JP2000135378A - Game device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a game device and an information storage medium capable of communicating between players in a multi-player game. In a game device for playing a multiplayer game, when a player performs a predetermined operation with a game controller and inputs a message command for sending a predetermined message to another player, a predetermined command determined according to the message is input. Is output via a predetermined output medium. The output medium may be an image, a sound, or another medium. One message image may be output from a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command based on at least one of the previously input message command and the game situation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device and an information storage medium formed so that a multiplayer game can be played.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multiplayer type game apparatus in which a plurality of players enjoy a game in the same game space is known and popular. In such a multi-player game, the players enjoy competing and bargaining, which is not enjoyable in a single-player game.

However, in the conventional multi-player game, there was no idea of communicating with other players accompanying the game during the game. Therefore, even if a multi-player game is played, there is a case where communication between players does not occur, which is not much different from playing a game with a computer opponent.

In addition, for example, when playing a multiplayer game with a player at a remote location, there is a problem in that it is difficult to recognize the situation of each other, so that it is difficult to realize that the player is playing the game with another player.

[0005] Therefore, the inventor of the present application considered that if communication could be performed between players during a game, a more interesting multiplayer game could be provided than simply playing the game together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus and an information storage medium capable of communicating among players in a multi-player game. To provide.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a game apparatus for playing a multiplayer game, in which a player performs a predetermined operation with a game controller to send a predetermined message to another player during the game. And a message output means for outputting a predetermined message corresponding to the message command during a game via a predetermined output medium when the message command is input. And

[0008] Here, the multiplayer game is
A game in which a plurality of players play the same game at the same time. Therefore, for example, a game system that realizes a multi-player game by connecting a plurality of game boards by a communication line may be used. Further, a system that realizes a multiplayer game by calculating operation inputs from a plurality of players on the same game board without having a communication unit may be used. The latter case includes, for example, a case where a plurality of players play a multiplayer game with one physically physical game device.

Here, the message command is:
For example, it means an input by performing a predetermined operation with a game controller such as a button or a lever.

[0010] The content of the message also includes information to convey the player's emotions associated with game play such as joy, laughter, anger, depression, likes and dislikes, and the attributes and characteristics of the player, for example, that he or she is a beginner.

[0011] The predetermined message is determined according to the content of the message sent by the message command, and is, for example, a telop displayed on an image or an LED.
It is output via an output medium such as audio.

According to the present invention, when another player inputs a message command during a game, a message corresponding to the command is output. Therefore, it is possible to communicate between players during the game, so that it is possible to enjoy negotiations with other players,
It is possible to provide a game device that enhances the sense of unity between players and can further excite the multiplayer game.

Further, according to the present invention, when the message output means receives the message command, the message output means outputs a message image composed of at least one of a figure and a character determined according to the message to a game screen. It is characterized by including image output means.

[0014] The message image may be output to the entire screen or a part of the game screen. When outputting to a part of the game screen, for example, it is preferable to display a message image near a player character corresponding to each player. This is because the relationship between the message and the player character can be understood at a glance.

According to the present invention, when one of the players inputs a message command during a game, a message image corresponding to the command is output on the game screen. Therefore, messages can be exchanged between players on the game screen while playing the game.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the message output means includes a message voice output means for outputting a message voice determined according to the message when the message command is input.

For example, a message voice such as "Go", "Ganbare", or "Thank you" is prepared, and when another player inputs a message command for outputting these during the game, the corresponding command is received. The message voice may be output to the speaker.

Further, according to the present invention, when the message command is input, the message image output means outputs one of a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command based on the previously input message command. Is output.

The message command input in the past may be a command input by the player itself or a command input by another player. Also, input in the past means that the message command was input within a predetermined time before the input.

According to the present invention, even if the same message command is input, a message image belonging to the same message category but having a different pattern is output based on the previously input message command. That is, for example, if a player inputs a message command indicating anger for a short period of time, a message image indicating normal anger is output for the first input, and a larger anger is displayed for a subsequent input. For example, a message image is output.

Thus, even if the player inputs the same message command, different patterns of message images are output according to the previously input message command. For this reason, the output of the message image is not monotonous, and it is possible to provide a game device that can output a message image rich in variety according to the situation.

Further, according to the present invention, when the message command is input, the message image output means outputs a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command according to a game situation at the time of inputting the message command. 1 is output.

In the present invention, even if the same message command is input, a message image belonging to the same message category but having a different pattern is output according to the game situation. That is, for example, when a message command indicating joy is input in an advantageous situation for the player, a message image of a normal pattern is output,
If a message command indicating the same joy is input in a situation that is disadvantageous for the player, a message image indicating the joy indicating that the player is strong is output.

Thus, even if the player inputs the same message command, different patterns of message images are output according to the game situation. For this reason, the output of the message image is not monotonous, and it is possible to provide a game device that can output a message image rich in variety according to the situation.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the message output by the message output means expresses the emotion of the player.

The message indicating the emotion of the player is, for example, an emotion such as joy, anger, sadness, depression, likes and dislikes. This allows the player to express what he / she felt through the game and to convey it to other players.

The present invention also includes communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from another game device via a data transmission line, wherein the communication means transmits / receives the message command to / from another game device and outputs the message. The means
A message is output based on a message command received from another game device via the communication means.

According to the present invention, information on whether or not a message command has been input on another game device can be obtained from communication data. Accordingly, each of the game devices constituting the multi-player game system can perform a message output process based on the information on the presence or absence of the input of the message command of its own device and the other game devices.

Each game device included in the game system may be configured to individually determine the presence or absence of a message command input and output a message. Also,
For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the game device in which entry is performed first becomes the master device, the master device instructs another game device to output a message, and the other game device outputs a message in accordance with the instruction of the master device. .

According to the present invention, there is also provided an information storage medium in which information for playing a multi-player game is stored, wherein when a player performs a predetermined operation with a game controller, a predetermined message is sent to another player during the game. Information for detecting a message command input to send a message, and information for outputting a predetermined message corresponding to the message command during a game via a predetermined output medium when the message command is detected. And characterized in that:

Further, the information storage medium of the present invention is characterized in that, when the message command is detected, information for outputting a message image composed of at least one of a figure and a character determined according to the message to a game screen. It is characterized by including.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the message command is detected, information for outputting a message voice determined according to the message is included.

Further, when the message command is detected, the information storage medium of the present invention provides a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command.
It is characterized by including information for outputting one message image based on a message command input in the past.

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the message command is detected, from a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command,
It is characterized by including information for outputting one message image according to a game situation at the time of inputting a message command.

Further, the information storage medium of the present invention includes information for transmitting and receiving data to and from another game device via the data transmission line, and transmits the message command received from the other game device via the data transmission line. And information for outputting a message.

[0036]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. FIG. 1 shows an example of a connection between game devices.

In this embodiment, a plurality of independent game machines 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, and 10-6 are connected in a loop, for example. And the game device 1
Each of 0-1 to 10-6 transmits and receives data to and from another game device via the transmission line 12. In the present embodiment, the data is transmitted so as to go around the transmission line 12 in a clockwise direction.

The game devices 10-1 to 10-6 each have
It is configured so that a single player type game can be played independently.

2. Configuration of Game Device FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game device.

The operation section 120 is used by the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, a gun, a steering wheel, an accelerator, and a brake. In the present invention,
It functions as a message command input unit for inputting a message command from the operation unit 120.

The information storage medium 130 stores information such as programs and data, and its function is realized by hardware such as ROM, CDROM, hard disk, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, and DVD. it can. In the information storage medium 130, various information (information for transmitting and receiving data, information about a message image and a message voice, information for processing a message command, information for processing a message command,
Information for instructing output of a message image, information for instructing output of a message voice, and the like) are stored. The information stored in the information storage medium 130 includes program codes for performing the processing of the present embodiment,
It includes at least one of image information, sound information, shape information of a display object, table data, list data, player information, and the like.

The processing unit 140 controls the entire game device,
It performs various kinds of processing such as instruction of instructions to each block in the game device and game calculation, and the function thereof is a CPU.
(CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.). Here, the processing unit 140 operates based on player operation data input from the operation unit 120 via the I / O port 124, programs and data from the information storage medium 130, and the like. The processing unit 140 performs various processes using the work memory 158 as a work area.

The processing section 140 includes a transmission / reception processing section 142, a message command processing section 144, and a game calculation section 146.

Here, the transmission / reception processing unit 142 performs processing for transmitting / receiving data to / from another game device. For example, writing transmission data to the buffer memory 180,
Read the received data from the buffer memory 180,
Processing such as issuing various instructions for transmission and reception to the communication control unit 170 is performed.

The message command processing section 144 determines whether or not the command is a message command based on the operation information input from the operation section 120, and analyzes the content of the corresponding message. When a message command is input, an instruction to read and output a message image composed of at least one of a graphic and a character corresponding to the message command from the information storage medium 130 or the work memory 158, or a message corresponding to the message command An instruction is given for a process of reading and outputting a sound from the information storage medium 130 or the work memory 158, and the like.

The game calculation section 146 performs various calculation processes necessary for performing a game, such as a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a process of calculating the arrangement of game characters based on player inputs, and the like. ing.

The work memory 158 serves as a work area for the processing section 140, the image generation section 160, the sound generation section 164, the communication control section 170, and the like, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

The image generating section 160 generates various images according to an instruction from the processing section 140 and the like, and
The function is the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, DSP and a given program (image generation program).

The sound generation section 164 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing section 140 and outputs the generated sounds to the sound output section 166. The function of the sound generation section 164 is as follows.
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU and a DSP and a given program (sound generation program).

The message command processing unit 144 functions as a message output unit by instructing the image generation unit 160 and the sound generation unit 164 to output a message image and a message voice.

The communication control section 170 performs various kinds of control for communication, and has a function of a communication ASIC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a given program (communication program).

The buffer memory 180 temporarily stores received data and transmitted data.
It can be realized by hardware such as AM. Here, buffer memory 180 has a transmission-only area 182 and a transmission / reception area 184.

The data received from the preceding game device is I
The data is written to the transmission / reception area 184 via the / O port 172 and the communication control unit 170. If the received data is not necessary for the game device, the data is transmitted from the transmission / reception area 182 to the subsequent game device via the communication control unit 170 and the I / O port 172 as it is. On the other hand, if necessary, the received data is read by the processing unit 140 and written to the work memory 158. Then, after a given process is performed by the processing unit 140 or the like, the data is written to the transmission-only area 182 as transmission data, and transmitted to the subsequent game device via the communication control unit 170 and the I / O port 172.

3. Features of the present embodiment A feature of the present embodiment is that, in a game device for performing a multi-player game, when a player performs a predetermined operation with a game controller, a message command for sending a predetermined message to another player is input. Then, a predetermined message determined according to the message is output via a predetermined output medium. The output medium may be an image, a sound, or another medium.

FIGS. 3A to 3I are diagrams for explaining an example of a message image. FIGS. 3A to 3C are examples of message images representing joy, and FIGS.
(F) is an example of a message image showing anger, and FIG.
(G) to (I) are examples of message images representing sadness. The message image may be a combination of a character and a figure as shown in FIGS.
(E) Only the figure may be used as in (H), or FIG.
(F) A format in which only characters are put in a balloon as in (I) may be used, or only characters without a balloon may be used.

Next, an example of outputting a message image will be described by taking a battle game using a tank as an example.

FIG. 4 shows a game controller corresponding to an operation unit of a battle game device using a tank, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen on which a message image is output in a battle game using a tank.

The player operates the lever 210 (see FIG. 4) to move forward, backward, left and right so that 230
(See FIG. 5), a tank 240 as a player character
By moving (see FIG. 5) forward, backward, left and right, and pressing the button 218 (see FIG. 4), the enemy can be bombarded and a multiplayer tank game can be enjoyed. Button 21
By pressing 2, 214 and 216, a message image representing joy, a message image representing anger, and a message image representing sadness can be displayed on the screen, respectively.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when a player's tank 240 is hit by a shell, the player
By pressing, a message image 250 indicating anger can be output on the display screen, and the emotion of anger can be transmitted to another player.

A feature of the present invention is that one message image is output from a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command based on at least one of a previously input message command and a game situation. It is.

An example of output of such a message image will be described by taking a fighting game by gun shooting as an example.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a game controller corresponding to an operation unit of a fighting game device for shooting a gun. FIGS. 7A and 7B show examples of a game screen on which a message image is output. is there.

The player operates the trigger 315-1 of the gun 314-1 toward the enemy character displayed on the display unit 312-1.
, The game field 330 (FIG. 7)
(A)), it is possible to enjoy a shooting battle with the enemy player character. Buttons 322-1, 324-
By pressing 1, 326-1, a message image representing joy, a message image representing anger, and a message image representing sadness can be displayed on the screen.

Here, it is assumed that the bullet shot by the player character 360 hits the enemy player character 364 and the enemy player character 364 is damaged, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example. In such a case, the player can output a message image 366 indicating the joy of defeating the enemy to his / her player character 360 by pressing the button 322-1. Further, the other player on the enemy side that has been shot presses the button 324-2 to display a message image 370 indicating anger that the ally has been killed by the player character 3 of the other player.
62 can be output.

Then, the other player on the enemy side shot is
When the button 324-2 is pressed again within the predetermined time, FIG.
As shown at 372 in (B), a message image 372 indicating stronger anger is output to the player character 362 of another player.

As described above, according to the present invention, although the same message command is input, it belongs to the same message category according to the previously input message command.
Message images with different variations can be output.

When the shot player character 364 inputs a message command for outputting a message indicating joy, for example, a message image indicating joy as shown at 374 in FIG. 7B is output. Normally, a message image indicating joy as shown at 366 in FIG. 7A is output. However, in consideration of the game situation in which the player is immediately after being shot and damaged, an image of empty joy is made. A message image indicating the pleasure of adding the special effect mark is output.

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the same message command is input, message images belonging to the same message category but having different variations can be output according to the game situation.

Further, what is displayed as the message image is not limited to one expressing emotions such as joy, anger, sadness and the like. For example, it may represent an attribute of the player.

An example of output of such a message image will be described by taking a racing game as an example.

FIG. 8 shows a game controller corresponding to the operation unit of the racing game machine, and FIG. 9 shows an example of a game screen on which a message image is output.

The player uses the sheet 41 provided in the housing.
8 and operate a handle 414, an accelerator 415, a brake (not shown), a lever 416, and the like to control a player car in the game field. Also,
By pressing the front, rear, left and right of a button 420 provided at the center of the steering wheel, a message image indicating joy, a message image indicating anger, a message image indicating sadness, and a message image indicating that the user is a beginner as shown in FIG. 430 can be displayed on the screen.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made.

In the present embodiment, the case where the message image is output as a part of the game image has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a case where a message image is output on the entire game screen may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the message command is input with the button has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an input may be made from a game controller such as a lever, a steering wheel, an accelerator, a brake, and a shooting gun.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the case of outputting to the screen,
It may be output as a message voice. For example, a voice such as "lucky" may be output as a message voice indicating joy, or a voice such as "Okase you" may be output as a message voice indicating anger.

Further, a message may be displayed in a telop by causing a game housing to emit characters using an LED.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described as an example where each of the game devices constituting the game system individually performs a process of determining whether or not the command is a message command and analyzing the content of the corresponding message. Not limited to this. For example, first, one of the game devices becomes a master device, the master device performs a game over determination process, and gives a result to another game device, and the other game device processes a message command according to the instruction of the master device. May be performed.

For example, the connection form of the game device in the present invention is not limited to the ring type shown in FIG. For example, the present invention is applicable to a star type as shown in FIG. 11A and a bus type as shown in FIG. 11B. For example, the master (host) may have an information storage medium containing information for data transmission / reception, game over determination processing, and the like.

The configuration of the game device of the present invention is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications can be made.

The present invention is not limited to the case where a game device arranged adjacently is connected to play a multiplayer game. A multiplayer game may be played by connecting a game device at a remote location. When playing a multiplayer game between players at remote locations, it is difficult to recognize the opponent, and it is difficult to realize that the player is playing the multiplayer game. However, by outputting a message as in the present invention, mutual communication becomes possible, and a game can be played with an invisible opponent with a sense of unity.

The present invention is not limited to a battle game, but is applicable to a game in which a plurality of players can participate and a multi-player game is possible.

The present invention also relates to a home game device, a business game device, a simulator, a large attraction device in which many players participate, a personal computer,
The present invention can be applied to various game devices such as a multimedia terminal and a system board for generating a game image.

[0085]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of the game device of the embodiment.

FIGS. 3A to 3I are diagrams for explaining an example of a message image;

FIG. 4 shows a game controller corresponding to an operation unit of a battle game device using a tank.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen on which a message image is output in a battle game using tanks.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a game controller corresponding to an operation unit of a fighting game device for shooting a gun.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a game screen on which a message image is output. FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a game controller corresponding to an operation unit of the racing game device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen on which a message image is output.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of various connection forms of the game device.

[Description of Signs] 10-1 to 10-6 Game device 12 Transmission line 120 Operation unit 124 I / O port 130 Information storage medium 140 Processing unit 142 Transmission / reception processing unit 144 Message command processing unit 146 Message image output instruction unit 148 Message voice Output instruction unit 158 Work memory 160 Image generation unit 162 Display unit 164 Sound generation unit 166 Sound output unit 170 Communication control unit 172 I / O port 180 Buffer memory 182 Transmission-only area 184 Transmission / reception area

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A game device for performing a multi-player game, wherein a player performs a predetermined operation with a game controller to input a message command for sending a predetermined message to another player during the game. A message output unit that outputs a predetermined message corresponding to the message command during a game via a predetermined output medium when the message command is input. 2. The message output means according to claim 1, wherein, when the message command is input, a message image comprising at least one of a graphic and a character determined according to the message is output to a game screen. A game device, comprising: 3. The message output unit according to claim 1, wherein the message output unit outputs a message voice determined according to the message when the message command is input. A game device characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. The message image output unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the message command is input, the message image output means is input in the past from a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command. And outputting one message image based on the message command. 5. The message image output unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the message command is input, a message command is input from a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command. And outputting one message image in accordance with the game situation of (1). 6. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the message output by the message output means represents the emotion of the player. 7. The game device according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from another game device via a data transmission line, wherein said communication means transmits and receives the message command to and from another game device. A game device for transmitting and receiving, wherein the message output means outputs a message based on a message command received from another game device via a communication means. 8. An information storage medium storing information for playing a multi-player game, wherein a player performs a predetermined operation with a game controller to send a predetermined message to another player during the game. And information for outputting, during the game, a predetermined message corresponding to the message command via a predetermined output medium when the message command is detected. An information storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. The game apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the message command is detected, information for outputting a message image composed of at least one of a graphic and a character determined according to the message to a game screen is included. An information storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 10. The information storage according to claim 8, further comprising information for outputting a message voice determined according to the message when the message command is detected. Medium. 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein when the message command is detected, one of a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command is determined based on a previously input message command. An information storage medium characterized by including information for outputting a message image. 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein when the message command is detected, a plurality of patterns of message images corresponding to the same message command are used in accordance with a game situation at the time of inputting the message command. An information storage medium including information for outputting one message image. 13. The game device according to claim 8, further comprising information for transmitting / receiving data to / from another game device via the data transmission line, and receiving information from the other game device via the data transmission line. An information storage medium comprising information for outputting a message based on a message command.