JP4071666B2 - GAME DEVICE AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

各プレイヤの機体ＶＣは、ランダムであるが一定時間内で消滅する速度アップアイテムを連続的に放出する。図５は、機体ＶＣから放出される速度アップアイテムＡＩの状態を説明する図である。速度アップアイテムＡＩは、各プレイヤの機体ＶＣから所定の頻度で出力され、所定の寿命で消滅する。具体的に説明すると、星形の機体ＶＣに乗った丸いドライバＤＣは、競技空間内で機体ＶＣとともに左前から右後へと進んでおり、星形の機体ＶＣからは、後方につまり画面の左側に、小さな星形の速度アップアイテムＡＩを幾つも排出している。
【００５４】
ＲＡＭ１４には、速度アップアイテムＡＩに関するアイテムテーブルが保持されている。このアイテムテーブルは、以下の表２に示すような構成となっており、これに新規に登録することにより、移動する各時刻における機体ＶＣの後部に対応する座標が、時間的・空間的に所定のランダムさで追加・配置されるようになっている。アイテムテーブルには、▲１▼発生させた各速度アップアイテムＡＩの位置、▲２▼各速度アップアイテムＡＩの種類（アイテムＩＤ）、▲３▼各速度アップアイテムＡＩが消滅するまでの生存時間、▲４▼その速度アップアイテムＡＩを生成した機体ＶＣの番号が登録されている。モニタ１６の画面には、この情報に基づいて速度アップアイテムＡＩが表示される。具体的には、移動する機体ＶＣの後部において速度アップアイテムＡＩがランダムかつ所定の頻度で連続的に発生する。この際、表２に示すアイテムテーブルのうちの位置データを機体ＶＣの後部の一定範囲でランダムに変化させて登録したり、特に図示はしないが表２のアイテムテーブルにも表１のように速度と方向を記憶させるように構成し、アイテム登録時に速度ベクトルを与えて登録することができる。これによって、速度アップアイテムＡＩの表示位置をランダムに変化させたり一定方向に移動させることができる。
【表２】

【００５５】
図６は、比較のための画面であり、図５に示す実施形態の場合のように競技キャラクタＲＣから速度アップアイテムＡＩを発生させない場合の表示例を示す。説明のためにカメラのアングルを変えてあるが、通常のプレイ中においては、カメラアングルを競技キャラクタＲＣの後方、あるいは競技キャラクタＲＣの視点からとして、モニタ１６に映像を表示させるようになっている。
【００５６】
図７は、速度アップアイテムＡＩの取り込みを説明する図である。後続機体ＦＶＣは、先行機体ＬＶＣの後方に追従しており、先行機体ＬＶＣから出力される速度アップアイテムＡＩを捕獲する。具体的には、後続機体ＦＶＣのプレイヤがモニタ１６の画面に表示された速度アップアイテムＡＩを目で追いながら競技空間内で後続機体ＦＶＣを移動させる。そして、例えば速度アップアイテムＡＩと後続機体ＦＶＣとの座標が重なった状態とすることによって、速度アップアイテムＡＩを取り込んで消滅させることができ、自機ＦＶＣの速度を向上させることができる。この時に、図５の如く速度アップアイテムＡＩが、小さな星形として表示されていれば、プレイヤにとって自分が何をすれば良いのかが明確になり、またどこまで近づけばその効果が得られるかが明らかとなり、図６のものと比較して、遊び易さは著しく向上する。
【００５７】
次に、本実施形態のビデオゲーム装置１０の動作の詳細について、図８，９を参照して説明する。
【００５８】
図８は、アイテムチェック処理のサブプログラムを説明するフローチャートである。このアイテムチェック処理は、速度アップアイテムＡＩの効果を発揮させるため定期的に呼び出される。このアイテムチェック処理では、速度アップアイテムＡＩの状態を定期的にチェックして一定の条件が満たされる場合、速度アップアイテムＡＩによる後続機体ＦＶＣの速度上昇効果を発生させる。
【００５９】
まず、変数ｃとして表２のアイテムテーブルの末尾の番号ｎをセット（ステップＳ１１）し、速度アップアイテムＡＩの各機体ＶＣに対する距離をアイテムテーブルの後方から順次調べていく（ステップＳ１２）。速度アップアイテムＡＩの各機体ＶＣに対する距離が一定の距離内にあった場合（ステップＳ１３）には、速度アップアイテムＡＩが捕獲されたものとする。つまり、ＣＰＵ１１は、アイテム入力手段として速度アップアイテムＡＩの捕獲を登録する。このように、速度アップアイテムＡＩが捕獲されたと判断された場合（ステップＳ１３）、ＣＰＵ１１は、速度上昇手段として速度アップアイテムＡＩの効果を実施する（ステップＳ１４）。速度アップの効果を実施する場合は、後続機体ＦＶＣの速度が増加するが、その速度アップアイテムＡＩは効力を失うため、アイテム入力手段であるＣＰＵ１１によって、速度アップアイテムＡＩを消去するべくアイテムテーブルから当該データが削除される（ステップＳ１７）。
【００６０】
一方、速度アップアイテムＡＩと全ての機体ＶＣとの距離が離れている場合は、速度アップアイテムの生存時間を一つ減らす（ステップＳ１５）。このような減少によって生存時間がゼロになったら、その速度アップアイテムＡＩは画面から消去する（ステップＳ１６，Ｓ１７）。この際、ＣＰＵ１１は、アイテム消滅手段として、チェック中のｃ番目の速度アップアイテムＡＩの登録データを削除するとともに、以後のデータ部分を前方に詰めることによってアイテムテーブルを更新する。
【００６１】
なお、速度アップアイテムＡＩの捕獲や寿命による消去（ステップＳ１７）後や、速度アップアイテムＡＩが捕獲等されず残存した場合（ステップＳ１６）は、変数ｃを１つ減らす（ステップＳ１８）。そして、ｃ＞０すなわち先頭の速度アップアイテムＡＩについてのアイテムチェック処理が終了していなければ、最初に戻って（ステップＳ１９）、次の速度アップアイテムＡＩについてのアイテムチェック処理を実施する（ステップＳ１２〜Ｓ１９）。
【００６２】
速度アップアイテムＡＩを後続機体ＦＶＣが取得してステップＳ１４で速度アップの効果が実施されるが、具体的な操作としては、表１に示す機体テーブルのうち当該機体ＦＶＣの速度データが例えば１段階増加される。その際、ＣＰＵ１１は、下位優遇手段として当該機体ＦＶＣの順位を調べ、その順位に応じて整数倍した段階で速度を増加させる処理を行うこともできる。このように設定した場合、順位が低い後続機体ＦＶＣでは、速度データの増加量が相対的に大きくなるので、下位の機体ＶＣにハンデを設けたと同様の効果が生じ、プレイヤ間の実力差が大きい場合にも伯仲したゲーム展開とすることができ、ゲームの娯楽性を高めることができる。また、ＣＰＵ１１は、恩恵付与手段として速度アップアイテムＡＩを出力する際に、つまりアイテムテーブルに速度アップアイテムを登録する際に、機体ＬＶＣの順位を表１に基づいて特定し、順位が高い場合は、予め用意した数種類の速度アップアイテムの中から速度増加量の大きいアイテムＩＤの速度アップアイテムを登録することで速度増加量を調節する処理を行うこともできる。このように設定した場合、順位が高い先行機体ＬＶＣが生成する速度アップアイテムＡＩの効果が大きくなるので、下位の機体ＶＣに一種のハンデを設けたと同様の効果が生じ、プレイヤ間の実力差が大きい場合にも伯仲したゲーム展開とすることができる。
【００６３】
なお、上記の具体例では、速度アップの効果として単純に速度を上昇させることとしているが、速度アップの効果として加速能力やその持続性を高めるといったパワーのポテンシャルを蓄積する効果を与えることもできる。
【００６４】
図９は、アイテム出力処理のサブプログラムを説明するフローチャートである。このアイテム出力処理は、速度アップアイテムＡＩを機体ＶＣから出力させるべく定期的に呼び出される。このサブプログラムでは、１までの範囲で乱数の値Ｒを発生させ（ステップＳ３１）、この値Ｒに比例するとともに機体ＶＣの順位増加とともに減少する値Ｄを計算して（ステップＳ３２）、値Ｄが０．８より大きければ（ステップＳ３３）、速度アップアイテムＡＩを生成するようになっている（ステップＳ３４）。つまり、ＣＰＵ１１が、アイテム出力手段として、表示コントローラ１５等を介して、モニタ１６の表示画面中において機体ＶＣの後方から速度アップアイテムＡＩを排出させる。
【００６５】
なお、値Ｄは、例えば以下の式
Ｄ＝Ｒ×（Ｔ−Ｏ） … （１）
で与えられる。ここで、値Ｔはゲームに参加しているプレイヤの総数を示し、値Ｏは注目する機体ＶＣの順位を示す。また、値Ｄは、
Ｄ＝Ｒ×Ｔ÷Ｏ … （２）
とすることもできる。つまり、ＣＰＵ１１が、排出量増加手段としてランダムな値Ｒを修正した値Ｄを算出するので、順位が高い機体ＶＣほど速度アップアイテムＡＩを生成する確率が高く、順位が低い機体ＶＣほど速度アップアイテムＡＩを生成する確率が低くなる。このように順位が高い機体ＶＣほど速度アップアイテムＡＩを生成する確率が高くなると、順位が低い機体ＶＣほど速度アップアイテムＡＩを捕獲するチャンスが高まる。よって、順位が低い機体ＶＣにハンデを設けたと同様の効果が生じ、プレイヤ間の実力差が大きい場合にも伯仲したゲーム展開とすることができ、ゲームの娯楽性を高めることができる。
【００６６】
ステップＳ３４における速度アップアイテムＡＩの具体的な生成方法について説明すると、表２のアイテムテーブルの末尾にアイテムデータを追加することによって速度アップアイテムＡＩが生成される。この際、速度アップアイテムＡＩを発生する機体ＶＣの座標やその近傍にランダムに発生させた座標をそのまま追加アイテムの座標にすることで、速度アップアイテムＡＩは機体からは進行方向と逆方向に同じ速度で（進行ベクトルの逆ベクトルで）出力されたことになる。勿論、アイテムの登録方法としてはこの実施例に限らず、機体の進行ベクトルと逆ベクトルを中心として、速さを変化させたり方向を回転させて登録するようにしても良い。なお、その場合はアイテムテーブルに速度ベクトルの登録エリアを付加することになる。
【００６７】
図１０は、速度アップアイテムＡＩの終末における変形例を説明する図である。先行する競技キャラクタＲＣからは多数の速度アップアイテムＡＩが後方に長く延びて機体ＶＣから離れた位置まで連なっている。これは、表２のアイテムテーブルに速度アップアイテムＡＩを追加登録する際に、生存時間ｔｎとして、
ｔｎ＝ｔ０×Ｔ÷Ｏ … （３）
の演算を施したものを登録することによって実現できる。ここで、値ｔ０は、例えば標準的なスリップストリームに対応して当初与えられる寿命であり、値Ｔ，Ｏは、ゲームに参加しているプレイヤの総数や速度アップアイテムＡＩを発生する機体ＶＣの順位を示す。このように、ＣＰＵ１１を消滅調節手段として動作させて表２を登録する場合、上位競技キャラクタＲＣの速度アップアイテムＡＩの寿命を延ばすことになり、上位競技キャラクタＲＣから大きく離された上位競技キャラクタＲＣにも、速度アップアイテムＡＩを捕獲する機会が与えられるので、レースを競り合う面白さが増加する。
【００６８】
さらに、速度アップアイテムＡＩの捕獲効果として、速度アップアイテムＡＩの消滅に近い時点で捕獲した場合ほど速度アップ効果を増大させることも可能である。この場合、ＣＰＵ１１は、経時増強手段として速度アップアイテムＡＩの捕獲時点における残存時間ｔｃを調べて、速度アップアイテムＡＩの捕獲後の増加速度ａを、
ａ＝ａ０×（２×ｔｉ−ｔｃ）÷ｔｉ … （４）
で与える。ここで、値ｔｉは速度アップアイテムＡＩの残存時間の初期値であり、値ａ０は速度アップアイテムＡＩの当初設定の速度増加量（段階的に上昇させる速度の標準的な上昇量）である。つまり、速度アップアイテムＡＩの発生直後にこの速度アップアイテムＡＩが捕獲された場合、ｔｃ＝ｔｉで速度増加はａ＝ａ０となり、速度アップアイテムＡＩの消滅直前にこの速度アップアイテムＡＩが捕獲された場合、ｔｃ＝０で速度増加はａ＝２×ａ０となり、残存時間ｔｃが少なくなると２倍まで速度アップ効果を増やすことができる。
【００６９】
図１１は、速度アップアイテムが消滅して別のアイテムに変化したときの画面の例である。速度アップアイテムＡＩが別アイテムＤＩに変化した場合、そのアイテムの種類に応じて、別アイテムＤＩを獲得した競技キャラクタＲＣに対して単なる速度増加ではない恩典が得られたり、別アイテムＤＩを回避できなかった競技キャラクタＲＣに対してダメージが得られたりする。
【００７０】
このようなアイテムの変化は、図１２に示す処理フローによって実現される。この処理フローは、図８の処理フローを変形したものであり、共通する部分については同一の符号を付して重複説明を省略する。この場合、速度アップアイテムＡＩの生存時間がゼロになっても（ステップＳ１６）、その速度アップアイテムＡＩを直ちに消去させるのではなく、１までの範囲で乱数を発生させ（ステップＳ４１）、その値が例えば０．００１より小さければ（ステップＳ４３）、速度アップアイテムＡＩを別アイテムＤＩに変更する再セット処理を行う（ステップＳ４５）。つまり、ＣＰＵ１１をアイテム変更手段として動作させることにより、速度アップアイテムＡＩの生存時間がゼロになったときであっても、乱数によって１０００分の１の確率で速度アップアイテムＡＩから別アイテムＤＩが生成されるようになる。
【００７１】
以下の表３は、上述の別アイテムＤＩのアイテム特性テーブルを示している。
【表３】

この表３において、番号が小さい方が、スピードが３倍に増えるなどの、取得すると有利なアイテム、番号が大きい方が、暫く動けなくダメージを受けるなどの、取得すると不利なアイテムを登録してあるアイテム特性テーブルである。このテーブルはゲームプログラムとして交換式の光ディスクに記録されているが、実際にはＲＡＭ１４にコピーされて参照される。速度アップアイテムＡＩから別アイテムＤＩを生成する際には、このアイテム特性テーブルを利用してアイテムの再セットを行う。
【００７２】
図１３は、図１２のステップＳ４５に対応するアイテムの再セットを説明するフローチャートである。まず表２のアイテムテーブルを参照して、再セットの対象となる速度アップアイテムＡＩを発生した機体ＶＣの機体番号ｂｃを読み出す（ステップＳ５１）。次に、１までの範囲で乱数を発生させ（ステップＳ５２）、さらにその乱数に対象となる速度アップアイテムＡＩを発生した機体ＶＣの順位を掛けて３倍した値Ｓを求める（ステップＳ５３）。次に、表３のアイテム特性テーブルのＳ番目のアイテムＩＤを表２のアイテムテーブルの対応する欄（ｐｃ）に上書きしてアイテムＩＤの変更を行う（ステップＳ５４）。その後、同アイテムテーブルの生存時間の欄の対応する欄（ｔｃ）に上書きして生存時間を延長する（ステップＳ５５）。以上の処理において、ＣＰＵ１１は、▲１▼有利アイテムを発生させる確率を順位が高い機体ＶＣで高くする有利確率調節手段、又は▲２▼不利アイテムを発生させる確率を順位が低い機体ＶＣで高くする不利確率調節手段として動作する。
【００７３】
図１３の処理によって別アイテムＤＩを発生させた場合、その元となる速度アップアイテムＡＩを生成した機体ＶＣの順位が１番に近いほどアイテム特性テーブルの番号の小さい方が参照される確率が増え、順位が４番に近くなるほどアイテム特性テーブルの番号の大きい方が参照されるようになる。このようにして、先行する機体ＶＣは、他の機体ＶＣの助けになる有利アイテムを生成し、遅れている機体ＶＣは先行する機体の妨げになる不利アイテムを生成することで、プレイヤの技量の差を縮め、より緊迫したゲーム運びができるようになり、ゲームの面白さを増大させることができる。
【００７４】
以上の説明から明らかなように、実施形態のビデオゲーム装置１０によれば、各機体ＶＣが進行方向と逆の方向に速度アップアイテムＡＩを出力し、先行機体ＬＶＣが出した速度アップアイテムＡＩを後続機体ＦＶＣが獲得することで、スリップストリームと同等の効果が得られる。この際、スリップストリームを視覚的に確認することができ、かつ機能が明確な速度アップアイテムＡＩを使用したことにより、スピードアップするという効果を操作者が直感的かつ容易に理解することができるようになり、また同時に効果が得られる有効範囲を視覚的に確認できるようになる。よって、後続機体ＦＶＣの操作者は、先行機体ＬＶＣに対してどの位置に進めばスピードアップの効果が得られるのかを明確に把握することができる。つまり、操作者は、スリップストリーム効果を、単純にアイテムを取りに行くという自然な考え及び操作で獲得することができる。また、速度アップアイテムＡＩを使用し、効果が及ぶ範囲を視覚的に確認できるようにしたことで得られるさらなる効果として、例えば先行機体ＬＶＣが視野に入らないような充分長い時間または距離にまで速度アップアイテムＡＩを存続させても、後続機体ＦＶＣが予想外の挙動を示すようなことは起きなくなる。さらに、後続機体ＦＶＣは、先行機体ＬＶＣが残していったその速度アップアイテムＡＩを獲得し利用することで、先行機体ＬＶＣから距離が充分に開いて遅れてしまった後続機体ＦＶＣであってもスピードを高めて追いつくチャンスを得ることができ、技量の差を縮めて駆け引きをより楽しむことができるようになる。また、既存のビデオゲームにおいて各種アイテムを排出したり獲得したりする機能が他の遊びのために既に装備されているならば、スリップストリーム処理という処理を特別に作ることなく、既存のプログラムの簡単な修正のみによって、スリップストリームと同等の処理を簡便に実現できるというメリットがある。
【００７５】
以上実施形態の即して本発明を説明したが、本発明は、上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。例えば競技キャラクタＲＣは、機体ＶＣに限らず、動物や人工生命体を含む移動体に置き換えることができる。この場合、移動する動物や人工生命体の背後からスリップストリームに相当する速度アップアイテムＡＩを排出させ、上記と同様の動作や表示を行わせる。これにより、視覚的で明確な速度アップアイテムを媒介として、スリップストリームと同様の効果若しくは現象をゲームプレイヤに体感させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の一実施形態に係るビデオゲーム装置を説明するブロック図である。
【図２】モニタの画面に表示される競技コースの全体像の一例である。
【図３】各プレイヤがゲームを争っている時のゲームプレイ画面の一例である。
【図４】４人のプレイヤで遊ぶときのモニタ表示例を示す。
【図５】機体から放出される速度アップアイテムの状態を説明する図である。
【図６】比較のための画面であり、競技キャラクタから速度アップアイテムを発生させない場合の表示例を示す。
【図７】速度アップアイテムの取り込みを説明する図である。
【図８】本実施形態のビデオゲーム装置の動作の詳細について説明するフローチャートである。
【図９】本実施形態のビデオゲーム装置の動作の詳細について説明するフローチャートである。
【図１０】速度アップアイテムの終末の変形例を説明する図である。
【図１１】速度アップアイテムが消滅して別のアイテムに変化したときの画面の例である。
【図１２】図８のフローチャートを変形したものであり、アイテムの変化を説明するフローチャートである。
【図１３】図１２におけるアイテムの再セットの詳細を説明するフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１０…ビデオゲーム装置、 １３…ディスクドライブ、 １５…表示コントローラ、 １６…モニタ、 １７…インタフェース部、 １８ａ〜１８ｄ…操作用コントローラ、 ２０…ゲーム装置本体、 ＣＰＵ…１１、 ＲＡＭ…１４、 ＡＩ…速度アップアイテム、 ＣＣ…周回コース、 ＤＣ…機体に乗ったドライバ、 ＤＩ…別アイテム、 ＦＶＣ…後続機体、 ＬＶＣ…先行機体、 ＲＣ…競技キャラクタ、 ＶＣ…機体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is applied to a racing game among video games, and in particular, realizes a racing game in which the player's own machine displayed on the screen is operated to compete with enemy aircraft for speed and number of laps.The present invention relates to a game device and a program therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some racing games that compete for speed and number of laps incorporate an effect called “slip stream running” which is important in the real world of racing such as car racing.
[0003]
The above “slip stream driving” can reduce the air resistance by running behind the preceding enemy vehicle, or reduce the power caused by engine fatigue called “dripping”, and reduce the air resistance. The following vehicle can acquire the effect of increasing the acceleration of the own vehicle by improving the speed of the own vehicle or restoring the power. Such a phenomenon of slipstream is also incorporated as a simulation effect in a racing game in a video game, and works to increase the speed of a slow-ranking person in the race, reducing the difference in skill of the operator. It helps to make the game interesting.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, on the other hand, because the concept that the driving speed increases when following behind another car is based on the physical phenomenon that "actual air resistance is alleviated", it can be used as a simulation. This effect itself is difficult to understand intuitively. In particular, elementary school students and women cannot understand the principle of slipstream and cannot confirm it visually, so they cannot understand and use the effects incorporated in the game. Has occurred.
[0005]
Also, the fact that the effect is based on something that is not visible (air) causes a problem that the operator cannot determine how far the effect has reached from the preceding competition vehicle.
[0006]
In addition, in order to further level the skill between competitors, if you try to extend the distance that the effect of the slipstream extends to an extent that can not be realized, you do not know how far the invisible force is exerted, Subsequent competitors will have an uncomfortable feeling that they will behave unexpectedly with the power they cannot see. For this reason, the scope of the effect must be limited to the vicinity of the preceding competitor, and as a result, the effect will be given to race cars that have been delayed for a long time. After that, the difference in skills cannot be reduced, and the playability and entertainment of the race game can be reduced.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus that realizes a race game that makes it easy to understand slipstream driving intuitively, a program therefor, and a method for operating a screen and a character in such a race game.
[0008]
In addition, the present invention provides a game device and the like that realizes a race game in which even if persons with different skills play a game together, the difference in skills of the operators can be leveled to enjoy close tactics The purpose is to do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a game device according to a first invention displays (a) a plurality of competition characters respectively representing a plurality of moving bodies competing for victory or defeat in a race game, and the plurality of competition characters. A character display operation means for enabling operation of at least one of them in a competition space displayed on the screen, and (b) an item output for continuously discharging a speed-up item from each competition character in the competition space. Means, (c) an item input means for allowing the speed-up item to be taken in when the operation of the game character satisfies a predetermined condition, and (d) the speed in the game space of the game character that has taken in the speed-up item. And a speed increasing means for increasing the amount by a predetermined amount. Here, the “moving body” is a concept that means a moving object including an animal or an artificial life form, not limited to a vehicle such as a vehicle or an airplane, and the “competition character” refers to such a moving body as it is or It means a two-dimensional or three-dimensional figure expressed as a symbol.
[0010]
In the above game device, the item output means continuously discharges the speed-up item from each competition character representing the aircraft etc. in the competition space, and the speed increase means incorporates the speed-up item in the competition space of the competition character. Since the speed is increased by a predetermined amount, the game player can experience the same effect or phenomenon as the slip stream through a speed-up item that can be visually confirmed and has a clear function. Therefore, the game player, that is, the operator can intuitively and easily understand the effect of speeding up by the slip stream, and the subsequent competitive character is advanced to which position with respect to the preceding competitive character. If this is the case, it will be possible to clearly determine whether the speed-up effect can be obtained. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to keep the speed-up item for a sufficiently long time or distance so that the preceding competitive character does not enter the field of view, in which case the distance from the preceding competitive character is considerably increased and delayed. Even a subsequent competitive character can obtain a chance to catch up by increasing the speed, and can enjoy the game more by reducing the difference in skill between game players.
[0011]
A game apparatus according to a second aspect is the game apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the item output means discharges the discharge amount of the speed-up item discharged from the competition character having a higher rank from the competition character having a lower rank. It includes means for increasing the amount of discharge that is greater than the speed up items that are made. In this case, it is possible to collect more speed-up items for competitive characters with lower ranks in the race, and competitive characters with lower ranks have more chances to increase speed, and the effect of reducing the difference in skills is obtained. It is done. In addition, although the speed-up item according to speed can also be discharged | emitted from each competition character, in this case, operation of a competition character can be enjoyed with a simulation sense.
[0012]
A game apparatus according to a third invention is the game apparatus according to the first or second invention, wherein the speed increasing means has the effect of increasing the speed by incorporating the speed-up item in the competitive character having the low ranking. It includes a low-order preferential means that is larger than that of a character. In this case, the competitive character with the lower rank in the race has a higher effect of acquiring the speed-up item. Therefore, the competitive character with the lower rank has more chances to increase the speed, and the effect of reducing the skill difference can be obtained.
[0013]
A game apparatus according to a fourth invention is the game apparatus according to the first or second invention, wherein the speed increase means has the effect of increasing the speed of the competition character incorporating the speed-up item output from the competition character having a higher rank. Includes a benefit providing means for increasing the speed as compared with a case where a speed-up item output from a competitive character having a low rank is captured. In this case, it can be expected that the speed of the competition character that has acquired the speed-up item from the competition character having a high ranking in the race, so even a slow competition character has more opportunities to increase the speed, The effect of reducing the skill difference is obtained.
[0014]
A game device according to a fifth invention is the game device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the speed increasing means captures the effect of the speed increase caused by capturing the speed up item after the speed up item is discharged. It includes a time-enhancing means that increases as time elapses. In this case, the speed-up item will be provided even to the game character that the game character preceding the race is considerably delayed, and this creates a chance for the slower game character to increase the speed, and the difference in skill is reduced. The effect of shrinking is obtained.
[0015]
A game apparatus according to a sixth invention is the game apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the speed-up item is more than a predetermined distance from the competition character to which the speed-up item is output, and The item disappearing means that disappears in at least one case when a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed up item is output, and the predetermined distance or time until the disappearance is longer for the speed up item that is output from the higher ranking game character And an extinction adjusting means. In this case, the competition character that precedes the race will provide a speed-up item even to a sufficiently slow competition character, thereby creating a chance to increase the speed even for a slow competition character and reducing the difference in skill. The effect of shrinking is obtained.
[0016]
A game device according to a seventh invention is the game device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the speed-up item is more than a predetermined distance from the competition character from which the speed-up item is output, and Item disappearance means that disappears in at least one case when a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed up item is output, and when the speed up item disappears, the speed up item changes to another item with a predetermined probability And an item changing means for causing the item to change. In this case, when the speed-up item disappears, another item having various functions can be generated, and the game can be changed to make the game richer and more enjoyable.
[0017]
A game device according to an eighth invention is the game device according to the seventh invention, wherein another item includes an advantageous item capable of carrying a race preferentially, and the item changing means is a competition character having a high ranking. Advantageous probability adjusting means for increasing the probability of generating an advantageous item as compared with a competitive character having a low rank is included. In this case, an item that allows the preceding competitive character to carry the race preferentially is provided to the subsequent competitive character, and the advantage of increasing the superiority of the subsequent competitive character and reducing the skill difference can be obtained. In particular, the distance between the competition characters is close because the timing for generating an item that dominates the race has a delay corresponding to the time from when the speed-up item is output until it disappears. Time will pass before the following competitive character changes to another item. Therefore, the following competitive characters cannot acquire the changed item among the competitive characters of the first group, and can make the game player play a game based on the skill that does not depend on the changed item. It will be possible to expand the game.
[0018]
A game device according to a ninth invention is the game device according to the seventh and eighth inventions, wherein another item includes a disadvantageous item that is disadvantageous in the race, and the item changing means is disadvantageous for the competitive character having a lower rank. It includes an unfavorable probability adjusting means for increasing the probability of generating an item as compared with a competitive character having a high rank. In this case, a moving object with a lower rank generates a disadvantageous item that obstructs the running, so it is possible to obstruct the traveling of the moving object that leads the head in the preceding lap, increasing the game scene change, and skill The effect of reducing the difference is born.
[0019]
A program according to a tenth invention displays a plurality of competition characters respectively representing a plurality of moving bodies competing for victory or defeat in a race game on the screen, and displays at least one of the plurality of competition characters on the screen. A program for a game that can be operated in a competition space, wherein: (a) an item output program part for continuously discharging speed-up items backward from each competition character in the competition space; b) A program part for inputting an item that enables the acquisition of a speed-up item when the operation of the game character satisfies a predetermined condition, and (c) the speed in the game space of the game character that has acquired the speed-up item. And a program part for increasing the speed for increasing the predetermined amount.
[0020]
In the above program, speed-up items are continuously discharged backward from each competition character in the competition space, and the speed in the competition space of the competition character incorporating the speed-up item is increased by a predetermined amount. It is possible to cause the game player to experience the same effect or phenomenon as the slip stream through a speed-up item with a clear function. Further, for example, it is possible to continue the speed-up item until a sufficiently long time or distance so that the preceding competitive character does not enter the field of view, and the difference in skill between game players can be reduced and the game can be more enjoyed. It becomes like this.
[0021]
The program according to the eleventh aspect is the program according to the tenth aspect, wherein the program part for item output determines the discharge amount of the speed-up item discharged from the competition character having a high rank from the competition character having a low rank. It includes a program part for increasing the amount of discharge for increasing the number of items to be increased in speed. In this case, a competitive character with a lower rank is more blessed with a chance to increase the speed, so that the effect of reducing the skill difference can be obtained.
[0022]
The program according to the twelfth invention is the program according to the tenth and eleventh inventions, wherein the program part for increasing the speed has an effect of increasing the speed by incorporating the speed-up item in the competitive character having a low order, and the order is high. It is characterized by including a program part for enlarging compared with the case of a competition character. In this case, the competitive character with the lower rank in the race has a higher effect of acquiring the speed-up item. Therefore, the competitive character with the lower rank has more chances to increase the speed, and the effect of reducing the skill difference can be obtained.
[0023]
The program according to the thirteenth invention is the program according to the tenth and eleventh inventions, and the program part for increasing the speed is for increasing the speed of the competition character that incorporates the speed-up item output from the competition character having a higher rank. It includes a program portion for increasing the effect as compared with a case where a speed-up item output from a competitive character having a lower rank is captured. In this case, it can be expected that the speed of the competition character that has acquired the speed-up item from the competition character having a high ranking in the race will increase the speed, so there will be more opportunities to increase the speed even with slow moving bodies, The effect of reducing the skill difference is obtained.
[0024]
The program according to the fourteenth invention is the program according to the tenth to thirteenth invention, wherein the program portion for increasing the speed has an effect of increasing the speed by taking in the increased speed item after the increased speed item is discharged. It includes a program portion for increasing the size as time elapses until the loading. In this case, the speed-up item will be provided even to the game character that the game character preceding the race is considerably delayed, thereby creating a chance for the slower game character to increase the speed and reducing the skill difference. An effect is obtained.
[0025]
The program according to the fifteenth aspect is the program according to any of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the speed-up item is more than a predetermined distance from the competition character from which the speed-up item is output, and the speed up Speed up the output of a game character with a higher rank, the program part for annihilation of the item for annihilation in at least one case when a predetermined time has passed after the item is output, and the predetermined distance or predetermined time until annihilation And a program part for annihilation control for making the item longer. In this case, the competition character that precedes the race will provide a speed-up item even to a sufficiently slow competition character, thereby creating a chance to increase the speed even for a slow competition character and reducing the difference in skills. An effect is obtained.
[0026]
A program according to a sixteenth invention is the program according to the tenth to fourteenth invention, wherein the speed-up item is more than a predetermined distance from the competition character to which the speed-up item is output, and the speed up The program part for annihilation of the item for annihilation in at least one case when the predetermined time has passed after the item is output, and when the accelerating item disappears, the accelerating item is changed with a predetermined probability. An item change program part for changing to an item is further provided. In this case, when the speed-up item disappears, another item having various functions can be generated, and the game can be changed to make the game richer and more enjoyable.
[0027]
A program according to a seventeenth invention is the program according to the sixteenth invention, wherein another item includes an advantageous item that can carry the race preferentially, and the program part for changing the item is a high-ranking competition character Includes a program portion for increasing the probability of generating an advantageous item as compared with a competitive character having a low rank. In this case, an item that allows the preceding competitive character to carry the race preferentially is provided to the subsequent competitive character, and the advantage of increasing the superiority of the subsequent competitive character and reducing the skill difference can be obtained. In particular, since the timing for generating an item that dominates the race has a delay corresponding to the time from when the speed-up item is output until it disappears, between the competition characters of the first group The game player can make a game based on the skill not depending on the changed item, and the game can be developed more convincingly.
[0028]
The program according to the eighteenth invention is the program according to the sixteenth and seventeenth invention, wherein another item includes a disadvantageous item that is disadvantageous in the race, and the program part for changing the item is a game character having a lower rank. It includes a program portion for increasing the probability of generating a disadvantaged item as compared with a competitive character having a high rank. In this case, since a competitive character with a lower rank generates a disadvantageous item that obstructs running, it is possible to obstruct the running of a competitive character that is leading in the preceding lap, increasing the game scene change, and skill The effect of reducing the difference is born.
[0029]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a race game in which a game character representing a moving body on its own side displayed on the screen is operated to compete with a competition character representing a moving body on the enemy side. (A) A competition in which a speed-up item is continuously discharged from each competition character in the competition space displayed on the screen, and (b) a speed-up item is captured. The speed of the character in the competition space is increased by a predetermined amount.
[0030]
In the above operation method, the speed-up item is continuously discharged backward from each competition character in the competition space, and the speed in the competition space of the competition character incorporating the speed-up item is increased by a predetermined amount. The effect or phenomenon similar to the slip stream can be experienced by the game player through a speed-up item that can be confirmed and has a clear function. Further, for example, it is possible to continue the speed-up item until a sufficiently long time or distance so that the preceding competitive character does not enter the field of view, and the difference in skill between game players can be reduced and the game can be more enjoyed. It becomes like this.
[0031]
The screen and character operation method according to the twentieth invention is the operation method according to the nineteenth invention, wherein the discharge amount of the speed-up item discharged from the high-ranking game character is discharged from the low-ranking game character. It is characterized by setting more than the speed up item. In this case, a competitive character with a lower rank is more blessed with a chance to increase the speed, so that the effect of reducing the skill difference can be obtained.
[0032]
The operation method of the screen and character according to the twenty-first invention is the operation method according to the nineteenth and twentieth inventions, wherein the effect of increasing the speed by incorporating the speed-up item in the competitive character having a low order It is characterized in that it is set larger than in the case of. In this case, the competitive character with the lower rank in the race has a higher effect of acquiring the speed-up item. Therefore, the competitive character with the lower rank has more chances to increase the speed, and the effect of reducing the skill difference can be obtained.
[0033]
The operation method of the screen and the character according to the twenty-second invention is the operation method of the nineteenth and twentieth inventions, wherein the effect of increasing the speed of the competition character incorporating the speed-up item output from the competition character having a higher rank is obtained. In this case, it is set to be larger than that in the case of a speed-up item output from a competitive character with a lower rank. In this case, it can be expected that the speed of the competition character that has acquired the speed-up item from the competition character having a high ranking in the race, so even a slow competition character has more opportunities to increase the speed, The effect of reducing the skill difference is obtained.
[0034]
The operation method of the screen and character according to the twenty-third invention is the operation method of the nineteenth to twenty-second invention, wherein the effect of the speed increase due to the incorporation of the speed-up item is taken from the discharge of the speed-up item to the capture. It is characterized in that it is set larger as time elapses. In this case, the speed-up item will be provided even to the game character that the game character preceding the race is considerably delayed, thereby creating a chance for the slower game character to increase the speed and reducing the skill difference. An effect is obtained.
[0035]
The operation method of the screen and character according to the twenty-fourth invention is the operation method of the nineteenth to twenty-third invention, wherein the speed-up item is more than a predetermined distance from the competition character from which the speed-up item is output. , And at least one of the cases where a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed-up item is output, and the predetermined distance or time until the annihilation is increased as the speed-up item corresponding to the higher ranking game character. It is characterized by setting it long. In this case, the competition character that precedes the race will provide a speed-up item even to a sufficiently slow competition character, thereby creating a chance to increase the speed even for a slow competition character, and reducing the difference in skill. The effect of shrinking is obtained.
[0036]
The operation method of the screen and character according to the twenty-fifth invention is the operation method of the nineteenth to twenty-third invention, wherein the speed-up item is more than a predetermined distance from the competition character from which the speed-up item is output. , And at least one of the cases where a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed up item is output, and when the speed up item disappears, the speed up item is replaced with another item with a predetermined probability. It is characterized by changing to. In this case, when the speed-up item disappears, another item having various functions can be generated, and the game can be changed to make the game richer and more enjoyable.
[0037]
The operation method of the screen and the character according to the twenty-sixth invention is the operation method of the twenty-fifth invention, wherein another item includes an advantageous item that can carry the race preferentially, and a competitive character having a higher ranking is advantageous. It is characterized in that the probability of generating an item is set higher than in the case of a competitive character with a lower rank. In this case, an item that allows the preceding competitive character to carry the race preferentially is provided to the subsequent competitive character, and the advantage of increasing the superiority of the subsequent competitive character and reducing the skill difference can be obtained. In particular, since the timing for generating an item that dominates the race has a delay corresponding to the time from when the speed-up item is output until it disappears, between the competition characters of the first group The game player can make a game based on the skill not depending on the changed item, and the game can be developed more convincingly.
[0038]
The operation method of the screen and character according to the twenty-seventh invention is the operation method of the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth inventions, wherein another item includes a disadvantageous item that is disadvantageous in a race, and a competitive character with a lower rank is a disadvantageous item. The probability of generating is set higher than that of a competitive character having a high rank. In this case, since a competitive character with a lower rank generates a disadvantageous item that obstructs running, it is possible to obstruct the running of a competitive character that is leading in the preceding lap, increasing the game scene change, and skill The effect of reducing the difference is born.
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video game apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video game apparatus 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a disk drive 13, a RAM 14, a display controller 15, a monitor 16, an interface unit 17, and operation controllers 18a to 18d. Among these, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the disk drive 13, the RAM 14, the display controller 15, and the interface unit 17 constitute a game apparatus body 20, and the monitor 16 and the operation controllers 18 a to 18 d are separated from the game apparatus body 20. Connected as possible. The CPU 11, the display controller 15, the monitor 16, the interface unit 17, the operation controllers 18a to 18d, etc. constitute character display operation means.
[0040]
Here, the CPU 11 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the video game apparatus 10 by exchanging signals with other elements in the game apparatus main body 20 including the display controller 15, the interface unit 17, and the like. To do.
[0041]
The ROM 12 is a read-only memory in which a video game startup program and the like are stored.
[0042]
The disk drive 13 is an optical reader for reading a game program and image data from a replaceable optical disk.
[0043]
The RAM 14 is a random access memory, and can store a copy of the game program read by the disk drive 13 in order to speed up the reading process. Further, the RAM 14 can be used as a work area for various processes, or can be used as a display buffer for holding data to be displayed on the screen of the monitor 16.
[0044]
The display controller 15 is an electronic circuit that reads display data secured in a display buffer in the RAM 14 and generates a video signal based on the read data. The generated video signal is displayed on the monitor 16. A game player who is a user of the video game apparatus 10 can check the progress of the game while looking at the screen of the monitor 16.
[0045]
The interface unit 17 is an interface circuit for reading operation states of operation controllers 18a to 18d described below and transmitting them to the CPU 11.
[0046]
The operation controllers 18a to 18d are input devices for allowing a game player to play a game as appropriate based on his / her intention, and includes direction keys and a plurality of switches. In this embodiment, four operation controllers are arranged so that four people can play.
[0047]
The outline of the operation of the video game apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below. When the video game apparatus 10 is activated, the CPU 11 starts an operation based on a program recorded in the ROM 12 and first reads out a game software program and image data from an optical disk loaded in the disk drive 13. And transfer to the RAM 14.
[0048]
Next, the game apparatus body 20 starts to operate based on the program transferred to the RAM 14, configures the video of the game in the display buffer in the RAM 14, and causes the display controller 15 to display it on the screen of the monitor 16. .
[0049]
Each game player can play the game by operating the game while looking at the screen of the monitor 16. In this video game apparatus 10, up to four players can play, and each player operates a controller game 18 a to 18 d while looking at the screen of the monitor 16, thereby competing in a race game. Make it progress.
[0050]
FIG. 2 is an example of an overall image of the competition course displayed on the screen of the monitor 16. The white 8-shaped part is the orbital course CC. In such a circuit course CC, each player can compete the race by operating the competition character RC as a moving body.
[0051]
FIG. 3 is an example of a game play screen when each player is competing for a game. As shown in the figure, the game play screen displayed on the monitor 16 displays a three-dimensional display of the state in the orbiting course CC, and the player can use a star-shaped mobile character in front of the screen. The race is progressed by operating a competition character RC composed of the aircraft VC and a driver DC as a round anthropomorphic character riding on the aircraft VC.
[0052]
When playing with four players, the monitor display is divided into four divided screens DA1 to DA4 as shown in FIG. You can play on the screen.
[0053]
Information about the aircraft VC of each player is stored in an aircraft table arranged in the RAM 14, and as shown in Table 1 below, the aircraft number of each aircraft VC and the orbital course CC are stored in this aircraft table. The position coordinates, speed, and traveling direction of each aircraft VC are recorded for each aircraft VC. Among these, the combination of speed and direction becomes the direction vector of each aircraft VC, and each aircraft VC advances at a speed corresponding to the direction of the direction vector, and changes its position coordinates every moment. Further, the speed and the traveling direction of each aircraft VC can be changed by a player operation. That is, each player can rotate the direction vector based on information input from the operation controllers 18a to 18d (specify the direction to the left and right) or change the size of the vector (increase or decrease the speed). The game can be appropriately advanced so as to follow the intention of the player.
[Table 1]

The airframe VC of each player continuously releases speed-up items that are random but disappear within a certain time. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the state of the speed-up item AI released from the aircraft VC. The speed-up item AI is output from the airframe VC of each player with a predetermined frequency and disappears with a predetermined life. More specifically, the round driver DC riding on the star-shaped aircraft VC is moving from the front left to the right rear along with the aircraft VC in the competition space. In addition, several small star-shaped speed-up items AI are discharged.
[0054]
The RAM 14 holds an item table related to the speed-up item AI. This item table has a structure as shown in Table 2 below. By newly registering the item table, coordinates corresponding to the rear part of the aircraft VC at each moving time are predetermined in terms of time and space. It is added and arranged with randomness. In the item table, (1) the position of each speed-up item AI generated, (2) the type (item ID) of each speed-up item AI, (3) the survival time until each speed-up item AI disappears, (4) The number of the aircraft VC that generated the speed-up item AI is registered. On the screen of the monitor 16, the speed-up item AI is displayed based on this information. Specifically, the speed-up item AI is continuously generated at a predetermined frequency at a rear portion of the moving body VC. At this time, the position data in the item table shown in Table 2 is registered by changing randomly in a certain range at the rear of the aircraft VC, and although not particularly shown, the item table in Table 2 also has a speed as shown in Table 1. And the direction can be stored, and a speed vector can be given and registered at the time of item registration. Thereby, the display position of the speed-up item AI can be changed randomly or moved in a certain direction.
[Table 2]

[0055]
FIG. 6 is a screen for comparison, and shows a display example when the speed-up item AI is not generated from the competition character RC as in the embodiment shown in FIG. For the sake of explanation, the camera angle is changed, but during normal play, the camera angle is displayed behind the competition character RC or from the viewpoint of the competition character RC, and the video is displayed on the monitor 16. .
[0056]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining capturing of the speed-up item AI. The succeeding aircraft FVC follows the rear of the preceding aircraft LVC and captures the speed-up item AI output from the preceding aircraft LVC. Specifically, the player of the subsequent aircraft FVC moves the subsequent aircraft FVC in the competition space while following the speed-up item AI displayed on the screen of the monitor 16 with the eyes. For example, by setting the coordinate between the speed-up item AI and the subsequent aircraft FVC to be overlapped, the speed-up item AI can be taken in and disappear, and the speed of the own device FVC can be improved. At this time, if the speed-up item AI is displayed as a small star shape as shown in FIG. 5, it is clear to the player what to do, and how close the effect can be obtained. Thus, the ease of play is significantly improved as compared with that of FIG.
[0057]
Next, details of the operation of the video game apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0058]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the sub-program of the item check process. This item check process is periodically called in order to exert the effect of the speed-up item AI. In this item check process, when the condition of the speed-up item AI is periodically checked and a certain condition is satisfied, the speed-up effect of the subsequent aircraft FVC by the speed-up item AI is generated.
[0059]
First, the number n at the end of the item table in Table 2 is set as a variable c (step S11), and the distance of the speed-up item AI from each aircraft VC is sequentially checked from the rear of the item table (step S12). When the distance between the speed-up item AI and each aircraft VC is within a certain distance (step S13), it is assumed that the speed-up item AI is captured. That is, the CPU 11 registers the capture of the speed-up item AI as the item input unit. As described above, when it is determined that the speed-up item AI is captured (step S13), the CPU 11 implements the effect of the speed-up item AI as a speed increase unit (step S14). When the speed-up effect is implemented, the speed of the following aircraft FVC increases. However, since the speed-up item AI loses its effectiveness, the CPU 11 as the item input means deletes the speed-up item AI from the item table. The data is deleted (step S17).
[0060]
On the other hand, if the distance between the speed-up item AI and all the aircraft VCs is far, the survival time of the speed-up item is reduced by one (step S15). When the survival time becomes zero due to such a decrease, the speed-up item AI is deleted from the screen (steps S16 and S17). At this time, the CPU 11 deletes the registered data of the c-th speed-up item AI being checked and updates the item table by filling the subsequent data portion forward as item disappearing means.
[0061]
Note that the variable c is decremented by one (step S18) after the speed-up item AI is captured or erased due to life (step S17) or when the speed-up item AI remains without being captured (step S16). If c> 0, that is, if the item check process for the first speed-up item AI is not completed, the process returns to the beginning (step S19), and the item check process for the next speed-up item AI is performed (step S12). To S19).
[0062]
The subsequent aircraft FVC acquires the speed-up item AI, and the effect of speed-up is carried out in step S14. As a specific operation, for example, the speed data of the airframe FVC in the airframe table shown in Table 1 is one stage. Will be increased. At that time, the CPU 11 can check the rank of the aircraft FVC as a low-priced preferential means, and can perform a process of increasing the speed at an integer multiple according to the rank. When set in this way, the subsequent aircraft FVC with a lower rank has a relatively large increase in speed data, so the same effect as when a handicap is provided in the lower aircraft VC and the difference in ability between players is large. Even in this case, the game development can be made in unison, and the entertainment of the game can be enhanced. When the CPU 11 outputs the speed-up item AI as the benefit granting means, that is, when registering the speed-up item in the item table, the CPU 11 specifies the rank of the aircraft LVC based on Table 1, and if the rank is high It is also possible to perform a process of adjusting the speed increase amount by registering a speed up item having an item ID having a large speed increase amount from among several types of speed up items prepared in advance. When set in this way, the effect of the speed-up item AI generated by the preceding aircraft LVC having a higher ranking is increased, so that the same effect as when a kind of handicap is provided in the lower aircraft VC is produced, and the difference in ability between players is Even if it is large, it can be a game development that is in harmony.
[0063]
In the above specific example, the speed is simply increased as the speed-up effect. However, as the speed-up effect, an effect of accumulating the potential of power, such as increasing the acceleration capability and its sustainability, can be given. .
[0064]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a subprogram of the item output process. This item output process is periodically called to output the speed-up item AI from the aircraft VC. In this subprogram, a random value R is generated in the range up to 1 (step S31), and a value D that is proportional to this value R and decreases as the rank of the aircraft VC increases (step S32). Is larger than 0.8 (step S33), the speed-up item AI is generated (step S34). That is, the CPU 11 causes the speed-up item AI to be discharged from the rear side of the machine body VC in the display screen of the monitor 16 via the display controller 15 or the like as the item output means.
[0065]
The value D is, for example, the following formula
D = R × (TO) (1)
Given in. Here, the value T indicates the total number of players participating in the game, and the value O indicates the rank of the aircraft VC of interest. The value D is
D = R × T ÷ O (2)
It can also be. That is, since the CPU 11 calculates the value D obtained by correcting the random value R as the emission increase means, the aircraft VC with higher rank has a higher probability of generating the speed-up item AI, and the aircraft VC with lower rank has a higher speed-up item. The probability of generating AI is reduced. As the aircraft VC with higher rank increases the probability of generating the speed-up item AI, the chance of capturing the speed-up item AI increases with the aircraft VC with the lower rank. Therefore, the same effect as when a handicap is provided for a low-ranked aircraft VC can be achieved, and even when there is a large difference in ability between players, it is possible to develop a game that is in harmony with each other, and to enhance the entertainment of the game.
[0066]
A specific method of generating the speed-up item AI in step S34 will be described. The speed-up item AI is generated by adding item data to the end of the item table in Table 2. At this time, the coordinate of the aircraft VC that generates the speed-up item AI and the coordinates randomly generated in the vicinity thereof are used as the coordinates of the additional item as they are, so that the speed-up item AI is the same in the direction opposite to the traveling direction from the aircraft. It is output at the speed (inverse vector of the progress vector). Of course, the item registration method is not limited to this embodiment, and registration may be performed by changing the speed or rotating the direction around the advance vector and the inverse vector of the aircraft. In this case, a speed vector registration area is added to the item table.
[0067]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a modification at the end of the speed-up item AI. A number of speed-up items AI extend from the preceding game character RC to the rear and extend away from the body VC. This is the survival time tn when additionally registering the speed-up item AI in the item table of Table 2,
tn = t0 × T ÷ O (3)
This can be realized by registering the one subjected to the above calculation. Here, the value t0 is a life given initially, for example, corresponding to a standard slip stream, and the values T and O are the total number of players participating in the game and the aircraft VC that generates the speed-up item AI. Indicates the ranking. Thus, when registering Table 2 by operating the CPU 11 as an extinction adjusting means, the life of the speed-up item AI of the higher-level game character RC will be extended, and the higher-level game character RC greatly separated from the higher-level game character RC. Moreover, since the opportunity to capture the speed-up item AI is given, the fun of competing in the race increases.
[0068]
Furthermore, as a capture effect of the speed-up item AI, the speed-up effect can be increased as the speed-up item AI is captured at a time close to the disappearance of the speed-up item AI. In this case, the CPU 11 checks the remaining time tc at the time of capturing the speed-up item AI as the time-enhancing means, and determines the increase speed a after capturing the speed-up item AI,
a = a0 × (2 × ti−tc) ÷ ti (4)
Give in. Here, the value ti is an initial value of the remaining time of the speed-up item AI, and the value a0 is an initially set speed increase amount (standard increase amount of speed to be increased stepwise). That is, when this speed-up item AI is captured immediately after the speed-up item AI is generated, the speed increase is a = a0 at tc = ti, and this speed-up item AI is captured immediately before the speed-up item AI disappears. In this case, when tc = 0, the speed increase is a = 2 × a0, and when the remaining time tc decreases, the speed-up effect can be increased up to twice.
[0069]
FIG. 11 is an example of a screen when the speed-up item disappears and changes to another item. When the speed-up item AI changes to another item DI, according to the type of the item, a benefit that is not just a speed increase can be obtained for the competition character RC that acquired the different item DI, or the different item DI can be avoided. Damage may be obtained against the competition character RC that did not exist.
[0070]
Such item changes are realized by the processing flow shown in FIG. This processing flow is a modification of the processing flow of FIG. 8, and common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted. In this case, even if the survival time of the speed-up item AI becomes zero (step S16), instead of immediately deleting the speed-up item AI, a random number is generated in the range up to 1 (step S41), and the value Is smaller than, for example, 0.001 (step S43), a reset process for changing the speed-up item AI to another item DI is performed (step S45). In other words, by operating the CPU 11 as an item changing means, even when the survival time of the speed-up item AI becomes zero, another item DI is generated from the speed-up item AI with a probability of 1/1000 by a random number. Will come to be.
[0071]
Table 3 below shows an item characteristic table of the different item DI described above.
[Table 3]

In Table 3, register items that are disadvantageous to acquire, such as items that are advantageous when acquired such that the smaller number increases speed three times, and those that large number receive damage without moving for a while. It is an item characteristic table. This table is recorded on the exchangeable optical disk as a game program, but is actually copied to the RAM 14 for reference. When generating another item DI from the speed-up item AI, the item is reset using the item characteristic table.
[0072]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the resetting of items corresponding to step S45 of FIG. First, referring to the item table of Table 2, the aircraft number bc of the aircraft VC that has generated the speed-up item AI to be reset is read (step S51). Next, a random number is generated in the range up to 1 (step S52), and a value S obtained by multiplying the random number by the rank of the aircraft VC that generated the target speed-up item AI is obtained (step S53). Next, the item ID is changed by overwriting the corresponding item (pc) in the item table of Table 2 with the Sth item ID of the item characteristic table of Table 3 (step S54). Thereafter, the survival time is extended by overwriting the corresponding field (tc) in the survival time field of the item table (step S55). In the above processing, the CPU 11 (1) increases the probability of generating an advantageous item in the aircraft VC with higher rank, or (2) increases the probability of generating an disadvantaged item in the aircraft VC with lower rank. Operates as a disadvantage probability adjustment means.
[0073]
When another item DI is generated by the processing of FIG. 13, the probability that the smaller item property table number is referred to as the rank of the aircraft VC that generated the speed-up item AI that is the basis thereof is closer to the first. The higher the order is, the more the item characteristic table number is referred to. In this way, the preceding aircraft VC generates an advantageous item that helps other aircraft VC, and the delayed aircraft VC generates a disadvantaged item that interferes with the preceding aircraft, thereby improving the player's skill. The difference can be reduced, the game can be carried more tightly, and the fun of the game can be increased.
[0074]
As apparent from the above description, according to the video game apparatus 10 of the embodiment, each aircraft VC outputs the speed-up item AI in the direction opposite to the traveling direction, and the speed-up item AI issued by the preceding aircraft LVC. By acquiring the succeeding aircraft FVC, the same effect as the slip stream can be obtained. At this time, the operator can intuitively and easily understand the effect of speeding up by using the speed-up item AI with a clear function and visually confirming the slip stream. At the same time, the effective range where the effect can be obtained can be visually confirmed. Therefore, the operator of the subsequent aircraft FVC can clearly grasp the position to which the speed-up effect can be obtained with respect to the preceding aircraft LVC. In other words, the operator can acquire the slipstream effect with a natural idea and operation of simply taking an item. In addition, as a further effect obtained by using the speed-up item AI and visually confirming the range of the effect, for example, the speed up to a sufficiently long time or distance so that the preceding aircraft LVC does not enter the field of view. Even if the up item AI is continued, the subsequent aircraft FVC will not behave unexpectedly. Further, the succeeding aircraft FVC acquires and uses the speed-up item AI that the preceding aircraft LVC has left, so that even if the following aircraft FVC has been delayed by a sufficient distance from the preceding aircraft LVC. You can get a chance to catch up by raising your skills, and you can enjoy the bargaining more by narrowing the difference in skills. Also, if the existing video game is already equipped with a function for discharging and acquiring various items for other play, it is easy to use the existing program without creating a special process called slipstream processing. There is a merit that processing equivalent to that of a slip stream can be realized simply by simple correction.
[0075]
Although the present invention has been described in the context of the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the competition character RC is not limited to the body VC, and can be replaced with a moving body including animals and artificial life forms. In this case, the speed-up item AI corresponding to the slip stream is discharged from behind the moving animal or artificial life, and the same operation and display as described above are performed. This allows the game player to experience the same effect or phenomenon as the slip stream through a visual and clear speed-up item.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an example of an overall image of a competition course displayed on a monitor screen.
FIG. 3 is an example of a game play screen when each player is competing for a game.
FIG. 4 shows a monitor display example when playing with four players.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of a speed-up item released from the aircraft.
FIG. 6 is a screen for comparison, and shows a display example when a speed-up item is not generated from a competition character.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining capturing of a speed-up item.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of the operation of the video game apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of the operation of the video game apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a modification at the end of a speed-up item.
FIG. 11 is an example of a screen when a speed-up item disappears and changes to another item.
12 is a modified version of the flowchart of FIG. 8, and is a flowchart for explaining item changes.
13 is a flowchart for explaining details of resetting items in FIG. 12; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Video game device, 13 ... Disc drive, 15 ... Display controller, 16 ... Monitor, 17 ... Interface part, 18a-18d ... Controller for operation, 20 ... Main body of game device, CPU ... 11, RAM ... 14, AI ... Speed Up item, CC ... Landing course, DC ... Driver on board, DI ... Other item, FVC ... Subsequent aircraft, LVC ... Predecessor aircraft, RC ... Competing character, VC ... Aircraft

Claims (18)

A memory for storing character data for a plurality of competitive characters that respectively represent a plurality of moving bodies competing for victory or defeat in a race game, and an item table that can be updated with respect to a speed-up item;
Character display control means for reading the character data from the memory and displaying the plurality of competition characters on a monitor screen;
By sending to the character display control means a command signal for moving at least one of the plurality of competition characters in the competition space displayed on the monitor screen by the character display control means. Character operating means for enabling the game character to be operated in
In the competition space, an item output means for continuously discharging the speed-up item from each competition character backward at a predetermined frequency;
Item check processing means for periodically checking the item table;
An item input means for updating the item table corresponding to taking in the speed-up item when the game character operated by a command signal from the character operation means satisfies a predetermined condition;
A game apparatus comprising: a speed increasing means for increasing a speed of the game character that has taken in the speed-up item by updating the item table in the game space by a predetermined amount.   The item output means includes a discharge amount increasing means for increasing the discharge amount of the speed-up item discharged from the game character having a higher rank than the speed-up item discharged from the game character having a lower rank. The game device according to claim 1.   2. The speed increasing means includes low-order preferential means for increasing the effect of speed increase by incorporating a speed-up item in a competitive character having a lower rank as compared with a competitive character having a higher rank. And the game device as described in any one of Claim 2.   The speed increase means compares the effect of the speed increase of the game character that has received the speed up item output from the game character with a higher rank when the speed up item output from the game character with a lower rank has been acquired. The game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a means for giving a benefit that is increased.   The speed increasing means includes a time-enhancing means for increasing the effect of the speed increase by taking in the speed-up item as time elapses after the speed-up item is discharged. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The speed-up item is extinguished in at least one of a case where a predetermined distance or more has elapsed from the competition character to which the speed-up item is output, and a case where a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed-up item is output. Item extinguishing means for updating the item table corresponding to:
6. The disappearance adjusting means for further increasing the predetermined distance or the predetermined time until disappearance for a speed-up item output from a competitive character having a higher rank. The game device according to item. The speed-up item is extinguished in at least one of a case where a predetermined distance or more has elapsed from the competition character to which the speed-up item is output, and a case where a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed-up item is output. Item extinguishing means for updating the item table corresponding to:
Item changing means for updating the item table corresponding to changing the speed-up item to another item stored in the memory with a predetermined probability when the speed-up item disappears; The game device according to claim 1, further comprising: a game device according to claim 1. The another item includes an advantageous item that can carry the race preferentially,
8. The item changing means according to claim 7, further comprising: an advantage probability adjusting means for increasing a probability that a competitive character having a higher rank generates the advantageous item than a competitive character having a lower rank. Game device. The another item includes a disadvantaged item that is disadvantageous in the race,
The said item change means includes the disadvantage probability adjustment means which makes the probability that a competitive character with a low ranking will generate the disadvantaged item higher than that of a competitive character with a high ranking. Item 9. A game device according to any one of Items8. A memory for storing character data for a plurality of competitive characters that respectively represent a plurality of moving bodies competing for victory or defeat in a race game, an item table that can be updated for speed-up items, and the character data is read from the memory and Character display control means for displaying a plurality of competition characters on a monitor screen, and a command signal for moving at least one of the plurality of competition characters in the competition space displayed on the monitor screen by the character display control means Is a program for a game machine comprising character operation means for operating the competition character in the competition space by sending the character display control means to the character display control means,
In the game space, an item output program part for continuously discharging the speed-up item from each game character at a predetermined frequency, and
A program part of an item check process for periodically checking the item table;
An item input program part for updating the item table corresponding to the acquisition of the speed-up item when the game character operated by a command signal from the character operation means satisfies a predetermined condition;
And a program part for increasing the speed for increasing the speed in the game space of the game character that has captured the speed-up item by updating the item table.   The item output program part is a program for increasing the discharge amount for increasing the discharge amount of the speed-up item discharged from the competition character having a higher rank than the speed-up item discharged from the competition character having a lower rank. The program according to claim 10, comprising a portion.   The program part for increasing the speed includes a program part for increasing the effect of increasing the speed by incorporating the speed-up item in the competitive character having a lower rank as compared to the case of the competitive character having a higher rank. The program according to any one of claims 10 and 11.   The speed increasing program portion captures the speed increasing effect of the competitive character that has captured the speed increasing item output from the competitive character having the higher ranking, and the speed increasing item output from the competitive character having the lower ranking. The program according to any one of claims 10 and 11, further comprising a program part for making the size larger than the case.   The program part for increasing the speed includes a program part for increasing the effect of increasing the speed by taking in the speed-up item as time elapses after the speed-up item is discharged. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 13.   In order to make the speed-up item disappear in at least one of a case where a predetermined distance or more from the competition character from which the speed-up item is output and at a time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed-up item is output An item disappearing program part for updating the item table, and an disappearance adjusting program for lengthening the predetermined distance or the predetermined time until disappearance for a speed-up item output from a competitive character having a higher rank The program according to claim 10, further comprising a portion.   In order to make the speed-up item disappear in at least one of a case where a predetermined distance or more from the competition character from which the speed-up item is output and at a time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the speed-up item is output The item disappearing program part for updating the item table, and when the speed up item disappears, the speed up item is changed to another item stored in the memory with a predetermined probability. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising an item change program part for updating the item table corresponding to the item table.   The another item includes an advantageous item that can carry the race preferentially, and the program part for changing the item indicates a probability that the competitive character having a higher rank generates the advantageous item in the case of a competitive character having a lower rank. 17. The program according to claim 16, further comprising a program part for making the program higher than the program.   The another item includes a disadvantageous item which is disadvantageous in a race, and the program part for changing the item compares the probability that a competitive character having a low ranking generates the disadvantageous item in the case of a competitive character having a high ranking. The program according to any one of claims 16 and 17, further comprising a program portion for making the program higher.

Images