U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,160

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of a video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appending drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram that illustrates a configuration of a video game apparatus100to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other devices may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a video game apparatus100of the present embodiment includes a video game apparatus main body10, a display device50, and a sound output device60. The video game apparatus main body10is constituted from a video game system that is put on the market, for example. Further, the display device50is constituted from, for example, a television apparatus, a liquid crystal display device, a micro-mirror device, a holographic display device, or any combination thereof. The display device50is provided with a plurality of image display screens including an upper image display screen51and a lower image display screen52. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that any device capable of generating or reproducing an image may be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

The video game apparatus main body10includes a control section11, a RAM (Random Access Memory)12, a HDD (hard disk drive)13, a sound processor14, a graphics processor15, a DVD/CD-ROM drive16, a communications interface17, an interface section18, a frame memory19, a memory card slot20, and an input interface section21.

Each of the control section11, the RAM (Random Access Memory)12, the HDD (Hard Disk Drive)13, the sound processor14, the graphics processor15, the DVD/CD-ROM drive16, the communications interface17and the interface section18is connected to an internal bus22.

The control section11includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory) and the like. The control section11executes control processes of the whole video game apparatus100in accordance with control programs stored in the HDD13and/or a storage medium70. The control section11includes an internal timer used to generate a timer interruption, for example. The RAM12is mainly used as a work area for the control section11. The HDD13is a storage area in the video game apparatus main body10for storing the control programs and various data.

The sound processor14has a function of an audio input/output interface for carrying out D/A conversion and A/D conversion of a sound signal (or audio signal). The sound processor14is connected to a sound output device60, which includes a speaker, for example, but may include any other device capable of generating or reproducing an audible signal. The sound processor14outputs a sound signal to the sound output device60in accordance with a sound outputting command from the control section11that executes a process according to the various control programs. Further, the sound processor14is also connected to a sound input device (not shown in the drawings) constituted from a microphone, for example. A sound signal from the sound input device is inputted into the sound processor14in accordance with a sound input command from the control section11. In this regard, the sound output device60may be embedded in the display device50or the video game apparatus main body10, or may be affixed to a vibrating surface that may be caused to generate the audible signal.

The graphics processor15is connected to the display device50including the upper image display screen51and the lower image display screen52on each of which an image is displayed. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the graphics processor may be coupled to other known types of display devices, such as a head-mounted display, a holographic three-dimensional display or the like, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The graphics processor15develops an image on the frame memory19in accordance with a drawing or graphics command from the control section11, and outputs video signals for displaying the image on the upper and lower image display screens51,52to the display device50. A switching time for images to be displayed according to the video signals is set to 1/30 seconds per frame (for NTSC type displays), for example. However, the switching time may be any other frame rate (for example, 1/25 second per frame (for PAL type displays)) as those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

A storage medium70such as a DVD-ROM medium or a CD-ROM medium, or equivalent, in which control programs for a video game are stored is mounted in the DVD/CD-ROM drive16. The DVD/CD-ROM drive16executes a process for reading out various data such as control programs from the storage medium70. The storage medium70may be, other than the DVD-ROM or the CD-ROM described above, various types of DVD (such as DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW or DVD+RDL) or various types of CD (such as CD-R or CD-RW). In this case, in place of or in addition to the DVD/CD-ROM drive16, the video game apparatus main body10may be provided with a drive for executing processes to read out and/or write various kinds of data from and/or into the storage medium70.

The communications interface17is connected to a communication network80such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the like, in a wireless or wired manner. The video game apparatus main body10carries out communication with, for example, another computer via the communication network80using a communication function of the communications interface17.

Each of the input interface section21, the memory card slot20and a touch panel40as an operation input section (or controller) is connected to the interface section18. The interface section18causes instruction data from the input interface section21and instruction data from the touch panel40to be stored in the RAM12on the basis of operation(s) of a controller device such as a keypad30and operation(s) of the touch panel40using a touch pen41by a player of the video game apparatus100. In response to the instruction data stored in the RAM12, the control section11executes various arithmetic processing.

In this regard, the touch panel40may be used so as to be laminated on at least one of the upper and lower image display screens51,52, for example. In this case, the control section11recognizes (or senses) input information in accordance with operational inputs by operation(s) for inputs from the player by managing and controlling display timing on at least one of the upper and lower image display screens51,52on which the touch panel40is laminated, operation timing to the touch panel40using the touch pen41or the like, and the position coordinates of the touch panel40with which the touch pen41is in contact.

By laminating the touch panel40on at least one of the upper and lower image display screens51,52in this manner, the player is allowed to input much information along with the keypad30without making the controller device (including the keypad30) of the player bigger. Here, as the type of the touch panel40, various types of conventional touch panels such as a resistive touch panel and a pressure-sensitive touch panel can be utilized.

The video game apparatus main body10is connected to the touch panel40via the interface section18as described above. The video game apparatus main body10is also connected to the controller device such as the keypad30as an operation input section (controller) via the input interface section21. However, other types of controllers may be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, for example, a cross key31, a group of buttons32, a left joystick38and a right joystick39are arranged on the upper surface of the keypad30. The cross key31includes an upper key31a, a lower key31b, a right key31cand a left key31d. The group of buttons32includes a circle button32a, an X key32b, a triangle key32cand a square key32d. Further, a select button35and a start button37are arranged at a connecting portion between a base on which the cross key31is arranged and a base on which the group of buttons32are arranged. In addition, multiple buttons such as an R1button36and an L1button33are arranged at the side surface of the keypad30.

The keypad30constituted in this manner is provided with multiple switches respectively connected to the cross key31, the circle button32a, the X button32b, the triangle button32c, the square button32d, the select button35, the start button37, the R1button36and the L1button33. When pressing force is applied to any button, the corresponding switch is turned on. A detected signal in accordance with on/off of the switch is generated in the keypad30, and detected signals are generated, respectively, corresponding to inclined directions of the left joystick38and the right joystick39in the keypad30.

The two types of detected signals generated in the keypad30are outputted to the control section11via the input interface section21(through wired or wireless connection), by which detected information indicating that any button on the keypad30is pressed and detected information indicating the state of each of the left joystick38and the right joystick39are generated. In this way, operation instruction(s) (that is, operational inputs) by a user (player) using the keypad30, for example, is supplied to the video game apparatus main body10(that is, the control section11).

Further, the interface section18executes, according to the command(s) from the control section11, a process to store data indicative of the progress of the video game stored in the RAM12into the memory card90installed in the memory card slot20. The interface section18also executes processes to read out data on the video game stored in the memory card90at the time of suspending the video game and to transfer such data to the RAM12, and the like.

Various data, such as control program data for performing the video game with the video game apparatus100, are stored in the storage medium70, for example. The various data, such as the control program data stored in the storage medium70, are read out by the DVD/CD-ROM drive16in which the storage medium70is installed. The data thus read out are loaded onto the RAM12.

The control section11executes, in accordance with the control program loaded on the RAM12, various processes such as a process to output the drawing or graphics command to the graphics processor15, and a process to output the sound outputting command to the sound processor14. In this regard, the interim data generated in response to the progress of the video game (for example, data indicative of scoring of the video game, the state of a player character and the like) are stored in the RAM12used as a work memory while the control section11executes processing.

It is assumed that a three-dimensional video game according to an aspect of the present embodiment is a video game wherein multiple characters, including a player character (that is, PC: a character that moves in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40by the player), move on a field provided in a virtual three-dimensional space displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52, by which the video game proceeds. In this regard, it is assumed that the virtual three-dimensional space in which the field is formed is indicated by coordinates of the world coordinate system. Further, the field is defined by multiple surfaces, and coordinates of vertexes of the respective constituent surfaces are shown as characteristic points.

Next, an operation of the video game apparatus100according to an aspect of the present embodiment will now be described.

Here, in order to simplify the explanation of the operation of the video game apparatus100, it is assumed that at least one player character PC and multiple non-player characters (which are moved in accordance with control processes of the video game apparatus100(more specifically, control processes of the control section11), and hereinafter, referred to simply as “NPC”) exist as objects that are movable in the virtual three-dimensional space. However, the explanations for any process other than the processes relating to the present invention are omitted, in particular. In this regard, in the present embodiment, video game control for a RPG is executed, but those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that changes to the present invention can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 2is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a main process of the video game apparatus100according to the present embodiment. The main process is a process for generating an image for one frame and a process required for the control of the video game. The process is executed in accordance with a timer interruption at every 1/30 second. However, it is to be noted that timing of “at every 1/30 second” is only one example, as mentioned above. Instead, for example, the main process may be executed in accordance with a timer interruption at every single field period (every 1/60 second) or at every two frame periods (every 1/15 second), or any other appropriate field rate that may be recognized by those skilled in the art to be appropriate without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a video game (that is, a RPG game) proceeds in a common field (that is, a single field where a battle field and a movement field are not distinguished from each other) in which various actions (such as a battle action and/or a movement action), including the movement of the player character PC and a battle by the player character PC, are allowed. In the case where a predetermined object in the field is accomplished, one stage may be terminated and the processing may proceed to another stage executed in a next field.

Further, in the present embodiment, a same time base is applied to the respective characters existing in such a field for a battle scene. Once a NPC enters the stage in the field such as a battle scene, the NPC moves on the field or stands still on the field in accordance with the same time base until a hit point (which is a value indicating life force, and hereinafter, referred to simply as “HP” (life point)) thereof becomes zero. In the case where the HP of the player character PC becomes zero in a battle scene in which one player character PC exists, the player character PC becomes a battle impossible state. Then, the video game is terminated, or other event occurs.

However, in the present embodiment, for example, in the case where a plurality of player characters PCs enter the stage in the field, all of the plurality of player characters PC do not become a battle impossible state so long as the HPs of all of the plurality of player characters PC become zero. Namely, for example, in the case where the HP of one player character PC still remains even when the HP of the other player character PC becomes zero, the respective player characters, including the other player character PC whose HP becomes zero, can keep (or maintain) the battle states. In this case, a portion displayed on each of the upper and lower image display screens51,52as a character image is a portion that exists within the field of view of a virtual camera in the field.

In the main process, the control section11determines whether an instruction to start a video game is generated through an operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40, via manipulation of the controller30by the player or not in the case where the state is still before the video game start. Alternatively, once the video game has started or is in progress, the control section11determines whether a timing state is reached to change the scene (for example, change the field) or not in the case where the state is during execution of the video game (Step S101).

The timing state to change the scene which is determined at Step S101is, for example, the time at which a virtual three-dimensional space illustrating a new scene is displayed on the respective upper and lower image display screens51,52in order to finish the scene that has been displayed on the respective upper and lower image display screens51,52until that point (for example, a scene displayed by means of a virtual three-dimensional space, and a scene displayed by means of a directorial moving image) and to switch the displayed scene to the new scene.

In the case where it is determined that an instruction to start a video game is generated or that the timing state reaches a state to change the scene (“Yes” at Step S101), the control section11determines an initial screen (an initial screen shown at the time of a start of the video game, or an initial screen shown at the time of a change in the scene) in accordance with the control program (Step S102).

In this case, various data, such as image data used for the video game and characters or icons, are stored in the storage medium70. At Step S102, an initial display position of the player character PC in an initial screen or a scene after a scene change (for example, a new stage in the RPG), a non-player character NPC or non-player characters NPCs to be displayed, an initial display position of each of the non-player characters NPCs to be displayed, an icon or icons to be displayed, an initial display position of each of the icons to be displayed and the like are determined in accordance with the control program.

Subsequently, the control section11determines a viewpoint position of a virtual camera, a direction of a visual axis, and a size of a visual angle in accordance with the control program. The control section11then executes an initial setup for the virtual camera to execute a perspective transformation (Step S103). Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S115.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the video game is executed, and it is not time to change the scene (“No” at Step S101), the control section11receives instruction data in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40by the player (Step S104). Namely, the control section11determines whether or not instruction data for executing movement of the player character PC or the like are inputted from the keypad30and/or the touch panel40via the input interface section21. In the case where effective instruction data (that is, it means that such effective instruction data are instruction data that is allowed to be received by the control section11) are inputted, the control section11receives the effective instruction data.

In the present embodiment, for example, the video game apparatus100is in advance constructed so that the player character PC displayed on the upper image display screen51can be operated by means of the keypad30, while the player character PC displayed on the lower image display screen52can be operated by means of the touch panel40. Further, the player character PC displayed on the upper image display screen51is set so as not to be allowed to move, and the processes at Steps S105to S107are applied only to the player character PC displayed on the lower image display screen52. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the player characters PCs that can respectively be operated by means of the keypad30and the touch panel40may be switched to each other. The player characters PCs that can be operated may be set to be different from each other in accordance with each of the cross key31and the group of buttons32of the keypad30or each of detection regions in the case where the touch panel40are divided into the plurality of detection regions.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing an action of the player character PC relating to the movement of the player character PC (that is, movement instruction data: selection of a movement instruction by a movement command to the touch panel40by the touch pen41or movement instruction to the player character PC displayed on the lower image display screen52(that is, on the touch panel40) by means of the touch pen41) in accordance with the operation of the touch panel40relating to the movement of the player character (movement operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S105), the control section11executes a movement process in accordance with the movement instruction data thus received (Step S106).

In the movement process at Step S106, the control section11causes the position of the player character PC to be moved in a virtual space (on the present field) in accordance with the received movement instruction data. In this regard, such a movement command may include a dash instruction command, for example. The dash instruction command is a command to move the player character PC quickly, and a command for supplying an instruction that the player character PC moves from a predetermined region of a battle area toward other region quickly if the player character PC is in a melee, for example.

Subsequently, the control section11generates movement information on the basis of the position information of the player character PC derived along with the movement process (Step S107). Namely, in accordance with the movement of the position of the player character PC by means of the movement process, the control section11updates necessary data among data on the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, data on the direction of a visual axis, data on the size of a visual angle, and the like. The control section11then changes the setting content of the virtual camera.

The movement information generated at Step S107includes various kinds of information on the movement such as the position of the player character PC after the movement, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, the direction of the visual axis, and the size of the visual angle changed along with the movement of the player character PC as well as the information on the movement of the player character PC. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S113.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing an action for the player character PC relating to a battle (that is, battle instruction data: a battle command) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40by the player for instructing the action of the player character relating to a battle (a battle operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S108), the control section11executes a battle process in accordance with the received battle instruction data (Step S109).

More specifically, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, in the case where the operational inputs to instruct the player character PC to execute an action for a battle is carried out by input operations using the cross key31and/or the group of buttons32of the keypad30or input operations using the touch pen41to the touch panel40, the control section11determines that the instruction data is received (“Yes” at Step S108), and then executes the battle process (Step S109). In the battle process executed at Step S109, the control section11executes, for example, a process to determine a battle result and/or battle development between an enemy character (that is, a non-player character to battle against) and the player character PC, and the like.

Subsequently, the control section11generates battle information on the basis of the battle result and/or battle development determined by means of the battle process (Step S110). Namely, in accordance with the battle result and/or battle development by the battle process, the control section updates and sets necessary information. The set information may include, for example, the name of the player character PC that battles an enemy character in the battle process, the name of the enemy character, battle development information, battle result information, a parameter (or parameters) that defines the ability (or abilities) of the player character PC, and the like. The battle information includes various kinds of information on the battle, such as the name of the player character PC that battles the enemy character, the name of the enemy character, battle development, battle result thereof, and a parameter that defines the ability of the player character PC. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S113.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for other instructions (that is, other instruction data: an other command) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40for executing other instruction (other operation) at Step S104(“No” at Step S105, “Now” at Step S108, and “Yes” at Step S111), the control section11executes a process (for example, a conversation between characters, a purchase action, a pick up action, a movement action of an item and the like) in accordance with the other instruction data thus received (Step S112). The other information corresponding to the process result at Step S112is then generated, and the processing flow proceeds to Step S113.

The control section11updates the current position of the player character PC by storing the movement information generated at Step S107in a predetermined data area of the RAM12at Step S113. Further, the control section11memorizes and stores various action histories of the player character PC by storing the battle information generated at Step S110and the other information generated after Step S112in a predetermined data area of the RAM12at Step S113.

Subsequently, the control section11executes an action estimate process on the basis of the information indicating the action histories of the player character PC once stored in the RAM12(Step S114). More specifically, information required to be digitized is digitized using conversion tables prepared in advance. Further, with respect to information required to be weighted, a score is calculated by multiplying the digitized value by a predetermined coefficient and summing these multiplied digitized values. The calculated score is added to a previous score stored in a predetermined data area of the RAM12, and the added score is again stored in the predetermined data area. In this way, the score is updated as estimate information.

Then, the control section11perspectively transforms the virtual three-dimensional space including the player character PC and the non-player characters NPCs to be displayed from the virtual camera onto the virtual screen in accordance with the setting contents of the virtual camera and the like. The control section11then executes a display process to generate a two-dimensional image to be displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52(Step S115).

When the display process is terminated, this main process is also terminated. Then, when a timer interruption is generated at the time of a start of a next frame period, a next main process is executed (that is, the main process is repeated). By repeatedly executing the main process, a character image is switched or shifted every frame period, and a moving image (animation) is resultantly displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52.

Now, the display process at Step S115will be briefly described. At Step S115, the control section11first transforms at least the coordinates of the vertexes of respective polygons included within a range to be perspectively transformed on the virtual screen among the coordinates of the vertexes of polygons constituting the virtual three-dimensional space, in which the player character PC and the three-dimensional non-player characters NPCs are included, from the coordinates of the world coordinate system to the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system.

Subsequently, the control section11transmits the coordinates of the vertexes of the polygons of the player character PC and the non-player characters NPCs in the viewpoint coordinate system to the graphics processor15, thereby outputting a drawing or graphics command to the graphics processor15.

When the drawing or graphics command is inputted to the graphics processor15, the graphics processor15updates, on the basis of the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system, the content of the Z buffer so that data on the points that reside at the front side are retained with respect to each of points constituting respective surfaces. When the content of the Z buffer is updated, the graphics processor15develops image data on the points that reside at the front side on the frame memory19. Moreover, the graphics processor15executes some processes such as a shading process and a texture mapping process with respect to the developed image data.

Then, the graphics processor15in turn reads out the image data developed on the frame memory19, and generates video signals by adding a sync signal to the image data to output the video signals to the display device50. The display device50displays an image corresponding to the video signals outputted from the graphics processor15on the upper and lower image display screens51,52. By switching images displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52every single frame period, the player can see images including the state where the player character PC and/or the non-player characters NPCs are moved on the field and perceive the images as moving images.

In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, during the battle process at Steps S108to S110described above, the HPs of the plurality of player characters PC respectively operated by the player through the keypad30and the touch panel40are displayed in a single HP display region (HP gauge) by a bar-shaped meter whose display form is changed in accordance with the remaining HP value of each of the player characters PC.

Thus, it is possible to display the state of the remaining HPs of all of the player characters together. In addition, it is also possible to display transition (change state) of the HP of a predetermined player character PC at the same time. This realizes a new game element that the HP values of the plurality of player characters PC are displayed so that a single player can easily grasp the HP values of the plurality of player characters PC when operating the plurality of player characters PC, and the player can easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of each of the player characters PC, whereby strategic thought is heightened in the tag-team match in cooperation with the player characters PC to improve interest of the player in the video game.

More specifically, the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment adopts a technique in which the video game proceeds while the plurality of player characters PC, for example, including two player characters PC respectively displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52of the display device50are caused to cooperate with each other by respectively operating the two player characters via the keypad30and the touch panel40, which are respectively associated with the plurality of player characters PC, by the player.

In this case, a single bar-shaped mater for jointly displaying the HP values of the respective player characters PC is displayed in a single HP gauge of the upper and lower image display screens51,52displayed in a state that the bar-shaped meter crosses the upper and lower image display screens51,52. The bar-shaped meter is displayed in a seamless manner of the upper and lower image display screens51,52for the remaining HP values of the respective player characters PC. In such a case, the remaining life points of e the plurality of player characters PC are displayed so that a bonding surface between the upper and lower image display screens51,52is set to a starting point of each of individual life point meters for the plurality of player characters PC, and the remaining HPs of the player characters PC displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52in the individual life point meters respectively extend from the starting point thereof to upward and downward directions opposite to the starting point. Thus, when each of the player characters PC suffers damage or the HP of each of the player characters PC is recovered using an item, an ending point of the player character PC (will be described later) of the corresponding bar-shaped mater is changed (moved) in the upward or downward direction (that is, the length of the corresponding bar-shaped meter is changed). Therefore, it can be expected that the player can view a present state and/or transition of the HP value of each of the player characters PC. The bar-shaped meter in the HP gauge is displayed so that when the HP of any player character is increased or decreased, the length thereof is respectively to become longer or shorter, for example.

Further, since the player can grasp, as a whole, the bar-shaped meter of each of the player characters PC displayed so as to cross a boundary line between the upper and lower image display screens51,52, the player is allowed to directly grasp a state of total fighting potential of the player characters PC in the tag team (that is, a state of the total HP value).

In this regard, hereinafter, in the present embodiment, processes when the player character PC (hereinafter, referred to as a “player character42”) displayed on the upper image display screen51is operated using the keypad30and the player character PC (hereinafter, referred to as a “player character43”) displayed on the lower image display screen52is operated using the touch panel40will be described.

In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, examples of the upper and lower image display screens51,52at the battle process (Step S109) described above will first be described.FIG. 3is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of the upper and lower image display screens51,52of the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment. In this regard,FIG. 3shows the case of becoming a battle mode (battle scene) in which the player characters42,43respectively battle against enemy characters.

As shown inFIG. 3, for example, on the upper image display screen51of the display device50, during a battle, the player character42is displayed in the vicinity of the center of the upper image display screen51, and enemy characters48a,48bare displayed at the left side from the player character42. Further, a group of card type icons120is displayed at an upper middle side of the upper image display screen51. The card type icons120are displayed so that a display image indicating a specific image presented by each of end display icons of operation guidance (will be described later) is normally in a hidden (or closed) state (that is, in the case where one surface of one card type icon120on which a display image is drawn is a front surface, the other surface, that is, a back surface of the card type icon120is normally displayed). Moreover, operation guidance110is displayed at a lower middle side of the upper image display screen51. The operation guidance110is used to instruct the player to regularly and sequentially continue to carry out operational inputs to the keypad30.

On the other hand, on the lower image display screen52of the display device50, the player character43is displayed in the vicinity of the center of the lower image display screen52, and two enemy characters49a,49bare displayed at both of the left and right sides of the player character43. Further, for example, a group of icons46aand a usage gauge46bare displayed at an upper left side of the lower image display screen52. The group of icons46ais utilized to cause the player to select any one of the icons46aincluding an attack, an item and the like that the player43can utilize. The usage gauge46bis utilized to display the number of usage times (usage count) of each of the attack, item and the like selected by the group of icons46a.

Moreover, an HP gauge53is continuously displayed in the vicinity of right ends of the upper and lower image display screens51,52for presenting the hit points of the player characters42,43so as to cross the upper and lower image display screens51,52over a predetermined boundary (or so as to extend from the upper image display screen51to the lower image display screen52). The HP gauge53includes a bar-shaped meter53afor the player character42and a bar-shaped meter53bfor the player character43. The HP gauge53is provided so that a display state of the bar-shaped meters53a,53bin the HP gauge53is changed by seamlessly changing the display form of the HP gauge53, in order to display the HPs of the respective player characters42,43in a shared state (that is, a state where the HPs of the respective player characters42,43are summed), and to display a change state of the whole HP in connection with the present state and/or transition of the HP of each of the player characters42,43in a easily viewable state for the player.

In this regard, in the HP gauge53of the present embodiment, the bar-shaped meter53ashows the remaining HP of the player character42, while the bar-shaped meter53bshows the remaining HP of the player character43. Further, the display position of the ending point54of the bar-shaped meter53aand the display position of the ending point55of the bar-shaped meter53brespectively show present states of the remaining HPs of the player characters42,43(seeFIG. 4). Moreover, a boundary position59at the lower side of the upper image display screen51shows a zero point of the HP of the player character42, while a boundary position59at the upper side of the lower image display screen52shows a zero point of the HP of the player character43. Thus, both end portion of the HP gauge53indicates maximum points of the HPs of the player characters42,43, respectively. In the case where the HP of any one of the player characters42,43becomes zero or less, the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare displayed so that the corresponding ending point54or55crosses over the boundary position59to move to the other upper or lower image display screen51or52(that is, in the state where one encroaches on the other) (for example, seeFIG. 13).

Here, an operation method relating to an attack of each of the player characters42,43on the upper and lower image display screen51,52will now be described.FIGS. 4 and 5are explanatory drawings that show an operation method relating to an attack of each of the player character42,43. As shown inFIG. 4, the operation method relating to an attack of the player character42on the upper image display screen51is executed as follows, for example.

Namely, the player precisely carries out input operations to the cross key31of the keypad30corresponding to the player character42in accordance with the operation guidance110displayed on the upper image display screen51, by which it is possible to select a desired image icon displayed at an end position via a plurality of operation instruction icons. The control section11thus selects, as a prediction card, a card type icon having the image displayed in the image icon (for example, the control section11selects and displays the plurality of operation instruction icons by means of a cursor for prediction (not shown in the drawings). In the case where the control section11determines that the image of the image icon is included in the group of card type icons120, the image of the card type icon is displayed. On the other hand, in the case where the control section11determines that the image of the image icon is not included in the group of card type icons120, the image of other card type icon is displayed instantaneously.

Then, when the player carries out all of the operation inputs using the cross key31of the keypad30in accordance with the operation guidance110and the images of all of the card type icons in the group of card type icons120are displayed, an attack against enemy characters48a,48bof the player character42is executed. In this manner, for example, the video game apparatus100is constructed so that the player character42executes only a battle action without applying an operation instruction relating to movement thereto.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 5, the operation method relating to an attack of the player character43on the lower image display screen52is executed as follows, for example. Namely, as shown inFIG. 5A, the player touches any one of the group of icons46a, which abstractly expresses attacks that the player character43can use, on the touch panel40corresponding to the player character43with the touch pen41or the like to select the one icon. As shown inFIG. 5B, the player then specifies an enemy character49a(or an enemy character49b), which the player wants to cause the player character43to attack, by touching the enemy character49aor49bon the touch panel40with the touch pen41.

As shown inFIG. 5C, the selected attack is executed against the enemy character49aor49b, and a meter display of the usage gauge46bof the selected attack is changed. In the case where the player character43is caused to approach the enemy character49a, for example, the player selects the player character43by touching the player character43with the touch pen41, and slides the touch pen41toward a position where the player wants to move in the state where the player touches the player character43on the touch panel40. Thus, the player can move the player character43to a desired position. In this manner, for example, the video game apparatus100is constructed so that the player can provide an operation instruction relating to movement during the battle action.

In this regard, as described above, the video game apparatus100may be constructed so that an attack can be applied to any of the enemy characters49a,49bby means of operations as follows in place of the operations by selecting any one of the group of icons46awith the touch pen41(step (1)) and specifying the enemy character49a(or the enemy character49b) (step (2)). Namely, by carrying out a predetermined operation such as “picking”, “rubbing” and “enclosing so as to draw a circle” using the touch pen41with respect to the region on the lower image display screen52on which the enemy character49athat the player wants to cause the player character43to attack is displayed, the player character43can apply the attack according to the operation of the player to the enemy character49a.

Thus, since the player character can attack an enemy character even by omitting the step (1) to select an attack method and the step (2) to specify an enemy character described above, the player can give an attack instruction to the player character43more quickly. In addition, since the player can cause the player character43to attack the enemy character49aor49bby directly touching the image of each of the displayed enemy characters49a,49bwith the touch pen41, the player can easily realize the operations, and this makes it possible to improve realism (realistic sensation) of a battle scene on the player.

In this regard, even in the case where an attack is to be applied to an enemy character by carrying out the predetermined operations described above, the kinds of attacks that the player can select is limited to those displayed on the lower image display screen52by means of the group of icons46a. For this reason, for example, in the case where an operation “enclosing so as to draw a circle” is associated with a “blaze attack” to attack the enemy character49a(or the enemy character49b) with a blaze in advance, it is need to include an icon indicating the “blaze attack” in the group of icons46adisplayed on the lower image display screen52.

Thus, in the case where the player carries out the operation “enclosing so as to draw a circle” when the icon indicating the “blaze attack” is not included in the group of icons46adisplayed on the lower image display screen52, the “blaze attack” is not executed. Even in the case where an attack is executed against the enemy character49a(or the enemy character49b) by carrying out the predetermined operation described above, the meter display of the usage gauge46bfor the icon used in the attack is changed.

Further, the group of icons46athus displayed may include, in the group of icons46athus displayed, an icon to cause the damage of the player character43to be recovered in addition to the icons indicating the kinds of attack against the enemy characters49a,49b. In this case, by touching the icon with the touch pen41to select it, the process such as a change of the display of the HP gauge53indicating the HP of the player character43is executed immediately.

Next, an HP display process for each of the player characters42,43in the battle process (Step S109) described above will now be described in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment to which the HP gauge53is applied. First, an HP display process relating to damage determination of each of the player characters42,43will be described. In this regard, since the HP display process is executed for each of the player characters42,43, the process for the player character42will mainly be explained below. However, the similar process is also to be executed for the player character43.FIG. 6is a flowchart that illustrates an example of the HP display process relating to damage determination for the player character42in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.

As a premise of the process, in an initial state of a battle scene, the control section11refers to character status information including a maximum HP value of each of the player characters42,43that are defined in advance to calculate a total HP value of the respective player characters42,43. The control section11then causes the display device50to display the HPs of the respective player characters42,43in accordance with the calculated total HP value at the HP gauge53.

More specifically, since the HPs of the player characters42,43in the character status information are respectively set to the maximum values thereof at the initial state, each of the bar-shaped maters53a,53bof the HP gauge53is displayed so as to have a maximum length in a direction from the boundary position59to its end position as shown inFIG. 3.

The control section11determines whether or not the player character42suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters48a,48b(Step S120). In the case where it is determined that the player character42does not suffer the attack (“No” at Step S120), the processing flow shifts to Step S129. The control section11then causes the display device50to continue to display the HPs of the respective player characters42,43stored in the character status information (Step S129), and a series of processes in this flowchart is terminated.

In the case where it is determined that the player character42suffers the attack (“Yes” at Step S120), the control section11refers t an attack data table, stored in the ROM, RAM or the like, in which various types of information relating to attacks by an enemy character are arranged to calculate a damage value that the player character42suffers by the attack of the enemy character on the basis of the kind of attack, the level of the enemy character and the like (Step S121). The control section11determines whether or not a total HP value of all player characters that the player can operate is more than the calculated damage value (Step S122).

In the case where it is determined that the total HP value is the damage value or less (“No” at Step S122), the control section11causes the display device50to display the total HP value of the player characters42,43as zero in the HP gauge53(Step S123). The control section causes the display device50to display not only each of the player characters42,43as a battle impossible state, but also that the video game is over (that is, the video game becomes terminated) (Step S124). Then, the series of processes in this flowchart is terminated.

In this regard, as an example to display that the total HP value becomes zero at Step S123described above, it may be mentioned that the bar-shaped meters53a,53bof the HP gauge53are displayed, for example, at the state where the ending points54,55of the respective bar-shaped meters53a,53b, each of which is opposite to the boundary position59, are overlapped with each other in the HP gauge53(for example, seeFIG. 15, which will be described later).

In the case where it is determined that the total HP value is over the damage value (“Yes” at Step S122), the control section11subtracts the damage value from the HP value of the player character42(Step S125). The control section11overwrites and stores the HP value of the player character42and the total HP value of all of the player characters in the character status information on the basis of the subtraction result (Step S126). The control section11then determines whether the HP value of the player character42is less than a predetermined threshold value or not (Step S127).

In the case where it is determined that the HP value of the player character42is not less than the predetermined threshold value (“No” at Step S127), the control section11shifts the processing flow to Step S129to cause the display device50to display the HP (Step S129). Then, the series of processes in this flowchart is terminated.

In the case where it is determined that the HP value of the player character42becomes less than the predetermined threshold vale (“Yes” at Step S127), the control section11turns a special effect on, thereby causing the display device50to execute a display of the special effect (Step S128). The control section11then causes the display device50to display the HPs of the respective player characters42,43(Step S129), and the series of processes in this flowchart is terminated. In this regard, the HP display process relating to such damage determination is also executed simultaneously in parallel to the player character43as described above.

Here, more specifically, the display of the special effect executed at Step S128is executed, for example, on the upper image display screen51(or the lower image display screen52) on which the player character42(or43) determined that the HP value thereof becomes less than the predetermined threshold value is displayed by changing the color of the player character42(or43) itself, the bar-shaped meter53a(or53b) in the HP gauge53in which the HP of the player character42(or43) is displayed, or the background, or displaying it so as to blink (or flash), or changing the display state of the bar-shaped meter53a(or53b) in the HP gauge53, which respectively corresponds to the player character42or43, into a special state (for example, changing the color thereof and displaying it so as to blink (or flash) or the like). Namely, the display of the special effect can present the player with a situation that the HP of corresponding player character42(or43) gets closer to zero point or that the HP of corresponding player character42(or43) falls below the zero point.

Next, an HP display process relating to recovery of the HP value of each of the player characters42,43will be described.FIG. 7is a flowchart that illustrates another example of the HP display process relating to the recovery of the HP value of the player character42in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.

Here, as a premise of the process, the control section11also refers to character status information including a maximum HP value of each of the player characters42,43that are defined in advance to calculate a total HP value of the respective player characters42,43. The control section11then causes the display device50to display the HPs of the respective player characters42,43in accordance with the calculated total HP value at the HP gauge53.

The control section11determines whether or not an HP recovery item is used for the player character42as one of HP value recovery events for recovering the HP value of the corresponding player character (Step S130).

In the case where it is determined that the HP recovery item is not used (“No” at Step S130), the processing flow shifts to Step S137. The control section11then causes the display device50to display the HP of the player character42stored in the character status information (Step S137), and a series of processes in this flowchart is terminated.

In the case where it is determined that the HP recovery item is used (“Yes” at Step S130), the control section11calculates a recovery amount of the HP value (recovery HP value) by means of the used HP recovery item (Step S131), and adds the calculated recovery HP value to the HP value of the player character42on the basis of the calculation result (Step S132). The control section11overwrites and stores the HP value of the player character42and the total HP value of all of the player characters in the character status information (Step S133). The control section11then determines whether or not the special effect is set for the player character42at present (Step S134).

In the case where it is determined that the special effect is not set for the player character42at present (“No” at Step S134), the control section11shifts the processing flow to Step S137to cause the display device50to display the HP (Step S137). Then, the series of processes in this flowchart is terminated.

In the case where it is determined that the special effect is set for the player character42at present (“Yes” at Step S134), the control section11determines whether or not the overwritten HP value of the player character42is a predetermined threshold value or more (Step S135). In the case where it is determined that the overwritten HP value of the player character42is the predetermined threshold vale or more (“Yes” at Step S135), the control section11turns the special effect off, thereby releasing the setting of the special effect (Step S136). The control section11then causes the display device50to display the HP of the player character42(Step S137), and the series of processes in this flowchart is terminated. In this regard, the HP display process relating to such HP value recovery is also executed simultaneously in parallel to the player character43as described above.

Next, display examples of the upper and lower image display screens51,52on which the HP display process described above is executed will be explained in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.FIGS. 8 to 16are explanatory drawings that show an example of the upper and lower image display screens51,52of the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment on which the HP display process is executed.

As shown inFIG. 8, for example, in the case where both of the player characters42,43respectively suffer an attack from at least one of the enemy characters48a,48band at least one of the enemy characters49a,49b, the HP gauge53changes from the state where the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare displayed so that the HPs of the player characters42,43are respectively the maximum values as shown inFIG. 3to the state where the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare displayed so that the damage values for the suffered attacks are respectively subtracted from the HPs of the player characters42,43.

Namely, in such a case, the bar-shaped meters53a,53bof the HP gauge53are displayed, on the upper and lower image display screens51,52, in the state the ending points54,55of the bar-shaped meters53a,53b, which are opposite to the boundary positions59,59thereof, get close to the boundary positions59,59by the damage values for the suffered attacks.

Then, for example, in the case where the player character43suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters49a,49bwhen the bar-shaped meters53a,53bin the HP gauge53are respectively in the states as shown inFIG. 8, the HP gauge53becomes the state where the ending point55of the bar-shaped meter53bfurther gets close to the boundary position59as shown inFIG. 9, and changes to the state where the bar-shaped meter53bis displayed so that the damage value for the suffered attack is subtracted from the HP of the player character43.

Similarly, for example, in the case where the player character42suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters48a,48bwhen the bar-shaped meters53a,53bin the HP gauge53are respectively in the states as shown inFIG. 8, the HP gauge53becomes the state where the ending point54of the bar-shaped meter53afurther gets close to the boundary position59as shown inFIG. 10, and changes to the state where the bar-shaped meter53ais displayed so that the damage value for the suffered attack is subtracted from the HP of the player character42.

Further, as shown inFIG. 11, for example, in the case where the player character42suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters48a,48band the HP value of the player character42becomes zero (that is, there becomes no display of the bar-shaped meter53afrom the HP gauge53), the player character42becomes a battle impossible state in a normal video game, and the player character42is displayed so as to fall down on the upper image display screen51, for example. However, in the present embodiment, although the HP of the player character42becomes zero, the player character42is displayed in a battle continuable state so long as the HP of the player character43still remains (that is, the bar-shaped meter53bis still displayed). At this time, the HP gauge53changes to the state where the ending point54of the bar-shaped meter53adisplayed on the upper image display screen51is overlapped with the boundary position59thereof and the bar-shaped meter53ais not displayed.

Similarly, as shown inFIG. 12, for example, in the case where the player character43suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters49a,49band the HP value of the player character43becomes zero (that is, there becomes no display of the bar-shaped meter53bfrom the HP gauge53), the player character43becomes a battle impossible state in a normal video game, and the player character43is displayed so as to fall down on the lower image display screen52, for example. However, in the present embodiment, although the HP of the player character43becomes zero, the player character43is displayed in a battle continuable state so long as the HP of the player character42still remains (that is, the bar-shaped meter53ais still displayed). At this time, the HP gauge53changes to the state where the ending point55of the bar-shaped meter53bdisplayed on the lower image display screen52is overlapped with the boundary position59thereof and the bar-shaped meter53bis not displayed.

Thus, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, in the case where the HP of any one of the player characters42,43is displayed in the corresponding bar-shaped meter53aor53bof the HP gauge53even when the HP of the other player character42or43becomes zero (for example, the upper and lower image display screens51,52becomes any one of the states as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12), the video game apparatus100is constructed so that both of the player characters42,43can continue to battle any enemy character. Thus, the player can sequentially carry out simultaneous operations for the plurality of player characters42,43just before both of the player characters42,43become a battle impossible state (that is, the video game is over). This makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game by causing the player to heighten his or her strategic thought.

In such a case, the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment is constructed so that, when one player character whose HP has become zero further suffers an attack from any enemy character, the damage value of the suffered attack is reflected to the HP of the other player character to interact with each other. Thus, the display of the HP gauge53in this case becomes as follows.

Namely, as shown inFIG. 13, for example, in the case where the player character42whose HP has become zero further suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters48a,48b, the HP gauge53becomes the state where the ending point54of the bar-shaped meter53athat has been displayed on the upper image display screen51is displayed so as to get across the boundary positions59of the upper and lower image display screens51,52and to get close to the ending point55of the bar-shaped meter53bdisplayed on the lower image display screen52. Thus, even when the player character43does not suffer an attack after the HP of the player character42becomes zero, the HP gauge53changes to the state where the HP of the player character43is reduced by the damage value of the attack applied to the player character42.

Similarly, as shown inFIG. 14, for example, in the case where the player character43whose HP has become zero further suffers an attack from at least one of the enemy characters49a,49b, the HP gauge53becomes the state where the ending point55of the bar-shaped meter53bthat has been displayed on the lower image display screen52is displayed so as to get across the boundary positions59of the lower and upper image display screens52,51and to get close to the ending point54of the bar-shaped meter53adisplayed on the upper image display screen51. Thus, even when the player character42does not suffer an attack after the HP of the player character43becomes zero, the HP gauge53changes to the state where the HP of the player character42is reduced by the damage value of the attack applied to the player character43.

Then, in the case where the player character43, for example, further continues to suffer an attack from at least one of the enemy characters49a,49bwhen the bar-shaped meter53bin the HP gauge53is in the state as shown inFIG. 13(that is, the state where the HP of the player character42is zero or less and the HP of the player character43still remains), the ending point55of the bar-shaped meter53bdisplayed on the lower image display screen52further gets close to the ending point54. Thus, as shown inFIG. 15, in the case where the ending points54,55of the bar-shaped meters53a,53bin the HP gauge53are finally overlapped with each other and the HPs of both of the player characters42,43thus disappears (that is, the total HP value becomes the damage value or less), the HP gauge53changes to the state where the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare not displayed and the ending points54,55are displayed on the lower image display screen52so as to be overlapped with each other. In addition, both of the player characters42,43are respectively displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52in the state where the player characters42,43fall down for indicating the battle impossible states. In the case where the player characters42,43are in the reverse states (that is, in the case of the state as shown inFIG. 14), the HP display process is also executed in the similar manner. Thus, the description thereof is omitted.

In this regard, in the case where specific enemy characters (such as a boss character) appear on the upper and lower image display screen51,52in the battle scene as shown inFIG. 16, the video game apparatus100may be constructed so that such a HP display process is applied to a HP display for each of the specific enemy characters57a,57b. In this case, an HP gauge58for the specific enemy characters57a,57bmay be displayed in the vicinity of the left side of each of the upper and lower image display screens51,52. Further, the HP gauge58may be constituted from a bar-shaped meter58afor indicating the HP of the specific enemy character57aand a bar-shaped meter58bfor indicating the HP of the specific enemy character57b. The HP gauge58may be displayed continuously so as to cross the upper and lower image display screens51,52over a predetermined boundary between boundary positions59,59(or so as to extend from the upper image display screen51to the lower image display screen52).

As explained above, in the embodiment described above, the remaining HPs of the plurality of player characters42,43are respectively displayed at the positions of the ending points54,55of the bar-shaped meters53a,53bin the integrated state in the HP gauge53so as to cross the upper and lower image display screens51,52(see Step S129and the like). Further, in the case where an action or an event occurs so that the remaining HP value of any one of the plurality of player characters42,43is to be changed, the amount of change of the HP value of the corresponding player character42or43is calculated in accordance with the action or the event (see Step S125and the like). Moreover, the remaining HP value of the player character is updated on the basis of the calculation result (see Step S126and the like). In this case, in the case where the remaining HP value of the player character is shown so as to be reduced in accordance with the updated remaining life point, the position of the ending point54or55of the bar-shaped meter53aor53bis displayed so as to be moved toward the starting point thereof (that is, in the direction to the other ending point54or55) (seeFIG. 9and the like). In addition, in the case where the remaining HP value of the player character is shown so as to be increased in accordance with the updated remaining life point, the position of the ending point54or55of the bar-shaped meter53aor53bis displayed so as to be moved in the direction away from the starting point thereof (that is, in the direction away from the other ending point54or55). Thus, it is possible to display the remaining HP values of the player characters42,43in the bar-shaped meter53a,53bin which a display form thereof is changed in accordance with the remaining HP values together. In addition, it is also possible to display the amount of change of the HP value of a predetermined player character42or43at the same time. Thus, it is possible to display the HP values of the plurality of player characters42,43in the video game so that a single player can easily grasp the HP values of the plurality of player characters42,43to operate the plurality of player characters42,43, and it is possible for the player to easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of each of the player characters42or43. Therefore, it is possible to heighten strategic thought in the tag-team match, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

Further, in the embodiment described above, in the case where the remaining HP value of any one of the player characters41,42is shown so as to be reduced in accordance with the updated remaining HP value, a display form of the corresponding bar-shaped meter53aor53bis changed and displayed so that the ending point54or55of the bar-shaped meter53aor53bis moved toward the starting point thereof (seeFIG. 8and the like). In addition, in the case where the remaining HP value of any one of the player characters41,42is shown so as to be increased in accordance with the updated remaining HP value, a display form of the corresponding bar-shaped meter53aor53bis changed and displayed so that the ending point54or55of the bar-shaped meter53aor53bis moved in the direction away from the starting point thereof. Thus, it is possible for the player to further easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of each of the player characters42,43. Therefore, it is possible to heighten strategic thought in the tag-team match, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, in the case where the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare shown so that the remaining HP value of any one of the player characters42,43is the maximum value, the remaining HP value of the corresponding player character42or43is displayed so that a middle point (or boundary) between the bar-shaped meters53a,53bis set to zero point (seeFIG. 11and the like). Then, in the case where the remaining HP value of any one of the player characters42,43is to be reduced or increased over the zero point of the HP value, display the ending point54or55of the bar-shaped meter53aor53bindicating the remaining HP value of the corresponding player character42or43is displayed so as to be capable of moving over the zero point of the HP value in the corresponding bar-shaped meter53aor53b. Thus, even in the case where the HP value of the player character42or43becomes zero, it is possible for the player to further easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of other player character43or42while continuing to play the video game so long as the HP value of the other player character43or42still remains. Therefore, it is possible to heighten strategic thought in the tag-team match, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, in the case where the display device50includes two image display screens, for example, the upper and lower image display screens51,52, the HP gauge53is displayed so as to cross the two image display screens51,52, and the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare displayed so that the boundary position59between the upper and lower image display screens51,52is set to the zero point of the HP value. Thus, it is possible for the player to easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of each of the player characters42,43displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52in real time and uniquely. Therefore, it is possible to heighten strategic thought in the tag-team match, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

Further, in the embodiment described above, in the case where the positions of the ending points54,55of the bar-shaped meters53a,53bare displayed so as to be overlapped in the HP gauge53(seeFIG. 15). Thus, it is possible for the player to easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of each of the player characters42,43. In addition, it is possible for the player to view the end of the video game obviously. Therefore, it is possible to heighten strategic thought in the tag-team match, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, in the case where any player character42or43suffers an attack from an attack target character48a,48bor49a,49bfor the player character42or43, the amount of change of the HP value for subtracting a damage point in accordance with the attack from the remaining HP value of the corresponding player character42or43is calculated. Further, in the case where an event to recover the HP value of any player character42or43occurs for the player character42or43, the amount of change of the HP value for adding a recovery point in accordance with the event to the remaining life point of the corresponding player character is calculated. Thus, even in the case where the HP value of one player character42or43becomes zero, it is possible for the player to further easily view a present state and transition of the life point of other player character43or42while continuing to play the video game so long as the HP value of the other player character43or42still remains. Therefore, it is possible to heighten strategic thought in the tag-team match, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

For example, the amount of change of the HP value on the basis of the damage value or the recovery value may be calculated by referring to a preset parameter and the like in accordance with the kind of attack or recovery event, and the bar-shaped meters53a,53bis displayed in the HP gauge53in the calculated amount of change of the HP value. Thus, it is possible to execute the variable HP display of each of the player characters42,43in the HP gauge53in accordance with the kind of attack or recovery event, a stage of the battle scene or the like, and this makes it possible to expect that the interest of the player in the video game is further improved.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, another bar-shaped meters58a,58bfor respectively showing remaining HP values of specific enemy characters57a,57bsuch as boss characters are further displayed in an HP gauge58other than the HP gauge53on the upper and lower image display screens51,52(seeFIG. 16). Thus, it is possible for the player to easily view a present state and transition of the HP value of each of the specific enemy characters57a,57bin addition to the plurality of player characters42,43. This makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the tag-team match of the video game.

In this-regard, in the embodiment described above, the player character42is associated with the keypad30, while the player character43is associated with the touch panel40. However, for example, the video game apparatus100may be constructed so that: the player character42is associated with the cross key31of the keypad30; the player character43is associated with the group of buttons32; an input detection region of the touch panel40is divided into two sub regions; and the player characters42,43are respectively associated with the sub regions.

In addition, the method of attacking the enemy characters by the player characters42,43described above is just an example thereof. The method is not limited thereto. For example, a method of employing the enemy characters by pressing a specific button of the keypad30, and a method of employing a technique corresponding to a command by utilizing the cross key31or the like may be mentioned without any problem.

Further, although the video game apparatus main body10and the display device50are constructed from separate components in the embodiment described above, the display device50may be incorporated in the video game apparatus main body10, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of spirit of the present invention. The display device50may include any image display screen other than the upper and lower image display screens51,52. In addition, the display device50may be constituted so that one image display screen is divided into a plurality of image display screens in order to obtain a similar effect.

In this case, the video game apparatus100is constructed so that the number of operable player characters is set equal to the number of image display screens or the number of separated display regions, and the player characters are respectively arranged in the image display screens or the separated display regions. In this regard, the HPs of the player characters existing in the image display screens or the separated display regions may be displayed using boundary portions of the image display screens or boundary portions of the separated display regions. An example as follows may specifically be mentioned.

FIG. 17is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of the image display screens of the display device50on which another HP display process is executed. As shown inFIG. 17, four display regions50a,50b,50cand50dare provided by dividing the image display region of the display device50into four. Four player characters61,62,63, and64and four enemy characters48a,48b,49aand49bare respectively displayed in the four display regions50a,50b,50cand50d.

Moreover, a HP gauge65displayed as a circular shape is provided in adjacent boundary portion of each of the display regions50ato50din the vicinity of the central portion of the image display screen of the display device50. The circular-shaped HP gauge65is provided with four partial circular-shaped meters53c,53d,53eand53ffor respectively displaying HPs of the player characters61to64, and a HP meter66for displaying a total HP of the player characters61to64in a region enclosed by the partial circular-shaped meters53cto53f.

The partial circular-shaped meters53cto53fare displayed so as to indicate that the HP of each of the player characters61to64is reduced when an amount of meter display thereof is changed in a counterclockwise direction, for example. The HP meter66is displayed so as to indicate that the total HP is reduced when an amount of meter display thereof is changed from the upside to the downside. When the amount of meter display of each of the partial circular-shaped meters53cto53fis changed, the amount of meter display of the HP meter66is also changed relative to each other. Further, in the case where the amount of meter display of any one of the partial circular-shaped meter53cto53ffor any one of the player characters61to64becomes zero and the corresponding player character61,62,63or64further suffers an attack (that is, the HP of the corresponding player character61,62,63or64becomes a value under zero), the amounts of meter display for other player characters are evenly changed in a clockwise direction in response to the attack suffered by the corresponding player character.

The remaining HP values of the player characters61to64respectively existing in the display regions50ato50dare displayed using a space between the boundaries of the two adjacent display regions50ato50din this manner. Thus, it is possible to display the partial circular-shaped meters53cto53fso that the player can easily view a present state of each of the HPs of the player characters61to64. In addition, since the total remaining HP value of the plurality of operable player characters61to64is displayed in the central portion of the image display screen of the display device50like the HP meter66, the player is allowed to judge the whole progress of the battle easily.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the HP gauge53may be constructed so that the length of the HP gauge53is changed in response to the character status information including the level of each of the player characters42,43, and the length of the HP gauge53becomes longer in accordance with an increase of the level of each of the player characters42,43. Thus, the player can understand the strength of each of the player characters42,43at a glance. Therefore, by comparing the length of the HP gauge58for the specific enemy characters57a,57bwith the length of the HP gauge53for the player characters42,43when the HP gauge58is displayed for the specific enemy characters57a,57bas described above, the player can easily compare a potential value (potential HP value) of the player characters42,43with a potential value of the specific enemy characters57a,57b. In this regard, the length of each of the HP gauges53,58just represents the potential value therefor. For this reason, the fact that the length of the HP gauge58for the enemy characters57a,57bis longer than the length of the HP gauge53for the player characters42,43does not always simply mean that it is difficult for the player characters42,43to bring down the enemy characters57a,57bor the player cannot bring down the enemy characters57a,57b.

Further, although one example of the video game control for the RPG has been explained in the embodiment described above, there is no wonder that the technique of the present invention can be applied to similar video games such as a gun action RPG. In addition, the technique of the present invention can also be applied to other kinds of video games appropriately, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of spirit of the present invention.

Moreover, although an aspect of the present invention has been described with the video game apparatus100as an example in the embodiment described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to various apparatuses such as a personal computer, a cellular phone terminal, a portable game apparatus and the like as long as such an apparatus has an image generating function. In this regard, in the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game apparatus or the like, a small-sized storage medium such as a semiconductor memory card may be used as the storage medium70described above in place of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or any other type of storage medium as those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, it has been described that game data for causing the video game apparatus main body10(video game apparatus100) to execute the various processes described above (that is, various data such as control program data used for the video game) are stored in the storage medium70. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The video game data may be delivered by a server apparatus such as a network server (WWW server), or other computer device connected (either wired or wireless) to a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or the like, or any combination thereof. In this case, the video game apparatus main body10may obtain the video game data delivered by the server apparatus via the communication network80, and store the video game data in the HDD13. The video game data may be used by being loaded on the RAM12from the HDD13. In this regard, although the video game data are explained in the embodiment described above, such data may include at least control program data for causing a computer to execute the image generating process in the embodiment as described above.

The present invention can be applied to a video game machine, a personal computer, a cellular phone terminal, a portable game apparatus or the like, or any combination thereof that causes an image display apparatus to display a player character on an image display screen, and controls progress of a video game by controlling an action of the player character displayed on the image display screen in response to an operation by a player. Therefore, the present invention is useful.