U.S. Pat. No. 11,617,956

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one exemplary embodiment will be described. It is to be understood that, as used herein, elements and the like written in singular form with a word “a” or “an” attached before them do not exclude those in the plural form.

[Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus]

First, the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. In the exemplary embodiment, for example, a smart device such as a smartphone and a tablet, a game apparatus such as a stationary game apparatus and a hand-held game apparatus, a personal computer, or the like is assumed as an information processing apparatus102. In the following description, an information processing apparatus (for example, a smartphone) including a display screen and a touch panel that are integrated with each other will be described as an example. Therefore, input operations are mainly inputs to the touch panel. However, in another exemplary embodiment, for input operation, a physical controller connected to an information processing apparatus102wirelessly or via wire may be employed, or for example, an input apparatus formed integrally with the information processing apparatus102may be employed.

FIG.1is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus102according to the exemplary embodiment. InFIG.1, the information processing apparatus102includes a processor111, a memory113, an operation section115, and a display section116. The processor111controls operation of the information processing apparatus102by executing information processing described later, or by executing a system program (not shown) for controlling overall operation of the information processing apparatus102. The processor111may include a single processor or a plurality of processors. Various kinds of programs to be executed by the processor111and various kinds of data to be used in the programs are stored in the memory113. The memory113is, for example, a flash EEPROM or a hard disk device. The operation section115is, for example, an input device for accepting an operation from a user. The display section116is typically a liquid crystal display device. In the processing according to the exemplary embodiment, a touch panel integrated with a liquid crystal screen is assumed as the operation section115and the display section116. In another exemplary embodiment, a predetermined pointing device other than a touch panel may be used as the operation section115.

[Outline of Game Processing According to Exemplary Embodiment]

Next, the outline of information processing executed in the exemplary embodiment will be described. In the exemplary embodiment, game processing for executing a game application will be described as an example of the information processing. First, the outline of the game application realized by the game processing (hereinafter, referred to merely as game) will be described. The game assumed in the exemplary embodiment is a puzzle game similar to a so-called match 3 game.FIG.2shows an example of a game image of the game assumed in the exemplary embodiment. The game image shown inFIG.2roughly includes three areas. Specifically, the game image includes three areas: an information area201, a field area202, and an operation area203. In the field area202, a plurality of circular puzzle objects204are displayed. In this example, a description will be given with an example in which there are three types of puzzle objects204as these puzzle objects204(FIG.2shows the difference in type by the pattern of each puzzle object204). This game is a game for the purpose of deleting all puzzle objects204in this field area. As a basic game rule, by aligning three or more puzzle objects204of the same type vertically or horizontally, these puzzle objects204can be deleted. In addition, it is also possible to delete puzzle objects204by using a “skill” described later.

The basic operations in this game will be described. First, in the operation area203, an image of a player character206is displayed near the left end thereof, and an annular skill gauge207is displayed so as to surround the image of the player character206. Furthermore, a puzzle object204is displayed at substantially the center of the operation area203. The puzzle object204displayed in the operation area203is a direct operation target for the user. In the following description, this puzzle object204is specifically referred to as an operation target object. The user can place the operation target object at a certain position in the field area202by dragging and dropping the operation target object. The placed operation target object automatically moves directly upward from that position. As a result, if the operation target object comes into contact with another puzzle object204, the movement of the operation target object stops. At this time, a matching determination process for determining whether three or more puzzle objects204of the same type are aligned vertically or horizontally as described above is performed. As a result, if these puzzle objects204are aligned, the puzzle objects204are deleted. After the operation target object is placed in the field area202, the next operation target object will appear in the operation area203. As described above, the user plays with the aim of placing the operation target objects one after another in the field area202and deleting all the puzzle objects204that are originally disposed in the field area202.

Here, the information area201will be described. The number of puzzle objects204remaining in the field area202is shown on the right side in the information area201. In addition, the remaining number of operation target objects that have not yet appeared is shown on the left side in the information area201. Thus, this game is a game in which all puzzle objects204in the field area202are deleted using a limited number of operation target objects.

Next, the “skill” and the “character” in this game will be described. As described above, in this game, it is also possible to delete puzzle objects204by using a skill of which use is made possible by satisfying a predetermined usable condition. This skill is associated with each character. Specifically, in this game, a plurality of types of characters are prepared, and the effect of the skill is different for each character. That is, a plurality of characters have different skills. For example, a “skill A” of a “character A” has an effect of deleting the lowest horizontal row of the puzzle objects204remaining in the field area202. In addition, for example, a “skill B” of a “character B” has an effect of deleting puzzle objects204arranged in an L shape. Moreover, for example, a “skill C” of a “character C” has an effect of randomly deleting a vertical row. In the exemplary embodiment, the name “skill” is used, but in another game, for example, “technique”, “magic”, “special ability”, etc., may be used as the name.

In this game, it is necessary to satisfy a predetermined condition in order to use the above skill. Specifically, every time puzzle objects204are deleted, the skill gauge207is increased by a predetermined amount. Regarding the display of the gauge amount of the skill gauge207shown inFIG.2, the degree of accumulation of the gauge is shown such that the gauge extends clockwise from the position corresponding to 0 o'clock. As the user deletes puzzle objects204, the skill gauge207is accumulated (basically, the skill gauge207is increased in proportion to the number of the puzzle objects204deleted). The rate of increase of the skill gauge207is not always constant, and, for example, if a combo occurs as a result of deleting puzzle objects204, the amount of increase at one time may be made larger. Moreover, when the number of puzzle objects204deleted at one time is larger, the amount of increase may be made larger. The skill gauge207is accumulated as described, and when the skill gauge207has been accumulated to the maximum value, it becomes possible to use the above skill. At this time, the user is visually informed that it becomes possible to use the skill, for example, by blinking the skill gauge207. In this state, when the user performs a tap operation on the player character206at any timing, the user can use the skill associated with the player character206.FIG.3shows an example of a game image when an operation for using the skill is performed. When the skill is used, a “skill representation” that predetermined puzzle objects204are deleted in accordance with the content of the skill, is displayed. In this example, it is assumed that the skill A of the character A is used. The skill A is to “delete the lowest horizontal row” as described above. Therefore, in the skill representation shown inFIG.3, a cut-in image of the player character206, and an effect image that the puzzle objects204in the lowest horizontal row are deleted, are displayed. During the skill representation, any operation on the operation target object, etc., is not accepted. When this skill representation is completed, the state of the field area202changes to a state where the puzzle objects204in the lowest horizontal row are deleted. In addition, along with this, the skill gauge207also returns to the initial value (empty state).

As described above, in this game, a plurality of characters and a plurality of skills are prepared, but the user cannot use all of these characters from the beginning. In this game, only one predetermined character is given to the user when the game is started for the first time (for example, in a tutorial). After that, the user can acquire other characters by achieving a predetermined giving condition. For example, it is possible to execute a character selection process by the user consuming a predetermined item acquired in the game, and a certain character is given to the user as a result of the selection. In addition, a predetermined character may be given as a reward for clearing a predetermined quest. In the following description, a character that has already been acquired by the user is referred to as an “owned character”, and a character that has not been acquired yet is referred to as a “non-owned character”. In addition, in the following, a description will be given with the case where the user owns two characters, the “character A” and the “character B”, as an example. When playing this game, any one of these characters is selected and used. The example ofFIG.2is an example in which the character A is displayed as the player character206.

Meanwhile, in this game, there are two game modes. One of these modes is a game mode in which the screen as described above is displayed and the game proceeds by the operations as described above. The other mode is a game mode in which, in addition to the player character206, another character further appears. More specifically, in this game mode, the player character plays the role of “student”, and the other character appears in the role of “instructor”. Then, the instructor presents the student with a predetermined clearing condition in the form of “mission”. The clearing condition is, for example, “delete n puzzle objects of a certain type”, or the like. While the user advances the game with the aim of clearing the mission, a skill of the instructor can be used in such a manner that the instructor “helps”. In the following description, the game mode in which a plurality of characters appear as described above is referred to as a “first game mode”, and the above other game mode is referred to as a “second game mode”. The first game mode is, for example, an event-like game mode that can be played for a limited time, and the second game mode is a permanent game mode, which is the basis of this game.

The outline of the first game mode will be described below.FIG.4shows an example of a game image related to the first game mode. Similar to the case ofFIG.2, the game image shown inFIG.4also includes three areas: an information area201, a field area202, and an operation area203. Here, it is assumed that the user selects the character B when playing the first game mode. Thus, unlike the case ofFIG.2, the character B is shown as the player character206displayed in the operation area203.

In the field area202, similar to the second game mode, a plurality of puzzle objects204are displayed. In the first game mode as well, similar to the second game mode, a method for deleting puzzle objects204is to align three or more puzzle objects204of the same type vertically or horizontally. Thus, it can be said that the basic game rule (the method for deleting puzzle objects204) is the same as that for the second game mode.

Next, the difference from the second game mode will be described. In the first game mode, an instructor character211and an instructor gauge212are displayed in the information area201. In addition, similar to the second game mode, the remaining number of puzzle objects204in the field area202and the remaining number of operation target objects are also shown. Moreover, in the example ofFIG.4, the character A is displayed as the instructor character211. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the first game mode in a state where the instructor character211is the character A and the player character206is the character B will be described.

In the first game mode, a plurality of game stages are prepared, and the instructor character211is different for each stage. The instructor character211is an example of a non-owned character, and is a character that is not owned by the user themselves but is prepared for playing the first game mode (the type of an owned character owned by the user may be the same as that of the instructor character211, but these characters are treated as different ones). Therefore, in the first game mode, since the instructor character is a non-owned character, the player character206and the instructor character211are always different characters. The instructor character211may be changed periodically, and, for example, the instructor character211(the stage that is associated therewith and presented to the user) may be replaced at regular intervals. As for such a non-owned character, an opportunity to acquire the non-owned character is given to the user by a character selection process as described above.

In the first game mode, the user can use not only the skill of the player character but also the skill of the instructor character211. That is, the user can advance the game using skills of two characters. As described above, making it possible to also use the skill of the instructor character also provides an opportunity to try a skill of a character that is not owned by the user, particularly in the case where the instructor character211is a non-owned character. Moreover, even in the case where the instructor character211is an owned character, for example, in the case where the instructor character211is a character that is not often used, an opportunity to reconfirm or rediscover what skill the character has can be provided.

Moreover, by clearing the first game mode, a predetermined reward is given to the user. This reward is, for example, an item that can be used in the second game mode and with which it is possible to advance the game in an advantageous manner. Accordingly, motivation to play the first game mode in order to acquire such a reward can be provided to the user.

Next, the method for using a skill in the first game mode will be described. The method for using the skill of the player character206in the first game mode is the same as in the case of the second game mode. On the other hand, it is made possible to use the skill of the instructor character211by accumulating the instructor gauge212to the maximum value, but the method for accumulating the gauge is different from that in the second game mode. In other words, the condition for using the skill of the instructor character211is different from the condition for using the skill of the player character206. Specifically, whereas the condition for using the skill of the player character206(how to accumulate the skill gauge207) is to delete puzzle objects204, the condition for using the skill of the instructor character211is to “place the operation target object three times”. That is, when the user performs an operation for placing the operation target object in the field area, the instructor gauge212can be increased by one level regardless of the position at which the operation target object is placed or whether any puzzle object204has been deleted. InFIG.4, the instructor gauge212is divided into three stages (three horizontally long rectangles). Therefore, when the user places the operation target object three times, the instructor gauge212is accumulated to the maximum value.

FIG.5shows an example of a game image when the instructor gauge212is accumulated to the maximum value. In the first game mode, when the instructor gauge212is accumulated to the maximum value, the instructor character211displayed in the information area201moves so as to be superimposed on the display position of the operation target object in the operation area203. In addition, a visual effect such as blinking is also added to the image of the instructor character211, which visually informs the user that use of the skill of the instructor character211is possible. Then, when the user performs a tap operation on the instructor character211, the user can use the skill associated with the instructor character211. In this example, since the instructor character211is the character A, an effect of “deleting the lowest horizontal row” is exercised similar to the above.FIG.6shows an example of a skill representation when the skill of the instructor character211is used. InFIG.6, a cut-in image of the instructor character211is displayed, and an effect image that the puzzle objects204in the lowest horizontal row are deleted, is displayed. Then, when the skill representation is completed, the state of the field area202changes to a state where the puzzle objects204in the lowest horizontal row have been deleted as shown inFIG.7. Along with this, the instructor gauge212also returns to the initial state. Furthermore, the display position of the instructor character211returns to the original position, and the operation area203also returns to a state where the operation target object is displayed. As described above, in the first game mode, a state where it is possible to use the skill of the instructor character211is obtained each time the operation target object is placed three times.

Here, the instructor character211is displayed at the position at which the operation target object has been displayed as described above, and in this state, the user cannot operate the operation target object, and can use only the skill of the instructor character211(however, if the skill gauge207has been accumulated to the maximum, a two-choice state with use of the skill of the player character206is obtained). Therefore, when it is made possible to use the skill of the instructor character211, the operation target object cannot be further placed, and a state where the progress of the puzzle game is substantially restricted is obtained. In other words, in the case of this example, the skill of the instructor character211is semi-forced to be used by the user every time an operation is performed three times. Then, after the progress of the game is restricted, the restriction of the progress of the game is canceled when the user performs an operation for using the skill of the instructor character211.

Regarding the skill of the instructor character, the reason why the restriction of the progress of the game can be canceled by an operation of the user after the progress of the game is restricted as described above, is as follows. First, if the timing to activate the skill of the instructor character211is left to the user, the user needs to consider not only the timing to activate the skill of the player character206but also the timing to activate the skill of the instructor character211. This may make the game too difficult, especially for beginner users who are inexperienced in games. In addition, in the case where the instructor character211is a non-owned character, a situation where a user who is accustomed to games to some extent does not fully understand the characteristic, etc., of the skill, is conceivable. In this case as well, the difficulty of the game may become too high. On the other hand, if the skill of the instructor character is automatically activated without any operation of the user, the instructor character211seems to activate the skill without permission regardless of the user's intention, from the user's point of view, so that the user may feel stressed in the progress of the game. From this point of view, in the exemplary embodiment, the progress of the game is temporarily restricted, the skill of the instructor character211is activated by an operation of the user, and then the restriction of the progress of the game is cancelled. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, in a game setting screen, it may be made possible for the user to select which to use between automatic or manual operation as described above, as the method for activating the skill of the instructor character211.

Also, whereas it is necessary to delete puzzle objects204in order to accumulate the skill gauge207, it is only necessary to place the operation target object in order to accumulate the instructor gauge212, and the latter condition is more easily achieved. That is, as for the latter condition, it is only necessary to perform an operation for “placing the operation target object in the field area202from the operation area203”. On the other hand, as for the former condition, occurrence of an event that puzzle objects204are deleted as a result of placing the operation target object is required. That is, even when the operation target object is placed, no puzzle object204may be deleted depending on the position at which the operation target object is placed, so that it is more difficult to achieve the former condition than the latter condition. In addition, as for the latter condition, an operation, of “placing the operation target object”, which is indispensable for the progress of the game, is used. As a result, in the first game mode, the user is caused to use the skill of the instructor character211periodically (every time such an operation is performed three times). Accordingly, as compared to the case of the player character206, the condition for using the skill can be satisfied with a simpler condition, and as a result, there are more opportunities to activate the skill of instructor character211. Moreover, since the skill of the player character206can also be used, the user can advance the game using two types of skills, the skills of the instructor character211and the player character206. Accordingly, a game experience different from that in the case of the second game mode can be provided to the user. For example, game development in which a skill is activated more frequently than in the case of the second game mode is achieved, and a game experience such as a faster game tempo can be provided.

Meanwhile, in the example described above, the same character A is the player character206in the second game mode and the instructor character211in the first game mode. Therefore, focusing on the character A and its skill, the condition for using the “skill A” having the same effect is different between the first game mode and the second game mode. That is, in the case of the above example, in the first game mode, the skill A can be used by achieving the condition that “the operation target object is placed three times”. On the other hand, in the second game mode, the same skill A can be used by repeating “deletion of puzzle objects204” to accumulate the skill gauge207to the maximum. As described above, in the puzzle game of the exemplary embodiment, even for the same skill having the same effect, the condition for activating the skill is different between the first game mode and the second game mode. Accordingly, as for a certain skill, the effect thereof can be exercised on a condition different for each game mode, and a different game experience as described above can be provided. As a result, the development of the game can be diverse.

[Details of Game Processing According to Exemplary Embodiment]

Next, the puzzle game processing according to the exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail with reference toFIG.8toFIG.17.

[Data to be Used]

First, various kinds of data to be used in the game processing will be described.FIG.8illustrates an example of a program and data stored in the memory113of the information processing apparatus102. In the memory113, a game program301, character master data302, game stage data303, owned character data304, instructor character data305, operation data306, field data307, deletion instruction data308, PC gauge data309, a PC skill use flag310, instructor gauge data311, an instructor skill use flag312, etc., are stored.

The game program301is a game program for executing the puzzle game processing according to the exemplary embodiment.

The character master data302is data that defines all characters that appear in this puzzle game.FIG.9shows an example of the data structure of the character master data302. The character master data302is data in a table format and includes at least items such as a character ID321, skill content information322, and image data322. The character ID321is information for uniquely identifying the character. The skill content information322is information indicating the effect contents of the skill of the character. For example, a method for specifying puzzle objects204to be deleted, etc., are defined. The image data322is image data indicating the appearance and the like of the character.

Referring back toFIG.8, the game stage data303is data that defines the contents of each game stage included in the puzzle game. The game stage data303includes data for each game stage for the first game mode and data for each game stage for the second game mode. The data for each game stage includes information indicating the initial state of the field area202, information indicating operation target objects to be caused to appear, etc. In addition, the data for each stage for the first game mode also includes information indicating the above instructor character211appearing in the stage, etc.

The owned character data304is information for specifying the owned character owned by the user. If a new character is given to (acquired by) the user as a result of a predetermined process for giving a character to the user (selection process, etc.), a character ID321indicating this character is added to the owned character data304as appropriate.

The instructor character data305is data that defines the above-described instructor character211. The data structure of the instructor character data305is basically the same as that of the character master data302, and an ID for identifying the instructor character211is set instead of the character ID321. The contents of the instructor character data305can be changed/updated as necessary. For example, since the first game mode is an event-like game mode for a limited time as described above, it is assumed that the instructor character211is changed periodically. In such a case, for example, at the timing when the event is held, by receiving necessary data from a predetermined server, the contents of the instructor character data305are updated with information indicating the instructor character211appearing in the event held at that time.

The operation data306is data indicating the contents of various operations performed on the operation section115. In the exemplary embodiment, the operation data306includes the presence/absence of an input to the touch panel as the operation section115, data indicating a touch coordinate or the like of the input, data indicating pressed states of various buttons that are not shown, and the like. The contents of the operation data306are updated in predetermined cycles on the basis of a signal from the operation section115.

The field data307is data for indicating the current state of the above-described field area202. For example, the above field area202is managed as a field composed of 10 horizontal×10 vertical squares, and the field data307includes information indicating the presence/absence of the puzzle object204in each square. In addition, in the case where the puzzle object204is present in the square, the field data307also includes information indicating the type of the puzzle object204.

The deletion instruction data308is data for identifying puzzle objects to be deleted from the field area202as a result of the above-described matching determination process or an operation for using the above-described skill.

The PC gauge data309is data corresponding to the skill gauge207of the player character206. That is, the PC gauge data309is data indicating the degree of accumulation of the skill gauge207.

The PC skill use flag310is data for indicating whether the use of the skill of the player character206(hereinafter, referred to as PC skill) has been instructed. When the use of the PC skill is instructed, the PC skill use flag310is set to be ON. During display of a skill representation, the ON state continues. When the display of the representation of the PC skill is completed, the PC skill use flag310is set to be OFF.

The instructor gauge data311is data corresponding to the instructor gauge212of the above instructor character211. That is, the instructor gauge data311is data indicating the degree of accumulation of the instructor gauge212.

The instructor skill use flag312is data for indicating whether the use of the skill of the instructor character211(hereinafter, referred to as an instructor skill) has been instructed. When the use of the instructor skill is instructed, the instructor skill use flag312is set to be ON. During display of a representation of the instructor skill, the ON state is maintained. When the display of the representation of the instructor skill is completed, the instructor skill use flag312is set to be OFF.

In addition to the above, various kinds of data required for the game processing are generated as necessary and stored in the memory113.

[Details of Game Processing]

Next, the puzzle game processing according to the exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts. Here, processing related to the first game mode and the second game mode will be mainly described, and the description of other game processing is omitted. In addition, for convenience of description, the processing related to the second game mode will be described first, and then the processing related to the first game mode will be described.

[Processing of Second Game Mode]

FIG.10andFIG.11are flowcharts showing the processing of the second game mode in detail. From a menu screen which is not shown, the processing shown inFIG.10is started when the user performs a predetermined operation for starting play in the second game mode.

First, in step S1, the processor111executes a stage selection process. Specifically, the stage selection process is a process of determining a player character206to be used by the user and a stage to be played, on the basis of the operation data306.

Next, in step S2, the processor111executes a play preparation process. Specifically, the processor111acquires data of the game stage corresponding to the determined stage, from the game stage data303and creates contents of the field area202on the basis of the acquired data. In addition, the processor111generates a game image as shown inFIG.2, using the image of the player character206and the like, and outputs the generated game image to the display section116. Thereafter, the processor111performs a play start representation of this stage and starts acceptance of an operation from the user.

Next, in step S3, the processor111determines whether the PC skill use flag310is ON. That is, the processor111determines whether the current state is during display of the representation of the PC skill. As a result of the determination, when the PC skill use flag310is not ON (NO in step S3), the processor111acquires the operation data306in step S5. Next, in step S6, the processor111determines whether the operation content indicated by the operation data306is an operation for using the PC skill. Specifically, on the basis of the operation data306and the PC gauge data309, the processor111determines whether a tap operation has been performed at the display position of the player character206in a state where the skill gauge207has been accumulated to the maximum. As a result, when the operation for using the PC skill has been performed (YES in step S6), the processor111sets the PC skill use flag310to be ON in step S7. Thereafter, the processor111advances the processing to step S13described later.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S6, when the operation for using the PC skill has not been performed (NO in step S6), in step S8, the processor111determines whether an operation for moving the operation target object has been performed. Specifically, the operation for moving the operation target object is an operation for moving the operation target object from the inside of the operation area203to the field area202or an operation for moving the operation target object within the field area. When any of these operations has been performed (YES in step S8), in step S9, the processor111moves the operation target object on the basis of the operation content. Furthermore, the processor111also updates the contents of the field data307as appropriate such that this movement is reflected. Thereafter, the processor111advances the processing to step S11. On the other hand, when the moving operation has not been performed (NO in step S8), in step S10, the processor111executes a process of automatically moving the operation target object existing in the field area, directly upward by a predetermined distance. Moreover, the processor111also updates the contents of the field data307such that this movement is reflected. Accordingly, even when the user has not directly performed an operation, the operation target object that has not come into contact with another puzzle object204automatically moves directly upward.

Next, in step S11, the processor111performs a matching determination process. Specifically, the processor111refers to the field data307first, and determines whether three or more puzzle objects204of the same type aligned vertically or horizontally exist. As a result of the determination, when such puzzle objects204exist, the processor111sets information for specifying the puzzle objects204(for example, position coordinates or the like in the field area) in the deletion instruction data308.

Next, in step S12, the processor111executes a deletion process. Specifically, the processor111refers to the deletion instruction data308, and updates the contents of the field data307such that the puzzle objects204specified by the field data307are eliminated from the field area202. Furthermore, the processor111performs display setting of the game image such that a representation that the puzzle objects204to be deleted are deleted is displayed. Moreover, the processor111updates the contents of the PC gauge data309in accordance with the contents of the deleted puzzle objects204. That is, the processor111performs a process of increasing the skill gauge207. Thereafter, the processor111determines whether the skill gauge207has been accumulated to the maximum. As a result, when the skill gauge207has been accumulated to the maximum, the processor111performs display setting of a representation indicating that the skill gauge207has been accumulated to the maximum (for example, blinking of the skill gauge207). Accordingly, a representation to be made when the puzzle objects204are deleted, a representation that the skill gauge207is blinked, etc., are performed in a later-described game image display process. When there is no puzzle object204specified by the deletion instruction data308(when there is no puzzle object204to be deleted), the deletion process is not substantially performed.

Next, in step S13inFIG.11, the processor111performs a process of generating a game image in which the result of the above process is reflected, and displaying the game image on the display section116.

Next, in step S14, the processor111determines whether a game end condition has been satisfied. That is, the processor111determines whether a condition for clearing the state has been achieved (stage clearing has been successful) or the current state is a state where the game cannot be advanced any more (stage clearing has failed). When the game end condition has not been satisfied (NO in step S14), the processor111returns to step S3and repeats the process. On the other hand, when the game end condition has been satisfied (YES in step S14), the processor111executes a result display process in step S15. For example, when the stage has been cleared, the processor111displays a predetermined success representation. On the other hand, when stage clearing has failed, the processor111displays a predetermined failure representation. Thereafter, the processor111ends the puzzle game processing.

Next, a process in the case where, as a result of the determination in step S3, it is determined that the PC skill use flag310is ON (YES in step S3), will be described. In this case, in step S4inFIG.10, the processor111executes a PC skill use process.FIG.12is a flowchart showing the PC skill use process in detail. InFIG.12, first, in step S21, the processor111determines whether the display of the representation of the PC skill has been completed. This determination is performed, for example, on the basis of whether a time corresponding to a predetermined number of frames has elapsed from the start of the representation of the PC skill. As a result of the determination, when the display of the representation of the PC skill has not been completed (NO in step S21), in step S22, the processor111performs display setting such that the PC skill representation is displayed in the game image display process in step S13. The contents of the representation are determined on the basis of the skill content information322of the player character206used this time.

Next, in step S23, the processor111deletes the puzzle objects204as appropriate in accordance with the contents of the PC skill used this time, and updates the contents of the field data307such that this content is reflected. Thereafter, the PC skill use process ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S21, when the display of the representation of the PC skill has been completed (YES in step S21), in step S24, the processor111clears the PC gauge data309and returns the skill gauge207to the initial state. Next, in step S25, the processor111sets the PC skill use flag310to be OFF. Thereafter, the PC skill use process ends.

When the PC skill use process ends, generation and display of a game image are performed in step S13on the basis of the contents set here. As a result, while the PC skill use flag310is ON, the skill representation shown inFIG.3is displayed.

This is the end of the description of the processing of the second game mode.

[Details of Processing of First Game Mode]

Next, the processing of the first game mode will be described in detail. A part of the processing of the first game mode is substantially the same as the processing of the second game mode. Therefore, the detailed description of the part that overlaps the processing of the second game mode is omitted.

FIG.13toFIG.15are flowcharts showing the processing of the first game mode in detail. From the menu screen which is not shown, the processing shown inFIG.13toFIG.15is started when the user performs a predetermined operation for starting play in the first game mode.

InFIG.13, first, in step S31, the processor111executes a stage selection process. Subsequently, in step S32, the processor111executes a play preparation process. These processes are basically the same as the processes in steps S1and S2. Therefore, the detailed description of these processes is omitted, and a process related to the instructor character211, which is the difference from the process in step S2, is also performed as appropriate in step S32. Specifically, the processor111refers to the instructor character data305and reads the data of the instructor character211that appears in the first game mode. Then, the processor111also performs a process of generating an image of the instructor character211on the basis of this data.

Next, in step S33, the processor111determines whether the instructor skill use flag312is ON. As a result of the determination, when the instructor skill use flag312is OFF (NO in step S33), in step S34, the processor111determines whether the PC skill use flag310is ON. As a result of the determination, when the PC skill use flag310is ON (YES in step S34), in step S35, the processor111executes a PC skill use process. This process is the same process as in step S4, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted. On the other hand, when the PC skill use flag310is OFF (NO in step S34), in step S36, the processor111acquires the operation data306. Next, in step S37, the processor111determines whether the operation content indicated by the operation data306is an operation for using the above-described PC skill. As a result, when the operation for using the PC skill has been performed (YES in step S37), in step S38, the processor111sets the PC skill use flag310to be ON, and advances the processing to step S43described later.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S37, when the operation for using the PC skill has not been performed (NO in step S37), in step S39, the processor111determines whether an operation for moving the operation target object has been performed. As a result, when the moving operation has not been performed (NO in step S39), in step S41, the processor111executes a process of automatically moving the operation target object directly upward by a predetermined distance as described above in step S10. Thereafter, the processor111advances the processing to step S43.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S39, when the moving operation has been performed (YES in step S39), in step S40, the processor111moves the operation target object on the basis of the operation content. Furthermore, the processor111also updates the contents of the field data307as appropriate such that this movement is reflected.

Next, in step S42, the processor111executes an instructor gauge process. This process is a process for increasing the instructor gauge212along with the moving operation.FIG.16is a flowchart showing the instructor gauge process in detail. InFIG.16, first, in step S61, the processor111determines whether the moving operation is a moving operation for moving the operation target object from the inside of the operation area203to the field area202. This determination can be performed, for example, on the basis of whether the touch start coordinate when the operation target object is dragged is the display position of the operation target object in the operation area203. As a result of the determination, when the moving operation is not a moving operation for moving the operation target object from the inside of the operation area203to the field area202(NO in step S61), the instructor gauge process ends. On the other hand, when the moving operation is such a moving operation (YES in step S61), in step S62, the processor111updates the instructor gauge data311such that the instructor gauge212is increased by one level.

Next, in step S63, the processor111determines whether the instructor gauge212has been accumulated to the maximum, on the basis of the instructor gauge data311. As a result of the determination, when the instructor gauge212has not been accumulated to the maximum (NO in step S63), the processor111ends the instructor gauge process. On the other hand, when the instructor gauge212has been accumulated to the maximum (YES in step S63), in step S64, the processor111sets the instructor skill use flag312to be ON. Next, in step S65, the processor111performs setting of display contents such that the display position of the image of the instructor character211is the position at which the operation target object in the operation area203is displayed, as shown inFIG.5. Thereafter, the instructor gauge process ends.

Next, in step S43inFIG.14, the processor111performs a matching determination process which is the same process as in step S11. Subsequently, in step S44, the processor111performs a deletion process which is the same process as in step S12.

Next, in step S45, the processor111performs a process of generating a game image in which the result of the above process is reflected, and displaying the game image on the display section116. Next, in step S46, the processor111performs game end determination which is the same as in step S14. When an end condition has been satisfied (YES in step S46), in step S47, the processor111executes a result display process which is the same as in step S15, and ends the processing of the first game mode. On the other hand, when the end condition has not been satisfied (NO in step S46), the processor111returns to step S33and repeats the process.

Referring back toFIG.13, a process in the case where, as a result of the determination in step S33, the instructor skill use flag312is ON (YES in step S33), will be described next. In this case, in step S48inFIG.15, the processor111acquires the operation data306. Next, in step S49, the processor111determines whether the operation content indicated by the operation data306is an operation for using the instructor skill. Specifically, the processor111determines whether a tap operation has been performed on the instructor character211in the state shown inFIG.5. When the operation for using the instructor skill has not been performed (NO in step S49), the processor111advances the processing to step S45. As a result, the game image in the state shown inFIG.5is continuously displayed until the user performs the operation for using the instructor skill, and a state where the progress of the game is substantially restricted is obtained.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S49, when the operation for using the instructor skill has been performed (YES in step S49), in step S50, the processor111executes an instructor skill use process.FIG.17is a flowchart showing the instructor skill use process in detail. InFIG.17, first, in step S71, the processor111determines whether display of the representation of the instructor skill has been completed. As a result of the determination, when the display of the representation of the instructor skill has not been completed (NO in step S71), in step S72, the processor111performs display setting such that the PC skill representation is displayed in the game image display process in step S45. The contents of the representation are determined on the basis of the information that is defined by the instructor character data305and that indicates the skill contents of the instructor character211appearing this time.

Next, in step S73, the processor111refers to the instructor character data305, and specifies puzzle objects204to be deleted, in accordance with the contents of the instructor skill used this time. Then, the processor111updates the contents of the field data307such that the specified puzzle objects204are deleted from the field area202. Thereafter, the instructor skill use process ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S71, when the display of the representation of the PC skill has been completed (YES in step S71), in step S74, the processor111clears the instructor gauge data311and returns the instructor gauge212to the initial state. Next, in step S75, the processor111sets the instructor skill use flag312to be OFF. Next, in step S76, the processor111performs display setting of the game image such that the display position of the instructor character211returns to the original position. Thereafter, the instructor skill use process ends.

Referring back toFIG.15, when the instructor skill use process ends, the processor111advances the processing to step S45and displays a game image.

This is the end of the detailed description of the processing of the first game mode.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, in the puzzle game, the condition for activating a certain skill is made different between the first game mode and the second game mode which are set in the puzzle game. In this regard, in a certain conventional game, even in the case where a plurality of game modes are set, the condition for activating a certain skill is generally common to each game mode. However, with the configuration as in the exemplary embodiment, the condition for activating the same skill is different between a first game mode and a second game mode which are different from each other, so that the user experience regarding skill use can be different between the first game mode and the second game mode. For example, even if a certain skill tends to be activated less frequently in one game mode, play can be performed in a state where the skill is activated more frequently in a different game mode, so that the user experience is made quite different between the game modes. Accordingly, the diversity of the game can be improved.

[Modifications]

In the above embodiment, the puzzle game, which is a match 3 game, has been described as an example. However, the above processing can be applied to other puzzle games in which the “skill” described above (or similar elements, for example, technique, magic, etc.) is set. In addition, the above processing can be applied not only to puzzle games but also to games of other genres. The above processing can also be applied to, for example, simulation games in which there is a skill of which use is made possible by a player unit defeating a certain number of enemy units.

In the above embodiment, regarding the condition for using the instructor skill, the example in which the instructor gauge212is accumulated by moving the puzzle object204into the field area202has been described. In addition, for example, the instructor gauge212may be automatically accumulated with the passage of time. Moreover, as the condition for using the instructor skill, a condition that is less difficult to achieve than the condition for using the PC skill may be used. Accordingly, even though the same skill is used, the user experience regarding skill use can be different for each game.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the owned character or the non-owned character is used as the instructor character211has been described. In addition, a dedicated character that is not given to the user may be used as the instructor character211. The dedicated character may have the skill of each character that can be given to the user. In this case, for example, in the case where a dedicated instructor character activates a certain skill A in the first game mode, it is made possible to activate the skill A by achieving a first condition. In addition, it is also possible for the user to acquire a character having the skill A. Then, when using the skill A in the second game mode after the character is acquired, it is made possible to activate the skill A by achieving a second condition. Even in such case, the character associated with the skill A is different, and the condition for activating the same skill having the same effect is different depending on the game mode, so that the user experience regarding the use of the skill is different.

Moreover, when a dedicated character as described above is used, a character and a skill do not have to be associated with each other (a character does not have to have a skill) as in the above embodiment. For example, it may be made possible for the player character to acquire a plurality of skills by a predetermined giving process as described above, and an owned skill and a non-owned skill may be used instead of the owned character and the non-owned character. In this case, when selecting a stage in the second game mode, the user may be caused to select one skill from among owned skills, as a skill to be used in this play. Moreover, in the first game mode, one skill that can be used may be associated with each stage, and the above dedicated character may use this skill. In still another exemplary embodiment, such a dedicated character does not have to be used. For example, in the first game mode, the instructor character and the dedicated character do not have to appear, and the skill associated with the stage may be used on a first activation condition, regardless of whether the skill is an owned skill or a non-owned skill. In the second game mode, the user may be caused to select one skill from among owned skills when selecting a stage, and this skill may be used on a second condition set so as to be associated with each skill.

In the above embodiment, the case where the series of processes according to the game processing are performed in a single apparatus has been described. However, in another embodiment, the above series of processes may be performed in an information processing system that includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses. For example, in an information processing system that includes a terminal side apparatus and a server side apparatus capable of communicating with the terminal side apparatus via a network, a part of the series of processes may be performed by the server side apparatus. Alternatively, in an information processing system that includes a terminal side apparatus and a server side apparatus capable of communicating with the terminal side apparatus via a network, a main process of the series of the processes may be performed by the server side apparatus, and a part of the series of the processes may be performed by the terminal side apparatus. Still alternatively, in the information processing system, a server side system may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and a process to be performed in the server side system may be divided and performed by the plurality of information processing apparatuses.

In addition, a so-called cloud gaming configuration may be adopted. For example, the information processing apparatus102may be configured to send operation data indicating a user's operation to a predetermined server, and the server may be configured to execute various kinds of game processing and stream the execution results as video/audio to the information processing apparatus102.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments.