JP4136910B2 - Program, information storage medium, game device, and server device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program or the like for causing a computer to execute a given strategy simulation game in which a character of a self-power is operated by engaging a turn of an instruction phase and an execution phase to engage with another power.

  One genre of simulation games is a strategy simulation game called “war game”. As a strategy simulation game, there is a turn (game progress time) that includes a command phase for inputting a command to a piece and an execution phase in which a piece is controlled based on the command inputted after the command phase is completed and a battle is developed. A turn-based type is known in which the game progresses by repeating (separation). The turn-based strategy simulation game is popular because the battle of the game world is stopped during the command phase, so you can think about the strategy carefully.

  In a typical turn-based strategy simulation game, the game screen is composed of a map screen and a battle screen. The player confirms the arrangement of the pieces in the game field on the map screen on which a planar map is displayed, and inputs a command to the pieces. When the battle is started, a battle screen is separately displayed, and a graphic of the fighting piece is displayed in the battle screen. The player can look at the battle screen, enjoy the battle, and consider the command for the next turn.

In recent years, it has been known that players can construct (add) objects such as buildings in the game space based on the materials obtained during the game so that they can enjoy the game more comfortably. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-79269 A

  As described above, various attempts have been made to prevent the game from getting bored. However, the conventional turn-based strategy simulation game has a problem that the presence as a war thing is poor. Specifically, for example, the map screen is a screen that displays a so-called “map” in which game fields are schematically displayed, and an object representing a piece is arranged and displayed thereon. An object displayed on the map screen is generally a planar symbol that greatly simplifies a realistic image of the piece. Therefore, the player could enjoy the sense as a commander who commanded the operation while looking at the layout drawing at the operation command post, but on the other hand, the player was not able to get a sense of realism as a battlefield.

  The battle screen plays a role that brings a sense of reality that cannot be obtained on the map screen. For this reason, the models displayed on the battle screen often have a relatively precise design that is close to the realistic image of the piece. However, since the design is too different from the object representing the piece on the map screen, it is not possible to give the player a feeling that they are watching the battle situation being developed on the map screen locally or close. There wasn't. Also, when pieces that are originally far away are engaged in the game field, they are often displayed side by side on the battle screen in a pseudo manner, and even the battle screen gives a formal impression that lacks realism. ing.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a more realistic game screen display in a turn-based strategy simulation game.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the first invention is a character of a self-powered force that repeats a turn composed of an instruction phase and an execution phase in a computer (for example, the home game device 1200 and the control unit 1211 in FIG. 1). A program for operating a given strategy simulation game in which (for example, the tank TN, soldier TR in FIG. 2) is operated to engage with other powers,
A background (eg, ground G, tree WD, mountain M, building TL, river R in FIG. 2) and a three-dimensional object representing the character (eg, three-dimensional object in FIG. 6) in a three-dimensional virtual space Object placement means for arranging models 731a, 731c-1 to 731c-3) on the same scale and forming a diorama in the virtual space (for example, the processing unit 20, the game operation unit 22 in FIG. 4, step S4 in FIG. 9) ), In the command phase, command input means for inputting a command to the character by the operation of the player (for example, the operation input unit 10, the command input control unit 221 in FIG. 4, step S10 in FIG. 9), in the execution phase , A command input by the command input means within the diorama, the character object Object control means (for example, the character control unit 220 in FIG. 4 and step S14 in FIG. 9) and a virtual camera (for example, the first virtual camera C1 in FIG. The virtual camera C2 and the third virtual camera C3) are arranged by the virtual camera arrangement means (for example, the virtual camera control unit 223 in FIG. 4, steps S4, S22 to S24), and the virtual camera arrangement means for arranging the virtual camera C2 and the third virtual camera C3 Image generating means (for example, the game calculation unit 22, the image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4, steps S8, S24, S26, and S30 in FIG. 9) for generating an image of the virtual space taken from the viewpoint of the virtual camera. Display control means for controlling the display of the image generated by the image generation means (for example, the image generation section 24, the image display section 30 in FIG. Step S8, S28, S32) the computer to function as a.

A twentieth aspect of the invention is a game apparatus for executing a given strategy simulation game in which a self-powered character is operated to engage with other powers while repeating a turn composed of an instruction phase and an execution phase.
Object placement means (for example, the character control unit 220 in FIG. 4) that places the background of the game field in the three-dimensional virtual space and the three-dimensional object representing the character on the same scale and forms a diorama in the virtual space. Step S14 in FIG. 9 and command input means (for example, the operation input unit 10, the command input control unit 221 in FIG. 4, and step S10 in FIG. 9) for inputting a command to the character by the player's operation in the command phase. And in the execution phase, an object control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 4) that automatically controls the character object to move and fight based on the command input by the command input means in the diorama. Character control unit 220, step S1 in FIG. ), Virtual camera placement means for placing the virtual camera in the virtual space (for example, the virtual camera control unit 223 in FIG. 4, steps S4, S22 to S24), and the virtual camera placed by the virtual camera placement means Image generation means (for example, the game calculation unit 22, the image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4, steps S8, S24, S26, and S30 in FIG. 9) for generating an image of the virtual space taken as a viewpoint, and the image generation means A display control means (for example, the image generation unit 24, the image display unit 30, and steps S8, S28, and S32 in FIG. 9) that controls the display of the image generated by the game device. is there.

  The “turn” is a time division of the game progress, and each turn includes the number of the player participating in the game. A series of procedure paragraphs that are processed sequentially or arbitrarily during a turn is called a “phase”. A sequence of procedures for inputting a command (command) to a player's turn, that is, a piece operated by the player is a “command phase”, and a command is controlled by a computer based on the input command to perform a movement or a battle operation The procedure paragraph is the “execution phase”.

According to the first or twentieth invention, in the three-dimensional virtual space, the background of the game field and the character that is the piece operated by the player can be arranged as a three-dimensional object and at the same scale. it can. Arranging at the same scale means arranging a background object and a character object with reference to the same dimensions. That is, a diorama is formed in the virtual space as if the real world was represented by a reduced model.
When a command to the character is input by the player's operation, the three-dimensional object of the character is automatically controlled to move and fight in this diorama, and the state is arranged in the virtual space. A game screen can be displayed by shooting with a virtual camera. Therefore, the game screen displays the diorama as if the real world was represented by a reduced model. The player can enjoy a sense of reality that is not found in the conventional turn-based strategy simulation game by watching the character move and fight in the diorama.

  The second invention is a program of the first invention, which is a game world time management means for managing the time progress in the game world (for example, the game calculation unit 22, the turn switching unit 222 in FIG. 4 and the steps in FIG. 9). The computer is operated as S6, S34), and the command input means is a means for inputting a command start timing condition (for example, a specified time of the start condition 732c in FIG. 7) based on the time in the game world. The object control means is means for determining whether or not a time in the game world satisfies the activation timing condition and executing control of the object based on the input command when it is determined that the time is satisfied. This is a program characterized by that.

  According to the second invention, the same effects as those of the first invention can be obtained, and the command activation timing condition can be input with reference to the time in the game world when the command is input. That is, the player can instruct the character of the time in the game world to start the strategy action. Then, when controlling the character, it is determined whether or not the activation timing condition for which the time in the game world is input is satisfied, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the control of the object based on the input command is executed. . As a result, on the game screen, even if the player is in the execution phase where no command is given, the character is Like a real unit or soldier, it behaves like a common strategy time. Therefore, the player can enjoy a game play with a high degree of freedom of strategy and can see a realistic game screen with increased reality.

  3rd invention is a program of 1st or 2nd invention, Comprising: While the said virtual camera arrangement | positioning means arrange | positions the 1st virtual camera which carries out bird's-eye photography of the said virtual space, for every battle | competition location (battle area) A means for arranging a third virtual camera for locally photographing the battle location, and automatically selecting a third virtual camera as a viewpoint from among the third virtual cameras arranged by the virtual camera arranging means. The computer is caused to function as third virtual camera selection means (for example, the game calculation unit 22, the virtual camera control unit 223 in FIG. 4, step S24 in FIG. 9), and the image generation means uses the first virtual camera as a viewpoint. Generating a first image and a third image having the third virtual camera selected by the third virtual camera selection unit as a viewpoint, wherein the display control unit includes the first image. A means for controlling so as to display at least either one of the third image, a program, characterized in that.

  According to the third invention, the same effect as that of the first or second invention can be obtained, and a first image for taking a bird's-eye view of the virtual space can be generated and displayed as a game screen. The first image is displayed as if the game field is looked down broadly, so that the player can see the entire battlefield from a bird's-eye view and always know the character arrangement state. In addition, it is possible to automatically select a third virtual camera that locally captures a battle location (battle area), generate a third image with the selected third virtual camera as a viewpoint, and display it as a game screen. . That is, the state of the battle can be individually enlarged and displayed separately from the bird's-eye view of the game field based on the first image. As a result, the player can enjoy a close-up view of the battle, which is an important element of the game play, while grasping the entire game field. Therefore, the operability as a strategy simulation game can be improved while further enhancing the sense of reality.

  A fourth invention is a program according to the third invention, wherein the display control means decides an image to be displayed based on a given condition (for example, the game calculation unit 22, virtual camera of FIG. 4). The program includes the control unit 223, step S24 in FIG. 9, and steps S130 and S132 in FIG.

  As the “given condition” here, for example, a condition for determining a game play situation to be noted from the viewpoint of game development and production is suitable. For example, if the third image is displayed on the condition of the start / end of the battle for each battle location, the remaining number of remaining powers, etc., the battle situation can be shown to the player reliably even when there are multiple battle locations. Therefore, it is preferable for producing a sense of urgency. Also, if the third image is not displayed on condition that the main character is injured or wins in battle, the highlight scene can be displayed without missing, and more emotional transfer to the game can be promoted. . In addition, for example, if the first image is displayed on the condition of changes in the environment such as sunset or date in the game world, rainfall or snowfall, the situation change can be expressed objectively and objective as a strategy simulation game. The flow of time can be emphasized.

  The fifth invention is a program according to the third invention, wherein the player sets selection conditions by the third virtual camera selection means (for example, the operation input unit 10 in FIG. Section 22, steps S 124 to S 126 in FIG. 13, and the third virtual camera selection unit selects a third virtual camera as a viewpoint based on the selection condition set by the selection condition setting unit. The display control means is a means for displaying at least the third image.

  According to the fifth aspect, the player can set the conditions for selecting the third virtual camera while attaining the same effect as the third aspect. Therefore, even when there are a large number of battle locations, it is possible to automatically select battle locations with conditions desired by the player and display the state of the battle as a third image. For example, if the automatic selection condition is a character who performs a specific action (for example, base defense), it is possible to select and display a battle situation at a strategically important place. Alternatively, if a character attribute is set as a condition, it is possible to selectively display a tactically important character's battle direction. Therefore, by providing variations in the automatic selection of the third image, it is possible to improve the fun of the game screen and the operability as a strategy simulation game.

  The sixth invention is a program according to the third invention, wherein the third virtual camera selecting means has a predetermined number of third virtual cameras in order of the battle scale (battle scale) at the battle location to be photographed. The display control means is a means for controlling so that the third image is displayed in the foreground.

According to the sixth invention, the same effects as the third invention can be obtained, and the battle locations can be preferentially displayed on the game screen in the order of the battle scale (battle scale). Therefore, it is possible to display the state of the battle in which the battle situation can change greatly, and to improve the operability as a strategy simulation game.
Note that the “scale of engagement” referred to here can be determined based on, for example, the magnitude of the firepower of characters participating in the battle (in this case, weapons and soldiers) and the total number of characters participating in the battle. Also, based on the action content of both characters engaged, it is judged that the scale of the engagement is larger when both attack without attacking than when one attacked and the other withdraws. You may do that.

  The seventh invention is a program according to the third invention, wherein the third virtual camera selecting means is an influence degree determining means (for example, determining an influence degree that a battle result for each battle location has on the battle situation of the entire battle. 4, the “effect level on battle situation” option in the automatic selection processing information 733 f of FIG. 8, step S 130 of FIG. 13, event setting information 733 k of FIG. 39, and step S 127 a of FIG. 40). Based on the determined degree of influence, means for automatically selecting the third virtual camera (for example, the game calculation unit 22 in FIG. 4, step S130 in FIG. 13, event setting information 733k in FIG. 39, step in FIG. 40) S127b).

“The degree of influence of the battle results for each battle location on the battle situation of the entire battle” refers to, for example, the amount of damage given to the enemy during one turn, the number of defeats, and the ratio of damage given to the damage received for each character. It corresponds to. In addition, a character that has battled at a pinching-related position can be regarded as having a high influence level.
According to the seventh invention, for example, it is possible to automatically select and display a state of a battle point (battle area) having a high influence on the battle situation, so that it is possible to understand and show the battle situation more. Since it can be realized by showing the key battles, the excitement at the time of game play can be increased.

  An eighth invention is a program according to any one of the third to seventh inventions, wherein when the display control means displays the first image and the third image, the third virtual Range display control means for controlling the shooting range of the third virtual camera selected by the camera selection means to be specially displayed on the first image (for example, the marker M2 in FIG. 18) (for example, the game calculation in FIG. 4). 9 is a program that causes the computer to function so as to include a unit 22, an image generation unit 24, and step S33 in FIG.

  According to the eighth invention, the same effect as any one of the third to seventh inventions can be obtained, and the range displayed as the third image can be specially displayed on the first image. . As a result, the player can immediately understand where the state of the battle shown in the third image shows on the game field. Therefore, it is possible to assist the player to grasp the battle situation more quickly.

  A ninth invention is a program according to any one of the third to eighth inventions, and is a display position input means for inputting an image display position (for example, the game controller 1202 in FIG. 1, the operation input unit 10 in FIG. 4). ), And the display control means includes position control means for controlling the display position of the image in accordance with the input by the display position input means.

  According to the ninth aspect, the same effect as any one of the third to eighth aspects can be achieved, and the display position of the screen can be changed so that the player can easily see.

  A tenth invention is a program according to any one of the third to eighth inventions, wherein the display control means includes a plurality of third images when the third image generation means generates a plurality of third images. The third image is controlled to be arranged and displayed in a line shape or a matrix shape along the edge of the display screen.

  The tenth aspect of the invention has the same effect as any one of the third to eighth aspects of the invention, and when displaying a plurality of third images, the tenth aspect is linear or along the edge of the display screen. By arranging and displaying in a matrix, it is possible to make the game screen more orderly and easy to see.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is a program according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the invention, in which a history storage unit (for example, a history for each turn of a movement operation and a battle operation by the object control unit) is stored. Based on the turn history stored in the game storage unit 22, replay control unit 224, step S 38 in FIG. 9, and the history storage unit, the character object continuously moves or fights. Replay image generation means for generating a replay image to be displayed (for example, the game calculation unit 22, replay control unit 224, image generation unit 24, step S44 of FIG. 9) generated by the replay image generation means Replay image display control means (for example, the image generation unit 24, the image display unit 30 in FIG. Is a program for causing further function the computer as step S168).

  According to the eleventh invention, the same effect as any one of the first to tenth inventions is achieved, and the character object continuously moves and moves from the history information for each intermittent turn. A replay image that is displayed so as to perform a battle motion can be generated and displayed.

  More specifically, as a twelfth invention, there is provided a program according to the eleventh invention, wherein the replay image generating means corrects a turn history stored in the history storage means (for example, FIG. Replay which is displayed so that the object of the character moves smoothly or continuously by the correction by the correction means. A program for causing the computer to function to generate an image is conceivable.

  According to the twelfth invention, the same effect as that of the eleventh invention can be obtained, the history information is corrected, and the character object is controlled according to the corrected history information, so that the history information is intermittent. It is possible to generate a replay image that is displayed so as to smoothly and continuously move or battle.

  More specifically, as a thirteenth invention, there is provided a program according to a twelfth invention, wherein the correction means performs a correction operation on a connecting portion of each history when connecting the history for each turn, The computer functions so as to have approximate control information calculation means (for example, the game calculation unit 22, the replay control unit 224, and step S152 in FIG. 14) for calculating approximate control information for smoothly and continuously performing the battle operation. The replay image generation means may be a means for generating a replay image that is displayed so that the character object moves in accordance with the calculated approximate control information.

  According to the thirteenth invention, the same effect as that of the twelfth invention can be obtained, and the history information is subjected to a correction calculation where the continuity is interrupted at the turn break, so that the moving operation or the combat operation is continuously performed. By calculating approximate control information for connection and moving the character object according to the calculated approximate control information, a smooth and continuous moving motion can be realized. Therefore, even when the history information does not have continuity, the continuity can be supplemented in a pseudo manner.

  The approximate control information is, for example, when the history information is intermittent position information, the interpolation point position coordinates for smoothly interpolating between the original position information, the corrected position coordinates shifted from the original position coordinates, the original position A curve function that passes through the coordinates, interpolation point position coordinates, and correction position coordinates, and a curve function that uses the original position coordinates, complementary point position coordinates, and correction position coordinates as control points. Of course, the calculation of the approximate control information is not limited to the representative point of the character, but may be performed for the positions of the nodes constituting the character object.

  A fourteenth invention is a program according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, wherein the replay image display control means displays a display object indicating the trajectory of the movement movement of the character (for example, FIG. 20). The computer is caused to function so as to have a moving trajectory display object display control means (for example, the replay control unit 224, the image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4, and step S160 in FIG. 14) that controls to display the arrow line Y2). It is a program characterized by this.

According to the fourteenth invention, the same effect as any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions can be obtained, and a display object can be displayed on the movement trajectory of the character moving in the replay image. . Therefore, it is possible to clearly indicate the course the character has moved and to assist the player in examining his / her strategy.
The “display object” referred to here is, for example, a (long) line-shaped display object extending in the moving direction of the character. A strip-shaped display object having a width in a direction crossing the moving direction may be used. It may be a single display object such as a continuous line that continues in the direction of movement, or it is composed of display objects that are discontinuous locally, but are intermittently displayed as broken lines that are considered as a series of display objects. It may be. The display object may be an object arranged and displayed as an object in a three-dimensional space, or may be a two-dimensional object displayed as a spline.

  A fifteenth invention is a program according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth inventions, wherein the game corresponds to the stored turn based on the history of each turn stored by the history storage means. Scenario information generating means for generating scenario information representing the course of events in the inner world (for example, the game calculation unit 22, replay control unit 224, step S400 in FIG. 37), and the scenario generated by the scenario information generating means Based on the information, comment data determination means for determining comment data corresponding to the stored turn (for example, the game calculation unit 22, replay control unit 224 in FIG. 30, step S402 in FIG. 37), the generated scenario Based on the information or the determined explanation data, the camera of the virtual camera corresponding to the stored turn The computer functions as camera work determining means for determining a work (for example, the game calculation unit 22, the replay control unit 224, and step S404 in FIG. 37), and the replay image generation unit stores the stored replay image generation unit. Explanation output means for causing the computer to function to generate a replay image based on the history of each turn and the camera work, and outputting the decided explanation data in accordance with display control by the replay image display control means ( For example, the program further causes the computer to function as the processing unit 20, the sound generation unit 26, the sound output unit 40, and the step S422 in FIG.

  According to the fifteenth invention, the same effect as any one of the eleventh to fourteenth inventions is achieved, and scenario information is generated based on history information, and comment data is generated based on the generated scenario information. To decide. The “explanatory data” referred to here is audio data or text data for character display prepared in advance by imitating actual or commentary audio on television or video. Further, camera work can be set based on scenario information or determined commentary data. Then, a replay screen can be generated with the set camera work and output in association with the commentary data. Therefore, the replay screen can be made more powerful, and the player can easily remember the game contents by adding the actual situation and making the situation easy to understand.

  A sixteenth aspect of the invention is the program of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the history storage means stores battle scale information that has been performed in each turn for each turn, and the comment data determination means stores the stored information. A program characterized in that when the battle scale in a turn satisfies a given condition, the explanation data corresponding to the turn is determined, and when the given condition is not met, no corresponding explanation data is provided. is there.

  According to the sixteenth invention, the same effect as that of the fifteenth invention can be achieved, and when the battle scale for each turn satisfies a given condition, comment data can be attached and replayed. Therefore, it can be set as a replay in which a commentary is appropriately entered.

In a seventeenth aspect of the invention, a server device (for example, the server device 1410 in FIG. 23) connected to a plurality of game terminals via a communication line is connected to the game terminal while repeating a turn including an instruction phase and an execution phase. A program for causing a player to operate to execute a given network-type strategy simulation game in which a character of self-power operates to engage with another power,
Object placement means (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 24, a server) that places a background that forms a game field in a three-dimensional virtual space and a three-dimensional object representing the character at the same scale and forms a diorama in the virtual space. The calculation unit 23, step S204 in FIG. 26, and command receiving means (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 24) that receives commands from the game terminal to the character associated with the game terminal in the command phase. In the communication control unit 28, the communication unit 50, step S210 in FIG. 26, and the execution phase, the character object is caused to move and fight based on the command received by the command receiving means in the diorama. Object control means (for example, the game shown in FIG. 26, character control unit 220, step S16 in FIG. 26, virtual camera placement means for placing a virtual camera in the virtual space (for example, game computation unit 22, virtual camera control unit 223-2 in FIG. 24, Loop 7 in FIG. 26, virtual camera placement processing 24), image generation means for generating an image taken in the virtual space with the virtual camera placed by the virtual camera placement means as a viewpoint (for example, the game calculation unit in FIG. 24) 22, virtual camera control unit 223-3, image generation unit 24, steps S218 and S222 to S224 in FIG. 26, and transmission means for transmitting the image generated by the image generation unit to the game terminal (for example, FIG. 24). The processing unit 20, the communication control unit 28, the communication unit 50, and step S226 in FIG. Is a program.

In a twenty-first aspect, a player operating the game terminal operates a self-powered character while repeating a turn consisting of a command phase and an execution phase, connected to a plurality of game terminals via a communication line. A server device for executing a given network-type strategy simulation game that engages with other powers,
An object placement means (for example, the processing unit 20-2 in FIG. 24) that places a background representing the game field in a three-dimensional virtual space and a solid object representing the character at the same scale and forms a diorama in the virtual space. , Server computing unit 23, step S204 in FIG. 26), and command receiving means for receiving a command to the character associated with the game terminal from the game terminal in the command phase (for example, the process in FIG. 24) Unit 20-2, communication control unit 28-2, communication unit 50, step S210 in FIG. 26), and in the execution phase, the character object is based on the command received by the command receiving means in the diorama. Object control means that automatically controls to move and fight (e.g. For example, the server calculation unit 23, the character control unit 220 in FIG. 24, step S16 in FIG. 26, and virtual camera arrangement means for arranging the virtual camera in the virtual space (for example, the server calculation unit 23, virtual camera in FIG. 24). Control unit 223-2, loop 7 in FIG. 26, step S24) and image generation means for generating an image taken in the virtual space from the viewpoint of the virtual camera placed by the virtual camera placement means (for example, FIG. 24). Server calculation unit 23, virtual camera control unit 223-3, image generation unit 24-2, steps S218 and S222 to S224 in FIG. 26, and the image generated by the image generation unit are transmitted to the game terminal. Transmission means (for example, the processing unit 20-2 in FIG. 24, the communication control unit 28-2, the communication unit 50, and step S226 in FIG. 26). A server apparatus according to claim Rukoto.

According to the seventeenth or twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a strategy simulation game is realized as a network game, and a background that forms a game field and a character that is a piece operated by a player are each represented as a three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional virtual space. And they can be arranged on the same scale. That is, it is possible to form a diorama in the virtual space as if the real world was represented by a reduced model.
When a command to the character is received by the player's operation via each game terminal, the three-dimensional object of the character is automatically controlled to move and fight in the diorama, and the state is virtually displayed. Images can be taken with a virtual camera arranged in the space and distributed to each game terminal as a game screen. Therefore, the game screen on each game terminal shows a diorama as if the real world was represented as a reduced model. The player can enjoy a realistic game by watching the character move and fight in the diorama.

  An eighteenth invention is the program according to the seventeenth invention, wherein the virtual camera arrangement means arranges a first virtual camera for taking a bird's-eye view of the virtual space for each game terminal, and corresponds to the game terminal. A third virtual camera for locally capturing a battle location where the attached character engages, and a viewpoint for each game terminal is selected from the third virtual cameras arranged by the virtual camera arrangement unit. The server device is made to function as third virtual camera selection means (for example, server calculation unit 23, virtual camera control unit 223-3 in FIG. 24, step S218 in FIG. 26) for automatically selecting the third virtual camera to be The image generation means is selected for each game terminal by the first image with the first virtual camera as a viewpoint and the third virtual camera selection means. A means for generating a third image with a viewpoint of three virtual cameras, and the transmission means is a means for controlling to transmit the first image and the third image for each game terminal. It is a featured program.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the seventeenth aspect can be achieved, and a first image for overhead shooting of the virtual space can be generated and displayed as a game screen for each game terminal. Since the first image shows the game field as if looked down widely, each player can see the entire battlefield from the bird's-eye view and can always grasp the character arrangement state. In addition, for each game terminal, it is possible to automatically select a third virtual camera that locally captures a battle location, generate a third image with the selected third virtual camera as a viewpoint, and display it as a game screen. it can. That is, apart from the overall image of the game field, it is possible to display the state of the battle in an enlarged manner.
As a result, each game terminal can see the first image and the third image viewed from different positions. Each player can enjoy a close-up view of the battle, which is an important element of game play, while grasping the entire game field. Therefore, the operability as a strategy simulation game can be improved while further enhancing the sense of reality.

  An information storage medium according to a nineteenth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program according to any one of the first to eighteenth inventions.

  Information storage media include various IC memories, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, memory cards, memory cassettes, and hard disks. By causing the apparatus to read out a program from such an information storage medium and to perform arithmetic processing, the same effects as any one of the first to seventeenth inventions can be realized.

  According to the present invention, in a three-dimensional virtual space, a background playing a game field and a character that is a piece operated by a player can be arranged as a three-dimensional object and at the same scale. That is, it is possible to form a diorama in the virtual space as if the real world was represented by a reduced model. When a command to the character is input by the player's operation, the three-dimensional object of the character is automatically controlled to move and fight in the diorama, and the state is arranged in the virtual space. The game screen can be displayed by shooting with a virtual camera. Therefore, the game screen displays the diorama as if the real world was represented as a reduced model, and the player sees the characters moving and fighting in the diorama, thereby turning on the conventional turn-based strategy simulation You can enjoy a realistic screen that is not in the game.

[First Embodiment]
As a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a case where a turn-based strategy simulation game is executed on a consumer game device will be described in detail as an example. In this embodiment, an example in which a player-to-computer (COM) battles will be described, but it goes without saying that the player-to-player may be used.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumer game device to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the consumer game device 1200 includes a game controller 1202, a main body device 1210, and a display 1220 having a speaker 1222. The game controller 1202 is connected to the main device 1210, and the display 1220 is connected to the main device 1210 by a cable 1201 capable of transmitting image signals, sound signals, and the like.

  The game controller 1202 includes direction keys 1204 and button switches 1206 for the player to input game operations and screen display positions, and outputs operation input signals to the main body device 1210.

  The main unit 1210 includes, for example, a control unit 1211 equipped with a CPU and IC memories, and a reading device for an information storage medium such as a CD-ROM 1212, game information read from the CD-ROM 1212, operation signals from the game controller 1202, and the like. Based on the above, various game processes are calculated to generate image signals of game screens and sound signals of game sounds. The “game information” here refers to information according to a program used for processing by an electronic computer (computer) such as a game device.

  The main device 1210 outputs the generated image signal and audio signal to the display 1220 to display a game image on the display 1220 and to output a game sound from the speaker 1222. The player can enjoy the game by operating the game controller 1202 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1220.

Game information including programs and data necessary for the main body device 1210 to execute game processing is stored in, for example, a CD-ROM 1212, an IC memory 1214, a memory card 1216, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main body device 1210. Stored. Alternatively, the game information is connected to the communication line 2 via the communication device 1218 provided in the main body device 1210, and the game information is downloaded and acquired from an external device (for example, a game server).
The “communication line” here refers to a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line 2 is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection. The communication method is meaning regardless of wired / wireless.

[Description of game outline]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the configuration of the three-dimensional virtual space in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a solid such as a terrain such as the ground G, a road R, a tree WD, and a mountain M, a ground structure such as a building BL and a bridge BR, and a character corresponding to a game piece (unit) such as a tank TN or a soldier TR. Objects (three-dimensional objects) are arranged in a virtual space to form a diorama. In other words, the background part and the character object that form the game field such as the terrain and the ground structure are models having the same appearance as those in the real world, and are arranged in the virtual space with the scales aligned. It is structured like a model resembling the scenery of

  In the strategy simulation game according to the present embodiment, when a battle is started, the graphic model for the battle screen is not displayed on the battle screen as in the conventional case, but the same three-dimensional display as that displayed on the game field. Model is used. That is, operation control is performed so that an object arranged in the game field in the diorama is directly battled, and an image obtained by capturing the situation with a virtual camera is displayed as a battle screen. That is, the player can enjoy the game as a virtual reality image based on the three-dimensional model of the battle that is developed in the diorama.

  The virtual camera arranged in the virtual space in the present embodiment is a first virtual camera C1 that captures an image of a wide range of the game field and a force operated by the player (hereinafter referred to as “player force” as appropriate). There is a second virtual camera C2 that shoots to follow the character, and a third virtual camera C3 that shoots a relatively limited range of diorama.

  The first virtual camera C1 is oriented in the direction in which the player forces advance and is appropriately arranged with an angle of view capable of photographing the widest possible range. The direction of advancement varies depending on the map configuration and termination conditions, but is, for example, the direction of the enemy team to be occupied and the direction of the friendly unit to be rescued. When the first virtual camera C1 cannot capture all of the game field, the arrangement position of the first virtual camera C1 may be movable by the game controller 1202.

  The second virtual camera C2 is arranged behind the player-powered character (the tank TN in the case of the figure), and is arranged so as to photograph in the same direction as the line of sight of the character. That is, the second virtual camera C2 serves as a pseudo viewpoint that follows the character or as a pseudo viewpoint by a military cameraman.

  The third virtual camera C3 has an angle of view narrower than the angle of view of the first virtual camera C1 and wider than the angle of view of the second virtual camera C2, so that the entire state of the small unit in the strategy simulation game can be photographed. Set to That is, the third virtual camera C3 plays a role of photographing a specific battle situation for each battle location.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the game screen is composed of a main screen Pm that captures the first image with the first virtual camera C1 as the viewpoint, and an information screen Pi that displays various operation buttons and information necessary for the progress of the game. Is done. The main screen Pm is displayed so as to occupy most of the game screen. However, when the player performs a predetermined operation, the main screen Pm is further overlapped with the second image with the second virtual camera C2 as a viewpoint. A sub screen Ps2 to be displayed and a sub screen Ps3 to display a third image with the third virtual camera C3 as a viewpoint are displayed.

  On the main screen Pm, the player can look over a wide range of diorama, and can overlook the arrangement of each character of the player power. In addition, on the sub-screen Ps2 on which the second image is displayed, it is possible to enjoy a realistic video as if it was shot by a military cameraman accompanying a player power character. Furthermore, on the sub-screen Ps3 on which the third image is displayed, it is possible to observe the state of the unit from a slightly distant position, and the player can enjoy a realistic battle video, and more specifically, You can grasp the battle situation and take more detailed command.

  And the strategy simulation game in this embodiment progresses by a turn system. In one turn, (1) the player inputs a command (action command) to each character (tank TN, soldier TR, etc.) of the player power (self-power), and the computer sets a command to each character of the COM power An instruction phase and (2) an execution phase in which a simulation is executed so that each character in the diorama moves and develops a battle according to the command input in the instruction phase.

In the execution phase, a predetermined execution time (for example, several minutes of real time) is set in advance, and the player basically cannot input a command to the character during the execution time.
When the execution phase is executed for a predetermined time following the command phase, one turn is completed and the next turn is switched. When the turn is switched, the player enters the command phase again, and the player can give a new command in consideration of the change in the battle situation in the previous execution phase.

  The player gives a command to each character of the player power for each turn while watching the game screen as shown in FIG. 3, and is a character of the COM power (enemy power) operated by the computer (hereinafter referred to as “enemy character” as appropriate). ) And fulfilling a predetermined operation target can be enjoyed as a game target.

  The configuration of the phase during the turn is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the turn A composed of the command phase and the execution phase that is the player's turn and the command phase that is the turn of the computer (or other player). Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which B-turns configured in the execution phase are alternately repeated.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a consumer game device 1200 includes an operation input unit 10 that receives operations from a player, a processing unit 20 that executes various arithmetic processes related to device control and game control, and a game screen. An image display unit 30 for displaying and outputting, a sound output unit 40 for outputting game sounds, a communication unit 50 for realizing data communication with an external device via the communication line 2, and a storage unit for storing various programs and data 70.

  The operation input unit 10 is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, and various sensors, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to an operation by the player to the processing unit 20. In this embodiment, the game controller 1202 of FIG.

  The processing unit 20 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire home game device 1200 and game calculations. The function is realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.), IC memory, and related control programs. In FIG. 1, the control unit 1211 included in the main body apparatus 1210 corresponds.

  The processing unit 20 also includes a game calculation unit 22 that mainly performs calculation processing related to the game, generation of an image in a virtual space from the viewpoint of the virtual camera from various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 22, and a game It includes an image generation unit 24 that generates an image signal for displaying a screen, a sound generation unit 26 that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM, and a communication control unit 28 that performs control related to data communication. .

  The game calculation unit 22 executes various game processes for executing the strategy simulation game based on the operation input signal from the operation input unit 10 and the program and data read from the storage unit 70. For example, object placement processing in the virtual space, background object movement or deformation processing, object intersection determination processing (hit check processing), battle result determination processing, menu selection processing, game result (score) calculation, Various data saving / reading processes are executed.

  The game calculation unit 22 in this embodiment includes a character control unit 220, a command input control unit 221, a turn switching unit 222, a virtual camera control unit 223, and a replay control unit 224.

  The character control unit 220 controls the movement of the tank TN, the soldier TR, and the background object. Specifically, for the characters of the player power, the characters themselves think and act according to a predetermined thinking routine (corresponding to AI (artificial intelligence) in the strategy game) based on a command given by the player. Move and fight as if it were. All COM power characters are controlled by a predetermined thought routine. The movement of the character is realized by rotating / moving the nodes constituting the character object according to the motion data according to the content of the action. Accordingly, the character control unit 220 can cause the soldier TR to perform a walking operation or a shooting by causing the soldier TR to perform an operation of traveling on the tank TN or an operation of firing a shell. Here, the “movement operation” is a movement to a simple destination, and an operation involving a battle is a “combat operation”. However, it is needless to say that the battle substantially includes a movement operation depending on the content of the action.

  The command input control unit 221 executes processing related to a command input by the player to the character of the player power. Specifically, a process of searching for characters that can participate in the operation, selecting command contents, selecting a specific position or character by operating an icon on the main screen Pm, and registering a given command is executed. In the present embodiment, in particular, the time in the game world (hereinafter referred to as “game world time”) can be specified as one of the options of the “start condition (start timing condition)” and “end condition” of the command. . For example, a command for starting movement at a specific time in the game world time (such as “12:50”) can be input.

  The turn switching unit 222 manages a turn that is a time axis of the game progress. Specifically, an instruction phase in which a player and a computer input a command to a character of each power, and an execution phase in which the movement of the character is automatically controlled based on the command input in the instruction phase and a battle is developed in the diorama. Is a set, and this is switched as one turn. In addition, the turn switching unit 222 has a game world time management function for managing the progress of the game world time, advances the game world time during the execution phase, and interrupts the progress of the game world time during the command phase. Let

  The virtual camera control unit 223 executes various processes related to placement of the virtual camera in the virtual space and selection of the virtual camera. Specifically, a process of arranging the first virtual camera C1 in the virtual space, a process of displaying a player-powered character capable of operating action in a selectable manner by the player, and a second so as to follow the character selected by the player A process for setting the virtual camera C2, a process for selecting the second virtual camera C2 to be displayed on the sub-screen Ps2 by selecting a character of the player power on the main screen Pm, and a battle point where the battle is performed (hereinafter referred to as appropriate) (Also referred to as “battle zone”), and a process of arranging the third virtual camera C3 for photographing the battle location, automatically selected from the arranged third virtual camera C3 based on a given selection condition Processing to set conditions for automatically selecting the third virtual camera C3, execution / non-execution of automatic selection of the third virtual camera (hereinafter simply referred to as “ON / OFF”) Cormorant. Switching process), to perform the like.

  More specifically, for example, the selection of a character that can perform a strategy action determines a surviving soldier TR or a tank TN that is not capable of running or fighting based on the parameters of the character. Further, the battle zone is determined by searching for a character in battle from the parameters of the character and determining a unit to which the character belongs or a predetermined range centered on the character as a battle zone.

  As for the selection of the third virtual camera C3, the automatic selection of the third virtual camera C3 can be switched ON or OFF every time a predetermined switching button is selected on the information screen Pi of the game screen, for example. When the automatic selection is set to ON, the third virtual camera C3 arranged in the battle area is automatically selected according to a predetermined determination condition. On the other hand, when the automatic selection is set to OFF, the third virtual camera designated by the player is selected.

  Conditions for automatic selection are, for example, “order of magnitude of engagement”, “descending order of impact on battle situation”, “base defense; character with base defense command input”, “character with specific attribute” (For example, anti-aircraft weapons are fighting). In this embodiment, a plurality of such automatic selection options are prepared in advance and can be selected by the player.

Specifically, when “order of magnitude of engagement” is selected as a condition, the firepower setting (specifically, the attack of the character participating in the battle (in this case, tank TN or soldier TR)) The engagement scale is determined by the magnitude of the force parameter) and the total number of characters participating in the battle. From the content of the actions of both characters engaged, it is determined that the scale of the battle is larger when both attack without attacking than when one attacked and the other withdraws. Also good. Then, the third virtual camera is selected in descending order of the battle scale.
Further, when “decreasing order of influence on battle situation” is selected as a condition, for example, for a player power character, the ratio of damage given to the damage received during the turn, or the character of the COM power during the turn The number of defeats is taken as the impact on the battle situation. Furthermore, it is good also as correction which raises an influence degree to the character of the position which pinches an enemy from the arrangement position of a character. Then, the characters are selected in descending order of influence (descending order), and the third virtual camera C3 that captures the battle location where the selected character is engaged is selected.
Also in the case of other conditions, the third virtual camera C3 that satisfies the condition can be selected by referring to the parameters of the character as appropriate.

  The replay control unit 224 displays a series of replay images displayed so that the character operates smoothly and continuously from the history information 734 for each turn cumulatively stored during the progress of the game after the game is won or lost. Executes the process for generating and displaying.

  Specifically, the turn-by-turn history information 734 may be intermittent at turn intervals. If the replay images for each turn are simply connected as they are, the character moves in a polygonal line shape or suddenly changes in motion, making it unnatural and difficult to see. Therefore, the replay control unit 224 calculates approximate control information so that the character moves smoothly and continuously, and causes the character to perform a moving action and a fighting action based on the approximate control information.

  Specifically, for example, when the position information where the character for each turn is stored is stored in the history information 734, a curve having the position coordinates as a passing point or a control point (hereinafter referred to as a “movement curve”). .) Is calculated by, for example, spline interpolation, and replay display is performed so that the character is moved along the movement curve. Alternatively, the position coordinates stored in the history information 734 are corrected so that the position coordinates are connected smoothly, and the character is moved so as to pass the corrected position coordinates. Therefore, the replay control unit 224 can display-control a replay image in which the character performs a smooth and continuous motion from the discontinuous history information stored for each turn. The history information 734 may store an operation input history (operation history) instead of the character position coordinates. In this case, after calculating the character position coordinates for each turn from the operation history. Use.

  In addition, the replay control unit 224 displays an arrow line as a strip-shaped display object on the movement trajectory of the character in the replay image. The strip-shaped display object is a line-shaped display object that is long in the moving direction of the character and has a width in a direction crossing the moving direction. The strip-shaped display object may be a single display object such as a continuous line that continues in the direction of movement, or an intermittent display object such as a broken line that is locally discontinuous but considered as a series of display objects. It may be constituted by. In the present embodiment, the object with the line with the arrow along the movement curve from the initial arrangement position (arrangement position of the first turn) to the movement position during the replay is followed so as to follow the target character. Arrange and display.

  The image generation unit 24 is realized, for example, by an arithmetic device such as a CPU or DSP, a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. The image generation unit 24 performs a geometric transformation process and a shading process based on the calculation result of the game calculation unit 22 to generate a 3DCG image for displaying the game screen, and an image signal of the generated image is displayed on the image display unit. Output to 30. That is, generation of a first image with the first virtual camera C1 as a viewpoint, generation of a second image with the second virtual camera C2 as a viewpoint, generation of a third image with the third virtual camera as a viewpoint, and these images An image signal for displaying an image of a game screen using is generated.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 24, the image display unit 30 displays the game screen while redrawing the screen of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. The image display unit 30 can be realized by a display device such as a CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, or HMD, for example. In the example of FIG. 1, the display 1220 corresponds.

  The sound generation unit 26 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU or DSP and its control program, generates sound such as sound effects and BGM used during the game, and generates a sound signal of the generated sound as a sound output unit 40. Output to.

  The sound output unit 40 is a device for outputting sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 26, and corresponds to the speaker 1222 in the example of FIG.

  The communication unit 50 connects to the communication line 2 and performs data communication with an external device in accordance with a control signal from the communication control unit 28. For example, it is realized by a module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA, a modem, a TA, a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. The communication device 1218 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this. Note that information related to protocols and the like provided by the communication unit 50 during communication is stored in, for example, the storage unit 70 and is appropriately read and used.

  The storage unit 70 stores a system program (not shown) for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 20 to control the home game device 1200 in an integrated manner, and a game for storing a program and data necessary for executing the game. Information 72 and the like are stored. Further, the processing unit 20 temporarily stores various programs and data necessary for the arithmetic processing. The storage unit 70 can be realized by an information storage medium such as various IC memories, a memory card, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD. In the example of FIG. 1, a CD-ROM 1212, an IC memory 1214, and a memory card 1216 correspond.

  The game information 72 includes a program and data for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the game calculation unit 22. Particularly in the present embodiment, (1) a character control program 720 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the character control unit 220, (2) a command input control program 721 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the command input control unit 221, and (3 ) A turn switching program 722 for functioning as the turn switching unit 222; (4) a virtual camera control program 723 for functioning as the virtual camera control unit 223; and (5) replay control for functioning as the replay control unit 224. Program 724.

  The data includes (6) game map initial setting information 730 for storing various initial settings of the game map, and (7) an object for storing model information and motion information of the background and character 3D objects forming the game field. Information 731; (8) a command TBL 732 for storing command type, start condition, and end condition options that can be input by the player; (9) game play information 733 for storing various parameters during play; ) Game play history information 734.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the game map initial setting information 730. As shown in the figure, the game map initial setting information 730 stores an initial setting of a map provided for each game situation. Specifically, a map number, an end condition, an initial game world time, and an initial weather setting are stored as information 730a relating to the entire game map. The termination condition is set as appropriate, for example, the extinction of enemy forces, the occupation of a specific place, or the arrival of a player power at a specific place.

In addition, as the initial setting (730b) regarding the background forming the game field, the type, arrangement position information, and various parameters of the object that forms the topography such as the ground G are stored in association with each other. In addition, the type, arrangement position information, and various parameters of objects constituting the ground structure such as the building BL and the bridge BR are stored in association with each other.
As the initial setting (730c) regarding the character, the character type, the arrangement position coordinate, and various parameters are stored in association with each other for each player force and COM force.
Further, as the initial setting (730d) regarding the virtual camera, parameters such as the arrangement position and the line-of-sight direction of the first virtual camera C1, and selection condition information of the third virtual camera are stored. As the selection condition information for the third virtual camera, for example, “1” indicating that automatic selection is “ON” is set as an initial setting.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the object information 731 according to the present embodiment. The object information 731 stores information necessary for displaying backgrounds, characters, performance effects, and the like that appear during the game. Specifically, as shown in the figure, a background three-dimensional object model 731a forming a game field such as a building and its scale information 731b (for example, a scale for an actual object) are stored in association with each other. In addition, for those accompanied by movements such as tanks and soldiers, the three-dimensional object models 731c-1 to 731, scale information 731d-1 to 3 and various kinds of motion data 731e-1 to 33 are stored in association with each other. Yes. Although not shown, texture data, sound effect sound data, and the like are also stored in association with each other.

The character object stored here is composed of a plurality of nodes (elements constituting a model hierarchy, model parts). By controlling the node, the character can be caused to perform various actions based on the motion data. For example, in the case of a soldier TR, it is possible to perform operations such as holding a gun, running, and leaning.
Since scale information 731b and 731d are associated with each model of the background and character, a diorama is formed in the virtual space by arranging each model so that the size of each model matches the actual size ratio. can do. Of course, when unifying the scales of all models at the stage of model creation / setting, the scale information may be unnecessary.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the command TBL 732 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the command TBL 732 includes, for example, a plurality of options for each item of a command type 732a, a command target 732b, a start condition 732c corresponding to a command start timing condition, and a command end condition 732d. Is stored.

What is characteristic is that it is possible to set options for the designated time in each item of the start condition 732c and the end condition 732d. According to this option, the player can specify the game world time as a reference, such as “13:50 (for example, 10 minutes after the current game world time)”. Therefore, the player can include an element corresponding to the so-called “operation start time” and “operation stop time” based on the game world time in the command.
As a result, on the game screen, even during the execution phase in which the player is not given an instruction, the character may be It is controlled to behave according to the common operation time. Therefore, the player can enjoy the game play by inputting the operation command with a high degree of freedom, and can also enjoy the game with a sense of reality with increased reality.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the game play information 733 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, the game play information 733 includes the number of turns 733a, game world time 733b, field parameter information 733c, character parameter information 733d, virtual camera setting information 733e, and automatic selection type information. 733f.

  The parameters stored as the field parameter information 733c include, for example, the center position coordinates of a depression when a depression is generated on the ground G, a flag such as a tree WD or a building BL damaged by a blast or a shell, and the current weather Etc. By referring to these parameters, the game calculation unit 22 deforms a part of the object on the ground G to create a depression, switches the damaged tree WD, the building BL, etc. to a damaged model, and displays it. Execute the process to make snow fall.

  The character parameter information 733d stores various parameters for each character. The stored parameters include, for example, the ID of the character, the identification information of the affiliated power (identification of whether the player's power or the COM power), the current position coordinates, the posture information, and the information of the motion being executed (thereby, in battle) Whether or not), the command received, the cumulative number of damage that can be used as an indicator of whether or not the operation can be performed (instead, it may be a so-called “life point”), and the damage received in the previous turn There are flags indicating the number of damages given to the enemy in the previous turn, the number of defeated characters of COM powers, and whether or not operational action is possible.

  The virtual camera setting information 733e includes identification information, position coordinates, line-of-sight direction, angle of view, various types of information of the first virtual camera C1, the second virtual camera C2, and the third virtual camera C3, as shown in FIG. Flag parameters are stored in association with each other and updated by the virtual camera control unit 223. In particular, for the second virtual camera C2 and the third virtual camera C3, a flag (selection flag) indicating whether the second image and the viewpoint for generating the third image are selected is stored in association with each other. Further, ON / OFF setting 733g of automatic selection of the third virtual camera C3 and flags 733h and 733j indicating that the condition is selected for each selection condition item applied when the automatic selection is OFF. Store.

  In the case of the figure, the flags 733h and 733j store the position information (position coordinates, etc.) of “designated position” designating a specific place and the character ID of “designated character” designating a specific character in association with each other. is doing. The image generation unit 24 refers to the virtual camera setting information 733e, and generates a second image or a third image from the viewpoint of the second virtual camera C2 and the third virtual camera C3 that are flagged to indicate selection. Control to display as a sub screen.

  The automatic selection type information 733f is an automatic selection condition for selecting a third image viewpoint from among the third virtual cameras C3 arranged by the virtual camera control unit 223, as shown in FIG. The type and a flag indicating that the condition is selected are stored in association with each other. In the present embodiment, the default is “order of magnitude of engagement scale”.

  The history information 734 cumulatively stores character movement and battle results for each turn. Specifically, when the game calculation unit 22 switches the turn, the turn number, game world time, character position coordinates, character posture information, the type of character motion data, and the character that has become unable to act as a result of the battle. As identification information and battle scale information, the number and types of characters participating in the battle for each battle location are stored in association with each other. Instead of the position coordinates of the character, an operation input history may be stored.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow in the present embodiment. The process described here is realized by the CPU 10 reading and executing the system program and the game information 72 from the storage unit 70. Specifically, it is realized by reading and executing the character control program 720, the command input control program 721, the turn switching program 722, the virtual camera control program 723, and the replay control program 724.

  As shown in the figure, the game calculation unit 22 first executes a game map selection process (step S2). For example, a reduced view of a plurality of game maps is displayed on the display 1220 so as to be selectable, and the player selects a game map. When the game map is selected, the game calculation unit 22 refers to the game map initial setting information 730 corresponding to the selected game map, and based on the stored initial settings, the background and A three-dimensional object such as a tank TN or a soldier TR is placed in a virtual space to form a diorama. At this time, the scales of the background and the character are matched. Further, the first virtual camera C1 serving as the viewpoint is arranged in the virtual space (step S4).

  Next, the turn number and game world time are initialized with reference to the game map initial setting information 730 of the selected game map (step S6). That is, the number of turns is set to “1” and the game world time is set to an initial set value. Then, the image generation unit 24 generates a first image with the first virtual camera C1 as a viewpoint, and displays a game screen for displaying the first image on the main screen Pm on the display 1220 (step S8).

When the object is arranged and the first game screen is displayed, the game starts.
The game calculation unit 22 reads out and executes the command input control program 721 and executes command input processing (step S10). While this command input process is being executed, it corresponds to the instruction phase in the strategy simulation game of this embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of command input processing in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the command input process is executed, the command input control unit 221 performs a player actionable character among the characters of the player power, that is, a surviving soldier TR, a battleable tank TN, etc. Is retrieved (step S50), and the retrieved character is displayed on the display 1220 so that the player can select it with the game controller 1202 (step S52). For example, a predetermined mark may be displayed on the searched character among the characters displayed on the main screen Pm, and the icon may be selected by operating the game controller 1202.

  Next, when the player selects a character (step S54), a command for the selected character is displayed in a selectable manner (step S56). Specifically, for example, a small menu screen for command selection may be displayed along with the selected character and selected.

  In selecting a command, select one of the “type” options of the command (step S58), select one of the “target” items of the command, and select the action target selected in “type” (Step S60). When “designated place”, “designated friend”, or “designated enemy” is selected in the “target” item, a predetermined icon is displayed on the main screen of the game screen and the game controller 1202 is operated. By doing this, it is possible to select a specific position or a specific character on the game field displayed in the main screen Pm.

  Further, any option is selected from the “start condition” item of the command (step S62), and any option is selected from the “end condition” item (step S64). When “specified time” is selected in the items of “start condition” and “end condition”, the game world time can be specified. Specifically, for example, a virtual numeric keypad may be displayed on the display 1220, and a time may be input by operating the virtual numeric keypad with the game controller 1202. Alternatively, options such as “10 minutes later”, “30 minutes later”, and “1 hour later” may be displayed on the basis of the current game world time, and may be selected by the player.

  If a predetermined command determination operation is performed after each item of the command is selected (step S66; YES), the command input control unit 221 determines that the command input to the character has been determined, A command is set for the character (step S68). Specifically, it is stored in the character parameter information 733d of the game play information 733.

  When the input of the command by the player is completed (step S70; YES), a character capable of operating action is searched for among the characters of the computer power (COM power) (step S72), and the conventional strategy is searched for the searched character. Similar to the simulation game, a command is set based on a predetermined thinking algorithm (step S74), and the command input process is terminated.

  In the case of playing a game with a player versus a player, steps S50 to S70 are executed for each player, and steps S72 and S74 are omitted. Alternatively, the player that is the target of steps S50 to S70 may be switched each time the turn is switched.

In FIG. 9, when the command input process is completed, the process proceeds to the execution phase.
In the execution phase, loop 1 is repeatedly executed for each drawing frame until a predetermined time elapses (steps S12 to S36). In the loop 1, first, the character control program 720 is read and the character motion control process is executed (step S14).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the character motion control process in the present embodiment. The character control unit 220 executes loop 2 (steps S80 to S92) for all characters arranged in the virtual space.

  In the loop 2, first, it is determined whether or not the character is capable of operational action (step S82). Specifically, referring to the character parameter information 733d of the character, based on the number of damage and the flag, the soldier TR determined to have died in the battle or the tank TN determined to have been destroyed cannot be operated. Judgment is made, and the others are judged to be capable of operational action.

  If the character is capable of operational action (step S82; YES), it is determined whether or not a command start condition set for the character is satisfied (step S84). If the start condition is not satisfied (step S84; NO), for example, the command is set to start the movement at the designated game world time, and the current game world time has not reached the designated time. In this case, the character is in a standby state without moving (step S86). Alternatively, a defensive state (defense mode) may be used.

  If it is determined that the command start condition is satisfied (step S84; YES), and if the command end condition is not satisfied (step S88; NO), an action based on the command set for the character is performed. Further, the three-dimensional object is controlled by one drawing frame based on the motion data (step S90). For example, when an “invasion” command for “specific place” is set, the character moves toward a designated place, and a character of an enemy power (COM power) exists within a predetermined range during the movement. In some cases, control to start an attack. The details of the operation based on the command are realized based on a predetermined thinking routine called “AI” in the conventional strategy simulation game. If the process of loop 2 is executed for all characters, the character motion control process is terminated.

  The characters to be processed in the loop 2 are not necessarily limited to all characters, and may be configured to reduce the processing load by executing only a predetermined number of characters in one frame processing according to the number of characters. Of course. For example, the loop 2 may be executed only for characters with an odd identification number in an odd number frame, and only for characters with an even identification number in an even number frame. In addition, it is assumed that the operation of an appendix such as a shell or a missile that is fired along with the battle operation is controlled in the same manner.

  In FIG. 9, if the character action control process is executed and the position and state of the character are updated, the game calculation unit 22 determines the battle result (step S16). Then, the field parameter information 733c is updated based on the battle result (step S18), and the character parameter information 733d is similarly updated based on the battle result (step S20). Specifically, for example, in the determination of the battle result, when it is determined that a depression has occurred in the ground G where the mine has exploded, or when it is determined that the bridge BR has been blown up, the position information of the depression and the bridge BR are A flag indicating destruction is stored in the field parameter information 733c. In addition, the tank TN determined to have been hit by the cannonball is updated with the character parameter information 733d, the number of damages is added, or the operation action is disabled. Such battle result determination and parameter update processing can be realized by appropriately using conventional techniques.

  If the battle result is determined, the game calculation unit 22 proceeds to a process related to display of the game screen. First, the virtual camera control program 723 is read and a virtual camera arrangement process (step S22) and a virtual camera selection process (step S24) are executed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the virtual camera arrangement processing in the present embodiment. The virtual camera control unit 223 first arranges the first virtual camera C1 in the virtual space (step S100). At the beginning of the game, it is placed at the default position. If the first virtual camera C1 cannot capture the entire game field, or if the first virtual camera C1 is configured to be movable by the game controller 1202, the first virtual camera C1 is moved here.

  Next, a character capable of operating action is searched from the characters of the player power (step S102), and the second virtual camera C2 is set for each of the selected characters (step S104). Specifically, it is set at a position slightly above and behind the selected character so as to face the traveling direction of the character while capturing the character within the angle of view. At this time, by setting the angle of view to the same level as that of the human eye, an image with the second virtual camera C2 as a viewpoint becomes a landscape seen by the person accompanying the character, and the player is on the front line in the sub-screen Ps2. Such an image with a sense of reality can be displayed.

  Next, the virtual camera control unit 223 refers to the virtual camera setting information 733e of the game play information 733 and determines whether automatic selection of the third virtual camera C3 is ON or OFF (Step S106).

  When the automatic selection is ON (step S106; YES), the virtual camera control unit 223 determines a battle zone (step S108). A battle area is an area where a battle between a player power and a COM power is performed on the game field. For example, with reference to the character parameter information 733d, a character executing a battle motion is searched. Then, a predetermined range around the searched character position is determined as a battle zone. When multiple characters form a unit and the unit is in combat, the average value of the position coordinates of the characters belonging to the unit is the representative point, and a predetermined range around the representative point is determined as the battle area To do. In addition, when it adjoins so that a some battle area may be folded, it is preferable to omit one side and to share.

  Then, a third virtual camera C3 having an angle of view that can almost capture the battle zone is arranged for each battle zone (step S110). Specifically, the angle of view is determined in advance so that a predetermined range that is referred to when determining the battle zone is shot, and the battle zone is placed at a fixed position where the shot can be taken with a feeling of looking down slightly.

  When the automatic selection is OFF (step S106; NO), the third virtual camera C3 is arranged so as to photograph the selected designated position and designated character (step S112). Here, if the information on the designated position is not already stored in the virtual camera setting information 733e, a predetermined icon is displayed on the main screen Pm so that the player can select it, and the information on the designated position is changed again to the virtual camera setting information 733e. To store. The same applies when “designated character” is selected. If the third virtual camera C3 is set, the virtual camera arrangement process is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the virtual camera selection process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the virtual camera control unit 223 determines whether or not a player power character has been selected (step S120). The selection of the character may be performed by, for example, selecting a player-powered character displayed on the main screen Pm with an icon or a character selection menu screen when a predetermined second virtual camera selection key is operated. This can be realized by displaying and selecting.

  When there is a character selection operation (step S120; YES), the second virtual camera set for the character is selected as a viewpoint for generating a second image to be displayed on the sub screen Ps2 (step S122). . In the virtual camera setting information 733e of the selected second virtual camera C2, a selection flag indicating that it is selected as a viewpoint for generating the second image is set.

  Next, when the automatic selection condition of the third virtual camera is changed by the player (step S124; YES), the type of the selected automatic selection condition is stored in the game play information 733 (step S126). Specifically, when a predetermined operation is performed, it can be realized by a method of displaying and selecting a small menu screen on the main screen Pm. Then, a flag corresponding to the type of the changed automatic selection condition in the automatic selection type information 733f is set.

  Next, the third virtual camera is selected. When the automatic setting of the third virtual camera is “ON” (step S128; YES), the third virtual camera C3 set in the battle area is referred to according to the automatic selection condition in the selected state with reference to the automatic selection type information 733f. The third virtual camera C3 to be used as a viewpoint is automatically selected from the list (step S130). By default, “order of magnitude of engagement” is set, so the firepower setting of the character participating in the battle (specifically, the attack power parameter), the character of the character participating in the battle, The battle scale is determined based on the total number, and a predetermined number is selected in the order of the battle scale. In addition, when “descending order of influence on the battle situation” is set, for example, from the battle result of the turn (step S16; FIG. 9), the character of the player's power is given to the damage received during the turn. The damage ratio is calculated and used as the degree of influence on the battle situation. Characters are selected in descending order of the degree of influence, and the third virtual camera that captures the battle area in which the character is included is selected.

  When the automatic selection of the third virtual camera is “OFF” (step S128; NO), the third virtual camera arranged to shoot the designated position or designated character selected by the player is selected (step S132). Then, the virtual camera selection process ends.

  In FIG. 9, next, the image generation unit 24 generates a first image with the first virtual camera C1 as a viewpoint (step S26), and displays a game screen having the first image as a main screen (step S28). . Next, a second image having the viewpoint of the second virtual camera C2 selected by the virtual camera selection process and a third image having the viewpoint of the third virtual camera C3 are generated (step S30). The third image is displayed on the main screen Pm as sub-screens Ps2 and Ps3 smaller than the size of the main screen Pm (step S32). At this time, the sub-screens Ps2 and Ps3 are arranged in a line shape or a matrix shape along the end of the main screen Pm so that the screen is easy to see.

  Next, special display is performed on the second image and the third image (step S33). Specifically, the sub screen Ps2 displaying the second image is displayed by connecting the corresponding character with a broken line or the like, and the sub screen Ps3 displaying the third image and the corresponding battle area are connected by a broken line or the like. indicate. This makes it easy to understand which character is copied on the sub-screen. In addition, the battle area in which the third image is captured is surrounded by a predetermined marker and displayed. In this case, it becomes easier to understand which range of the battle situation is displayed on the sub-screen Ps3.

  When the game screen is displayed, the turn switching unit 222 advances the game world time (step S34).

  In this way, by repeating the loop 1 from steps S12 to S36 until a predetermined time elapses, the character moves on the game screen according to the command input by the player for a certain period of time, and the battle is developed. Make it appear. Further, when the player selects a desired character, a scene as if accompanied by the character is displayed on the sub-screen Ps2, and the state of battle full of realism can be seen. In addition, by setting the third virtual camera C3 to automatic selection ON, the battle situation in the battle area is displayed on the sub screen Ps3 in the order of the battle scale, and the player can view the important battle situation that affects the battle situation without leaking. be able to. In addition, by turning off the automatic selection of the third virtual camera C3 and designating an arbitrary place or character, the player can check the place or unit that seems to be tactically important.

  If the process of the loop 1 is complete | finished, the game calculating part 22 will update the log | history information 734, and will memorize | store cumulatively the movement of the character for every turn, and the result of a battle (step S38). For example, the game calculation unit 22 stores in the history information 734 the turn number, game world time, character position coordinates, posture information, the type of motion data executed, and the identification information of the character that has become unable to operate as a result of the battle. .

  Next, the game calculation unit 22 determines whether or not the end condition of the game map initial setting information 730 is satisfied. If the end condition in the game map is not satisfied (step S40; NO), “1” is added to the turn number (step S42), and the process proceeds to the command input process. When the end condition is satisfied (step S40; YES), the replay control program 724 is read and the replay display process is executed (step S44).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the replay display process in the present embodiment. The replay control unit 224 first refers to the history information 734 (step S150), corrects the connected portion of the turns, and calculates a movement curve that smoothly connects the position coordinates of each character in the order of movement (step S152). .

  Specifically, an interpolated spline curve that directly passes through the final position coordinate of each turn of the character is calculated, and this is used as a movement curve. At this time, when the character is arranged at the same position coordinate for several turns, for example, when defending the base, the same position coordinate is regarded as one control point and the movement curve is calculated. Of course, other known interpolation techniques may be used as the method for calculating the movement curve.

  Next, the process proceeds to displaying a series of moving images from the beginning to the end of the game play. First, the replay control unit 224 arranges the background and characters constituting the game field in the virtual space according to the game map initial setting information 730 (step S154), and initializes the number of turns and the game world time (step S156). . That is, the number of turns is “1” and the game world time is an initial set value.

  Next, the object of each character is moved by one drawing frame according to the previously calculated movement curve (step S158). At this time, the character object is controlled so as to perform a battle operation if a battle operation is involved. Then, an object of an arrow line, which is a strip-like display object representing the trajectory of the character's movement along the movement curve, is arranged on the ground G (step S160). If the character is a helicopter or other flying object, an arrow line object is placed in the flight path.

  Next, when the history information 734 stores a battle history in association with the current game world time (game world time counted for replay) in the history information 734 (step S162; YES), the replay control unit 224 Based on the result, a predetermined object indicating down is placed on the ground G (step S164).

  Since the arrangement of the objects is completed at this stage, the image generation unit 24 arranges the first virtual camera C1 in the virtual space, generates a first image with the first virtual camera C1 as a viewpoint (step S166), and A replay image having one image as the main screen is displayed (step S168).

  Next, the replay control unit 224 advances the game world time (step S170). If the game world time at the end of the game stored in the history information 734 has not been reached (step S172; NO), the replay control unit 224 follows the movement curve. The process returns to the character movement process (step S158). When the game world time at the end of the game has been reached (step S172; YES), the replay process is ended.

  By executing the replay display process, past execution phase portions are continuously executed based on the history information 734, so that the contents played over a plurality of turns can be displayed as a series of moving images. Further, at this time, the character's movement movement and battle movement that are intermittent due to playing for each turn are corrected and displayed at the connecting portion of the turn. Thus, the player can enjoy the replay image displayed in a smooth and continuous operation without jerking, and can reflect on his strategy.

  If the replay process is completed, the game calculation unit 22 ends the strategy simulation game in the present embodiment.

[Description of game screen example]
15-20 is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in this embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an example of a screen on which a player inputs a command to a player power character, and corresponds to the screen at the time of command input processing in step S10. As shown in the figure, the game screen is composed of a main screen Pm showing most of the screen and an information screen Pi displaying various information and operation buttons. A first image with the first virtual camera C1 as a viewpoint is displayed on the main screen Pm, and a marker M1 is displayed on the characters (tank TN, soldier TR) of the player power. When one of the characters is selected with the icon A by operating the game controller 1202, a command selection menu W1 is displayed so as to accompany the character. In the command selection menu W1, each item of “type”, “target”, “start condition”, and “end condition” of the command can be selected.

  For example, when the downward triangle mark in the figure is selected with an icon, the option of the item is displayed in a selectable manner, and the displayed option can be selected with the icon. When “designated place” is selected in the “target” item, by further selecting a position on the main screen Pm with the icon A, the position can be input as the designated place. In the figure, the arrow Y is displayed up to the position designated by the icon A. When the input of the command to the character is completed, the OK button B1 is selected with the icon A. The command selection menu W1 is closed, and commands can be input to other characters. When the command input to the character of the player power is completed, the predetermined command determination button B4 is selected with the icon A, and the process proceeds to the execution phase.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the execution phase, and is a screen corresponding to loop 1. On the main screen Pm, according to the command set in the instruction phase, the behavior of each character is projected as if it were a moving diorama. In the figure, the movement is represented by an arrow.

  Here, when the game controller 1202 is operated and any one of the player power characters is selected with the icon A, as shown in FIG. 17, the second virtual camera C2 set for the selected character is used as a viewpoint. The sub screen Ps2 is displayed with the second image. Alternatively, when a predetermined second virtual camera selection button B2 is selected from the information screen Pi, a menu screen W2 is displayed on which a player power character for which the second virtual camera is set can be selected ("servo camera selection" in the figure). Or a character may be selected from the menu screen W2 (corresponding to steps S120 to S122 in FIG. 13). Of course, the number of characters to be selected is not limited to one, and a plurality of characters may be selected. In that case, a plurality of sub-screens Ps2 are displayed.

  Further, when there is a battle area where a battle is being carried out in the execution phase, as shown in FIG. 18A, a predetermined number (one place in the figure) is displayed in descending order of the battle scale, and the battle area is displayed with a marker M2. Then, the third image having the viewpoint of the third virtual camera C3 that captures the battle area is displayed as the sub screen Ps3. Further, when a predetermined third virtual camera selection button B3 is selected from the information screen Pi, a menu screen W3 is displayed so that a battle zone in which the third virtual camera is set can be selected. From this menu screen W3, a desired battle zone is displayed. You may choose.

  Furthermore, when “automatic selection condition setting” is selected from the menu screen W3, a submenu screen W3s is displayed as shown in FIG. 5B, and the type of automatic selection condition is displayed in a selectable manner. By operating the game controller 1202, the player can set a desired automatic selection condition and limit the battle area to be displayed on the sub-screen Ps3.

  For the third virtual camera C3, the automatic selection function of the third virtual camera C3 can be set ON / OFF by selecting a button B5 for switching between predetermined ON / OFF. (In FIG. 18A, the button B5 is displayed as “AUTO”, indicating that the automatic selection function of the third virtual camera C3 is ON.)

  When the automatic selection function is OFF, as shown in FIG. 19, “designation” is displayed on the button B5, and when the predetermined third virtual camera selection button B3 is selected from the information screen Pi, the third virtual camera C3 is displayed. A menu screen W4 and an icon A4 for setting a specific place and a specific character desired by the player are displayed (corresponding to step S124 in FIG. 13). Then, when the selection operation of the menu screen W4 or the selection operation of the specific position by the icon A4 is performed by the game controller 1202 or the like, the third virtual camera C3 arranged to photograph the selected position or character is used as a viewpoint. Three images are displayed on the sub-screen Ps3. This figure shows the case where the tank TN-1 is designated, and the sub-screen Ps3 displays the state of the unit including the tank TN-1. For example, when the bridge BR is selected with the icon A4, the state around the strategically important bridge is displayed on the sub-screen Ps3.

  Note that the selection of the third virtual camera C3 is not limited to the selection of the battle zone, the specified position, and the specified character, and it is of course possible to select a plurality of virtual cameras C3. In that case, a plurality of sub-screens Ps3 are displayed and arranged and displayed in a line or matrix form along the edge of the main screen Pm.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a replay image in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the actions of each character over a plurality of turns are displayed as a series of moving images. On the main screen Pm, when a character such as a tank TN simply connects the arrangement positions (black dots in the figure) stored in the history information 734, the movement trajectory as shown by the broken line in the figure Become. However, by using the placement position as a control point, calculating a movement curve that passes directly, and moving the tank TN along the calculated movement curve, a series of smooth operations without any turn breaks can be achieved. It can be expressed naturally as if it were. An arrow line Y2 is displayed so as to follow the moving character. This makes it possible to clearly display what course each character has moved through the game play. Further, on the main screen Pm where the battle was performed, based on the battle result stored in the history information 734, a shoot-down mark D1 indicating a shoot-down of a COM-powered character and a shoot-down indicating a shoot-down of a player-powered character. A mark D2 is displayed.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, a hardware configuration capable of realizing the home game device 1200 will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the present embodiment. The home game apparatus 1200 includes a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012 and 1014. Data input / output is connected.

  The CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 20 in FIG. 4 and controls the entire apparatus according to a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002, an operation input signal input by the control device 1022, and the like. And various data processing.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 70 in FIG. The ROM 1002 corresponds to an IC memory mounted on the control unit 1211 of the main unit 1210 shown in FIG. 1, and stores programs and data related to control of the main unit 1210 such as system programs.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.

  The information storage medium 1006 corresponds to the CD-ROM 1212, the IC memory 1214, and the memory card 1216 in FIG. 1, and stores the game information 72 in FIG. An information storage medium 1006 is realized by an IC memory card, a removable hard disk unit, an MO, a DVD-ROM, or the like, stores information stored in the ROM 1002, and appropriately reads and uses the information.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM based on information stored in the ROM 1002 and the information storage medium 1006, and the generated sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 40 in FIG. 4 and the speaker 1222 in FIG.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information for outputting an image to the display device 1018. The image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4 corresponds to this. The display device 1018 corresponds to the image display unit 30 in FIG. 4 and the display 1220 in FIG.

  A control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation input unit 10 in FIG. 4 and the game controller 1202 in FIG. 1, and is a device for the player to input various game operations.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices and transmits / receives given information according to the game program, via a communication line. Used to send and receive information such as game programs. This corresponds to the communication unit 50 in FIG. 4 and the communication device 1218 in FIG.

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be executed in software by the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

  The present invention is not limited to the home game device 1200 shown in FIG. 1, but various devices such as a commercial game device, a portable game device, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, and a large attraction device in which a large number of players participate. The same applies to the above.

  For example, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance when the present invention is applied to the arcade game apparatus 1300. As shown in the figure, the arcade game apparatus 1300 includes a display 1302 for displaying a game screen image, a speaker 1304 for outputting game sound effects and BGM, a joystick 1306 for inputting front and rear, left and right directions, and a push button 1308. And a control unit 1320 that controls the arcade game device 1300 in an integrated manner through arithmetic processing to execute a given game.

  The control unit 1320 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU and a ROM 1322 in which programs and data necessary for controlling the arcade game device 1300 and executing the game are stored. The CPU mounted on the control unit 1320 executes various processes by appropriately reading out programs and data from the ROM 1322 and performing arithmetic processing. Then, the player enjoys the game by inputting game operations from the joystick 1306 and the push button 1308 while viewing the game screen displayed on the display 1302.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, as a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a case where a turn-based strategy simulation game is realized as a network game will be described as an example. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, and description shall be abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the device configuration when the present invention is applied to a network game. In the present embodiment, after a plurality of players complete account registration in advance, a personal computer or a home game system installed in a home is used as a game terminal 1400-1 to 3, and the server device via the communication line 2. 1410 is accessed. Then, for example, each player operates each power and enjoys a strategy simulation game on the same game field. Hereinafter, a player who participates in a network game is also referred to as an account as appropriate.

  The system configuration for realizing the network game is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 23. For example, (1) a configuration in which a plurality of game terminals 1400 are connected to each other via the communication line 2 without using the server device 1410; ) A plurality of game terminals 1400 are connected to each other via the communication line 2, and one of them has a server function, and (3) a plurality of game terminals 1400 are physically coupled to form a system as a whole. For example, a configuration such as a business game system may be used.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 24 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server device 1410 according to the present embodiment. The server device 1410 includes a processing unit 20-2 that corresponds to the processing unit 20 of the first embodiment, and a communication unit 50-2 and a storage unit 70-2 that correspond to the communication unit 50 and the storage unit 70 of the first embodiment, respectively. With. Furthermore, the processing unit 20-2 has the right to participate as a game participant in the server computing unit 23 that executes various game computing processes as a network game server and the game terminal 1400 that is accessed via the communication line 2. An image management unit 29 that confirms the image generation unit 24-2, the sound generation unit 26-2, and the image generation unit 24-2, the sound generation unit 26, and the communication control unit 28 in the first embodiment. A communication control unit 28-2 is provided.

  The server calculation unit 23 includes a character control unit 220, a command reception control unit 225, a turn switching unit 222, a virtual camera control unit 223-2 corresponding to the virtual camera control unit 223 of the first embodiment, and a first implementation. A replay control unit 224-2 corresponding to the replay control unit 224 of the embodiment.

  The command reception control unit 225 communicates with the game terminal 1400 via the communication control unit 28-2, receives an input of a command to the character of the force operated by each account, and sets the received command for the character. Specifically, the command reception control unit 225 searches the game terminal 1400 of each account for a character that can perform a strategy action from the characters of each account power, and transmits the identification information, position information, and the like. Then, the command received from the game terminal 1400 of each account to the character capable of operating the strategy is received, and the received command is registered to the corresponding character.

  The virtual camera control unit 223-2 sets and controls the first virtual camera C1, the second virtual camera C2, and the third virtual camera C3 for each account. In the present embodiment, the third virtual camera C3 is not arranged, and it is needless to say that each account cannot see the state of the battle zone, and the game difficulty level can be further increased.

  The replay control unit 224-2 causes the image generation unit 24-2 to generate a replay image for each account, and transmits image data of the replay image to the game terminal 1400 of the account.

  The storage unit 70-2 of the server device 1410 includes server game information 73 for causing the processing unit 20-2 to function as the server calculation unit 23, and account management for causing the processing unit 20-2 to function as the account management unit 29. A program 729 and account management information 739 storing account registration information are stored.

  The server game information 73 includes, in particular, a command reception program 725 for causing the processing unit 20-2 to function as the command reception control unit 225, and a virtual camera control program 723-2 for causing the processing unit 20-2 to function as the virtual camera control unit 223-2. And a replay control program 724-2 for functioning as the replay control unit 224-2.

Further, game play information 733-2 corresponding to the game play information 733 in the first embodiment stores character parameter information 733d and virtual camera setting information 733e in association with each account.
Similarly, history information 734-2 corresponding to the history information 734 in the first embodiment stores the history information in association with each account.

  FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the game terminal 1400 in the present embodiment. The game terminal 1400 includes the account calculation unit 21 that executes various game calculation processes as network game terminals in the processing unit 20. The various game calculation processes as the game terminal include, for example, a process in which the communication unit 50 accesses the server device 1410 via the communication line 2 to realize communication, executes a predetermined account procedure, and the player executes a network game. , A process for outputting game images and game sounds from the image display unit 30 and the sound output unit 40 of the game terminal 1400 based on image signals and sound signals received from the server device 1410, and player operation input A process of accepting and transmitting to the server apparatus 1410 is executed by a predetermined procedure.

The account calculation unit 21 further includes a command transmission control unit 215.
The command transmission control unit 215 has a function of making a pair with the command reception control unit 225 of the server device 1410, and has a function of transmitting a command to the character of the player power (the power of the account). That is, based on the identification information and position information of the character that can operate the account force transmitted to the game terminal 1400 by the command reception control unit 225 of the server device 1410, the command transmission control unit 215 sends the character to the player. The command can be input and the command input function is realized. Then, the input command and character identification information are transmitted to server device 1410.

  The storage unit 70 of the game terminal 1400 stores account game information 71 for causing the processing unit 20 of the game terminal 1400 to realize the function as the account calculation unit 21. The account game information 71 includes, in particular, a command transmission program 715 for causing the command transmission control unit 215 to function, object information 731, and a command TBL 732.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the account management unit 29 of the server device 1410 executes account processing, gives a pre-registered player the right to participate, and connects each game terminal 1400 connected via the communication line 2. Power is assigned to (step S200).

  If the power is assigned, the server computing unit 23 of the server device 1410 initializes the number of turns and the game world time according to the game map initial setting information 730 (step S202), and the background and the three-dimensional character of each power The object is arranged in the virtual space (step S204). Next, the first virtual camera C1 for each account is arranged in the virtual space according to the game map initial setting information 730 (step S206), and the first image with the first virtual camera C1 as the viewpoint is set as the main screen Pm for each account. A game screen is generated and an image signal of the generated game screen is transmitted to the game terminal 1400 of each account (step S208). Of course, when the game sound is set, the game sound is generated and transmitted to each game terminal 1400 together with the image signal.

  The game terminal 1400 displays a game screen based on the image signal received from the server device 1410. Since the first virtual camera C1 is set for each account, the game terminal 1400 displays a state of looking down at the game field in the direction of advance for each player force.

  Next, the server calculation unit 23 of the server device 1410 executes a command reception process corresponding to the command input process in the first embodiment (step S210). That is, the process proceeds to the instruction phase.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of command reception processing. The command reception process is realized by the processing unit 20-2 of the server device 1410 reading and executing the command reception program 725, and the processing unit 20 of the game terminal 1400 reading and executing the command transmission program 715.

As shown in the figure, the command reception control unit 225 of the server device 1410 executes the process of loop 6 for all participating accounts (steps S250 to S260).
In the loop 6, a character capable of operating action is searched from the forces operated by the account to be processed (step S252), and the identification information and position information of the searched character are transmitted to the game terminal 1400 of the account (step S254). ).

  The game terminal 1400 receives information on a character that can perform a strategy action (step S270), and causes the display 1202 to display the character in a selectable manner (step S52). Specifically, for example, on the main screen Pm, a character of player power (the power of the account) is displayed with a predetermined marker attached, and can be selected by an icon. Alternatively, a predetermined selection menu is displayed so that a character can be selected.

  When the player selects a character (step S54), the command transmission control unit 215 of the game terminal 1400 displays a command selectable (step S56). If any option is selected from the items of “type”, “target”, “start condition”, and “end condition” (steps S58 to S66), the identification information of the character and the contents of each selected item That is, the command is stored in association with each other (step S272).

  When the command input is completed (step S274; YES), the command transmission control unit 215 of the game terminal 1400 associates the account ID, the character identification information, and the command to the character with the server device. It transmits to 1410 (step S276).

  The command reception control unit 225 of the server device 1410 receives information that associates the character identification information with the command to the character from the game terminal 1400 (step S256), and the character of the account in the game play information 733-2. The received command is stored in the parameter information 733d, and the command is set (step S258).

  If the loop 6 is executed for all accounts, the server calculation unit 23 of the server device 1410 ends the command reception process. In the above description, the loop 6 is executed in order for each account, but at the beginning of the processing, a predetermined command transmission request signal and information on characters that can be operated are simultaneously sent to all accounts. Of course, it may be configured to transmit, randomly receive commands from the account, and register the commands in the order received. At this time, a time limit for receiving the command may be set, and if the time limit ends, the loop 6 may be ended. In this case, a time for each player to select a command is limited, and it is possible to realize a game that is more difficult and has a sense of tension that directs an actual battle.

When the command reception process is completed, the process proceeds to the execution phase.
In FIG. 26, the server calculation unit 23 of the server device 1410 executes loop 5 (steps S212 to S230). In the loop 5, the character motion control process is executed and the object of each character is moved according to the input command (step S16), and the battle result is determined (step S18). Then, the field parameter information 733c is updated based on the battle result (step S20), and the character parameter information 733d is similarly updated based on the battle result (step S22).

  Next, the server computing unit 23 of the server device 1410 executes loop 7 (steps S214 to S220), performs virtual camera placement processing for each account (step S24), and transmits virtual camera placement information to the account (step S24). Step S216). For example, when the third virtual camera C3 is arranged, the identification information of the character photographed by the third virtual camera C3 and the place name of the map are transmitted as the identification information of the battle zone. Then, the virtual camera selection process B is executed (step S218).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the virtual camera selection process B in the present embodiment. When there is an operation of selecting a character for setting the second virtual camera on the game terminal 1400 during the execution phase (step S310; YES), specifically, on the game screen of the game terminal 1400, the predetermined information is displayed from the information screen Pi. When the second virtual camera selection button B2 is selected, a menu screen is displayed on which a player power character of the account for which the second virtual camera is set can be selected, and when a character is selected from this menu screen, The terminal 1400 associates the processing information indicating the selection of the second virtual camera with the account ID and the identification information of the selected character, and transmits them to the server device 1410 (step S312).

  The server device 1410 receives the identification information of the character that sets the second virtual camera C2 from the game terminal 1400 of the account to be processed (step S314), and selects the second virtual camera set for the character of the account. It selects as a viewpoint for producing | generating the 2nd image displayed on subscreen Ps2 (step S316). The virtual camera setting information 733e of the selected second virtual camera C2 is set with a flag indicating that it is selected as the viewpoint for generating the second image.

Next, the third virtual camera is selected.
When there is an operation for setting the third virtual camera on the game terminal 1400 during the execution phase (step S318; YES), specifically, for example, on the game screen of the game terminal 1400, a predetermined number of times from the information screen Pi. When the 3 virtual camera selection button B3 is selected and a battle area where the 3rd virtual camera is set can be selected, a menu screen is displayed. When a battle area is selected from this menu screen, the game terminal 1400 displays the account ID and The information indicating that the third virtual camera is selected and the identification information of the selected battle area are associated with each other and transmitted to the server device 1410 (step S320).

  When the server device 1410 receives the identification information of the battle area selected from the game terminal 1400 of the account to be processed (step S322; YES), the server device 1410 displays the third virtual camera C3 set in the battle area of the received identification information. It selects as a viewpoint for producing | generating the 3rd image displayed on subscreen Ps3 (step S324). Specifically, if a predetermined switching button displayed on the information screen Pi of the game screen is selected by the player, a battle area selection menu screen may be displayed and selected.

  When the identification information of the battle zone selected from the game terminal 1400 of the account to be processed is not received (step S322; NO), and the automatic setting of the third virtual camera of the account is “ON” (step S326; YES), the virtual camera control unit 223-2 of the server device 1410 selects the third virtual camera C3 set in the battle area with the largest battle size from the battle zones of the account power (step S328). In the camera setting information 733f of the selected third virtual camera C3, a flag indicating that it is selected is set.

  In FIG. 26, when the virtual camera placement process and the virtual camera selection process B are completed, the process proceeds to a game image generation process. The image generation unit 24 of the server device 1410 generates a first image from the viewpoint of the first virtual camera C1 of the account to be processed (step S222), and then the second image and the second image from the second virtual camera C2 as a viewpoint. A third image with the viewpoint of the three virtual cameras C3 is generated (step S224). Then, a game screen having the first image as the main screen Pm and the second and third images as the sub screens Ps2 and Ps3 is generated, and the generated game screen image data is transmitted to the account (step S226). Then, the turn switching unit 222 of the server device 1410 advances the game world time (step S228).

  Next, if the loop 5 is executed for all accounts, the server computing unit 23 of the server device 1410 updates the history information 734 (step S232), and sets the end-war conditions set in the game map initial setting information 730. It is determined whether or not it is satisfied (step S234). If the end condition is not satisfied (step S234; NO), “1” is added to the turn number (step S42), and the process proceeds to the command input process (step S210). If the end condition is satisfied (step S234; YES), the replay display process B corresponding to the replay display process of the first embodiment is executed (step S236).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the replay display processing B in the present embodiment. First, the replay control unit 224-2 of the server device 1410 refers to the history information 734 (step S150), and calculates a movement curve that gently connects the position coordinates of each character for each turn in the order of movement (step S152).

  Next, the process moves to the process of displaying a series of videos from the beginning to the end of the turn. First, the replay control unit 224-2 arranges the background and characters constituting the game field in the virtual space according to the game map initial setting information 730 (step S154), and initializes the number of turns and the game world time (step S154). S156). That is, the number of turns is “1” and the game world time is an initial set value.

Next, the three-dimensional object of each character is moved by one drawing frame according to the previously calculated movement curve (step S158). At this time, a curved arrow object representing the trajectory of the character's movement is placed on the ground G along the movement curve (step S160).
Next, the replay control unit 224 stores a battle history in the history information 734 in association with the current game world time (game world time counted for replay) (step S162; YES). Based on the battle result, a predetermined object indicating down is placed on the ground G (step S164).

Since the object arrangement is completed at this stage, the image generation unit 24-2 of the server device 1410 arranges the first virtual camera C1 corresponding to each account in the virtual space, and sets the first virtual camera C1 for each account. A first image having a viewpoint is generated (step S340), and image data of a replay image having the first image as a main screen is transmitted to each account (step S342).
The game terminal 1400 receives the image data of the replay image, and causes the image display unit 30 to display the replay image based on the image data received by the image generation unit 24 of the game terminal 1400.

  Next, the replay control unit 224-2 advances the game world time (step S170). If the game world time at the end of the game stored in the history information 734 has not been reached (step S172; NO), the replay control unit 224-2 moves to the movement curve. The process returns to the character movement process (step S158). When the game world time at the end of the game has been reached (step S172; YES), the replay process is ended.

  By the replay display process, the past execution phase portion is continuously executed based on the history information 734, so that the progress of movement and battle can be displayed like a series of moving images.

  If the replay process is completed, the server calculation unit 23 of the server device 1410 ends the strategy simulation game in the present embodiment.

[Description of game screen example]
The game screen displayed on the game terminal 1400 in the present embodiment is basically the same as the screen example in the first embodiment.
That is, FIG. 15 is an example of a screen on which a player inputs a command to a player power character on the game terminal 1400, and corresponds to a game screen when command reception processing is executed on the server device 1410 (step of FIG. 26). Corresponds to S210). FIG. 16 corresponds to a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen of the game terminal 1400 in the execution phase. On the main screen Pm, the state in which each character moves according to the command set in the instruction phase is projected as if it were a moving diorama.

As shown in FIG. 17, when a predetermined second virtual camera selection button B2 is selected from the information screen Pi during the execution phase (steps S310 to S312 in FIG. 28), the character of the player power to which the second virtual camera is set. Is displayed on the selectable menu screen W2, and a character can be selected from the menu screen W2.
Further, when there is a battle zone where a battle is being performed in the execution phase, as shown in FIG. 18, a predetermined number of battle zones are displayed in order of the magnitude of the battle scale on the sub-screen Ps3.

  Similarly, FIG. 20 corresponds to the replay image in the present embodiment. Since the replay image is displayed as an image with the first virtual camera C1 as the viewpoint for each account, it can be seen that the player forces advance in the depth direction of the screen.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, as a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a case where a replay image is displayed by adding narration as one of explanation data will be described as an example. The “narration” referred to here is audio data or text data for character display prepared in advance to imitate the actual situation and explanation in TV, video, etc., and the voice to be told (hereinafter referred to as “actual situation” in this embodiment). To tell.). In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, and description shall be abbreviate | omitted suitably.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 30 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. Compared with the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 70 includes, in the game information 72, a replay control program 724-3, scenario information 740, live information 741, live audio TBL 742, camera work information 743, It further includes camera work TBL 744 and movement curve information 745.

  The replay control program 724-3 corresponds to the replay control program 724 in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 20 is caused to realize a function of generating scenario information 740, actual condition information 741, camera work information 743, and movement curve information 745 based on the history information 734.

The scenario information 740 is information in which the replay is regarded as a series of stories, and the characters appearing in the scene, the events that occurred in the scene, and the results (that is, the events) of the events are collected in time series.
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the scenario information 740 in the present embodiment. The scenario information 740 sequentially refers to the history information 734 in turn order, and each time the player power character that starts or ends the movement or battle is stored, one item 740a is based on the information stored in the history information 734. Registered and formed. One item 740a includes, as parameters, the number of turns 740b corresponding to the reference time and the game world time 740c, the player power character identification information 740d that has started or ended the movement or battle, and the COM power character identification information that is the opponent. 740e, position information 740f in which movement or battle was performed, event 740g and its result 740h, command 740i set for the player power character, and the strength of the player power character and COM power character at the time of the battle The difference 740j is associated.

  Specifically, the player power character identification information 740d is registered for each character that has started or ended movement or engagement in the reference turn of the history information 734. In the figure, only one character is stored in each item such as “tank 01”, but when a plurality of characters start a battle, for example, the plurality of characters are stored. The COM power character identification information 740e is registered when the player power character starts or ends the battle.

The position information 740f is position coordinates (for example, world coordinate values) of the player character in the reference turn.
The event 740g is information for identifying whether the player power character is “moving” or “engaging”. The result 740h is information for identifying “start” or “end” of the event.

  The strength difference 740j is information indicating the level of the strength difference between the player power character and the COM power character of the opponent when the player power character is engaged. For example, with the infantry strength value set to “1”, the heavy infantry strength value set to “1.5”, the tank value set to “10”, etc., the strength value of the COM power is subtracted from the strength value of the engaged player power. Value. When a character is handled in units of platoons, it may be calculated from a battle value obtained by multiplying the strength value by the number of individuals constituting the platoon.

The live situation information 741 is information in which replays are regarded as a series of stories, and live voices attached to the scene are collected in time series.
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the live situation information 741 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the live situation information 741 stores each element of the live voice data in association with each turn number 741a to which the live voice is attached. The live speech in the present embodiment includes a game world time part 741b that reads out the game world time, a pre-attachment part 741c that reads out the modified sentence, a player character part 741d that reads out the character name of the player power character identification information 740d, and a COM power character. This corresponds to the COM character part 741e that reads the character name of the identification information 740e, the place name part 741f that reads the place name in the game world indicated by the position information 740f, the event part 741g that reads the contents of the event 740g, and the predicate corresponding to the result 740h. The result part 741h is composed of elements. Of course, other elements may be included in the live speech according to the game content.

The element of each live speech is selected according to the value of each parameter stored in the scenario information 740 from the live speech TBL 742.
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the live speech TBL 742 in the present embodiment. The live speech TBL 742 stores the values of the parameters of the scenario information 740 and the live speech audio data in a table data format in association with each other.

  The game world time part voice TBL 742a stores voice data for reading out the date and time. For example, “6:00” is associated with voice data read out as “Rok Marumaru”. The front appendage voice TBL 742b stores voice data such as “Operation Start!” Applied only to the first turn, “Finally,” applied only to the last turn. The place name voice TBL 742e is associated with voice data that reads out a place name such as “XX bridge”, “△△ northwestern part of town”, and “□□ fortress that is a key point of this operation” for each range of world coordinate values. . According to the content of the event 740g, the event part voice TBL 742f is associated with “move to”, “headed”, and “invade”. "Encounter" is associated.

  In the result part voice TBL 742g, the result part voice data 740g-5 is associated with the detailed condition. In this embodiment, an event condition 742g-1 that is based on the content of the event 740g in the scenario information 740, a command condition 742g-2 that is based on the content of the command 740i in the scenario information 740, and the content of the battle strength difference 740j Each condition of the strength condition 742g-3 to be performed and the result condition 742g-4 with the content of the result 740h as a condition is set. In the live speech TBL 742, when a plurality of voice data options are associated with the same condition, they are selected at random as appropriate.

The camera work information 743 is information in which the replay is regarded as a series of stories and the camera work of the virtual camera in the scene is summarized in time series.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the camera work information 743 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, for each turn number 743a corresponding to the turn number 740b of the scenario information 740, the installation camera 743b, the target character 743c mainly photographed by the installation camera, and the posture and movement of the installation camera are controlled. A line-of-sight direction change 743d, a view angle change 743e, and a screen blur 743f that store setting values and pattern data to be stored are associated with each other. For example, the “small frequency” of the screen blur 743f in the figure stores a frequency setting value for generating a screen blur.

The setting of each parameter is selected from the camera work TBL 744 based on the setting value of each parameter stored in the scenario information 740.
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the camera work TBL 744 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the camera work TBL 744 is associated with a result condition 744a that is conditional on the content of the result 740h of the scenario information 740 and a strength difference condition 744b that is conditional on the content of the strength difference 740j of the scenario information 740. For the line-of-sight direction change 744c, field angle change 744d, and screen blur 744e, setting values and pattern data for controlling the attitude and movement of the virtual camera are stored.

The movement curve information 745 stores information on a curve representing a movement locus in the game space from the start to the end of the game for each character.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the movement curve information 745 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, for each character identification information 745a, a start turn number 745b in which the character is arranged and moved in the game space, an end turn number 745c in which the character cannot be moved due to being shot down, The curve function 745d is stored in association with each other. Specifically, the history information 734 is referred to in turn order, and when a new character is placed in the game space, the character is registered in the character identification information 745a, and the number of turns at that time is stored in the start turn number 745b. To do. When the character shot down is registered in the history information 734, the number of turns at that time is stored in the end turn number 745c of the character. Then, a curve function (for example, a Bezier curve function) that connects the position coordinates of the character from the start turn number 745b to the end turn number 745c with a smooth curve is stored in the curve function 745d.

  It should be noted that the live sound is not necessarily set for each item 740a of the scenario information 740, and the live sound may be appropriately added to the replay by appropriately setting parameters in the live sound TBL742.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the replay process in the present embodiment. The series of processing described here is realized by the processing unit 20 reading and executing the replay control program 724-3.

  As shown in the figure, the replay control unit 224 first executes scenario information generation processing to generate scenario information 740 (step S400).

FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of scenario information generation processing in the present embodiment. The replay control unit 224 executes the loop 11 for each turn with reference to the history information 734 (steps S430 to S440).
In the loop 11, first, in the reference turn of the history information 734, it is determined whether or not the player power character that has started or ended the movement and the movement starting or ending is registered (step S <b> 432). When the corresponding character is registered (step S432; YES), the replay control unit 224 adds a new item 740a to the scenario information 740, and each parameter value of the scenario information 740 based on the contents of the history information 734 of the turn. Is determined and stored (step S434). Furthermore, when the reference turn is the final turn (step S436; YES), “operation completion” or “operation failure” is registered in the result 740j of the scenario information 740 according to the game result (step S438).
When the loop 11 is executed for all the turns of the history information 734, the scenario information generation process is terminated.

  Next, in FIG. 37, the replay control unit 224 generates live information 741 based on the generated scenario information 740 (step S402). Specifically, the scenario information 740 generated in step S400 is referred to in the order of the item 740a, voice data corresponding to the parameter value of the item 740a being referred to is selected from the live voice TBL 742, and the live voice is included in the live information 741. Is stored as each element. Of course, instead of the voice data, a file identifier of the voice data, an address value where the voice data is stored, and the like may be stored.

  Next, the replay control unit 224 generates the camera work information 743 by referring to the scenario information 740 generated in Step S400 in the order of the items 740a (Step S404). Specifically, the scenario information 740 generated in step S400 is referred to in the order of the items 740a, and the setting of each element of the line-of-sight direction, the angle of view change, and the screen blur according to the parameter value of the item 740a being referred to is determined. And stored as camera work information 743.

  Next, the replay control unit 224 executes a movement curve setting process to generate movement curve information 745 (Step S406). Specifically, the history information 734 is first referred to in turn order, and when a new character is placed in the game space, the character is registered in the character identification information 745a, and the number of turns at that time is set as the start turn number 745b. Store. When the character shot down in the history information 734 is registered, the number of turns at that time is stored in the end turn number 745c of the character. Then, a curve function (for example, a Bezier curve function) that connects the position coordinates of the character from the start turn number 745b to the end turn number 745c with a smooth curve is stored in the curve function 745d.

  Next, the replay control unit 224 arranges each character in the virtual space based on the information of the first turn stored in the history information 743, and calculates the number of turns counted for replay and the game world time. Initialization is performed (step S408), and the replay screen is displayed by repeating the loop 10 until the final turn at the end of the game (steps S410 to S426).

  In the loop 10, first, each character arranged based on the movement curve information 745 is moved along the curve defined by the curve function 745d (step S412), and the movement path object Y2 is arranged on the movement path of each character. (Step S414). Furthermore, when the battle end is stored in the history information 734 (step S416; YES), the object D1 or D2 having a predetermined shoot down mark is placed on the character that has been shot down based on the battle result and cannot move (step S416). S418).

If an object indicating the movement of the character and the movement path is arranged, the replay control unit 224 refers to the camera work information 743 and places the virtual camera in the virtual space according to the camera work setting corresponding to the turn being replayed. Arrange (step S420). Then, referring to the live information 741, while generating live audio data corresponding to the turn being replayed from the speaker 1222, a replay screen with the previously placed virtual camera as a viewpoint is generated and displayed on the display 1220. (Step S422), the number of turns and the game world time are advanced at a predetermined timing. (Step S424).
For example, in the case of the item “1” in FIG. 32, while the state where the character of “Tank 01” moves along the movement curve f _t01 around the world of the game is displayed on the display 1220, “Roku Marmaru, Operation “Sound! Tank 01 has moved to the XX bridge and has started moving toward the defense base” is output from the speaker 1222.

  Through the above processing, the replay screen based on the history information 734 can be displayed with the actual situation so as to show a series of movies by camera work according to the contents of the actual situation. Thereby, the player can enjoy his / her game result more.

  In the present embodiment, the live voice is used as voice data, but it is of course possible to display text instead of voice as text data.

  Further, although the camera work information 743 is generated based on the scenario information 740, the camera work information 743 may be generated based on the live audio information 741 generated based on the scenario information 740. In this case, the camera work TBL 744 stores the camera work setting in association with the voice data of the live voice.

[Description of Modification]
As described above, the first to third embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, as long as similar effects and operations can be realized without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the above, addition / deletion / change of components may be performed as appropriate.

  For example, in the case of the third virtual camera C3, when importance is attached to the story and performance of the game, in the virtual camera selection process in the first embodiment, the battle area in which the battle that is the key is performed is copied. A process for selecting three virtual cameras may be added.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 39 (a), event setting information 733k is included in the game play information 733 as information regarding the battle situation and game story importance in the turn. Event setting information 733k includes event conditions 733m regarding battle results and win / loss situations (battle conditions), and rank 733n (A, B, C...) Indicating the importance of the event, as shown in FIG. Are stored in association with each other.

  For example, as the “specific player power character” of the event condition 733m, there are an important character that is a commander's right arm, a player's lover character, a character that is carrying strategically important materials, and a game story. A vehicle with a setting on which important persons (such as heads of state) are on board can be considered. In addition, “characters of specific enemy forces” are set to be equipped with strategically important weapons (for example, World War II V rockets, battleship Yamato, etc.), enemy ace pilots and famous commanders. Weapons are considered. In addition, of course, it may be set appropriately according to the setting of the game world, such as when a unit is completely annihilated or damaged by a natural disaster or attack by a pest.

Then, as shown in FIG. 40, processing for selecting the third virtual camera C3 based on the event setting information 733k is executed in preference to steps S128 to S132. That is, with reference to the event setting information 733k, the third virtual camera C3 set in the battle zone where the result of the battle situation of each character in the turn satisfies the event condition 733m is searched (step S127a). Then, a predetermined number is selected from the searched third virtual camera C3 in descending order of the rank 733n corresponding to each (step S127b).
Thus, when a battle that is an important event in story development is performed, the situation can be reliably displayed on the sub-screen Ps3.

  The third virtual camera C3 may be either a fixed type or a movable type. In the case of the movable type, a predetermined movement pattern is set in advance, and movement control is performed so that the third virtual camera C3 turns on the battlefield in the previous stage of step S30 (see FIG. 9) or S224 (see FIG. 26). You may do that. By moving the third virtual camera C3, the three-dimensional effect of the diorama configured in the virtual space is more clearly projected on the game screen, and a more realistic sensation that the conventional turn-based strategy simulation game does not have. Can be realized.

  In order to further enhance the reality, characters such as a helicopter, an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, and a spy are prepared in advance, and the third virtual camera C3 may be configured as an image photographed by the character. In this case, for example, the player may specify the search location and search range of the character from the main screen Pm using a predetermined icon or the like, and may fly or hide at the specified location. Furthermore, in the case of helicopters and unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, if the settings of the onboard fuel and fuel consumption per hour are prepared in advance, and the flight time is limited based on the game world time, the third virtual camera C3 is constantly set. If the game is not limited to a specific arrangement, a more realistic game can be realized.

  In the first to third embodiments, the game field is the ground, but it is needless to say that it may be a battlefield in the air, underwater, or a virtual world.

  In addition, although the sub screens Ps2 and Ps3 are displayed to be superimposed on the main screen Pm, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is realized by switching the image displayed on the main screen Pm from the first image to the second image or the third image. Also good.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of images are displayed, it is more preferable that the player can move the screen to a desired position with the game controller 1202 and specify the display position. Specifically, when a predetermined operation is input from the game controller 1202, the control unit 1210 displays the displayed screens so that they can be sequentially selected (at this time, the outer periphery of the selected screen is displayed in a specific color frame. If displayed, it is more preferable for the player to easily recognize.) Then, in accordance with an input from the direction key 1206, the display position of the selected image is moved. Alternatively, when a predetermined operation is input, an arrangement pattern of screens prepared in advance (for example, “all tiles are arranged in the same size”, “the first image is fixed at a predetermined position on the screen, the second image, The third image is automatically switched and arranged in the remaining display area at predetermined time intervals ”, etc., and the display position may be automatically controlled according to the selected arrangement pattern.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the home game device to which this invention is applied. The figure for demonstrating the concept of the structure of the virtual space in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the game screen in 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of game map initial setting information. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of object information. The figure which shows an example of command TBL. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of game play information. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the whole process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the command input process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the character action control process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the virtual camera arrangement | positioning process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the virtual camera selection process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the replay display process in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the game screen in which a player inputs a command into the character of player power. The figure which shows an example of the game screen in an execution phase. The figure which shows an example of the game screen of the state by which the subscreen which displays a 2nd image was displayed. The figure which shows an example of the game screen of the state in which the sub screen which displays the 3rd image which made the viewpoint the 3rd virtual camera selected by automatic selection was displayed. The figure which shows an example of the game screen of the state in which the subscreen which displays the 3rd image which made the viewpoint the 3rd virtual camera which image | photographs the character designated by the player is displayed. The figure which shows an example of the game screen of the state which displays a replay image. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the home game device to which this invention is applied. The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the arcade game device to which this invention is applied. The figure explaining the concept of the apparatus structure at the time of applying this invention to a network game. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the server apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the game terminal in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the whole process in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of command reception processing. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of virtual camera selection processing B. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the replay display process B. FIG. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the scenario information in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the actual condition information in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the live audio | voice TBL in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the camera work information in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the camera work TBL in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the movement curve information in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the replay process in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the scenario information generation process in 3rd Embodiment. The data block diagram which shows the modification of game play information. The flowchart which shows the modification of a virtual camera selection process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Processing part 21 Account calculating part 22 Game calculating part 23 Server calculating part 215 Command transmission control part 220 Character control part 221 Command input control part 222 Turn switching part 223 Virtual camera control part 224 Replay control part 225 Command reception control part 229 Account management Unit 70 Storage unit 71 Account game information 72 Game information 720 Character control program 721 Command input control program 722 Turn switching program 723 Virtual camera control program 724 Replay control program 730 Game map initial setting information 731 Object information 733 Game play information 734 History information 740 Scenario information 741 Live information 742 Live audio TBL
743 Camera work information 744 Camera work TBL
745 Movement curve information 73 Game information for server 715 Command transmission program 725 Command reception program 729 Account management program

Claims (19)

A program for causing a computer to execute a given strategy simulation game in which a self-powered character is operated to engage with other powers while repeating a turn consisting of an instruction phase and an execution phase,
An object placement means for placing a background representing a game field in a three-dimensional virtual space and a solid object representing the character, and forming a diorama in the virtual space;
A bird's-eye view virtual camera placement means for placing a bird's-eye view virtual camera for photographing the bird's-eye view of the diorama;
Command input means for inputting a command to the character by an operation of a player in the command phase;
In the execution phase, an object control means for automatically controlling the character object to move and fight based on a command input by the command input means in the diorama.
In the execution phase, a battle point detection means for detecting a battle point where a battle is being performed from within the diorama,
A local virtual camera placement means for placing a local virtual camera for locally capturing a battle spot detected by the battle spot detection means for each detected battle spot ;
Overhead image generating means for generating an overhead image of the diorama taken with deployed virtual camera overhead by the overhead virtual camera positioning means,
A local image generating means for generating a local image of a battle location photographed by the local virtual camera arranged by the local virtual camera arranging means;
Display control means for controlling display of the overhead image of the diorama generated by the overhead image generation means and the local image in the diorama generated by the local image generation means;
A program for causing the computer to function as The program according to claim 1,
Causing the computer to function as game world time management means for managing the progress of the game world time that does not proceed in the instruction phase but proceeds in the execution phase ;
The command input means has command activation condition input means for inputting a command activation timing condition by specifying a time in the game world time ,
The object control unit, the game world time determines whether it is the start timing condition is satisfied time, when it is determined that satisfied and starts execution of the control object based on the inputted command Is a means,
A program characterized by that. The program according to claim 1 or 2,
A station in the execution phase, the topical virtual camera to meet the preset selection condition of the local virtual camera to select a local image of the battle places to be displayed, which is arranged by the local virtual camera positioning means Causing the computer to function as a local virtual camera selection means for selecting from among the desired virtual cameras;
The local image generation unit generates a local image of a battle location photographed by the local virtual camera selected by the local virtual camera selection unit among the local virtual cameras arranged by the local virtual camera arrangement unit. It means der that Apply predicates,
A program characterized by that. The program according to claim 3,
The cause the computer to function selection criteria topical virtual camera as a selection condition setting means the player is set,
It said local virtual camera selection means, Ru means der selecting a topical virtual camera on the basis of the set selection condition by the selection condition setting means,
A program characterized by that. The program according to claim 3,
The local virtual camera selection means is means for selecting a local virtual camera using the selection condition to select a predetermined number of local virtual cameras in order of the magnitude of the battle scale at the battle location to be imaged.
A program characterized by that. The program according to claim 3,
The local virtual camera selection unit includes an influence level determination unit that determines an influence level of the battle result of each battle location on the battle situation of the entire battle, and selects a local virtual camera based on the determined level of influence. This is means for selecting a local virtual camera as the selection condition .
A program characterized by that. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A range in which the display control unit performs control so that the range of the local image in the diorama generated by the local image generation unit is specially displayed on the overhead image of the diorama generated by the overhead image generation unit. A program for causing a computer to function so as to have display control means. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The display control means is a means for controlling to display a local image for each battle location generated by the local image generation means arranged in a line or matrix form along the edge of the display screen. A program characterized by A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
History storage means for storing a history for each turn of the movement operation and battle operation by the object control means,
Replay image generating means for generating a replay image displayed so that the object of the character continuously moves or battles based on the history of each turn stored by the history storage means;
Replay image display control means for displaying the replay image generated by the replay image generation means,
A program for causing the computer to further function as: The program according to claim 9 , wherein
The replay image generation means has a correction means for correcting the history of each turn stored in the history storage means, and the character object moves or battles smoothly and continuously by the correction by the correction means. A program for causing the computer to function to generate a replay image to be displayed. The program according to claim 10 ,
The correction means includes an approximate control information calculation means for calculating approximate control information for performing smooth and continuous movement operation or combat operation by correcting and calculating a connection portion of each history when connecting the history for each turn. The computer to function as
The replay image generation means is a means for generating a replay image that is displayed so that the object of the character moves in accordance with the calculated approximate control information.
A program characterized by that. The program according to any one of claims 9-11,
A program for causing the computer to function so that the replay image display control means has a movement trajectory display object display control means for controlling to display a display object indicating a trajectory of the movement movement of the character. A program according to any one of claims 9 to 12 ,
Scenario information generating means for generating scenario information indicating the course of events in the in-game world corresponding to the stored turn, based on the history of each turn stored by the history storage means;
Comment data determining means for determining comment data corresponding to the stored turn based on the scenario information generated by the scenario information generating means;
Camera work determining means for determining a camera work of a virtual camera corresponding to the stored turn based on the generated scenario information or the determined explanation data;
As the computer functions as
The replay image generating means causes the computer to generate a replay image based on the stored turn-by-turn history and the camera work;
A program for causing the computer to further function as comment output means for outputting the determined comment data in accordance with display control by the replay image display control means. The program according to claim 13 ,
The history storage means stores battle scale information that has been performed in each turn for each turn,
The comment data determining means determines comment data corresponding to the turn when the battle scale in the stored turn satisfies a given condition, and applies the corresponding comment data when the given condition is not satisfied. No,
A program characterized by that. To a server device connected to a plurality of game terminals via a communication line,
A program for causing a player who operates the game terminal to execute a given network-type strategy simulation game in which a player who operates the game terminal engages with other forces while repeating a turn composed of an instruction phase and an execution phase. And
An object placement means for placing a background representing a game field in a three-dimensional virtual space and a solid object representing the character, and forming a diorama in the virtual space;
A bird's-eye view virtual camera placement means for placing a bird's-eye view virtual camera for photographing the bird's-eye view of the diorama;
Command receiving means for receiving a command to the character associated with the game terminal from the game terminal in the command phase;
In the execution phase, object control means for automatically controlling the character object to move and fight based on the command received by the command receiving means in the diorama;
In the execution phase, a battle point detection means for detecting a battle point where a battle is being performed from within the diorama,
A local virtual camera placement means for placing a local virtual camera for locally capturing a battle spot detected by the battle spot detection means for each detected battle spot ;
Overhead image generating means for generating an overhead image of the diorama taken with deployed virtual camera overhead by the overhead virtual camera positioning means,
A local image generating means for generating a local image of a battle location photographed by the local virtual camera arranged by the local virtual camera arranging means;
Transmission for transmitting to the game terminal the bird's-eye view image generated by the bird's-eye image generation unit and the local image in the diorama generated by the local image generation unit as images to be displayed on the game terminal means,
As a program for causing the server device to function.   The program according to claim 15,
  Causing the server device to function as account management means for managing the account of each player of the game terminal;
  The local virtual camera arrangement means arranges the local virtual camera for each account,
  The transmission means transmits a local image of a battle location photographed by a local virtual camera arranged for each corresponding account to a game terminal of a player corresponding to each of the accounts.
  program. Of program according to claim 1-16, any one program storing a computer readable information storage medium. A game device for executing a given strategy simulation game in which a self-powered character is operated by engaging a turn of an instruction phase and an execution phase to engage with other powers.
An object placement means for placing a background of a game field in a three-dimensional virtual space and a solid object representing the character, and forming a diorama in the virtual space;
An overhead view virtual camera placement means for placing an overhead view virtual camera for taking a bird's eye view of the diorama;
Command input means for inputting a command to the character by an operation of a player in the command phase;
In the execution phase, object control means for automatically controlling the character object to move and fight based on the command input by the command input means in the diorama;
In the execution phase, a battle point detection means for detecting a battle point where a battle is being performed from within the diorama;
A local virtual camera placement means for placing a local virtual camera for locally photographing a battle spot detected by the battle spot detection means , for each detected battle spot ;
A bird's-eye view image generating means for generating an overhead image of the diorama taken with deployed virtual camera overhead by the overhead virtual camera positioning means,
A local image generating means for generating a local image of a battle location photographed by the local virtual camera arranged by the local virtual camera arranging means;
Display control means for controlling display of the overhead image of the diorama generated by the overhead image generation means and the local image in the diorama generated by the local image generation means ;
A game apparatus comprising: A given player is connected to a plurality of game terminals via a communication line, and a player operating the game terminal operates a self-powered character to engage with other powers while repeating a turn consisting of an instruction phase and an execution phase. A server device for executing a network type strategy simulation game,
An object placement means for placing a background of a game field in a three-dimensional virtual space and a solid object representing the character, and forming a diorama in the virtual space;
An overhead view virtual camera placement means for placing an overhead view virtual camera for taking a bird's eye view of the diorama;
Command receiving means for receiving a command from the game terminal to the character associated with the game terminal in the command phase;
In the execution phase, object control means for automatically controlling the character object to move and fight based on the command received by the command receiving means in the diorama;
In the execution phase, a battle point detection means for detecting a battle point where a battle is being performed from within the diorama,
A local virtual camera placement means for placing a local virtual camera for locally photographing a battle spot detected by the battle spot detection means , for each detected battle spot ;
A bird's-eye view image generating means for generating an overhead image of the diorama taken with deployed virtual camera overhead by the overhead virtual camera positioning means,
A local image generating means for generating a local image of a battle location photographed by the local virtual camera arranged by the local virtual camera arranging means;
Transmission for transmitting to the game terminal the bird's-eye view image generated by the bird's-eye image generation unit and the local image in the diorama generated by the local image generation unit as images to be displayed on the game terminal Means,
A server device comprising:

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