JPH11267355A - Game device, game processing method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute a game progressing on realtime by comparing first time information obtained from a clock function when the game is started with second time information predetermined by a player, and determining the contents of operation of the game on the basis of the result of the comparison. SOLUTION: When a game is started by the starting instruction, the present time is got from a clock part 26, and a number of times of plays by a player is got as the initial setting. When the play is started at first, the player stipulates a set picture of a waiting time on a display part 23, and the game is progressed on the basis of a program 22b for the first representation after the waiting time is input. On the other hand, in a case when the start of the play is not the first time, whether the time at the start of the game is agreed with the waiting time with a character in the game or not is judged, and the character is displayed on the picture on the basis of the main scenario representation program when the judgment is YES.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game apparatus, and more particularly to a movie (e.g., dialogue or scene development for each game scene) in accordance with the operation contents of a player (player). The present invention relates to a scenario that may be referred to as a story corresponding to a script or a so-called adventure game, simulation game, or the like in which the degree of difficulty of a game changes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a game device for realizing an adventure game, a game scenario is changed according to the operation contents of a player.

[0003] In such a game device, the game scenario proceeds according to a preset program, so that the player becomes proficient in the game by repeating the game. As a result, there has been a problem that the development of the scenario has no surprisingness and the fun of the game is reduced.

[0004] For this reason, in the conventional game apparatus, when the day on which the game is played is a special day such as a birthday of a player or a holiday, a special program is executed instead of the normal program. Was trying to bring out the fun of the game by giving the scenario development a surprise. Also, according to the season when the game was executed by the player, a screen display suitable for the season was performed to give a varied impression and bring out the freshness of the game.

[0005] However, in such a conventional game device, although the content of the game is changed in accordance with time information such as the date and time when the game was executed, a special program predetermined by the creator of the game is executed. It was only selected and only the same scenario was given to all players. For this reason, the game does not proceed in a manner in which the time in the real life of the player is closely related to the scenario of the game, and there is a limit to changing the content of the game.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game to which new fun is added.

That is, the first object of the present invention is to progress the game in real time by closely associating the time in the real life of the player (real time) with the operation contents such as the game scenario. Is to provide a game with a new taste.

[0008] A second object of the present invention is to give the player a sense of limitation and satisfaction in the setting of the operation content of the game by deciding the content of the game according to the time information set by the player himself, which differs for each player. To provide games.

[0009] A third object of the present invention is to enable communication with another game device and to perform a game by communicating with the other game device according to a time set by a player. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game in which the real time and the content of the game are closely related, and a sense of unity can be created through the game with a player of another game apparatus as a communication partner.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a game device having a timekeeping function, comprising: first time information (for example, current date and time) when a game acquired by the timekeeping function is started; A game device which compares second time information (user-set time) preset by a player, and determines the operation content of the game based on the comparison result.

Here, as a result of the comparison, when the first time information and the second time information substantially coincide with each other (this is a period in which the second time information has a certain length, In the case where the information may indicate within the period, the operation content that has a positive effect on the progress of the game is determined.
Further, when the difference between the first time information and the second time information is equal to or more than a predetermined value (the first time information may indicate the outside of the period), the progress of the game is negatively affected. Is determined.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there are provided a clock means for acquiring a time when a game is started as first time information, and a time for starting a game set by a player as a second time. Storage means for storing information as information; comparison means for comparing the first time information with the second time information; and operation contents for determining the operation contents of the game based on the comparison result obtained by the comparison means And a determination means.

A third aspect of the present invention is to grasp the invention of the above device as a method invention, and more specifically, a game processing method of a game device having a timekeeping function,
The first time information obtained when the game is started obtained by the timing function is compared with the second time information set in advance by the player, and the operation content of the game is determined based on the comparison result. A game processing method characterized by the following.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which a program to be executed by a game device is recorded, wherein a time at which a game is started is obtained as first time information by a timing function, A machine in which a program for causing the game device to realize a function of comparing the first time information with second time information set in advance by a player and determining the operation content of the game based on the comparison result is recorded. It is a readable recording medium.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game device having a timekeeping function, wherein a time when the game device is communicably connected to another game device is obtained as first time information by the timekeeping function. Then, the obtained first time information is compared with second time information set in advance by the player, and based on the comparison result, the operation content of the game progressed with another game device is determined. A game device characterized by determining.

As described above, the invention realized as a game device can be realized as an invention of a game processing method, and can also be realized as a program read and executed by a game device. .

[0017]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, terms used in a game realized by the game device according to the present invention are defined as follows.

The term "game stage" refers to one unit in a game in which a single scene is developed in terms of the operation of the game, and one or more game stages constitute the entire game. The operation content is configured so that one game stage leads to the next game stage.

A "character" refers to a person or other object appearing in the operation of the game. The character for the player to participate in the operation of the game may be particularly referred to as a “hero”.

<First Embodiment> Next, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The first embodiment according to the present invention is a game in which a waiting time with a character in a game is set in advance by a player, and the action of the player proceeds with the character in the game at the actual time when the player starts the game. About.

(Hardware Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game device according to the present embodiment includes a CPU block 10 for controlling the entire device, a video block 11 for controlling display of a screen, a sound block 12 for controlling generation of sound effects and the like, and a CD-ROM. It comprises a subsystem 13 for reading data from an external storage medium such as a ROM. In the game device, a predetermined function is realized by the CPU block 10 executing a program read from an external storage medium.

(Structure of CPU Block) The CPU block 10 includes an SCU (System Control Unit) 100, a main CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a sub C
It comprises a PU 104 and a data transmission path (bus) 105.

The SCU 100 has a timer function therein, and when a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 1
01 is notified.

The main CPU 101 has a DSP inside.
(Digital Signal Processor), and is configured to be able to execute processing based on the program transferred from the external storage medium at high speed. The RAM 102 is configured to temporarily store programs and data read from an external storage medium, and to be usable as a work area or the like associated with the execution of the programs. The ROM 103 is configured to be able to store an initial program for starting the game device. The SCU 100 includes buses 105, 1
It is configured to be able to control the data transfer performed via 06 and 107. The SCU 100 includes a DMA controller therein, and stores image data necessary during execution of a program in the VRA in the video block 11.
M.

The input devices such as the mouse 2b and the pad 2c can generate an operation signal based on the operation of the player. The sub CPU 104 is an SMPC (System
Manager & Peripheral Control)
The code 2d from the mouse 2b or the like according to the request of the PU 101,
An operation signal can be input via the connector 2a. Note that an operation signal may be transferred to the sub CPU 104 by wireless communication such as infrared rays instead of the code 2d.

(Structure of Video Block) The video block 11 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 120,
130, VRAM 121 and frame buffer 12
2, 123 are provided.

The VDP 120 performs deformation of an image based on texture data, generation of image data based on non-texture data such as polygons, various operations such as shadowing and shading, etc., based on drawing commands stored in the VRAM 121 to generate The written image data can be written into the frame buffers 122 and 123.

The VDP 130 includes a frame buffer 122
Based on the image data stored in the memory 123, various image processes such as window processing, imprint processing, enlargement / reduction, and rotation are performed, and the display image data can be stored in the memory 132.

The VRAM 121 is configured to be able to store drawing commands transferred by the main CPU 101 via the SCU 100.

The frame buffers 122 and 123
The image data generated by the VDP 120 can be stored.

The memory 132 is configured to store image data for drawing by the VDP 130 and output the image data to the encoder 160.

The encoder 160 converts the drawing image data stored in the memory 132 into a video signal format, D / A converts the data, and supplies the converted data to the monitor device 5.

The monitor device 5 is configured to visually display an image based on the supplied video signal.

(Configuration of Other Blocks) The sound block 12 includes a DSP 140 and a CPU 141.

The DSP 140 performs voice synthesis according to the PCM system or the FM system, and converts the generated voice data into a D / A signal.
It is configured to be able to output to the converter 170. CPU
141 is configured to be able to control the DSP 140 based on a command supplied from the CPU block 10. The D / A converter 170 converts the audio data generated by the DSP 140 into a two-channel signal,
It is configured so that it can be supplied to the speakers 5a and 5b.

The subsystem 13 includes a drive capable of reading an external storage medium such as a CD-ROM.
A variety of data such as programs, image data, and audio data are read from the OM, and can be supplied to the CPU block 10.

(Structure by Functional Block Diagram) FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the game device of the present embodiment is constituted by function realizing means. This functional block is realized by the CPU executing a program read from the CD-ROM. As shown in FIG.
Is for reading a specific game effect program 22 from the game effect program storage unit 22 and providing a game scenario to the player. The game production program 22 is, for example, a main scenario production program 22a executed under normal play conditions, an initial production program 22b executed at the time of first use, and executed to produce a waiting time because it is earlier than a predetermined time. Waiting time effect program 22c, a waiting time effect program 22d executed when it is delayed for a predetermined time, and a game continuation impossible effect executed for disabling the continuation of the game because it is significantly delayed for a predetermined time. Program 22
e is prepared. The game produced by the game production program is provided to the player by being displayed on the screen of the display unit 23.

In the present embodiment, each effect of the game is performed by each program.
The present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the effect of the game may be changed by changing a value of an internal parameter or the like.

The user time information input section 24 is for setting information (user time information) relating to the time at which the player plays the game in the game device. Here, the time information includes, for example, information relating to the time (date and time) at which the game is started, and the number of days. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a player inputs user time information. Also, FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for providing a calendar to a player and inputting a specific date and time as a schedule of the player. That is, FIG. 2B shows a state in which the shaded 1st and 15th days are designated as the user time information.

The user time information input by the user time information input section 24 is stored in the time information storage area D of the user information storage section 25 as the individual time information of the player. The user information storage unit 25 stores information about the player (user information). The user information includes, in addition to the time information described above, the number of times the player has played, the character selected by the player, the position of the character in the game (such as credit), the game stage up to the previous time, and the like.

The clock section 26 sends actual time information to the time information comparing section 27. In addition, the clock unit 26 sends information indicating the lapse of time in the game to the game progress management unit 21. It is obtained by measuring the actual time information, for example, as the current date and time at the start of the game, based on the time information input at the time of setting.

The time information comparison unit 27 compares the user time information stored in the user information storage unit 25 with the actual time information supplied from the clock unit 26, and sends the comparison result to the game progress management unit 21. Send out. Further, when the actual time information is out of the allowable range of the set user time information, the game progress management unit 21 controls to execute the delay effect program or the game continuation effect program depending on the degree.

(Operation) Next, the operation of the game device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game device according to the present embodiment.

Step S401: First, when the game device is turned on or a start instruction command is given to start the game, the current date and time being counted are obtained as initial settings, and the number of times played by the player is set. To get.

Step S402: It is determined whether or not the number of plays by the player is 0, that is, whether or not it is the first use.

Step S403: If it is determined in step S402 that the player has not used the game for the first time, a waiting time setting screen is presented to the player, and an input of the waiting time is accepted. The waiting time set in this step is the time at which the player should start the game from the next time.

Step S404: When the input of the waiting time by the player is completed, the game scenario proceeds based on the first effect program, and the game ends.

Step S405: If it is determined in step S402 that the game has not been used for the first time, it is determined whether or not the date and time at the start of the game is in accordance with the time set by the player. That is, it is determined whether or not the player has started the game so as to meet a character in the game at a predetermined time. Here, whether or not the time is on time does not necessarily mean exactly the same time.
It means that the time is within a certain time range, such as minutes.

Step S406: If it is determined in step S406 that the player has met the character at the predetermined waiting time, the waiting character is displayed on the screen based on the main scenario effect program. You.

Step S407: The game of the main scenario proceeds with the waiting character. The progress of the game may proceed by, for example, interacting with a character or by requesting real-time properties.

Step S408: If it is determined in step S405 that the player has not met the character in accordance with the predetermined waiting time, it is determined whether it is before or after the waiting time.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it is later than the waiting time, that is, when it is determined that it is late for waiting for the character, step S shown in FIG.
The processing after 501 is performed.

Step S409: If it is determined in step S408 that the waiting with the character is earlier than the predetermined waiting time, it is further determined whether or not it is within the allowable time. You.

Step S410: If it is determined in step 409 that the waiting time with the character is within the allowable time, a waiting time effect program for effecting the waiting time of the player until meeting the character is performed. When the game progresses and the waiting time is reached, the processing after step S406 is performed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time is not within the allowable time, the processing after step S503 shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Hereinafter, the steps shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

Step S501: If it is determined in step S408 that the time is later than the waiting time, that is, if it is determined that the user is late for waiting for the character, it is determined whether the delay is within the allowable time. It is determined whether or not.

Step S502: If it is determined in step S501 that the time is within the allowable time,
The game proceeds based on the delay effect program. The progress of the game by the delay effect program is performed, for example, by causing a character for a delay effect to appear.

Step S503: If it is determined in step S501 that the time is not within the allowable time, that is, if it is determined that the player has been greatly delayed in waiting for the character, the game continuation impossible program is used. Then the game progresses. The non-game continuation effect program has a negative effect on the progress of the game due to, for example, the player being late, making it difficult to continue the progress of the game gradually, and finally ending the game (that is, The setting that the current play or scene ends) can be considered. It should be noted that the game itself can be changed so as to end.

In step S409, when it is determined that the time is much earlier than the waiting time,
The game proceeds based on the game continuation rendering program.

In the present embodiment, the operation of the game apparatus has been described sequentially, but the processing order may be changed or the parallel processing may be performed as long as no inconsistency occurs in the operation. The setting of the waiting time may be performed by the player during the progress of the game according to the effect program. In the above-described flowchart, the game content is changed by using the allowable time to distinguish the inside and outside of the allowable time. However, the waiting time may be used as a reference without using the allowable time.

(Example 1) In order to better understand the present embodiment, examples are shown below.

The present embodiment relates to a scenario in which the protagonist as a player waits for a date at a fixed date and time with a girl character.

Game scenario: The protagonist makes a date promise with a girl who is the opponent character. The girl will be greeted when the protagonist goes on time to meet the date. The game aims to make the hero more intimate with girls. The delay of the hero's meeting time on the date has a negative effect on the progress of the game, such as hindering the date with the girl. In addition, a curfew for returning home to a girl may be provided, and this may be given as a time limit for the game. The game stage develops in the above scenario.

First, when the player starts the game for the first time, the dialog box (or window) as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, is displayed for setting the situation of the game. When the player enters his name and the time to wait for a date, a message is displayed to confirm the input,
The game stage proceeds based on the first stage production program.

In the first stage production program, for example, since the hero and the girl are the first dates, it is possible to collect more information about the girl and give a good impression to the girl by introducing each other. It is configured to get high score.

When the player starts the game for the second time or later, since the waiting time has already been set, it is determined whether or not the protagonist is on time. The following table summarizes the game actions for the meeting situation between the protagonist and the girl.

[0068]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, the parameters include, for example, a credibility parameter (higher is better), an anger degree parameter (lower is better), a worry level parameter (lower is better), and the like. Fluctuates. The variation of this parameter affects the progress of the game. In other words, if the parameter acts positively, the girl can develop a deeper affection and become intimate, but if the parameter acts negatively, it can hurt the girl and make it difficult for the player to proceed with the game play. Become.

The time in the game may be adjusted to the elapse of the real time, but in the present embodiment, the time progresses on the virtual time axis where the time elapses earlier than the real time. The scenario (game content) may be advanced or delayed by the waiting time by setting the waiting time to the real time and changing the virtual time axis according to the time. Thereby, the player can play the game while paying attention only to the waiting time without considering the progress of the game play.

As described above, since the player starts the game in an attempt to date on time to meet the girl in the game, the player can take action with the character in the game in the real time of the player. It becomes possible to realize a game closely related to the real life of the player.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the waiting is performed at the same time every time. In this embodiment, the waiting time for the next date is determined each time during the progress of the game. That is. Therefore, depending on the progress of the game, the girl may be in a bad mood and cannot make an appointment for the next date.

The initial start of the game is the same as in the first embodiment. At the game stage that progresses based on each production program, the main character is operated to attach the promise of the next date with the girl.

Depending on the meeting time of the date, the girl may not be able to find the convenience. As shown in FIG. 6, the schedule of the girl as the opponent character is stored in the opponent character schedule storage section 61, and is referred to by the game progress management section 21 whenever necessary.

In the first or second embodiment, a setting may be provided such that a girl waiting for a call is late. In such a case, the time when the girl was late and the time when the game was started may be compared to determine whether or not the meeting was completed.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, the player himself / herself sets the time at which the game is started. However, the parent of the child who plays on the game device sets the game start time. Use it as a life education (discipline) at the time of your child's cram school or play time.

For example, at 20:30 from Monday to Friday
The game can be played from minutes to 22:00, and play is restricted (prohibited) on Saturdays and Sundays after 22:00
The parent sets the play time, for example. Therefore,
Even if the child tries to start the game at a time other than the set time, the game does not progress, or the game develops as being impossible to continue even if the game progresses. In addition, a game such as presenting a message such as “I am no longer available today” or “Let's play again” may be performed. Or, by setting the game difficulty higher,
The game progress may be delayed.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The second embodiment according to the present invention is configured so that a plurality of game devices can communicate with each other via a network or the like. The game in which the scenario progresses upon encountering a character in the opponent game at the real time when communication with the other game device is started. The other game device of the other party may be operated by another player, or may be automatically played by a program.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the game device according to the second embodiment. The game device according to the present embodiment further includes a time information adjusting unit 71 and an interface unit 72 in addition to the functions of the above-described first embodiment.

The time information adjusting section 71 adjusts the time required for the progress of the game with the clock section 26 of another game apparatus. That is, it is for matching the virtual time axis in the game progressing between a plurality of game devices. Based on an instruction from the game progress management unit 21, the time information supplied from the clock unit 26 is transmitted to the time information adjustment unit 71 of another game device via the interface unit 72.
To send to. The time information adjusting unit 71 adjusts the time information of the clock unit 26 based on the time information transmitted from another game device via the interface unit 72. Note that the adjustment of the time information does not mean only the change of the current time.
And the like for synchronizing with.

The interface unit 72 is configured to be able to communicate with another game device. The connection with another game device may be a connection between connectors, a connection by a cable, or a wireless connection.

(Operation) FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game device according to the present embodiment. The operation of the game device shown in the figure is almost the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for the steps related to the communication processing described below.

Step S802: When the game device is turned on or a start instruction is given to start the game, after a predetermined initial setting, the game device can communicate with another game device. Determine whether or not it is connected. If it is determined that they are communicably connected, as in the first embodiment, the processing from step S803 is performed in order to determine whether or not the player has used for the first time. On the other hand, if it is determined that the connection is not communicable, the processing after step S905 shown in FIG. 9 is performed.

Steps S806 and S810: Disconnect communication connected to another game device. For example, when the game progresses and the game ends, the game device performs a communication disconnection process.

If it is determined in step S811, that the time is after the waiting time, the game device performs the processing from step S901 shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S812 that the time is not within the allowable time, step S904 shown in FIG.
The following processing is performed. In the present embodiment, step S802
In step S905, if it is determined that the connection is not communicable, the game proceeds to the step S905 shown in FIG. 9, and the game ends.

In the present embodiment, the operation of the game apparatus has been described sequentially, but the processing order may be changed or the parallel processing may be performed as long as no inconsistency occurs in the operation.

As described above, the game is configured to be communicable with another game device, and the game is advanced by communicating with the other game device according to the time set by the player. And the game scenario are closely related, and a sense of unity is created through the game with a player of another game device as a communication partner, so that the game can be enjoyed more.

[0088]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game to which new fun is added, and to contribute to the development of this kind of game.

That is, according to the present invention, a player can progress a game play by closely associating the game scenario with the time in the real life of the player. Therefore, for the player, the sense of going to access during the game scenario is provided, and a game with a completely new taste is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the game scenario is determined according to the time information set by the player himself, thereby giving the player a sense of limitation and satisfaction in setting the game scenario, and providing a different game for each player. Will be able to do it.

Further, according to the present invention, the game can be communicated with another game device, and the game is progressed by communicating with the other game device according to the time set by the player. Time and the game scenario are closely related, and a sense of unity through the game is created with the player of the other game device that is the communication partner,
You will be able to enjoy the game more.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a player inputs user time information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the game device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a game device of another example according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a game device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the game device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the game device according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

21: game progress management unit, 22: game effect program storage unit, 23: display unit, 24: user time information input unit,
25: User information storage unit, 26: Clock unit, 27: Time information comparison unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A game device having a timing function,
The first time information when the player starts the game acquired by the timing function is compared with the second time information preset by the player, and the game operation is performed based on the comparison result. A game device for determining contents. 2. Clock means for acquiring a time when a player starts a game as first time information, and storing a time to start a game set by the player as second time information. Storage means, comparing means for comparing the first time information with the second time information, and game operation content determining means for determining a game operation content based on a comparison result obtained by the comparing means. ,
A game device comprising: 3. A game processing method for a game device having a timekeeping function, comprising: first time information when a player starts a game obtained by the timekeeping function; A game processing method, comprising: comparing second time information; and determining a game operation content based on a result of the comparison. 4. A recording medium on which a program to be executed on a game device is recorded, wherein a time when a player starts a game is obtained as first time information by a timing function, and the first time information is obtained. A machine readable program storing a program for causing the game device to implement a function of comparing the time information with second time information set in advance by a player and determining the operation content of the game based on the comparison result. recoding media. 5. A game device having a timekeeping function,
A time when the game device is communicably connected to another game device is obtained as first time information by the timing function,
The obtained first time information is compared with second time information set in advance by a player, and a scenario of a game played with another game device is determined based on the comparison result. A game device characterized by the above-mentioned.