic card 9, the save data corresponding to the player ID is downloaded from the system management device 30 or the facility management device 20 to the RAM 13 of the game unit 1 in the same manner as described above. , Play can be resumed from the previous game situation.

Next, the flow of the game performed in each game unit 1 of this game system will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a game flow in which the game progress is controlled by the control device 11 that executes the game execution program stored in the ROM 12 of each game unit 1.
When starting the game play, the player first inserts his own medal into the medal slot 6 (S1). Thereby, the number of inserted medals is counted by the medal counter 15, and the count data is transmitted to the control device 11. Based on the received count data, the control device 11 stores credit data corresponding to the number of inserted medals in the credit data storage area of the RAM 13 (S2).

Also, the player inserts the magnetic card 9 into the card insertion slot 8 before and after the medal is inserted (S3). When playing for the first time, the player obtains a new magnetic card 9 from a store clerk or vending machine of the game facility where the game system is installed, and inserts the magnetic card 9 into the card insertion / removal port 8. . The player who wants to continue the previous game inserts the magnetic card 9 in which the save data at the end of the previous game is recorded into the card insertion / removal port 8. The game unit 1 that has received the magnetic card 9 in this way reads the data recorded on the magnetic card 9 by the card reader 18 and sends the data to the control device 11. The control device 11 determines whether or not it is a new play according to the received data (S4). Specifically, if the player ID is not stored in the magnetic card 9, it is determined that the play is new, and if the player ID is stored, it is determined that the play is not new.

When it is determined by S4 that the play is not a new play, the control device 11 transmits the ID number of the player ID included in the save data recorded on the magnetic card 9 to the system management device 30 via the facility management device 20. To do. Receiving this, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 confirms that the player information corresponding to the ID number of the player ID is stored in the RAM 33, and if this is confirmed, determines that it is a continuation of the previous time. Then, a new ID number is returned to the control device 11 of the game unit 1 that is the transmission source of the ID number. When it is not possible to confirm that the player information corresponding to the ID number of the player ID is stored in the RAM 33, the control device 31 sends the control information to the control device 11 of the game unit 1 that is the transmission source of the ID number. Error information is returned, and the control device 11 of the game unit 1 is caused to perform error processing. The control device 11 of the game unit 1 that has received the new ID number reads the save data recorded on the magnetic card 9 by the card reader 18 (S5), and stores it in the RAM 13. Then, the control device 11 loads the program stored in the ROM 12 based on the saved data, causes the display 2 to display a game screen corresponding to the previous game situation specified by the saved data, and starts the game. (S7). Then, the control device 11 controls the game progress after the game situation specified by the save data.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the play is a new play in S4, the control device 11 transmits a dummy ID to the system management device 30 via the facility management device 20. Receiving this, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 recognizes the new play and returns an ID number for new play to the control device 11 of the game unit 1 that is the transmission source of the dummy ID number. The control device 11 that has received this new play ID number executes processing for inputting and setting initial information (S6). In the initial information input and setting process, first, a name input screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display 2. The player operates the operation lever 4 and the operation button 5a to move the cursor of the 50 sound button displayed on the name input screen and inputs the name of the main character. After the input, when the determination button on the name input screen is selected, a name confirmation screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed, and the name is determined by selecting the Yes button on the screen. Then, the occupation selection screen shown in FIG. 5C is displayed on the display 2. On this screen, the occupation of the main character operated by the player is selected. The contents input and selected as described above are stored in the RAM 13 by the control device 11 as player information.

When the process for inputting and setting the initial information is completed in this way, the game is started by the control device 11 (S7), and the control device 11 displays the main menu screen shown in FIG. This main menu screen displays a simultaneous play game button for playing a simultaneous play game, a battle game button aiming at occupying the castle, and a card that displays a list of item cards and magic cards that the player can use during these games A list button is provided.

Here, when the player selects the battle game, the control device 11 displays the castle selection screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display 2 and executes the castle selection process. A display area showing each castle is displayed on the castle selection screen. Then, the player selects a castle to challenge by moving the cursor with the operation lever 4. Each display area displays the castle name and the challenge cost. Each castle has a different turn-based game. In each castle, the player who has succeeded in occupying the castle in the past becomes the castle owner, and the player will play against the player who is the castle owner.

More specifically, the ROM 22 of the facility management apparatus 20 has a data area that stores a castle information database that stores castle data that is game information necessary for game progress in each castle. The castle name data included in the castle data stored in the castle information database is associated with the castle owner ID (the ID of the player who is the castle owner) as player identification information.
The control device 11 of the game unit 1 transmits a battle data request to the control device 21 of the facility management device 20 by accepting a button operation when the player selects a battle game on the main menu screen shown in FIG. Upon receiving this, the control device 21 of the facility management device 20 returns image data for displaying the castle selection screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display 2 of the game unit 1. When the selection operation for selecting a castle to be challenged by the player is received by the control device 11 on the castle selection screen displayed on the display 2, the control device 11 includes the castle name data of the castle related to the selection operation. The data request is transmitted to the control device 21 of the facility management device 20. Receiving this, the control device 21 of the facility management apparatus 20 reads out the castle data corresponding to the castle name data included in the castle data request from the castle information database stored in the ROM 22 of the facility management apparatus 20. Then, the castle data is returned to the control device 11. And the control apparatus 11 of the game unit 1 which received this castle data loads the program based on the castle data, and controls game progress.

Specifically, when receiving the castle data, the control device 11 first generates a random number by a random number generation program. And the control apparatus 11 which is a map information generation part functions as a map information generation means, runs a map information generation program, inputs the received castle data and the generated random number into a map information generation program, Generate map information. In addition, the control device 11 that is a game element determination processing unit functions as a game element determination processing unit, and executes a monster determination program for determining the type, number, and position of enemy monsters and cards arranged in the castle. Then, enter random numbers into the program to determine them. This determination content is included in the castle map information. The random number input to the map information generation program and the random number input to the monster determination program may be generated separately or the same. Because the contents of the castle map information vary depending on the random number, even in the same castle, the map is often not the same, and the type, number and position of enemy monsters and cards are the same Often not. When the castle map information generated in this way is generated, the castle (virtual game space) based on the castle map information is represented on the game screen, and the game proceeds. One castle map information is selected by random numbers from a plurality of types of castle map information prepared in advance, and the inside of the castle (virtual game space) based on the castle map information is represented on the game screen and the game is progressed. You may make it do.

The ROM 12 of the game unit 1 has a data area for storing a castle challenge information database in which challenge cost data is stored in association with castle name data for specifying each castle data. When the control device 11 accepts the selection operation of the castle selected on the castle selection screen shown in FIG. 7 as described above, the challenge cost data corresponding to the castle name data from the castle challenge information database stored in the ROM 12. Is read out, and the credit corresponding to the challenge cost data is reduced from the credit data stored in the RAM 13. Hereinafter, the process of increasing / decreasing the credit data is performed in the same manner as described above.

Here, when the credit data stored in the RAM 13 is less than the credit corresponding to the challenge cost data, a screen prompting the player to insert additional medals is displayed. When a medal is inserted, credit data corresponding to the number of inserted medals is stored in the credit data storage area of the RAM 13 as described above. If a medal is urged but no medal is inserted, the challenge to the castle is not permitted. Thereafter, when processing for reducing the credit data is performed, the insertion of medals is prompted in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, processing and control when the player selects the simultaneous play game on the main menu screen shown in FIG. 6 will be described later.

When the game is started as described above, the control device 11 displays a game screen as shown in FIG. The game screen is almost the same in both the battle game and the simultaneous play game described later, and the progress of the game is the same. Therefore, the battle game will be described below as an example. Only the differences will be described later.

In the game screen shown in FIG. 8, a castle screen representing the field of view of the castle field as a virtual game space viewed from a predetermined viewpoint is displayed. Also, at the top of the castle screen, the number of castle floors, the hero character's physical strength, and the number of credits indicating the amount of credit data of the player are displayed, and in the lower right part of the castle screen, the hero character possesses A list of cards (a list of cards that the player can use while the game is in progress) is displayed. The castle screen is a view of the castle floor from above, and the hero character is displayed in the center of the castle screen, and enemy monsters are displayed at the lower left and upper left of the hero character, respectively. .

The player operates the operation lever 4 and the

operation buttons

5a, 5b, and 5c to give an action instruction to move the hero character, attack an enemy monster, or use an owned item card or magic card. Can do. In this embodiment, the turn system is adopted as described above, and one operation can be instructed for each turn. Thus, for example, one turn is required to move the main character by 1 square, one turn is required for the main character to attack the enemy monster once, and the main character uses one card. Requires one turn to do. The turn does not proceed unless the player performs a game operation that consumes the turn. On the other hand, when the turn is advanced, the game situation changes because the enemy monster moves or attacks the hero character in the same manner as the hero character. When attacked by an enemy monster, the hero character's physical strength decreases, and when the hero character's physical strength reaches zero, the game is over.

When using an item card or magic card owned by the main character, the player presses the operation button 5c. The control device 11 that has received this operation causes the display 2 to display a card selection screen shown in FIG. On this card selection screen, a cursor appears in the card list at the lower right of the screen. In the card selection screen, a card content screen showing the content of the card selected by the cursor is displayed on the left side of the screen. This card content screen displays the effect of using the card (how the game situation is changed) and the number of medals required to use the card (card usage cost). . The player moves the cursor with the operation lever 4, selects a card desired to be used, and then presses the operation button 5a. The control device 11 that has received this button operation (special operation) determines that a predetermined point consumption condition has been satisfied, and the credit data stored in the RAM 13 is equivalent to the card usage cost of the selected card. A credit change process (player point subtraction process) for changing the value so as to decrease is executed (S8).

Specifically, in the RAM 13 of the game unit 1, usable elements that function as usable element storage means for storing card data in a state where the main character can be used among various card data that are game situation changing elements. A card having an unusable data area as a storage unit and an unusable data area as an unusable element storage unit that functions as an unusable element storage unit that stores card data in a state in which the hero character cannot be used. The database is stored. Each card data stored in the card database has various data associated with the card name data. The card data that can be used by the main character is added with a read permission code that enables reading by the card use program executed by the control device 11, and the card data with the read permission code added is stored. An available data area which is an available element storage unit functions as an available element storage means. On the other hand, an unusable data area that is an unusable element storage unit in which card data to which the read permission code is not added is stored functions as an unusable element storage unit. The cards displayed on the game screen of FIG. 8 or the card selection screen of FIG. 9 correspond to card data as usable elements stored in the usable data area.

When the control device 11 accepts an operation for instructing the hero character to use the card on the card selection screen shown in FIG. 9, the control device 11 recognizes the card name based on the instruction. And the control apparatus 11 which is a use determination part functions as a use determination means, when the credit data memorize | stored in RAM13 are more than card use expense data, and determines the use of the card data corresponding to the card name data. . Thereafter, the control device 11 serving as a game situation changing unit functions as a game situation changing unit, reads card effect data corresponding to the card name data from the card database, and changes the game situation based on the card effect data. . For example, when the used card is a magic card that attacks an enemy monster, the control device 11 uses the numerical value for calculating damage included in the card effect data for calculating damage to the enemy monster, and based on the calculation result. To reduce the health data of enemy monsters.
Further, the control device 11 that has decided to use the card data selects the card name data from the card database, and reads the card use cost data corresponding to the card name data. Then, the control device 11 performs a process of subtracting credit data corresponding to the read card use cost data from the credit data stored in the RAM 13.

Also, there are magic cards and item cards that can be obtained by the main character in the castle. When the player operates the movement of the hero character to move the hero character and causes the hero character to pick up a magic card or item card, the card can be obtained.

Also, in the castle, there is a shop shown in FIG. 10A where cards can be sold and purchased. When the player moves the hero character by manipulating the movement of the hero character and enters the hero character into the shop, the card owned by the hero character is sold and converted into credit, or the card sold at the shop Can be purchased by paying credits.

When purchasing a card at the above shop, the player operates the operation lever 4 on the shop screen shown in FIG. 10A, moves the cursor to the “Buy Card” button, and presses the operation button 5a. Upon receiving this operation, the control device 11 displays the purchase card selection screen shown in FIG. 10B on the display 2. In this purchase card selection screen, a card list screen of cards sold at the shop is displayed in the upper part of the screen, and a card content screen showing the content of the card selected by the cursor is displayed in the lower left of the screen. On the card list screen, the number of medals necessary for purchasing the card (card purchase cost) is displayed. The player moves the cursor with the operation lever 4, selects a magic card desired to be purchased, and then presses the operation button 5a. When this button operation (special operation) is accepted by the control device 11, the control device 11 determines that a predetermined point consumption condition is satisfied, and uses the credit data stored in the RAM 13 as the card purchase cost of the card. A credit change process (player point subtraction process) is executed to change so as to decrease by an amount corresponding to (S8).

More specifically, the card database also stores card purchase cost data associated with the card name data. When receiving an operation for selecting a card to be purchased on the purchase card selection screen shown in FIG. 10B, the control device 11 recognizes the card name data of the card. And when the credit data memorize | stored in RAM13 is more than card purchase expense data, the control apparatus 11 uses the said card name in order to make the said card data in the unusable data area of a card database usable state. A use permission code is added to the card data corresponding to the data. Thus, the card data is stored in the usable data area of the card database, and the main character can be used by an instruction operation by the player. Further, when the use of card data in the unusable data area is permitted by the control device 11, the control device 11 selects the card name data from the card database and purchases a card corresponding to the card name data. Read cost data. Then, the control device 11 performs a process of subtracting credit data corresponding to the read card purchase cost data from the credit data stored in the RAM 13.

On the other hand, when selling a card owned by the main character in the shop, the player operates the operation lever 4 on the shop screen shown in FIG. 10A, moves the cursor to the “sell card” button, and presses the operation button 5a. . Receiving this operation, the control device 11 causes the display 2 to display a sale card selection screen shown in FIG. 10C. In this sold card selection screen, a cursor appears in the card list at the lower right of the screen, and a card content screen showing the content of the card selected by the cursor is displayed on the left side of the screen. In addition, a pick-up price screen displaying the number of medals to be exchanged for the selected card (card sales revenue) is displayed in the upper part of the screen of the sold card selection screen. The player moves the cursor with the operation lever 4, selects a card to be sold from among the cards possessed by the hero, and then presses the operation button 5a. Receiving this button operation, the control device 11 executes a credit change process for changing the credit data stored in the RAM 13 so as to increase by the amount corresponding to the card sales revenue of the card (S8).

More specifically, the card database also stores card sales revenue data associated with the card name data. When receiving an operation for selecting a card to be sold on the sale card selection screen shown in FIG. 10B, the control device 11 recognizes the card name data of the card. Then, when the card can be sold at the shop, the control device 11 sets the card data corresponding to the card name data to make the card data unusable in the usable data area of the card database. Delete the use permission code from. As a result, the card data is stored in the unusable data area of the card database, and the player cannot use the card data. When the card data in the usable data area becomes unusable, the control device 11 selects the card name data from the card database, and reads the card sales revenue data corresponding to the card name data. Then, the control device 11 adds the credit data corresponding to the read card sales revenue data to the credit data stored in the RAM 13.

Also, among the enemy monsters that exist in the castle, there are gem monsters whose credit increases when defeated. The behavior of the jewel monster is controlled by the control device 11 that executes the behavior determination program. When the main character operating according to the player's instruction defeats the jewel monster, the control device 11 uses the credit data stored in the RAM 13 as the amount corresponding to the jewel acquisition amount corresponding to the number of medals according to the type of the jewel monster. A credit change process is executed to change the value so as to increase (S8).

As described above, when the player performs various game operations such as instructing the action of the hero character, the hero character advances through the castle and reaches a predetermined place (for example, throne) in the castle, thereby successfully occupying the castle. Then, after a predetermined effect, the castle selection screen shown in FIG. Therefore, the player can challenge the same castle or another castle by selecting a castle to be challenged next on the castle selection screen.

When the player intends to end the game play, the player presses the save end button 5e shown in FIG. Upon receiving this button operation, the control device 11 displays the game end selection screen shown in FIG. 11 so as to overlap the image displayed on the display 2 (S9). On the game end selection screen, a “Yes” button and a “No” button are displayed under the comment “Do you want to end the game?”. When not finishing the game, the player moves the cursor to the “No” button with the operation lever 4 and presses the operation button 5a. As a result, the game end selection screen disappears, and the game is restarted from the previous screen. On the other hand, when ending the game play, the player moves the cursor to the “Yes” button with the operation lever 4 and presses the operation button 5a. Upon receiving this button operation, the control device 11 transmits a data save request including credit data and save data stored in the RAM 13 and the player ID to the system management device 30 via the facility management device 20. Receiving this, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 stores the received data as player information corresponding to the player ID stored in the RAM 33. Thereafter, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 transmits save completion data indicating that the saving has been completed to the game unit 1. Receiving this, the control device 11 of the game unit 1 writes credit data, save data, etc. to the magnetic card 9 by the card writer 17 and ejects the magnetic card 9 from the card insertion / removal port 8 (S10).

It should be noted that the player can convert the credit data, which is a game medium in the state of electronic data stored in the RAM 13, into a medal, which is a tangible game medium, and receive a medal refund. In this case, the payout button 5d shown in FIG. 2 is pressed. Receiving this button operation, the control device 11 controls the medal discharge hopper 16 to perform a credit payout process for discharging the number of medals corresponding to the credit data stored in the RAM 13 from the medal payout roll 7.

Next, the simultaneous play game process, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.
In the simultaneous play mode of this embodiment, the position of another player character existing in each castle (virtual game space) having the same map on the game screen of each game unit 1 (position in the castle where another player character exists) ) Is displayed at the same position (position in the castle where the main character is present), the image of the other player character (another character position display image). However, even in the simultaneous play mode, each game unit 1 executes a turn-based game with independent turn progress. Each player competes to reach a goal (checkpoint) in the castle and obtain a jewel (proof of clear) as a proof of occupying the castle before another player. That is, the simultaneous play game of this embodiment starts the turn-based game of each player whose turn progress is independent, and proceeds through the castle set on the same map to aim for the same goal before another player. That's it.

FIG. 12 is a sequence flow diagram showing the flow of the application process for the simultaneous play game performed at the stage before starting the simultaneous play game in the present embodiment.
In the simultaneous play game of this embodiment, four players can participate at the same time, and it becomes possible to play by applying for participation of four players. In the application process for the simultaneous play game, first, the player inserts his magnetic card 9 into the card insertion / extraction port 8 of the game unit 1 as described above. Thereby, the card reader 18 of the game unit 1 reads the player ID recorded on the magnetic card 9. The control device 11 transmits the ID number of the read player ID to the system management device 30 via the facility management device 20. At this time, the unit ID of the game unit 1 is transmitted together with the ID number of the player ID. The control device 31 of the system management device 30 that has received these IDs performs an ID authentication process for confirming that the player information corresponding to the player ID is stored in the RAM 33. The player ID and unit ID are registered in the stored database (simultaneous play database) of the applicants for participation in the simultaneous play game.

On the other hand, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 looks at the number of player IDs registered in the simultaneous play database and determines whether or not the prescribed number (four people) has been reached. Here, a case where it is determined whether or not the simultaneous play game can be started based on whether or not the number of player IDs registered in the simultaneous play database is equal to the prescribed number will be described. It may be added. For example, all the players may be ranked according to the total play time, the occupation of the main character, and the like, and it may be determined whether or not the number of players of the same rank has reached a specified number.

If it is determined in the above determination that the prescribed number has not been reached, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 transmits an application standby notification to the game unit 1 that is the transmission source of the simultaneous play application. The game unit 1 that has received this application standby notification can operate in the normal mode until the simultaneous play game start notification described later. Therefore, the player can play and wait for the battle game until the simultaneous play game starts by selecting the battle game on the main menu screen shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above determination that the prescribed number of persons has been reached, the control device 31 of the system management device 30 starts the simultaneous play game for each game unit 1 specified by each unit ID registered in the simultaneous play database. Send a notification. Upon receiving the simultaneous play game start notification, the control device 11 of the game unit 1 displays on the display 2 that the simultaneous play game start notification has been received, and inquires whether or not to accept the play of the simultaneous play game. Is displayed. When each player who sees the message screen performs an operation to approve, a play approval notice is transmitted from the game unit 1 to the system management device 30 via the facility management device 20. At this time, the unit ID of the game unit 1 is transmitted together with the ID number of the player ID. When the control device 31 of the system management device 30 receives the play approval notification from all the game units 1, the control device 31 assigns each game unit 1 (participating game unit 1) specified by each unit ID received together with the play approval notification. In contrast, initial setting information is transmitted.

The initial setting information includes various information necessary for the control device 11 of each participating game unit 1 to proceed with the simultaneous play game while performing information communication with each other. Specifically, the communication setting information (IP address, etc.) of each participating game unit 1 necessary for performing information communication between all participating game units 1 and the same map in the control device 11 of all participating game units 1 Random value information for generating a castle, hero character information (character information) of all participating players, and the like are included. In addition, when the system management apparatus 30 manages communication between the participating game units 1, communication setting information may not be necessary. The random value information transmitted to all participating game units 1 may use a random value generated by the system management device 30 or a predetermined numerical value, or a random value generated by any participating game unit 1. May be used. As for the character information, only necessary character information is transmitted from the player information corresponding to each player ID stored in the RAM 33 of the system management device 30. In the present embodiment, only the occupation information of each hero character is transmitted, but other character information may be transmitted.

The control device 11 of each participating game unit 1 that has received such initial setting information executes the same map information generation program as in the normal mode, and generates random information indicated by the random value information in the received initial setting information. Enter the program and generate castle map information. In addition, the control device 11 of each participating game unit 1 executes the same monster determination program as in the normal mode, inputs the random number into the program, and determines the type, number and number of enemy monsters and cards placed in the castle. Determine the position. Thereby, in all the participating game units 1, a castle (virtual game space) having the same map and having the same type, number, and position of enemy monsters and cards arranged in the castle is generated. The random number input to the map information generation program and the random number input to the monster determination program may be generated separately or the same.

By performing the application process for the simultaneous play game as described above, the display 2 of all the participating game units 1 has the same map and the same type, number and position of enemy monsters and cards to be arranged. A game screen of each castle (virtual game space) is displayed, and all participating game units 1 synchronize with each other and start a simultaneous play game at the same time.
Similarly to the above-described battle game, when using an item card or a magic card during the game, credit data corresponding to card use cost data may be consumed. In order to have the player play under the same conditions as much as possible, credit data may not be consumed during the simultaneous play game. Even in this case, the credit data of each player is consumed as a participation fee before the simultaneous play game is started.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a game screen during the simultaneous play game displayed on the display 2 of each participating game unit 1.
Reference sign S in the figure indicates the main character of the player who is playing in the participating game unit 1 on which the illustrated game screen is displayed. Reference signs B1 to B3 in the figure indicate different players participating in the simultaneous play game. An image (another character position display image) of the main character (another player character) of the player is shown. In this embodiment, an image of another player character is also displayed on the game screen in this way. Moreover, the position at which the image of each different player character is displayed is the current position at which this different player character is located in the castle in each participating game unit 1 at this time (real time). The “current position” here is not a strict sense of the current position but a concept that includes a delay in an allowable range such as a communication delay. This is the position where the character was located.

In this embodiment, the image of the different player character is used as the different character position display image indicating the position of the different player character. However, another image may be used. For example, the image of the other player character may be displayed in a translucent manner so that it can be easily distinguished from the main character. Further, an image completely different from the image of the other player character, for example, an image showing characters or symbols may be used.

Here, in this embodiment, the image of another player character is placed at the same position as the current position of the other player character (the current position in the castle of the game unit 1 that the other player is playing. The same applies hereinafter). In order to display, the position information indicating the position of the main character of each player is periodically communicated with each other to synchronize. Specifically, each participating game unit 1 transmits the position information of each hero character to the other participating game units 1 at a fixed time interval (for example, every second). As a result, each participating game unit 1 periodically and repeatedly receives the position information (other character position information) transmitted from the other participating game units 1 at the predetermined time interval. When receiving the position information, the control device 11 of each participating game unit 1 updates the different character position information in the RAM 13 and changes the display position of the corresponding different player character image on the game screen to the updated different character position. A process of updating to the position indicated by the information is performed. As a result, when the main character moves in response to another player's operation in another participating game unit 1, the corresponding player character of the corresponding player character is displayed on the game screen displayed on the display 2 of each participating game unit 1. The image moves in the same way and the movement is reproduced.

Here, in this embodiment, it is possible to move the hero character by about 5-6 squares in 1 second by player operation. Therefore, if the periodic transmission interval of each position information is set to 1 second, an image of another player character moving suddenly for 5-6 squares is reproduced on the game screen, and the player feels uncomfortable. The problem of causing it to occur may occur. On the other hand, for example, if the regular transmission interval of the individual position information is shortened to, for example, about 0.25 seconds, such a problem can be reduced. However, in this case, since the communication frequency of the position information increases, the processing load of the position information in the control device 11 of each participating game unit 1 and the communication load between the participating game units 1 increase.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of pieces of position information transmitted at the time of one transmission is set to 2 or more, specifically four while the periodic transmission interval of the position information itself is set to about 1 second. That is, in the four pieces of position information transmitted at one transmission, the hero character exists in each divided period when the period (1 second) from the previous transmission to the current transmission is divided into four. This is position information indicating the position that has been moved. In each game unit 1, the display position of the separate player character image on the game screen is sequentially updated to each position indicated by the received four pieces of position information along the correct time series. As a result, an image as if the image of another player character suddenly moves 5-6 squares is not reproduced on the game screen, and the movement of the other player character image can be smoothly reproduced. In addition, the processing load and communication load described above are reduced as compared with the case where the regular transmission interval of the individual position information is shortened.

Note that the following method may be employed as a method for smoothly reproducing the movement of the separate player character image.
That is, the participating game unit 1 that receives the position information performs a process of complementing the new display position between the display positions of the different character position display images before and after the update, and displays the display position of the different character position display image before the update. Is updated to the updated display position via the complemented display position. The display positions to be complemented and the number thereof are set as appropriate. When the display positions to be complemented are set to three, for example, it is assumed that the other player character has moved the shortest distance, and the shortest movement path is divided into four to complement the positions of the respective division points.
By performing such complementation, the movement of another player character image can be smoothly reproduced even if the regular transmission interval of the individual position information is long.
Further, when communication failure such as communication delay or packet loss occurs in communication of position information, even in the communication method according to the above-described embodiment (method of transmitting two or more position information in one transmission), The movement of another player character image cannot be reproduced smoothly. Even in this case, the movement of the different player character image can be smoothly reproduced by performing the above-described complementing process.

Further, in the simultaneous play game of this embodiment, an action that affects another player character is prepared, and when the action is selected by a player operation, the character information of the other player character is changed. Can do. Specifically, it is possible to use an item card or a magic card that can be used to attack an enemy monster in a battle game against another player character. For example, when a player uses a magic card that is used to weaken the attack power of an enemy monster in a battle game against another player character, the player first selects the magic card to be used, and then uses that target as another player character. Perform the operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, a list of all players including myself participating in the simultaneous play game is displayed. Then, for example, when an operation to instruct all players other than himself to use the magic card is performed, the control device 11 of the participating game unit 1 sends a magic card to another player character as shown in FIG. The effect process which shows having used is performed. Further, the control device 11 of the participating game unit 1 transmits to the other participating game units 1 action specifying information for specifying an action that the magic card has been used for all players. The control device 11 of the participating game unit 1 that has received the action specifying information performs a process of changing the character information of the main character of the player playing in the participating game unit in the RAM 13 according to the action specifying information. Here, a process of reducing the attack power that is a part of the character information of the main character is performed. This makes it difficult for another player with a magic card to defeat the enemy monster with that hero character, making it difficult to aim for the goal, so that the player who uses the magic card can reach the goal first Will increase. In addition to the use of such a magic card, for example, when the player instructs an action to set a trap that is not displayed on the screen at a desired position in the castle, the position of the trap (the game of the player who set the trap) When another player character passes the same position (position in the castle in the unit) (position in the castle in another player's game unit), it is also possible to change the character information of the other player character in accordance with the trap.

As described above, in the simultaneous play game of the present embodiment, the game executed in each participating game unit 1 is a stand-alone turn-based game, and each player plays a game other than himself in the castle. There is no other player character operated by another player. Therefore, there is no situation where you wait for your turn to come around depending on another player.
And in the simultaneous play game of this embodiment, the castle (virtual game space) of the game in each participating game unit 1 is produced | generated based on mutually the same map information, The map in the castle is the same It will be a thing. Therefore, the game screen of the castle comprised by the same map is each displayed on the display 2 of each game unit 1. FIG. Then, on each game screen displayed on each game unit 1, an image (another player character image) of the main character of another player playing on another game unit 1 is displayed. This separate player character image shows the current position of the separate player character. Therefore, each player can recognize as if another player character exists in the castle where his / her main character exists.
In the simultaneous play game of this embodiment, the case where the same map information is used in each participating game unit 1 has been described. However, the same map information is not necessarily used, and different map information is used. May be. For example, all players are ranked according to their total play time, profession of the main character, etc., map information with high difficulty is used for players with high rank, and map with low difficulty for players with low rank Information may be used.
In the simultaneous play game of the present embodiment, not only the map of the castle but also the type, number and position of enemy monsters and cards arranged in the castle have been described as being in the same state in each participating game unit. At least one of the type, number, and position of enemy monsters and cards placed in the castle is determined by using a random number generated by each participating game unit. You may make it exist in.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the game apparatus is a medal game machine has been described. However, a game machine other than a medal game machine may be used, or a home game machine (game program that is not a game machine) may be used. Including a personal computer to be executed).
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game apparatus that performs the role playing game in which the hero character aims to occupy the castle by performing an operation instructing the action of the hero character by the player has been described. Any turn-based game in which the player's operation target character can move in a virtual game space in which the movement area of the player's operation target character is restricted can be applied to various games.

In the above embodiment, the means realized by software such as a computer program may be realized by hardware such as a circuit and a chip, and the means realized by hardware such as a circuit and a chip are Alternatively, it may be realized by software such as a computer program.

Claims

A game system in which a plurality of game devices are connected to each other via a communication network so as to be able to communicate with each other
The plurality of game devices are:
An operation receiving unit for receiving player operations;
A virtual game space generation unit for generating a virtual game space in which an operation target character based on the character information of the player exists based on the map information;
A game information storage unit for storing game information including map information and character information used by the virtual game space generation unit;
An action determination unit that determines a character action including movement of the operation target character in the virtual game space generated by the virtual game space generation unit according to the content of the player operation received by the operation reception unit;
A game progress control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the determination result of the action determination unit;
A game screen display unit that displays a game screen on which an image overlooking at least a part of the virtual game space generated by the virtual game space generation unit from a predetermined viewpoint is displayed according to the progress control of the game progress control unit; ,
A communication unit that performs information communication with other game devices via a communication network,
The game progress control unit of each game device performs a turn for realizing the character action determined by the action determination unit and a turn for realizing the action of another character in the virtual game space in a predetermined order. It controls the progress and controls the progress of the game independently of the turn progress in other game devices,
The game information storage unit of each game device stores different character position information indicating the position of the operation target character of another player playing on the other game device in the virtual game space on the other game device,
The communication unit of each game device repeatedly acquires the different character position information at a predetermined timing,
Each time the communication unit in the game device acquires the different character position information, the game information storage unit of each game device updates the corresponding different character position information to the acquired different character position information.
The game screen display unit of each game device is based on the other character position information in the game information storage unit of the game device of its own, and the virtual screen in the other game device in which the operation target character corresponding to the other character position information exists. In addition to displaying a game screen displaying a different character position display image representing a position in the game space, in response to the game information storage unit of its own game device updating the different character position information, another character position display A game system that updates the position of images.
The game system according to claim 1,
Each game device is configured so that when the operation target character of the player of each game device reaches a check point provided at a predetermined position in the respective virtual game space before the operation target character of the other player, The game system which has the privilege provision part which provides the player with the privilege which a player cannot obtain.
The game system according to claim 1,
The communication unit of each game device, when the action determining unit of its own game device determines an action related to the change of character information in the operation target character of the other player, toward the game device played by the other player Send action identification information to identify the action,
The game information storage unit of each game device receives the character information corresponding to the operation target character when the communication unit of the game device receives action specifying information about the operation target character of the player playing on the game device. Change corresponding to the action specific information,
A game system in which the game progress control unit of each game device controls the progress of the game using the character information after the change.
The game system according to claim 1,
The game information storage unit of each game device stores different character image specifying information for specifying another character image that is an image of the operation target character of the other player,
A game system in which a game screen display unit of each game device uses another character image specified by corresponding another character image specifying information as the other character position display image.
The game system according to claim 1,
The communication unit of each game device acquires a plurality of different character position information indicating each position of the operation target character of the different player at each time point with a predetermined time interval at the predetermined timing,
When the position of the separate character position display image is updated, the game screen display unit of each game device sequentially updates the position of the separate character position display image based on the updated pieces of separate character position information. The game system which performs the process which reproduces the movement of the operation target character.
The game system according to claim 1,
When the game screen display unit of each game device updates the position of the separate character position display image, the position of the separate character position display image before the update and the position of the separate character position display image after the update are stored in advance. A game system that complements a position determined according to a determined complementation condition and updates the position of another character position display image before update to an updated position via the complemented position.
The game system according to claim 1,
The game information storage unit of each game device stores the same map information,
The game screen display unit of each game device displays the different character position display at the same position as the position indicated by the different character position information in the game information storage unit of the own game device in the virtual game space of the own game device. A game system that displays a game screen displaying images.
The game system according to claim 2,
The game information storage unit of each game device stores the same map information,
The game screen display unit of each game device displays the different character position display at the same position as the position indicated by the different character position information in the game information storage unit of the own game device in the virtual game space of the own game device. It displays the game screen that displays the image,
When the operation target character of the player of each game device reaches the check point provided at the same position in each virtual game space before the operation target character of the other player, A game system that gives a privilege to the player.
The game system according to claim 7,
Each game device has a map information generation unit that generates map information corresponding to a predetermined lottery result at a predetermined timing,
The game progress control unit of each game device displays the game screen displaying the different character position display image corresponding to the acquired different character position information while repeatedly acquiring the different character position information in the communication unit. In a first control mode for controlling the progress of the game while being displayed on the screen, and a second control mode for controlling the progress of the game without displaying the separate character position display image on the game screen. It can work,
In the second control mode, the progress of the game is controlled using the virtual game space based on the map information generated by the map information generation unit of the game device of the player performing a lottery independent of the lottery of other game devices. Game system to play.
The game system according to claim 8, wherein
Each game device has a map information generation unit that generates map information corresponding to a predetermined lottery result at a predetermined timing,
The game progress control unit of each game device displays the game screen displaying the different character position display image corresponding to the acquired different character position information while repeatedly acquiring the different character position information in the communication unit. In a first control mode for controlling the progress of the game while being displayed on the screen, and a second control mode for controlling the progress of the game without displaying the separate character position display image on the game screen. It can work,
In the second control mode, the progress of the game is controlled using the virtual game space based on the map information generated by the map information generation unit of the game device of the player performing a lottery independent of the lottery of other game devices. Game system to play.
The game system according to claim 9, wherein
When the game progress control unit of each game device operates in the first control mode, the map information generation unit of each game device is the same as each other before the virtual game space generation unit of each game device generates the virtual game space. Using this lottery result, generate corresponding map information,
A game system in which a game information storage unit of each game device stores the map information generated by the map information generation unit as the same map information.
The game system according to claim 10.
When the game progress control unit of each game device operates in the first control mode, the map information generation unit of each game device is the same as each other before the virtual game space generation unit of each game device generates the virtual game space. Using this lottery result, generate corresponding map information,
A game system in which a game information storage unit of each game device stores the map information generated by the map information generation unit as the same map information.
An operation receiving unit for receiving player operations;
A virtual game space generation unit for generating a virtual game space in which an operation target character based on the character information of the player exists based on the map information;
A game information storage unit for storing game information including map information and character information used by the virtual game space generation unit;
An action determination unit that determines a character action including movement of the operation target character in the virtual game space generated by the virtual game space generation unit according to the content of the player operation received by the operation reception unit;
A game progress control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the determination result of the action determination unit;
A game screen display unit that displays a game screen on which an image overlooking at least a part of the virtual game space generated by the virtual game space generation unit from a predetermined viewpoint is displayed according to the progress control of the game progress control unit; ,
A game device including a communication unit that performs information communication via a communication network between the game device and another game device of the same type,
The game progress control unit controls the progress of a game in which a turn for realizing the character action determined by the action determination unit and a turn for realizing the action of another character in the virtual game space are executed in a predetermined order. And controlling the progress of the game independently of the turn progress in the other game devices,
The game information storage unit stores different character position information indicating the position of the operation target character of another player playing on the other game device in the virtual game space on the other game device,
The communication unit repeatedly acquires the different character position information at a predetermined timing,
The game information storage unit updates the corresponding different character position information to the acquired different character position information each time the communication unit acquires the different character position information.
The said game screen display part represents the position in the virtual game space in the said other game device in which the operation target character corresponding to this another character position information exists based on the other character position information in the said game information storage part A game device that displays a game screen on which a different character position display image is displayed, and updates the position of the different character position display image in response to the game information storage unit updating the different character position information.