U.S. Pat. No. 10,974,143

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, embodiments of the present invention described below are nothing but an example, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications or techniques not specifically expressed below. That is, embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. Also, in the discussion of the drawings below, portions that are the same or similar will be assigned the same or similar reference signs. The drawings are simplified, and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, proportions, and so forth. From one drawing to the next, there may be portions in which the dimensional relations and proportions are not the same.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an example of accepting a command input for a character in a battle occurring in a game, such as what is seen in an RPG, will be described, but embodiments of the present invention is not limited to a battle. Embodiments of the present invention can be broadly applied to situations in which command inputs from a player to a character on the screen in a competing game are accepted in real time.

(System Configuration)

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare configuration diagrams of an example of the information processing system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The information processing system inFIG. 1Acomprises a single game device1. The game device1is a terminal device such as a PC, a smart phone, or a tablet that has an input means such as a mouse or a touch panel operated by a player, or a terminal device such as a dedicated game machine for home or commercial use.

Also, with the information processing system inFIG. 1B, one or more client terminals2and a game server3are connected via a network4such as the Internet. The client terminals2are a terminal device such as a PC, a smart phone, or a tablet operated by a player, or a terminal device such as a dedicated game device for home or commercial use. The game server3performs management and control of games played by players on the client terminals2.

Thus, one or more embodiments of the present invention can be applied not only to a client/server type of information processing system as shown inFIG. 1B, but also to the single game device1shown inFIG. 1A.

It should go without saying that the information processing system inFIG. 1is just an example, and that there are various other system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose. For instance, the game server3inFIG. 1Bmay be configured to be distributed among a plurality of computers.

(Hardware Configuration)

(Game Device and Client Terminal)

Terminal devices such as the game device1and the client terminals2inFIG. 1Aare realized by the hardware configuration shown inFIG. 2, for example.FIG. 2is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the terminal device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The terminal device inFIG. 2comprises an input device401, a display402, an external interface403, a RAM404, a ROM405, a CPU (or processor)406, a communication interface407, an HDD408, an audio input/output component409, etc. These components are connected to each other by a bus B.

The input device401is a mouse or a touch panel, operation keys or buttons provided to the housing of the terminal device, or the like, and are used by a player to input various signals. The display402is a liquid crystal, organic EL, or the like for displaying a screen. A touch panel is made up, for example, of a pressure-sensitive, electrostatic, or other type of panel mounted on the display402, and detects a touch position by a finger, a stylus, or the like on the display402.

The communication interface407connects the terminal device to the network4. Consequently, the terminal device performs data communication via the communication interface407. The HDD408is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. Programs and data that are stored include an OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire terminal device, applications, which provide various functions on the OS, and the like. The terminal device may use a drive device (such as a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium, instead of the HDD408.

The external interface403interface pictures with an external device. The external device is a recording medium403aor the like. Consequently, the terminal device can read from and/or write to the recording medium403avia the external interface403. The recording medium403amay be a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, or the like.

The ROM405is an example of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can hold programs and data even when the power has been shut off. The ROM405stores programs and data such as BIOS, OS settings, and network settings executed at the start-up of the terminal device. The RAM404is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

The CPU406is an arithmetic unit that realizes control and functions of the entire terminal device by reading programs and data from the storage device such as the ROM405and the HDD408onto the RAM404and executing processing. The terminal device also comprises a dedicated battery410. The terminal device is driven by the battery410. The audio input/output component409includes a microphone for inputting sound and a speaker for outputting sound.

Thus, the terminal device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can realize the various processing discussed below by means of this hardware configuration.

Game Server Device

The game server3inFIG. 1is realized by a computer having the hardware configuration shown inFIG. 3, for example.FIG. 3is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the game server according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The game server3inFIG. 3comprises an input device501, a display502, an external interface503, a RAM504, a ROM505, a CPU506, a communication interface507, an HDD508, and so forth, which are connected to each via a bus B. The input device501and the display502may be configured so that they are connected for use only when necessary.

The input device501includes a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and is used by a player to input operation signals. The display502includes a display, etc., and is used for displaying processing results. The communication interface507connects the game server3to the network4. Consequently, the game server3can perform data communication via the communication interface507.

The HDD508is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data that are stored include an OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire game server3, and applications, which provide various functions on the OS.

The external interface503interface pictures with an external device. This external device may be a recording medium503aor the like. Consequently, the computer500can read from and/or write to the recording medium503avia the external interface503. The recording medium503amay be a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, or the like.

The ROM505is an example of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can hold programs and data even when the power has been shut off. The ROM505stores programs and data such as BIOS, OS settings, and network settings executed at the start-up of the game server3. The RAM504is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

The CPU506is an arithmetic unit that realizes control and functions of the entire game server3by reading programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM505or the HDD508onto the RAM504and executing processing.

The game server3according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can realize various processing as described below by means of this hardware configuration.

Software Configuration

The software configuration of the information processing system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described separately for the game device1inFIG. 1Aand the client terminals2and the game server3inFIG. 1B.

Game Device

The game device1inFIG. 1Ais realized by the processing blocks shown inFIG. 4, for example.FIG. 4is a processing block diagram of an example of the game device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The game device1executes a program to realize the operation acceptance component10, a game execution component12, a screen display component14, a display information storage component16, a character information storage component17, and a lane information storage component18. The game execution component12is configured to have a character controller20, a lane controller22, an attack reservation acceptance component24, and an attack execution component26.

The operation acceptance component10accepts an operation from a player operating the game device1. The game execution component12performs processing related to the game according to the operation accepted from the player by the operation acceptance component10, and causes the game to proceed.

The character controller20of the game execution component12controls the characters displayed on the screen. The lane controller22controls the attack reservation lane displayed on the screen. The attack reservation lane visually represents the attack sequence of the player's character or an enemy character that is reserved for attack. The “attack reservation” here is an example of an action reservation. An action reservation may include the reservation of defense, recovery, and the like, in addition to an attack reservation. Therefore, in addition to the attack reservation, the attack reservation lane can also visually represent the action sequence of the player's character or an enemy character for which defense or recovery has been reserved. The attack reservation lane will be described in detail below.

The attack reservation acceptance component24accepts an attack reservation for a character from the player and registers it in the attack reservation lane as discussed below. The attack execution component26performs attacks of characters registered in the attack reservation lane according to the execution sequence. The character attack by the attack execution component26will be discussed in detail below.

The screen display component14controls screen display of the game device1according to the progress of the game under the game execution component12. The display information storage component16stores display information (discussed below). The character information storage component17stores character information (discussed below). The lane information storage component18stores lane information (discussed below).

Client Terminal and Game Server Device

The client terminals2and the game server3inFIG. 1Bare realized by the processing blocks shown inFIG. 5, for example.FIG. 5is a processing block diagram of an example of the client terminal and the game server according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The client terminal2executes a program to realize the operation acceptance component10, the game execution component12, a server access component13, the screen display component14, the display information storage component16, the character information storage component17, and the lane information storage component18. Also, the game execution component12is configured to have the character controller20, the lane controller22, the attack reservation acceptance component24, and the attack execution component26. The client terminal2inFIG. 5has a configuration in which the server access component13is added to the configuration of the game device1inFIG. 4. When access to the game server3becomes necessary in the course of the processing by the game execution component12, the server access component13sends a request to the game server3, and receives the processing result or other response from the game server3.

The game execution component12may be a browser type, which performs processing related to the game on the basis of page data written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like from the game server3, scripts included in page data, and so forth. Or, the game execution component12may be an application type, which performs processing related to the game on the basis of an installed application.FIG. 5shows an application type as an example.

A request processing component30of the game server3receives a request from a client terminal2, performs processing corresponding to the request, and sends the processing result, etc., to the client terminal2as a response. The player information management component32stores various kinds of information about the player playing the game, as player information in the player information storage component34. A player information management component32refers to and updates the player information in response to a request from the request processing component30. A player information storage component34stores player information. For example, the player information storage component34stores information related to billing and information that needs to be shared by a plurality of client terminals2.

The layout of the processing blocks shown inFIG. 5is an example. For instance, the layout of processing blocks between the client terminal2and the game server3shown inFIG. 5may be such that the game execution component12, the display information storage component16, the character information storage component17, and the lane information storage component18are disposed in the game server3. In this case, the client terminal2makes various requests to the game server3when a request to the game server3becomes necessary because of the operation accepted from the player by the operation acceptance component10. The game execution component12of the game server3performs processing related to the game in response to various requests from the client terminal2and responds to the client terminal2by providing the processing result for allowing the game to proceed.

The client terminal2receives from the game server3a processing result for allowing the game to proceed as a response to various requests, and causes the game to proceed according to this processing result. The screen display component14controls screen display according to progress of the game.

(Processing)

(Battle Screen)

The battle screen according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is as shown inFIG. 6, for example.FIG. 6is a simulation of an example of a battle screen pertaining according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. On the battle screen1000shown inFIG. 6are displayed an attack reservation lane1001and a panel1003in which face pictures of a player's characters (hereinafter referred to as player characters) are displayed, and a character layout box1004in which player characters and an enemy's characters (hereinafter referred to as enemy characters) are disposed.

In the character layout box1004of the battle screen1000, the layout sites of the player characters and the enemy characters are indicated by a 3×3 grid. The player characters are disposed in the 3×3 layout site on the right side of the character layout box1004. The enemy characters are disposed in the 3×3 layout site on the left side of the character layout box1004. The player characters and the enemy characters are laid out so as to face each other on the layout site of the character layout box1004. InFIG. 6, there are five player characters and three enemy characters. Characters borrowed from another player (so-called helper characters) may be included among the player characters.

The panel1003in which the face pictures of the player characters are displayed is a button, and operations for the various player characters can be accepted from the player. On the upper right of the panel1003of each player character is shown the attack range of that player character. The attack range of each player character will be described in detail below.

The player characters and enemy characters can be in an active state of accepting an attack reservation or an inactive state of not accepting an attack reservation. The player characters and the enemy characters change from the inactive state to the active state when a specific length of time set for each player character and enemy character has elapsed. Also, the player characters and the enemy characters return to their inactive state when an attack reservation is accepted, and again change from the inactive state to the active state when the specific length of time elapses. The specific length of time after which the inactive state changes to the active state will vary for each player character and enemy character, and can be set by parameters such as quickness set for each player character or enemy character, for example.

The attack reservation of an enemy character is performed in accordance with the timing of the attack reservation generated by the game execution component12in the case of a computer-versus-computer battle performed by the CPU406, for example. In the case of a person-versus-person battle performed by another player, for example, the attack reservation of an enemy character is performed in accordance with the timing of the attack reservation transmitted from the other game device1. The game execution component12compares the timing of the attack reservation for a player character made by a player with the timing of the attack reservation for an enemy character made by another player or the CPU406, and determines the order of registration in the attack reservation lane1001.

The timing at which a player character changes from an inactive state to an active state can be represented by a change in the color of the face picture corresponding to each player character in the panel1003.

InFIG. 6, the overall brightness of the face pictures of the player characters in an inactive state is reduced, and a portion of the original brightness is gradually increased over time so as to return to the overall brightness of the face pictures at the timing when a specific length of time set for each player character has elapsed, which indicates to the player the timing of the change to the active state. As a display method in which a portion of the original brightness is gradually increased over time, it is conceivable for a portion of the original brightness to be increased from left to right, from top to bottom, from the edges to the center, etc.

The timing at which an enemy character changes from an inactive state to an active state is represented by a change in color of the weapon symbol1005displayed at the top of an enemy character disposed in the character layout box1004. For instance, the weapon symbol1005can change color between blue, yellow, and red so that the color of the weapon symbol1005becomes red at the point when the specific length of time set for each enemy character has elapsed.

The way of expressing the timing when an enemy character changes from an inactive state to an active state is not limited to a change in the color of the weapon symbol1005. The point when an enemy character changes from an inactive state to an active state may be represented by the weapon symbol1005filling up with water, or by a countdown effect, for example.

A player character in an active state accepts a request for an attack reservation by means of an operation (such as a tap) on the panel1003from the player. A player character in an active state that has accepted a request for an attack reservation from the player is reserved for attack by being registered in the panel (reservation slots) flowing from right to left in the attack reservation lane1001.

Similarly, an enemy character in an active state is also reserved for attack by being registered in the panel flowing from right to left in the attack reservation lane1001. An enemy character in an active state is reserved for attack by being registered in the panel on the attack reservation lane1001at the timing set by the program, for example.

The attack reservation lane1001will be described in detail through reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating an example of an attack reservation lane. Panels1002-1to1002-5are displayed flowing from the right to the left in the attack reservation lane1001inFIG. 7.

The player character or enemy character registered on the far left side of the panel1002-1attacks. That is, in the example inFIG. 7, the player characters or enemy characters registered in the panels1002-2to1002-4attack in order. The panel1002-5represents a type of panel that can be registered next, and no player character or enemy character is registered in the panel1002-5. In the example inFIG. 7, the player can recognize that the panel that can be registered next is an empty panel (without any effect).

The face pictures of the player characters or enemy characters reserved for attack are displayed in the panels1002-1to1002-4in the attack reservation lane1001. Thus, the attack reservation lane1001visually represents the attack sequence of the player characters and enemy characters.

Also, some of the panels1002-1to1002-5in the attack reservation lane1001are associated with some kind of effect. In the example inFIG. 7, a “skill” panel1002-3capable of activating a skill is displayed. Hereinafter, when referring to any of the panels1002-1to1002-5indiscriminately, it will be referred to simply as a panel1002.

The effect shown by a panel1002can be obtained at the point when the player character or enemy character registered in the panel1002attacks. For example, a player character for which it has become possible to activate a skill by performing an attack registered in the “skill” panel1002-3accepts a request for a skill activation reservation by means of an operation (such as a swipe) from the player that is different from a request for an attack reservation on the panel1003.

The effect associated with a panel1002includes not only the effect of enabling a skill to be activated, but also, for example, acquisition of skill points for activating a skill, an increase in temporary or permanent attack strength and defense strength, a change in strength recovery or other such parameters. Also, the effect associated with a panel1002may be one in which the player character or enemy character registered in the panel1002cuts in at the far left or another such change to the attack sequence, one that activates a particular effect when the attack characteristics (attributes) set for each character match the attack characteristics set in the panel1002, or one that expands the attack range of the player character or enemy character registered in the panel1002. In addition, the effect associated with a panel1002may be one that changes the parameters of enemy characters, such as lowering the attack strength or the defensive strength of an enemy character.

Furthermore, a continuous attack (a so-called combo) can be activated by continuously registering player characters in the panel1002of the attack reservation lane1001. During a combo, for example, it may be possible to activate an effect that is advantageous for a player, such as an attack boost or an additional attack. If the continuous registration of player characters to the panel1002is broken up by registration of an enemy character to the panel1002of the attack reservation lane1001, the combo ends at the point when that enemy character attacks. Also, if it is determined that continuous registration of attack reservation by player characters has been broken up by the registration of a defense reservation or recovery reservation to the panel1002of the attack reservation lane1001, the combo ends at the point when that defense or recovery is performed.

A player who wishes to attack even slightly sooner than an enemy character registers the attack reservation as soon as the player character becomes active so as to obtain the highest number of attacks. On the other hand, since player characters go into an active state at different times, if a player character that has become active is reserved for an attack right away, an enemy character may be registered in between attacks of player characters, so that the combo is not properly linked. In view of this, a combo of the full number of characters can be generated by waiting for all player characters to become active while enduring attacks by enemy characters, and then registering attack reservations for player characters continuously.

Thus, depending on the function of the combo, the player needs to determine whether to register the attack reservation right away or to aim for a combo and wait without registering an attack reservation, and the action reservation that is more strategic can be accepted.

Going back toFIG. 6, the “AUTO” button1006provided at the upper left of the battle screen1000is a button for changing to automatic mode, in which a player character that enters in an active state is automatically registered in the panel1002on the attack reservation lane1001. The player can automate the battle by pressing the “AUTO” button1006. Since automation eliminates the need for a player's intervention, the player can play more easily, but as described above, since the player character ends up being registered as soon as it enters in an active state, it is harder for combos to be linked. The player can end the battle by knocking down all the enemy characters on the battle screen1000.

Battle Processing

The battle processing according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is performed, for example, in the procedure shown inFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flowchart of an example of a battle processing pertaining according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The battle processing in the game device1inFIG. 4will be described as an example, but the battle processing in the information processing system inFIG. 5is the same, except for the communication between the client terminal2and the game server3.

In step S11, the game execution component12of the game device1starts the processing from step S12onward when a battle occurs in the game. In step S12, the game execution component12performs initial battle screen display processing, and displays the initial battle screen1000shown inFIG. 6.

In step S13, the game execution component12performs processing related to the game and causes the game to proceed. For example, the character controller20of the game execution component12starts counting (timing) a specific length of time for player characters and enemy characters, and controls display of the active state and inactive state of the player characters and enemy characters.

In step S14, the lane controller22and the attack reservation acceptance component24of the game execution component12perform attack reservation acceptance processing (discussed below), and register a player character or an enemy character in a panel on the attack reservation lane1001. In step S15, the attack execution component26of the game execution component12performs attack execution processing of the player character or the enemy character registered in the panel at the far left.

In step S16, if the battle has not ended, the game execution component12returns to step S13and continues the processing. If the battle has ended, the game execution component12ends the battle processing inFIG. 8.

Initial Battle Screen Display Processing

The initial battle screen display processing of step S12shown inFIG. 8is performed by the procedure shown inFIG. 9, for example.FIG. 9is a flowchart of an example of the initial battle screen display processing.

In step S21, the lane controller22generates lane information.FIG. 10is a configuration diagram of an example of lane information. The lane information shown inFIG. 10has data categories of lane panel ID, effects, execution sequence, and registered character ID.

The lane panel ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the panels in the attack reservation lane1001. The effect is effect information representing the effect had by the panel specified by the lane panel ID. The effect information in a panel with no effect is blank. The effect had by a panel may be set randomly or may be set according to a specific rule.

The execution sequence is execution sequence information indicating the execution sequence of the panels specified by the lane panel ID. For example, the execution sequence information starts from “5” and decreases by 1 each time an attack by a player character or enemy character is executed. The player character or enemy character registered in the panel whose execution sequence information is “1” attacks next.

The registered character ID is the character ID of the player character or enemy character registered in the panel specified by the lane panel ID. The initial battle screen display processing is processing before a player character or enemy character is registered in the panel. Therefore, the registered character ID is blank for the lane information generated in step S21.

In step S22, the lane controller22displays the attack reservation lane1001on the initial battle screen1000and displays the panel using the lane information generated in the attack reservation lane1001.

In step S23, the character controller20displays the panel1003on which the face pictures of player characters are displayed on the initial battle screen1000by using the display information shown inFIG. 11.FIG. 11is a configuration diagram of an example of display information. The display information inFIG. 11has data categories of character ID, image ID, mini character image ID, character panel position, grid position, active state start time, and skill count.

The character ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a player character or enemy character. The image ID is identification information for uniquely identifying an image of a face picture of a player character or enemy character specified by a character ID. Mini character image ID is identification information for uniquely identifying an image of a whole body (mini character image) of a player character or enemy character specified by a character ID.

The character panel position is position information expressing the position on the panel1003where the face picture of the player character specified by the character ID is displayed. For example, a face picture of a player character whose character panel position is “1” is displayed at the top of the panel1003.

The grid position is position information expressing the position of the character layout box1004where the player character or the enemy character specified by the character ID is displayed. The layout site in the character layout box1004can be uniquely specified by the grid position. The active state start time expresses the time at which the player character or enemy character specified by the character ID changes from an inactive state to an active state. The skill count is information indicating whether or not the player character specified by the character ID can activate a skill.

The character controller20can display the panel1003on which the face pictures of the player characters are displayed on the initial battle screen1000by using the character ID, image ID, and character panel position of the display information inFIG. 11. The attack range of each player character displayed at the upper right of the panel1003can be displayed using the character information shown inFIG. 12, for example.

FIG. 12is a configuration diagram of an example of character information. The character information inFIG. 12has data categories of character ID, attack characteristics, physical strength, attack strength, defensive strength, and quickness. The character ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a player character or enemy character. The attack characteristics are attack characteristic information expressing attack characteristics of a player character or enemy character, such as cutting, thrusting, striking, or the like. Attack ranges such as three squares laterally, three squares longitudinally, or four squares in a square shape are set for the attack characteristics. Therefore, the attack range of each player character displayed at the upper right of the panel1003can be displayed using the attack characteristic information of the character information.

The physical strength, attack strength, defensive strength, and quickness of the character information inFIG. 12are information expressing the physical strength, attack strength, defensive strength, and quickness of a player character or enemy character. The attack characteristics, physical strength, attack strength, defensive strength, and quickness of the character information inFIG. 12are examples of parameters of a player character or enemy character.

In step S24, the character controller20displays the mini characters in the character layout box1004of the initial battle screen1000using the display information shown inFIG. 11and the character information as shown inFIG. 12.

The character controller20can display mini versions of the player characters in the character layout box1004of the initial battle screen1000by using the character ID, the mini character image ID, and the grid position of the display information inFIG. 11. Also, the character controller20can display mini versions of enemy characters in the character layout box1004of the initial battle screen1000by using the character ID, the mini character image ID, and the grid position of the display information inFIG. 11and the attack characteristics of the character information inFIG. 12.

Attack Reservation Acceptance Processing

The attack reservation acceptance processing of step S14shown inFIG. 8can be performed, for example, by the procedure shown inFIG. 13.FIG. 13is a flowchart of an example of attack reservation acceptance processing.

In step S31, the attack reservation acceptance component24of the game execution component12determines whether or not a request for attack reservation has been accepted by means of an operation such as tapping or pressing the panel (character panel)1003in which a face picture of an active player character is displayed.

If it is determined that the attack reservation accepting component24has accepted a request for attack reservation, the lane controller22refers to the lane information inFIG. 10in step S32, and selects the panel with the lowest execution sequence out of the panels in the attack reservation lane1001in which no registered character ID is registered. The lane controller22then registers the character ID of the player character for which the request for attack reservation was accepted, to the registered character ID of the selected panel. If the attack reservation accepting component24determines that no request for attack reservation has been accepted, the lane controller22skips the processing of step S32.

In step S33, the attack reservation acceptance component24of the game execution component12determines whether or not there is an enemy character in an active state. If there is an enemy character in an active state, the lane controller22refers to the lane information in step S34and selects the panel with the lowest execution sequence out of the panels in the attack reservation lane1001in which no registered character ID has been registered.

The lane controller22then registers the character ID of the enemy character in an active state to the registered character ID of the selected panel. If the attack reservation accepting component24determines that there is no enemy character in an active state, the lane controller22skips the processing of step S34.

The processing to register the character ID of an enemy character in an active state to the registered character ID of the lane information in step S34may be performed immediately after an active state is entered, for example, or may be performed after a specific length of time has elapsed after entering an active state, or may be performed after waiting until the point at which a player's combo can be broken up, taking into account the effect of the panel and the player's combo on the attack reservation lane1001.

As a result of the attack reservation acceptance processing inFIG. 13, face pictures of player characters or enemy characters reserved for attack are displayed in the panels on the attack reservation lane1001of the battle screen1000.FIG. 14is a simulation of an example of a battle screen in which face pictures of player characters reserved for attack are displayed in panels on the attack reservation lane. In the battle screen1000inFIG. 14, the face picture of the player character reserved for attack is displayed in the panel1002-1on the attack reservation lane1001.

Also, the face pictures of enemy characters reserved for attack are displayed as shown inFIG. 15, for example, in the panels on the attack reservation lane1001of the battle screen1000.FIG. 15is a simulation of an example of a battle screen in which face pictures of enemy characters reserved for attack are displayed in the panels on the attack reservation lane. In the battle screen1000inFIG. 15, the face picture of the enemy character reserved for attack is displayed in the panel1002-1on the attack reservation lane1001.

Strategy when Registering Player Characters in Panels on Attack Reservation Lane

The strategy for registering player characters in the panels1002on the attack reservation lane1001will now be described.FIGS. 16A-16Care diagrams illustrating an example of how a player character is registered in a panel on the attack reservation lane.

FIG. 16ashows the state before player characters and enemy characters are registered in the panels1002-1to1002-5on the attack reservation lane1001. The panel1002-2has the effect of boosting the attack strength by 1.5 times.

Therefore, by registering a player character in the panel1002-2, the player can obtain the effect that the attack strength of the panel1002-2increases by 1.5 times. However, if the player makes a request for an attack reservation for a player character in an active state in the state inFIG. 16a, the player character will end up being registered in the panel1002-1as shown inFIG. 16b, and the effect of boosting the attack strength by 1.5 times had by the panel1002-2cannot be obtained.

In view of this, even if a player character enters an active state, the player can wait until an enemy character is registered in the panel1002-1as shown inFIG. 16c, and then make a request for an attack reservation for a player character in an active state, thereby registering the player character in the useful panel1002-2to advantageous effect.

Thus, the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention does not involve the simple action of requesting an attack reservation right away when a player character enters in an active state, and it is necessary instead to request an attack reservation while taking into account the effect of the panels1002-1to1002-5on the attack reservation lane1001. In other words, the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can realize acceptance of highly strategic attack reservations in which player characters and enemy characters vie for the useful panels1002on the attack reservation lane1001.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating an example of how the player characters are continuously registered in panels on the attack reservation lane. InFIG. 17, in the state in which a player character has been registered in the panel1002-1on the attack reservation lane1001, when a player character is registered in the panel1002-2following the panel1002-1, the player character registered in1002-2activates a continuous attack (a so-called combo). Therefore, inFIG. 17, “COMBO” is displayed below the panel1002-2to indicate the activation of a combo. In the example inFIG. 17, “COMBO” is not displayed for the player character from which the combo starts.

When a combo is activated, the player character registered in the panel1002-2can activate an effect that is advantageous to the player, such as an attack boost or an additional attack.FIG. 17shows an example in which player characters are registered in two consecutive panels1002-1and1002-2on the attack reservation lane1001, but combos can also be linked by registering player characters continuously in three or more panels1002.

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating an example of how combos are linked.FIG. 18shows how player characters are continuously registered in the two panels1002-3and1002-4on the attack reservation lane1001from the state inFIG. 17.

InFIG. 18, when player characters are registered in the panels1002-3and1002-4following the panel1002-2in a state in which a player character is registered in the panel1002-2on the attack reservation lane1001, the player characters registered in the panels1002-3and1002-4initiate a continuous attack (a so-called combo). Therefore, inFIG. 18, “COMBO” is displayed below the panels1002-3and1002-4to indicate combo activation. For example, the effect activated by a combo can be made more advantageous for the player as more combos are linked.

FIG. 19is a diagram illustrating an example of how a combo is broken up.FIG. 19shows how an enemy character is registered in the panel1002-5on the attack reservation lane1001from the state inFIG. 18.

InFIG. 19, a combo is broken up due to an enemy character being registered in the panel1002-5following the panel1002-4in a state in which player characters are sequentially registered in the panels1002-2to1002-4on the attack reservation lane1001.

Therefore, with the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, acceptance of a highly strategic attack reservation can be realized, with the player deciding whether to register player characters one after another in panels1002so that the combo will not be broken up by having an enemy character cut in, or to go ahead and register player characters to useful panels1002even though the combo may be broken.

It may be designed so that when the enemy character registered in the panel1002-5is vanquished before attacking in the state inFIG. 19, a combo may once again be linked up by deleting the panel1002-5and registering a player character in the panel1002-6following the panel1002-5.

Furthermore, the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may be designed to allow cancellation of registration to the panels1002. Acceptance of an attack reservation with an even higher level of strategy can be realized by putting a player character whose registration to the panel1002was cancelled in an active state. Also, the player characters registered in the panels1002at the end of a battle may be put in an active state right from the start in the next battle, or a bonus such as experience value may be awarded.

Thus, with the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to realize a battle system with a high level of strategy in the game.

Attack Execution Processing

The attack execution processing in step S15shown inFIG. 8is performed, for example, by the procedure shown inFIG. 20.FIG. 20is a flowchart of an example of attack execution processing.

In step S41, the attack execution component26of the game execution component12refers to the lane information inFIG. 10and selects the panel of the attack reservation lane1001corresponding to the execution sequence “1.” The attack execution component26acquires the character ID of the player character or enemy character registered in the selected panel from the registered character ID of that panel.

In step S42, the attack execution component26refers to the character information inFIG. 12and acquires character information corresponding to the character ID acquired in step S41. In step S43, the attack execution component26acquires the effect of the panel selected in step S41from the lane information inFIG. 10.

When the effect of a panel is acquired in step S43, the attack execution component26in step S44reflects the effect of the panel in the character information acquired in step S42. The attack execution component26then proceeds to step S44and attacks the player character or enemy character registered in the panel, using the character information in which the effect of that panel is reflected.

If the effect of the panel could not be acquired in step S43, the attack execution component26performs an attack on the player character or enemy character registered in the panel using the character information acquired in step S42.

In step S45, the attack execution component26notifies the lane controller22that the attack of the panel corresponding to the execution sequence “1” has ended. The lane controller22sets the execution sequence of the lane information inFIG. 10to “−1.” In step S46, the attack execution component26deletes the record of the lane information inFIG. 10, in which the execution sequence turned to “0,” and resets the record of the new execution sequence “5” to the lane information inFIG. 10.

The attack executing component26also deletes the record of lane information in which are registered player characters or enemy characters that became immovable midway through, and resets the record of the new execution sequence “5” to the lane information inFIG. 10.

In step S47, the attack execution component26notifies the character controller20of the character ID of the player character or enemy character that performed the attack. The character controller20refers to the display information inFIG. 11and updates the active state start time corresponding to the character ID of the player character or enemy character that performed the attack.

The update of the active state start time is performed by using the “quickness” parameter of the character information of the player character or enemy character specified by the character ID. For example, for a player character or enemy character whose character information “quickness” is low, the time it takes to return from an inactive state to an active state is set longer. For a player character or an enemy character whose character information “quickness” is high, the time it takes to return from an inactive state to an active state is set shorter.

The attack by the player character or enemy character in step S44is performed over the attack range set by the attack characteristic of the character information inFIG. 12.FIGS. 21A-21Care diagrams illustrating an example of the attack range of a player character or enemy character.

FIG. 21Ashows an attack range of “three lateral squares” with circles when the attack characteristic is “cutting.”FIG. 21Bshows an attack range of “three longitudinal squares” with circles when the attack characteristic is “thrusting.”FIG. 21Cshows the attack range of “four squares in a square shape” with circles when the attack characteristic is “striking.”

Thus, with the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the attack range varies with the attack characteristics of the player character or enemy character. For example, on the battle screen1000inFIGS. 21A-21C, enemy characters are arranged in three longitudinal squares at the layout site of enemy characters in the character layout box1004. In the case of the battle screen1000inFIGS. 21A-21C, only the enemy characters in the front row can be attacked in the attack range of “three lateral squares” when the attack characteristic is “cutting.” However, in the attack range of “three longitudinal squares” when the attack characteristic is “thrusting,” the enemy characters disposed in three longitudinal squares can be attacked all at once. With the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is more strategy involved because the attack characteristics that allow for an effective attack vary according to the layout of the enemy characters in the character layout box1004.

By using such attack characteristics and combos, the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can also give the player the following advantages. While a combo is linked up, the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention counts the hit value every time an enemy character is attacked, and boosts the attack strength to 1.1 times, 1.2 times, and so on. By combining a combo and an attack characteristic that allows a plurality of enemy characters to be attacked at once as described above, with the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to count a greater hit value when attacking with one player character, and the attack strength while the combo is linked can be significantly increased.

Also, as shown inFIG. 22, even in the case of enemy characters such as bosses (BOSS) having hit determination in a plurality of positions indicated by stars, whether an attack by a player character is advantageous or disadvantageous will depend on the attack characteristics. Here, a boss has multiple hit determinations, but has only one physical strength value. For example, a mini character image for use with a single BOSS and having a hit determination in three longitudinal rows as indicated by stars inFIG. 22is displayed. At this time, in the case of performing the attack of “cutting” shown inFIG. 21A, the attack range and hit determination have just “one square” in common, but on the other hand, in the case of performing the attack of “thrusting” shown inFIG. 21B, the attack range and hit determination have “three squares” in common. Consequently, even though the attack strength by either attack is the same, the amount of damage inflicted on the BOSS in one attack by “thrusting” is three times that of “cutting.” Similarly, in the case of “striking,” the attack range and hit determination have “two squares” in common, so “striking” inflicts twice the damage of “cutting.” With the game device1according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, more strategy is involved because there are varied attack characteristics that allow effective attacks to be performed on large enemy characters, with which hit determination is performed at a plurality of places.

(Skill Activation)

The activation of skills will now be described.FIG. 23is a simulation visually representing a player character that can activate a skill. For example, as shown inFIG. 23, a skill symbol1010is displayed on the left side of a face picture on the panel1003of the player character for which a skill can now be activated.

The player can display a skill activation screen as shown inFIG. 24by performing an operation for displaying a skill activation screen, such as a swipe, on the face picture on which the skill symbol1010is displayed.FIG. 24is a simulation of an example of a skill activation screen. The skill activation screen2000inFIG. 24includes a button2002for selecting skills that can be activated and a cancel button2004for returning to the battle screen1000inFIG. 23.

The player can request the activation of a skill by an operation (such as a tap) on the button2002. As to the timing at which the skill is activated, it may be activated immediately or may be activated according to the panel of the attack reservation lane1001.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an example was described in which an effective panel of the attack reservation lane1001is fought over with an enemy character in a battle occurring in the game, but an effective panel may instead fought over with player characters of other players.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to accept a highly strategic action reservation with tactics that take into consideration the effect had by a panel in a game in which an action sequence is fought over with opponent characters such as enemy characters and other player characters.

Although the disclosure has been described with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.1Game Device2Client Terminal3Game Server Device4Network10Operation Acceptance Component12Game Execution Component13Server Access Component14Screen Display Component16Display Information Storage Component17Character Information Storage Component18Lane Information Storage Component20Character Controller22Lane Controller24Attack Reservation Acceptance Component26Attack Execution Component30Request Processing Component32Player Information Management Component34Player Information Storage Component401,501Input Device402,502Display403,503External Interface403a,503aRecording Medium404,504RAM405,505ROM406,506CPU407,507Communication Interface408,508HDD409Audio Input/Output Component410Battery1000Battle Screen1001Attack Reservation Lane1002Panel On Attack Reservation Lane1003Panel In Which Face Pictures Of Player Characters Are Displayed1004Character Layout Box1005Weapon Symbol1006“AUTO” buttonB Bus