JP7589901B2 - Control Method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control method.

Conventionally, there is a Reversi game device that displays on a screen a board and multiple pieces with different attributes for each player and each piece with one of three designs that have a three-way relationship (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this Reversi game device, the player whose turn it is places a piece. At this time, if a certain condition is met, the attribute and design of the piece placed in the square between the placed piece and a piece with the same attribute as the placed piece are changed.

JP 2007-229361 A

However, a game that can be played on a conventional Reversi game device involves placing pieces and changing the attributes of pieces placed in spaces between pieces with the same attribute. In conventional Reversi game devices, such simple actions are repeated, so the game progress can become monotonous. As a result, conventional Reversi game devices lack the variety of strategies in the game and do not necessarily offer a high level of strategy. As a result, users can become bored with the game.

In light of these circumstances, the objective of the present invention is to provide a control method that can diversify the strategic nature of the game and increase its entertainment value.

The control method of the present invention for solving the above problems includes:
A method for controlling a game executed by an information processing device, comprising:
a storage step of storing a game medium having a plurality of parameters;
a progression step of determining a parameter state indicating a valid parameter from among the plurality of parameters, and progressing the game based on the determined parameter state;
and a step of updating parameters of the game medium based on a player's operation, the step of generating different update results for each parameter state of the plurality of parameters depending on the game medium for which the parameters are to be updated.

The control method according to the present invention can diversify the strategy of the game and increase its entertainment value.

1 is a functional block diagram of a main part of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a field used in a game according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the state of a field on which characters are placed as the game progresses. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a field management unit. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for identifying a specific region by a identifying unit; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calculation method performed by a calculation unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a skill management unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a display unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the progress of a game. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the progress of a game. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the progress of a game. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the progress of a game. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 . 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a calculation method performed by a calculation unit. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a calculation method performed by a calculation unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of a field. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of a field. 1 is a functional block diagram of a main part of an information processing system according to the present invention;

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the main parts of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The players of the game in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment are one user (first player) and a player (second player) that is automatically operated by the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a dedicated device capable of executing the game described below. The information processing device 100 may also be configured using electronic devices such as a mobile phone or a tablet terminal.

The information processing device 100 includes a memory unit 110, a field management unit 120, a control unit 130, an identification unit 140, a calculation unit 150, a win/lose determination unit 160, a skill management unit 170, a display unit 180, and an input unit 190.

The storage unit 110 stores various information used in the processing of the game. The storage unit 110 stores multiple game media used by the player in the game and multiple parameters unique to each game media. The game media are electronic data used in the game, and include, for example, cards, items, characters, and avatars. The game media are electronic data that can be acquired, held, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, and/or donated by the player in the game as the game progresses, but the manner of use of the game media is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification. In this specification, the following description will be given assuming that the game media is a character. The parameters unique to the game media include the combat power of the game media, such as attack power and defense power, combat means, such as attack means and defense means, skill information of the game media, information about the avatar of the game media, attributes of the game media, and an indicator indicating the rarity of the game media. The indicator indicating the rarity of the game media may be expressed in a hierarchy, such as normal, rare, super rare, and ultra rare.

The storage unit 110 also stores skill information associated with the character. The skill information will be described in detail later. The storage unit 110 may also store points associated with each player used in the progress of the game. The points associated with each player are, for example, a virtual vitality value (HP) in the game associated with the player, or the player's action power used in the progress of the game. The vitality value associated with the player increases or decreases as the game progresses. The vitality value associated with the player may increase or decrease based on the parameters of the game medium. The win/loss determination unit 160 determines whether the game is won or lost based on the vitality value associated with the player, as described later. The action power associated with the player is points necessary for the player to progress in the game. When the player progresses in the game, the action power associated with the player decreases according to the progress made. When the action power associated with the player becomes 0 or less, the player cannot progress in the game. A player who is no longer able to progress in the game may be determined by the win/loss determination unit 160 as a loser of the game. Furthermore, when a game is started, the storage unit 110 stores each player of the game in association with the multiple game media selected by each player.

The field management unit 120 manages information about the field displayed on the display unit 180. Each player progresses through the game by placing their characters in each area of the field.

The information about a field managed by the field management unit 120 is the characters placed in each area of the field and the parameter status of the characters. The field management unit 120 manages the characters and the parameter status of the characters in association with each area of the field.

The parameter state is represented on the display unit 180 in various ways. The parameter state may be represented by the color of the displayed character. In this case, the character associated with each parameter state is displayed with a color such as white or black for each parameter state. The parameter state may be represented by the shape of the displayed character. In this case, the character associated with each parameter state is displayed with a shape such as a robot type, a human type, or an animal type for each parameter state. The parameter state may be represented by an indicator attached to a part of the displayed character. In this case, the character associated with each parameter state is displayed with a mark such as a crest or flag attached for each parameter state. The parameter state may be represented by the direction of the displayed character. In this case, the character associated with each parameter state is displayed facing each direction such as up, down, left, right, etc. on the field for each parameter state.

The control unit 130 is a processor that controls and manages the entire information processing device 100, including each functional block of the information processing device 100. The control unit 130 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program that defines the control procedure of the game. Such a program is stored in the storage unit 110 or an external storage medium. The control unit 130 is also capable of automatically operating a second player in the game.

The control unit 130 also stores (memorizes) information on the character designated by the attacking player and the parameter state when the player places the character in a table in the field management unit 120, in association with the area designated by the attacking player, based on the designation of the attacking player. In this specification, the attacking player refers to a player who places a character in a certain turn. Also, a player who does not place a character in that turn is called a defending player. The table in the field management unit 120 will be explained later in FIG. 4. The parameter state will also be explained later, but in this embodiment, the first parameter is associated with the user who is the first player.

When the user (first player) of the information processing device 100 is the attacking player, the user uses the input unit 190 to specify a character and an area in which the character is to be placed. The control unit 130 then stores the specified character as a character in the row of the specified area in the table of the field management unit 120. The control unit 130 also stores a first parameter state corresponding to the user as a parameter state. When the player (second player) automatically operated by the information processing device 100 is the attacking player, the control unit 130 specifies the character and an area in which the character is to be placed. Next, the control unit 130 stores the character specified by the user in the row of the area specified by the user in the table of the field management unit 120. The control unit 130 also stores a second parameter state corresponding to the second player as a parameter state in the row of the area specified by the user in the table of the field management unit 120.

The control unit 130 also converts the parameter state associated with the specific area identified by the identification unit 140 (described later) in the table of the field management unit 120. The specific area is an area that is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the area specified by the attacking player, and is an area that is associated with another parameter state different from the parameter state of the character placed by the attacking player in the table of the field management unit 120 in FIG. 4. When the first player is the attacking player, the character placed by the attacking player is in the first parameter state. Therefore, the specific area is an area that is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the area specified by the attacking player, and is an area that is associated with the second parameter state in the table of the field management unit 120.

The control unit 130 converts the parameter state by converting the parameter state associated with a specific area into the parameter state of the character placed by the attacking player. When the parameter state is converted, the parameters in the converted parameter state become valid, and the parameters in the parameter state before the conversion become invalid.

When the control unit 130 stores information on the characters and parameter states in the table of the field management unit 120, the control unit 130 registers the skill information associated with the characters stored in the table of the field management unit 120 in the skill management unit 170 described later. The skill information is an example of information on the inherent abilities (ability information) associated with each character. In the present specification, the ability information is hereinafter described as the skill information of the characters, but the ability information is not limited to skill information and can be any other information on the inherent abilities associated with the characters. The skill information exerts a predetermined effect in the progress of the game. All characters may be associated with some kind of skill information. Also, only some characters may be associated with skill information. Also, the control unit 130 executes processing related to the skill information registered in the skill management unit 170 based on a predetermined condition.

The identification unit 140 identifies a specific area. The relationship between areas for identifying a specific area can be arbitrary. In the game of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the identification unit 140 identifies a specific area as follows.

First, the identification unit 140 generates a predetermined axis on the field that passes through the area specified by the attacking player. The direction of the axis can be any direction, and in this specification, the identification unit 140 generates four axes: vertical, horizontal, upper right, and lower right. Next, the identification unit 140 extracts an area (same parameter area) that is associated with the same parameter state as the parameter state of the character placed by the attacking player in the table of the field management unit 120. The identification unit 140 determines an same parameter area that satisfies the condition of being separated from the area where the character is placed along the generated axis. The identification unit 140 identifies the area sandwiched between the area where the character is placed by the attacking player and the area determined by the above-mentioned method as the identified area.

When the attacking player places a character, the calculation unit 150 calculates a vitality value associated with the defending player based on the effective parameters of the placed character and the effective parameters of the characters present in the specific area. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 150 calculates a vitality value associated with the defending player based on the effective parameters of the placed character, the effective parameters of the characters present in the specific area, and also the effective parameters of the characters associated with the same parameter area. The calculation method performed by the calculation unit 150 is an arbitrary method. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 150 calculates the difference between the total value of the parameters of the characters associated with the attacking player and the parameters of the characters associated with the defending player as damage. The calculation unit 150 calculates the vitality value associated with the defending player by subtracting the calculated damage from the vitality value associated with the defending player.

The win/loss determination unit 160 determines whether or not the game has been won each time the calculation unit 150 executes the calculation of the vitality value associated with a player. The win/loss determination unit 160 determines whether or not the game has been won based on the vitality value associated with a player. The win/loss determination unit 160 may determine a player with a high vitality value as the winner at a predetermined stage of the game's progress. The win/loss determination unit 160 may also determine a player whose vitality value associated with the player is 0 or less as the loser. In this case, the win/loss determination unit 160 determines whether or not the vitality value associated with the defending player is 0 or less. When the vitality value associated with the defending player is 0 or less, the win/loss determination unit 160 determines the defending player as the loser and the attacking player as the winner, and ends the game. In the following description of this specification, the win/loss determination unit 160 determines a player whose vitality value associated with the player is 0 or less as the loser.

The winner determined by the win/loss determination unit 160 is not limited to the attacking player. When an attacking player places a character, the effect of the defending player's character's skill may occur, causing the vitality value associated with the attacking player to become 0 or less. Also, when an attacking player places a character, the effect of an event described below may occur in the area where the character is placed, causing the vitality value associated with the attacking player to become 0 or less. In these cases, the win/loss determination unit 160 determines the attacking player whose vitality value is 0 or less as the loser, and the defending player whose vitality value is greater than 0 as the winner.

The skill management unit 170 manages skill information. The skill management unit 170 has a table, as described later in FIG. 7.

As described above, when an attacking player places a character on the field, the control unit 130 registers skill information associated with the placed character in the table of the skill management unit 170. The skill information is registered in the table of the skill management unit 170 in association with the player who placed the character. A skill associated with a character placed by a first player as an attacking player is registered in the first player's column in the table of the skill management unit 170. A skill associated with a character placed by a second player as an attacking player is registered in the second player's column in the table of the skill management unit 170. A player can use a skill by registering the skill information in the table of the skill management unit 170. Therefore, after placing a character, each player can use the skill associated with that character.

The display unit 180 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 180 displays the fields used in the game, as well as information managed by the table of the field management unit 120 in FIG. 4 and information managed by the table of the skill management unit 170 in FIG. 7.

The input unit 190 accepts operation input from the user. The input unit 190 may be composed of operation buttons (operation keys). If the information processing device 100 has a touch panel, the touch panel functions as the input unit 190 by detecting contact with the user's finger, a stylus pen, or the like and accepting operation input. The user uses the input unit 190 to specify the character to be placed on the field, the area on the field, and the like.

Next, an overview of a game that can be executed by the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In a game executed by the information processing device 100, a first and a second player each having a certain number of points take turns placing game media in an area on the field displayed on the display unit 180 where no characters are placed. Each character has a plurality of unique parameters. In this embodiment, each character has two parameters, a first parameter and a second parameter. Each character is placed on the field with either the first or second parameter enabled. When the first player places a character, the character is placed with the first parameter enabled (first parameter state). When the second player places a character, the character is placed with the second parameter enabled (second parameter state). The two players place their characters in turn. Therefore, the attacking player and the defending player are switched every turn.

When a player places a character in a predetermined area, the information processing device 100 identifies a specific area in which a character with a parameter state different from the parameter state of the placed character is placed, and which is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the predetermined area in which the character is placed. Here, the parameter state is a state regarding which of a plurality of parameters (first or second) is active. Therefore, when a first player places a character in a predetermined area as an attacking player, the information processing device 100 identifies a specific area in which a character with a second parameter state is placed, and which is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the predetermined area in which the character is placed. Note that the predetermined positional relationship can be any positional relationship. In this embodiment, the predetermined positional relationship is a positional relationship in which the character is separated from the area in which the character is placed along a predetermined axis in the field. A method for identifying a specific area based on this predetermined positional relationship will be described later in the explanation of FIG. 5.

The information processing device 100 calculates a vitality value associated with the defending player based on the parameters effective for the character placed by the attacking player and the parameters effective for the character in the identified specific area. When the first player is the attacking player, the information processing device 100 calculates a vitality value associated with the second player based on the first parameters of the character placed by the first player and the second parameters of the character in the identified specific area.

The calculation of the vitality value associated with the second player is performed by subtracting the difference between the parameters of the second character and the parameters of the first character as damage from the vitality value of the second player before calculation. Assume that the vitality value of the second player before calculation is "100", the first parameter of the character placed by the first player is "30", and the second parameter of the character in the specified specific area is "20". In this case, the difference "10" between the parameter "30" of the first character and the parameter "20" of the second character is subtracted from the vitality value of the second player before calculation "100" as damage. In this way, the vitality value "90" associated with the second player is calculated. Note that if the difference is 0 or less, the vitality value associated with the defending player is not decreased.

The information processing device 100 also converts the parameter state of the character in the specific region into the parameter state of the character placed by the attacking player. In the above example, the character in the specific region has the second parameter enabled. At this time, the attacking player places a character with an enabled first parameter in the above-mentioned specified region. This causes the information processing device 100 to enable the first parameter of the character in the specific region. At this time, the second parameter of the character in the specific region is disabled.

The two players each take a turn, repeatedly attacking and defending to reduce each other's vitality values. When the vitality value associated with either player falls below zero, the game ends. At this point, the player whose vitality value falls below zero is the loser of the game, and the player whose vitality value is greater than zero is the winner of the game.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a field used in a game according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the field used in the game according to this embodiment is a rectangular shape of 4 rows by 6 columns having 24 areas. In the description of this embodiment, the rows of the field are referred to as the first row to the fourth row from the bottom. Also, the columns of the field are referred to as the a-th column to the f-th column from the left. Also, one area is specified by a combination of a number indicating the row and a lowercase alphabet indicating the column. The areas in the top row of the field shown in Figure 2 are indicated from the left as a4, b4, c4, d4, e4, and f4.

Figure 3 shows an example of the state of the field on which characters are placed as the game progresses. In this specification, each character is represented by an uppercase alphabet. The parameter state of each character is represented by a number in parentheses. "E(1)" indicates that character "E" is placed on the field in a first parameter state. Furthermore, "J(2)" indicates that character "J" is placed on the field in a second parameter state.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a schematic example of the field management unit 120. The field management unit 120 has a table as shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, characters and their parameter states are stored in association with each area of the table.

The table shown in FIG. 4 shows the table when the field is in the state shown in FIG. 3. Referring to area b2 in FIG. 3, character E is placed in the first parameter state. This state on the field is realized by storing data of character "E" and its parameter state "1" in the row of area "b2" in the table of the field management unit 120 in FIG. 4. As this data shows, the first parameter state of character E is enabled. Also, character F in the second parameter state placed in area d1 in FIG. 3 is stored as data of character "F" and its parameter state "2" in the row of area "d1" in the table of the field management unit 120 in FIG. 4. As this data shows, the second parameter state of character F is enabled. Also, in the area where no character has yet been placed in FIG. 3 (for example, area a1), no data is stored in the character and parameter state columns in the table of the field management unit 120 in FIG. 4.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a method for identifying a specific area by the identification unit 140. Here, it is assumed that in the state shown in Figure 3, the first player specifies that character K is to be placed in area d4. At this time, character K and the first parameters are associated with area d4 and stored in the table of the field management unit 120.

First, the identification unit 140 generates four axes passing through the region d4, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5(a). Next, the identification unit 140 refers to the table of the field management unit 120 shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the identification unit 140 extracts the region associated with the same first parameter state as the character K. In this way, the identification unit 140 extracts the regions b2, d2, and e1 as the same parameter regions, as shown by the shading in FIG. 5(b). Note that since the parameter state of the character K is the first parameter, the same parameter region is the first parameter region. The identification unit 140 determines the first parameter region that satisfies the condition of being separated from the region d4 along the generated axis. In FIG. 5(b), the identification unit 140 determines the regions b2 and d2 as the first parameter regions that satisfy the condition. The region e1 does not satisfy the condition because it is not along the generated axis. As shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 5(c), the identification unit 140 identifies the area c3 sandwiched between area d4 and area b2, and the area d3 sandwiched between area d4 and area d2, as identified areas. Area d1 is not sandwiched between area d4 and area d2, and is therefore not identified as a identified area. Furthermore, if there are multiple sandwiched areas, the identification unit 140 identifies all of the multiple areas as identified areas.

Next, the calculation of the stamina value performed by the calculation unit 150 will be described using specific numerical values with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calculation method performed by the calculation unit 150.

In FIG. 6(a), character B, whose second parameter is active, and character C, whose first parameter is active, are placed on the field in advance. In this state, calculation of vitality values when a first player places character A on the field as an attacking player will be explained. Here, it is assumed that the first parameter of character A is 20, the second parameter of character B is 40, and the first parameter of character C is 30. It is also assumed that the vitality value associated with the defending player is "300".

When the first player places character A, the first parameter of character A is active. At this time, the area associated with character B is sandwiched between the areas associated with characters A and C. Therefore, the area associated with character B is identified as a specific area by the identification unit 140. In this case, the calculation unit 150 first calculates the sum of the first parameter "20" of character A and the first parameter "30" of character C, which is "50". Next, the calculation unit 150 calculates the difference "10" between this sum and the second parameter "40" of character B. The calculation unit 150 subtracts the difference "10" as damage from the vitality value "300" associated with the defending player, thereby calculating the vitality value "290" associated with the defending player as the calculation result. Note that if the difference is 0 or less, the calculation unit 150 does not change the vitality value associated with the defending player. In other words, the damage to the defending player becomes "0".

In FIG. 6(b), character B with an effective second parameter, character C with an effective second parameter, and character D with an effective first parameter are placed on the field in advance. In this state, calculation of vitality values when a first player places character A on the field as an attacking player will be explained. Assume that the first parameter of character A is 20, the second parameter of character B is 40, the second parameter of character C is 50, and the first parameter of character D is 60. Also, assume that the vitality value associated with the defending player is "300".

When the first player places character A, character A's first parameter is in an active state. At this time, the areas associated with characters B and C are sandwiched between the areas associated with characters A and D, respectively. Therefore, the areas associated with characters B and C are identified as specific areas by the identification unit 140. When multiple consecutive areas are identified as specific areas in this way, the calculation unit 150 calculates a stamina value associated with the defending player based on the effective parameters of the placed character and each of the effective parameters of the characters present in the specific areas.

The calculation unit 150 first calculates the sum "80" of the first parameter "20" of character A and the first parameter "60" of character D. Next, the calculation unit 150 calculates the difference "40" between this sum "80" and the second parameter "40" of character B, who exists in one of the specific areas. Next, the calculation unit 150 calculates the difference "30" between the sum "80" and the second parameter "50" of character C, who exists in the other specific area. Next, the calculation unit 150 subtracts all the differences "40" and "30" as damage from the vitality value "300" associated with the defending player, thereby calculating the calculated vitality value "230" associated with the defending player.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), when a plurality of consecutive regions are identified as specific regions, the calculation unit 150 may increase the damage given to the defending player by a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio may be any ratio. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 150 may perform a calculation to multiply the calculated difference by a multiple of the number of consecutive specific regions, and the calculation result may be the damage. In FIG. 6(b), there are two consecutive specific regions. In this case, the calculation unit 150 calculates the calculation results of "80" and "60" by multiplying the calculated differences "40" and "30" by 2, respectively. The calculation unit 150 obtains the calculation result of "160" of the defending player by subtracting the calculation results "80" and "60" from the vitality value "300" associated with the defending player as the damage. In this way, when a plurality of consecutive regions are identified as specific regions, the damage given to the defending player is increased by a predetermined ratio. This allows for greater damage to be inflicted on the opposing player, diversifying strategies.

The increase in damage is not limited to the case where multiple consecutive areas are identified as specific areas. There are cases where the attacking player identifies specific areas in the directions of two or more axes by placing one character. In this case, the calculation unit 150 may increase the damage inflicted on the defending player by a predetermined rate. The predetermined rate may vary according to the number of axes along which specific areas are identified. When specific areas are identified in the directions of two axes, the calculation unit 150 may double the damage. When specific areas are identified in the directions of three axes, the calculation unit 150 may triple the damage. When specific areas are identified in the directions of four axes, the calculation unit 150 may quadruple the damage. Note that the predetermined rate by which damage is increased is not limited to the above-mentioned multiples.

The calculation unit 150 may vary the rate of increase depending on the relationship of the axes of the identified specific region. When a specific region is identified in a direction in which two axes are perpendicular to each other, the calculation unit 150 may increase the damage by a first rate. When a specific region is identified in a direction in which two axes are not perpendicular to each other, the calculation unit 150 may increase the damage by a second rate. The second rate is a rate different from the first rate. The second rate may be greater than the first rate. Also, the second rate may be smaller than the first rate.

In addition, when the specific area is in a predetermined arrangement, the calculation unit 150 may increase the damage by a predetermined rate according to the arrangement. In this case, the calculation unit 150 can change the rate at which the damage is increased according to the arrangement of the specific area.

So far, we have described the cases where the calculation unit 150 increases the damage, but the calculation unit 150 may also decrease the damage by a predetermined rate when a specific area satisfies a predetermined condition. In any of the above conditions described as increasing the damage, the calculation unit 150 may also decrease the damage.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a schematic example of the skill management unit 170. The skill management unit 170 has a table as shown in Figure 7. The table of the skill management unit 170 has, for each player, information on characters, skill information associated with each character, and skill usage status.

Skill information α1 to α5 and β1 to β5 shown in FIG. 7 are specific skill contents. The skill information includes varying the stamina value associated with the player. The variation of the stamina value associated with the player is to increase or decrease the stamina value associated with a specific player.

The skill information also includes varying parameters associated with the characters when the calculation unit 150 performs calculations for each turn. The variation of parameters is to increase or decrease the parameters of a specific character.

The skill information also includes converting any of the parameter states managed by the field management unit 120. Converting the parameter state means converting the parameter state of an area where the parameter state is "1" to "2" in the table of the field management unit 120 shown in FIG. 4, or vice versa. Therefore, converting the parameter state converts the enabled parameters of the character.

The skill information also includes changing the correspondence between areas and characters managed by the field management unit 120. Changing the correspondence means associating a character that is associated with an area with another area in the table of the field management unit 120 shown in FIG. 4. By changing the correspondence, an area that is not associated with a character becomes associated with a character that was associated with another area. In that case, in the field shown in FIG. 3, the character moves from the area that it was previously associated with to the newly associated area.

The skill information also includes changing an area managed by the field management unit 120 to a state where it is not associated with any character. By changing a specific area in the table of the field management unit 120 in FIG. 4 to a state where it is not associated with any character, in the field shown in FIG. 3, no characters are placed in that specific area.

Skills may be used automatically when a player places a character on the field. Skills may also be used automatically when a certain condition is met. Skills may also be usable by a player on any turn. Each skill may only be usable once.

In the table of the skill management unit 170 in FIG. 7, the column for skill usage status registers information indicating the status regarding the use of each skill. When skill information is registered in the table of the skill management unit 170 by the control unit 130, the control unit 130 registers "Yes" in the skill usage status, indicating that the skill can be used. Skills with a skill usage status of "Yes" can be used by the player.

When a skill is used, the control unit 130 registers the skill usage status as "Used." A skill whose skill usage status is "Used" has been used once and is therefore unusable.

In addition, when the control unit 130 converts the parameter state of a character associated with a skill whose skill usage state is "enabled" in the table of the field management unit 120, the control unit 130 registers the skill usage state as "not enabled" in the table of the skill management unit 170. When the control unit 130 converts the parameter state, the character whose parameter state has been converted is associated with another player. Therefore, by the control unit 130 registering the skill usage state as "not enabled," the skill associated with the character whose parameter state has been converted is made unusable.

For a skill that was once registered as "unusable", the control unit 130 may re-register the skill usage state as "available" if the parameters of a character possessing the skill are converted again and the character is associated with the original player again. This allows the player to use the skill. For a skill that was once registered as "unusable", the control unit 130 may leave the skill usage state as "unusable" even if the parameters of a character possessing the skill are converted again and the character is associated with the original player again. This makes the skill of a character whose parameters have been converted unusable thereafter.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 180. As shown in FIG. 8, the game screen 200 has player display sections 211 and 212, character display sections 221 and 222, skill display sections 231 and 232, stamina value display sections 241 and 242, and a field display section 250.

The player display areas 211 and 212 show the players of this game. The player display area 211 displays the first player (user). The player display area 212 displays the second player (the player operated by the information processing device 100).

The character display sections 221 and 222 display characters that can be placed by each player. The character display section 221 displays characters that can be placed by a first player, and the character display section 222 displays characters that can be placed by a second player. Furthermore, the character display sections 221 and 222 do not have to display characters that players have already placed on the field.

The character display unit 222 may display character information for some of the characters (e.g., two in FIG. 8) of the second player who is playing against the first player in the game, but not for the other characters. The character information includes the character name or the first and second parameters of the character. The character display unit 222 may display character information for all characters. The character display unit 222 may also not display character information for all characters.

The skill display units 231 and 232 display skill information that can be used by the first player and the second player, respectively. The skill display units 231 and 232 display skill information whose "skill usage status" is "available" in the table of the skill management unit 170 shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, a new skill can be used by the player by placing a character. Furthermore, when a skill is registered in the table of the skill management unit 170 as being available, the skill display units 231 and 232 display new skill information. Furthermore, when the "skill usage status" of a skill changes from "available" to "not available" or "completed" in the table of the skill management unit 170, the skill information of that skill is erased from the skill display units 231 and 232.

The stamina value display units 241 and 242 display stamina values associated with the first player and the second player, respectively. The stamina value display units 241 and 242 can display the stamina values as bar-shaped indicators, but the display of the stamina values is not limited to this. The stamina value display units 241 and 242 may display the stamina values as numerical values.

The field display unit 250 displays the fields used in the game, such as those shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Next, we will explain the progress of the game executed by the information processing device 100.

Figures 9 to 12 are diagrams illustrating an example of the progression of a game. When starting a game, each player selects 12 characters to use. At this time, the user (first player) uses the input unit 190 to select 12 characters from the characters stored in the storage unit 110. The control unit 130, for example, stores the selected characters in the storage unit 110.

In the example of the game progression described below, it is assumed that the order of characters placed by the second player is predetermined by the information processing device 100. It is also assumed that character information of characters placed by the second player is displayed up to the previous two turns in the character display unit 222. This allows the first player (user) to know the character information placed by the second player up to two moves ahead. It is noted that the order of characters placed by the second player does not have to be predetermined. Also, the character information of characters placed by the second player may be all displayed or hidden in the character display unit 222.

At the start of the game, the game screen 200 displays the characters selected by each player in the character display sections 221 and 222 as shown in FIG. 9. First, the user uses the input section 190 to select two characters to be initially placed on the field. Here, it is assumed that the user selects characters A and D. Then, the control section 130 stores the selected characters and the parameter state in the field management section 120, and the characters are displayed in the center of the field on the game screen 200 as shown in FIG. 10. Note that the characters of the second player are selected in a predetermined order and placed on the field. In addition to placing the characters on the field, the control section 130 also registers skill information in the skill management section 170. As a result, the skills that each player has become able to use are displayed in the skill display sections 231 and 232 of the game screen 200.

Next, in the first turn, the user (first player) who is the attacking player places a character on the field. The user uses the input unit 190 to specify the character to be placed and the area in which to place it. Here, it is assumed that the user specifies that character E should be placed in area b2.

In response to the user's designation, the control unit 130 stores the character E in the field management unit 120 as a first parameter state. At this time, the control unit 130 registers the skill α3 possessed by the character E in the "skill use state" of the skill management unit 170. Then, the identification unit 140 identifies a specific area. Here, the identification unit 140 identifies the area c2 as the specific area. Next, the calculation unit 150 calculates the stamina value associated with the second player. Here, it is assumed that the user uses the input unit 190 to designate the use of the skill α1. It is assumed that the skill α1 doubles the parameters of a specified character during one turn. When the user designates that the parameter of the character E is to be doubled by the effect of the skill α1, the calculation unit 150 applies the effect of the skill α1 to calculate the stamina value, and stores the calculation result in the memory unit 110. In addition, the control unit 130 changes the "skill usage status" in the skill management unit 170 from "OK" to "Done" in response to the user's use of skill α1. When the calculation unit 150 completes the calculation of the stamina value, the control unit 130 changes the parameter status associated with character C in the field management unit 120 from "2" to "1." The control unit 130 changes the "skill usage status" in the skill management unit 170 for skill β2 associated with character C whose parameter status has been changed from "OK" to "Done."

11 shows a game screen when the process for the first player's first turn is completed. As shown in the field display unit 250, character E is placed in area b2. Also, the parameter state of character C placed in specific area c2 has been converted to the first parameter state. As a result, the second player is no longer able to use skill β2, so the display of skill β2 is deleted from the skill display unit 232. Also, because the first player has used skill α1, the display of skill α1 is deleted from the skill display unit 231. Also, because character E is placed on the field, the display of skill α3 associated with character E is added to the skill display unit 231. Due to the calculation of the vitality value by the calculation unit 150, the vitality value associated with the second player has decreased, as shown in the vitality value display unit 242.

In this way, when the processing of the first player's turn is completed, the second player, as the attacking player, next specifies the character and the field. Assume that the second player specifies that the predetermined character F is to be placed in the area d1. Then, the control unit 130 stores the character F in the field management unit 120 as the second parameter state in response to the specification. At this time, the control unit 130 registers the skill β3 possessed by the character F in the "skill use state" of the skill management unit 170. Next, the identification unit 140 identifies the specific area. Here, the identification unit 140 identifies the area d2 as the specific area. The calculation unit 150 calculates the stamina value associated with the first player and stores the calculation result in the memory unit 110. When the calculation unit 150 completes the calculation of the stamina value, the control unit 130 changes the parameter state associated with the character D from "1" to "2" in the field management unit 120. The control unit 130 changes the "skill usage status" in the skill management unit 170 for the skill α2 associated with character D whose parameter status has been changed from "enabled" to "disabled."

Figure 12 shows the game screen when the processing for the second player's turn is completed. As shown in the field display unit 250, character F is placed in area d1, and the parameter state of character D placed in specific area d2 is converted to the second parameter state. As a result, the first player can no longer use skill α2, so the display of skill α2 is deleted from the skill display unit 231. In addition, because character F is placed on the field, the display of skill β3 associated with character F is added to the skill display unit 232. Due to the calculation of the vitality value by the calculation unit 150, the vitality value associated with the first player is reduced, as shown in the vitality value display unit 241.

When the second player's turn is over, the first player again assumes the role of attacking player and designates a character and territory. By repeating this process, players can change the opponent's vitality value. The first player to reduce the opponent's vitality value to 0 or below wins the game.

Next, the operation of the information processing device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device 100 of FIG. 1.

When starting the game, the control unit 130 first accepts from each player a selection of a character to be used in the game (step S101). The control unit 130 stores the accepted character in the storage unit 110 (step S102).

The control unit 130 accepts from each player a selection of characters to be initially placed on the field at the start of the game (step S103). The control unit 130 stores the accepted initially placed characters in the field management unit 120 (step S104).

The control unit 130 designates the first attacking player (step S105). The control unit 130 may designate the first attacking player in any manner. The control unit 130 may designate the first attacking player in a random manner each time the user starts the game. The control unit 130 may also designate the first attacking player according to user input.

Next, the control unit 130 requests the attacking player to specify the character to be placed on the field and the area in which to place the character (step S106). If the user is the attacking player, the control unit 130 may request the specification by displaying a screen on the display unit 180 to prompt the user to specify the character.

When the attacking player designates a character and area, the control unit 130 accepts the designation of the character and area (step S107). The control unit 130 stores the accepted character and area in the field management unit 120 (step S108). If the designated character has a skill, the control unit 130 registers the skill information of that skill in the skill management unit 170 (step S109).

The identification unit 140 identifies a specific area based on the information stored in the field management unit 120 (step S110). Based on the specific area identified by the identification unit 140, the calculation unit 150 calculates a vitality value associated with the defending player (step S111).

The control unit 130 changes the parameter state of the character associated with the specific area in the field management unit 120 (step S112). At this time, if there is a usable skill associated with the character whose parameter state has been changed in the skill management unit 170, the control unit 130 changes the registration of that skill to an unusable state.

The victory/loss determination unit 160 determines whether the stamina value associated with the defending player is equal to or less than 0 (step S113).

If the victory/loss determination unit 160 determines that the stamina value associated with the defending player is greater than 0 (No in step S113), the control unit 130 switches the designation of the attacking player and the defending player (step S114).

The control unit 130 requests the attacking player to specify the character to be placed on the field and the area in which to place the character (step S106). In this manner, the information processing device 100 repeats steps S106 to S113 until the win/loss determination unit 160 determines that the vitality value associated with the defending player is equal to or less than 0.

If the victory/loss determination unit 160 determines that the stamina value associated with the defending player is 0 or less (Yes in step S113), the control unit 130 determines that the attacking player in this case is the winner of the game (step S115).

As described above, according to the information processing device 100 of this embodiment, a specific area is specified based on the character placed by the player and the parameter state thereof. Then, the vitality value associated with the player is changed based on the parameters of the placed character and the character in the specific area. Then, the outcome of the game is determined depending on whether the vitality value becomes 0 or less. In other words, the amount of damage inflicted on the player varies depending on the value indicated by the parameter of the character and the area in which the character is placed. Therefore, in order to inflict more damage on the opponent player, the user needs to consider the area in which the character is placed as well as the parameter of the character. Therefore, according to the information processing device 100, it is possible to diversify the strategy of the game and improve the interest. In the game provided by the information processing device 100, even if the parameter value of the character selected initially by the player is high, the damage inflicted on the opponent player varies depending on the placement of the character performed by the player. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the strategy of the game and improve the interest by placing the character.

In addition, each character has multiple parameters, and the parameters are converted depending on the relative positions of the placed characters, so the user can proceed through the game by deciding the placement of the characters while taking into consideration not only the parameters associated with the user, but also multiple parameters associated with other players. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can diversify the strategy of the game and increase its interest.

The calculation of the stamina value is performed based on the parameters of the character placed by the player and characters with the same parameter states as the character placed by the player that are already placed on the field, including characters with different parameter states from the character placed by the player. Therefore, the user progresses through the game by deciding the placement of characters while taking into account the placement and parameters of characters that have already been placed on the field. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can diversify the strategy of the game and increase its interest.

In addition, by using the skills possessed by the character during the game, an effect corresponding to the skill is produced. This allows the user to proceed through the game while taking into consideration the skills possessed by the character, so the information processing device 100 can diversify the strategic nature of the game and increase its interest.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art would easily be able to make various modifications and amendments based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and amendments are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided.

The information held in the table of the field management unit 120 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4. In addition to the information on the characters and parameter states shown in FIG. 4, the field management unit 120 may also have event information associated with each area. Event information is unique information associated with an area that exerts a specific effect as the game progresses.

The event information may be stored in the table of the field management unit 120 in advance at the start of the game. The event information may also be stored in the table of the field management unit 120 according to the skills possessed by the characters. An event related to the event information may be executed by the control unit 130 from the start of the game to produce its effect. An event related to the event information may be executed by the control unit 130 when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game to produce its effect. When a user specifies the placement of a character and stores a new character in a certain area, the control unit 130 may execute an event of the event information associated with that area. An event related to the event information may disappear when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game by the control unit 130 ending the execution of the event.

The event information may include information similar to the skill information. The event information may include at least any of the following: varying a stamina value associated with a player, varying a parameter associated with a character, converting any of the parameter states managed by the field management unit 120, changing the correspondence between an area managed by the field management unit 120 and a character, or changing an area managed by the field management unit 120 to a state where it is not associated with any character. Note that the effect of the event due to each event information in the examples shown here may be similar to that described in the explanation of the skill information in the above embodiment.

The control unit 130 may display the event information in the field area. The control unit 130 displays the event information explicitly or implicitly. When the event information is displayed explicitly, the contents of the event are displayed in the field area. When the event information is displayed implicitly, information on the contents of the event is displayed in the field area. In the implicit display, when the event is related to the fluctuation of the stamina value, the control unit 130 displays that it is related to the stamina value, but does not display how the stamina value specifically fluctuates. Also, in the implicit display, when the event is related to the increase or decrease of a parameter, the control unit 130 displays that it is related to the parameter, but does not display how much the parameter increases or decreases. Also, in the implicit display, the control unit 130 may display an area related to the event. When a character in a specified area is affected by the effect of the event, the control unit 130 may display such an area. Also, the control unit 130 may display the number of areas affected by the event.

The control unit 130 may display event information in some areas and not in other areas. The area in which the event is displayed may be determined in advance for each field. The area in which the event is displayed may also be selected randomly each time a match is played in the game. In the area in which the event information is displayed, the event information is displayed explicitly or implicitly as described above.

In this way, by associating areas of the field with events, the user decides on the placement of the character while taking into consideration the effect of the event associated with the field, and progresses through the game. Therefore, the user considers the damage that will be inflicted on the opponent player by placing the character, as well as the effect of the event on the field where the character is placed. When event information is explicitly displayed, placing a character in a certain area will cause great damage to the opponent, but if the user is disadvantaged by the effect of the event, the user will proceed through the game while considering this trade-off relationship. Also, when event information is displayed implicitly, the user will proceed through the game while guessing the content of the event information. This further diversifies the strategic nature of the game, making it more interesting.

In addition, if event information is not displayed, an event that the user does not anticipate may occur when the attacking player places a character. This may result in a significant change in the game situation, which makes the game more interesting.

In the above embodiment, each character is described as having multiple parameters, but each of the multiple parameters may include attack power and defense power. When each character includes first and second parameters as in the above embodiment, the first parameter may include attack power (first attack power) and defense power (first defense power), and the second parameter may include attack power (second attack power) and defense power (second defense power).

When each parameter includes an attack power and a defense power, the calculation unit 150 calculates the vitality value based on the attack power of the parameter state associated with the attacking player for each character and the defense power of the parameter state associated with the defending player. Here, a modified method of calculating the vitality value will be described with reference to FIG. 14. As in the description of the above embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the area in which a character in a second parameter state is located, sandwiched between characters in a first parameter state, is identified as the specific area by the identification unit 140.

Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a modified calculation method by the calculation unit 150. In Figure 14, character B with an effective second parameter and character C with an effective first parameter are placed on the field in advance. In this state, calculation of vitality values when a first player places character A on the field as an attacking player will be described. Assume that character A's first attack power is 20, first defense power is 35, character B's second attack power is 40, second defense power is 15, and character C's first attack power is 30, first defense power is 25. Also, assume that the vitality value associated with the defending player is "300".

When the first player places character A, the first parameter of character A is active. At this time, the area associated with character B is sandwiched between the areas associated with characters A and C. Therefore, the area associated with character B is identified as a specific area by the identification unit 140. In this case, the attacking player is the first player associated with the first parameter. The calculation unit 150 first calculates the sum of the first attack power of character A "20" and the first attack power of character C "30", which is "50". Next, the calculation unit 150 calculates the difference between this sum "50" and the second defense power of character B "15", which is "35". The calculation unit 150 subtracts the difference "35" as damage from the vitality value "300" associated with the defending player, thereby calculating the vitality value "265" associated with the defending player as a calculation result. As in the above embodiment, if the difference is equal to or less than 0, the calculation unit 150 does not change the vitality value associated with the defending player.

When each parameter includes an attack power and a defense power, the user decides on the placement of the character while taking into consideration the attack power and defense power in each parameter state as well as the parameter state of the character, and proceeds through the game. For example, a user may have a character with high attack power but low defense power. When the user places this character on the field, the high attack power may cause great damage to the opponent. On the other hand, because the character's defense power is low, the user may take great damage after placing this character. The user proceeds through the game while taking into consideration such a trade-off relationship. This makes the game even more strategically diverse and increases its interest.

In the game described herein, the control unit 130 may grow the character by combining the characters based on the user's operation. In this case, the control unit 130 may give different growth results for each parameter state depending on the characters to be combined. As in the above embodiment, when a character has a first and second parameter state, the control unit 130 may grow the character by combining the characters so that only the first parameter is increased. Furthermore, the control unit 130 may grow the character by combining the characters so that the first parameter is increased more than the second parameter. Furthermore, the control unit 130 may grow the character by combining the characters so that the first parameter is decreased. This also applies to the second parameter. Furthermore, the control unit 130 may change the ability information of the character by combining the characters.

In this way, when characters are combined and the character parameters and ability information are changed, the growth results will differ depending on the characters combined. Therefore, the user needs to give careful consideration to which characters to grow. This makes the game's strategy even more diverse and increases its enjoyment.

In addition, in the game described in the above embodiment, if the attacking player places a character in any area on the field, and the character cannot achieve a predetermined positional relationship with the character in the parameter state associated with the defending player, the control unit 130 may end the attacking player's turn without accepting a character and area designation from the attacking player. In this case, the same player continues to place characters on the field.

When the control unit 130 accepts the designation of a character and area from the attacking player, it may display the area in which the attacking player can place his/her character on the field display unit 250. This display method may be any method that can be recognized by the attacking player. This display may be performed by changing the color of the relevant area or by covering the relevant area with a frame.

In addition, if the same player continues to place characters, depending on the situation of the game thereafter, this player may not have enough characters to place. To avoid this, at the start of the game, the control unit 130 may have each player select several spare characters in advance.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the opponent of one user (first player) is described as a player (second player) automatically operated by the information processing device 100, but the second player may be another user different from the first player. In this way, when users compete against each other, the order of the characters placed by the first and second players is not determined. Therefore, both the first and second players can specify the characters to be placed for each turn.

In addition, when two users play against each other, the character display units 221 and 222 display all characters in the opponent's character display unit 221, or hide all characters.

The players of this game are not limited to two players, a first and a second. This game can be played by three or more players. When three or more players play a match, each character has a parameter state according to the number of players playing. When three or more players play a match, each character has a first, second, and third parameter state. When four or more players play a match, each character has a first, second, third, and fourth parameter state. Each parameter state is associated one-to-one with each player.

In this way, when a game is played by three or more players, each player plays against multiple other players, expanding the strategic possibilities for deciding which character to place in which area during their turn. Also, even if one player gains an advantage midway through the game, other players may cooperate and attack the dominant player. This further diversifies the strategic possibilities of the game, making it more interesting.

Each character may be associated with one of several types of attribute information. The attribute information is information about any attribute, and the number of types is also arbitrary. The calculation unit 150 may calculate the stamina value according to the attribute information. In this case, the calculation unit 150 can calculate the stamina value using a numerical value obtained by multiplying the value of the character's parameter by a predetermined number according to the attribute information.

Now, referring to FIG. 15, a further variation of the method for calculating stamina value will be described. As in the above embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the area in which a character in a second parameter state is located, sandwiched between characters in a first parameter state, is identified as a specific area by the identification unit 140.

Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a modified calculation method by the calculation unit 150. In Figure 15, character B, whose second parameter is valid, and character C, whose first parameter is valid, are placed on the field in advance. In this state, calculation of vitality values when a first player places character A on the field as an attacking player will be described. Assume that the first parameter of character A is 20, the second parameter of character B is 40, and the first parameter of character C is 30. Also, assume that the vitality value associated with the defending player is "300".

The attribute information is also assumed to be three types of attributes X, Y, and Z that have a three-way relationship. Attribute X is superior to attribute Y, attribute Y is superior to attribute Z, and attribute Z is superior to attribute X. When calculating the stamina value, the calculation unit 150 doubles the parameters of the character with the superior attribute. Character A has attribute X, character B has attribute Y, and character C has attribute X.

When the first player places character A, the first parameter of character A is in an active state. At this time, the area associated with character B is sandwiched between the areas associated with characters A and C. Therefore, the area associated with character B is identified as a specific area by the identification unit 140. In this case, characters A and C have attribute X that is dominant over attribute Y of character B. The calculation unit 150 calculates the stamina value associated with the defending player by doubling the parameters "20" and "30" of characters A and C, respectively, to values of "40" and "60". The calculation unit 150 calculates the sum of the parameter "40" of character A, which is doubled, and the parameter "60" of character C, which is doubled, to "100". Next, the difference between this sum "100" and the second parameter "40" of character B is calculated to be "60". The calculation unit 150 subtracts the difference "60" as damage from the vitality value "300" associated with the defending player. In this way, the calculation unit 150 calculates a vitality value of "240" associated with the defending player as a calculation result. As in the above embodiment, if the difference is 0 or less, the calculation unit 150 does not change the vitality value associated with the defending player.

The calculation unit 150 may calculate the stamina value by decreasing the parameter value of the inferior character, rather than increasing the parameter value of the superior character. The calculation unit 150 may also perform a calculation to inflict a predetermined additional damage on the defending player according to the attribute information, without varying the parameter value.

In this way, when several types of attribute information are associated with each character, the user decides on the placement of the characters while taking into account the character attribute information, and progresses through the game. The user checks the attributes of the characters associated with the opponent players placed on the field. The user then attempts to place a character with attributes that are superior to the attributes of the opponent character. However, it is expected that the opponent will then place a character with attributes that are superior to the attributes of the character placed by the user. This further diversifies the strategy of the game, making it more interesting.

The specific area is not limited to the area shown in the above embodiment. The specific area may be an area located on four axes, vertical, horizontal, upper right, and lower right, relative to the area where the character is placed, and associated with a parameter state (another parameter state) different from the parameter state of the character of the attacking player placed. The specific area may also be an area adjacent to the area where the character is placed in the vertical, horizontal, upper right, and lower right directions, and associated with the other parameter state. The specific area may also be an area adjacent to the area where the character is placed in the vertical or horizontal direction, associated with the other parameter state, and all or a part of the area adjacent to the area where the character is placed in the vertical or horizontal direction associated with the other parameter state may be associated with the parameter state (same parameter state) of the character of the attacking player. The specific area may also be an area that is in a predetermined positional relationship with the area where the character is placed, associated with the other parameter state, and the area that is in the predetermined positional relationship with the area associated with the other parameter state may be an area associated with the same parameter state. Note that these specific regions are just some examples of possible specific regions, and the specific regions are not limited to these examples.

The number of areas in the field is not limited to the 24 shown in the above embodiment. The field may have any number of areas. The shape of the field is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in the above embodiment. The shape of the field may be any rectangular, circular or polygonal shape, for example. As shown in FIG. 16, an area may be provided in part of the field where characters cannot be placed.

The shape of the field areas can also be any shape. Figure 17 shows a field where each area is a hexagon. The games described in this specification can also be played on such a field.

In this way, by playing the game using fields of various shapes, each player must carefully consider the relative positions of the characters they place. In particular, when a parameter state is changed by sandwiching a character with the same parameter state between two characters with a different parameter state, the parameter state of a character placed in an area at the edge of the field will not be changed thereafter. In other words, a user can advance through the game to an advantage by placing a character in an area at the edge. It is therefore expected that users will advance through the game in a way that allows them to place a character in an area at the edge. This makes the game even more strategically diverse, and increases its enjoyability.

The control unit 130 may not display the grids separating each area on the field. The control unit 130 may display the grids when necessary for the progression of the game, and not display them in other cases. The control unit 130 may control the display of the grids when the player selects an area to place a character, and not display the grids in other cases. This allows the user to more clearly recognize the image of the field.

The control unit 130 may also display information to assist the attacking player in selecting an area in which to place a character. The attacking player may consider an area in which to place a character by moving a cursor displayed on the field. In this case, the control unit 130 may display, on the field, a specific area for the area in which the cursor is placed. The control unit 130 may also display information regarding the number of specific areas for each area of the field. The number of specific areas is the number of areas that are identified as specific areas when the attacking player places a character in a certain area. The control unit 130 may display information regarding the number of specific areas by showing a number for each area. The control unit 130 may also display information regarding the number of specific areas in a color corresponding to the number of specific areas. In this case, the field is displayed in a color-coded state according to the number of specific areas. The user can select the placement of the character by referring to these auxiliary displays.

In addition, in the game described in this specification, the control unit 130 may place two or more characters in the same area. When placing two or more characters in the same area, the calculation unit 150 may calculate the stamina value associated with the player based on the parameters of the character placed last. The calculation unit 150 may also calculate the stamina value associated with the player based on the total value of the parameters of two or more characters. The calculation unit 150 may also calculate the stamina value associated with the player based on the parameters of a character specified by the user.

In this way, by placing two or more characters in the same area, the user has more options for placing the characters, which increases the complexity of the game. This makes the game more strategically diverse and increases the game's interest.

In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described with respect to an information processing device 100 that executes a game. The present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured as a server device that executes a game, and an information processing system having a server device and a terminal device.

Figure 18 is a functional block diagram of the main parts of an information processing system according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 18, the information processing system has a server device 300 and a terminal device 400.

The server device 300 includes a memory unit 310, a field management unit 320, a control unit 330, a determination unit 340, a calculation unit 350, a win/loss determination unit 360, a skill management unit 370, and a communication unit 305. The functions of the memory unit 310, the field management unit 320, the determination unit 340, the calculation unit 350, the win/loss determination unit 360, and the skill management unit 370 are similar to those of the memory unit 110, the field management unit 120, the determination unit 140, the calculation unit 150, the win/loss determination unit 160, and the skill management unit 170 in the information processing device 100, and therefore will not be described. The control unit 330 is a processor that controls and manages the entire server device 300, including each functional block of the server device 300. The communication unit 305 transmits and receives data used in the game by performing wired or wireless communication with the terminal device 400 used by the user of the game. The communication unit 305 receives the character and area designation input to the terminal device 400. The communication unit 305 transmits the information stored in the field management unit 320 to the terminal device 400 in order to display the game screen on the display unit 480 of the terminal device 400.

The terminal device 400 includes a display unit 480, an input unit 490, a communication unit 405, and a control unit 430. The terminal device 400 may be a dedicated device capable of executing a game. The terminal device 400 may also be configured using electronic devices such as a mobile phone or a tablet terminal. The functions of the display unit 480 and the input unit 490 are similar to those of the display unit 480 and the input unit 490 in the information processing device 100, respectively, and therefore will not be described. The control unit 430 is a processor that controls and manages the entire terminal device 400, including each functional block of the terminal device 400. The communication unit 405 transmits and receives data used in the game by performing wired or wireless communication with the server device 300 that executes the game. The communication unit 405 transmits data related to the user's input from the input unit 490 to the server device 300. The communication unit 405 receives information related to the game screen transmitted from the server device 300.

The server device 300 can provide games to multiple users via each terminal device 400 by communicating with multiple terminal devices 400.

In order to function as the information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be suitably used. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment in a memory unit of the information processing device, and reading and executing the program by the CPU of the information processing device.

In addition, when the information processing system of the present invention is configured as a terminal device 400 and a server device 300 connected via a network, the game progress screen can be a web display displayed on the terminal device 400 based on data generated by the server device 300, and other menu screens and the like can be native displays displayed by a native application installed on the terminal device 400. In this way, the information processing system can be a hybrid game in which the server device 300 and the terminal device 400 each handle part of the processing.

The inventions described in the claims of the original application of this application are set forth below.
[1]
A method for controlling a game executed by an information processing device, comprising:
storing event information associated with each of a plurality of first game media associated with a first player, a plurality of second game media associated with a second player, and a plurality of areas included in a field;
each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media has a plurality of parameters;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The control method further comprises:
placing one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first region among the plurality of regions included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter is enabled;
placing a second selected game medium selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection by the second player in a second region among the plurality of regions included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter is enabled;
converting at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to placement of the second selected game media on the field;
executing a process according to the event information;
A control method for achieving this.
[2]
The control method described in [1] includes a step of identifying a part or all of the area among the multiple areas of the field in which the second selected game medium is placed as a specific area, and a step of varying at least one of a first point associated with the first player and a second point associated with the second player based on the first parameter of the first selected game medium placed in the placing step and the second parameter of the second selected game medium placed in the specific area.
[3]
in response to placing the first selected game content in the first area, a process corresponding to the event information associated with the first area is executed;
The control method according to [1] or [2].
[4]
The control method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the processing corresponding to the event information is to vary at least one of the plurality of parameters.
[5]
A control method described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the processing corresponding to the event information is converting the parameter states of the one or more first selected game media and the one or more second selected game media between the first parameter state and the second parameter state.
[6]
A control method described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the processing corresponding to the event information is to move the one or more first selected game media placed in the first area to an area of the field other than the first area.
[7]
A control method described in any one of [1] to [6], wherein the processing corresponding to the event information is to move the one or more second selected game media placed in the second area to an area of the field other than the second area.
[8]
A control method described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the processing corresponding to the event information is to set a portion of the field as an area in which neither the one or more first selected game media nor the one or more second selected game media are placed.
[9]
The control method according to any one of [1] to [8], which realizes a step of displaying the contents of the event information.
[10]
The control method according to [9], wherein the content of the event information associated with each of the plurality of areas is displayed in each of the plurality of areas.
[11]
The control method according to any one of [1] to [10], further comprising the step of displaying a target area among the plurality of areas of the field that will be affected by processing according to the event information.
[12]
The control method according to any one of claims [1] to [11], wherein each of the multiple parameters includes an attack power and a defense power.
[13]
An information processing device for executing a game,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of first game contents associated with a first player, a plurality of second game contents associated with a second player, and event information associated with each of a plurality of areas of a field;
each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media has a plurality of parameters;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The information processing device further comprises:
a control unit that places one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection of the first player in a first area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter is enabled, and places a second selection game medium selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection of the second player in a second area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter is enabled;
a conversion unit that converts at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to the placement of the second selected game media on the field;
an event processing execution unit that executes processing according to the event information;
Equipped with
Information processing device.
[14]
An information processing device that executes a game,
executing a step of storing event information associated with a plurality of first game media associated with the first player, a plurality of second game media associated with the second player, and each of a plurality of areas included in the field;
each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media has a plurality of parameters;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The information processing device further comprises:
placing one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first region among the plurality of regions included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter is enabled;
placing a second selected game medium selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection by the second player in a second region among the plurality of regions included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter is enabled;
converting at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to placement of the second selected game media on the field;
executing a process according to the event information;
A program that executes the following.
[15]
A server device that provides a game to at least one terminal device by communicating with the terminal device,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of first game contents associated with a first player, a plurality of second game contents associated with a second player, and event information associated with each of a plurality of areas included in a field;
each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media has a plurality of parameters;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The server device further comprises:
a control unit that places one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection of the first player in a first area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter is enabled, and places a second selection game medium selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection of the second player in a second area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter is enabled;
a conversion unit that converts at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to the placement of the second selected game media on the field;
an event processing execution unit that executes processing according to the event information;
Equipped with
Server device.
[16]
An information processing system including a server device and at least one terminal device, and for executing a game,
the server device includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of first game contents associated with a first player, a plurality of second game contents associated with a second player, and event information associated with each of a plurality of areas included in a field;
each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media has a plurality of parameters;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The server device further comprises:
a control unit that places one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection of the first player in a first area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter is enabled, and places a second selection game medium selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection of the second player in a second area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter is enabled;
a conversion unit that converts at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to the placement of the second selected game media on the field;
an event processing execution unit that executes processing according to the event information;
Equipped with
Information processing system.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Information processing device 110, 310 Memory unit 120, 320 Field management unit 130, 330, 430 Control unit 140, 340 Identification unit 150, 350 Calculation unit 160, 360 Win/lose determination unit 170, 370 Skill management unit 180, 480 Display unit 190, 490 Input unit 200 Game screen 211, 212 Player display unit 221, 222 Character display unit 231, 232 Skill display unit 241, 242 Physical strength display unit 250 Field display unit 300 Server device 305, 405 Communication unit 400 Terminal device

Claims (16)

A method for controlling a game executed by an information processing device, comprising:
storing event information associated with each of a plurality of first game media associated with a first player, a plurality of second game media associated with a second player, and a plurality of areas included in a field;
a plurality of parameters are associated with each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The control method further comprises:
placing one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first area of the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more first selection game media is available;
placing one or more second selection game media selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection by the second player in a second region of the plurality of regions included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more second selection game media is available;
converting at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to placement of the second selected game media on the field;
executing a process according to the event information;
a step of invalidating the first parameters and validating the second parameters for a converted first selected game medium that has been converted to the second parameter state among the one or more first selected game media;
A control method for achieving this. The control method according to claim 1, which includes the steps of: identifying, as a specific area, a part or all of the areas in which the second selected game medium is placed among the multiple areas of the field; and varying at least one of a first point associated with the first player and a second point associated with the second player based on the first parameter of the placed first selected game medium and the second parameter of the second selected game medium placed in the specific area. in response to placing the first selected game content in the first area, a process corresponding to the event information associated with the first area is executed;
The control method according to claim 1 or 2. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process corresponding to the event information is to vary at least one of the multiple parameters. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the process corresponding to the event information is to convert the parameter states of the one or more first selected game media and the one or more second selected game media between the first parameter state and the second parameter state. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the process corresponding to the event information is to move the one or more first selected game media arranged in the first area to an area of the field other than the first area. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the process corresponding to the event information is to move the one or more second selected game media arranged in the second area to an area of the field other than the second area. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the process corresponding to the event information is to set a part of the field as an area in which neither the one or more first selected game media nor the one or more second selected game media is placed. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which realizes a step of displaying the contents of the event information. The control method according to claim 9, wherein the content of the event information associated with each of the plurality of regions is displayed in each of the plurality of regions. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the step of displaying a target area of the plurality of areas of the field that is affected by processing according to the event information. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the multiple parameters includes an attack power and a defense power. An information processing device for executing a game,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of first game contents associated with a first player, a plurality of second game contents associated with a second player, and event information associated with each of a plurality of areas of a field;
a plurality of parameters are associated with each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The information processing device further comprises:
a control unit that performs a process of disposing one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more first selection game media is available, disposing one or more second selection game media selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection by the second player in a second area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more second selection game media is available, and invalidating the first parameter and validating the second parameter for a converted first selection game media of the one or more first selection game media that has been converted to the second parameter state;
a conversion unit that converts at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to the placement of the second selected game media on the field;
an event processing execution unit that executes processing according to the event information;
Equipped with
Information processing device. An information processing device that executes a game,
executing a step of storing event information associated with a plurality of first game media associated with the first player, a plurality of second game media associated with the second player, and each of a plurality of areas included in the field;
a plurality of parameters are associated with each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The information processing device further comprises:
placing one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first area of the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more first selection game media is available;
placing one or more second selection game media selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection by the second player in a second region of the plurality of regions included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more second selection game media is available;
converting at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to placement of the second selected game media on the field;
executing a process according to the event information;
a step of invalidating the first parameters and validating the second parameters for a converted first selected game medium that has been converted to the second parameter state among the one or more first selected game media;
A program that executes the following. A server device that provides a game to at least one terminal device by communicating with the terminal device,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of first game contents associated with a first player, a plurality of second game contents associated with a second player, and event information associated with each of a plurality of areas included in a field;
a plurality of parameters are associated with each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The server device further comprises:
a control unit that performs a process of placing one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first region among the plurality of regions included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more first selection game media is available, and placing one or more second selection game media selected from the plurality of second game media based on a selection by the second player in a second region among the plurality of regions included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more second selection game media is available, and invalidating the first parameter and validating the second parameter for a converted first selection game medium among the one or more first selection game media that has been converted to the second parameter state;
a conversion unit that converts at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to the placement of the second selected game media on the field;
an event processing execution unit that executes processing according to the event information;
Equipped with
Server device. An information processing system including a server device and at least one terminal device, and for executing a game,
the server device includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of first game contents associated with a first player, a plurality of second game contents associated with a second player, and event information associated with each of a plurality of areas included in a field;
a plurality of parameters are associated with each of the plurality of first game media and each of the plurality of second game media;
the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The server device further comprises:
a control unit that places one or more first selection game media selected from the plurality of first game media based on a selection by the first player in a first area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a first parameter state in which the first parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more first selection game media is available, places one or more second selection game media selected from the plurality of second selection game media based on a selection by the second player in a second area among the plurality of areas included in the field in a second parameter state in which the second parameter of the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the one or more second selection game media is available, and invalidates the first parameter and validates the second parameter for a converted first selection game media among the one or more first selection game media that has been converted to the second parameter state;
a conversion unit that converts at least a portion of the one or more first selected game media placed on the field from the first parameter state to the second parameter state in response to the placement of the second selected game media on the field;
an event processing execution unit that executes processing according to the event information;
Equipped with
Information processing system.