JP4120911B2 - Play system - Google Patents

Description

このデータカードは、遊戯終了時に排出され、遊戯者が次に遊戯する時にこのカードをサテライト遊戯装置のカードリーダ・ライタに挿入すると、当該馬によってレースに参加することができ、遊戯者が調教、レース、反省、牧場の各モードにおける馬とのふれあいを通して馬を育てるという楽しみを遊戯者に与えることができる。
【０１０９】
また、このデータカードに記録されるデータに複数の意味を持たせることもできる。例えば、馬の名前のデータを、馬の性格や好き嫌いのパラメータを決定付けるデータとしても使用することによって、セーブ容量を節約することができるとともに、性格や好き嫌いにランダムな要素を盛り込むことができる。
（２）調教モードにおいては、種々の調教メニューから遊戯者が選択して調教内容を選ぶことができる。例えば調教コースの選択では、芝コース、ダートコース、坂路コースなどがある。
【０１１０】
芝コースでの調教の画像は、スピード感を表現する為に、他のコースでの調教より馬の速度を早く設定したり、カメラ位置を固定にして高速で走り去る様子を写すような演出をしてもよい。またダートコースでの調教の画像は、迫力を表現する為に、土煙を通常より派手に大きく表示したり、土の固まりを飛ばすようにしてもよい。また、坂路コースでは、画面上でもはっきり坂路と分かるように、通常の調教での坂路よりも、勾配をきつく設定し、馬の視点から見たら壁のように見えるようにしてもよい。
【０１１１】
また、調教において遊戯者が適切なタイミングで操作（ムチボタン、抑えボタンの操作）したか否かにより、調教の成否を決定するようにしてもよい。
（３）なお、レース終了後、コンティニュー選択モードでコンティニューを選択せずに新規にエントリーをやり直した遊戯者は、馬の生育や牧場モードで楽しむことができる。したがって、複数人参加可能ゲームに参加した回数のみを基準に遊戯料金を設定すると不公平が生ずるので、新規にエントリーを行なう遊戯者は、新規に馬を作成しない場合であっても、コンティニューの場合（例えばコイン１枚）より高い遊戯料金（例えばコイン２枚）を課すことにしている。
（４）本実施形態では、レースゲームに「エントリー」できるタイミングが限られていたため、各遊戯者がレースに「エントリー」できる時までの間に、牧場モード等の一人用ゲームを実行可能とし、遊戯者を退屈させないようにしている。しかし、レースに「エントリー」できるタイミングの自由度が認められている場合でも、エントリーしたレースに「参加」できるタイミングは限られる。そこで、各遊戯者がレースに「参加」できる時までの間に、一人用ゲームを実行可能としてもよい。
（５）本実施形態では、メイン遊戯動作実行装置はメイン画像表示部２１ａ、２１ｂにより構成されているが、本発明ではこれに限らず、レースゲーム等の遊戯動作を実行して遊戯者に示すことができるものであればよい。例えば、馬の模型を遊戯台に設けられた所定コース上で移動させ、これによってレースの動作を実行するものでも良い。
（６）馬の年齢が一定以上に達したことをサテライト処理装置が判断した場合、その馬を引退させるか否かを選択する機会を遊戯者に与える。遊戯者がその馬を引退させることを選択した場合、当該サテライト処理装置は、カードリーダ・ライタ３４によって、当該馬のデータを記録した磁気カードに「父馬カード」又は「母馬カード」と印刷し、親馬としてのデータ（遺伝形質など）を磁気的に記録する。この親馬は、当該遊戯者自身が新たに馬を作成する際に、活用することができる。
【０１１２】
なお、馬の年齢の決定方法は、馬の生年月日（及び必要に応じて時刻）を磁気カードに記録させ、そのデータと、遊戯システムが内蔵する計時手段から得られるデータとに基づいて行なっても良い。また、馬が現在までにレースに出場した回数を磁気カードに記録させ、そのデータをもとに、馬の年齢を決定しても良い。
（７）図３の説明において述べたように、本実施形態では各サテライトの処理装置５１ａ〜５１ｈを光ファイバで直列に接続し、メイン処理装置との通信を行なっている。仮に１つのサテライト遊戯装置に何らかの動作不良のあることが発見された場合、システム管理者は当該サテライト遊戯装置に格納されたプログラムから「テストモード」を作動させる。テストモードは、当該サテライト遊戯装置に備えられた入出力装置、ＲＯＭ、ＲＡＭ等（図８参照）の動作チェックを行なうモードである。この場合、テストモード中に当該サテライト処理装置による遊戯用プログラムの実行が停止してしまうと、図３に示した直列接続による通信が途中で遮断されてしまい、遊戯システム全体の動作を停止させざるを得なくなる。
【０１１３】
そこで、テストモードとして２つのモードを設ける。第１のテストモードでは上記のように当該サテライト全体のチェックを行うことができるが、遊戯用プログラムの実行を完全に遮断しないとテストができない。第２のテストモードでは入出力装置のチェックしか行なうことができないが、他のサテライトとの通信機能等を続行しながらのテストが可能である。この第２のテストモードのプログラムは、遊戯用プログラムと同じループの中に組み込むことにより、両者が交互に実行可能となる。
【０１１４】
この場合、１つのサテライトに不具合があれば、まず当該サテライトにつき第２のテストモードを起動させる。これによって、入力ボタン３２などの入出力装置に問題があることが分かれば、遊戯システム全体を停止させることなく問題を解決することができる。第２のテストモードで解決しない場合だけ、第１のテストモードを起動させる。
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明は、複数人参加可能ゲームにおける遊戯性に関し新たな工夫を加えた遊戯システムおよび遊戯処理方法を提供することができ、より詳しくは以下の効果を有する。
（１）第１に、複数人が参加するメインゲームを円滑に進めつつ、一方で各遊戯者の一人用ゲームを実行可能とすることによって、遊戯者の欲求を満足させるに足るゲームシステムを提供することができる。
（２）第２に、複数人参加同時ゲームにエントリー可能となるまで、遊戯者が一人用ゲームを行なうようにすることにより、複数人参加同時ゲームにエントリー可能となるまでの時間を調整するとともに、待ち時間によって遊戯者を飽きさせることのない遊戯システムを提供することができる。
（３）第３に、ゲームシステムにおける遊戯の種類を複数用意して所定順序で実行し、遊戯が時間に応じて変化するように設定することによって、ゲームのリアリティーを向上させることができる。
（４）第４に、本発明は、特定種類の遊戯に参加資格を有しない遊戯者を飽きさせないように、参加資格を有しない参加者については一人用ゲームを行なうことができ、当該遊戯者が参加可能な複数人参加可能ゲームが開始されるまで、遊戯者を退屈させないようにすることができる。
（５）第５に、スタート地点の決定を遊戯者に選択不可能にすることができる。また、より具体的には、スタート地点の決定を抽選により行ない、スタート地点の決定を公平に行なうことができる。
（６）第６に、コースの一部分のみを表示すると共に、当該位置表示をスクロールして、移動体を表示領域内に収めることにより、より見易い現在位置表示画像を表示できるようにすることができる。
（７）第７に、前方を見る画像以外の画像を表示することにより、迫力のある表示を可能とする一方、移動体の操縦には問題の無いレースゲームシステムを提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の１実施形態による遊戯装置であるレースゲームシステムの外観構成を示す斜視図。
【図２】サテライト遊戯装置における入力ボタンの配置を示した平面図。
【図３】本実施形態における遊戯システムにおける通信系統の概略図。
【図４】メイン処理装置の組み合わせ構造を示した側面図。
【図５】メイン処理装置の接続構造を示したブロック図。
【図６】マルチボードの機能を説明したブロック図。
【図７】メイン遊戯装置におけるメイン処理装置と他の出力機器との接続を示したブロック図。
【図８】サテライト遊戯装置における処理装置と各種入出力機器との接続構成を示したブロック図。
【図９】メイン処理装置ないしサテライト処理装置のブロック図。
【図１０】遊戯進行の概略を示すフローチャート。
【図１１】遊戯の各モードの時間的関係を示したタイミングチャート。
【図１２】馬作成モード及び牧場モードから、調教モードへ移行するために、サテライト処理装置が実行する判断の過程を示したフローチャート。
【図１３】メイン画像表示装置に出力される馬の画像と現在位置表示画像の一例を示す正面図。
【図１４】現在位置表示画像上に表示される馬の位置を、メイン処理装置が決定する処理を行なう為のフローチャート。
【図１５】各サテライト処理装置が、レースへの出場資格の有無を判定し、その判定結果に基いて実行する処理の手順を示したフローチャート。
【図１６】メイン遊戯装置が次のレースに参加する遊戯者がいるか否かを判断し、その結果に従って実行する処理のフローチャート。
【符号の説明】
２１ａ〜ｂ メイン画像表示部、
３ａ〜ｈ サテライト遊戯装置、
３１ サテライト表示装置、
４３、４５ メイン処理装置、
５１ サテライト処理装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game system and a game processing method, and more particularly, to a game system capable of executing a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate and a game processing method for executing such a game.
[0002]
[Prior art]
(1) First, a game system that can execute a multiplayer game (such as a race game in which a plurality of players compete) in which a plurality of players can participate is known. In this type of game system, in addition to a multiplayer game, a game for one person such as a preparatory work for a multiplayer game may be executed, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game. In this case, the multiplayer participation game is not executed during the execution of each player's preparatory work, but the progress of the multiplayer participation game, which is the main game, is delayed due to each player's preparatory work. Is hindering the efficient progression of
(2) Secondly, a multiplayer simultaneous game (such as a race game that starts simultaneously) played by a plurality of players simultaneously is known. In this type of game, the time available for entry (participation registration) is limited. That is, a player who intends to enter a multi-player simultaneous game cannot enter the game while one multi-player simultaneous game is already running, and the game ends and the next game I had to wait without doing anything until the entry time was reached. For this reason, there is a possibility that the time until entry becomes possible is felt as a wasteful time for the player.
[0003]
In addition, even when the degree of freedom of timing for entering the game is widely recognized, in race games that start at the same time, the timing at which you can participate in the entered game is limited, so that until the player can participate in the game There was a risk that time would be wasted for the player.
(3) Thirdly, in a conventional multiplayer game (for example, a horse racing game imitating horse racing, a car racing game imitating car racing, etc.), when a plurality of types of games are prepared, the game is entered. Each time a player selects a game type (race course, etc.). However, in actual horse races, car races, etc., which are the models of the game, the date and time is determined according to the type of race (Kikuhana Prize, Emperor Prize, etc.), and the participants and spectators of the race can choose anytime You cannot select the type of race. Therefore, if the player can arbitrarily select the type of game, there is a risk of lack of reality.
(4) Fourth, in a conventional game device such as a race game in which a plurality of players can participate, for example, a qualification for participation such as “only the person who wins the qualifying can advance to the final” can be defined for a specific game. is there. However, in the conventional game device, if a person who does not have eligibility to participate in the specific game wants to participate in a multiplayer game, the game is finished once and until the next game that can be participated is started. I had to wait without playing any games. This could cause a sense of boredom for the player.
(5) Fifth, in some conventional racing game systems, the starting point is determined by the game machine used by the player. However, if the starting point is determined by the game machine to be used, the race may become unfair.
(6) Sixth, in the conventional racing game apparatus, in addition to the moving object display image that displays the moving object that aims at the goal at a large scale, the scale is reduced and the current position of each moving object in the entire course is determined. The displayed current position display image may be output. However, if the entire course is displayed at a small scale, especially when many (eg, 10 or more) moving bodies are moving closely, they may appear to be in the same rank. It may be difficult to grasp the positional relationship and determine the ranking.
(7) Seventh, conventionally, in the field of racing game devices, for example, in the case of a car race, an image viewed from the driver's seat of the car and an image viewed from the rear of the car are displayed. However, since it is necessary to maneuver the moving body in the race game, there is no conventional example in which an image of viewing the moving body from the side (from the side in the traveling direction) is displayed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of this invention is to provide the game system and the game processing method which added the new device regarding the playability in the multiplayer participation game. More specifically, the present invention aims at the items listed below.
(1) First, a game system that can satisfy a player's desire is provided by making it possible to execute a single-player game for each player while smoothly proceeding with a main game in which a plurality of people participate. The purpose is to do.
(2) Secondly, by adjusting the time until the player can enter the simultaneous multiplayer game by allowing the player to play the single player game until the multiplayer simultaneous game can be entered. An object of the present invention is to provide a game system that does not bore players due to waiting time.
[0005]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a game system that does not bore a player until it becomes possible to participate in a simultaneous game involving multiple players.
(3) Thirdly, an object is to improve the reality of the game by preparing a plurality of types of play in the game system, executing them in a predetermined order, and setting the play to change with time. .
(4) Fourth, the present invention allows a player who does not qualify to participate in a specific type of game to be able to play a single game for a participant who does not qualify for participation. The purpose is to prevent the player from being bored until a multiplayer game where the player can participate is started.
(5) Fifth, the purpose is to make it impossible for the player to select the starting point. More specifically, the purpose is to determine the starting point by lottery and to determine the starting point fairly.
(6) Sixth, it is intended to display a current position display image that is easier to see by displaying only a part of the course and scrolling the position display to place the moving body in the display area. And
(7) Seventh, an object is to provide a racing game system that allows powerful display by displaying an image other than the image of looking forward, while having no problem in maneuvering a moving object. .
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention can execute a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate and a single-player game that a player can play alone. A game system that allows a player who has not participated in a multi-player participation game to play a single-player game during execution of the multi-player participation game.
[0007]
Moreover, the invention described in claim 2 of the present invention is a multiplayer participation game in which a plurality of players can participate and a plurality of players play simultaneously, and a single game performed by a player alone. It is a game system that can execute a game, and each player plays a game for one person from the time when a player starts playing until the time when a player can enter a simultaneous game involving multiple players. .
[0008]
Further, the invention described in claim 3 of the present invention is a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate, and a multiplayer game simultaneously performed by the plurality of players, and a single game performed by a single player. It is a game system that can execute a game, and each player plays a game for one person from the time when the player starts playing until the time when the player can participate in the simultaneous game involving multiple players. .
[0009]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single-player game execution starting means for starting execution of a single-player game performed by a player alone, a plurality of players can participate, and the plurality Entry possibility judging means for judging whether or not it is possible to enter a simultaneous multi-player game performed by two players, and when it is judged that entry is possible, the single-player game is terminated and simultaneous participation is possible. A game system comprising a simultaneous game execution means capable of participation of a plurality of people for executing a game.
[0010]
Further, the invention described in claim 5 of the present invention is the one-player game execution start means for starting the execution of the single-player game performed by the player alone, the plurality of players being able to participate, and the plural The participation possibility judgment means for judging whether or not it is possible to participate in a simultaneous multiplayer game performed by two players, and the single-player game is ended when it is judged that participation is possible, A game system comprising a simultaneous game execution means capable of participation of a plurality of people for executing a game.
[0011]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a one-player game execution start step for starting execution of a one-player game performed by a player alone, a plurality of players that can participate, and the plurality of the plurality of players. Entry determination step for determining whether or not a player can simultaneously enter a simultaneous multiplayer game, and when it is determined in the entry determination step that it is possible to enter a simultaneous multiplayer game A game processing method comprising: a multiplayer participation simultaneous game execution step for ending a single game and executing a multiplayer participation simultaneous game.
[0012]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a one-player game execution start step for starting execution of a one-player game performed by a player alone, a plurality of players that can participate, and the plurality of the plurality of players. If it is determined in the participation possibility determination step that it is possible to participate in the simultaneous multiplayer game performed by the players of the player, and in the participation determination step that it is possible to participate in the simultaneous multiplayer game A game processing method comprising: a multiplayer participation simultaneous game execution step for ending a single game and executing a multiplayer participation simultaneous game.
[0013]
Further, in the invention described in claim 8 of the present invention, a plurality of types of games capable of participation by a plurality of players are prepared, and the plurality of types of games capable of participation by a plurality of players can be executed in a predetermined order. In the game system, when there is no person who participates in a multiplayer game, images corresponding to the images of the multiplayer game to be executed in accordance with the predetermined order are sequentially displayed, and then the multiplayer game is displayed. If a player who participates in the game appears, the player can participate in the next multiplayer game in the predetermined order.
[0014]
Further, in the invention described in claim 9 of the present invention, a plurality of types of games that can be participated by a plurality of players are prepared, and the plurality of types of games that can be participated in by a plurality of players can be executed in a predetermined order. When there is no player who participates in a multiplayer game that is a game system, an operation corresponding to the game operation of the multiplayer game that should be executed in accordance with the predetermined order is sequentially executed, and then multiple users can participate When a player who participates in a game appears, the player can participate in the next multiplayer game in the predetermined order.
[0015]
Further, in the invention described in claim 10 of the present invention, the display time per race of the image displayed when there is no person participating in the multiplayer participation game is the multiplayer participation game. The game system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the game system is shorter than a time required for progress per race of a game executed when there is a person who participates in the game.
[0016]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operation execution time per game of the game in which the operation is executed when there is no person who participates in the multiplayer participation game, The game system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the game system is shorter than a progress time per game of a game executed when there is a person who participates in a game that can participate.
[0017]
The invention described in claim 12 of the present invention is executed according to a predetermined execution order, and determines whether or not there is a player who participates in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate. And an image output means for outputting, on a display device, an image corresponding to the multi-player participation game to be executed when the predetermined execution order of the multi-player participation game is followed when there is no participant. It is a game system.
[0018]
In addition, the invention described in claim 13 of the present invention is executed according to a predetermined execution order, and determines whether or not there is a player who participates in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate. And a game operation executing means for executing an operation corresponding to the game operation of the multi-player participation game to be executed when there is no participant and the predetermined execution order of the multi-player participation game is followed. It is a game system that is provided.
[0019]
Further, the invention described in claim 14 of the present invention is executed according to a predetermined execution order, and determines whether or not there is a player who participates in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate. And an image output step for outputting, on a display device, an image corresponding to the multiple-player participation game to be executed when there is no participant and the predetermined execution order of the multiple-player participation game is followed. It is a game processing method.
[0020]
In addition, the invention described in claim 15 of the present invention is executed according to a predetermined execution order, and determines whether or not there is a player who participates in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate. And a game operation execution step for executing an operation corresponding to the game operation of the multi-player participation game to be executed when there is no participant and the predetermined execution order of the multi-player participation game is followed. It is a game processing method provided.
[0021]
The invention described in claim 16 of the present invention is a game system capable of executing a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate and a single game that a player can play alone. A plurality of types of multiplayer games are prepared, and among the plurality of types of games, a predetermined type of multiplayer game is provided with a qualification for participation, and a player does not have a qualification for participation. This is a game system in which a game for one person can be played when a game in which people can participate is being executed.
[0022]
In the invention described in claim 17 of the present invention, whether or not a specific player can participate is determined based on a predetermined participation qualification of a multiplayer participation game in which multiple players can participate. It is a game system comprising participation determination means for determining, and single-player game execution means for executing a single-player game performed by the player alone when it is determined that participation is impossible.
[0023]
In the invention described in claim 18 of the present invention, whether or not a specific player can participate is determined based on a predetermined participation qualification of a multiplayer participation game in which a plurality of players can participate. A play processing method comprising: a participation determination step for determining, and a single player game execution step for executing a single player game performed by the player alone when it is determined in the participation determination step that participation is impossible is there.
[0024]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system for executing a racing game simulating a competition in which a plurality of moving bodies aim for a predetermined goal, and a plurality of starting points for the competition are prepared. In this game system, the player cannot select where the moving body operated by the player starts from among the plurality of prepared start points.
[0025]
The invention described in claim 20 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 19, wherein the start point is determined by lottery.
[0026]
The invention described in claim 21 of the present invention is a game system for executing a racing game simulating competition on a predetermined course of a plurality of moving bodies, all or a part of the plurality of moving bodies. A current position display image for displaying a current position of the moving body on the predetermined course, and a moving body image for displaying a video of all or a part of the plurality of moving bodies to a display device, The current position display image includes a course display for displaying a part of the predetermined course at a scale smaller than the scale of the moving body image, and a course display of current positions of all or some of the moving bodies. This is a game system that includes the mobile object display shown above and scrolls the course display based on the movement of the mobile object.
[0027]
The invention described in claim 22 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 21, wherein the current position display image extends in a horizontal direction of the display screen and is scrolled in the horizontal direction. .
[0028]
The invention described in claim 23 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 21, wherein the scrolling of the current position display image is performed so that the head moving body always enters the screen.
[0029]
The invention described in claim 24 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 21, wherein the current position display image does not change the scale during the race.
[0030]
According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in a game system simulating competition on a predetermined course of a movable body that can be operated by a player, an image viewed from a viewpoint other than the rear of the movable body is displayed. This is a game system that is displayed on the screen.
[0031]
According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a processing device to execute each step according to any one of the sixth, seventh, fourteenth, fifteenth and eighteenth aspects is recorded in a readable manner. Media.
[0032]
Note that the recording medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. It can be done. Any program that downloads a program to a computer and executes a predetermined function by any means may be used. For example, flexible disk, fixed disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, PD, MD, DCC, ROM cartridge, with battery backup A RAM memory cartridge, a flash memory cartridge, a nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like are included.
[0033]
This includes the case where data is transferred from the host computer via a wired or wireless communication line (public line, data dedicated line, satellite line, etc.). The so-called Internet is also included in the recording medium referred to here.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[0035]
(Outline of the game)
The game system of the present embodiment is a combination of a race game imitating horse racing and a race horse training game. When a player newly participates in a game in this game system, it is necessary to perform “horse creation”. Here, a player selects a male and female horse arbitrarily from predetermined choices, and a foal is born, and by raising it, his own horse (the horse in which the player will become the owner and jockey in future games) To win.
[0036]
As the horse grows up, the player will then “train”. Here, the player trains and feeds horses to increase their ability. Once trained, the player can participate in a horse race with the horse. More specifically, “option wearing”, that is, horseshoe, clothes of jockeys, etc. are determined, and participate in “race” as a jockey of his own horse. At the end of the race, there will be a “reflexion” opportunity where players will honor or scold the horse. If you have the right to participate in the next race, you can select to participate in the next race on the “Continue” screen. In that case, the “Training” screen will appear again, and the game will continue.
[0037]
The ability, characteristics, personality, etc. of the horse are determined depending on how the player has contacted the horse in each of the above steps, what kind of training, what kind of food, etc. In addition, since the data of the horse raised in this way is recorded on the magnetic card and given to the player, when the player plays with the game machine at a later date, the horse on which the magnetic card data is recorded is trained and raced. Can participate.
[0038]
(Outline of game equipment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a race game system which is a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment includes a main game device 2 including main image display units 21a and 21b and main speakers 22a to 22f, which are main game operation execution devices, and a satellite image display device 31. And satellite game devices 3a to 3h for each player provided with input buttons 32, respectively. In this embodiment, eight satellite game devices are prepared so that eight players can play at the same time. In addition, on the front side of the satellite game devices 3a to 3h, chairs 4a to 4h on which players can sit are provided (the front row chair game devices 3e to 3h in FIG. Not shown because it is hidden).
[0039]
Main image display portions 21a and 21b provided in the main game apparatus 2 are arranged side by side so as to be close to each other. An image corresponding to the left half of the game image is displayed on the main image display unit 21a, and an image corresponding to the right half is displayed on 21b so that the images displayed on the main image display units 21a and 21b are one game image as a whole. The image to be displayed is displayed. Since the image is displayed on the large screen in this way, not only each player but also a game spectator can easily see the image from a distance.
[0040]
The main speakers 22a to 22f are provided on both the left and right sides and the upper end of the main image display devices 21a and 21b, and are also provided at both ends of the satellite rear row composed of the satellite game devices 3e to 3h. You can listen to the sound accompanying the image.
[0041]
The satellite game apparatus includes an input button 32, a coin insertion machine (not shown), a satellite image display device 31, a card reader / writer 34, a winner lamp 35, and a speaker (not shown). The winner lamp 35 is lit when a horse of a player playing with the satellite wins. It can also be turned on when the player's horse playing with the satellite is introduced on the main image display devices 21a, 21b before the race. In the above description, since the elements of the satellite game apparatuses 3a to 3h have the same configuration, they are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0042]
The player sits on one of the satellite game devices 3a to 3h in front of the chair and performs input from each satellite game device to perform the main game and the satellite game. Although not shown, the rear row satellite game devices 3e to 3h are installed at higher positions than the front row satellite game devices 3a to 3d, so that the players who play in the rear row satellite game devices 3e to 3h display the main image. It becomes easier to see the devices 21a and 21b.
[0043]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the input buttons 32 in the satellite game apparatuses 3a to 3h. The input buttons include a cursor movement key 321 and a confirmation key 322 for registering horse names and selecting YES and NO on various selection screens, a start key 323 pressed at the start of a game, a race game And a press button 324 and a whip button 325 used in training.
[0044]
(Internal configuration of the game system)
The game system of the present invention includes a computer system for executing the above games.
[0045]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system in the game system according to the present embodiment. This game system generates main game images and displays them on a main image display device, main processing devices 43 and 45, and a satellite game device 51a-51h that generates a satellite image by executing a single-player game performed on the satellite game device. And an optical fiber connecting them in series. In communication between the main processing device and each satellite processing device, each satellite can be identified by a method such as time division multiplex communication.
[0046]
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a combined structure of the main processing devices 43 and 45. A main processing device 45 is arranged at the bottom, and a multi-board 44, a main processing device 43, and a communication board 42, which will be described later, are placed in that order, and a ROM 41 that records a game program and the like is arranged at the top. Since the ROM 41 is arranged in the uppermost stage, the ROM can be easily replaced when the game program is upgraded. When another ROM board is required in addition to the ROM 41, the ROM 41 ′ may be provided at the bottom.
[0047]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a connection structure between the main processing devices 43 and 45. As shown in the figure, the main processing device 45 is connected to the multi-board 44, the multi-board 44 is connected to the main processing device 43, the main processing device is connected to the communication board 42, and the communication board 42 Each satellite processing apparatus is connected through the optical fiber. The main processing device 43 can output an image to the main image display device 23, and the main processing device 45 is responsible for image output to the main image display device 25.
[0048]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the multi-board 44 connected between the main processing device 43 and the main processing device 45. As shown in FIG. 6, the multiboard 44 includes two buffers 4A and 4B and high-speed switches 4a and 4b. The high speed switch 4a selectively connects the main processing device 43 to the buffer 4A or 4B, and the high speed switch 4b selectively connects the main processing device 45 to the buffer 4B or 4A. When the high speed switch 4a connects the main processing device 43 to the buffer 4A, the high speed switch 4b connects the main processing device 45 to the buffer 4B, and conversely, when the high speed switch 4a connects the main processing device 43 to the buffer 4B. The high-speed switch 4b connects the main processing unit 45 to the buffer 4A. In this way, by switching the switches alternately at high speed, data can be exchanged from the main processing device 43 to the main processing device 45 (via the buffer 4A or 4B) or vice versa, and a large amount of data can be exchanged in a short time. can do.
[0049]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the connection between the main processing devices 43 and 45 and other output devices in the main game device. As shown in the figure, the main processing devices 43 and 45 are connected to each other via a multi-board 44. The main processing device 43 is connected to the main image display device 23, and the main processing device 45 is connected to the main image processing device 25. Connected to each. Further, the main processing device 43 is connected to an interface 40 with a communication board 42 for communicating with a satellite, an amplifier 47 connected to a speaker 46, and a solid state relay 49 for a billboard lamp 48.
[0050]
The main processing device 43 performs part of the execution of the main game (race game), generates an image to be output to the projector as the main image display device 23, and exchanges data with the main processing device 45 via the multiboard 44. The satellite accesses the communication board 42, outputs audio data to the audio amplifier 47, and outputs a control signal for the billboard lamp 48.
[0051]
The main processing device 45 generates an image to be output to the projector that is the image display device 25 and exchanges data with the main processing device 43 via the multi-board 44.
[0052]
The communication board 42 receives data transmitted from each satellite and transmits data transmitted from the main processing device 43 to each satellite.
[0053]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration between the processing device 51 and various input / output devices in the satellite game device. As shown in the figure, the satellite game devices 3a to 3h are a satellite processing device 51, a speaker 52, an audio amplifier 53 that amplifies an audio signal output to the satellite 52, an image display device 31 that displays a satellite image, and a game player's operation. An input button 32 for performing a game, a coin insertion machine 54 for detecting the number of inserted coins with a built-in sensor, a winner lamp 35 that is lit when a horse of a person playing with the satellite game device wins, and the like, and controls this. The solid state relay 36 is provided. In addition, an input / output interface 37 is provided to allow the satellite processing device 51 to recognize input signals from the input button 32 and the coin insertion device 54 and to transmit an output signal from the satellite processing device 51 to the solid state relay 36. Furthermore, a card reader / writer 34 for reading / writing a card on which horse information is recorded is provided. The protocol converter 55 converts the communication protocol in order to enable communication between the satellite processing device 51 and the card reader / writer 34.
[0054]
The satellite processing device 51 processes data obtained from the input button 32 and the coin insertion device 54, generates data to be output to an output device such as the speaker 52, the image display device 31, and the winner lamp 35, and a main processing device through an optical fiber. Data exchange with 43 is performed. In particular, the satellite processing device 51 of this embodiment is also responsible for part of the execution of the race game that is the main game. For example, the control of the horse operated from the satellite game device and the collision (collision) determination with another horse are performed, and the control result and the determination result data are sent to the main processing device 43 and the like.
[0055]
(Configuration of processing equipment)
Details of the processing devices used as the main processing devices 43 and 45 and the satellite processing device 51 of the game system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The main processing devices 43 and 45 and the satellite processing device 51 have substantially the same configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the processing apparatus in this embodiment includes a CPU block 10, a video block 11, a sound block 12, and the like.
[0056]
The CPU block 10 includes a bus arbiter 100, a CPU 101, a main memory 102, and a ROM 103. The bus arbiter 100 is configured to be able to control data transmission / reception by allocating a bus occupation time to devices connected to each other via a bus. The CPU 101 is configured to be able to access the main memory 102, the ROM 103, the video block 11, and the sound block 12. The CPU 101 executes an initial program (initial execution program) stored in the ROM 103 when the power is turned on, initializes the entire apparatus, and stores operating system program data stored in the ROM 103 (or ROM 41) in the main memory 102. It is supposed to transfer. Thereafter, the CPU 101 operates in accordance with the operating system, and continues to transfer the game program of the present embodiment stored in the ROM 103 (or ROM 41) to the main memory 102 for execution. In addition, the CPU 101 can transfer game processing image data to the graphic memory 111 and transfer sound data to the sound memory 121. The processing executed by the program executed by the CPU 101 is input of an operation signal from the input button 32 and communication data from the communication device, command output to the card reader / writer 34 based on them, and control of image output to be performed by the video block 11. And sound output control to be performed by the sound block 12. The main memory 102 mainly stores the operating system program data and programs, and can provide a work area for storing static variables, dynamic variables, and the like. The ROM 103 is a storage area for the initial program loader. Further, the ROM 103 (or ROM 41) stores a program for causing the game apparatus to execute game processing, image data for image display, audio data for audio output, and the like. The recording medium is not limited to the ROM, and other various recording media may be readable.
[0057]
The video block 11 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 110, a graphic memory 111, and a video encoder 112. The graphic memory 111 stores image data read from the CD-ROM as described above. The VDP 110 reads image data necessary for image display out of image data stored in the graphic memory 111, and information necessary for image display supplied from the CPU 101, that is, command data, viewpoint position data, and light source position data. In accordance with object designation data, object position data, texture designation data, texture density data, field of view conversion matrix data, coordinate transformation (geometry calculation), texture mapping processing, display priority processing, shading processing, etc. can be executed. The processing such as the coordinate conversion may be performed by the CPU 101. That is, it is only necessary to assign which processing is to be performed to which device in consideration of the computing capability of each device. The video encoder 112 is configured to be able to convert image data generated by the VDP 110 into a predetermined television signal such as the NTSC system and output the image data to an image display device 23, 25, or 31 connected to the outside.
[0058]
The sound block 12 includes a sound processor 120, a sound memory 121, and a D / A converter 122. The sound memory 121 stores audio data read from the ROM 103 or 41 as described above. The sound processor 120 reads voice data such as waveform data stored in the sound memory 121 based on command data supplied from the CPU 101, and performs various effect processing based on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) function, digital / analog. Conversion processing and the like are performed. The D / A converter 122 is configured to convert the audio data generated by the sound processor 120 into an analog signal and output it to the speaker 46 or 52 through an amplifier 47 or 53 connected to the outside.
[0059]
(Entry timing)
The game system of the present embodiment is a fusion of a race game imitating horse racing and a breeding game for race horses. Specifically, the game proceeds as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flow on the right side of FIG. 10 shows a main flow that progresses at a substantially common timing among a plurality of players. The left side of FIG. 10 shows a mode of play performed only at each satellite by a player who cannot participate in the race being performed in the main flow, such as when he / she does not have a horse to newly participate in the game.
[0060]
When a newly participating player inserts a coin (for example, two medals) into the coin insertion portion of the satellite game device and presses the start button 323, regardless of the progress of other players' games in the main flow, In the satellite, the “horse creation” mode is started (S31). In the “horse creation” mode, a player selects a male and female horses from a predetermined choice to create a foal and raises it to raise his own horse (in future games, the player will be the owner and jockey. To win).
[0061]
When the horse grows up and can enter the play in the main flow, the processing in the satellite shifts to the flow on the right side of FIG. 2 and enters the “training” mode at the same timing as other race participants (S32). ). In the “Training” mode, the player trains the horse and feeds it to improve the horse's ability.
[0062]
Furthermore, the player decides the horseshoe, jockey clothes, etc. in the “option wearing” mode (S33), participates in his own horse as a jockey in the “race” mode (S34), and praises the horse in the “reflection” mode. Or speak (S35). If you have the right to participate in the next race, you can choose to participate in the next race in the “continue selection” mode (S36). In that case, enter the “training” mode again and continue playing. Can do.
[0063]
“Training”, “Option installation”, “Reflection”, “Continue selection” mode images are output only to each satellite image display device, and “Race” mode images are the main image display device in addition to the satellite image display device. Is also output. When the “Training”, “Option installation”, “Reflexion”, or “Continue selection” modes are being performed, the main image display device will display a message such as “Training is currently being performed at each satellite”. .
[0064]
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the temporal relationship of each mode of play in the play system of the present invention. In this game system, a main game (the top row in FIG. 11) executed at almost the same timing for each player and a sub game (the bottom three rows in FIG. 11) executed in a special case are executed. In the main game, each mode of training, option mounting, race, reflection, and continue selection is executed in order, and each mode is repeatedly executed while changing the race content.
[0065]
On the other hand, in the satellite game device of the player who newly participates in the race, the horse creation mode is executed and then the ranch mode is entered regardless of the progress of the main game, as shown in the lower two stages of FIG. . In the ranch mode, without adjusting the input and settings necessary for participating in the race, the time is adjusted until it is time to participate in the main game, and at the same time, the contact between the player and the horse Its purpose is to give opportunities and increase the enjoyment of players. Since the ranch mode is continued until the entry to the main game is possible, the duration of the ranch mode varies depending on the timing when the horse creation mode ends.
[0066]
In addition, the timing chart of the 2nd step | line of FIG. 11 is a thing in the satellite game device of the person who does not have the race participation qualification mentioned later.
[0067]
As described above, the game system of this embodiment can execute a race game, which is a multiplayer participation game, a horse game, which is a single player game, and contact with a horse on a ranch. During the execution of the possible game, a player who has not participated in the multiplayer participation game can play a single-player game.
[0068]
In addition, the game system of this embodiment can execute a race game that is a simultaneous multiplayer game, a horse game that is a single-player game, and a contact with a horse on a ranch, and a player starts playing. From time to time until entry into a simultaneous multiplayer game (when the continue selection mode is executed in the main game), each player can play a single game.
[0069]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a determination process executed by the processing device 10 of the satellite game device in order to shift from the horse creation mode and the ranch mode to the training mode which is the main game. When the processing device recognizes that the player has inserted a predetermined coin and pressed the start button (S101), a satellite screen display device asks the player whether or not to create a player's horse. (S102). When it is determined that the player has selected to create a new horse (S103: YES), the mode shifts to a horse creation mode (S104). When it is determined that the player has selected to play with his own horse already created (S103: NO), and when the horse creation mode is completed (S105: YES), execution of the ranch mode is started. (S106). The image display in the ranch mode is performed for a minimum of 3 seconds, and thereafter it is determined at predetermined time intervals (for example, once per second) whether or not the entry into the main game is possible (S107). Whether or not the main game is possible is determined by a signal sent from the main CPU to the satellite (a flag signal indicating the start of entry acceptance for the next race and a signal indicating the eligibility for participation in the race) and the satellite. Judgment is based on the player's horse data (gender, winnings, etc.). If it is not possible to enter the main game, the ranch mode is continued. If the main game is possible (S107: YES), the main processing device side is instructed to participate in the main game. At the same time, the training mode is executed in the satellite (S108).
[0070]
Since this embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to smoothly advance the main game performed simultaneously by each player and entertain the player until the time when a new participant can enter the main game. it can.
[0071]
(How to swing the run frame)
When the main game entry acceptance time is over, the main game machine processor will start the race for each horse participating in the race (the horse of the player playing at each satellite and the horse operated by the computer). Decide. Since the game of this embodiment is a racing game imitating horse racing, the starting point of the race is arranged in a run frame arranged in a horizontal row.
[0072]
Therefore, a processing procedure when the main processing device determines a race start frame will be described. When the main game entry acceptance time ends, the main processor recognizes the total number (0-8) of the players' horses participating from each satellite, and the total number of horses participating in the race is a predetermined number (12 The number of horses will be replenished so that there will be 12 in the case of a head race. These supplemental horses are controlled by a computer based on a program. When all the horses participating in the race are determined, a random lottery is performed to determine the starting frame for each horse. As a random number lottery method, for example, when there are 14 run frames, the run frame of the first horse is determined based on the remainder obtained by dividing the random number extracted first by 14. Then, since the undecided run frame is the remaining 13 frames, the run frame of the second horse is determined based on the remainder obtained by dividing the second random number extracted by 13. Similarly, for the third, fourth,... Horse run frames, the third extracted random number is divided by 12, and the fourth extracted random number is divided by 11.・ Determine based on This random number lottery method is merely an example, and other lottery methods may be used. However, the random number lottery method is performed in such a way that the entry order and satellite number of each player are not reflected in the run frame. This makes it possible to determine the starting position of the horse fairly.
[0073]
(Current position display image)
In the race mode, after introducing one horse at a time, each horse is placed at the start position and the frame is opened all at once. When the race starts, a moving body image (an image of a horse running on the course) and a current position display image of the horse extending across the left and right ends at the top of the screen are output to the main image display device.
[0074]
FIG. 13 shows an example of a horse image and a current position display image output to the main image display device. As shown in the figure, the horse image is displayed large in the lower part of the main image display part, and the current position display image is a straight belt-like shape extending across the left and right ends at the upper end part of the main image display part. Displayed in shape. The current position display image includes a course display for displaying a part of the predetermined course at a scale smaller than the scale of the moving body display image, and current positions of all or some of the moving bodies among the plurality of moving bodies. Including the moving body display shown on the course display, the course display scrolls based on the movement of the moving body.
[0075]
The horizontal direction in which the current position display image lies is the traveling direction of the race, and the position of the horse in the widest possible range can be displayed by using the main image display section that is long horizontally. In displaying the position of the horse, it is only necessary to know the number of each horse (determined by the starting frame) and the current position, and it is not necessary to display the shape of the horse in detail.
[0076]
Further, the band-like image is provided with a scale (indicated by a vertical broken line in FIG. 13) indicating the distance at regular intervals so that the player can understand the sense of distance. In this embodiment, the distance to the goal is also displayed at regular intervals. The scale moves to the right or left as the race progresses (horse movement). The moving direction of the scale is determined so that the traveling direction of the horse displayed on the main image matches the traveling direction of the horse displayed on the current position display image when the goal is reached. In this embodiment, the video of the main image when the horse finishes becomes an image in which the horse runs from the right side of the screen to the left side of the screen, so the traveling direction of the horse in the current position display image is from the right side of the screen to the left side of the screen. The scale moves from the left to the right of the screen so that it becomes an image.
[0077]
Here, the question of the direction of travel of the horse displayed on the main image when the horse “goes to the goal” is that the relative position of the viewpoint set for displaying the image changes with the race development. This is because the traveling direction of the horse displayed in the main image may change.
[0078]
The scale moving speed is controlled so that the position of the horse displayed in the current position display image is displayed in the center of the current position display image. More specifically, the movement of the scale is controlled so that the midpoint between the position of the first horse and the position of the last horse is at the center of the current position display image. However, if the interval between the first horse and the last horse is exceptionally reduced, the position of the last horse is moved to the left without moving the position on the current position display image of the first horse to the right. Move to.
[0079]
When the race is about to start, the horses are aligned in a horizontal line, so the horse position display on the current position display image appears to overlap the center. As time elapses after the start, the difference between the horses follows, so the interval on the current position display screen is also separated as shown in FIG. 13 (in this embodiment, the scale of the current position display screen is changed halfway) It doesn't change, so the sense of distance is easy for players to understand.)
[0080]
Since the current position display image displays only the part corresponding to a part of the course, if the difference between the first horse and the last horse is extremely wide, the position of the last horse is displayed in the current position display image. Sometimes out of range. However, since the position of the first horse is highly interested information for all the players, the scale scroll speed is always set to the position of the first horse so that it is displayed in the current position display image (until the goal is reached). Control them together. In the present embodiment, the scale in the current position display image is not changed midway so as not to lose the sense of distance.
[0081]
When the horse approaches the goal, a scale indicating the goal point appears from the left end of the current position display image on the current position display image. When the first horse finishes, the movement of the scale of the current position display image stops. As a result, it is possible to display a state in which all the following horses flutter into the goal.
[0082]
As described above, the display of the current position of the horse moves to the right or left on the current position display image. However, the actual speed of the horse depends on the movement speed of the horse on the current position display image and the current position. It is expressed as the sum of the moving speed of the position display image itself (the scroll speed of the scale).
[0083]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for performing processing in which the main processing device 43 determines the position of the horse displayed on the current position display image described above. This process is repeatedly executed every update time (for example, every 1/60 second) of the current position display image from the start of the race until the first horse finishes the goal.
[0084]
The main processing device 43 first reads the current positions of the first horse and the last horse (S301). Further, it is determined whether or not the first horse has scored (S302).
[0085]
If the goal has not been reached yet (S302: NO), the distance between the head and tail is recognized, and it is determined whether or not all the horses fit in the position display image (S303).
[0086]
If it fits in the position display image (S303: YES), it is determined whether the distance between the head and the tail is the maximum value from the start of the race to the present (S304).
[0087]
When the distance between the head and the tail is the maximum value (S304: YES), the maximum value is recorded in the main memory 102, and the position of the head horse and the position of the tail horse are the current position. The position display of the horse is controlled so that it is displayed at equal intervals from the center of the display image (S305). Further, the position of the scale is determined according to the position of the horse on the current position display image thus determined.
[0088]
When the distance between the head and tail is not the maximum value (S304: NO), the position of the head horse on the current position display image is set as the position in the previous frame (position before the current position display image is updated). With the same position (S306), the display position of other horses and the position of the scale are determined based on this position.
[0089]
If all the horses do not fit in the position display image in step S303 (S303: NO), the position of the first horse on the current position display image is the position in the previous frame (the position before the current position display image is updated). The positions are the same (S307). Therefore, in this case, the position of the last horse is not displayed in the current position display image.
[0090]
If the first horse has scored a goal in step S302 (S302: YES), the scale on the current position display image is fixed, and a state in which each horse sneaks into the goal is displayed (S308).
[0091]
In this embodiment, the position on the course is indicated by a scale and a distance to the goal at a certain distance. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be indicated by a display of the distance from the start, or a current position display image. It may be indicated by the background color coding.
[0092]
In the present embodiment, the current position display image has a linear shape (straight belt shape). However, the present position display image is not limited to this, and may be a non-linear current position display image so that a course curve can be seen.
[0093]
(Viewpoints other than the view from behind)
In the race mode, the player controls his / her horse by pressing a presser button or a whip button at an appropriate timing while considering a pace distribution (escape, leading, insertion, driving) suitable for his / her horse.
[0094]
The horse image in the main image display device displays an image from a viewpoint determined in advance according to the race development. For example, at the start, the horse is viewed from a viewpoint fixed obliquely in front of the start point, and an image capturing the horse in the field of view is displayed while changing the direction of the line of sight until the horse passes. In the straight course in the middle of the race, the viewpoint is moved at almost the same speed as the first horse, and the image of the first horse is viewed from the side, or the viewpoint is moved at a slightly lower speed than the first horse. The horse to be captured in the display is shifted from the first horse to the succeeding horse and displayed. In addition, when the horse turns around the corner and enters the straight course, the viewpoint and the line of sight are fixed so that an image with a line of sight is displayed at the boundary between the corner portion and the straight course, from the viewpoint that is diagonally forward of the horse, A state where horses enter the straight course one after another and challenge the final game is displayed.
[0095]
By displaying a video viewed from such a viewpoint, a powerful video can be realized. Further, in this embodiment, there is no direction control in the player's operation, and only the determination of the pace distribution (when to apply), it is not always necessary to display the video viewed from the jockey's viewpoint. For this reason, even if image display is performed from the viewpoint as described above, there is no harmful effect.
[0096]
Note that the display on the main image display section shows all players and spectators other than the players, so the display is centered on the first group of races. The display is centered on the horse of the player who is playing.
[0097]
(If you do not have eligibility to participate)
In the game system of the present embodiment, participation qualification is defined for a race among a plurality of types of race games based on the gender, age, prize-winning results, etc. of the horses possessed. When a player does not have the eligibility to participate, a single player game (ranch mode) is executed in the satellite where the player is playing.
[0098]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by each satellite processing device based on the determination result by determining whether or not there is a qualification to participate in the race. When the “race” mode and the “reflection” mode are finished in the main image (S401), the processing device of each satellite game device transmits the data of the participation qualification of the next race sent from the main processing device and the game with the satellite. The data of the player's own horse is compared to determine whether or not the player can participate in the next race (S402). When it is possible to participate in the next race (S402: YES), the mode shifts to the “continue selection” mode, informs the player of the contents of the next race, and prompts the player to select whether or not to participate in the next race. The screen is displayed on the satellite display device (S403). When it is determined that the player has selected to participate in the next race (S404: YES), the fact that the player has participated in the main game is transmitted to the main processing device, and the training mode of each satellite is entered (S405). If it is determined that non-participation has been selected (S404: NO), the game is terminated and the horse data card is discharged (S409).
[0099]
If it is determined in step S402 that the player's horse playing with the satellite cannot participate in the next race (S402: NO), the satellite game device displays the next race that can be entered. Then, a message prompting the player to select whether to shift to the ranch mode or stop playing until the race is entered is displayed on the satellite display device (S407). If the player chooses to stop playing (S408), the game is terminated and the horse data card is discharged (S409). When the player selects the ranch mode, the mode shifts to the ranch mode (S410). The ranch mode is continued while the race that cannot be participated is performed, and when the order of the races that can be participated is reached (S411: YES), the mode is changed to the training mode (S412).
[0100]
In this way, a player who cannot participate in the race can perform a single-player game executed on each satellite while the race is progressing on the main screen, so that the progress of the main game can be smoothly advanced, Players who cannot participate in the race can also enjoy the game for one person.
[0101]
(Digestion of racing game when there is no player)
Next, in the game system of this embodiment, a process when there is no player who participates in a race game that is a multiplayer participation game will be described. In the conventional game device, when there is no person who participates in the game, a demonstration screen of the race game is displayed on the display device as an advertisement screen, and when the player newly participates, the display of the advertisement screen is displayed halfway. Aborted and switched to the game screen.
[0102]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of games that can participate in a plurality of people are prepared, and the plurality of types of games that can participate in a plurality of people are executed one by one in a predetermined order. In order to digest, when there is no player, an image corresponding to the race to be executed in accordance with the predetermined order, that is, the next race (referred to as race A) executed last time (referred to as race A) is displayed. This is displayed on the main image display device, and when a new player participates during the display of the image of the race (race B), the player can enter the next race game (race C) of the race. In addition, a single player game (ranch mode or the like) is executed in the satellite game machine used by a new player until entry into the next race game (Race C) becomes possible.
[0103]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing executed by the main game device to determine whether or not there is a player who participates in the next race, and to execute according to the result. The main game apparatus determines whether or not there is a player who participates in the next race after the end of the race and the reflection mode (S601). Whether or not there is a person who participates in the race is determined by whether or not race participation information is entered from each satellite game device within a predetermined time during which the continue selection mode is executed. If there are players participating in the race (S601: YES), information on the horses participating in the race is sent from each satellite, so this can be stored in a temporary storage device or the number of participants counted. Then, the number of horses to be operated by the computer is determined and adjusted so that the number of all running horses becomes a predetermined number, thereby preparing for the race execution (S602). In addition, the horse training mode is executed at the satellite that has sent a signal to participate in the race.
[0104]
In step S601, if there is no player participating in the race (S601: NO), the number of horses necessary for the execution of the race is prepared by a computer-controlled horse only, and the race is executed. Is displayed on the main image display device (S603). When the execution and display of the race are completed (S604), the process returns to step S601, and it is determined whether or not there is a player who participates in the next race in the predetermined race execution order. In this way, even if there are no players, the planned race can be digested so that if a player wants to participate in a specific race (such as wanting to participate only in big races such as G1), he can participate in the target race. At the same time, waiting for the race to be digested will give you a sense of realism.
[0105]
It should be noted that the order of races to be held (or scheduled) and the expected holding time may be displayed on the display device, so that the player can more easily select the race he / she wants to participate in.
[0106]
In the present embodiment, if there is no player participating in the race in step S601, the processing device starts the race immediately after the introduction of the running horse, and participates in the next race immediately after the result announcement even after the race is finished. Start accepting people. That is, the time for executing the training mode, the option mounting mode, and the reflection mode, which are single-player games, is omitted. As a result, the display time per race when there is no player is shorter than the progress time per race when there is a participant, so the digestion speed of the race can be accelerated and a specific race starts. The player who is waiting for can shorten the waiting time. In addition, since a player who wants to play a specific type of game needs to wait until the game order arrives, the amusement facility can make the customer stay in the facility for a long time.
[0107]
(Other)
(1) The horse data card is of a magnetic recording type and records the name, aptitude, personality, ability parameters, past race results, etc. of the horse. “Table 1” shows the items recorded on the data card and the data amount of each item.
[0108]
[Table 1]

This data card is discharged at the end of the game, and when the player plays next time, when this card is inserted into the card reader / writer of the satellite game device, he can participate in the race, and the player can train. It is possible to give the player the pleasure of raising horses through interaction with horses in race, reflection, and ranch modes.
[0109]
In addition, the data recorded on the data card can have a plurality of meanings. For example, by using horse name data as data for determining parameters of horse personality and likes and dislikes, it is possible to save a saving capacity and to incorporate random elements into personality and love and dislike.
(2) In the training mode, the player can select the training content by selecting from various training menus. For example, the selection of a training course includes a lawn course, a dirt course, and a slope course.
[0110]
In order to express a sense of speed, the training image on the turf course has a setting that sets the speed of the horse faster than the training on the other courses, or shows the appearance of running away at high speed with the camera position fixed. May be. In addition, in the image of training on the dirt course, it may be possible to display dirt smoke larger than usual or to disperse a lump of soil in order to express force. Also, in the slope course, the slope may be set to be tighter than the slope in normal training so that it can be clearly seen on the screen so that it looks like a wall from the viewpoint of the horse.
[0111]
Further, the success or failure of the training may be determined depending on whether or not the player has performed an operation (operation of a whip button or a hold button) at an appropriate timing during training.
(3) After the race, a player who has newly re-entered without selecting continue in the continue selection mode can enjoy horse growth and ranch mode. Therefore, since it is unfair to set a game fee based only on the number of times a player can participate in a multiplayer game, the new player who enters the game will continue even if he does not create a new horse. The game fee (for example, 2 coins) higher than (for example, 1 coin) is imposed.
(4) In this embodiment, the timing at which “entry” can be entered into the racing game is limited, so that each player can execute a single-player game such as ranch mode until the time when each player can “entry” into the race. I try not to bore the player. However, even if the degree of freedom of “entry” to the race is permitted, the timing to “participate” in the entered race is limited. Therefore, a single-player game may be executed before each player can “participate” in the race.
(5) In the present embodiment, the main game operation execution device is configured by the main image display units 21a and 21b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a game operation such as a race game is executed and shown to the player. Anything can be used. For example, a horse model may be moved on a predetermined course provided on an amusement stand, thereby executing a race operation.
(6) When the satellite processing device determines that the age of the horse has reached a certain level, the player is given an opportunity to select whether or not to retire the horse. When the player chooses to retire the horse, the satellite processing device prints “Father Horse Card” or “Mother Horse Card” on the magnetic card recording the horse data by the card reader / writer 34. The data (genetic traits, etc.) of the parent horse is magnetically recorded. This parent horse can be utilized when the player himself creates a new horse.
[0112]
The age of the horse is determined based on the date of birth of the horse (and the time if necessary) recorded on the magnetic card and the data obtained from the timing means built in the game system. May be. Alternatively, the number of times the horse has participated in the race so far may be recorded on a magnetic card, and the age of the horse may be determined based on the data.
(7) As described in the description of FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the processing devices 51a to 51h of each satellite are connected in series with optical fibers to communicate with the main processing device. If it is discovered that there is some malfunction in one satellite game device, the system administrator activates the “test mode” from the program stored in the satellite game device. The test mode is a mode for checking the operation of the input / output device, ROM, RAM, etc. (see FIG. 8) provided in the satellite game device. In this case, if the execution of the game program by the satellite processing device is stopped during the test mode, the communication by the serial connection shown in FIG. 3 is interrupted on the way, and the operation of the entire game system must be stopped. No longer get.
[0113]
Therefore, two modes are provided as test modes. In the first test mode, the entire satellite can be checked as described above, but the test cannot be performed unless the play program is completely blocked. In the second test mode, only the input / output device can be checked, but the test while continuing the communication function with other satellites is possible. The program in the second test mode can be executed alternately by incorporating it into the same loop as the game program.
[0114]
In this case, if there is a defect in one satellite, first, the second test mode is activated for that satellite. Thus, if there is a problem with the input / output device such as the input button 32, the problem can be solved without stopping the entire game system. The first test mode is activated only when the problem cannot be solved in the second test mode.
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention can provide a game system and a game processing method in which a new device is added with respect to playability in a multiplayer participation game, and more specifically has the following effects.
(1) First, a game system that can satisfy a player's desire is provided by making it possible to execute a single-player game for each player while smoothly proceeding with a main game in which a plurality of people participate. can do.
(2) Secondly, by adjusting the time until the player can enter the simultaneous multiplayer game by allowing the player to play the single player game until the multiplayer simultaneous game can be entered. It is possible to provide a game system that does not bore the player due to the waiting time.
(3) Thirdly, the reality of the game can be improved by preparing a plurality of types of play in the game system, executing them in a predetermined order, and setting the play to change with time.
(4) Fourthly, the present invention can perform a one-person game for a participant who does not have the participation qualification so that the player who does not have the participation qualification is not bored with the specific type of game. It is possible to prevent the player from being bored until a multiplayer game in which can participate.
(5) Fifth, it is possible to make the start point determination impossible for the player. More specifically, the start point can be determined by lottery so that the start point can be determined fairly.
(6) Sixth, by displaying only a part of the course and scrolling the position display so that the moving body is stored in the display area, it is possible to display an easily viewable current position display image. .
(7) Seventh, it is possible to provide a racing game system that enables powerful display by displaying an image other than an image looking forward, while having no problem in maneuvering the moving body.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a race game system that is a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an arrangement of input buttons in the satellite game apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system in the game system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a combined structure of main processing apparatuses.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a connection structure of a main processing device.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating functions of a multi board.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the connection between the main processing device and other output devices in the main game device.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration between a processing device and various input / output devices in a satellite game device.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a main processing device or a satellite processing device.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of game progress.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the temporal relationship of each mode of play.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a determination process executed by the satellite processing device in order to shift from the horse creation mode and the ranch mode to the training mode.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a horse image and a current position display image output to the main image display device.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for performing processing in which the main processing device determines the position of the horse displayed on the current position display image.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by each satellite processing device based on the determination result of determining whether or not there is a qualification to participate in the race.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing executed by the main game device to determine whether or not there is a player who participates in the next race, and to execute according to the result.
[Explanation of symbols]
21a-b main image display part,
3a-h Satellite game equipment,
31 satellite display device,
43, 45 Main processing unit,
51 Satellite processing equipment

Claims (5)

A main game execution device having a main image display unit that displays a video of a race game imitating horse racing, and a plurality of satellites operated by a player and connected to the main game execution device and each having a satellite image display device A game system comprising a game device,
The main game execution device receives the signal indicating that the racehorse selected by the player's operation in the at least one satellite game device of the plurality of satellite game devices is to participate in the race game. A main processing means for executing a race game program in which a plurality of racehorses including a racehorse participated and compete for arrival order;
Each of the plurality of satellites game apparatus, the processing for adjusting teaching of racehorses running free Muge over arm of programs, and the resulting ability of the game including a process for performing training of該競Hashiuma Satellite processing means for executing a process of transmitting a signal indicating that a racehorse to participate in the race game to the main game execution device, and a game fee when the player starts or continues the game in the game system. A coin insertion part for inserting
The satellite processing means trains the racehorse even when a player who operates the satellite game device does not participate in the race game after the game fee is entered from the coin insertion portion. The game program including the process of performing the game is configured to be executable, and when a racehorse is allowed to participate in the race game, it participates in the race game in response to the player's operation. Executing a process of transmitting a signal for controlling the racehorse to the main game execution device during the race game;
The main processing means is configured to receive a signal for controlling a racehorse participating in the race game from the satellite game device, and to execute the race game program based on the control signal.
A play system. The satellite processing means is configured to execute the game program, including the previous Symbol player GaKei Hashiuma process for development of the acquired該競Hashiuma to a new,
The game system according to claim 1. The satellite processing means executes a game program including a process of training the racehorse for both the racehorse newly acquired by the player and the racehorse already owned.
The game system according to claim 1. Among the plurality of satellite game devices, the satellite image display device provided in the satellite game device in which the racehorse participates in the race game is the race centered on the racehorse that participates in the race game from the satellite game device. Display game images,
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . Of the plurality of satellite game devices, the satellite processing means provided in the satellite game device in which the racehorse participates in the race game transmits a signal for controlling the running pace of the racehorse to the main game execution device. Is,
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

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