JP2000501011A - Video game with one or more play modes - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] The present invention uses a switch (33) or a magnetic card reader (32) operated by a player to play a game code before or during a game (42, 44, 62). (58) A video game system (10) capable of inputting. The game system verifies the validity of the code and, if valid, allows access to enhanced game features that are otherwise unavailable to game players (42) (44, 62). . The system is based on a microprocessor (16) and the valid codes are stored in a read only memory (12) or a non-volatile random access memory (14).

Description

Description: Video Game with One or More Play Modes Background of the Invention The present invention relates to video games, and more particularly to coin operated video games with one or more play modes or user types. A typical video game is a game enclosure that includes a microprocessor, memory associated with the microprocessor, a display, and a plurality of player-operated inputs such as buttons, switches, etc. mounted on the enclosure. Contains body. The game program is stored in memory and defines rules and operating parameters that enable playing a video game. As will be appreciated, different video games include different game programs. The player starts playing the coin operated video game by inserting the required number of coins or tokens into the game. To control the play of the game, the player operates the player motion input to memorize the points and achieve other predetermined game purposes. It should be noted that a typical video game supports only one type of user in which the player controls the duration of the game, i.e., all the entities are equally available to the player. Coin operated video games are typically used in arcade settings. Manufacturers of such games are continually searching for new ways to increase player interest and appeal. For example, interesting visual and auditory effects have been incorporated into coin-operated video games. It is also a known improvement to allow a large number of players to play at the same time. Another important development is the provision of a home version of an arcade-style video game that allows players to enhance their skills at home. Coin operated video games and the corresponding home version have been very successful in the market and have resulted in the development of magazines, comic books, fan clubs and extensive publicity on video game play. Players read magazines and comic books and communicate with others about video games in an attempt to learn the secrets and methods of each game to improve the individual performance of video game play. In order to maximize the player's interest, coin operations are used to allow home game players, accessory purchasers, and other game enthusiasts to gain game play privileges not available to occasional players. It is desirable to link peripheral items directly to the game. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a coin operated video game that allows for multiple play modes, particularly a default mode and at least one mode. For enhanced mode access, the player must enter a valid code into the video game. Once the activation code is entered, the player is given privileged and / or authorized access to the enhanced game features. If an invalid code is entered, the player will remain in the default mode and normal game operation will occur. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the enhanced mode is accessed by inserting a card containing a magnetic code into a magnetic card reader attached to the game housing. Such cards can be provided for sale or distribution of accessories associated with coin operated games. Alternatively, the player controls can be used to enter a code to be displayed on the screen in a quirky combination locking manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of a typical coin-operated video game, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are for determining the play of a video game having one or more play modes. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a computer showing a program. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In FIG. 1, hardware 10 suitable for use in the present invention is shown in block form. A read-only memory (ROM) 12 stores a computer program for playing a conventional video game. Further, the ROM 12 stores a program module for determining the play mode. This program module can be incorporated into a conventional coin-operated video game game program and, as discussed in detail below, at the start of the game play or as determined by specific game rules. If a valid code is entered at another time during the game, it allows the player to access the enhanced game features. Random access memory (RAM) 14 is used to temporarily store information related to the current play of the video game while microprocessor unit (MPU) 16 executes instructions stored in ROM 12. Used. Video section 18 allows MPU 16 to display video information about the game on CRT 20. In accordance with the present invention, the game includes either a magnetic stripe card reader 32 or a player controlled input switch 33, or both. The card reader allows a player with a magnetic card to identify himself to the game in order to qualify for one or more enhanced game playing features. As noted in the Background of the Invention, this card can be made available to players in a variety of ways, such as premiums, accessory prizes for games, prizes, and the like. In any case, only the player holding the card can start playing the enhanced game by inserting the card into the card reader 32. Instead of or in addition to the card reader 32, it is possible to allow the player to operate the input switch 33 to input an enhanced game code. These game codes include switch buttons or joysticks in the form commonly provided in video games. For this type of code entry, it is desirable that the microprocessor be programmed to display a simulated "combination lock" on the CRT 20. Player input via input switch 33 changes the displayed symbols to allow input of game code. In the following, a specific embodiment of such an input is described. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the program steps of a subroutine that enables a coin operated video game to support multiple play modes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different hardware systems use different computer code. However, the flow diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 allow the programming of the present invention for any required system. In FIG. 2, the program steps for a typical subroutine executed before the game play is started are shown. If the player has inserted the required coins and started the game (steps 34-38), it is determined whether the play mode of the enhanced game has been enabled (step 40). If so, a strengthening game operation occurs (step 44). If not, a normal game operation occurs (step 42). FIG. 3 is a more detailed block of the program steps 40-46 of FIG. 2 required to determine whether the enhanced mode of operation of the video game has been enabled. After the game play has begun, the game requires a code entry step 50. If the game includes a card reader and a card containing a valid magnetic code is inserted into the card reader (step 52), the enhanced game is enabled. If a card is not inserted or there is no card reader, a code can be input through the player control switch 33 to play the enhanced game (step 54). If a valid code is not entered by one of these options, a normal game operation occurs (step 42). If a code is entered, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a luggage-type combination lock or similar graphic is preferably shown on the game display (step 56). It consists of a rectangular housing with at least two compartments simulating a luggage-type combination lock. Preferably, this rectangle contains up to six compartments, each of which can be individually marked by the player (s) via input switch 33. For each of the compartments, the player can enter letters, numbers from zero to nine or other corresponding symbols by operating a switch. The player signals the game microprocessor to move between the compartments until all the compartments are set to the desired combination of letters, numbers or symbols. The microprocessor checks the combinations against a list of valid symbol combinations to determine a match (steps 58, 60). If there is a match, the microprocessor enables the enhanced game operating mode corresponding to the particular code entered. This is indicated at 62 in FIG. The term code index means that the code input by the microprocessor is stored in an index table in a game ROM (or CMOS RAM or other nonvolatile memory device) by turning on a magnetic card or by a player switch. It means to compare against combinations. Thus, it is possible to have multiple valid codes, each associated with a different type of enhanced game operation. Of course, a large number of codes will not be present in the look-up table, thereby preventing random features of the enhanced features by players without legitimate code. Thus, if you have acquired the required code through a puzzle or game that can be included in the relevant books, magazines and strategy guides, or have purchased the game-related merchandise, one or more Prizes can be awarded to players who have received code or combinations that allow them to play some features of the game at high or difficult levels. Typical examples of enhanced games are the ability to select certain hidden features that are otherwise unavailable to the game player, the ability to grant certain game features privileges that are otherwise unavailable to the game player, Includes "rounds" of games that are not normally available, or opportunities to advance to a level. Of course, the ways in which the game can be enhanced for selected users is limited only by the imagination of the game designer. Although the present invention is primarily suited for video game applications, those skilled in the art will be able to adapt it for use in other types of games, such as coin operated pinball machines or new devices. is there. The basic principles of the present invention, premised on the enhanced game play mode, can be implemented in formats other than video according to the principles disclosed herein. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broad nature of the invention. Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

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Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. To provide information to game players, a microprocessor control system and An electronic game device having a game program and a display,   a) Allows players to enter game code into the microprocessor Equipped with a player input means,   b) the microprocessor control system comprises:       (I) valid code allowing access to enhanced game features And store       (Ii) requesting player input of the game code,       (Iii) displaying the input code received from the player on the display,       (Iv) If the input code matches the valid code, the predetermined enhanced Enable game features With means Electronic game device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said player input means comprises a magnetic stripe card reader. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said player input means comprises a player operated switch. 4. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the means for storing the valid code is a read-only memory. apparatus. 5. The electronic game is a video game having a CRT display, The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game code is displayed on the CRT.