U.S. Pat. No. 10,881,959

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

A description is given of a game program, a game apparatus, a game system, and a game processing method according to an example of an exemplary embodiment. A game system1, which is an example of the game system, includes a main body apparatus (an information processing apparatus; which functions as a game apparatus main body in the exemplary embodiment)2, a left controller3, and a right controller4. Each of the left controller3and the right controller4is attachable to and detachable from the main body apparatus2. That is, the game system1can be used as a unified apparatus obtained by attaching each of the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2. Further, in the game system1, the main body apparatus2, the left controller3, and the right controller4can also be used as separate bodies (seeFIG. 2). Hereinafter, first, the hardware configuration of the game system1according to the exemplary embodiment is described, and then, the control of the game system1according to the exemplary embodiment is described.

FIG. 1is a diagram showing an example of the state where the left controller3and the right controller4are attached to the main body apparatus2. As shown inFIG. 1, each of the left controller3and the right controller4is attached to and unified with the main body apparatus2. The main body apparatus2is an apparatus for performing various processes (e.g., game processing) in the game system1. The main body apparatus2includes a display12. Each of the left controller3and the right controller4is an apparatus including operation sections with which a user provides inputs.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing an example of the state where each of the left controller3and the right controller4is detached from the main body apparatus2. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the left controller3and the right controller4are attachable to and detachable from the main body apparatus2. It should be noted that hereinafter, the left controller3and the right controller4will occasionally be referred to collectively as a “controller”.

FIG. 3is six orthogonal views showing an example of the main body apparatus2. As shown inFIG. 3, the main body apparatus2includes an approximately plate-shaped housing11. In the exemplary embodiment, a main surface (in other words, a surface on a front side, i.e., a surface on which the display12is provided) of the housing11has a generally rectangular shape.

It should be noted that the shape and the size of the housing11are optional. As an example, the housing11may be of a portable size. Further, the main body apparatus2alone or the unified apparatus obtained by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2may function as a mobile apparatus. The main body apparatus2or the unified apparatus may function as a handheld apparatus or a portable apparatus.

As shown inFIG. 3, the main body apparatus2includes the display12, which is provided on the main surface of the housing11. The display12displays an image generated by the main body apparatus2. In the exemplary embodiment, the display12is a liquid crystal display device (LCD). The display12, however, may be a display device of any type.

Further, the main body apparatus2includes a touch panel13on a screen of the display12. In the exemplary embodiment, the touch panel13is of a type that allows a multi-touch input (e.g., a capacitive type). The touch panel13, however, may be of any type. For example, the touch panel13may be of a type that allows a single-touch input (e.g., a resistive type).

The main body apparatus2includes speakers (i.e., speakers88shown inFIG. 6) within the housing11. As shown inFIG. 3, speaker holes11aand11bare formed on the main surface of the housing11. Then, sounds output from the speakers88are output through the speaker holes11aand11b.

Further, the main body apparatus2includes a left terminal17, which is a terminal for the main body apparatus2to perform wired communication with the left controller3, and a right terminal21, which is a terminal for the main body apparatus2to perform wired communication with the right controller4.

As shown inFIG. 3, the main body apparatus2includes a slot23. The slot23is provided on an upper side surface of the housing11. The slot23is so shaped as to allow a predetermined type of storage medium to be attached to the slot23. The predetermined type of storage medium is, for example, a dedicated storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) for the game system1and an information processing apparatus of the same type as the game system1. The predetermined type of storage medium is used to store, for example, data (e.g., saved data of an application or the like) used by the main body apparatus2and/or a program (e.g., a program for an application or the like) executed by the main body apparatus2. Further, the main body apparatus2includes a power button28.

The main body apparatus2includes a lower terminal27. The lower terminal27is a terminal for the main body apparatus2to communicate with a cradle. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower terminal27is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector). Further, when the unified apparatus or the main body apparatus2alone is mounted on the cradle, the game system1can display on a stationary monitor an image generated by and output from the main body apparatus2. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the cradle has the function of charging the unified apparatus or the main body apparatus2alone mounted on the cradle. Further, the cradle has the function of a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

FIG. 4is six orthogonal views showing an example of the left controller3. As shown inFIG. 4, the left controller3includes a housing31. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing31has a vertically long shape, i.e., is shaped to be long in an up-down direction (i.e., a y-axis direction shown inFIGS. 1 and 4). In the state where the left controller3is detached from the main body apparatus2, the left controller3can also be held in the orientation in which the left controller3is vertically long. The housing31has such a shape and a size that when held in the orientation in which the housing31is vertically long, the housing31can be held with one hand, particularly the left hand. Further, the left controller3can also be held in the orientation in which the left controller3is horizontally long. When held in the orientation in which the left controller3is horizontally long, the left controller3may be held with both hands.

The left controller3includes an analog stick32. As shown inFIG. 4, the analog stick32is provided on a main surface of the housing31. The analog stick32can be used as a direction input section with which a direction can be input. The user tilts the analog stick32and thereby can input a direction corresponding to the direction of the tilt (and input a magnitude corresponding to the angle of the tilt). It should be noted that the left controller3may include a directional pad, a slide stick that allows a slide input, or the like as the direction input section, instead of the analog stick. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide an input by pressing the analog stick32.

The left controller3includes various operation buttons. The left controller3includes four operation buttons33to36(specifically, a right direction button33, a down direction button34, an up direction button35, and a left direction button36) on the main surface of the housing31. Further, the left controller3includes a record button37and a “-” (minus) button47. The left controller3includes a first L-button38and a ZL-button39in an upper left portion of a side surface of the housing31. Further, the left controller3includes a second L-button43and a second R-button44, on the side surface of the housing31on which the left controller3is attached to the main body apparatus2. These operation buttons are used to give instructions depending on various programs (e.g., an OS program and an application program) executed by the main body apparatus2.

Further, the left controller3includes a terminal42for the left controller3to perform wired communication with the main body apparatus2.

FIG. 5is six orthogonal views showing an example of the right controller4. As shown inFIG. 5, the right controller4includes a housing51. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing51has a vertically long shape, i.e., is shaped to be long in the up-down direction. In the state where the right controller4is detached from the main body apparatus2, the right controller4can also be held in the orientation in which the right controller4is vertically long. The housing51has such a shape and a size that when held in the orientation in which the housing51is vertically long, the housing51can be held with one hand, particularly the right hand. Further, the right controller4can also be held in the orientation in which the right controller4is horizontally long. When held in the orientation in which the right controller4is horizontally long, the right controller4may be held with both hands.

Similarly to the left controller3, the right controller4includes an analog stick52as a direction input section. In the exemplary embodiment, the analog stick52has the same configuration as that of the analog stick32of the left controller3. Further, the right controller4may include a directional pad, a slide stick that allows a slide input, or the like, instead of the analog stick. Further, similarly to the left controller3, the right controller4includes four operation buttons53to56(specifically, an A-button53, a B-button54, an X-button55, and a Y-button56) on a main surface of the housing51. Further, the right controller4includes a “+” (plus) button57and a home button58. Further, the right controller4includes a first R-button60and a ZR-button61in an upper right portion of a side surface of the housing51. Further, similarly to the left controller3, the right controller4includes a second L-button65and a second R-button66.

Further, the right controller4includes a terminal64for the right controller4to perform wired communication with the main body apparatus2.

FIG. 6is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body apparatus2. The main body apparatus2includes components81to91,97, and98shown inFIG. 6in addition to the components shown inFIG. 3. Some of the components81to91,97, and98may be mounted as electronic components on an electronic circuit board and accommodated in the housing11.

The main body apparatus2includes a processor81. The processor81is an information processing section for executing various types of information processing to be executed by the main body apparatus2. For example, the processor81may be composed only of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be composed of a SoC (System-on-a-chip) having a plurality of functions such as a CPU function and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. The processor81executes an information processing program (e.g., a game program) stored in a storage section (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory84, an external storage medium attached to the slot23, or the like), thereby performing the various types of information processing.

The main body apparatus2includes a flash memory84and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)85as examples of internal storage media built into the main body apparatus2. The flash memory84and the DRAM85are connected to the processor81. The flash memory84is a memory mainly used to store various data (or programs) to be saved in the main body apparatus2. The DRAM85is a memory used to temporarily store various data used for information processing.

The main body apparatus2includes a slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “I/F”)91. The slot I/F91is connected to the processor81. The slot I/F91is connected to the slot23, and in accordance with an instruction from the processor81, reads and writes data from and to the predetermined type of storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) attached to the slot23.

The processor81appropriately reads and writes data from and to the flash memory84, the DRAM85, and each of the above storage media, thereby performing the above information processing.

The main body apparatus2includes a network communication section82. The network communication section82is connected to the processor81. The network communication section82communicates (specifically, through wireless communication) with an external apparatus via a network. In the exemplary embodiment, as a first communication form, the network communication section82connects to a wireless LAN and communicates with an external apparatus, using a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard. Further, as a second communication form, the network communication section82wirelessly communicates with another main body apparatus2of the same type, using a predetermined communication method (e.g., communication based on a unique protocol or infrared light communication). It should be noted that the wireless communication in the above second communication form achieves the function of enabling so-called “local communication” in which the main body apparatus2can wirelessly communicate with another main body apparatus2placed in a closed local network area, and the plurality of main body apparatuses2directly communicate with each other to transmit and receive data.

The main body apparatus2includes a controller communication section83. The controller communication section83is connected to the processor81. The controller communication section83wirelessly communicates with the left controller3and/or the right controller4. The communication method between the main body apparatus2and the left controller3and the right controller4is optional. In the exemplary embodiment, the controller communication section83performs communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard with the left controller3and with the right controller4.

The processor81is connected to the left terminal17, the right terminal21, and the lower terminal27. When performing wired communication with the left controller3, the processor81transmits data to the left controller3via the left terminal17and also receives operation data from the left controller3via the left terminal17. Further, when performing wired communication with the right controller4, the processor81transmits data to the right controller4via the right terminal21and also receives operation data from the right controller4via the right terminal21. Further, when communicating with the cradle, the processor81transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal27. As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the main body apparatus2can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with each of the left controller3and the right controller4. Further, when the unified apparatus obtained by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2or the main body apparatus2alone is attached to the cradle, the main body apparatus2can output data (e.g., image data or sound data) to the stationary monitor or the like via the cradle.

Here, the main body apparatus2can communicate with a plurality of left controllers3simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Further, the main body apparatus2can communicate with a plurality of right controllers4simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Thus, a plurality of users can simultaneously provide inputs to the main body apparatus2, each using a set of the left controller3and the right controller4. As an example, a first user can provide an input to the main body apparatus2using a first set of the left controller3and the right controller4, and simultaneously, a second user can provide an input to the main body apparatus2using a second set of the left controller3and the right controller4.

The main body apparatus2includes a touch panel controller86, which is a circuit for controlling the touch panel13. The touch panel controller86is connected between the touch panel13and the processor81. Based on a signal from the touch panel13, the touch panel controller86generates, for example, data indicating the position where a touch input is provided. Then, the touch panel controller86outputs the data to the processor81.

Further, the display12is connected to the processor81. The processor81displays a generated image (e.g., an image generated by executing the above information processing) and/or an externally acquired image on the display12.

The main body apparatus2includes a codec circuit87and speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker)88. The codec circuit87is connected to the speakers88and a sound input/output terminal25and also connected to the processor81. The codec circuit87is a circuit for controlling the input and output of sound data to and from the speakers88and the sound input/output terminal25.

Further, the main body apparatus2includes an acceleration sensor89. In the exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor89detects the magnitudes of accelerations along predetermined three axial (e.g., xyz axes shown inFIG. 1) directions. It should be noted that the acceleration sensor89may detect an acceleration along one axial direction or accelerations along two axial directions.

Further, the main body apparatus2includes an angular velocity sensor90. In the exemplary embodiment, the angular velocity sensor90detects angular velocities about predetermined three axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown inFIG. 1). It should be noted that the angular velocity sensor90may detect an angular velocity about one axis or angular velocities about two axes.

The acceleration sensor89and the angular velocity sensor90are connected to the processor81, and the detection results of the acceleration sensor89and the angular velocity sensor90are output to the processor81. Based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor89and the angular velocity sensor90, the processor81can calculate information regarding the motion and/or the orientation of the main body apparatus2.

The main body apparatus2includes a power control section97and a battery98. The power control section97is connected to the battery98and the processor81. Further, although not shown inFIG. 6, the power control section97is connected to components of the main body apparatus2(specifically, components that receive power supplied from the battery98, the left terminal17, and the right terminal21). Based on a command from the processor81, the power control section97controls the supply of power from the battery98to the above components.

Further, the battery98is connected to the lower terminal27. When an external charging device (e.g., the cradle) is connected to the lower terminal27, and power is supplied to the main body apparatus2via the lower terminal27, the battery98is charged with the supplied power.

FIG. 7is a block diagram showing examples of the internal configurations of the main body apparatus2, the left controller3, and the right controller4. It should be noted that the details of the internal configuration of the main body apparatus2are shown inFIG. 6and therefore are omitted inFIG. 7.

The left controller3includes a communication control section101, which communicates with the main body apparatus2. As shown inFIG. 7, the communication control section101is connected to components including the terminal42. In the exemplary embodiment, the communication control section101can communicate with the main body apparatus2through both wired communication via the terminal42and wireless communication not via the terminal42. The communication control section101controls the method for communication performed by the left controller3with the main body apparatus2. That is, when the left controller3is attached to the main body apparatus2, the communication control section101communicates with the main body apparatus2via the terminal42. Further, when the left controller3is detached from the main body apparatus2, the communication control section101wirelessly communicates with the main body apparatus2(specifically, the controller communication section83). The wireless communication between the communication control section101and the controller communication section83is performed in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for example.

Further, the left controller3includes a memory102such as a flash memory. The communication control section101includes, for example, a microcomputer (or a microprocessor) and executes firmware stored in the memory102, thereby performing various processes.

The left controller3includes buttons103(specifically, the buttons33to39,43,44, and47). Further, the left controller3includes the analog stick (“stick” inFIG. 7)32. Each of the buttons103and the analog stick32outputs information regarding an operation performed on itself to the communication control section101repeatedly at appropriate timing.

The left controller3includes inertial sensors. Specifically, the left controller3includes an acceleration sensor104. Further, the left controller3includes an angular velocity sensor105. In the exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor104detects the magnitudes of accelerations along predetermined three axial (e.g., xyz axes shown inFIG. 4) directions. It should be noted that the acceleration sensor104may detect an acceleration along one axial direction or accelerations along two axial directions. In the exemplary embodiment, the angular velocity sensor105detects angular velocities about predetermined three axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown inFIG. 4). It should be noted that the angular velocity sensor105may detect an angular velocity about one axis or angular velocities about two axes. Each of the acceleration sensor104and the angular velocity sensor105is connected to the communication control section101. Then, the detection results of the acceleration sensor104and the angular velocity sensor105are output to the communication control section101repeatedly at appropriate timing.

The communication control section101acquires information regarding an input (specifically, information regarding an operation or the detection result of the sensor) from each of input sections (specifically, the buttons103, the analog stick32, and the sensors104and105). The communication control section101transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the acquired information) to the main body apparatus2. It should be noted that the operation data is transmitted repeatedly, once every predetermined time. It should be noted that the interval at which the information regarding an input is transmitted from each of the input sections to the main body apparatus2may or may not be the same.

The above operation data is transmitted to the main body apparatus2, whereby the main body apparatus2can obtain inputs provided to the left controller3. That is, the main body apparatus2can determine operations on the buttons103and the analog stick32based on the operation data. Further, the main body apparatus2can calculate information regarding the motion and/or the orientation of the left controller3based on the operation data (specifically, the detection results of the acceleration sensor104and the angular velocity sensor105).

The left controller3includes a power supply section108. In the exemplary embodiment, the power supply section108includes a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown inFIG. 7, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and also connected to components of the left controller3(specifically, components that receive power supplied from the battery).

As shown inFIG. 7, the right controller4includes a communication control section111, which communicates with the main body apparatus2. Further, the right controller4includes a memory112, which is connected to the communication control section111. The communication control section111is connected to components including the terminal64. The communication control section111and the memory112have functions similar to those of the communication control section101and the memory102, respectively, of the left controller3. Thus, the communication control section111can communicate with the main body apparatus2through both wired communication via the terminal64and wireless communication not via the terminal64(specifically, communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard). The communication control section111controls the method for communication performed by the right controller4with the main body apparatus2.

The right controller4includes input sections similar to the input sections of the left controller3. Specifically, the right controller4includes buttons113, the analog stick52, and inertial sensors (an acceleration sensor114and an angular velocity sensor115). These input sections have functions similar to those of the input sections of the left controller3and operate similarly to the input sections of the left controller3.

The right controller4includes a power supply section118. The power supply section118has a function similar to that of the power supply section108of the left controller3and operates similarly to the power supply section108.

As describe above, in the game system1according to the exemplary embodiment, the left controller3and the right controller4are attachable to and detachable from the main body apparatus2. Further, the unified apparatus obtained by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2or the main body apparatus2alone is attached to the cradle and thereby can output an image (and a sound) to the stationary monitor. As an example, a description is given below using a game system in a use form in which an image is output to the display12in the state of the unified apparatus obtained by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2. As a form in a case where an operation is performed on an application (e.g., a game application) in this state, a form in which a single user uses both the left controller3and the right controller4is possible.

With reference toFIGS. 8 to 15, a description is given below of an exemplary game executed by the game system. It should be noted thatFIG. 8is a diagram showing an exemplary game played by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2.FIG. 9is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a case where a shot is made with a ball in a normal mode in the game.FIG. 10is a diagram showing an example where the moving direction of the ball with which a shot is made in the normal mode is defined.FIG. 11is a diagram showing an example of a game image at a first stage in a case where a shot is made with the ball in a sharpshooting mode in the game.FIG. 12is a diagram showing an example of a game image at a second stage in a case where the shot is made with the ball in the sharpshooting mode in the game.FIG. 13is a diagram showing an example of a game image at a third stage in a case where the shot is made with the ball in the sharpshooting mode in the game.FIG. 14is a diagram showing an example where the movement trajectory of the ball with which a shot is made in the sharpshooting mode is defined.FIG. 15is a diagram showing an example of a game image at a fourth stage in a case where the shot is made with the ball in the sharpshooting mode in the game.

As shown inFIG. 8, when game play is performed by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2, a game image is displayed on the display12of the main body apparatus2. When a game is played using such a unified apparatus, as an example, an operation is performed using the operation buttons and the sticks provided in the left controller3and the right controller4. As another example, an operation is performed by the inertial sensors detecting the operation of changing or moving the orientation of the entirety of the unified apparatus. Then, the user can view an image displayed on the display12while performing an operation by holding a portion of the left controller3attached to the main body apparatus2with their left hand and holding a portion of the right controller4attached to the main body apparatus2with their right hand.

As shown inFIG. 8, in this exemplary game, an image of a game (e.g., a tennis game) where a player object PO and an opponent object EO compete against each other is displayed on the display12. Specifically, on the display12, a game image where the player object PO operated by the user of the game system1is displayed on the near side of a court F, and the opponent object EO is displayed on the far side of the court F is displayed, and an image of the tennis game where the player object PO and the opponent object EO hit a ball B with each other is displayed. Then, the user operating the left controller3and the right controller4can operate the player object PO by moving the entirety of the unified apparatus, changing the orientation of the entirety of the unified apparatus, pressing the operation buttons, or tilting the analog sticks. It should be noted that the action of the opponent object EO is automatically controlled by a CPU (e.g., the processor81). Further, the action of the opponent object EO is controlled by an operation of a user of another game system1capable of communicating with the game system1.

As shown inFIG. 9, for example, a predetermined operation section is operated (e.g., the analog stick32is subjected to a tilt operation), whereby the player object PO displayed on the display12moves in the court. Further, a predetermined operation section is operated (e.g., the operation of pressing any of the A-button53, the B-button54, the X-button55, and the Y-button56is performed) in the state where the player object PO is present near the ball B, whereby the action of the player object PO making a shot with the ball B toward the opponent's side of the court using a racket R is performed. In the exemplary embodiment, this shot action is a shot action in a normal mode. For example, regarding the trajectory of the ball B with which the player object PO makes a shot using the racket R, the type of the shot is determined in accordance with the type of an operation button used for a shot operation. Specifically, when a shot operation is performed by a pressing operation on the A-button53, a shot is made with the ball B by a top spin shot. When a shot operation is performed by a pressing operation on the B-button54, a shot is made with the ball B by a slice (underspin) shot. When a shot operation is performed by a pressing operation on the Y-button56, a shot is made with the ball B by a flat shot. Then, when a shot operation is performed by a pressing operation on the X-button55(e.g., pressing the X-button55twice), a shot is made with the ball B by a shot using a special technique mastered by the player object PO. It should be noted that the various shot operations correspond to examples of a movement operation for a moving body. Further, the normal mode corresponds to an example of a first mode.

As shown inFIG. 10, the moving direction of the ball with which a shot is made in the normal mode is determined in accordance with the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the analog stick32at the point in time when a shot operation is performed. That is, a movement parameter for the ball set in the normal mode is determined based on an operation on the analog stick32performed together with a shot operation (a movement operation for a moving body). Here, examples of the operation performed together with the shot operation include a different operation performed simultaneously with the shot operation, a different operation performed integrally with the shot operation, and a different operation performed immediately before or immediately after the shot operation. For example, when a shot operation is performed in a neutral state where the analog stick32is not subjected to a tilt operation, a direction toward the center of the opponent's court is set as the moving direction of the ball. When a shot operation is performed in the state where the analog stick32is subjected to a left tilt operation, a direction toward a position on the left side of the opponent's court corresponding to the tilt angle is set as the moving direction of the ball. Further, when a shot operation is performed in the state where the analog stick32is subjected to a right tilt operation, a direction toward a position on the right side of the opponent's court corresponding to the tilt angle is set as the moving direction of the ball. It should be noted that in the setting of the ball moving direction in the normal mode, a direction toward a position in the opponent's court may be set no matter what tilt angle the analog stick32is at. As an example, when a shot operation is performed in the state where the analog stick32is subjected to a left tilt operation at the maximum tilt angle, a direction toward a position on the left sideline of the opponent's court is set as the moving direction of the ball. Further, when a shot operation is performed in the state where the analog stick32is subjected to a right tilt operation at the maximum tilt angle, a direction toward a position on the right sideline of the opponent's court is set as the moving direction of the ball. For example, when a shot operation is performed in the state where the analog stick32is tilted to the left at an intermediate angle, which is between the maximum tilt angle and a neutral angle at which the analog stick32is not tilted to either direction, a direction toward a position S corresponding to the intermediate angle, which is between a position on the left sideline of the opponent's court and the center of the opponent's court, is set as the moving direction of the ball. It should be noted that the moving direction of the ball corresponds to an example of a movement parameter.

It should be noted that in an example where the moving direction of the ball is set, the tilt component of a tilt operation in a front-back direction (a positive Y-axis direction or a negative Y-axis direction inFIG. 4) on the analog stick32may be ignored, and only the tilt component of a tilt operation in a left-right direction may be used. Further, in an example where the moving direction of the ball is set, the tilt component of a tilt operation in the front-back direction on the analog stick32may be set in conjunction with a position in the depth direction of the opponent's court. In this case, the user of the game system1can also control the distance at which a shot is made with the ball to some degree based on a tilt operation on the analog stick32.

Further, the speed or the distance at which the ball B with which a shot is made in the normal mode moves may be determined based on the type of the shot, the position of the player object PO making the shot, the relative position between the player object PO making the shot and the ball B, the timing when a shot operation is performed, or the like.

As described above, in the normal mode, the user of the game system1can control the direction in which a shot is made with the ball to some degree based on a tilt operation on the analog stick32. It is, however, difficult to control in a pinpoint manner the position where the ball B is to be bounced in the opponent's court. Further, in the normal mode, the moving direction of the ball can be set in accordance with the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the analog stick32. It is, however, not possible to visually confirm the moving direction of the ball and the target position of the ball when a shot operation is performed. Thus, based on their own operational feeling, the user needs to adjust the direction in which to hit the ball back. Thus, also in this sense, it is difficult to control the position where the ball B is to be bounced in the opponent's court.

In the exemplary embodiment, a configuration is employed in which a shot action in a sharpshooting mode can also be performed. Here, when the gauge amount of a sharpshooting gauge G1inFIG. 9reaches a predetermined threshold, the normal mode can shift to the sharpshooting mode. When the player object PO satisfies a gauge amount change condition by, for example, performing a predetermined action (e.g., making a shot using a special technique), scoring a service ace, continuing a rally with the opponent object EO a predetermined number of times or more, or making a shot at a predetermined position in the opponent's court (e.g., the corner of the opponent's court), the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1changes in the direction in which the normal mode can shift to the sharpshooting mode. For example, the example ofFIG. 9shows an example where the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1increases to exceed the predetermined threshold, whereby the normal mode can shift to the sharpshooting mode. Thus, when the gauge amount change condition is satisfied, the gauge amount changes in the direction in which the gauge amount increases in a direction U1shown inFIG. 9. It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, a similar sharpshooting gauge G2is also set for the opponent object EO. When the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G2reaches a predetermined threshold, the opponent object EO can also shift to the sharpshooting mode. Further, when the opponent object EO satisfies the gauge amount change condition, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G2changes in the direction in which the gauge amount increases in a direction U2shown inFIG. 9. It should be noted that the sharpshooting mode corresponds to an example of a second mode, and the gauge amount change condition corresponds to an example of a continuable time change condition.

As shown inFIG. 11, when a chance ball with which a sharpshooting shot in the sharpshooting mode can be made is returned from the opponent object EO in the state where the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1enables the normal mode to shift to the sharpshooting mode, a sharpshooting area A where the player object PO can make a shot using the sharpshooting mode is drawn on the court F. Then, as shown inFIG. 12, a switching operation for shifting to the sharpshooting mode (e.g., a pressing operation on the first R-button60) is performed in the state where the player object PO is in the sharpshooting area A, whereby it is possible to switch the operation mode from the normal mode to the sharpshooting mode. It should be noted that as an example of the chance ball, when the opponent object EO misses a shot, or when the opponent object EO hits the ball back to the position where it is easy for the player object PO to make a shot, or when the opponent object EO hits the ball back to the vicinity of the center of the court F of the player object PO, it is determined that the returned ball is a chance ball. Further, the switching operation for shifting to the sharpshooting mode may be the operation of pressing a predetermined operation button (e.g., the first R-button60) once, or the operation of holding down a predetermined operation button (the operation of continuously pressing the predetermined operation button), or the operation of mashing a predetermined operation button (the operation of repeatedly pressing the predetermined operation button multiple times).

As shown inFIG. 13, in the sharpshooting mode, the opponent's side of the court F is displayed in an enlarged manner on the display12, and a marker M indicating the target position of the ball B with which the player object PO makes a shot is also displayed on the display12. Specifically, the marker M is an indicator image indicating a target position where the ball B is to be bounced on the opponent's side of the court F. The central position of the opponent's side of the court F is set as an initial position when the operation mode shifts to the sharpshooting mode. Then, the user performs a marker-indicated position movement operation described later in the sharpshooting mode and thereby can move the target position indicated by the marker M.

As shown inFIG. 14, a target position settable range where the target position indicated by the marker M can move is set based on the opponent's side of the court F. The user performs a predetermined marker-indicated position movement operation and thereby can move the target position indicated by the marker M into the target position settable range. Specifically, the target position indicated by the marker M moves within the target position settable range in accordance with the operation of tilting the analog stick32or the operation of changing the direction of the entirety of the game system1. It should be noted that the target position settable range where the target position indicated by the marker M can move may be set not only on the opponent's side of the court F or a planar surface including the opponent's side of the court F, but also in a three-dimensional range. For example, when a three-dimensional object is present on the opponent's side of the court F or outside the opponent's side of the court F, the target position indicated by the marker M may be able to move onto the surface of the three-dimensional object.

As an example, when the analog stick32is tilted in an up direction, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the far side of the opponent's side of the court F at a moving velocity corresponding to the angle of the tilt. When the analog stick32is tilted in a down direction, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the near side of the opponent's side of the court F at a moving velocity corresponding to the angle of the tilt. When the analog stick32is tilted in a left direction, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the left side of the opponent's side of the court F at a moving velocity corresponding to the angle of the tilt. Then, when the analog stick32is tilted in a right direction, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the right side of the opponent's side of the court F at a moving velocity corresponding to the angle of the tilt. It should be noted that the movement of the target position indicated by the marker M based on a tilt operation on the analog stick32may be made slow relative to the angle at which the analog stick32is tilted. The movement of the target position indicated by the marker M may be used to finely adjust the target position by slowly moving the target position indicated by the marker M. In this case, the amount of adjustment of the target position indicated by the marker M based on a tilt operation on the analog stick32in the sharpshooting mode is also smaller than the amount of adjustment of the moving direction of the ball in the normal mode based on a tilt operation on the analog stick32.

As another example, when it is detected by an inertial sensor (e.g., the angular velocity sensor105or the angular velocity sensor115) provided in the game system1that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a pitch direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces upward, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the far side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the pitch direction. When it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a pitch direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces downward, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the near side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the pitch direction. When it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a yaw direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces to the left, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the left side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the yaw direction. Then, when it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a yaw direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces to the right, the target position indicated by the marker M moves from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the right side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the yaw direction.

It should be noted that in accordance with the motion of the game system1, the target position indicated by the marker M may move in the opposite direction. For example, when it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a pitch direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces upward, the target position indicated by the marker M may move from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the near side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the pitch direction. Further, when it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a pitch direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces downward, the target position indicated by the marker M may move from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the far side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the pitch direction. Further, when it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a yaw direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces to the left, the target position indicated by the marker M may move from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the right side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the yaw direction. Further, when it is detected that the direction of the entirety of the game system changes in a yaw direction in which the back surface of the game system1faces to the right, the target position indicated by the marker M may move from the center of the opponent's side of the court F to the left side of the opponent's side of the court F by a distance corresponding to the angle of the change in the yaw direction.

It should be noted that in the movement of the target position indicated by the marker M based on the orientation of the main body of the game system1, a change in the orientation of the main body of the game system1may be the same as a change in the orientation of a virtual camera or a change in the target position indicated by the marker M. The movement of the target position indicated by the marker M may be used to roughly adjust the target position by relatively quickly moving the target position indicated by the marker M. Specifically, the target position indicated by the marker M is moved so that the marker M is always placed at the fixation point of the virtual camera by moving the orientation of the virtual camera by the same amount as the amount of change in the orientation of the main body of the game system1. Thus, another virtual space image moves in the state where the marker M is fixed to a predetermined position on a display screen (e.g., the center of the display screen), whereby the state where the marker M moves is represented.

Further, the target position indicated by the marker M may move in accordance with another operation. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the target position indicated by the marker M moves in accordance with, instead of or in addition to the above operations, the operation of pressing an operation button, the operation of pressing an operation key, the operation of pushing in an operation stick, the operation of touching an operation surface, or the like.

As shown inFIG. 14, the ball with which a shot is made using the target position set in the sharpshooting mode (the position indicated by the marker M) moves along a ball movement trajectory in which the ball reaches the court at the set target position and bounces at the target position. For example, similarly to the normal mode, also in the sharpshooting mode, a top spin shot, a slice (underspin) shot, a flat shot, or the like can be made as a shot, depending on an operation button used for the shot. By either shot, however, the ball movement trajectory in which the ball bounces at the target position is set. Thus, the user can make a shot by aiming at the position indicated by the marker M in a pinpoint manner. That is, by a shot in the normal mode, it is difficult to control in a pinpoint manner the position where the ball B is to be bounced in the opponent's court. In the sharpshooting mode, however, by visually confirming the position of the marker M, it is possible to directly control the position where the ball B is to be bounced. Thus, it is easy to control in a pinpoint manner the position where the ball B is to be bounced in the opponent's court. It should be noted that when an obstacle is present on the set ball movement trajectory, the ball B can change the trajectory by colliding with the obstacle. In this case, the ball B may not reach the target position set in advance. It should be noted that the target position corresponds to an example of a movement parameter. It should be noted that in the set ball movement trajectory, the ball B may linearly move toward the target position, or the ball B may move in a curved manner toward the target position.

It should be noted that based on the target position set in the sharpshooting mode, at least one of the moving direction and the moving velocity of the ball may be set. In this case, although at least one of the moving direction and the moving velocity of the ball is set based on the target position, ultimately, the ball does not necessarily reach the target position. Thus, even when the user takes aim based on the marker M, some error occurs in a game setting. Even in this case, however, it is possible to visually confirm the target position of the ball when performing a shot operation using the marker M. Thus, it is easier to control the position where the ball B is to be bounced in the opponent's court than in the normal mode. It should be noted that in this case, at least one of the moving direction and the moving velocity of the ball corresponds to an example of a movement parameter.

Here, as shown inFIG. 14, the target position settable range where the target position indicated by the marker M can move may be provided up to a position outside the opponent's side of the court F (i.e., the position where the ball is out, and an area outside the sidelines and the baseline). In this case, the user having selected a shot in the sharpshooting mode can aim not only at the inside of the opponent's court, but also at a subtle position outside the opponent's court. Thus, it is also possible to make an unconventional strategic shot. For example, when various objects that influence game play by being hit by the ball are placed outside the opponent's court, a shot is made by aiming at these objects, thereby enabling an unconventional strategic shot.

It should be noted that as a method for performing representation by displaying on the display12the state where the marker M moves relative to the court F, a virtual camera for generating a virtual space image displayed on the display12and the marker M may be moved, or only the marker M may be moved. For example, in the first case, in the state where the positional relationship between the virtual camera and the marker M in a virtual space is fixed (e.g., the marker M is fixed to the center of the screen), the virtual camera and the marker M are moved in a direction corresponding to the above operations. In this case, on the display12, the movement of the marker M is represented by a virtual space image other than the marker M moving in a direction opposite to the direction corresponding to the above operations.

Further, there is a time limit on the state where the target position indicated by the marker M can be moved relative to the court F. A limit is provided on a continuable time in which the sharpshooting mode can be continued. That is, there is a limit on the time for taking aim at the position to which the user moves the ball by moving the target position indicated by the marker M, whereby it is possible to provide the level of difficulty of the operation of moving the marker M to a position desired by the user. For example, the continuable time in which the sharpshooting mode can be continued is set in accordance with the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1. Then, as shown inFIG. 13, when the sharpshooting mode is continued, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1changes in a gradually decreasing manner in the direction in which the gauge amount decreases in a direction D1shown inFIG. 13. It should be noted that also at the moment that the normal mode shifts to the sharpshooting mode, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1may decrease by a certain amount. Then, when the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1becomes less than a predetermined gauge amount (e.g., the gauge amount becomes 0), the sharpshooting mode ends, and the operation of moving the target position indicated by the marker M is also prohibited. Then, a shot using the sharpshooting mode becomes a missed shot (e.g., a shot hit back as a weak high-flying ball) and is hit back toward the opponent's court. On the other hand, when a ball shot operation (a movement operation for a moving body) is performed by ending the setting of the target position indicated by the marker M in the state where the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge G1is greater than or equal to a predetermined gauge amount, the sharpshooting mode ends in accordance with the shot operation and shifts to the normal mode, and a scene where the ball B is hit back toward the opponent's court by a sharpshooting shot such that the position specified by the marker M is the target position is also represented (seeFIG. 15). It should be noted that as shown inFIG. 13, a gauge amount indicating the continuable time in which the sharpshooting mode can be continued is also displayed as a neighborhood gauge G3at a position near the marker M. Here, the gauge amount of the neighborhood gauge G3displayed in the sharpshooting mode is the same as the gauge amount indicated by the sharpshooting gauge G1. However, the gauge amount is always displayed near the marker M, whereby it is easy for the user to adjust the target position indicated by the marker M while grasping the gauge amount, i.e., the remaining time in which the position of the marker M can be adjusted.

Further, as described above, a shot in the sharpshooting mode at least requires the time for adjusting the target position indicated by the marker M. Thus, it is possible that a time longer than a shot in the normal mode is required until a shot is made with the ball B. In the exemplary embodiment, to adjust such a time until a shot is made in the sharpshooting mode, then in the sharpshooting mode, the moving velocity of the ball B hit by the opponent object EO may be made slow, or the movement of the ball B may be temporarily stopped.

As shown inFIG. 15, when a shot is made with the ball B by performing a ball shot operation in the sharpshooting mode, the sharpshooting mode shifts to the normal mode, and also the ball B with which the sharpshooting shot is made is hit back toward the target position on the opponent's side of the court F (the position where the marker M is ultimately set). The opponent object EO can also hit back the ball B with which the shot is made by the sharpshooting shot. However, when a predetermined hitting back condition is not satisfied, the racket R held by the opponent object EO may be damaged. Here, for each of the rackets R held by the player object PO and the opponent object EO for play, an endurance degree at four levels is set. Then, when the racket R is damaged, there is a case where the ball B cannot be hit back, and therefore, the opponent obtains a point, and the endurance degree decreases by one level. Further, the racket R is damaged such that the endurance degree reaches a level 0, whereby the racket R for which this endurance degree is set cannot be used. In this case, there can also be a case where a player using the racket R damaged such that the endurance degree is the level 0 abandons and loses this game, unless the player owns another racket R of which the endurance degree is a level 1 or higher. Further, the player has no choice but to abandon also the planned game after that. As an example, in the example ofFIG. 15, a degree-of-endurance gauge G4is displayed that indicates that the endurance degree of the racket R held by the opponent object EO is a level 2. For example, as a hitting back condition for hitting back the ball B by a sharpshooting shot without damaging the racket R, the hitting back of the ball B by a sharpshooting shot at a good timing is possible. When a shot that does not satisfy this condition is made, the racket R of the player having made the shot is damaged, and the endurance degree level decreases.

It should be noted that in the above example, an example has been used where, when the racket R is damaged, the endurance degree level of the racket R decreases, thereby indicating the use limit on the racket R. The use limit may be represented by another parameter. For example, when the racket R is damaged, the damage degree level of the racket R may increase, thereby indicating the use limit on the racket R. In this case, the racket R is damaged such that the damage degree is a maximum level (e.g., a level 3), whereby the racket R for which this damage degree is set cannot be used.

Further, the phenomenon that damage to the racket R decreases the endurance degree level may also occur by a shot in the normal mode. For example, an easier hitting back condition than the hitting back condition in the sharpshooting shot may also be set for a shot in the normal mode. Then, a setting may be made so that when the ball B is hit back, and this easier hitting back condition is not satisfied, the endurance degree level of the racket R used for the hitting back decreases by a predetermined endurance degree level.

Further, in the above exemplary game, an example has been used where during the game in the normal mode, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge changes in the direction in which the gauge amount increases (i.e., the direction in which the normal mode can shift to the sharpshooting mode). Alternatively, there may be a case where the gauge amount changes in the opposite direction in the normal mode. For example, the player object PO misses a shot or fatigues by an increase in the moving distance at which the player object PO moves on the court during the game, whereby the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge may change in the direction in which the gauge amount decreases (i.e., the direction in which the normal mode cannot shift to the sharpshooting mode).

Further, in the above exemplary game, an example has been used where during the game in the normal mode, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge increases from the state where the gauge amount is small to the state where the gauge amount is great, whereby, when the gauge amount reaches a predetermined amount, the normal mode can shift to the sharpshooting mode. The setting of the gauge, however, may be another form. For example, the gauge may be configured such that in the game in the normal mode, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge decreases from the state where the gauge amount is great (e.g., a full gauge state) to the state where the gauge amount is small, whereby, when the gauge amount becomes less than a predetermined amount (e.g., the gauge amount is 0), the normal mode can shift to the sharpshooting mode.

Further, in the above exemplary game, a tennis game has been used where the player object PO and the opponent object EO face each other and each use a piece of equipment (the racket R) for moving the ball B, which is a moving body object. Alternatively, a game may be employed where the moving body object is moved using another piece of equipment or the body itself of the player object PO or the opponent object EO. For example, possible examples of a game where the player object PO facing the opponent object EO moves the moving body object in a direction away from the player object PO using a piece of equipment include tennis, table tennis, badminton, baseball, hockey, and the like. Further, possible examples of a game where the player object PO facing the opponent object EO moves the moving body object in a direction away from the player object PO using the body of the player object PO include volleyball and the like. Further, possible examples of a game where the player object PO facing the opponent object moves the moving body object in a direction away from the player object PO using the body of the player object PO in a shared field include football, basketball, soccer, handball, and the like. Further, possible examples of a game where, without facing the opponent object EO, the player object PO moves the moving body object in a direction away from the player object PO using a piece of equipment include golf, fishing, sharpshooting, Kyūdō, and the like. Further, possible examples of a game where, without facing the opponent object EO, the player object PO moves the moving body object in a direction away from the player object PO using the body of the player object PO include bowling, curling, the shot put, the javelin throw, the discus throw, and the like. It should be noted that the abandonment of the game (defeat) due to the fact that the endurance degree level of the above piece of equipment becomes the level 0 can also be applied to these pieces of equipment. As an example, in a case where the exemplary embodiment is applied to golf, and if a shot is missed or a special shot is made when a shot is made with a ball using a piece of equipment (a golf club), it is also possible that the endurance degree of the piece of equipment decreases. It should be noted that in the case of a game where the moving body object is moved using the body of the player object PO or the body of the opponent object EO, a setting may be made so that when damage to the body itself by collision with the moving body object exceeds a predetermined amount, the object abandons (loses) the game.

It should be noted that depending on the game to which the exemplary embodiment is applied, a configuration may be employed in which, in the sharpshooting mode, not only the reaching point of the moving body object (the target position where the moving body object bounces on the court) but also the intermediate passing point of the moving body object is aimed at. For example, when the exemplary embodiment is applied to golf, a situation is possible where the space between trees is aimed at as the passing point of a ball as an example of the moving body object, and a shot is made with the ball by passing the ball through the space. Further, when the exemplary embodiment is applied to volleyball, a situation is possible where the space between blocks of opponent objects is aimed at as the passing point of a ball as an example of the moving body object, and the ball is attacked to the opponent's court by passing the ball through the space. Further, when the exemplary embodiment is applied to soccer, a situation is possible where the space between opponent objects is aimed at as the passing point of a ball as an example of the moving body object, and the ball is shot by passing the ball through the space. Further, when the exemplary embodiment is applied to curling, a situation is possible where the space between opponent's stones is aimed at as the passing point of a stone as an example of the moving body object, and the stone is slid by passing the stone between the opponent's stones. In a configuration in which the intermediate pass point of the moving body object is thus aimed at, then in the sharpshooting mode, when the moving body object collides with an obstacle such as a tree or an opponent object along the way, a marker M indicating the collision position is displayed. The marker M is moved so as not to hit the obstacle, whereby the moving body object is on a trajectory that enables the moving body object to pass near the obstacle and prevents the moving body object from colliding with the obstacle, and the marker M is displayed such that a position as a reaching point after the passing is the target position. It should be noted that in a configuration in which the intermediate pass point of the moving body object is aimed at, then in the sharpshooting mode, even when a trajectory is set so that the moving body object passes near an obstacle without colliding with the obstacle, the marker M may be displayed at a position indicating a space near the obstacle by which the moving body object will pass according to estimation.

Further, the marker M may indicate not only a point but also a range. In this case, the marker M may be set so that the target position indicated by the marker M is the central position of the marker M. Alternatively, the marker M may be set so that a random position within the range of the marker M is the target position. Also in the second case, the marker M is used to indicate the target position. When a random position within the range of the marker M is the target position, for example, in the sharpshooting mode, the longer the distance to the target position, the greater the range of the marker M. As a result, the range where the target position is located may be more dispersed. For example, in the case of a golf game or the like where the game field is relatively wide, it is possible that the size of the range of the marker M is changed in accordance with the distance to a target position at which a shot is made. It should be noted that the position of the target position set in the marker M may not be a random position within the range of the marker M. The marker M may be set so that a position within the range of the marker M based on a predetermined rule is the target position. Further, the size of the range of the marker M may be changed not only according to the distance to the target position in the sharpshooting mode, but also according to the growth degree, the proficiency degree, or the like of the player object PO.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 16 to 19, a description is given of an example of specific processing executed by the game system1according to the exemplary embodiment.FIG. 16is a diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM85of the main body apparatus2according to the exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that in the DRAM85, in addition to data shown inFIG. 16, data used for other processes is also stored, but is not described in detail here.

In a program storage area of the DRAM85, various programs Pa, which are executed by the game system1, are stored. In the exemplary embodiment, as the various programs Pa, a communication program for communicating with another game system and another apparatus, an application program for performing information processing (e.g., game processing) based on data acquired from the left controller3and/or the right controller4, and the like are stored. It should be noted that the various programs Pa may be stored in advance in the flash memory84, or may be acquired from a storage medium attachable to and detachable from the game system1(e.g., a storage medium attached to the slot23) and stored in the DRAM85, or may be acquired from another apparatus via a network such as the Internet and stored in the DRAM85. The processor81executes the various programs Pa stored in the DRAM85.

Further, in a data storage area of the DRAM85, various data used for processes such as information processing and the like executed by the game system1is stored. In the exemplary embodiment, in the DRAM85, operation data Da, ball movement data Db, sharpshooting gauge data Dc, sharpshooting flag data Dd, endurance degree data De, marker position data Df, score data Dg, ball position data Dh, player object position data Di, opponent object position data Dj, player object action data Dk, opponent object data Dm, main body orientation data Dn, image data Do, and the like are stored.

The operation data Da is operation data appropriately acquired from each of the left controller3and/or the right controller4. As described above, operation data acquired from each of the left controller3and/or the right controller4includes information regarding an input (specifically, information regarding an operation or the detection result of the sensor) from each of the input sections (specifically, each button, each analog stick, and each sensor). In the exemplary embodiment, operation data is acquired in a predetermined cycle from each of the left controller3and/or the right controller4attached to the main body apparatus2, and the operation data Da is appropriately updated using the acquired operation data. It should be noted that the update cycle of the operation data Da may be such that the operation data Da is updated every frame, which is the cycle of the processing described later executed by the main body apparatus2, or is updated every cycle in which the above operation data is acquired.

The ball movement data Db is data set so that the ball B as an example of the moving body object moves in the virtual space. The ball movement data Db includes data indicating a ball moving direction, a ball moving velocity, a ball movement trajectory, and the like.

The sharpshooting gauge data Dc is data indicating the state of a sharpshooting gauge, and for example, is data indicating the gauge amount of each sharpshooting gauge.

The sharpshooting flag data Dd is data indicating a sharpshooting flag that is set to on when the operation mode is set to the sharpshooting mode.

The endurance degree data De is data indicating the endurance degree level of the racket R used by each of the player object PO and the opponent object EO to make a shot with the ball B.

The marker position data Df is data indicating the position of the marker M displayed in the sharpshooting mode and is data indicating the target position indicated by the marker M.

The score data Dg is data indicating the game score of the player object PO and the opponent object EO in the tennis game.

The ball position data Dh is data indicating the position of the ball B in the virtual space. The player object position data Di is data indicating the position of the player object PO in the virtual space. The opponent object position data Dj is data indicating the position of the opponent object EO in the virtual space.

The object action data Dk is data indicating the orientation, the direction, the action, and the like of the player object PO in the virtual space. The opponent object data Dm is data indicating the orientation, the direction, the action, and the like of the opponent object EO in the virtual space.

The main body orientation data Dn is data indicating the orientation of the main body of the game system1when the operation mode shifts to the sharpshooting mode.

The image data Do is data for displaying images (e.g., an image of a virtual object, a field image, and a background image) on the display12of the main body apparatus2when a game is performed.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 17 to 19, a detailed example of game processing according to the exemplary embodiment is described.FIG. 17is a flow chart showing an example of game processing executed by the game system1.FIG. 18is a subroutine showing examples of the details of normal mode game processing performed in step S105inFIG. 17.FIG. 19is a subroutine showing examples of the details of sharpshooting mode game processing performed in step S106inFIG. 17. In the exemplary embodiment, a series of processes shown inFIGS. 17 to 19is performed by the processor81executing a predetermined application program (a game program) included in the various programs Pa. Further, the information processing shown inFIGS. 17 to 19is started at any timing.

It should be noted that the processes of all of the steps in the flow charts shown inFIGS. 17 to 19are merely illustrative. Thus, the processing order of the steps may be changed, or another process may be performed in addition to (or instead of) the processes of all of the steps, so long as similar results are obtained. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, descriptions are given on the assumption that the processor81performs the processes of all of the steps in the flow charts. Alternatively, a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the processor81may perform the processes of some of the steps in the flow charts. Yet alternatively, part of the processing performed by the main body apparatus2may be executed by another information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the main body apparatus2(e.g., a server capable of communicating with the main body apparatus2via a network). That is, all the processes shown inFIGS. 17 to 19may be executed by the cooperation of a plurality of information processing apparatuses including the main body apparatus2.

InFIG. 25, the processor81performs initialization in the game processing (step S102), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, in the initialization, the processor81initializes parameters for performing the processing described below, for example, sets the position of each object to an initial position, initializes the position of the marker M to the center of the opponent's court, initializes the gauge amounts of the sharpshooting gauges to 0, and initializes the sharpshooting flag to off, thereby updating each piece of data.

Next, the processor81acquires operation data from each of the left controller3and/or the right controller4and updates the operation data Da (step S103), and the processing proceeds to the next step. It should be noted that by operation data acquisition means, the processor81performs the process of acquiring operation data, and as an example, the operation data acquisition means corresponds to the process of step S103.

Next, the processor81determines whether or not the operation mode at the current moment is the normal mode (step S104). Then, when the operation mode at the current moment is the normal mode, the processing proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when the operation mode at the current moment is the sharpshooting mode, the processing proceeds to step S106. For example, with reference to the sharpshooting flag data Dd, when the sharpshooting flag is set to off, the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S104. It should be noted that by mode switching means, the processor81performs the process of switching the operation mode, and as an example, the mode switching means corresponds to the process of step S104.

In step S105, the processor81performs normal mode game processing, and the processing proceeds to step S107. With reference toFIG. 18, a description is given below of the normal mode game processing performed in step S105.

InFIG. 18, the processor81determines whether or not the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates an instruction to move the player object PO (step S121). Then, when the operation data indicates an instruction to move the player object PO, the processing proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, when the operation data does not indicate an instruction to move the player object PO, the processing proceeds to step S123. For example, when the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates a tilt operation on the analog stick32, the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S121.

In step S122, the processor81performs the process of moving the player object PO in the virtual space, and the processing proceeds to step S123. For example, the processor81moves a position in the virtual space indicated by the player object position data Di, at a moving velocity corresponding to the tilt amount of the analog stick32and in a direction on the court F corresponding to the tilt direction of the analog stick32indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103and updates the player object position data Di using the moved position. It should be noted that by player object control means, the processor81performs the process of controlling the action of the player object PO, and as an example, the player object control means corresponds to the process of step S122.

In step S123, the processor81determines whether or not the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball. Then, when the operation data indicates an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball, the processing proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, when the operation data does not indicate an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball, the processing proceeds to step S126. For example, when the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates a ball shot operation (e.g., a pressing operation on the A-button53, the B-button54, the Y-button56, or the X-button55), the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S123. It should be noted that by player object control means, the processor81performs the process of controlling the action of the player object PO, and as an example, the player object control means corresponds to the process of step S123.

In step S124, in accordance with the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the analog stick32, the processor81calculates the ball moving direction, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor81calculates as the ball moving direction a direction toward the opponent's court corresponding to the left tilt angle or the right tilt angle of the analog stick32(seeFIG. 10) indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103and updates the ball movement data Db using the ball moving direction. It should be noted that by first movement determination means, the processor81performs the process of determining the movement parameter for the moving body object in the first mode (the normal mode), and as an example, the first movement determination means corresponds to the process of step S124.

Next, in accordance with the content of a shot made by a ball shot operation, the processor81calculates the ball moving velocity (step S125), and the processing proceeds to step S126. For example, in accordance with the type of the ball shot operation indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103(whether or not any of the A-button53, the B-button54, the Y-button56, and the X-button55is subjected to a pressing operation) or the positional relationship between the position of the ball B and the position of the player object PO at the current moment, the processor81calculates the ball moving velocity and adds data indicating the ball moving velocity to the ball movement data Db. It should be noted that in the process of the above step S125, in accordance with the type of the ball shot operation, the up-down direction in the ball moving direction set in the above step S124may be changed. Further, in the process of the above step S125, based on the positional relationship between the position of the ball B and the position of the player object PO at the current moment, the ball moving velocity may be maintained without being changed on the assumption that the player object PO misses the ball, and the ball moving direction set in the above step S124may also be changed. It should be noted that by first movement determination means, the processor81performs the process of determining the movement parameter for the moving body object in the first mode (the normal mode), and as an example, the first movement determination means corresponds to the process of step S125.

In step S126, the processor81determines whether or not the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge is to be increased. Then, when the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge is to be increased, the processing proceeds to step S127. On the other hand, when the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge is not to be increased, the processing proceeds to step S128. For example, when the action of the player object PO set in the above steps S121to125corresponds to a condition for increasing the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge, i.e., when the gauge amount change condition is satisfied, the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S126.

In step S127, in accordance with the action of the player object PO, the processor81increases the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge, and the processing proceeds to step S128. For example, when the action of the player object PO set in the above steps S121to125corresponds to the action of increasing the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge, the processor81increases the gauge amount indicated by the sharpshooting gauge data Dc by an increase amount set in accordance with the action and updates the sharpshooting gauge data Dc using the increased gauge amount.

In step S128, the processor81determines whether or not a precondition for shifting to the sharpshooting mode is satisfied. Then, when the precondition for shifting to the sharpshooting mode is satisfied, the processing proceeds to step S129. On the other hand, when the precondition for shifting to the sharpshooting mode is not satisfied, the processing proceeds to step S135. For example, when the gauge amount indicated by the sharpshooting gauge data Dc is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the ball hit back by the opponent object EO corresponds to a chance ball, the processor81determines that the precondition for shifting to the sharpshooting mode is satisfied.

In step S129, the processor81sets the sharpshooting area on the court of the player object PO, and the processing proceeds to step S130. For example, with reference to the ball movement data Db and the ball position data Dh of the ball hit back by the opponent object EO, the processor81calculates a position suitable for the player object PO to hit back the ball on the court and sets the sharpshooting area A having a predetermined range with its center at the calculated position (seeFIG. 11). It should be noted that the sharpshooting area A may be set as a predetermined range with its center at the position where the ball hit back by the opponent object EO will bounce on the court.

On the other hand, in step S135, when the sharpshooting area is set on the court of the player object PO, the processor81erases the sharpshooting area from the court of the player object PO, and the processing proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the processor81determines whether or not the operation mode is to be switched to the sharpshooting mode. Then, when the operation mode is to be switched to the sharpshooting mode, the processing proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, when the operation mode is not to be switched to the sharpshooting mode, the processing proceeds to step S132. For example, when the player object PO is placed in the sharpshooting area set in the above step S129, and the operation indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103is a switching operation (e.g., a pressing operation on the first R-button60), the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S130. It should be noted that by mode switching means, the processor81performs the process of switching the operation mode, and as an example, the mode switching means corresponds to the process of step S130.

In step S131, the processor81sets the sharpshooting flag to on, and the processing proceeds to step S132. For example, the processor81sets the sharpshooting flag stored in the sharpshooting flag data Dd to on, thereby updating the sharpshooting flag data Dd. It should be noted that by mode switching means, the processor81performs the process of switching the operation mode, and as an example, the mode switching means corresponds to the process of step S131.

In step S132, the processor81performs a ball movement process, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, based on the ball movement data Db, the processor81moves the position of the ball B indicated by the ball position data Dh in the virtual space and updates the ball position data Dh using the moved position of the ball B. Further, to change data related to the ball movement indicated by the ball movement data Db (e.g., the ball moving direction or the ball moving velocity) at the current moment based on a predetermined algorithm or in accordance with collision with another object, the processor81updates the ball movement data Db using the changed data.

Next, the processor81determines whether or not the endurance degree of the racket R used by the player object PO decreases (step S133). Then, when the endurance degree of the racket R decreases, the processing proceeds to step S134. On the other hand, when the endurance degree of the racket R does not decrease, the processing of this subroutine ends. For example, when the ball hit back by the opponent object EO using a sharpshooting shot collides with the racket R of the player object PO, and if a shot satisfying a predetermined hitting back condition (e.g., a shot at a good timing by the player object PO) cannot be made with the ball, the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S133.

In step S134, the processor81gives predetermined damage to the racket R of the player object PO and performs the process of decreasing the endurance degree, and the processing of this subroutine ends. For example, the processor81subtracts a level corresponding to the damage given to the racket R from the endurance degree level indicated by the endurance degree data De and updates the endurance degree data De using the endurance degree level after the subtraction. It should be noted that the level to be subtracted in the above step S134may be a fixed level, or may be changed in accordance with the type of the shot of the opponent object EO having damaged the racket R, or may be changed in accordance with the quality of the shot by which the player object PO attempts to hit back the ball. It should be noted that by use limit setting means, the processor81performs the process of setting the use limit, and as an example, the use limit setting means corresponds to the process of step S134.

Referring back toFIG. 17, when it is determined in the above step S104that the operation mode at the current moment is the sharpshooting mode, the processor81performs sharpshooting mode game processing (step S106), and the processing proceeds to step S107. With reference toFIG. 19, a description is given below of the sharpshooting mode game processing performed in step S106.

InFIG. 19, the processor81determines whether or not the operation mode shifts from the normal mode to the sharpshooting mode at the current moment (step S141). Then, when the current moment is the point in time when the operation mode shifts to the sharpshooting mode, the processing proceeds to step S142. On the other hand, when the operation mode has already shifted to the sharpshooting mode at the current moment, the processing proceeds to step S145.

In step S142, the processor81initializes the position of the marker M displayed in the sharpshooting mode (seeFIG. 13) to the initial position, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor81sets the central position of the opponent's side of the court F as the initial position of the marker M and updates the marker position data Df using the initial position.

Next, the processor81sets the orientation of the main body of the game system1when the operation mode shifts to the sharpshooting mode (step S143), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, using the orientation of the game system1(e.g., three axial directions calculated based on angular velocities about three axes detected by the angular velocity sensor105) indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103, the processor81updates the main body orientation data Dn.

Next, the processor81sets the neighborhood gauge G3(seeFIG. 13) (step S144), and the processing proceeds to step S145. For example, using the gauge amount indicated by the sharpshooting gauge data Dc, the processor81makes a setting so that the neighborhood gauge G3indicating the same gauge amount as the gauge amount is displayed near the position of the marker M.

In step S145, in accordance with the orientation of the main body of the game system1and/or a tilt operation on the analog stick32, the processor81changes the target position indicated by the marker M, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor81calculates the difference between the orientation of the game system1(i.e., the orientation of the main body of the game system1when the operation mode shifts to the sharpshooting mode) indicated by the main body orientation data Dn and the orientation of the game system1indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103, and based on the calculated difference, calculates the target position indicated by the marker M. Further, when the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates a tilt operation on the analog stick32, the processor81calculates the moving direction and the moving distance in and at which the target position indicated by the marker M is to be moved in accordance with the tilt operation direction and the tilt operation angle. Then, the processor81changes the target position indicated by the marker M calculated using the moving direction and the moving distance and updates the marker position data Df using the changed target position indicated by the marker M. It should be noted that a method for moving the target position indicated by the marker M is any method. For example, a virtual camera may be moved by the same amount as the difference from the orientation of the main body of the game system1such that the fixation point of the virtual camera is the target position indicated by the marker M. Then, in accordance with the tilt operation direction and the tilt operation angle, the virtual camera may be further moved such that the fixation point of the virtual camera after the movement is the target position indicated by the marker M.

Next, the processor81performs a ball low-velocity movement process (step S146), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, based on the ball movement data Db, the processor81moves the position of the ball B indicated by the ball position data Dh at a low velocity in the virtual space and updates the ball position data Dh using the moved position of the ball B. Here, the low-velocity movement is used to make the moving velocity of the ball B moving in the virtual space slower than in the normal mode to secure the time for the user to take aim (determine the target position). A moving velocity obtained by making the ball moving velocity based on the ball movement data Db slow at a predetermined rate may be used, or the moving velocity may be set to 0. It should be noted that instead of the process of making the moving velocity of the ball B slow, the lapse of the game time may be made slower than in the normal mode, thereby securing the time for the user to take aim.

Next, the processor81decreases the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge by a predetermined amount (step S147), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor81decreases the gauge amount indicated by the sharpshooting gauge data Dc by the predetermined amount and updates the sharpshooting gauge data Dc using the decreased gauge amount. By the process of the above step S147, in the sharpshooting mode, the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge decreases in a gradually decreasing manner with the lapse of time.

Next, the processor81determines whether or not the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball (step S148). Then, when the operation data indicates an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball, the processing proceeds to step S149. On the other hand, when the operation data does not indicate an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball, the processing proceeds to step S152. For example, when the operation data acquired in the above step S103indicates a ball shot operation (e.g., a pressing operation on the A-button53, the B-button54, the Y-button56, or the X-button55), the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S148. It should be noted that by player object control means, the processor81performs the process of controlling the action of the player object PO, and as an example, the player object control means corresponds to the process of step S148.

In step S149, based on the target position, the processor81calculates the ball movement trajectory from the current position of the ball B to the target position, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, in accordance with the content of the shot of the ball shot operation, the processor81calculates the ball movement trajectory from the position of the ball B indicated by the ball position data Db to the target position indicated by the marker position data Df and updates the ball movement data Db using the ball movement trajectory. It should be noted that by second movement determination means, the processor81performs the process of determining the movement parameter for the moving body object in the second mode (the sharpshooting mode), and as an example, the second movement determination means corresponds to the process of step S149.

Next, the processor81deletes the marker M and the neighborhood gauge G3(step S150), and the processing proceeds to the next step.

Next, the processor81sets the sharpshooting flag to off (step S151), and the processing of this subroutine ends. For example, the processor81sets the sharpshooting flag stored in the sharpshooting flag data Dd to off, thereby updating the sharpshooting flag data Dd. It should be noted that by mode switching means, the processor81performs the process of switching the operation mode, and as an example, the mode switching means corresponds to the process of step S151.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the above step S148that the operation data does not indicate an instruction to cause the player object PO to make a shot with the ball, the processor81determines whether or not all the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge is consumed (step S152). Then, when all the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge is consumed, the processing proceeds to step S153. On the other hand, when not all the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge is consumed, the processing of this subroutine ends. For example, when the gauge amount indicated by the sharpshooting gauge data Dc is 0, the determination by the processor81is affirmative in the above step S152.

In step S153, the processor81deletes the marker M and the neighborhood gauge G3, and the processing proceeds to the next step.

Next, the processor81sets a predetermined ball moving direction and a predetermined moving velocity (step S154), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor81determines that the player object PO misses a shot. Then, the processor81updates the ball movement data Db using the ball moving direction and the moving velocity set in advance for the missed shot.

Next, the processor81sets the sharpshooting flag to off (step S155), and the processing of this subroutine ends. For example, the processor81sets the sharpshooting flag stored in the sharpshooting flag data Dd to off, thereby updating the sharpshooting flag data Dd. It should be noted that by mode switching means, the processor81performs the process of switching the operation mode, and as an example, the mode switching means corresponds to the process of step S155.

Referring back toFIG. 17, in step S107, the processor81performs an action control process on the player object PO, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, based on the operation instruction indicated by the operation data acquired in the above step S103, the position or the movement state of the player object PO indicated by the player object position data Di, the position of the ball B indicated by the ball position data Dh, the operation mode at the current moment, and the like, the processor81sets the orientation and the action of the player object PO and updates the player object action data Dk using the set orientation and action. It should be noted that by player object control means, the processor81performs the process of controlling the action of the player object PO, and as an example, the player object control means corresponds to the process of step S107.

Next, the processor81performs an action control process on the opponent object EO (step S108), and the processing proceeds to the next step. As an example, when the action of the opponent object EO is controlled by the processor81, then based on a predetermined algorithm, the processor81causes the opponent object EO to perform an action and updates the opponent object data Dm based on the action. As another example, when the action of the opponent object EO is controlled by another user, then based on an operation of the other user similarly to the player object PO, the processor81causes the opponent object EO to perform an action and updates the opponent object data Dm based on the action. It should be noted that by opponent object control means, the processor81performs the process of controlling the action of the opponent object, and as an example, the opponent object control means corresponds to the process of step S108.

Next, the processor81performs a score process (step S109), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, based on the rule of a predetermined sport (e.g., the rule of tennis), the processor81determines the score of a competition in the virtual space between the player object PO and the opponent object EO and updates the score data Dg based on the determined score. As an example, when the player object PO fails to hit back the ball from the opponent object EO, the processor81adds a point for one play to the score of the opponent object EO. Further, when the ball hits the body of the player object PO, the processor81adds a point for one play to the score of the opponent object EO. Then, when the score of the player object PO or the opponent object EO reaches a score for winning the game, the processor81determines that the player object PO or the opponent object EO having reached the score wins the competition game. It should be noted that when the endurance degree level of the racket R used by the player object PO becomes 0, the processor81may determine that the opponent object EO wins. It should be noted that by winning/losing determination means, the processor81performs the process of determining the winning or losing of a competition, and as an example, the winning/losing determination means corresponds to the process of step S109.

Next, the processor81performs a display control process for generating a display image and displaying the display image on a display device (e.g., the display12) (step S110), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, using the ball position data Dh, the player object position data Di, the opponent object position data Dj, the player object action data Dk, and the opponent object data Dm, the processor81places the tennis court F in the game field and also places the player object PO, the opponent object EO, and the ball B. Then, the processor81generates a virtual space image in which the game field is viewed from a virtual camera placed at a predetermined position (e.g., above the player object PO or a position controlled by the marker position data Df). Further, based on the sharpshooting gauge data Dc, the endurance degree data De, the marker position data Df, and the score data Dg, the processor81performs the process of, in accordance with the processing results of the above steps S103to S109, disposing the sharpshooting gauge G1, the sharpshooting gauge G2, the neighborhood gauge G3, the degree-of-endurance gauge G4, the marker M, the game score, the sharpshooting area A, and the like at positions set in the virtual space image and displaying the virtual space image on the display screen of the display device (e.g., the display12). It should be noted that by image processing means, the processor81performs the process of generating an image of the virtual space, and as an example, the image processing means corresponds to the process of step S110.

Next, the processor81determines whether or not the game is to be ended (step S111). In the above step S111, examples of a condition for ending the game include: the fact that the result of the game is finalized; and the fact that the user performs the operation of ending the game. When the game is not to be ended, the processing returns to the above step S103, and the process of step S103is repeated. When the game is to be ended, the processing of the flow chart ends. Hereinafter, the series of processes of steps S103to S111are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S111that the game is to be ended.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, in a shot operation in the sharpshooting mode, it is possible to determine a position in the virtual world as aimed at by the user and achieve unconventional operability. Further, in the sharpshooting mode, the condition for shifting to the sharpshooting mode and the time limit after a shift to the sharpshooting mode are set. Thus, a strategy for using the sharpshooting mode is necessary.

It should be noted that in the above exemplary embodiment, the time in which the sharpshooting mode can be continued is set, thereby providing a limit on the sharpshooting mode. Alternatively, a limit based on another condition may be provided. For example, a limit may be provided on the number of times a shot can be made in the sharpshooting mode. In this case, every time a shot is made using the sharpshooting mode, one time is subtracted from the number of times a shot can be made in the sharpshooting mode.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, a game has been used where the winning or losing of a competition in the virtual space between the player object PO and the opponent object EO is determined based on the rule of a predetermined sport. Alternatively, the exemplary embodiment can also be applied to another game. For example, a game may be employed where a player object PO hits a moving body object (e.g., a ball or a bullet) at an opponent object EO as a target, thereby obtaining a point. In this case, a game may be employed where the moving body object collides with the body of the opponent object EO only once, whereby the opponent object EO is defeated, or where the moving body object collides with the body of the opponent object EO, thereby decreasing the physical strength of the opponent object EO by a predetermined amount, and when the physical strength becomes 0, the opponent object EO is defeated. This game can be considered as a game where, when the moving body object collides with the body of the opponent object EO, the opponent object EO is defeated. It should be noted that the predetermined amount by which the physical strength of the opponent object EO decreases due to the fact that the moving body object collides with the body of the opponent object EO may be set to a certain amount, or may be set to a different amount in accordance with a part of the opponent object EO with which the moving body object collides. Further, the exemplary embodiment may be applied to a game where a player object PO and an opponent object EO compete to move a moving body object to a predetermined place.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, an example has been used where a sharpshooting shot can be made based on the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge. Alternatively, the sharpshooting gauge may also be used for another shot. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation using as a precondition the fact that the gauge amount of the sharpshooting gauge reaches the maximum amount, the player object PO may become able to make a special shot. In this case, the special shot may be executed, whereby all the sharpshooting gauge of the player object PO may be consumed, and the gauge amount may decrease to 0 in a moment.

Further, in the above exemplary game, an example has been used where play is performed using the unified apparatus obtained by attaching the left controller3and the right controller4to the main body apparatus2. Alternatively, play may be performed in the state where the left controller3and the right controller4are detached from the main body apparatus2. For example, game play may be performed in the state where a single user holds the left controller3with their left hand and holds the right controller4with their right hand. Alternatively, game play may be performed by a single user using the left controller3and another user using the right controller4. In these cases, a game image may be displayed on the display12of the main body apparatus2, or a game image may be displayed on a display screen of the stationary monitor by attaching the main body apparatus2alone to the cradle.

Further, the game system1may communicate with another game system1, whereby a game may be performed using a plurality of game systems1. In this case, a game is performed where, using a first game system1for operating a player object PO and a second game system1for operating an opponent object EO, the winning or losing of a competition in a virtual space between the player object PO and the opponent object EO is determined. Similarly to the player object PO described above, the second game system1controls the opponent object EO, whereby it is possible to achieve a similar game.

Further, in the above description, an example has been used where the orientation of the main body of the game system1is detected using angular velocities detected by an angular velocity sensor. Alternatively, the orientation of the main body of the game system1may be detected using the output of another sensor. For example, the orientation of the main body of the game system1may be detected using accelerations detected by an acceleration sensor. In this case, as an example, the direction of gravity is calculated from the accelerations detected by the acceleration sensor, and a change in the direction of gravity is detected, whereby it is possible to detect the orientation of the main body of the game system1.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, game processing is performed by the main body apparatus2. Alternatively, part or all of the processing may be performed by another apparatus. For example, part or all of the processing may be performed by the left controller3and/or the right controller4.

Further, in another exemplary embodiment, the main body apparatus2may be able to directly communicate with the stationary monitor. For example, the main body apparatus2and the stationary monitor may be able to directly perform wired communication with each other, or directly perform wireless communication with each other. In this case, based on whether or not the main body apparatus2and the stationary monitor can directly communicate with each other, the main body apparatus2may determine the display destination of an image.

Further, an additional apparatus (e.g., a cradle) may be any additional apparatus attachable to and detachable from the main body apparatus2. The additional apparatus may or may not have the function of charging the main body apparatus2as in the exemplary embodiment.

Further, the game system1may be any apparatus, and may be a mobile game apparatus, any mobile electronic device (a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, a personal computer, a camera, a tablet, or the like) or the like.

Further, the above descriptions have been given using an example where the game system1performs information processing (game processing) and a communication process. Alternatively, another apparatus may perform at least some of the processing steps. For example, if the game system1is further configured to communicate with another apparatus (e.g., another server, another image display device, another game apparatus, or another mobile terminal), the other apparatus may move in conjunction with to perform the processing steps. Another apparatus may thus perform at least some of the processing steps, thereby enabling processing similar to that described above. Further, the above information processing (game processing) can be performed by a processor or the cooperation of a plurality of processors, the processor or the plurality of processors included in an information processing system including at least one information processing apparatus. Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, information processing can be performed by the processor81of the game system1executing a predetermined program. Alternatively, part or all of the processing of the flow charts may be performed by a dedicated circuit included in the game system1.

Here, according to the above variations, it is possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment also by a system form such as cloud computing, or a system form such as a distributed wide area network or a local area network. For example, in a system form such as a distributed local area network, it is possible to execute the processing between a stationary information processing apparatus (a stationary game apparatus) and a mobile information processing apparatus (a mobile game apparatus) by the cooperation of the apparatuses. It should be noted that, in these system forms, there is no particular limitation on which apparatus performs the above processing. Thus, it goes without saying that it is possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment by sharing the processing in any manner.

Further, the processing orders, the setting values, the conditions used in the determinations, and the like that are used in the information processing described above are merely illustrative. Thus, it goes without saying that the exemplary embodiment can be achieved also with other orders, other values, and other conditions.

Further, the above program may be supplied to the game system1not only through an external storage medium such as an external memory, but also through a wired or wireless communication link. Further, the program may be stored in advance in a non-volatile storage device included in the apparatus. It should be noted that examples of an information storage medium having stored therein the program may include CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disk storage media similar to these, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic tapes, as well as non-volatile memories. Alternatively, an information storage medium having stored therein the program may be a volatile memory for storing the program. It can be said that such a storage medium is a storage medium readable by a computer or the like. For example, it is possible to provide the various functions described above by causing a computer or the like to load a program from the storage medium and execute it.

While some exemplary systems, exemplary methods, exemplary devices, and exemplary apparatuses have been described in detail above, the above descriptions are merely illustrative in all respects, and do not limit the scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses. It goes without saying that the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses can be improved and modified in various manners without departing the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It is understood that the scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses should be interpreted only by the scope of the appended claims. Further, it is understood that the specific descriptions of the exemplary embodiment enable a person skilled in the art to carry out an equivalent scope on the basis of the descriptions of the exemplary embodiment and general technical knowledge. When used in the specification, the components and the like described in the singular with the word “a” or “an” preceding them do not exclude the plurals of the components. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms used in the specification are used in their common meanings in the field. Thus, unless otherwise defined, all the jargons and the technical terms used in the specification have the same meanings as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the exemplary embodiment. If there is a conflict, the specification (including definitions) takes precedence.

As described above, the exemplary embodiment can be used as a game program, a game apparatus, a game system, and a game processing method for, for example, enabling a user to aim at a desired position in a particular mode.