Game program, control method for computer, and computer

There is provided a computer that implements an input function of accepting rotation operation information for an operation object having a three-dimensional form in a graphical scene so as to enable output of display information for a certain face of the operation object; a target object display output function of outputting display information for displaying a target face of a target object that includes a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object; an operation object display output function of outputting the display information for the certain face of the operation object that is rotated by the input function; and a form determination function of determining whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object rotated by the input function with the target face of the target object.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a game program and so on for performing a process to make a game proceed.

BACKGROUND

With the widespread use of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet terminals, games for such electronic devices, in addition to those for home video game machines, are actively being developed. Among a number of games of various genres that are being developed, three-dimensional puzzle games have gained popularity recently, and numerous three-dimensional puzzle games are being developed.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-101677 discloses a game apparatus that runs a game using eight types of regular hexahedrons which are displayed as three-dimensional computer graphics. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-136049 discloses a puzzle game in which a puzzle is solved by arranging a plurality of displayed images and guessing the whole picture of an object that is present in virtual space.

Existing three-dimensional puzzle games have shortcomings in that their rules and operation are too complicated. For example, the game apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-101677 provides a puzzle game in which a plurality of regular hexahedrons having complex regularity are rotated, which is difficult to play. Similarly, in the puzzle game described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-136049, operations needed to play the puzzle game are complicated, and therefore, the puzzle game is also difficult to play.

Regarding games, such as existing three-dimensional puzzle games, where players need to understand complicated rules or perform complicated operations, players may hesitate to start playing the games and tend to become tired of continuously playing the games. Accordingly, it is desired to implement a quick enjoyable three-dimensional game by simplifying rules and operation while maintaining the attractiveness of three-dimensional games.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein are made in view of the above-described shortcomings and an objective thereof is to provide a game program and so on with which a game having good viewability and intuitive operability in a three-dimensional graphical scene as well as increased attractiveness can be implemented.

In order to address the above-described shortcomings, a game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments is a game program for performing a process to make a game proceed, the game program allowing a computer to implement: an input function of accepting rotation operation information for an operation object having a three-dimensional form in a graphical scene so as to enable output of display information for a certain face of the operation object; a target object display output function of outputting display information for displaying a target face of a target object that includes a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object; an operation object display output function of outputting the display information for the certain face of the operation object that is rotated by the input function; and a form determination function of determining whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object rotated by the input function with the target face of the target object.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, display information may be output with which the certain face and/or the target face are displayed in an enhanced manner so as to be easily visible to a player in contrast to the other faces of the operation object and/or the target object.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments; the certain face and/or the target face may be displayed in an enhanced manner by displaying the operation object and/or the target object in near two-dimensions.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the certain face and/or the target face may be displayed in an enhanced manner by reducing an angle of view of the operation object and/or the target object relative to a viewpoint of a player to a specific angle of view and displaying the operation object and/or the target object.

The game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments may allow the computer to further implement a generation function of generating screen information about a game screen with which progress of the game is grasped.

The game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments may allow the computer to further implement a map generation function of generating, in another graphical scene that includes content of the graphical scene, a map of the graphical scene in association with screen information generated by a generation function.

The game program according aspects of exemplary embodiments may allow the computer to further implement an acceleration obtaining function of obtaining, from an acceleration measurement unit, information about an acceleration to which a terminal that is operated by a player is being subjected as the rotation operation information accepted by the input function. In a rotation operation performed by the input function, the operation object may be rotated in accordance with the information about an acceleration obtained by the acceleration obtaining function.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, in a rotation operation performed by the input function, the operation object may be rotated so as to mate one of a front face, a back face, a left face, a right face, a top face, and a bottom face of the operation object face forward and to orient one of an upper side, a lower side, a left side, and a right side of the one of the faces of the operation object up.

The game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments may cause the computer to further implement a limitation function of placing a limitation on a time period during which the operation object is rotatable in a rotation operation performed by the input function and/or on the number of times the operation object is rotatable in a rotation operation performed by the input function.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the limitation function may set a time based on a speed at which at least one of the operation object and the target object moves and a distance from the operation object to the target object as a time limit.

The game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments may cause the computer to further implement an object moving function of moving at least one of the operation object and the target object along at least one of three axes of three dimensions so as to make the operation object and the target object approach each other.

The game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments may cause the computer to further implement a bonus offering function of offering a certain bonus to a player in a case where the form determination function determines that the operation object and the target object correspond to each other.

In the game program, according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the operation object and/or the target object, may each be constituted by a plurality of object elements, and each of the plurality of object elements may be associated with attribute information.

In the game program, according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the attribute information may be information indicating a form, a color, a pattern, or a combination thereof of each of the plurality of object elements.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the form determination function may determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object with the target face of the target object and determining whether part or all of the target face matches the certain face.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments the form determination function may determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object with the target face of the target object and determining whether one of the operation object and the target object fits into the other.

In the game program according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the form determination function may determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object with the target face of the target object and determining whether part or all of attribute information about the target face matches attribute information about the certain face.

In order to address the above-described shortcomings, a control method for a computer according to aspects of exemplary embodiments can include: an input step of accepting rotation operation information for an operation object having a three-dimensional form in a graphical scene so as to enable output of display information for a certain face of the operation object; a target object display output step of outputting display information for displaying a target face of a target object that includes a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object; an operation object display output step of output ting the display information for the certain face of the operation object that is rotated in the input step; and a form determination step of determining whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object rotated in the input step with the target face of the target object.

In order to address the above-described shortcomings, a computer according to aspects of exemplary embodiments can further include: an input unit that accepts rotation operation information for an operation object having a three-dimensional form in a graphical scene so as to enable output of display information for a certain face of the operation object; a target object display output unit that outputs display information for displaying a target face of a target object that includes a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object; an operation object display output unit that outputs the display information for the certain face of the operation object that is rotated by the input unit; and a form determination unit that determines whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object rotated by the input unit with the target face of the target object.

With the game program, the control method for a computer, and the computer according to aspects of exemplary embodiments, the certain face of the operation object having a three-dimensional form and rotated by the input function of accepting rotation operation information may be compared with the target face of the target object having a three-dimensional form to thereby determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other in the graphical scene of the game having three-dimensional information. Accordingly, the game program and so on produces an effect of increasing the attractiveness of the game because of good viewability and intuitive operability in the three-dimensional graphical scene.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First, a configuration according to a first exemplary embodiment will be described with, reference toFIGS. 1 to 8where a computer may function as a portable terminal, and a game program may be executed on the portable terminal as a native application (native game).

Next, a configuration according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 9, where the computer may function as a server apparatus, part or all of the game program, may be executed on the server apparatus as a Web application (Web game), and a result of a process that has been performed is returned to the portable terminal.

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to exemplaryFIGS. 1 to 3.

A game provided according to aspects of the exemplary embodiments is a game in which a score may be given in a case where it is determined that an operation object having a three-dimensional form and a target object having a three-dimensional form, correspond to each other in a graphical scene of the game having three-dimensional information.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of principal parts of a portable terminal100. The portable terminal (computer)100may be an information processing apparatus that may be able to execute a game program according to this embodiment. It may be appreciated that the information processing apparatus may be any device that cars perform a process relating to the game program, and can be implemented as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a portable telephone (feature phone), a home video game machine, a personal computer, or other known electronic devices, as well as the portable terminal100.

As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 1, the portable terminal100can include a control unit10(a rotation operation input unit11, an operation object display output unit12, a target object display output unit13, a form determination unit14, a bonus offering unit15, an object moving unit16, a limitation unit17, an input obtaining unit18, an acceleration obtaining unit19, a display processing unit20, a generation unit21, and a map generation unit22), an input unit40(an input screen41and an input control unit42), a display unit50, a storage unit30, and an acceleration measurement unit60.

The control unit10may control, partially or entirely, various functions of the portable terminal100. The control unit10can include the rotation operation input unit11, the operation object display output unit12, the target object display output unit13, the form determination unit14, the bonus offering unit15, the object moving unit16, the limitation unit17, the input obtaining unit18, the acceleration obtaining unit19, the display processing unit20, the generation unit21, and the map generation unit22.

In this exemplary embodiment, the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11can accept rotation operation information so that a certain face of the operation object having a three-dimensional form is visible to a player in the graphical scene of the game having three-dimensional information. In a rotation operation performed by the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11, the operation object can be rotated in a certain direction so that one of the front face, the back face, the left face, the right face, the top face, and the bottom face of the operation object faces forward and one of the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the face of the operation object that faces forward is oriented up.

The positional relationships among the faces of the operation object can be changed by a flipping operation. For example, the positional relationships among the faces of the operation object may be changed by flipping the operation object vertically or horizontally. Accordingly, operations including a flipping operation as well as a rotation operation can be performed, and therefore, variations of operations performed by the player on the operation object may be increased, and the attractiveness of the game can be further increased.

It may be noted, in some exemplary embodiments, that rotation operation information6aoutput from the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11is input into the operation object display output unit12.

Further, it may be appreciated that, in some exemplary embodiments, target object display output information6coutput from the target object display output unit13is input into the form determination unit14or into the display processing unit20.

The operation object display output unit (operation object display output function)12may output the operation object that is displayed at a specific angle of view relative to the viewpoint of the player, and can output display information for the certain face of the rotated operation object on the basis of the rotation operation information accepted by the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11. It may be desired, in some examples, that the certain face of the operation object be displayed in an enhanced manner so as to be easily visible to the player in contrast to the other faces of the operation object, which will be described below. That is, it may be desired, in some examples, that, despite the operation object having a three-dimensional form, the operation object be displayed in quasi-three dimensions so that the operation object is substantially displayed in two dimensions or may be displayed in near two dimensions. In other words, it may be desired that the angle of view of the operation object having a three-dimensional form relative to the viewpoint of the player is reduced to a specific angle of view.

In some exemplary embodiments, it may be appreciated that operation object display output information6boutput from the operation object display output unit12may be input into the form determination unit14or into the display processing unit20.

The operation object and/or the target object may each be constituted by any number of object elements, and each of the object elements may be associated with attribute information. Attribute information may be information indicating the form, color, or pattern of each object element or information indicating a combination thereof.

The form determination unit (form determination function)14can determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object rotated by the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11with the target face of the target object. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment where the target object includes a corresponding face that corresponds to a specific face of the operation object, if the certain face of the operation object corresponds to the target face of the target object, it can be determined that the operation object and the target object correspond to each other.

In some further examples, it may be appreciated that the target object display output information6coutput from the target object display output unit13or the operation object display output information6boutput from the operation object display output unit12can be input into the form determination unit14, and form determination information6dindicating that the form determination unit14determines that the operation, object and the target object correspond to each other (match) can be output to the bonus offering unit15or to the display processing unit20.

The generation unit (generation function)21can generate game progress screen information7aabout a game screen with which the progress of the game can be grasped, which will be described in detail below.

The map generation unit (map generation function)22can generate a map of the graphical scene in association with the game progress screen information7agenerated by the generation unit (generation function)21, in smother graphical scene that includes content of the graphical scene, which will be described in detail below.

In some further examples, the game progress screen information7aoutput from the generation unit21can be input into the map generation unit22or into the display processing unit20. Map generation screen information7boutput from the map generation unit22can be input into the display processing unit20.

The acceleration obtaining unit (acceleration obtaining function)19can obtain information about an acceleration to which a terminal that is operated by the player is being subjected, from the acceleration measurement unit60as rotation operation information accepted by the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11. In a rotation operation performed by the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11, a rotation in a certain direction can be performed in accordance with the information about an acceleration obtained by the acceleration obtaining unit (acceleration obtaining function)19.

In some further examples, acceleration information5dobtained from the acceleration measurement unit60can be input into the acceleration obtaining unit19, and the acceleration information5dcan be output to the rotation operation input unit11.

The limitation unit (limitation function)17can place a limitation on a time period during which a rotation in a certain direction can be performed and/or on the number of times a rotation in a certain direction can be performed in a rotation operation performed by the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11. The limitation unit (limitation function)17can set a time that is determined on the basis of the speed at which at least one of the operation object and the target object moves and the distance from the operation object to the target object as a time limit.

In some further examples, limitation information5ethat includes information about the limited time period and/or number of times output from the limitation unit17can be input into the rotation operation input unit11.

The object moving unit (object moving function)16can move at least one of the operation object and the target object along at least one of the three axes of three dimensions so that the operation object and the target object approach each other.

In some further examples, movement information6efor moving the operation object or the target object, which may be output from the object moving unit16, can be input into the target object display output unit13or into the operation object display output unit12.

The bonus offering unit (bonus offering function)15can offer a certain bonus to the player in a case where the form determination unit (form determination function)14determines that the operation object and the target object correspond to each other.

The display processing unit20can generate screen information6fabout a game screen, with which a result of a series of processing can be shown to the player, on the basis of the target object display output information6cinput from the target object display output unit13, the operation object display output information6binput from the operation object display output unit12, the form determination information6dinput front the form determination unit14, the game progress screen information7ainput from the generation unit21, and the map generation screen information7binput from the map generation unit22, and can output the screen information6fto the display unit50to thereby display the game screen on the display unit50.

The input unit40can accept an operation performed by the player. In this exemplary embodiment, the input unit40may be a touch panel, although any other similar input device may be utilized, as desired. The input unit40can include the input screen41and the input control unit42. Note that a method for input into the portable terminal100is not limited to a touch operation using the touch panel; input can be provided by pressing a certain input key, for example, or any other desired input manner.

The input screen41may be a device (a touch screen included in the touch panel, for example) which is able to detect a position specified by the player performing an operation. The input screen41can output a touch signal5athat corresponds to the specified position to the input control unit42.

The input control unit42can generate coordinate information5bthat can include information about coordinates on the input screen41on the basis of the touch signal5ainput from the input screen41. The input control unit42can output the coordinate information5bto the input obtaining unit18.

The input obtaining unit18can obtain input data from the payer, generate instruction information (input data)5con the basis of the coordinate information5binput from the input control unit42, and output the instruction information5cto the rotation operation input unit11.

The display unit50may be a device that displays a game screen. In this exemplary embodiment, the display unit50may be a liquid crystal display, although it is envisioned that any other type of display may be utilized with the exemplary embodiments described herein. Additionally, in exemplaryFIG. 1, the input unit40and the display unit50are separately illustrated in order to explicitly indicate functions that the two units respectively have. However, in a case where the input unit40is a touch panel, and the display unit50is a liquid crystal display, for example, it may be desired that the two units be integrated into one unit.

The storage unit30may be a storage device constituted by any recording medium, such as a hard disk, a silicon state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, a digital versatile disc (DVD), or the like, and can store the game program with which the portable terminal100is controllable and various types of data.

ExemplaryFIGS. 2ato 2care schematic diagrams illustrating transitions of a game screen400in a puzzle game implemented by the game program according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

ExemplaryFIG. 2ais a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a target object2is approaching an operation object1. ExemplaryFIG. 2bis a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the player rotates the operation object1by performing a rotation operation while the target object2is further approaching the operation object1. ExemplaryFIG. 2cis a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the player matches the attitude of the operation object1with the attitude of the target object2by performing a rotation operation, and is provided for describing a certain face of the operation object1and a target face of the target object2. Attitude, which can be interpreted as position, posture, movement, or the like, as non-limiting examples.

As illustrated in exemplaryFIGS. 2athrough 2c, the operation object1and the target object2can be displayed on the game screen400. The portable terminal100can display the operation object1having a certain form so as to be visible from a certain direction in the graphical scene of the game having three-dimensional information. Similarly, the portable terminal100can display the target object2having a form (similar form, for example) that relates to part or all of the certain form. The player may input, into the input unit40, an operation (change operation) for changing the attitude of the operation object1to thereby match the attitude of the operation object1that is displayed on the near side (on the near side in the depth direction of the game screen400displayed on the display unit50, for example, directly in front of the player) with the attitude of the target object2that is moving from far in front of the operation object1(from the far side in the depth direction of the game screen400displayed on the display unit50) to the near side (that is, approaching the operation object1).

In a further exemplary embodiment, the player can perform an operation so that a certain face1A of the operation object1is displayed as illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 2c. The certain face1A can correspond to the form of the operation object1when the operation object1is viewed from the front (from the near side to the far side in the depth direction of the game screen400on the display unit50). Similarly, a target face2A can correspond to the form of the target object2when the target object2moving from far in front of the operation object1to the near side is viewed from the front.

In some exemplary embodiments, it may be desired that the certain face1A be displayed in an enhanced manner so as to be easily visible to the player in contrast to the other faces (left face, right face, top face, bottom face, and back face) of the operation object1, as illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 2c. More specifically, it may be desired that the operation object1be displayed in near two dimensions so that the angle of view relative to the viewpoint of the player is reduced. In the first exemplary embodiment, the operation object1has an attitude so that one of the six faces (front face, back face, left face, right face, top face, and bottom face) illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 4, which will be described below, of the operation object1is substantially displayed. In exemplaryFIG. 2c, a perspective view of the operation object1is illustrated where the front face among the six faces is fully displayed while the top face among the six faces that indicates the depth is displayed so as to be slightly visible.

Note, in some exemplary embodiments, that the certain face1A may be displayed so as to represent one of the six faces, in other words, so that the angle of view is 0°. As described above, it may be desired that the certain face1A be displayed in near two dimensions, even if the operation object1has a form that includes a curved surface or an irregularity. Specifically, in some exemplary embodiments, the form including a curved surface or an irregularity may be displayed as if the form is projected on a two-dimensional plane.

Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the target face2A of the target object2may be displayed in an enhanced manner so as to be easily visible to the player in contrast to the other faces of the target object2, as illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 2c. More specifically, it may be desirable that the target object2be displayed in near two dimensions so that the angle of view relative to the viewpoint of the player is reduced. In the first exemplary embodiment, the target object2is displayed so that the angle of view is 0°. That is, only the front face among the six faces of the target object2may be displayed.

In some exemplary embodiments, a perspective view of the target object2may be displayed so that, as the target face2A, the front face among the six faces is fully displayed while the top face among the six faces that indicates the depth is displayed so as to be slightly visible. As described above, it my be desired that the target face2A be displayed in near two dimensions even if the target object2has a three-dimensional form that includes a curved surface or an irregularity.

It say further be noted that in a mode where the certain face1A of the operation object1and/or the target face2A of the target object2are displayed in an enhanced manner in contrast to the other faces thereof, the colors of the certain face1A and/or the target face2A may be changed so as to contrast with the other faces. Alternatively, the other faces may be transparently displayed or the certain face1A and/or the target face2A may be transparently displayed.

As described above, by displaying the certain face1A and the target face2A that are to correspond to each other in order for the game to proceed in an enhanced manner in contrast to the other faces, the player can be provided with good visibility. As a result, the player can get a grasp of the objects more intuitively, which leads to increased operability, and the attractiveness of the game can be further increased.

On the game screen400, a block group3that may be constituted by a number of blocks and that can indicate a time period during which a rotation operation can be performed on the operation object1, can be displayed. That is, screen information about the game screen with which the progress of the game cars be grasped can be displayed. The blocks in the block group3may disappear from the rightmost one as time proceeds. At the time point when all of the blocks disappear, the game can terminate in the stage. On the other hand, if the stage is cleared while one or more blocks remain, a bonus that corresponds to the number of remaining blocks can be offered.

In this way, by indicating the progress of the game by using a group of blocks having a form similar to the object operated by the player instead of a number or the like, the sense of being engrossed in the game can be further increased.

ExemplaryFIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating a map screen500in the puzzle game implemented by the game program according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 3, a cube600can be displayed on the map screen500. Each side of the cube600can correspond to one stage. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, a configuration can be employed in which gameplay proceeds clockwise along the sides of the cube600from bottom to top. When the player selects one of the sides, the map screen500can transition to the game screen400.

Note, in this example, that the map screen500may seamlessly transition to the game screen400without switching of the screen from the map screen500, by expanding a side selected by the player and changing the viewpoint of the player. In this way, transition between screens is seamlessly performed without interrupting viewability, and therefore, the sense of being engrossed in the game can be further increased.

On each side of the cube600, the clear state of the stage that has been cleared can be displayed. The clear state can be represented by a block group4that may be constituted by a plurality of blocks. Specifically, the number of remaining blocks in the block group3illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 2can be equal to the number of blocks highlighted in the block group4illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 3.

Specifically, the clear state can be displayed such that, when the player clears a stage on the game screen400, the remaining blocks in the block group3move to the block group4on the map screen500and are highlighted.

With the configuration described above, the player can play the game by aiming to highlight all blocks on each side of the cube600, and therefore, the player's motivation can be increased.

In a case where the player highlights all blocks on the map screen500, at bonus can be offered such that the game proceeds to a special stage or a special reward is offered, for example.

The object displayed on the map screen500may not be limited to a cube, and any form, such as that of a tree or a maze, or any other shape or indicia, can be displayed. When the player takes a path along the sides, the path can be a non-branched path or a branched path.

Like the cube600illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 3, the map screen500that is an aggregate of a plurality of stages can be displayed in three dimensions. In doing so, the visibility of connections among the plurality of stages and branches can be increased. The direction or position of a stage on the map screen500may have a meaning. For example, stages represented by sides that are headed to the top of the map screen500(vertical sides of the cube600in exemplaryFIG. 3, for example) may constitute a main stage group in which, the game proceeds. Stages represented by sides that are headed in the depth direction (horizontal sides of the cube600in exemplaryFIG. 3, for example) may constitute a bonus stage group in which more rewards can be obtained but which has no relation to the progress of the game, or may constitute a sub-stage which complements the progress of the game in the main stages. ExemplaryFIG. 3illustrates a state where gameplay proceeds along the sides on a non-branched path; however, the player may deviate from the path and select another side. Further, another path or another cube may appear in a case where gameplay proceeds along all sides of the cube600under a certain condition.

ExemplaryFIG. 4is a schematic diagram illustrating variations in displaying the operation object1in the three-dimensional graphical scene. As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 4, the operation object1having a three-dimensional form can have six faces (front face, back face, left face, right face, top face, and bottom face), and each face can be oriented in any of four orientations (that is, an upper-side up orientation, a lower-side up orientation, a left-side up orientation, and a right-side up orientation). Therefore, the operation object1can be displayed in three dimensions (near two dimensions) from 24 (=6×4) directions. Similarly, the target object2can be displayed in three dimensions (near two dimensions) from 24 directions.

In the first exemplary embodiment, as the certain face1A of the operation object1, one of the 24 faces (which are determined on the basis of the six faces and the four orientations) can be displayed in near two dimensions. Similarly, as the target face2A of the target object2, one of the 24 faces (which are determined on the basis of the six faces and the four orientations) can be displayed in near two dimensions.

As illustrated in exemplaryFIGS. 2aand 2b, the player may need to find an attitude that corresponds to (matches) the attitude (display direction) of the target object2from among 24 attitudes (display directions) that the operation object1can have. That is, the player may need to find an attitude in which the certain face1A of the operation object1corresponds to (matches) the target face2A of the target object2.

In a case where the player succeeds in finding an attitude that corresponds to (matches) the attitude of the target object2before the target object2hits the operation object1, as illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 2c, the portable terminal100can display a performance of the target object2being broken into pieces. In other words, the target object2can include a corresponding face that corresponds to a specific face of the operation object1. In a case where the player succeeds in matching the target face2A (namely, the corresponding face) of the target object2with the certain face1A (namely, the specific face) of the operation object1before the operation object1and the target object2collide with each other, the player can clear the game.

As described above, the player can continue playing the game only by selecting a certain direction from which the operation object1can be displayed (by changing the attitude of the operation object1) in the three-dimensional graphical scene. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can provide a game that is a quick enjoyable game and that has certain attractiveness due to three-dimensional display.

ExemplaryFIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the player tilts the portable terminal100to thereby change the certain direction from which the operation object1is displayed. As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 5, the rotation operation input unit11can change the certain direction in accordance with the acceleration information5dinput from the acceleration obtaining unit19.

For example, in a case where the acceleration information5dindicates that the display unit50is being subjected to an acceleration in a downward direction, the rotation operation input unit11can change the attitude (display direction) of the operation object1so that the operation object1rotates in a longitudinal direction in accordance with the acceleration. Similarly, in a case where the acceleration information5dindicates that the display unit50is being subjected to an acceleration in a rightward direction, the rotation operation input unit11can change the attitude of the operation object1so that the operation object1rotates in a lateral direction in accordance with the acceleration. That is, the rotation operation input unit11can change the attitude of the operation object1in accordance with a direction in which the portable terminal100is tilted. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can provide the player with an intuitive operation interface.

The operation object display output unit (operation object display output function)12can output, to the form determination unit14and to the display processing unit20, the operation object display output information6bwith which the operation object1having a certain form is displayed so as to be visible from the certain direction (direction indicated by the rotation operation information6ainput from the rotation operation input unit11) in the graphical scene of the game having three-dimensional information.

The target object display output unit (target object display output function)13can output, to the form determination unit14and to the display processing unit20, the target object display output information6cwith which the target object2having a related form relating to the certain form is displayed. Here, the “related form” may be a form similar to the form of the operation object1, (1-2) a form that includes part of the form of the operation object1, (1-3) a complementary form that fits into the form of the operation object1(like the form of a keyhole into which a key fits), or (1-4) a form that corresponds to part or all of the form of the operation object1, for example.

Note, in some exemplary embodiments, that the operation object display output unit12and/or the target object display output unit13can change (2-1) the form of an object (the operation object1and/or the target object2) and/or (2-2) attribute information that is set for each of a plurality of object elements that constitute the object, at a certain timing. For example, in the case of (2-1) described above, the target object display output unit13can display the target object2so that part or all of the form of the target object2expands or contracts. In the case of (2-2) described above, the target object display output unit13can display the target object2so that the color (attribute information) of part or all of the target object2changes. Accordingly, the player may need to consider the timing at which the player is to match the attitude of the operation object1with the attitude of the target object2, and therefore, the portable terminal100can make the game more interesting.

The form determination unit (form determination function)14can compare the form of the operation object1with the form of the target object2to thereby determine whether the operation object1and the target object2correspond to each other.

For example, in a case where the target object2has a form similar to the form of the operation object1(in the case of (1-1) described above), the form determination unit14can determine that the operation object1matches the target object2if the operation object1viewed from a first direction (among the six directions in exemplaryFIG. 4from any of which the operation object1is visible) and oriented in a first orientation (among the four orientations in exemplaryFIG. 4in any of which the operation object1can be oriented) matches the target object2viewed from a second direction (among the six directions in exemplaryFIG. 4from any of which the target object2is visible) and oriented in a second orientation (among the four orientations in exemplaryFIG. 4in any of which the target object2can be oriented). In a case where the target object2has a complementary form that fits into the form of the operation object1(in the case of (1-3) described above), the form determination unit14compares the form of the operation object1with the form of the target object2and determines whether one of the operation object1and the target object2fits into the other (whether the operation object1fits into a void (a portion displayed as a blank) of the target object2, for example).

The form determination unit14may determine whether the attributes of the objects as well as the forms of the objects match. In doing so, variations of the game can be increased, and the difficulty level of the game can also be increased. Accordingly, a game that is highly attractive to experienced game players can be provided.

A configuration may be employed in which, in a case where the form determination unit14determines that only the attributes of the objects match, a reward different from that offered in a case where both the attributes and the forms of the objects match is offered. With the configuration, the difficulty level, of the game can be adjusted, and the player's enthusiasm, for playing the game can be increased.

That is, the form determination unit14can compare the operation object1with the target object2and determines whether the attitudes (display directions, forms, and the like) of the two objects have a certain relationship (the two objects match, or one of the two objects includes the other, for example). The form determination unit14outputs the form determination information6dthat includes a result of determination to the bonus offering unit15.

Note, in some exemplary embodiment, that the form determination unit14can determine whether the attitudes of the two objects have a certain relationship (whether the operation object1and the target object2correspond to each other) at any timing. For example, the form determination unit14may perform determination each time the player inputs a change operation or may perform determination when the player presses (taps) a “determine” button. In a case where the form determination unit14determines that, the two objects correspond to each other, the object moving unit16can move the target object2in the graphical scene rapidly without stopping.

The bonus offering unit (bonus offering function)15can offer a certain bonus to the player ins a case where the form determination unit14determines that the two objects correspond to each other. Here, a “certain bonus” may be (3-1) one or more points or (3-2) a character or an item that can be used in the game or in other games, for example. In a case where one or more points are offered to the player (in the case of (3-1) described above), the bonus offering unit15can offer more points to the player (a) the shorter the time elapsed before the player finds an attitude of the operation object1that matches the attitude of the target object2and/or (b) the lower the number of times a change operation is performed in order to find the attitude, for example. In this case, the player can trade the obtained points for an item or the like that can be used in other games.

In other exemplary embodiments, in a case where an item or a character is offered to the player (in the case of (3-2) described above), the bonus offering unit15can offer to the player an item or a character that is represented by an image relating to an image displayed on part of the target object2, for example. Here, in a case where an image of a “ribbon” is attached to the surface of the target object2, for example, the player plays the game while expecting a character to be obtained that is represented by an image of a “girl” (image relating to the image of a “ribbon”) and that can be used in other games. In a case where an image of a “dumb-bell” is attached to the surface of the target object2, the player plays the game while expecting an item to be obtained that is represented by an image of “increased offensive power” (image relating to the image of a “dumb-bell”) and that can be used in other games.

Alternatively, part of an image (partial image) of a “ribbon” may be attached to the surface of the target object2, the partial image may be accumulated each time the player clears one target object2(in other words, each time the form determination information6dindicating that the two objects correspond to each other is input from the form determination unit14), and the bonus offering unit15may offer a character that is represented by an image of a “girl” and that can be used in other games to the player in a case where all partial images that constitute the image of a “ribbon” are collected.

As described above, the portable terminal100can offer a bonus to the player in accordance with the progress of the game, and therefore, can increase the player's enthusiasm for playing the game. In particular, in a case where the portable terminal100offers an item or a character to the player, it is possible to make the player play the game while giving the player an incentive in the form of the item, or the character. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can further increase the player's enthusiasm for playing the game.

In a case inhere the form determination unit14determines that the two objects correspond to each other, the bonus offering unit (game proceeding function)15makes another game relating to the game proceed. In a case where the other game is a role-playing game (RPG) that unfolds as a character owned by the player battles against an enemy character, for example, the bonus offering unit15produces an effect, of doing damage to the enemy character each time the player clears one target: object2, thereby making the player progress in the other game.

In a case where the player plays the game as a sub-game that is part of a certain main game (another game), the bonus offering unit15can make the main game proceed such that the progress of the main game varies in accordance with the number of target objects2cleared by the player. In a case where the main game is an RPG described above, for example, the bonus offering unit15can produce an effect of recovering the hit points (health) of the character by a certain amount or can produce an effect of skipping an event in the main game (regarding the event as having been cleared) each time the player clears one target object2. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can increase the player's enthusiasm for playing the other game as well as playing the game.

Note, in some examples, that information about a bonus offered by the bonus offering unit15may be uploaded to a server apparatus200(described below with reference to exemplaryFIG. 9) that may be connected to the portable terminal100so as to enable communication with each other. Alternatively, a configuration can be employed in which the server apparatus200includes the bonus offering unit15, the portable terminal100uploads information about the progress of the game (the number of target objects2that have been cleared, for example) to the server apparatus200, and the bonus offering unit15can generate information about a bonus on the server apparatus200and stores the information in a certain storage unit.

The object moving unit (object moving function)16can move at least one of the operation object1and the target object2along at least one of the three axes of three dimensions so that the operation object1and the target object2approach each other.

As illustrated in exemplaryFIGS. 2 through 2c, the object moving unit16can move the target object2displayed far in front of the operation object.1that is displayed on the near side so that, the target object2approaches the operation object1. The object moving unit16can output, to the operation object display output unit12and to the target object display output unit13, the movement information6efor moving the operation object1or the target object2.

Note, in some exemplary embodiments, that the object moving unit16can move the operation object1and/or the target object2along a certain guide route (a route like a rail that is set in advance). In a case where the target object display output unit13simultaneously displays a plurality of target objects2, the player can switch the target object2that is currently aimed at to another one by switching between a plurality of guide routes along which the plurality of target objects2move respectively. The object moving unit16can move the operation object1and/or the target object2while rotating the operation object1and/or the target object2. In this way, the portable terminal100can increase variations of the game.

The certain guide route may have an irregularity. In such examples, the object moving unit16can rotate the operation object1and/or the target object2in accordance with the direction and size of the irregularity at a time point when the operation object1and/or the target object2reaches the irregularity. The certain guide route may be placed a certain limitation (may have a narrow portion, for example), and the object moving unit16may display the target object2such that the target object2cannot pass through the certain guide route and approach the operation object1unless the player rotates the target object2at a specific timing. The portable terminal100may decide to terminate the game at the time when the target object2fails to pass through the certain guide route or may reduce the time limit by an amount of time during which the target object2fails to approach the operation object1. In this way, the portable terminal100can increase variations of the game and the difficulty level of the game, thereby implementing a game that is worth playing even to skilled players.

The limitation unit (limitation function)17can place a limitation on a time period during which the certain direction may be changeable by the rotation operation input unit11. In a case where the target, object2displayed far in front of the operation object1that is displayed on the near side moves so that the target object2approaches the operation object1, as illustrated in exemplaryFIGS. 2athrough 2c, for example, the limitation unit17can set a time that is determined on the basis of the speed at which the target object2moves and the distance from the operation object1to the target object2(that is, a time elapsed before the target object2hits the operation object1) as a time limit.

In a case where the player fails to find an attitude of the operation object1that matches the attitude of the target object2before the target object2hits the operation object1(within the time limit), the portable terminal100can display a performance of the operation object1being broken into pieces and further display a message notifying the player that the game is over and a message prompting the player to determine whether to play again (retry) the game.

As described above, the portable terminal100can make the player aware of the time limit not by the countdown of the remaining time but in accordance with, the speed at which the target object2approaches the operation object1and the distance between the two objects, for example. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can make the player aware of the time limit more intuitively and give a stronger sense of urgency to the player at the time of playing the game.

Similarly, the limitation unit17can place a limitation on the number of times the certain direction is changeable by the rotation operation input unit11. In this case, the limitation unit17increments an accumulated number of times a change is made by one each time the player inputs a change operation into the input unit40. If the player fails to find an attitude of the operation object1that matches the attitude of the target object2at the time when the accumulated number of times reaches a specific limited number of times, the limitation unit17can decide to terminate the game. Further, the limitation unit17can display the accumulated number of times a change is made on the game screen to thereby show the player the accumulated number of times. In doing so, the portable terminal100can make the player aware of the limited number of times, thereby giving the player a sense of urgency at the time of playing the game.

The limitation unit17can place a limitation on a mode in which the certain direction is changeable by the rotation operation input unit11. For example, the limitation unit17can place a limitation on the mode by displaying a certain object that restricts rotation of the operation object1(so as to disable rotation of the operation object1in a specific direction or to make the operation object1rotate two revolutions when a change operation is input only once). In doing so, the portable terminal100can give the player a sense of urgency at the time of playing the game. The limitation unit17can output the limitation information5ethat includes information about the limited time period, number of times, and/or mode to the rotation operation input unit11.

The input, obtaining unit18can obtain the coordinate information5bfrom the input control unit42, generates the instruction information5con the basis of the coordinate information5b, and can output the instruction information5cto the rotation operation input unit11.

The acceleration obtaining unit (acceleration obtaining function)19can obtain information (acceleration information5d) about an acceleration to which a terminal (portable terminal100) operated by the player is being subjected, from the acceleration measurement unit60as the instruction information5c(input data) obtained from the input unit40, and can output the acceleration information5dto the rotation operation input unit11.

The display processing unit20can generate the screen information6fabout a game screen on the basis of the operation object display output information6binput from the operation object display output unit12, the target object display output information6cinput from the target object display output unit13, and the form determination information6dinput from the form determination unit14, and can output the screen information6fto the display unit50.

The display processing unit20can determine whether the target object2hits (comes into contact with) the operation, object1by performing the following process, for example. The display processing unit20can determine that the operation object1and the target object2come into contact with each other if a distance α is smaller than the sum of a distance β1and a distance β2(α<⊕1+β2), the distance α being the distance from a predetermined position indicated by coordinates A (center coordinates of the operation object1, for example) within an area where the operation object1is displayed to a predetermined position indicated by coordinates B (center coordinates of the target object2, for example) within an area where the target object2is displayed, the distance β1being the distance from the predetermined position indicated by the coordinates A to the outer edge of the operation object1(the surface of the area where the operation, object1is displayed, for example), the distance β2being the distance from the predetermined position indicated by the coordinates B to the outer edge of the target object2. In this way, the portable terminal100can accurately determine whether the target object2comes into contact with the operation object1.

The input unit40can accept a touch operation performed by the player. In this embodiment, the input unit40may be a touch panel that is able to detect multi-touch operations. The input unit40can include the input screen41and the input control unit42. Note, in some examples, that a method for input into the portable terminal100is not limited to a touch operation using the touch panel (input can be provided by pressing a certain input key, for example).

The input screen41may be a device (such as, but not limited to, a touch screen included in the touch panel, for example) which is able to detect a position specified by the player performing a touch operation. The input screen41outputs the touch signal5athat corresponds to the specified position to the input control unit42.

The input control unit42obtains the touch signal5afrom the input screen.41at a specific time interval and generates the coordinate information5bfrom a series of the touch signals5a.

The display unit50is a device that can display a game screen. In this exemplary embodiment, the display unit50may be a liquid crystal display, or any other type of display, as desired. Note that, in exemplaryFIG. 1, the input unit40and the display unit50are separately illustrated in order to explicitly indicate functions that the two units respectively have. However, in a case where the input unit40is a touch panel, and the display unit50is a liquid crystal display, for example, it may be desired that the two units be integrated into one unit.

The acceleration measurement unit60can be a device that is able to measure an acceleration (vector quantity that, includes the magnitude and orientation) to which the portable terminal100is being subjected. The acceleration measurement unit60can be implemented as a gyro sensor, for example.

The storage unit30can be a storage device constituted by any recording medium, such as, but not limited to, a hard disk, a silicon state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, or digital versatile disc (DVD), and the like, and which can store the game program with which the portable terminal100is controllable and various types of data.

ExemplaryFIG. 6is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation object1that is constituted by a plurality of object elements8each associated with attribute information. As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 6, the operation object1can be constituted by the object elements8(8ato8d). Each of the object elements8is associated with attribute information. Here, attribute information can be information that indicates the characteristics (external appearance, for example) of each object element8, and may be information indicating (4-1) the form, of the object element8, (4-2) the color of the object element8, (4-3) the pattern of the object element8, or (4-4) a combination of (4-1) to (4-3), ox any other desired information. Similarly, the target, object2can be constituted by a plurality of object elements8.

An example may be provided where it is assumed the operation object1is constituted by the number of object elements8that are respectively associated with pieces of attribute information indicating different colors, and the target object2is constituted by the same number of object elements8as the operation, object1, for example. In this case, the player can change the certain direction from which the operation object1is displayed by matching the colors of the object elements8included in the operation object1with the colors of the object elements8included in the target object2. In other words, the portable terminal100can give a hint, namely, information about “colors”, to the player. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can entice the player into playing the game and increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

Note, in some examples, that attribute information associated with each of the number of object elements8that constitute the operation object1and/or the target object2may be information relating to a bonus offered by the bonus offering unit15. In a case where the number of object elements8that constitute the target object2include an object element8associated with a “wood” attribute, and if the player clears the target object2, for example, the bonus offering unit15can offer a bonus relating to the “wood” attribute (an item that produces an effect of slowing actions of an enemy character, for example) to the player.

ExemplaryFIG. 7is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a game screen on which a hint9athat explicitly indicates a right rotation direction and a sub-screen9bon which the operation object1is displayed from another direction are further displayed. As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 7, the portable terminal100can display a hint regarding a right direction in which the operation object1is to be rotated (that is, a right direction to which, the certain direction from which the operation object1is displayed is to be changed) in order to match the attitude of the operation object1with the attitude of the target object2. As a result, it may be sufficient that the player inputs a change operation into the portable terminal100in accordance with the hint, and therefore, the player can easily play the game even if the player is a beginner. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can entice the player into playing the game and increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 7, the portable terminal100can further display the sub-screen9bon which the operation object1is visible from a direction different from the certain direction from which the operation object1is displayed. As a result, the player can view the operation object1that is displayed in three dimensions from a different angle without changing the certain direction from which the operation object1is displayed. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can entice the player into playing the game and increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

In some exemplary embodiments, it may be noted that the portable terminal100may display the target object2on the sub-screen9binstead of the operation object1or together with the operation object1so as to be visible from a different direction. In this case, the portable terminal100may display the target object2on the sub-screen9bsuch that the target object2automatically rotates. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can further entice the player into playing the game and further increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

The portable terminal100can display the operation object1and/or the target object2such that part or all of the operation object1and/or the target object2is transparent in order to make the graphical scene easily viewable in the depth direction (direction towards the far side of the game screen). As a result, the player can more easily get a grasp of the form of the operation object1and/or the target object2. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can further entice the player into playing the game and further increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

In an exemplary case where the player inputs an operation for using a certain item, the portable terminal100can rotate the operation object1a specific number of times in directions so as to make the attitude of the operation object1match the attitude of the target object2. In a case where the operation object1needs to be rotated five revolutions in a longitudinal direction and/or a lateral direction in order to match the attitude of the operation, object1with the attitude of the target object2, for example, the portable terminal100can rotate the operation object1three revolutions in the directions so as to make the two attitudes match (that is, can automatically solve part of the puzzle). Accordingly, the portable terminal100can further entice the player into playing the game and further increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

In the exemplary case where the player inputs an operation for using a certain item, the portable terminal100can change attribute information associated with each of the plurality of object elements8that constitute the operation object1and/or the target object2. For example, the portable terminal100can change the attribute information so that the number of object elements8have distinctively different colors. As a result, the player can more clearly grasp the correspondence between the operation object1and the target object2. Accordingly, the portable terminal100can further entice the player into playing the game and further increase the player's enthusiasm for the game.

As described above, in the portable terminal100, the game can be designed to lower the difficulty level of the game, and therefore, the portable terminal100can provide a game that is quickly played even by beginners.

The target object display output unit13can simultaneously display a plurality of target objects2. In this exemplary case, the player may need to find a plurality of attitudes of the operation object1that respectively match the attitudes of the plurality of target objects2within a time limit that is usually allowed in order to find one attitude of the operation object1that matches the attitude of one target object2. As a result, the portable terminal100can increase the difficulty level of the game, thereby implementing a game that is worth playing even to skilled players.

The target object display output unit13can display the target object2having a different form, in a different color, or having a different pattern, or in accordance with a combination thereof depending on the timing at which the target object2is to be displayed. For example, the target object display output unit13may display the target object2such that the color of the target object2changes depending on a position to which light is emitted towards the target object2. Alternatively, the target object display output unit13may display the target object2such that the form of the target object2changes depending on a route along which the target object2moves. In this way, the portable terminal100can further increase variations of the game.

The target object display output unit13can display the target object2such that part or all of an image that represents the target object2is distorted and is difficult to view as if the target object2is sunk in water. In this case, the target object display output unit13can display the target object2such that the color of the target object2gradually becomes clear or the color and/or the form of the target object2changes as the target object2is passing through a layer in which the image of the target object2is distorted. In this way, the portable terminal100can further increase variations of the game.

Furthermore, the target object display output unit13can display the target object2such that only a mirror image of the target object2is visible. In this way, the portable terminal100can increase variations of the game and the difficulty level of the game, thereby implementing a game that is worth playing even to skilled players.

As described in the exemplary embodiments above, in the portable terminal100, the game can be designed to increase the difficulty level of the game as well as variations of the game, and therefore, the portable terminal100can provide a game that is worth playing even to skilled players.

ExemplaryFIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the portable terminal100. In a description given below, steps described in parentheses are steps included in a control method for the computer.

The input obtaining unit18can obtain input data from the player and generate the instruction information5c. The operation object display output unit12can output display information for the operation object so as to allow output of display information for a certain face of the operation object having a three-dimensional form in the graphical scene (step S1or operation object display information output step). The target object display output unit13can output display information for displaying a target face of the target object that can include a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object (step S2or target object display information output step).

If the rotation operation input unit (input function of accepting rotation operation information)11accepts rotation operation information for the operation object (Yes in step S3), the rotation operation input unit11can output the operation object that is rotated (step S4or operation object display information output step). The form determination unit14can compare the certain face of the operation object that is rotated by the rotation operation input unit11with the target face of the target object to thereby determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other (step S5or form determination step).

If the rotation operation input unit11does not accept rotation operation information for the operation object (No in step S3), the form determination unit14can compare the certain face of the operation object with the target face of the target object to thereby determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other (step S5or form determination step).

If the form determination unit14determines that the operation object and the target object correspond to each other (Yes in step S5), the bonus offering unit15can offer a certain bonus to the player (step S6or bonus offering step).

On the other hand, if the form determination unit14determines that the operation object and the target object do not correspond to each other (No in step S5), the flow can return to the operation object display information output step (step S1).

Note that the above-described exemplary control method may include any process performed by the units included in the control unit10in addition to the process described above with reference to exemplaryFIG. 8.

An exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to exemplaryFIG. 9. Note that, in the second exemplary embodiment, a description may be given only of a configuration different from those included in the first embodiment described above. All configurations described in the first exemplary embodiment can also be included in the exemplary second embodiment, and vice versa. The definitions of terms used in the first exemplary embodiment are also applied to the second exemplary embodiment.

ExemplaryFIG. 9is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system300that can include the portable terminal100and the server apparatus200. As illustrated in exemplaryFIG. 9, a case may be described where the computer according to the present exemplary embodiment functions as the server apparatus200that is connected to the portable terminal100over a certain network so as to enable communication, and the game program according to the present invention is executed on the server apparatus200.

The server apparatus (computer)200can be an information processing apparatus that can include the control unit10, which may be assumed to be included in the portable terminal100in the first exemplary embodiment, and that can execute the game program which can relate to part or all of the process described in the first embodiment. The server apparatus200can receive the instruction information (input data)5cinput by the player, over the certain network. The server apparatus200can output display information (target object display output information6c) for displaying a target face of the target object that includes a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object. The server apparatus200further can output display information (operation object display output information6b) for the operation object that is rotated by the input function.

Next, the server apparatus200can accept rotation operation information so as to enable output of display information for a certain face of the operation object having a three-dimensional form in the graphical scene. The server apparatus200can determine whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object that is rotated by the input function with the target face of the target, and can output the form determination information6d. Note that the display processing unit20included in the control unit10of the server apparatus200can generate, at any time, the screen information6fabout the puzzle game screen with which a result of a series of processing can be shown to the player, and transmits the screen information6fto the portable terminal100.

The portable terminal100can receive a result of playing the game (screen information6f, for example) from the server apparatus200and can display the result on the display unit50. Note that, in an exemplary case of displaying the result of playing the game using a Web browser, the portable terminal.100can accumulate information received from the server apparatus200in a certain storage area (Web storage area) provided to the Web browser, for example.

As described in the examples above, a configuration, can be employed in which some or all of the above-described units (specifically, the control unit10), which are assumed to be included in the portable terminal100in the first or second embodiment, are included in the server apparatus200, and the server apparatus200transmits an output result of the game to the portable terminal100can transmit the basis of input into the portable terminal100. Accordingly the server apparatus200can produce the same effect as the portable terminal100produces when the portable terminal100provides the above-described functions.

Note that, in some examples, the game may be a hybrid game for which the server apparatus200and the portable terminal100perform respective portions of the process. For example, a screen on which the game proceeds may be displayed on the portable terminal100on the basis of data generated by the server apparatus200, that is, by way of Web display, and other screens, such as a menu screen, may be displayed by a native application installed on the portable terminal100, that is, by way of native display.

Even if the game program according to the present exemplary embodiment is implemented as a native application that is executed on the portable terminal100, the portable terminal100can access the server apparatus200as needed, and download and use information relating to the progress of the game (information about the player, information about other players who are friends of the player, information about accumulated points, items, and characters offered to the player, and ranking information about the player, for example). Furthermore, multi-playing of the game is possible in which the portable terminal100and another portable terminal are connected to each other so as to enable communication (peer-to-peer communication, such as short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example) and operate in synchronization with each other.

As described with respect to the exemplary embodiments above, with the game program, the portable terminal100(computer), and the server apparatus200(computer) according to the exemplary embodiments, the operation object rotated by the input function that accepts rotation operation information is compared with the target object to thereby determine whether the operation object and the target object match. Accordingly, the game program and so on can produce an effect of increasing the attractiveness of the game because of good viewability and intuitive operability in the three-dimensional graphical scene.

A control block (specifically, the control unit10) of the portable terminal100and the server apparatus200may be implemented as a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC) chip or the like or as software by using a central processing unit (CPU). In the latter case, the portable terminal100and the server apparatus200each can include a CPU that executes instructions of the game program, which is software for implementing the individual functions, a read-only memory (ROM) or a storage device (referred to as “recording medium”) to which the game program and various types of data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU), a random access memory (RAM) to which the game program is loaded, and the like. By the computer (or CPU) reading the game program from the recording medium and executing the game program, the objective of the present invention is attained. As the recording medium, a “non-transitory tangible medium”, such as a tape, a disc, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like, can be used. In addition, the game program may be provided to the computer via any transmission medium desired (communication network or broadcast wave, for example) capable of transmitting the game program. The exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented as a data signal on a carrier wave where the game program is embodied by way of electronic transmission.

Specifically, the game program according to the exemplary embodiments herein can make a computer (portable terminal IOC or server apparatus200) execute the rotation operation input function, the operation object display output function, the target object display output function, the form determination function, the bonus offering function, the object moving function, the limitation function, and the acceleration obtaining function. The rotation operation input function, the operation object display output function, the target object display output function, the form determination function, the bonus offering function, the object, moving function, the limitation function, and the acceleration obtaining function can be respectively implemented by the rotation operation input unit11, the operation object display output unit12, the target, object display output unit13, the form determination unit14, the bonus offering unit15, the object moving unit16, the limitation unit17, and the acceleration obtaining unit19described above. The details of the functions are as described above in the exemplary embodiments.

The game program can be written in, for example, a script language such as ActionScript or JavaScript® an object-oriented programming language such as Objective-C or Java® or a markup language such as HyperText Markup Language 5 (HTML5), or any other desired language. The game system300that can include an information processing terminal (portable terminal100, for example) including units which implement some functions implemented by the game program and a server (server apparatus200, for example) including units which implement the remaining functions different from the functions implemented by the units of the information processing terminal is also within the scope of the present invention.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be variously altered within the scope defined by the appended claims, and embodiments obtained by suitably combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also within the technical scope of the present invention. Further, a new technical feature can be formed by combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments.

The present invention is widely applicable to any computers, such as smartphones, tablet terminals, portable telephones, home video game machines, personal computers, server apparatuses, workstations, or mainframes.