U.S. Pat. No. 7,126,607

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments of various forms, they are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention. It is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

A functional block diagram of one embodiment of the game system is depicted inFIG. 1. The main processing unit100may be commonly used in the embodiments of the game system, while the system with regard to the other blocks may be configured differently.

The main processing unit100controls the running of the system generally; executing intra-system commands and processing games, images and sound. Its function may be implemented by various processors (for example, CPU or DSP), hardware such as ASIC (gate array, for example), and a given program (a game program). The operation unit160assists the player in entering operational data. Its function may be implemented through input devices such as levers, buttons or mouse controllers.

The storage unit170is the workspace of the main processor100and the communication device196. It has the main memory172and the frame buffer174(further divided into a first frame buffer and a second frame buffer). Its function may be implemented through hardware such as RAM.

The information storage medium180stores information such as programs and data. This function may be implemented by hardware, such as optical memory disks (CD, DVD), magnet-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes or memory (ROM), etc. Relying on the information stored in the information storage medium180, the main processing unit100executes the various processes of the embodiments of the game. In short, in the information storage medium180may be stored the information (programs and data) necessary to execute the means (especially those represented by the blocks contained within the main processing unit100) of the embodiments of the game.

When the system is running, a portion or all of the information stored in the information storage medium180may be transmitted to the storage unit170. The information stored in the information storage medium180may include at least one of the following; program cards, imaging data, sound data, display configuration data, tables and lists necessary to execute the present invention, or commands for the running of the embodiments of the game or information necessary to execute those commands.

The display unit190outputs the images generated by the embodiments of the game. This function is implemented by hardware, such as CRT displays, LCD displays, HMD (head-mounted display), etc. The sound output unit192outputs the sound synthesized by the embodiments of the game. This function may implemented by hardware, such as speakers, head phones, etc.

The savable information storage device194stores personal data of the player (saved data). Memory cards, portable game units or other devices may be used to implement this function.

The communication device196executes all commands to communicate with outside units (for example, the host unit, other game systems, etc.). This function may be implemented by various processors, communication programs, hardware such as ASIC, etc.

It is also possible to have programs or data, which implement and execute embodiments of the game, transferred from a host information storage medium to the information storage medium180from a network, for example, via the communication device196. Such use of the information storage medium of the host (server) is within the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the main processing unit100has a game processing unit110, an image-synthesizing unit130and a sound-synthesizing unit150. The game processing unit110handles various game processes, executed through instructions received from, for example, operational data received from the operation unit160and game programs and personal information stored in the savable information storage unit194. Some of these processes may be as follows for different implementations and environments. The game processing unit110: processes coin (currency) intake; processes the selection of mode; determines game progression; processes optional display settings; ascertains object (in the most basic sense of one or several) positioning and angle of rotation (relative to a coordinate system); makes objects move (motion processing); ascertains viewpoints (the position of a virtual camera) and angle of view (the angle of rotation of the virtual camera); maps objects within an object space or virtual space; processes collision detection; calculates game results (outcome, score); enables a number of players to play in the same game space; and determines when the game is over.

The image-synthesizing unit130follows instructions such as those received from the game processing unit110to execute various image processes. For example, the image-synthesizing unit130may execute a number of geometrical processes (three-dimensional operations), such as changing of coordinates, clipping, changes in perspective, and light source calculation. It may also image geometrically processed objects (models) on the frame buffer, and output to the display unit190images synthesized as if viewed in the object space from a virtual camera (viewpoint). The image-synthesizing unit130may also execute the geometric positioning processes (three-dimensional operations) of changing of coordinates, clipping, changes in perspective, and light source calculation and may also execute the process of imaging the geometrically processed objects (models) on the frame buffer.

The sound-synthesizing unit150receives instructions from the game processing unit110to execute various sound processes. It synthesizes BGM, effects, and voices, among other sounds, and outputs these to the sound output unit192.

The functions of the game processing unit110, the image-synthesizing unit130and the sound-synthesizing unit150may be implemented through hardware or these may be implemented through a software program. They may also be implemented through a combination of hardware and software.

The game processing unit110may have a plurality of feature processing units112-1,112-n. A feature processing unit executes, or causes the game processing unit, or other portion of the game system, to execute movement, action and collision detection processing for a special feature of the game. The movement and action processing nay consist, for example, of calculating movement information concerning the characters and objects (positioning data, angle of rotation data) and action information concerning the characters and objects (data concerning the location of various parts of objects, angle rotation data). This processing involve moving objects and making them act, based on game programs or operational data inputted by the player by means of the operation unit160.

The embodiments of the game system may be tailored to a single-player mode specialization system played by one person alone, or they can be made to accommodate not just one player, but also several players in a multi-player system. In the case of a multi-player system, game images and sounds presented to players may be generated on one terminal, or they may be generated on several terminals connected to a network (transmission line, communication line).

Embodiments of the game system provide for increased game play, player control of characters in the game, and features not found in prior art game systems. In very general terms, an embodiment of the game system in the form of a method is for effecting character interplay in a computer game of the game system. In general terms the method encompasses a primary character and at least one opposing character. The method has the general steps of: identifying a relationship between the primary character and the at least one opposing character; selecting at least one feature for the primary character based on the identified relationship; executing the at least one feature such that the primary character in a first phase at least targets the at least one opposing character, in a second phase at least interfaces with the at least one opposing character, in a third phase performs the least one action relative to the at least one opposing character, and in a fourth phase at least removes the at least one opposing character from contention.

FIG. 2depicts a general flow chart of the method of an embodiment of the game system. The providing of at least one primary character and at least opposing character in a game space is the first step200depicted inFIG. 2. A relationship is then identified between the primary character and the opposing character in step202. At least one feature is then selected for the primary character based on this identified relationship in step204. In step206, the feature is executed such that the primary character in a first phase at least targets the at least one opposing character, in a second phase at least interfaces with the at least one opposing character, in a third phase performs at least one action relative to the at least one opposing character, and in a fourth phase at least removes the at least one opposing character from contention. By different implementations of these four phases, various different selectable features (for example, disarming an opposing character, using another character to fetch an item from the opposing character, using the opposing character as a shield, exploding items in the air in a region of the opposing character, etc.) are provided in the game system. As will be described below, the features of the embodiments of the game system are effected by combinations of player inputs and computer executed scenarios. Depending on the environment of the computer game, the characters may be human, non-human, animal, fantasy, or other entities. The computer game may be a fighting type, puzzle type, etc.

One feature embodiment of the game system is referred as “disarm.” This involves a primary character (typically the character which represents a player) and at least one opposing character in a game space. The opposing character may have a game item, for example, a weapon. To disarm the opposing opponent, the primary character should be unarmed (this can be accomplished by “sheathing a current weapon of the primary character”). When the primary character comes within a predetermined range or area of the armed opposing character, one of a plurality of different disarm scenarios is selected by the player and activated by a player input (such as pushing a button on a controller). The disarm scenarios can be automatically selected at random or may be specifically selected by the player.

FIGS. 3A–3Eare a series of pictures depicting, as an example, one disarm feature embodiment of the game system, andFIG. 4is a flow chart depicting the method steps for implementing the disarm feature embodiment.FIG. 3Adepicts a primary character300, an opposing character302having a special game item304(such as a weapon) in a game space or virtual space308. (Also see step400inFIG. 4.) When the primary character300is unarmed and comes within a predetermined distance (or area)306of the armed opposing character302(seeFIG. 3), the player can select (via a controller) a disarm scenario from a plurality of disarm scenarios that are available in the game. When the primary character300comes within the predetermined distance or area306of the opposing character302, a relationship is thus identified between the primary character300and the at least one opposing character302(see step402depicted inFIG. 4). Selecting one scenario of the plurality of predetermined scenarios is effected in step404ofFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the primary character300moves to the opposing character302and contacts the game item (weapon304) of the opposing character302according to the selected disarm scenario. As depicted inFIG. 3C, the primary character300performs a maneuver, that is, moves in the game space relative to the opposing character302while in contact with the weapon304. InFIG. 3D, the opposing character300has disarmed the opposing character302and has taken possession of the weapon304. In other words, a game item (weapon304) is transferred from the opposing character302to the primary character300according to the selected disarm scenario. Step406inFIG. 4is the step of contacting the game item of the opposing character by the primary character, and step408inFIG. 4is the step of transferring the game item from the opposing character to the primary character. Finally, as shown inFIG. 3E, the opposing character302is eliminated from contention by the primary character300, for example, by the use of the weapon304. It is to be understood, however, that the term “removing from contention” includes not only permanently dispatching the opposing opponent302, but also may include disabling the opposing character302for a predetermined time period, reducing abilities of the opposing character302either permanently or for a given time period, rendering inoperative the opposing character302in a variety of different manners, changing the status of the opposing character, etc. The removing from contention of the at least one opposing character using the game item according to the selected disarm scenario occurs at step410inFIG. 4.

Thus, the disarm feature embodiment of the game system may provide for a plurality of predetermined disarm scenarios, targeting the at least one opposing character by the primary character, selecting one disarm scenario of the plurality of predetermined scenarios, grabbing by the primary character the weapon of the at least one opposing character according to the selected disarm scenario, taking by the primary character the weapon away from the least one opposing character according to the selected disarm scenario, and removing from contention the at least one opposing character by the primary character using the weapon according to the selected disarm scenario. It is to be understood that in step406, contacting the game item of the at least opposing character by the primary character, the disarm scenario displayed may involve different combinations of the primary character moving toward and engaging the opposing character while at some point in time grabbing the weapon of the at least one opposing character. Thereafter, in the step408of transferring the game item from the at least one opposing character to the primary character, the primary character essentially takes away the weapon from the at least one opposing character.

During the disarm sequence as shown inFIGS. 3B–3E, a further embodiment may provide the player with the added functionality of switching between multiple camera angles to get alternate views of the action. Another embodiment may have multiple disarm sequences, such as 15 different disarm sequences. In such an embodiment each of the game's 15 disarms may have a custom set of camera positions and coordinates. Further, the player may view the disarm sequence in slow motion by pressing an assigned disarm button a second time, for example.

Through the game's menu system, the player can choose to have the program choose and playback the unlocked disarm sequences randomly or manually. If the player selects to have the program choose the disarm sequences randomly, the program will select camera speed and toggle positions automatically. If the player wants to manually initiate any unlocked disarm; the program can be set to “random off” allowing the player to call an unlocked disarm “on demand” by pressing the appropriate button assignment(s).

Another feature embodiment of the game system is the concept of providing a fetching character that is associated with the primary character. Although the fetching character may have a variety of different forms and appearances, in one embodiment the fetching character is a dog and the game system has programming such that the dog attacks opposing characters and fetches weapons from the opposing character and brings the weapons back to the primary character. In a fetching feature embodiment of the game system, the fetching character may be one of a plurality of weapons in a weapon inventory.

FIGS. 5A–5Dare pictures depicting the fetching feature embodiment of the game system. A flow diagram of the fetching feature embodiment is depicted inFIG. 6. In a first step600, at least one useable game item, a primary character and at least one opposing character, is provided in a game space. A special character is provided and the special character is associated with the primary character. The special character may also referred to as a fetching character. As depicted inFIG. 5A, a primary character500has associated therewith a fetching character510. An opposing character502is armed with a game item or weapon504. All of this occurs in a game space508. When the primary character500comes within a distance or area506of the opposing character502, a relationship is identified between the primary character500and the opposing character502. Upon player input, the fetching character510is selected and referenced to the opposing character502. Upon further player input, the special or fetching character510moves to the at least one opposing character502as depicted inFIG. 5B. This occurs according to the fetching scenario, which inFIG. 5Ccontinues with the fetching character510removing from contention the opposing character502. InFIG. 5D, the fetching scenario continues with the fetching character510returning the game item, such as weapon504, to the primary character500. In a further embodiment, when an assigned button on a controller is pressed, to command the fetching character to “attack”, an accompanying camera cut may be provided that shows the “attack event” in a close up view.

The steps of the method are depicted in the flow chart ofFIG. 6. After the providing the game item, primary character, opposing character, and special character in step600, the relationship between the primary character and the one opposing character is identified in step602, that is, the primary character has moved within a predetermined area of the armed opposing character. In step604, upon player input (such as pushing a button on a controller), the special character is selected. In step606, upon further player input (such as by auto targeting), the special character is referenced to the at least one opposing character. In step608, upon further player input (such as by pressing a firing button), the fetching scenario is activated and the special character is moved from the primary character to the opposing character, where the opposing character is removed from contention by the special character. The special character fetching the game item from the opposing character to the primary character then follows this.

A shield feature embodiment of the game system is depicted inFIGS. 7A–7Dand a flow diagram of the method representative of this embodiment is depicted inFIG. 8. In this embodiment, an enemy is turned into a shield for the primary character. In embodiments of the game system, which include a primary character and an opposing character using weapons to shoot at one another, the user of a shield provides additional advantage to the primary character. In one embodiment, the shield has a shield meter, which diminishes as the shield takes hits from opposing characters.

Once the meter is depleted, the shield may then be useless to the primary character. In one embodiment of the shield feature embodiment of the game system, the primary character when armed and in close proximity to an opposing character, can be activated by a player input (such as pressing a button) to grapple the opposing character into a frontal shield position. In this shield mode, the primary character is positioned behind the opposing character with his left arm wrapped around the opposing character's neck and his right arm free to fire his weapon. By player input (such as use of buttons or joystick), the joined primary character and opposing character are freely moveable and utilize a targeting system of the game system to eliminate or remove from contention further opposing characters in the game space. In a further embodiment, if there are no further enemies to fight, the primary character may remove contention the opposing character, which has formed the shield by pressing a button, for example.

As depicted inFIG. 7A, a primary character700has come within a predetermined distance or area706of an opposing character702, which has a weapon704. The opposing character700has a weapon701. Upon user input, the primary character700moves to the opposing character702as depicted inFIG. 7Band then, as depicted inFIG. 7C, takes control of the opposing character702and holds the opposing character702substantially in front of the primary character700. The primary character700holds the opposing character with its left arm703and uses its right arm705for firing a weapon701. Also as depicted inFIG. 7C, a further opposing character710armed with a weapon712may be targeted by the primary character700while being protected from the further opposing character710by the opposing character702acting as a shield. Finally, as depicted inFIG. 7D, the primary character700has eliminated from contention both the first opposing character702and the further opposing character710.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of a method for implementing the shield feature embodiment. In a first step800, at least a primary character and at least one opposing character are provided. In step802, a relationship is identified between the primary character and the opposing character, for example, when the primary character moves within a predetermined area of the opposing character. Upon player input, the primary character takes control of the opposing character in step804. Upon further player inputs, the primary character uses the opposing character for a selected action, such as a shield, in step806. Finally, in step808, the primary character may remove from contention the opposing character.

A toss-and-shoot feature embodiment of the game system is depicted inFIG. 9, and inFIG. 10a flowchart of the toss-and-shoot feature embodiment is set forth. The toss-and-shoot feature embodiment allows the player to collect an explodable item, such as flammable canister, in the virtual space, and hurl it at opposing characters (also objects) and fire upon the canister create an explosion. These explosions then destroy objects or remove from contention opposing characters. Upon player input (such as with buttons or a joystick), the primary character is steered until the primary character collides with a flammable canister (that is a collision detection routine in the game system identifies the movement and location of the primary character with a flammable canister location in the game space). In an embodiment, when the primary character is within a predetermined area of the flammable canister, the primary character automatically picks it up (the game system associates this special game item of a flammable canister with the primary character). Upon further user input (such as auto targeting), an opposing character in the virtual space is targeted and the primary character throws the canister though the air at the opposing character (for example, by user input of pressing a fire button). While in flight and with further player input (for example, while holding the auto target button), the flying canister may be targeted, highlighted, or selected, and then the primary character may shoot at the flying canister to create an explosion.

FIGS. 9A–9Cdepict the toss-and-shoot feature embodiment of the game system. InFIG. 9A, a primary character900has a weapon901and a flammable canister903. The primary character900is within a predetermined distance or area906of an opposing character902who is armed, for example, with a weapon904. All of this occurs within a game space or virtual space908. Upon user input and as depicted inFIG. 9B, the primary character900tosses the flammable canister903through the air along a trajectory905. The primary character900inFIG. 9Cthen shoots the flammable canister903, for example, along trajectory907causing the canister903to explode, and thus remove from contention the opposing character902. It is to be understood that other than, of course, firing a weapon, other means may be utilized for activating the flammable canister or other types of devices. As described in the flowchart ofFIG. 10, a primary character, at least one opposing character and at least one game item (such as the flammable canister) are provided in a first step1000. In step1002, the relationship is identified between the primary character and the at least one opposing character. It is to be understood that the identifying of the relationship (that is the primary character900moving within a predetermined distance or area of the opposing character) may be previous to, concurrent with, or subsequent to the obtaining the special game item. In step1004, the special game item is transferred from the primary character to a region of the at least one opposing character (for example, by having the primary character toss the canister into the air). In step1006, upon player input, the primary character targets the special game item or canister. Finally, in step1008, the special game item is activated to remove the at least one opposing character from contention. That is, for example, upon player input, the flying canister is shot by the primary character causing it to explode and thus remove from contention the at least one opposing character.

The steps of the above-described methods for each of the feature embodiments depicted inFIGS. 3A–3E,FIGS. 5A–5D,FIGS. 7A–7D, andFIGS. 9A–9Cmay be implemented by hardware means or software code segments in the game system.

In further embodiments of features of the game system, a plurality of cameras may be provided in the game space (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,388,667, 6,417,856, and 6,304,267). These cameras are means for viewing and in conjunction with a means for recording in the game system form selectable view points (depending upon user input) in the game space. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 9A–9Cfor the toss-and-shoot feature embodiment, a first camera920provides a point of view of the primary character900, while a second camera922provides a point of view of the opposing character902. There may also be further cameras such as camera924in the game or virtual space908. The camera924provides a further additional viewpoint for observing actions between the primary character900and the opposing character902. Thus, upon player input for selecting a view from one of the cameras920,922,924, a user may first select the viewpoint from the camera920associated with the primary character900inFIG. 9A, and thereafter, switch to the camera922associated with the opposing character902in order to see the canister903fly through the air along projectory905. It is a further embodiment of the various feature embodiments of the game system the player can select a speed of viewing and/or recording the features depicted above, which may be at a real-time speed of the game system or at a different speed, such as a slow-motion speed of action in the game play.

Thus, for example, as described above, the player can watch the action unfold from the point of view of the opposing character when the canister flies through the air and explodes in front of him in the toss-and-shoot feature embodiment. Also, for example, in the disarm feature embodiment, the player can view the action from the point of view of the opposing character as he is disarmed by the primary character. Also, the player may view the action from the point of view of the opposing character in the fetching feature embodiment wherein the opposing character can watch the dog of the primary character approach him and remove a weapon from him. Also, the player may view the action from the viewpoint of the opposing character in the shield feature embodiment wherein the primary character is seen approaching and then grabbing hold, followed by the opposing character seeing other opposing characters firing at him while he is used as a shield by the primary character.

FIG. 11depicts one example of a hardware configuration that may be used to implement the embodiments of the game system. The main processor1100operates according to programs stored in CD1182(one type of information storage medium), programs which have been forwarded through communication interface device1190, or programs stored in ROM1150(one type of information storage medium), and enacts various processes, such as game processing, image processing and sound processing.

Possessed of an integrator and an analog divider, which make high-speed parallel computation possible, the coprocessor1102performs high-speed matrix operations (vector operations). It assists in the processes of the main processor1100. For example, programs that run on the main processor1100dispatch (entrust) to the coprocessor1102the performance of matrix or other operations necessary in the physical simulation of object movement or actions (motions).

Geometric processor1101executes such geometric processes as position changes, viewpoint changes, light source calculations, and curved surface calculations. Possessed of an integrator and an analog divider, which make high-speed parallel computation possible, it performs high-speed matrix operations (vector operations). Such processes as position changes, viewpoint changes and light source calculations are dispatched to the geometric processor1104by programs that run on the main processor1100.

Data expansion processor1106accelerates the decoding processes of the main processor1100by performing the decoding functions of expansion of compressed image, sound or other data. It can then display on the opening screen, intermission screen, ending screen or the game screen itself moving images that had been compressed according to a prescribed image compression formula. The image and sound data that are the object of the decoding operations are stored in the ROM1150and the CD1182, or they are received from an outside source through the communication interface device1190.

The image processor1110executes at high speed processing of object imaging (renderings) which are composed of the basic facets of polygons and curved surfaces. In object imaging, the main processor1100, using the DMA controller1170, sends the object data to the image processor1110, and, if it is necessary, it also transmits texture to the texture storage unit1124. Once this is accomplished, based on said object data and texture, the image processor1110, using such a unit as the Z buffer to perform shading, images the object on the frame buffer1122at high speed. Also, the image processor1110can perform such processes as alpha blending (opaquing), depth queuing, MIP mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, antialiasing, and shading. Finally, after one frame's worth of images is written in the frame buffer1122, the images are displayed on the display1112.

The sound processor1130integrates various channels of ADPCM sound and synthesizes high-definition game sounds including BGM, sound effects and voices. The synthesized game sounds are outputted through the speaker1132.

Such data as operational data from the game controller1142, and saved data and personal data from the memory card1144are transmitted through the serial interface device1140.

The ROM1150stores the system program. In a commercial game system, the ROM1150can function as an information storage medium, and a range of programs can be stored there. Or, a hard disk can be used in place of the ROM1150. The RAM1160is used as the workspace of all the processors. The DMA controller1170controls DMA transmission between processors and memory (such as RAM, VRAM, ROM).

The CD drive1180drives the CD1182(information storage medium) on which are stored programs, image data and sound data, and, in so doing, makes access to these programs and data possible.

The communication interface device1190facilitates network transmission of data between the bus1101and the network1192. Possibilities for networks connected to the communication interface device1190may include a communication line (analog phone line or ISDN) or a high-speed serial signal path. With a communication line, data can be transmitted through the Internet. By using a high-speed serial signal path, transmission of data among any number of game systems would be possible.

It is to be understood, of course, that the present invention in various embodiments can be implemented in hardware, software, or in combinations of hardware and software.

FIG. 12Ais an illustration of a configuration of hardware for an embodiment applicable to a commercial game system. The player plays the game by operating devices such as lever1222and button1224, while looking at the game images projected on the display. On the embedded system board (circuit board)1226are mounted various processors and memory. Information (programs and data) necessary to execute the embodiments of the game system is stored in memory1228, the information storage medium on the system board1226.

FIG. 12Bis an illustration of a configuration of an embodiment applicable to home use. The player plays the game by operating the game controllers1202and1204, while looking at the game images projected on the display. In this case, the above-described stored information is stored in an insertable information storage medium, such as CD1206or memory cards1208and1209. This computer readable media may also be any suitable storage medium including not nor limited to semiconductor RAM, ROM or flash memory, CD's, DVD's, paper tape, punch cards, and any optical, magnetic, and semiconductor recording mediums or the like.

FIG. 13illustrates a configuration of an embodiment applicable to a system which has a host apparatus1300and terminals1304-1through1304-n, connected to the host apparatus1300through a network1302(for example, small-area networks, wide-area networks, the Internet, etc.). In this case, the above-described stored information is stored in information storage medium1306, which may be for example a magnetic disk, magnetic tape, memory controllable, etc., by the host apparatus1300. In the case of the terminals1304-1through1304-n being stand-alone, and capable of generating game images and game sounds, game programs to generate game images and game sounds are sent to the terminals1304-1through1304-n from the host apparatus1300. When the terminals1304-1through1304-n cannot synthesize images or sound on their own, the host apparatus1300generates the game images and game sounds, and transmits these to the terminals1304-1through1304-n, where the images and sounds are outputted.

In the case of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 13, the various embodiments of the game system may be executed jointly in a divided manner by both host apparatus (server) and terminals. Also, the above-described stored information used to execute the various embodiments of the game system may be stored jointly in a divided manner on both the information storage medium of the host apparatus (server) and the information storage unit of the terminals.

Also, terminals connected to a network may be components of either home-based game systems or commercial game systems. When connecting a commercial game system to the network, it would be most desirable to utilize savable information storage media (memory cards, portable game units) that allow for exchange of information among not only commercial game systems but home-based game systems as well.

In general, one embodiment of the game system is a computer game apparatus for executing a game in which at least one primary character and at least one opposing character move through virtual space displayed on a predetermined display by operation of an operating unit. A memory stores at least a game program, the game program having code modules for implementing predetermined actions, each of the code modules implementing a respective predetermined action for at least; identifying a relationship between the primary character and the at least one opposing character, at least interfacing the primary character with the at least one opposing character, performing the respective predetermined action relative to the at least one opposing character, and removing the at least one opposing character from contention. A controller executes the game program and controls the movements of the at least one primary character and the at least one opposing character according to the game program.

For implementation of a feature embodiment, such as a toss-and-shoot embodiment, the game program contains embedded computer program code1400(seeFIG. 14) for controlling the movements of the at least one primary character and at least one opposing character according to the game program, the computer readable media containing computer program code segments having: a first computer program code segment1402that provides at least one special game item; a second computer program code segment1404that identifies a relationship between the primary character and the at least one opposing character, and one of previously, concurrently, and subsequently to the relationship identification obtaining the special game item; a third computer program code segment1406that effects transferring the special game item from the primary character to a region of the at least one opposing character; a fourth computer program code segment1408that effects targeting the special game item by the primary character; and a fifth computer program code segment1410that effects activating the special game item to thereby remove the at least one opposing character from contention.

For implementation of a feature embodiment, such as a shield embodiment, the game program contains embedded computer program code1500(seeFIG. 15) for controlling the movements of the at least one primary character and at least one opposing character according to the game program, the computer readable media containing computer program code segments having: a first computer program code segment1502that identifies a relationship between the primary character and the at least one opposing character; a second computer program code segment1504that effects taking control of the at least one opposing character by the primary character; a third computer program code segment1506that effects using the at least one opposing character by the primary character for a selected action; and a fourth computer program code segment1508that effects removing from contention the at least one opposing character using the primary character.

For implementation of a feature embodiment, such as a fetching embodiment, the game program contains embedded computer program code1600(seeFIG. 16) for controlling the movements of the at least one primary character and at least one opposing character according to the game program, the computer readable media containing computer program code segments having: a first computer program code segment1602that provides a special character associated with the primary character; a second computer program code segment1604that identifies a relationship between the primary character and the at least one opposing character; a third computer program code segment1606that selects the special character; a fourth computer program code segment1608that references the special character to the at least one opposing character; a fifth computer program code segment1610that effects moving the special character from the primary character to the at least one opposing character; a sixth computer program code segment1612that effects removing from contention the at least one opposing character using the special character; and a seventh computer program code segment1614that effects transferring the game item from the at least one opposing character to the primary character using the special character.

For implementation of a feature embodiment, such as a disarm embodiment, the game program contains embedded computer program code1700(seeFIG. 17) for controlling the movements of the at least one primary character and at least one opposing character according to the game program, the computer readable media containing computer program code segments having: a first computer program code segment1702that provides a plurality of predetermined scenarios; a second computer program code1704segment that identifies a relationship between the primary character and the at least one opposing character; a third computer program code segment1706that selects one scenario of the plurality of predetermined scenarios; a fourth computer program code1708segment that effects contacting the game item of the at least one opposing character by the primary character according to the selected scenario; a fifth computer program code segment1710that effects transferring the game item from the at least one opposing character to the primary character according to the selected scenario; and a sixth computer program code segment1712that effects removing from contention the at least one opposing character using the game item according to the selected scenario.

The following is an example of use of the above-described features in a computer game according to an embodiment of the game system wherein the game system includes a controller having at least buttons. Such an embodiment of the game system may be implemented in a system such as depicted inFIG. 12Bwhere the system is capable of processing, interactively in real time, a digital representation or model of a three-dimensional world. The system can display some or the entire world from any arbitrary viewpoint. For example, the system can interactively change the viewpoint in response to real time inputs from handheld controllers1202,1204or other input devices. This allows the game player to see the world through the eyes of someone within or outside of the world.

One feature is the shield feature, one example being depicted inFIG. 7. When armed and in close proximity to an enemy character, the player can press an Action Button to grapple the enemy into a frontal “shield” position. In this Shield mode, the primary character is positioned behind the enemy character with his left arm wrapped around the enemy's neck and his right arm free to fire his weapon(s). The player can move the adjoined primary character and enemy character freely in this mode and can use the game's targeting systems to eliminate other enemies. If there are no further enemies to fight, the primary character can remove from contention the enemy character with a second press of the Action Button.

Another feature is the disarm feature, one example being depicted inFIG. 3. When the primary character is unarmed and in close proximity to an enemy character, the player can press the Action Button to perform a Disarm Move. Disarm Moves involve the primary character stealing a weapon away from the enemy character and using it or a physical attack against the enemy character. During a Disarm Move, the player can initiate slow motion playback by pressing the same Action Button a second time. Further, the player can toggle between custom camera angles for each Disarm Move by pressing the appropriate camera button.

Disarm Moves may be “unlockable” over the course of the game. By performing these exciting moves, the player unlocks more of them. The player can select to have the program randomly use Disarm Moves that have been unlocked or they can be called on demand, by pressing an appropriate Left Analog Stick direction and the Action Button at the same time.

Another feature is the toss-and-shoot feature, one example being depicted inFIG. 9. The Toss-n-Shoot feature allows the player to have the primary character collect a flammable canister in the environment, hurl it at enemies/objects and fire upon it in flight to create devastating explosions. When the player steers the primary character and he collides with a flammable canister, he will automatically pick it up. Once in hand, the player can Auto Target an enemy character in the environment and throw the canister at this enemy character by pressing the Fire Button. While in flight, the player can hold the Auto Target Button again to highlight the flying canister, and then shoot at it at the desired moment to create a deadly explosion. During the Toss-n-Shoot sequence, the player can press the appropriate camera button to see the hurled canister from the enemy's point of view.

Another feature is the fetching feature, one example being depicted inFIG. 5. The primary character may have a K9 unit partner. The player can command the K9 unit partner to attack an enemy character by holding the Auto Targeting Button followed by pressing the Fire Button. When this happens, the K9 unit partner will leap and remove from contention the targeted enemy character and return the weapon of the enemy character to the primary character.

The present invention is applicable to a variety of games (inclusive of combat games, shooting games, enemy robot games, sports games, competitions, role-playing games, musical games, and dance games). The present invention is also not limited to the domestic and arcade game machines, but may similarly be applied to an image generation device used in various other apparatuses such as simulators, large-scale and multi-player attraction systems, personal computers, multimedia terminals, system boards for generating game images, etc.

Moreover, the present invention is applicable to a variety of game systems, including commercial game systems, home-based game systems, large-scale multi-player entertainment systems, simulators, multi-media terminals, and system boards that generate game images.

Thus, the present invention provides a game system that immerses the player into the storyline and characters similar to the way movies do, and that provides a different type of action-adventure genre with new and exciting features.

The present invention is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted, and other applications are contemplated. Certain other changes may be made in the above-described apparatus without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in the above depiction shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.