WO2020153268A1

WO2020153268A1 - Game system, computer program to be used therefor, and control method

Info

Publication number: WO2020153268A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/001569
Authority: WO
Inventors: 藤樹井川; 直信金磯; 秀泰中野
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミアミューズメント
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2020-01-17
Publication date: 2020-07-30
Also published as: TW202042880A; JP6590454B1; JP2020116130A; TWI719816B

Abstract

This game system (1) provides, as a multiplayer game, a music game wherein notifications of execution timings for play actions are given and also timings of actual play actions are evaluated through a common notification region (51) which is for causing movements toward respective fixed arrow images (53) in a moving arrow image (54). In doing so, in order to redundantly provide notifications of the respective execution timings, at which respective users should be provided with the notifications, in the common notification region (51) through movements similar to those made in the common notification region (51), this game system (1) presents, on a game screen (50), a partial area (PA) of the common notification region (51), inclusive of the respective arrow images (53), in the form of a plurality of individual notification regions (52) that correspond to the respective users. In addition, when actual play actions have taken place, the game system (1) presents, to the respective users, evaluation results of the respective users through the individual notification regions (52).

Description

Game system, computer program used therefor, and control method

The present invention relates to an input device used for inputting a play action, and a display device for displaying a game screen including an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. , And relative to each other along the predetermined route between the indicator mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the indicator mark and the reference mark are matched at each execution period based on the sequence data in which each execution period is described. A game that guides each execution time by presenting a guidance area that causes displacement on the game screen and evaluates the time of the actual play action of each user input via the input device based on each execution time The present invention relates to a game system and the like provided as a multi-play type game in which the progress is shared among a plurality of users by making a guide area common to a plurality of users.

Connected to an input device used for inputting a play action, and a display device for displaying a game screen including an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. , A relative displacement along a predetermined path is generated between the indicator mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the indicator mark and the reference mark match at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. By presenting the guidance area on the game screen to guide each execution time, the game that evaluates the timing of the actual play action of each user input via the input device based on each execution time is displayed. There is a game system provided as a multi-play game in which the progress is shared by a plurality of users by making it common to a plurality of users. For example, the operation instruction mark, the timing instruction mark, the position instruction area, the game image, the timing data, and the push button operation are used as the instruction mark, the reference mark, the route, the game screen, the sequence data, and the play action. A music game is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, there is Patent Document 2 as a prior art document disclosing a multi-play type music game.

Patent No. 6380644 Japanese Patent No. 5346850

In the game device of Patent Document 1, a music game is provided as a cooperative play type game in which a plurality of players (corresponding to users, some of which are computers) play in cooperation. Therefore, although not often mentioned, although the game screen for this music game is provided with an area for each ally character corresponding to each player separately from the position indicating area (which also functions as a guide area), Indicates only the characteristics of each ally character, not the performance of each player, and the total score obtained by each player's play is mainly for the team area (similarly to the position indicating area). It seems to be just displayed in. On the other hand, there are also music games that display the results for each user in the area corresponding to each user. However, in such a music game, the area corresponding to each user is merely an area for displaying the results for each user, and the execution timing is not guided there, and is common to all users for guiding the execution timing. In many cases, one guide area is separately provided. Therefore, the user needs to confirm the guidance area for playing the music game and the grade area for confirming his own grade. Such movement of the line of sight is not only troublesome for the user, but also may cause the user to miss the guidance of the execution time when checking the results. As a result, mistakes may be triggered, which may adversely affect the play result. Such a possibility becomes high especially during playing a music game having a high degree of difficulty.

On the other hand, in the music game of Patent Document 2, the game screen is equally divided into a plurality of guide areas corresponding to a plurality of users, and the timing of the play action for each user and the evaluation result are guided through such a guide area for each user. Has been done. In such a music game, it may be possible to suppress the frequency of the user's line-of-sight movement, as compared with the case where a grade area is prepared for each user. However, such a game screen is likely to cause confusion between the user's guide area and the guide areas of other users. Further, since each guidance area becomes smaller, it may be more difficult to grasp each execution time than when each execution time is guided through one guidance area common to all users. As a result, as compared with the case where each execution time is guided through one guidance area common to all users, there is a high possibility that an adverse effect such as a mistake is caused.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and the like that can suppress the adverse effects that can occur when a multi-play type game is provided.

The game system of the present invention displays a game screen including an input device used for inputting a play action, an instruction mark corresponding to the execution time at which the play action should be executed, and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. A display device is connected to the display device, and a predetermined distance is provided between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark coincide with each other at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. By presenting on the game screen a guide region that causes a relative displacement along the route, each execution time is guided, and each user's actual play time input via the input device is displayed. A game system that provides a game to be evaluated based on execution time as a multi-play type game in which the progress is shared among a plurality of users by sharing the guide region with a plurality of users. A partial range of the guide region including the reference marker is overlapped with the plurality of users so that each execution time to be guided to each of the plurality of users is redundantly guided together with the guide region through the relative displacement for each user. Individual guidance means for presenting on the game screen as a plurality of individual guidance areas corresponding to each user, and an evaluation result of each user when the actual play action is executed is presented for each user through the plurality of individual guidance areas. And an evaluation presenting means for performing.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the input device and the display device to function as each unit of the game system described above.

Further, the control method of the present invention provides a game screen including an input device used for inputting a play action, an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed, and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. A display device for displaying, and between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark are matched at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. The guide area for causing relative displacement along a predetermined route is presented on the game screen to guide each execution time, and the time of the actual play action of each user input via the input device. A computer that is incorporated into a game system that provides a game that evaluates based on each execution time as a multi-play type game in which the guide area is shared by a plurality of users so that the progress is shared by the plurality of users, Partial range of the guide area including the reference mark so that the execution times to be respectively guided to the plurality of users in the guide area are redundantly guided together with the guide area through the relative displacement for each user. Is displayed on the game screen as a plurality of individual guidance areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of users, and an evaluation result of each user when the actual play action is executed through the plurality of individual guidance areas. The evaluation presentation procedure presented for each user is executed.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The functional block diagram which shows the principal part of the control system of a game machine. The figure which shows typically an example of the game screen for providing a music game. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between a common guidance area and an individual guidance area. An explanatory view for explaining a relation between a common guidance field and an individual guidance field when a music game permits selection of different sequence data among users. The figure which shows an example of a structure of sequence data. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a target specific process. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a sequence process. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of an individual guidance process. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of an individual evaluation process.

Hereinafter, an example of a game system according to an aspect of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network NT. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining a plurality of

server units

2A, 2B... As computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured by using cloud computing.

The network NT may be appropriately configured as long as the game machines 3 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT may include the Internet as a WAN, a LAN that connects each of the server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet, or various connection facilities or devices such as an access point AP.

In the example of FIG. 1,

game machines

3A, 3B, and 3C are shown as the game machine 3. Each of the game machines 3 is an example of a game device that provides a game. The game machine 3A is installed in a facility such as an amusement store, and is configured as an arcade game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined consideration. This type of game machine is sometimes called an arcade game machine. When this type of game machine 3A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an arcade game machine 3A) is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store mainly for the purpose of making many users play the game repeatedly and making a profit. There are many. On the other hand, the

game machines

3B and 3C are home-use stationary game machines or portable game machines for personal use by the user.

Such game machines

3B and 3C (hereinafter may be referred to as stationary game machines 3B or portable game machines 3C, respectively, and may be referred to as user terminal device type game machines 3 if they are not distinguished from each other. ), a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (including a tablet terminal and a personal computer) may function. In addition, in the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of types of game machines 3 are connected to the center server 2, but one type of game machine 3 may be connected to the center server 2.

All game machines 3 provide music games. Music games are a type of timing games. The timing game is a type of game in which the timing of executing an appropriate play action is evaluated. In the case of a music game, the execution timing for performing the appropriate play action is provided together with the music. Further, in the music game, the time that coincides with the rhythm of the music is used as the execution time. That is, the music game is a type of game in which the user is informed of the time when an appropriate play action should be executed according to the rhythm of the music, and the time when the play action is actually executed is evaluated. Also, for example, a plurality of music pieces are prepared for play in a music game, and a music piece selected from the music pieces is used for actual play. For example, such a music game is provided through a game screen displayed on a display device. Specifically, such a game screen includes an instruction mark corresponding to each execution time and a reference mark that functions as a reference of the current time. By using these instruction signs and the reference mark, the instruction mark at each execution time is included. And each execution time is guided by causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the reference marks match. Note that the game machine 3 is not limited to such a music game, and may provide various timing games (games that guide and evaluate execution timing).

The user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via the network NT. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is provided for personal use of the user. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer 4A, or a mobile terminal device 4B such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices such as a stationary home game machine, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device, which are network-connectable and provided for the user's personal use, are used as the user terminal device 4. You may The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2 by mounting various computer software. In addition, such a user terminal device 4 may function as the game machine 3 through computer software.

The center server 2 provides various game console services to the game console 3 or its users. The game machine service includes a distribution service for distributing and updating the program or data of the game machine 3 via the network 5. The center server 2 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing a music game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. In addition, the game machine service includes a matching service that matches users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 5. The game system 1 provides a music game through such a matching service as a multi-play type game in which the game screen is shared by a plurality of users so that the progress is shared by the plurality of users.

Note that the game machine service may also include a service that receives user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user. Further, it may include a service of receiving the play data of the authenticated user from the game machine 3 and storing the play data, or providing the play data to be stored to the game machine 3. Further, it may include a charging service for collecting a charge from the user. Similarly, the center server 2 may provide various Web services to the user of the user terminal device 4 via the network 5. The Web service is a game information service that provides various kinds of information about games provided by the game machine 3, a distribution service that distributes various data or software to each user terminal device 4 (including an update of data, etc.), and a user service. It may include services such as a community service that provides a place of exchange such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing, and a service that gives a user ID for identifying each user.

Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various kinds of arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined computer program and an internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for the operation are combined.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to store data in a plurality of storage units in a distributed manner. A program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 22 stores server data necessary for providing various services. Such server data includes various data for music games, but in the example of FIG. 2, music data MD and sequence data QD are shown as a kind of such various data.

The music data MD is data for reproducing music used in a music game. The sequence data QD is data in which each execution time in which a user should perform a play action in a music game is described. The sequence data QD is used to inform the user of each such execution time. When the user actually performs the play action, the play action is evaluated based on the execution time of the sequence data QD. That is, guidance of each execution time and its evaluation are executed based on the sequence data QD. Therefore, the sequence data QD is described such that each execution time and information on an appropriate play action to be executed at that execution time are associated with each other. Also, in the music game, when a plurality of songs or a plurality of difficulty levels are prepared, the sequence data QD is prepared for each song or each difficulty level. Details of the sequence data QD will be described later.

Note that the server data may include, for example, various types of data for implementing various types of services. For example, such data may include play data, ID management data, and the like. The play data is data in which information regarding the past play record of each user is described. The play data is used, for example, to inherit the play result (past performance) up to the previous time onward, or to inherit the setting content unique to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, their illustration is omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a game machine service management unit 24 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resource of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as a software resource. The game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-described game machine service for the game machine 3. An input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a monitor may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, their illustration is omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program and an internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for the operation are combined. The control unit 31 is provided with a game providing unit 33 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resource of the control unit 31 and the program PG2 as a software resource. The game providing unit 33 executes various processes necessary for the progress of the game, and also executes various processes necessary for enjoying the game machine service provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2. .. Specifically, the game providing unit 33 executes, for example, a target specifying process, a sequence process, an individual guidance process, and an individual evaluation process as a part of various processes necessary for the progress of such a game. The procedure of these processes will be described later.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. In the storage unit 32, game data necessary for providing a music game is recorded together with the program PG2 described above, and the music data MD and the sequence data QD are shown in the example of FIG. 2 as a part of such game data. Has been done. Both the music data MD and the sequence data QD are provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service. In addition, the game data includes image data for displaying various images for games, BGM data for reproducing various BGMs, and the like. However, these illustrations are omitted.

Further, the game machine 3 may be appropriately provided with various output devices and input devices according to the type of the arcade game machine 3A, the user terminal device type game machine 3, etc., but in the example of FIG. A monitor 37 as a device and a speaker SP are shown as output devices provided in the game machine 3. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are a well-known display device for displaying a game screen and a well-known sound reproducing device for reproducing sound, respectively. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 2, an input device 36 for inputting a user's play action is shown as an input device provided in the game machine 3. The input device 36 may be appropriately configured according to the type of the game machine 3. For example, in the case of the arcade game machine 3A, as the input device 36, a stage with a push button that is pressed like a foot may be used. The user may then play the music game on this stage. In this case, the operation of pressing the push button with the foot is used as the play action. On the other hand, for example, in the case of the stationary game machine 3B, a keyboard including a plurality of push buttons is used as an input device, or a dedicated controller (including a mat controller which is mainly laid on the floor or the like for operation by feet) is used. Good. In this case, the operation of pressing those push buttons is used as a play action. Similarly, in the case of the portable game machine 3C, for example, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (touch operation with a finger) may be used as the input device. In this case, the touch operation and its position are used as a play action. Further, a dedicated controller (including the above-mentioned mat controller) may be connected to the portable game machine 3C in a wired or wireless manner and used.

In addition, in addition to the above, for example, the arcade game machine 3A uses a cash, a substitute coin, a medal, an electronic currency (including points), a credit card function, or the like to collect a predetermined consideration necessary for the game from the user. The value collecting device may be provided as an input device. Then, with such a device, various kinds of consideration such as electronic currency may be collected through a card for recording the remaining amount of electronic currency, for example. Further, for example, in the case of the user terminal device type game machine 3, the user terminal device type game machine 3 provides a music game for a fee (including a case where a part of the game is for a fee for playing an additional range). Alternatively, it may be provided free of charge (including the case where software is purchased in advance). When the music game is provided for a fee, the consideration may be collected through various known settlement processes in the user terminal device type game machine 3.

Next, a game screen for providing a music game will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The music game may be provided to one user as one-player play, or may be provided to a plurality of users as multiple-play. Hereinafter, an example of a game screen when a music game is provided as a multi-play type game when played by a plurality of users will be described. In the case of such a music game, the music game may be provided as a cooperative play type game in which a plurality of users (which may include computers) cooperate with each other, or may be provided as a competitive game in which each user competes with each other. However, in any case, it is played so that the progress is common among a plurality of users. In addition, each user for such multiple plays is matched through a matching service. The matching service may be realized by the game machine 3A so that, for example, one game machine 3A matches a peripheral user or a user of another game machine 3A in the same facility. That is, the game machine 3A may function as the center server 2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen for providing a music game. As shown in FIG. 3, when a music game is provided as a multi-play type game, the game screen 50 includes a common guide area 51 as a guide area and an individual guide area 52. The common guidance area 51 is an area for guiding the execution time to all of the plurality of users who play the same music game through the relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark as described above. That is, the common guidance area 51 is commonly used by a plurality of users who play the music game. In the common guidance area 51, four fixed arrow images 53 (white arrow images in FIG. 3) as reference markers and a moving arrow image 54 (FIG. 3 in FIG. 3) as reference markers are provided to guide each execution time. A black arrow image) is displayed. The four fixed arrow images 53 are fixedly arranged at predetermined positions. Specifically, these fixed arrow images 53 are arranged at predetermined positions in the common guide area 51 so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the lateral direction on the upper side (near the upper end). Each of these four fixed arrow images 53 functions as a reference marker.

On the other hand, the moving arrow image 54 appropriately appears below the common guide area 51 based on the sequence data QD, and follows a predetermined route (not shown because it may not be visually recognized) from the appearance position. Move up. In the common guide area 51, a route is provided for each fixed arrow image 53. Each route extends from the appearance position (the lower end of the common guide area 51) to the upper end while passing any one of the four fixed arrow images 53. Each moving arrow image 54 moves along such a path from the appearance position toward the fixed arrow image 53 (or the upper end beyond that). Further, the four fixed arrow images 53 are displayed so as to face in different directions (four directions of left, bottom, up, and right), but each moving arrow image 54 matches the direction of the destination fixed arrow image 53. Thus, the fixed arrow images 53 are arranged on the path corresponding to each fixed arrow image 53. That is, the moving arrow image 54 is classified into four types of orientations similar to the four fixed arrow images 53, and is arranged on each route so as to match the orientation of each fixed arrow image 53 at the position of each fixed arrow image 53. It

Then, a plurality of users who play the music game are required to perform appropriate playing actions in accordance with the arrival of each moving arrow image 54 to the fixed arrow image 53. Specifically, for example, in the case of the arcade game machine 3A, a push button associated with each fixed arrow image 53 among the push buttons (an arrow in the same direction as each fixed arrow image 53 is presented as an appropriate play action. The operation of stepping on the foot is required (the same applies to the user terminal device type game machine 3 when the mat controller is used). Similarly, for example, in the case of the stationary game machine 3B, the operation of pressing the push button associated with each fixed arrow image 53, and in the case of the portable game machine 3C, the touch operation to the position corresponding to each fixed arrow image 53, Each is required. When such an appropriate play action is actually executed, the smaller the time difference between the execution time of the actual play action and the execution time described in the sequence data QD, the smaller the difference. It is evaluated so that the evaluation is high. This evaluation result is given to each user as a score. Further, in the case where such an evaluation of the deviation time is an evaluation result of a predetermined reference or more (for example, a result that the deviation time is included in a predetermined range before and after the execution timing of the sequence data QD), the continuity thereof (hereinafter, combo Sometimes called) is also evaluated. The higher the continuity of the continuity, that is, the more the continuity increases, the higher the evaluation result is given. The evaluation of such continuity is also realized through the score, but it is given separately from the score corresponding to the evaluation result of the deviation time. That is, the score corresponding to the evaluation result of the continuity functions as an additional bonus. When a touch panel is used as the input device 36 in the portable game machine 3C or the like, a finger slides on the screen in the direction of the arrow as each moving arrow image 54 reaches the fixed arrow image 53. The user may be requested to perform a slide operation or a flick operation.

On the other hand, the individual guidance area 52 is an area individually corresponding to each of a plurality of users who play the music game. For this reason, the game screen 50 is provided with a plurality of individual guidance areas 52 respectively corresponding to a plurality of users who play the music game. In each individual guide area 52, a partial range of the common guide area 51 is displayed so as to include the four fixed arrow images 53. Specifically, as a partial range, a range (position within a predetermined time period) located before a predetermined time period (for example, a time period corresponding to one bar of a music piece) below (in the time axis direction) along the route from the four fixed arrow images 53 A range including each moving arrow image 54 scheduled to reach each fixed arrow image 53 is used. Then, in such a range, each moving arrow image 54 moves toward each fixed arrow image 53 so as to be synchronized with the common guide area 51. That is, each individual guide area 52 simultaneously guides the same execution time so as to overlap with the common guide area 51 through the movement of each moving arrow image 54 and each fixed arrow image 53 (in other words, relative displacement). As a result, each individual guidance region 52 redundantly guides each execution time together with the common guidance region 51 to each user through movement of the movement arrow image 54 similar to the common guidance region 51. Further, the evaluation result of each user is individually displayed in each individual guidance area 52. That is, the evaluation result of the play action executed by each user is displayed in the individual guidance area 52 corresponding to each user. The number of combos is the same. In other words, the score obtained by each user, the bonus associated with the combo, and the like are presented in the individual guidance area 52. Therefore, each individual guidance area 52 includes an individual score area 55 for displaying such an obtained score, and a combo information area 56 for displaying the number of combos each user is continuing.

In the example of FIG. 3, a music game is played as a cooperative play type game in which four users play the same music game. Therefore, on the game screen 50, two individual guide areas 52 are arranged on the left and right so as to sandwich the common guide area 51 located at the center. Further, on the left and right sides of the common guide area 51, the two individual guide areas 52 are arranged vertically. The upper left individual guidance area 52, the lower left individual guidance area 52, the upper right individual guidance area 52, and the lower right individual guidance area 52 are the first user, the second user, the third user, and the fourth user in this order. Assigned to each. That is, the upper left individual guidance area 52, the lower left individual guidance area 52, the upper right individual guidance area 52, and the lower right individual guidance area 52 are assigned to the first user, the second user, the third user, and the fourth user. It functions as the corresponding individual guidance area 52.

The first user and the like may be set based on appropriate conditions, such as the order in which the matching service is requested or the order based on the information that identifies the user such as the name or the user ID. When a music game is commonly provided to a plurality of users as a cooperative play type game, the plurality of users use the same sequence data QD (corresponding to the same song having the same difficulty level) to play the music game. Although often played, the music game may allow the use (selection) of different sequence data QD, including the case where it is provided as a competitive game. That is, music games of different difficulty levels may be played among a plurality of users.

Further, in the example of FIG. 3, each individual guidance area 52 is provided with distinction information in the individual score area 55 in order to distinguish each individual guidance area 52 for each user. Specifically, as such information, information indicating a difference in color arrangement and each user is used. Therefore, as the color difference, a left diagonal line is provided in the individual guide area 52 for the first user, a grid-like diagonal line is provided in the individual guide area 52 for the second user, and an individual guide for the third user is provided. A right diagonal line is added to the area 52, and a dot pattern is added to the individual guidance area 52 for the fourth user, to each individual score area 55. Similarly, as the information indicating each user, “1P” indicating the first user, “2P” indicating the second user, “3P” indicating the third user, and “4P” indicating the fourth user are individually separated. It is displayed in the score area 55. The individual guidance areas 52 are distinguished by such color difference and information such as "1P".

Note that the difference in color arrangement is not limited to the example added to each individual score area 55. For example, the difference in color arrangement may be added to all of the individual guide areas 52. Also, the information indicating each user is not limited to information such as "1P". For example, other appropriate symbols corresponding to each user, names corresponding to each user, or the like may be used as the information indicating each user. Similarly, the information for discrimination is not limited to such a difference in color arrangement or information indicating a user. For example, the shape of the individual guide area 52 itself (for example, parallelogram with different orientations, trapezoid, etc.) may function as the information for discrimination. Further, for example, when each user plays the same music game through different game machines 3, the size difference (for example, the individual guide area 52 of the user is large and the others are small, or the individual guide area 52 of the user is different). Other than the above, such as difficult to see due to masking or the like) may function as information for discrimination. In this case, as long as the individual guide area 52 of the user is distinguished, the individual guide areas 52 for other users may or may not be distinguished from each other.

On the other hand, when a team is formed between a plurality of users, such as in the case of cooperative play, information indicating such a team may include the information for distinguishing. Further, the distinguishing information may be any one of the above-mentioned information, or may be used by combining various kinds of information. Alternatively, the information for distinguishing may not be added to each individual guidance area 52. In this case, the correspondence relationship between each individual guidance area 52 and each user may be grasped by the difference in the acquired score or the like. In other words, the acquired score for each user may function as the information for discrimination. In addition, the game screen 50 may be appropriately provided with, for example, a score area or the like for displaying the total score obtained by a plurality of users. Information such as an appropriate score may be presented in such a score area without being limited to the total score. For example, the score area may display scores that are aggregated separately from the score of each user. Specifically, among the evaluation results of a plurality of users for the same moving arrow image 54, only the highest evaluation result (for example, the evaluation result corresponding to “PERFECT!!” described later) is extracted and independently aggregated. It may be displayed in the score area. That is, only the highest evaluation result of the evaluation results of a plurality of users for one same moving arrow image 54 is separately aggregated as a representative evaluation result of the group, and the accumulated value is displayed in the score area. Good.

The relationship between the common guidance area 51 and the individual guidance area 52 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the common guide area 51 and the individual guide area 52. In the example of FIG. 4, only the upper left individual guide area 52 of the example of FIG. 3 is shown, but the relationship between the other individual guide areas 52 and the common guide area 51 is similar. As shown in FIG. 4, each individual guide area 52 is formed such that a partial range PA of the common guide area 51 is cut out. Therefore, in each individual guidance area 52, guidance common to the common guidance area 51 is realized in the partial range PA. That is, each individual guidance area 52 is common to the display of the partial range PA in each moving arrow image 54, each fixed arrow image 53, and the like. Then, each individual guidance area 52 guides each similar execution time so as to be synchronized with the partial range PA through each moving arrow image 54, each fixed arrow image 53 and the like. On the other hand, although an individual evaluation result of each user is displayed in each individual guidance area 52, such an evaluation result is not displayed in the common guidance area 51. Therefore, there is a difference between each individual guide area 52 and the common guide area 51 depending on the presence or absence of such an individual evaluation result.

In the example of FIG. 4, the individual guidance area 52 is formed by adding an individual score area 55 to a partial range PA. On the other hand, in the individual guidance area 52, a combo information area 56 is formed so as to partially overlap the area PA in order to effectively use the space. Specifically, the combo information area 56 is formed so as not to obstruct the display of the moving arrow image 54 while overwriting the background of the partial range PA. Further, in the individual guidance area 52, the characters "PERFECT!!" are displayed as the individual evaluation result of the first user. This is an evaluation result displayed when the timing of the actual play action falls within a predetermined period before and after the execution time, mainly at the execution time. On the other hand, such a display is not displayed in the common guidance area 51. Similarly, although the cumulative total of the first user's acquired points (“1440”) is also displayed in the individual guidance area 52, such a display is not provided in the common guidance area 51. Further, although the information of "3COMBO" is displayed in the individual guidance area 52 as the number of combos that the first user is continuing, the information of "6COMBO" is displayed in the common guidance area 51 instead of the information. .. “6COMBO” is information indicating the total number of combos that all users are continuing. In other words, the total sum of the numbers of ongoing combos such as “3COMBO” individually displayed in the four individual guidance areas 52 is displayed in the common guidance area 51. As an example, such a relationship is formed between the common guide area 51 and the individual guide area 52.

The number of combos displayed in the common guidance area 51 is not limited to the total value of combos continued by all users. For example, the largest combo number among the combo numbers of all users may be displayed in the common guidance area 51. In addition, such a combo number may be displayed as long as one of the plurality of users who are playing the same music game continues the combo, or only when all the users are continuing the combo. May be done. Alternatively, in the common guidance area 51, when the combo is being continued by any one of the plurality of persons, or two or more persons, information indicating just such continuation (for example, simply “OK” or “2 people OK”, etc.) ) May be displayed. Alternatively, the number of combos in the common guidance area 51 may be aggregated independently of the number of combos for each user. For example, in the common guidance area 51, the number of times the combo condition is satisfied is displayed based on whether or not any one of the plurality of users satisfies the combo condition (evaluation result of a predetermined criterion or more) for each moving arrow image 54. May be done. That is, a plurality of users may be regarded as one group, and an evaluation result of one or more of the plurality of users that is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference may be aggregated as the number of consecutive combos of the group. More specifically, for example, a user who has three consecutive combos makes a mistake in the fourth, while another user who has one continuous combo obtains an evaluation result that is equal to or greater than a predetermined criterion in the fourth. If it is obtained (as a result, the number of continuations of other users is twice including the success this time), the continuation of the group combo is taken over by the other user, and the common guidance area 51 shows the number of combos as four. “4” indicating the second success may be presented. Then, such a combo number may be interrupted and reset to zero when all the members belonging to the group do not satisfy the combo condition. In this way, appropriate information regarding the number of combos obtained based on the number of combos of each user playing the same music game may be displayed in the common guidance area 51 as a predetermined evaluation result to be commonly guided.

Also, the predetermined evaluation result displayed in the common guidance area 51 is not limited to such a combo number. For example, in the common guidance area 51, an appropriate evaluation result based on the individual evaluation result of each user may be displayed as a predetermined evaluation result. For example, as such an evaluation result, similar to the combo number, information indicating the highest evaluation result among a plurality of users or the number of users who have obtained a predetermined or more evaluation result such as the highest evaluation result is provided in common guidance. It may be displayed in the area 51. When the common guidance area 51 includes additional information such as a background, a background similar to the partial range PA may be displayed as it is in the individual guidance area 52, and such a background is processed (for example, transparent). The rate may be changed and displayed). Alternatively, such background may be omitted. Further, the predetermined standard for determining the success or failure of the combo may be set appropriately. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned "PERFECT!!" (predetermined range before and after the execution time), "GREAT" (predetermined range before and after the range of "PERFECT!!"), "GOOD" (" When the evaluation result includes the order of highest evaluation in the order of highest evaluation, including the range of GREAT" before and after the range) and "MISS" (outside of the range of "GOOD"), for example, "GOOD" is the predetermined standard. It may be determined that the above is satisfied, or it may be determined that the other appropriate range such as “GREAT” is equal to or more than the predetermined reference.

The examples of FIGS. 3 and 4 show a case where a music game is played based on common sequence data QD. On the other hand, the music game may allow selection of different sequence data QD among users. In such a case, in addition to the difference regarding the evaluation result as described above, a difference occurs between the common guide area 51 and each individual guide area 52. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the common guide area 51 and the individual guide area 52 when the music game allows selection of different sequence data QD among users. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the display of the moving arrow image 54 also differs between the common guide area 51 and each individual guide area 52.

Specifically, in the common guidance area 51, a moving arrow image 54 corresponding to the sequence data QD having the highest degree of difficulty among the plurality of sequence data QD selected by a plurality of users is displayed. In the case of the sequence data QD corresponding to the same music, the difference in difficulty is mainly the difference in the number of execution times (moving arrow images 54), and the sequence data QD having a high difficulty level is different from the sequence data QD having a low difficulty level It may cover all execution times. Therefore, when the sequence data QD with the highest degree of difficulty corresponds to such an exhaustive sequence data QD, the common guidance area 51 uses a plurality of sequence data QD with the highest degree of difficulty for guidance, Each execution time is guided so as to cover all execution times included in the plurality of sequence data QD respectively selected by the user.

On the other hand, in each individual guidance area 52, a moving arrow image 54 is displayed based on the sequence data QD selected by each user. In other words, the common guide area 51 displays all the moving arrow images 54 for all users, while the individual guide area 52 displays the moving arrow images 54 for each user (all moving arrows displayed in the common guiding area 51). Only part of the image 54) is displayed. For this reason, there is a difference between the individual guide areas 52 and the common guide area 51 depending on whether or not the moving arrow images 54 for other users are included.

In the example of FIG. 5, the first user selects the sequence data QD of the same song having a high degree of difficulty (exhaustive type) and the second user selects the sequence data QD of a low degree of difficulty. Therefore, of the individual guidance area 52A for the first user and the individual guidance area 52B for the second user included in the game screen 50, the individual guidance area 52A for the first user is similar to the common guidance area 51. The moving arrow image 54 of is displayed. That is, in the individual guide areas 52 for the first user, the number of the common guide areas 51 and the moving arrow images 54, etc. is the same as the cutout of the partial range PA of the common guide area 51 in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4. Match. On the other hand, in the individual guidance area 52B for the second user, a part of the movement arrow image 54 included in the partial range PA of the common guidance area 51 corresponding to the sequence data QD selected by the second user. Only the image 54 is displayed. Specifically, the display of the two moving arrow images 54 indicated by broken lines is omitted in the individual guidance area 52B for the second user. When different sequence data QD is selected for each user, such a difference may further occur between the common guide area 51 and the individual guide area 52. In this case, the moving arrow images 54 in the common guide area 51 may be distinguished by color coding or the like. That is, the moving arrow image 54 may be displayed so as to be distinguished by divisions such as 1P, 2P, and common. In this case, such a distinction may function as information for distinction.

The sequence data QD used to display the common guidance area 51 when the music game allows selection of different sequence data QD among the users is the sequence data QD that covers all execution times of the different sequence data QD. Not limited to. For example, as such sequence data QD, the sequence data QD having the highest difficulty level (which may not cover all the execution times) or the sequence data QD having the lowest difficulty level may be used. Alternatively, the sequence data QD having the most average difficulty level may be used as such sequence data QD. That is, the predetermined sequence data QD that is appropriately specified based on the sequence data QD selected by each user may be used as such sequence data QD.

Further, as understood from the example of FIG. 5, each individual guidance area 52 is not limited to a form in which a partial range PA of the common guidance area 51 is cut out as it is. For example, the movement arrow image 54 may be different between the common guide area 51 and each individual guide area 52 as described above. That is, a part of the partial range PA (in this case, this part may function as a partial range of the present invention) may be displayed in each individual guidance area 52. Similar differences may occur in additional displays, such as background, for example. That is, the additional display such as the background may be different between the common guidance area 51 and each individual guidance area 52. Alternatively, as described above, each individual guide area 52 may be displayed in a smaller size than the other individual guide areas 52 or the common guide area 51, or conversely, each individual guide area 52 may be displayed in the other individual guide area 52. Alternatively, the display may be enlarged compared to the common guidance area 51. Such enlarged display or reduced display is more efficient, for example, when a music game is played such that each user takes charge of different parts as a cooperative play type game. That is, each individual guide area 52 may be displayed in an appropriate form as long as the partial range PA of the common guide area 51 including at least the fixed arrow image 53 (reference mark) is used. The same applies to the forms of the fixed arrow image 53 (reference mark) and the moving arrow image 54 (indication mark). That is, the fixed arrow image 53 and the moving arrow image 54 are not limited to the same form as the common guide area 51. The shapes of the fixed arrow image 53 and the moving arrow image 54 may be different from those of the common guide area 51. Further, the game screen 50 is not limited to the form in which the individual guide areas 52 are arranged on the left and right of the common guide area 51. The game screen 50 may be appropriately divided so as to correspond to an appropriate number of individual guidance areas 52, and the individual guidance areas 52 may be appropriately presented. For example, each individual guidance area 52 may be displayed in the common guidance area 51 as long as it can be displayed in the common guidance area 51.

Next, the details of the sequence data QD will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sequence data QD. The sequence data QD is prepared for each song and for each difficulty level. That is, the sequence data QD includes a plurality of sequence data QDa, QDb, QDc... Corresponding to a plurality of songs having different degrees of difficulty. Since the degree of difficulty of each sequence data QD depends on the number of execution times, the number of execution times is different among them in many cases. As shown in FIG. 6, each sequence data QD indicates a path in which the moving arrow image 54 corresponding to the execution time is to be arranged (in other words, an appropriate push button or a touch operation position). It includes a sequence record RS that manages (information).

Specifically, the sequence record RS includes information on "execution time" and "route". The “execution time” is information indicating the execution time to be guided to each user U. For example, in the "execution time", information in which the bar number, the number of beats, and the value indicating the time of the beat are separated by commas is described as the execution time information. “Route” is information indicating each route. Information for identifying each route is described as "route" information. Specifically, for example, when each route is distinguished from the left by a number such as 1 to 4 so as to correspond to the fixed arrow image 53, a number indicating each such route is described. Further, as described above, each fixed arrow image 53 functions as information indicating an appropriate play action. Therefore, the “route” information indicating the route corresponding to each fixed arrow image 53 also functions as information indicating an appropriate play action. Further, each fixed arrow image 53 is also related to the type (rightward or the like) of the moving arrow image 54. Therefore, the “route” information also functions as information indicating the type of the moving arrow image 54 to be arranged on each route. The sequence record RS is recorded so that these pieces of information are associated with each other. Note that the "route" information may be replaced with various types of information. For example, the information of the appearance position and the arrival position of the moving arrow image 54 corresponding to each execution time may be used as the information of the “route”.

Next, the target specifying process, the sequence process, the individual guidance process, and the individual evaluation process executed by the game providing unit 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. The target specifying process is a sequence data QD to be used for displaying the common guidance area 51 based on the sequence data QD selected by each user when the music game allows selection of different sequence data QD among a plurality of users. Is a process for specifying the. When all users finish selecting the sequence data QD (in other words, the music and the difficulty level) for playing the music game, the game providing unit 33 starts the target specifying process of FIG. 7, and first, the sequence data QD for play. The selection result of each user regarding is acquired (step S101). Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 specifies the sequence data QD corresponding to the selection result of each user based on the selection result acquired in step S101 (step S102).

Next, the game providing unit 33 specifies the predetermined sequence data QD to be used for displaying the common guidance area 51 based on each sequence data QD specified in step S102 (step S103). For example, the game providing unit 33 specifies, as the predetermined sequence data QD, the sequence data QD having the highest degree of difficulty among the sequence data QD selected by each user as the predetermined sequence data QD. When the sequence data QD having the highest degree of difficulty does not cover all execution times of the sequence data QD selected by another user, the game providing unit 33 determines all execution times based on the sequence data QD of all users. It is also possible to generate a new sequence data QD covering the above-mentioned item for this play and specify the sequence data QD as the predetermined sequence data QD. Then, the game providing unit 33 ends the target identifying process of this time after the identification. Thus, when the music game allows selection of different sequence data QD among a plurality of users, the predetermined sequence data QD to be used for displaying the common guidance area 51 based on the sequence data QD selected by each user. Is specified.

Note that when the common sequence data QD is used among a plurality of users in the music game, the target specifying process of FIG. 7 may be omitted. In this case, the process for specifying the predetermined sequence data QD may be omitted, or the process for specifying the common sequence data QD as the predetermined sequence data QD may be executed. In such a process, for example, when the common sequence data QD is determined by the selection of any one of the plurality of users, the result selected in step S101 of the target specifying process of FIG. 7 is acquired, and step S102 or This may be realized as a process of identifying the sequence data QD corresponding to the selection result in step S103. That is, such a process may be realized as a process in which one of step S102 and step S103 in the target specifying process of FIG. 7 is omitted.

The sequence process is a process for informing all users of the execution timing of the play action through the common guidance area 51. Specifically, the sequence process is specified by the predetermined sequence data QD (the sequence data QD when the sequence data QD is common between the users, and the process of FIG. 7 when the sequence data QD is different between the users. This is processing for presenting the common guidance area 51 on the game screen 50 by arranging the moving arrow image 54 and the fixed arrow image 53 so as to guide each execution time of the sequence data QD). The game providing unit 33 repeatedly starts the sequence process of FIG. 8 at a predetermined cycle with the start of display of the game screen 50, and first places a reference mark at a predetermined position (step S201). More specifically, the game providing unit 33 arranges the four fixed arrow images 53 at predetermined positions (positions corresponding to fixed positions near the upper end in the common guide area 51).

Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 acquires the current time (step S202). The game providing unit 33 specifies the time on the music by, for example, the elapsed time from the start of the reproduction of the music. Next, the game providing unit 33 acquires, from the predetermined sequence data QD, each execution time existing in the time length corresponding to the display range to be presented as the common guidance area 51 (step S203). As the display range, for example, a time range corresponding to two measures of the music from the current time to the future is set. Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 specifies the instruction mark corresponding to each execution time acquired in step S203, that is, the movement route of the movement arrow image 54 (step S204). Specifically, the game providing unit 33 refers to the “route” information of the sequence data QD, and specifies the route corresponding to this information as the movement route of each movement arrow image 54.

Next, the game providing unit 33 calculates the coordinates of each instruction mark, that is, the movement arrow image 54 on the movement route specified in step S204 (step S205). For example, the game providing unit 33 executes this calculation as follows. That is, the game providing unit 33 determines the position on the moving route in the time axis direction (that is, the moving direction of the moving arrow image 54) from each fixed arrow image 53 according to the time difference between each execution time and the current time. .. As a result, the coordinates required to arrange the moving arrow image 54 on each moving path from the fixed arrow image 53 along the time axis are acquired.

Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 moves to each moving route based on the coordinates of each moving arrow image 54 calculated in step S205 so that each moving arrow image 54 is displayed at the coordinate position on each moving route. The arrow image 54 (instruction mark) is arranged (step S206). In this case, the game providing unit 33 moves according to the moving route (in other words, the fixed arrow image 53 of the destination) to be arranged on each moving route so as to match the direction of the fixed arrow image 53 of the destination. The direction of the arrow image 54 is specified, and the moving arrow image 54 having the specified direction is arranged on each moving route. Then, the game providing unit 33 ends the sequence processing of this time after this arrangement. As a result, each fixed arrow image 53 is arranged at a predetermined position, and each movement arrow image 54 is displayed at an appropriate position on a predetermined movement route (functioning as a time axis). Further, the position of the moving arrow image 54 gradually moves (displaces) toward each fixed arrow image 53 with the lapse of time (progress of music) so as to match the position of each fixed arrow image 53 at the execution time. .. That is, through such a movement, the common guide area 51 is presented on the game screen 50 so as to guide each execution time for all users.

The individual guidance process is a process for presenting the individual guidance area 52 for each user on the game screen 50. In this case, the game providing unit 33 performs the individual guidance process of FIG. 9 every time the sequence process of FIG. 8 is executed so that the presentation of the process result of the sequence process of FIG. 8 and the presentation of the process result of FIG. 9 are synchronized. First, the partial range PA of the common guidance area 51 presented by the sequence processing of FIG. 8 is specified (step S301). This identification is realized, for example, by acquiring the sequence processing result (for example, the processing results of steps S201 to S205 of the processing of FIG. 8). Specifically, the game providing unit 33 should be arranged on the range of each route included in the partial range PA and each route based on the processing results of steps S201 to S205 of the process of FIG. 8, for example. The coordinates of each moving arrow image 54 are specified. When the sequence data QD is different for each user, the game providing unit 33 may further specify each moving arrow image 54 to be displayed for each user based on the sequence data QD selected by each user.

Note that the game providing unit 33 may specify the same partial range PA by executing the same processing as steps S201 to S205 of the processing of FIG. 8 separately from FIG. In addition, the partial range PA is not a fixed range such as one bar, but the form (size) of the fixed arrow image 53 and the moving arrow image 54 in the area excluding the area to be secured as the common guide area 51 on the game screen 50. , And shape) may be set so as to match the common guide area 51. However, when each individual guidance area 52 is displayed with editing such as reduction or enlargement, such editing may be considered in the setting of the partial range PA.

Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 determines the arrangement position where each individual guidance area 52 should be arranged on the game screen 50 (step S302). For example, when four users play a music game, two individual guide areas 52 are arranged vertically on the left and right of the common guide area 51 at the center of the game screen 50 as a reference. The four positions on the left, right, top and bottom are specified as the arrangement positions of the four individual guide areas 52, respectively. Next, the game providing unit 33 specifies the information for division for each individual guidance area 52 (step S303). For example, when the difference in color arrangement and the information indicating each user are used as the information for classification, the game providing unit 33 indicates the color arrangement corresponding to each individual guidance area 52 and the information indicating each user such as “1P”. Specify.

Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 presents each individual guidance area 52 (step S304). Specifically, the game providing unit 33 adds the individual score area 55 and the combo information area 56 to the partial range PA specified in step S301, and the division information specified in step S303 in the individual score area 55. Each individual guide area 52 is presented by displaying the individual guide area 52 at each of the arrangement positions specified in step S302 while adding. In addition, when the game providing unit 33 performs editing (reduction or enlargement, etc.) of each individual guidance region 52, the game providing unit 33 may present each individual guidance region while adding such editing. Then, the game providing unit 33 finishes this individual guidance process after presenting each individual guidance region 52. As a result, the same range as the partial range PA in the common guide area 51 is presented for each user as the individual guide area 52 so as to be synchronized with the guidance by the partial range PA. Then, the same guidance as in the partial range PA is redundantly realized through such an individual guidance area 52. When different sequence data QD is selected for each user, the difference is also reflected in the individual guidance area 52. That is, of the moving arrow images 54 included in the partial range PA, only the moving arrow images 54 in the range corresponding to each user are displayed in each individual guidance area 52.

The individual evaluation process is a process for presenting the evaluation result for each user in each individual guidance area 52. The game providing unit 33 starts the individual evaluation process of FIG. 10 every time a predetermined evaluation process (which may be the same as a well-known music game) for evaluating the actual play action of each user is executed. The evaluation result (the result obtained by the well-known evaluation process) is acquired (step S401). Then, the game provision part 33 specifies a common evaluation result (step S402). The common evaluation result is a predetermined evaluation result to be presented in the common guidance area 51 based on the evaluation result of each user. As the common evaluation result, for example, when the total value of the number of continuations of the combo is used as described above, the game providing unit 33 acquires the number of continuations of the combo of each user, and calculates the total value thereof to perform the common evaluation. Identify the results. Alternatively, the game providing unit 33 counts the number of consecutive combos in group units (the number of times the combo conditions are satisfied when at least one person in the group satisfies the combo conditions), and the number of consecutive combos in such group units May be used (specified) as the common evaluation result. When another evaluation result such as the highest evaluation is used as the common evaluation result, the game providing unit 33 may specify such an evaluation result as the common evaluation result.

Next, the game providing unit 33 individually evaluates each user in each individual guidance area 52 and common guidance area 51 based on the evaluation result of each user acquired in step S401 and the common evaluation result identified in step S402. The result and the common evaluation result are presented (step S404). Then, after such a presentation, the game providing unit 33 ends the present individual evaluation process. As a result, while the evaluation result corresponding to each user is presented to each individual evaluation process, the common guidance area 51 does not necessarily match such individual evaluation result (some users may agree with each other). ) Common evaluation results are presented. That is, different evaluation results (characteristics) are added to the individual guidance area 52 and the common guidance area 51, respectively, depending on the difference in the use between them.

As described above, according to this aspect, when the music game is provided as a multi-play type game to, for example, four users, the four individual guidance areas 52 respectively corresponding to the four users are provided. It is presented on the game screen 50, and the evaluation result of each user such as “PERFECT!!” is presented for each user through such an individual guidance area 52. Similarly, the total score of each user is also provided through the individual score area 55 of the individual guidance area 52. Then, in such an individual guidance area 52, each execution time is redundantly guided through the movement of the movement arrow image 54 similar to the partial range PA of the common guidance area 51 including the four fixed arrow images 53. Therefore, each user can recognize the same guidance as the partial range PA in the common guidance area 51 not only in the common guidance area 51 but also in the individual guidance area 52. As a result, each user can grasp the execution timing and his/her own performance only by using the individual guidance area 52. As a result, since it is not necessary to return the line of sight to the common guide area 51 at each time at least every time the result is confirmed, the frequency of movement of the user's line of sight compared to the case where the guidance for play is executed only in the common guide area 51. Can be suppressed. On the other hand, the range overlappingly displayed in the individual guidance area 52 is limited to the partial range PA including the four fixed arrow images 53. The area around the four fixed arrow images 53 (reference signs), particularly the area around the time axis direction, is a highly important range related to the arrival of the execution time even in the common guidance area 51. Therefore, each individual guide area 52 can be suppressed to a relatively small range as compared with the common guide area 51, which is highly important. On the contrary, it is possible to secure a range of the common guide area 51, which is common to all users and which guides each execution time, to be relatively large in the game screen 50 as compared with the individual guide area 52. As a result, compared to a case where the game screen 50 is equally divided into four for four users, at least in the common guidance area 51, each execution time can be guided in an easy-to-see manner. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the suppression of the movement of the line of sight and the ensuring of the visibility, so that, for example, as compared with the case where a region dedicated to the results is provided or the game screen 50 is equally divided for four users. It is possible to suppress adverse effects that may occur when a music game is provided as a multi-play type game.

Also, in the individual guidance area 52, each execution time is guided through the moving arrow image 54 and the fixed arrow image 53 in the same form as the common guidance area 51. That is, the form (for example, at least one of size, shape, etc.) of the moving arrow image 54 and the like is matched between the individual guide region 52 and the common guide region 51. Therefore, even if the line-of-sight movement is executed between the common guide area 51 and the individual guide area 52, there is no difference in the form of these movement arrow images 54 and the like. It is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the adverse effect caused by the movement of the line of sight.

Further, even when the game screen 50 is open to many viewers at an event, for example, the play statuses of all users can be shared with such viewers through the common guide area 51 and the individual guide area 52. In such an event, it is often the greatest advantage that not only a sense of unity between the users who play the game but also a sense of unity between such users and the viewers who watch the game can be fostered. For this reason, such a sense of unity can be provided through such a game screen 50 as compared with the case where each execution time is provided through a game screen for each user or a guide region equally divided for a plurality of users. Can contribute to fostering. As a result, it contributes to the collection of viewers for events and the like, and the effect of enlivening such events can be expected.

In the above embodiment, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the individual guide unit of the present invention by executing the process of step S304 of FIG. Further, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the evaluation presenting means of the present invention by executing the process of step S403 of FIG. Further, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the data specifying unit of the present invention by executing the process of step S103 of FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented in an appropriately modified or changed form. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the individual guidance area 52 guides the same execution time redundantly so as to be synchronized with the common guidance area 51. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the individual guidance area 52 may perform the same overlapping guidance as the common guidance area 51 at a time when it is deviated from the common guidance area 51. For example, the individual guidance area 52 may execute the same guidance with a slight delay as compared with the common guidance area 51 in consideration of the time required to move the line of sight from the execution of the play action. Similarly, the individual guidance area 52 may execute similar guidance earlier than the common guidance area 51 depending on an appropriate application. That is, the individual guidance area 52 may perform the same guidance at a time when it deviates from the guidance of the common guidance area 51 for an appropriate purpose.

The center server 2 may execute all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the game machine 3 of the above-described form. That is, the game system of the present invention may be configured such that the center server 2 and the game machine 3 cooperate appropriately to realize each function of the game machine 3 and the center server 2 of the present embodiment. On the other hand, the center server 2 may be omitted. In this case, one game machine 3 may function as the game system of the present invention.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are additionally shown in parentheses, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated forms. Not a thing.

The game system of the present invention includes an input device (36) used for inputting a play action, an instruction mark (54) corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed, and a reference mark (53) corresponding to the current time. ) And a display device (37) for displaying a game screen (50) including, and the position of each of the instruction mark and the reference mark is based on the sequence data (QD) in which each execution time is described. The guide area (51) that causes a relative displacement along the predetermined route between the instruction mark and the reference mark so as to coincide with each other in time is presented on the game screen to guide each execution time. , Progressing among a plurality of users by making the guide area common to a plurality of users, a game in which the timing of the actual play action of each user inputted through the input device is evaluated based on each execution timing Is a game system (1) for providing a multi-play type game in which the execution time to be guided to each of the plurality of users in the guide area is provided for each user together with the guide area through the relative displacement. Individual guidance means for presenting a partial range (PA) of the guidance area including the reference sign on the game screen as a plurality of individual guidance areas (52) respectively corresponding to the plurality of users so as to provide redundant guidance. (33), and evaluation presenting means (33) for presenting the evaluation result of each user for each user through the plurality of individual guidance areas when the actual play action is executed.

According to the present invention, a plurality of individual guidance areas corresponding to a plurality of users are presented on the game screen, and evaluation results of each user are presented through such individual guidance areas. Furthermore, in each individual guidance area, each execution time is redundantly guided through the same relative displacement as a partial range of the guidance area including the reference marker. Therefore, each user can recognize the same guidance as the partial range in the guidance area even in the individual guidance area. As a result, each user can grasp the execution timing and his/her own performance only in the individual guidance area, so that the frequency of the user's eye movement can be determined more than when the guidance for play is executed only in the guidance area. Can be suppressed. On the other hand, the range overlappingly displayed in the individual guide area is limited to a partial range of the guide area including the reference sign. The area around the reference sign is a highly important area related to the arrival of the execution time even in the guidance area. Therefore, each individual guide area can be suppressed to a relatively small area of high importance, and a relatively large area of the guide area for guiding each execution time can be secured for all users. As a result, compared to the case where the game screen is equally divided into a plurality of guide areas corresponding to a plurality of users, at least in the guide area, it is possible to guide the execution timings in a more visible manner. As a result, both the movement of the line of sight can be suppressed and the visibility can be ensured at the same time. Therefore, as compared with the case where the area dedicated to the result is provided or the game screen is equally divided into a plurality of individual guide areas, It is possible to suppress an adverse effect that may occur when a play-type game is provided.

Appropriate evaluation results may be presented in the guidance area. For example, the evaluation result of each user may not be displayed in the guidance area, or all evaluation results of each user may be displayed so as to overlap with the individual guidance area. Alternatively, a predetermined evaluation result based on a plurality of evaluation results corresponding to a plurality of users may be representatively displayed. Specifically, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the evaluation presenting means may present a predetermined evaluation result based on the evaluation result of each user in the guidance area.

When a predetermined evaluation result is displayed in the guidance area, an appropriate evaluation result may be used as such a predetermined evaluation result. Such a predetermined evaluation result may be an evaluation result of the top two players when four users play the game, for example. That is, two or more evaluation results may be presented as the predetermined evaluation result. Alternatively, as the predetermined evaluation result, one evaluation result such as the highest evaluation result, the lowest evaluation result, or the average value among the plurality of evaluation results corresponding to the plurality of users may be used. Furthermore, when the evaluation result of each user includes the number of times of continuity when the evaluation results of a predetermined standard or more are continuous, the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value, or the total value of the number of times of such continuity is It may be used as a predetermined evaluation result. Specifically, for example, in a mode in which a predetermined evaluation result is presented in the guidance area, the evaluation presenting means may evaluate the continuity of the evaluation results of a predetermined criterion or more in the multi-play type game, Aggregating the continuity of the evaluation results of the predetermined reference or more in the group as one group based on whether or not any one of the plurality of users has obtained an evaluation result of a predetermined reference or more, The number of times of continuity in the unit of the group may be used as the predetermined evaluation result.

In a multi-play type game, one sequence data common to a plurality of users may be used, or when a plurality of sequence data is prepared, different sequence data may be used between a plurality of users. Good. In this case, the guidance area may guide the execution time based on appropriate sequence data. For example, as such sequence data, predetermined sequence data based on two or more sequence data selected by a plurality of users may be used. Similarly, when different sequence data is used among a plurality of users, each individual guidance area may guide the execution time based on appropriate sequence data. For example, as such sequence data, sequence data selected by each user may be used, or predetermined sequence data similar to the guidance area may be used. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a plurality of sequence data having different numbers of execution times are prepared for the multi-play type game, and use of different sequence data among the plurality of users is performed by the plurality of play. A data specifying means (33) for specifying predetermined sequence data to be used for guidance of each execution time in the guidance area based on the sequence data selected by each user when the type game permits. The individual guidance unit may present the plurality of individual guidance regions such that the individual guidance region corresponding to each user guides each execution time corresponding to the sequence data selected by each user.

Appropriate sequence data may be used as the predetermined sequence data based on two or more sequence data selected by a plurality of users. For example, among such two or more sequence data, the one having the lowest difficulty level or the one having the highest difficulty level may be used as the predetermined sequence data. That is, any one of the two or more sequence data may be used as the predetermined sequence data. Alternatively, completely different sequence data may be specified based on such two or more sequence data and used as the predetermined sequence data. For example, if two or more sequence data include sequence data that covers the entire execution time of such two or more sequence data, such sequence data exists, and if such sequence data does not exist, two sequence data exists. Other sequence data that covers all the execution times of the above sequence data may be used as the predetermined sequence data. That is, for example, in a mode in which the guidance area executes guidance based on predetermined sequence data, the data specifying means may include sequence data covering all execution times of two or more sequence data selected by the plurality of users. You may specify as said predetermined sequence data.

As long as the individual guidance area can guide the execution time overlapping with the guidance area, an appropriate range including the reference sign may be used as a part of the guidance area. For example, the predetermined range before and after including the reference mark may be used as a part of the range, or the range corresponding to a predetermined time before relative displacement with respect to the reference range may be used as a part of the range. Good. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the individual guide unit corresponds to the partial range from the reference mark along the predetermined route before a predetermined time in the relative displacement. A range including up to the position may be used, and an individual guidance region corresponding to each user may be presented so as to guide each user at each execution time to be guided through the range.

The individual guidance area may be displayed in an appropriate form as long as it corresponds to a part of the guidance area. For example, the individual guidance area may be provided in the same form as the guidance area such that the reference sign and the instruction sign are displayed in the same shape as the guidance area. Alternatively, the individual guide area may be provided smaller than the guide area so that the reference mark and the instruction mark are displayed smaller than the guide area, and conversely, the individual guide area is larger than the guide area so that the reference mark and the like are displayed larger. May be provided in large quantities. In addition, the individual guidance area is used according to an appropriate purpose, such as when the execution timing of the guidance target is different among a plurality of users, or when the form of the individual guidance area is used to identify the individual guidance area for each user. It may be provided in an appropriate form that is different from the guide area and further different between the individual guide areas. The same applies to the instruction mark and the reference mark presented in the individual guidance area. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the individual guidance unit may present the plurality of individual guidance regions such that the instruction mark and the reference mark are displayed in the same form as the guidance region. Good. In this case, even if the line-of-sight movement is executed between the guide area and the individual guide area, there is no difference in the form of the instruction mark and the reference mark, so that the user's discomfort caused by such line-of-sight movement can be suppressed. You can As a result, it is possible to further suppress the adverse effect caused by the movement of the line of sight.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computer (33) connected to the input device and the display device to function as each unit of the game system described above.

Further, the control method of the present invention provides a game screen including an input device used for inputting a play action, an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed, and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. A display device for displaying, and between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the instruction mark and the reference mark are matched at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. The guide area that causes relative displacement along a predetermined route is presented on the game screen to guide each execution time, and the time of the actual play action of each user input via the input device. To a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game that evaluates based on each execution time as a multi-play type game in which the progress is shared among a plurality of users by making the guide area common to a plurality of users, A partial range of the guide area including the reference marker so that each execution time to be guided to each of the plurality of users in the guide area is redundantly guided together with the guide area through the relative displacement for each user. Is displayed on the game screen as a plurality of individual guidance areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of users, and an evaluation result of each user when the actual play action is executed through the plurality of individual guidance areas. The evaluation presentation procedure presented for each user is executed. By executing the computer program or the control method of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 game system 3 game machine 33 game providing section (computer, individual guidance means, evaluation presentation means, data identification means)
36 Input device 37 Monitor (display device)
50 Game screen 51 Common guidance area (guidance area)
52 Individual guidance area 53 Fixed arrow image (reference sign)
54 Moving arrow image (indicator sign)
PA Partial range QD Sequence data PG2 program (computer program)

Claims

Connected to an input device used for inputting a play action, and a display device for displaying a game screen including an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. Relative along a predetermined route between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the indication mark and the reference mark match at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. By presenting a guide area that causes displacement on the game screen, each execution time is guided, and the timing of the actual play action of each user input via the input device is evaluated based on each execution time. A game system that provides a game as a multi-play type game in which the guide area is shared by a plurality of users so that the progress is shared by the plurality of users,
Partial range of the guide area including the reference mark so that the execution times to be respectively guided to the plurality of users in the guide area are redundantly guided together with the guide area through the relative displacement for each user. An individual guide means for presenting on the game screen as a plurality of individual guide areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of users,
Evaluation presenting means for presenting the evaluation result of each user for each user through the plurality of individual guidance areas when the actual play action is executed;
A game system comprising:
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation presenting means presents a predetermined evaluation result based on the evaluation result of each user to the guidance area.
Whether or not any one of the plurality of users obtains an evaluation result equal to or more than a predetermined criterion when the continuity of the evaluation results equal to or more than a predetermined criterion is evaluated in the multi-play type game. With the plurality of users as one group based on, the continuity of the evaluation results of the predetermined criterion or more in the group is aggregated, and the number of times of the continuity in the unit of the group is used as the predetermined evaluation result. Item 2 game system.
When a plurality of sequence data having different numbers of execution times are prepared for the multi-play type game, and the multi-play type game allows the use of different sequence data among the plurality of users, the guide area In, the data specifying means for specifying the predetermined sequence data to be used for guidance of each execution time based on the sequence data selected by each user,
4. The individual guidance unit presents the plurality of individual guidance regions so that the individual guidance region corresponding to each user guides each execution time corresponding to the sequence data selected by each user. Any one of the game system.
The game system according to claim 4, wherein the data identification means identifies sequence data that covers all execution times of two or more sequence data selected by the plurality of users as the predetermined sequence data.
The individual guide means uses a range including the reference sign as the partial range to a position corresponding to a predetermined time before the relative displacement along the predetermined route, and is guided to each user through the range. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which presents an individual guidance area corresponding to each user so as to guide each execution time to be performed.
7. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the individual guidance unit presents the plurality of individual guidance regions so that the instruction mark and the reference mark are displayed in the same form as the guidance region. ..
A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to the input device and the display device to function as each unit of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
Connected to an input device used for inputting a play action, and a display device for displaying a game screen including an instruction mark corresponding to an execution time at which the play action should be executed and a reference mark corresponding to the current time. Relative along a predetermined route between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the indication mark and the reference mark match at each execution time based on the sequence data in which each execution time is described. By presenting a guide area that causes displacement on the game screen, each execution time is guided, and the timing of the actual play action of each user input via the input device is evaluated based on each execution time. A computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game as a multi-play type game in which the guide area is shared by a plurality of users so that the progress is shared by the plurality of users,
Partial range of the guide area including the reference mark so that the execution times to be respectively guided to the plurality of users in the guide area are redundantly guided together with the guide area through the relative displacement for each user. And an individual guidance procedure for presenting on the game screen as a plurality of individual guidance areas corresponding to the plurality of users, respectively,
An evaluation presentation procedure of presenting the evaluation result of each user for each user through the plurality of individual guidance areas when the actual play action is executed,
Control method to execute.