Abstract:
A game device is a turn-table adapter having a clip mountable on a case, a shaft passing through one arm of the clip, an operation disk coaxially provided to the shaft at one end thereof, and a press-in disk coaxially provided to the shaft at another end thereof. Another arm of the clip is optionally provided with a bump to be fitted to a hole formed on the case to serve as an element necessary for assembling the game device. A bottom surface of the press-in disk opposite to a press-switch is formed with a bump which engages the press-switch to thereby depress the press-switch.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a turn-table adapter capable of being attached to a game device for executing games intended to be played in time with music. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recently, a music game system in which a player is instructed to operate an input device in time with music for simulating a DJ (disk jockey) and performance on various musical instruments has become popular. However, input devices for general types of game devices are equipped only with press-switches and they are not sufficient to play music oriented games. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a turn-table adapter suitable for use in music oriented games. 
     In order to attain the above-mentioned object, there is provided a turn-table adapter comprising a body capable of being attached to a game device provided with a press-switch serving as an operation member of an input device, and a mechanism for converting a rotational operation by a player into a pushing-down operation of the press-switch. 
     According to the above mentioned turn-table adopter, it is possible to allow the game player to perform rotational operations in time with the music, so that interests of music oriented games can be improved. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a turn-table adapter capable of being attached to a game device provided with a press-switch serving as an operation member of an input device, said turn-table adapter comprising: a clip to be detachably mounted on a case of the game device; and an operation disk attached to one arm of the clip and rotatably operable by a player, wherein a rotational operation of the operation disk can be converted into a pushing-down operation of the press-switch. 
     In the turn-table adapter, the clip may be provided with a shaft passing through said one arm, the shaft may be coaxially provided at both ends thereof with the operation disk and a press-in disk, and a lower surface of the press-in disk opposite to the case may be provided with a bump for depressing the press-switch. 
     A bottom surface of the operation disk opposite to said one arm may be formed as an end face cam, said one arm may be provided with a pin movable in an axial direction of the operation disk, and a rotation of the operation disk may be converted into a movement of the pin in the axial direction to thereby depress the press-switch. 
     The case may be provided with an element necessary for assembling the game device, and the clip may be mounted on the case using said element. 
     The case may be provided with a hole serving as an element necessary for assembling the game device, and another arm of the clip may be provided with a bump to be fitted to the hole. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a turn-table adapter capable of being attached to a game device provided with a press-switch serving as an operation member of an input device, said turn-table adapter comprising: a clip mountable on a case of the game device; a shaft passing through one arm of the clip; an operation disk coaxially provided to the shaft at on one end thereof; and a press-in disk coaxially provided to the shaft at another end thereof, wherein another arm of the clip is provided with a bump to be fitted to a hole formed on the case to serve as an element necessary for assembling the game device, a bottom surface of the press-in disk opposite to the press-switch being formed with a bump, and an integral rotation of the operation disk and the press-in disk allowing the bump of the press-in disk to rise onto the press-switch to thereby depress the press-switch. 
     According to still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a turn-table adapter capable of being attached to a game device provided with a press-switch serving as an operation member of an input device, said turn-table adapter comprising: a clip mountable on a case of the game device; a shaft attached to one arm of the clip; and an operation disk provided to the shaft at one end thereof, wherein said one arm is provided with a pin movable in an axial direction of the shaft, another arm of the clip being provided with a bump to be fitted to a hole formed on the case to serve as an element necessary for assembling the game device, a lower surface of the operation disk opposite to the press-switch being formed as an end face cam, and a rotation of the operation disk being converted into a movement of the pin in an up-and-down direction to thereby depress the press-switch. 
     In the above mentioned turn-table adapters, the game device may be configured as a portable game device. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable game device suitable to play music oriented games. 
     In order to attain the above mentioned object, there is provided a portable game device comprising: a case having a size approximately small enough to fit in a palm of an adult; a press-switch provided on the case and serving as an operation member of an input device; and a turn-table adapter to be detachably mounted on the case, said turn-table adapter being capable of converting a rotational operation by a player into a pushing-down operation of the press-switch. 
     According to the above mentioned portable game device, it is possible to allow the game player to perform rotational operations in time with the music, so that interests of music oriented games carried out on the portable game device can be improved. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable game device comprising: a case having a size approximately small enough to fit in a palm of an adult; a press-switch provided on the case and serving as an operation member of an input device; and a turn-table adapter comprising a clip to be detachably mounted on the case and an operation disk attached to one arm of the clip and rotatably operable by a player, wherein a rotational operation of the operation disk can be converted into a pushing-down operation of the press-switch. 
     In the portable game device, the clip may be provided with a shaft passing through said one arm, the shaft may be coaxially provided at both ends thereof with the operation disk and a press-in disk, and a lower surface of the press-in disk opposite to the case may be provided with a bump for depressing the press-switch. 
     A bottom surface of the operation disk opposite to said one arm may be formed as an end face cam, said one arm may be provided with a pin movable in an axial direction of the operation disk, and a rotation of the operation disk may be converted into a movement of the pin in the axial direction to thereby depress the press-switch. 
     The case may be provided with an element necessary for assembling the game device, and the clip may be mounted on the case using said element. 
     The case may be provided with a hole serving as an element necessary for assembling the game device, and another arm of the clip may be provided with a bump to be fitted to the hole. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable game device comprising: a case having a size approximately small enough to fit in a palm of an adult; a press-switch provided on the case and serving as an operation member of an input device; and a turn-table adapter comprising a clip mountable on the case, a shaft passing through one arm of the clip, an operation disk coaxially provided to the shaft at on one end thereof, and a press-in disk coaxially provided to the shaft at another end thereof, wherein another arm of the clip is provided with a bump to be fitted to a hole formed on the case to serve as an element necessary for assembling the game device, a bottom surface of the press-in disk opposite to the press-switch being formed with a bump, and an integral rotation of the operation disk and the press-in disk allowing the bump of the press-in disk to rise onto the press-switch to thereby depress the press-switch. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable game device comprising: a case having a size approximately small enough to fit in a palm of an adult; a press-switch provided on the case and serving as an operation member of an input device; and a turn-table adapter comprising a clip mountable on the case, a shaft attached to one arm of the clip, and an operation disk provided to the shaft at one end thereof, wherein said one arm is provided with a pin movable in an axial direction of the shaft, another arm of the clip being provided with a bump to be fitted to a hole formed on the case to serve as an element necessary for assembling the game device, a lower surface of the operation disk opposite to the press-switch being formed as an end face cam, and a rotation of the operation disk being converted into a movement of the pin in an up-and-down direction to thereby depress the press-switch. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable game device by which a game player can sufficiently enjoy the music oriented games. 
     In order to attain the above object, there is provided a portable game device comprising: a case having a size approximately small enough to fit in a palm of an adult; an input device provided on the case and having a plurality of operation members, for outputting signals in correspondence with operation states of the operation members, at least one of the operation members being arranged as a press-switch; a memory device in which is stored a music data for reproducing a tune, and a timing data defining a procedure for operating the operation members in correspondence with the tune reproduced base on the music data; a display device for displaying a game picture; a music reproducing device for reproducing the music data; a game controller for controlling the reproduction of the tune by the music reproduction device, and using the display device to guide a player in an operation procedure of the input device in correspondence with the reproduced tune; and a turn-table adapter to be detachably mounted on the case, said turn-table adapter being capable of converting a rotational operation by the player into a pushing-down operation of the press-switch. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the outside of a portable game device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a turn-table adapter provided in the game device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic constitution of a control system of the game device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data store on a cassette for executing a music game on the game device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a monitor in the music game executed on the game device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a music game executed on the game device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a flowchart of game processing executed as a subroutine of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between a tune prepared in advance and a medley tune created therefrom; 
     FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a table prepared in order to create a medley tune; 
     FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a table prepared in order to create a medley tune; 
     FIGS. 11A to  11 C are diagrams showing data for creating a medley prepared in order to create a medley tune combined with the table of FIG. 10; and 
     FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of medley tune read processing executed to reproduce a medley tune using the data of FIG.  10  and FIGS. 11A to  11 C 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B show the outside of a portable device for the music game according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game device  1  comprises a resin case  2 . The case  2  is of a size approximately small enough to fit in a palm of an adult. A liquid crystal monitor  3  functions as a display device, and is provided in the center of the surface of the case  2 . Various press-switches comprise operation members of an input device  4 , and are provided around the monitor  3 . The number and arrangement of the press-switches can be varied. The input device  4  shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B has two groups of four press-switches  5   a  to  5   d , and  5   e  to  5   h , provided in a cross-like formation at the bottom left and bottom right respectively of the monitor  3 , two press-switches  5   i  and  5   j , provided at the top right of the monitor  3 , and two press-switches  5   k  and  5   m , provided at the middle right of the monitor  3 . In the following explanation, these press-switches will be represented collectively as the press-switches  5  where there is no need to distinguish among them. 
     A turn-table adapter  10  can be attached at the position where the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j  are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the turn-table adapter  10  comprises a clip  11 , a shaft  12  passing through one arm  11   a  of the clip  11 , and a operation disk  13  and a press-in disk  14 , provided coaxially to the shaft  12  at both ends thereof. A pair of bumps  11   c  and  11   c  is provided on the other arm  11   b  of the clip  11 . The bumps  11   c  correspond to portion of multiple holes  2   a  . . .  2   a  on the back face of the case  2  shown in FIG.  1 B. The holes  2   a  are needed in order to assemble the game device  1 . For example, screws used for securing the top and bottom faces of the case  2  together, and for securing a wiring board inside the case  2 , are provided in the holes  2   a.    
     The clip  11  is clipped onto the case  2  so as to clasp it on either side, and the bumps  11   c  are fitted into the holes  2   a , thereby securing the turn-table adapter  10  on the case  2  so that the press-in disk  14  covers the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j . When the player rotates the operation disk  13  around the shaft  12  using his or her finger, bumps  14   a  . . .  14   a  provided on the bottom face of the press-in disk  14  rise onto the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j , pushing them downwards. Consequently, the rotation operation of the operation disk  13  converted into a pushing-down operation of the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j . Instead of the press-in disk  14 , the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j  may be pressed by providing a pin which can move up and down (in the axial direction of the shaft  12 ) on the arm  11   a  of the clip  11 , and converting the rotation of the operation disk  13  into a movement in the up-down direction of the pin, using the bottom face of the operation disk  13  as an end face cam. 
     In the game device  1  of the present embodiment, play is of course still possible when the turn-table adapter  10  has been removed. In the following description, if there is no particular explanation, the operation of the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j  is regarded as including those of rotation of disk  13  of the turn-table adapter  10 , and of direct pressing of the press-switches  5   i  and  5   j.    
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic constitution of a control system of th e game device  1 . The game device  1  has a CPU  20  mainly comprising a microprocessor. The press-switches  5  of the input device  4  described above are connected to the CPU  20  via an interface (not shown in the diagram) and a bus  21 . In addition, main memory devices comprising a ROM  22  and a RAM  23 , an image processor  24  and a sound processor  26 , a cassette interface  28  comprising a cassette  30  as an auxiliary memory device, and a communications control interface  29  for connecting various types of peripheral devices  31 , are connected via the same bus  21 . 
     A system program required to start the game device  1  up i s written into the ROM  22 . The cassette  30  comprises a ROM  30   a , in which data and a program for the game are written, and a RAM  30   b , in which data such as game results are stored. The ROM  30   a  and the RAM  30   b  each comprise a semiconductor memory, the programs and data stored therein being loaded to the RAM  23  as required. The ROM  30   a  and the RAM  30   b  are sometimes accessed directly by the CPU  20 . 
     The image processor  24  receives an image data from the CPU  20  and paints a game screen on a frame buffer  25 , and in addition, displays the painted image at a predetermined timing on the monitor  3 . The sound processor  26  reproduces sound source data and data such as sound and music, read out from the RAM  23  and stored in predetermined regions of a sound buffer  27 , and outputs them from a loudspeaker  32 . In an alternative arrangement, the sound buffer  27  may be omitted, so that a PCM waveform is output directly in compliance with a command from the CPU  20 . 
     The loudspeaker  32  is provided inside the case  2 . The communications control interface  29  is connected to the communications cable or the like for carrying out data communications with peripheral device  31  such as a headphone adapter or another game device  1 . When a headphone adapter is provided, the output from the sound processor  26  is supplied, not to the loudspeaker  32 , but to the headphone via the communications control interface  29 . 
     In the present embodiment, a predetermined music game is executed using the hardware described above. This music game simulates playing a DJ by operating the operation members  5  of the input device  4  in time with music performed as BGM. As shown in FIG. 4, music data D 1  for reproducing music (tunes) used in the music game, sound effect data D 2  for generating sound effects in correspondence with the music, operation timing data D 3  defining a procedure for operating the input device  4  in time with the music, and table data D 4  for arranging the music and sound effects in correspondence with the operation timings defined by the operation timing data D 3 , are stored in the ROM  30   a  of the cassette  30 . In addition, image data and the like for displaying dancing scenes and the like on the monitor  3  in time with the music are also stored in the ROM  30   a.    
     Multiple tunes are prepared, and their music data D 1  are managed by appending a number for each tune. Multiple groups of operation timing data D 3  are prepared, and their level of difficulty, for example, is changed in correspondence with the music data D 1  of each tune. The music data D 1  and the sound effect data D 2  are compressed and stored in the ROM  30   a , and after the compressed data have been developed as, for example, PCM data in a predetermined operation area of the RAM  23 , they are passed to the sound processor  26  as a PCM sound source, and output from the loudspeaker  32 . The music game of the present embodiment assumes that the operation members to be controlled in time with the music comprise five keyboards and one turntable, the operation timings for each operation member being defined by the operation timing data D 3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the monitor  3  in the music game described above. An animation window  101  showing an animation in correspondence with the music, a rhythm pattern gauge  102 , a groove meter  103 , and a score window  104 , are displayed in the game screen  100 . 
     The rhythm pattern gauge  102  guides the player in the procedure for operating the press-switches  5  of the input device  4  based on the operation timing data D 3 . As described above, since the operation timing data D 3  stipulates operation for five keyboards and one turntable, three white key marks  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c , representing white keys of a keyboard instrument, two black key marks  110   d  and  110   e , representing black keys of the keyboard instrument, and a turntable mark  110   f  representing a record player turntable, are displayed in accordance with the operation timing data D 3  at the bottom end of the gauge  102  in alignment with a reference line  111 . 
     Each of the marks  110   a  to  110   f  is provided so that it would not duplicate with at least one of the press-switches  5  of the input device  4 . For example, the white key marks  110   a  and  110   c  correspond to the press-switches  5   c  and  5   h , the white key mark  110   b  corresponds to the press-switches  5   d  and  5   g , the black key marks  110   d  and  110   e  correspond respectively to the press-switches  5   a  and  5   e , and the turntable mark  110   f  corresponds to the press-switch  5   j . To enable the turn-table adapter  10  shown in FIG. 2 to function as a turntable in the game, the turntable mark  110   f  is always provided in correspondence with the press-switches  5   i  or  5   j . The press-switches  5   i  and  5   j  are never provided in correspondence with the marks  110   a  to  110   e , but only with the turntable mark  110   f . The relationship between the operation members (five keyboards and one turntable) defined in the operation timing data D 3 , and the press-switches  5  of the input device  4 , is stored beforehand as a table in the ROM  30   a.    
     Timing marks  112   a  to  112   f  (hereinafter sometimes represented collectively by reference code  112 ) are positioned in the left to right direction in correspondence with the marks  110   a  to  110   f , and are displayed in the gauge  102 . The display of the timing marks  112  is controlled in the following manner based on the operation timing data D 3  of FIG.  4 . 
     When the reproduction of music (a tune) commences, the CPU  20  sets part of the operation timing data D 3  corresponding to the tune (e.g. two bars of the tune) as a display object range in the gauge  102 , and reads the data in that range into an operation area of the RAM  23 . Then, the CPU  20  detects the operation timings of the marks  110   a  to  110   f  contained in the range that has been read, and creates image data for the gauge  102  by replacing the detected timings with the timing marks  112 . At this time, the display positions of the timing marks  112  are calculated so that the timing marks  112   a  to  112   f  are aligned in the time sequence above the reference line  111 . 
     The image data created for the gauge  102  is passed to the image processor  24  together with separately created image data for painting in areas other than the gauge  102 . In correspondence with the supplied image data, the image processor  24  paints a game screen  100  on the frame buffer  25 , and the painted game screen  100  is displayed on the monitor  3  at a predetermined timing. 
     The above processing is repeated in a predetermined cycle. The head of the display object range corresponds to the performance position of the tune at that point in the processing, and the display object range is shifted from the head of the tune towards its end by a predetermined distance at each time the processing is performed. Consequently, the timing marks  112  on the gauge  102  move gradually downward as the tune progresses. Then, when the timing marks  112  have reached the reference line  111 , the operation timings of the press-switches  5 , which are provided in correspondence with the marks  110   a  to  110   f  overlapping the marks  112 , come into effect. The timing marks  112  corresponding to the imminent operation timings are thereby arranged in time sequence above the reference line  111 , enabling the player to easily catch the future operations. 
     The left side of the groove meter  103  extends and contracts to and from its base point in accordance with an evaluation calculated in the processing of FIG. 7 explained later. A maximum evaluation is achieved when the groove meter  103  has extended to its right end, and the groove meter  103  contracts towards its left end as the evaluation decreases. Scores calculated during the game are displayed in the score window  104 . 
     FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a music game executed by the CPU  20 . In this flowchart, one tune is played in one stage, and when that stage is cleared, the game proceeds to the next stage. 
     When a predetermined game start operation is performed to the game device  1 , firstly, a predetermined title logo is provided on the monitor  3  (Step S 1 ), and thereafter, processing for selecting a game mode is carried out in compliance with a command from the player (Step S 2 ). Here, the level of difficulty, for example, can be selected. Next, processing for selecting a tune is carried out in compliance with a command from the player (Step S 3 ), and when the tune has been selected, game processing is executed (Step S 4 ). The game processing will be explained in detail later. When the game processing ends, the play contents are evaluated (Step S 5 ), and the CPU  20  judges whether or not the play contents have cleared a borderline based on the evaluation result (Step S 6 ). When the borderline has been cleared, the CPU  20  judges whether a final stage has ended (Step S 7 ), and if not, the next stage is selected (Step S 8 ), and the processing returns to the Step S 3 . When it is judged in the Step S 6  that the borderline has not been cleared, the player is asked to confirm whether to replay the current stage (Step S 9 ), the processing returning to the Step S 4  if he or she requests the replay, and if not, proceeding to a Step S 10 . When it is judged in the Step S 7  that the game is in the final stage, the processing also proceeds to the Step S 10 . In the Step S 10 , an overall evaluation is calculated based on the play contents being performed, and the result is displayed on the monitor  3  as a DJ level. Thereafter, the game ends. 
     FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the game processing executed as a subroutine of the Step S 4  of FIG.  6 . In the game processing, firstly, initial settings required to start the game are performed, such as loading the operation timing data D 3  and the music data D 1  corresponding to the selected tune. When the initial setting is completed, play starts, the tune is performed (reproduced), and the gauge  102  is displayed (Step S 102 ). Next, it is judged whether there is presently an evaluation period for any of the press-switches  5  corresponding to the marks  110   a  to  110   f  (Step S 103 ). The evaluation period is set to a predetermined width centered on the operation timings of the press-switches  5 . Then, when it is judged that the game is in the evaluation period, the operation for the press-switches  5  in correspondence with the evaluation period is detected (Step S 104 ), and the operation performed by the player is evaluated based on the deviation between the timing of the operation which has actually been detected and the operation timing stipulated by the operation timing data D 3  (Step S 105 ). For example, zero deviation scores 100 points, and deviation of a half of the width of the evaluation period scores zero points. When the evaluation periods of multiple press-switches  5  overlap, each press-switches  5  is evaluated separately. A range of points from 100 to zero is divided into four levels: “Great”, “Good”, “Bad”, and “Poor”. Then, in Step S 105 , it is evaluated to which level the calculated score belongs. The calculated evaluations are stored in the RAM  23 , and are used to calculate the overall evaluation in the Steps S 5  and S 10  of FIG.  6 . When an operation has been performed in the Step S 104 , the sound effect corresponding to that operation is identified based on the table data D 4 , and the identified sound effect is output from the loudspeaker  32  together with the music being performed. 
     When an operation is evaluated, the evaluation is displayed in the gauge  102  (Step S 106 ). Here, the gauge  102  displays which of the above four levels the score calculated in the Step S 105  belongs to. For example, in FIG. 5, “Great” is displayed. When “Great” or “Good” are displayed, the value of the groove meter  103  extends, and when “Bad” or “Poor” are displayed, the value of the groove meter  103  contracts. When an evaluation is displayed in the Step S 106 , it is judged whether one tune has ended (Step S 107 ). Then, if the tune has not yet ended, the processing returns to the Step S 103 . When it is judged that the tune has ended, the game processing ends and the processing continues from the Step S 5  of FIG.  6 . 
     In the Step S 5  of FIG. 6, an overall evaluation for one tune is calculated based on the scores and levels calculated for each operation. Then, when the performance ends, if the value of the groove meter  103  has reached a fixed level, it is judged in the Step S 6  that the stage has been cleared. 
     In the first stage after the start of the game, the initial value of the groove meter  103  is set to its maximum, and when the evaluation calculated in the Step S 105  is less than a fixed standard, for example, when it is “Bad” or “Poor”, the value of the groove meter  103  is contracted. When even a small part of the value of the groove meter  103  remains after one tune has ended, it is possible to regard the stage as cleared in the Step S 6 . In this case, the value of the groove meter  103  need not be increased even when an evaluation of “Great” or “Good” has been obtained, while the play can continue to the next stage by using the remaining value of the groove meter  103  at the point when the preceding stage was cleared as the initial value of the groove meter  103 . This type of mode may be prepared as a hidden mode which appears when, for example, fixed conditions have been satisfied. 
     In the game device  1  described above, since the music data D 1  is supplied by the ROM  30   a , fewer tunes are stored comparing with the case where a memory medium such as a CD-ROM is used. Accordingly, to supplement the number of tunes, a medley tune combining parts of the stored tunes can be selected. 
     FIG. 8 shows an example of a medley tune X. In this example, blocks A 1  to AX, B 1  to BX . . . N 1  to NX of the tunes A to N stored in the ROM  30   a  are preset as potential constituent elements of the medley tune X. Then, at least part of the blocks of the tunes A to N are linked together to form the medley tune X. The blocks A 1  to AX, B 1  to BX . . . N 1  to NX may have any given length. For example, they may be set to a length corresponding to four bars of each tune. The total length of the medley tune X is set so as to be approximately the same as the length of the tunes A to N (e.g. approximately one minute and thirty seconds). The selected potential blocks A 1  to AX, B 1  to BX . . . N 1  to NX comprise, for example, the most striking parts of the tunes, the parts most suitable to a medley, and the like. 
     To enable the medley tune X to be reproduced, a table T 1  shown in FIG. 9 is stored beforehand in the ROM  30   a . The numbers  1  to X of the blocks forming the medley tune X are stored in the table  1  in correspondence with the music data addresses in the ROM  30   a  of the music data forming each block. Using FIG. 8 by way of example, since the block A 1  of the tune A is selected as the first block of the medley tune X, in the table of FIG. 9, the address of the block A 1  is specified as the address corresponding to the block number  1 . Addresses are similarly specified for the other block numbers. 
     When the medley tune X has been selected in the Step S 3  of FIG. 6, the CPU  20  refers to the table T 1  of FIG.  9  and judges the address in the ROM  30   a  of music data forming the tune X. Then, based on the result of that judgement, music data required for playing the tune X, and the operation timing data and sound effect data corresponding to that data, are read out from the ROM  30   a  and sent to the RAM  23 . By this processing, the game can be played with the medley tune X in the same manner as using the tunes A to N. The data can be transferred from the ROM  30   a  to the RAM  23  in fixed amounts as the tune progresses, or in a single operation prior to the start of the tune. 
     In the example described above, the medley tune X has a fixed constitution, but this can be varied. Examples of this will be explained referring to FIGS. 10 to  12 . 
     FIG. 10 shows a table T 2  which is stored in the ROM  30   a  instead of, or in addition to, the table T 1  of FIG. 9, for forming the medley tune X. The numbers  1  to X of the blocks forming the medley tune X, and the types of the music data forming each block, are stored in correspondence with each other in the table T 2 . The music data types comprise, for example, information representing musical characteristics of the tunes such as tune codes and tempi, or information representing characteristics in the game such as the level of difficulty. That is, the table T 2  of FIG. 10 does not directly specify the blocks forming the tune X, but specifies only the type of music performed in correspondence with the blocks. Therefore, when the block is of a type specified in the table T 2 , any of the blocks from the candidate tunes A to N can be selected, enabling the constitution of the tune X to be changed. 
     FIGS. 11A to  11 C show constitutions of data for creating a medley D 5  stored in the ROM  30   a  in correspondence with the table T 2  of the tune X. As shown in FIG. 11A, the data for creating a medley D 5  is classified into data relating to each tune of A to N. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the tune A data is classified into data relating to each block of A 1  to AN selected from the tune A as potential blocks for forming a medley tune. The data for the other tunes B to N has a similar constitution. Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, which shows the block AN as an example, data relating to the blocks A 1  to AN comprises type information for identifying types of the blocks A 1  to AN, and information specifying addresses of the blocks A 1  to AN in the ROM  30   a . The type information comprises information relating to the musical characteristics such as codes and tempi of the block in correspondence with the types in the table T 2  of FIG. 10, and information relating to characteristics in the game such as the level of difficulty. By referring to the type information and the address information, it is possible to detect a block having the same type as the type specified in the table T 2  of FIG. 10, and identify its address. 
     FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure by which the CPU  20  reads the music data D 1  or the like from the ROM  30   a  to an operation area of the RAM  23 , when the medley tune X has been selected. This processing is executed simultaneous to other processing (for example, the processing of FIG. 7) while the game is being played. 
     When the medley tune X is selected, firstly, the CPU  20  refers to the table T 2  and detects the type of music data forming the first block. Then, the CPU  20  consults the type information contained in the data for creating a medley D 5  of FIG. 1, extracts the block having the same type as the type specified in the table T 2 , and gets the address for that block (Step S 201 ). When multiple blocks have been extracted, one block is re-extracted from the multiple blocks using, for example, a random number. Alternatively, priority may be given to a block having a level of difficulty corresponding to the present value of the groove meter  103 . That is, the larger the value of the groove meter  103 , the higher the level of difficulty of the selected block. 
     Next, music data corresponding to the obtained address, and operation timing and sound effect data corresponding to the music data, are read in an operation area of the RAM  23  (Step S 202 ). The output of BGM and sound effects in correspondence with operation of the press-switches  5  is controlled based on the data read at this time. In addition, the display of the gauge  102  and the evaluation of the operation of the press-switches  5  are also controlled based on the data read at this time. 
     After the processing of the Step S 202 , it is judged whether the period for reading the next data has been reached (Step S 203 ). For example, when one block has a length equivalent to four bars, it is judged whether the period for reading the next data has been reached according to the time lapse since the start of that block. When it is judged that it is not the period for reading the next data, the processing of the Step S 203  is repeated. When it has been judged that it is the period for reading the next data, it is judged whether the next block will be the last block (Step S 204 ). Whether or not a block is the last block may be judged based on the next block number in the table T 2 , for example, or based on the time lapse since the start of the tune X. 
     When it is judged that the next block is not the last block, the next block is selected (Step S 205 ). This block is selected by the same processing as in the Step S 201 , wherein the CPU  20  refers to the table T 2 , and detects the type of the music data forming the next block. Then, the CPU  20  refers to the type information contained in the data for creating a medley D 5  of FIG. 11, and extracts the block having the same type as the type specified in the table T 2 . When multiple blocks have been extracted, one block is re-extracted as in the Step S 201 . Then, an address corresponding to the extracted block is obtained, music data corresponding to the obtained address, and a operation timing and sound effect data corresponding to the music data, are read in an operation area of the RAM  23  (Step S 206 ). 
     After reading the data of the next block, fade-in/out processing is carried out (Step S 207 ). In this processing the volume of the tune presently being performed gradually lowers, while simultaneously the volume of the next tune to be performed gradually increases. For example, when music data comprising PCM data is being loaded on the RAM  23 , fade-in/out can be performed by gradually lowering the output level of the tune presently being performed by multiplying by 0.9, 0.8, . . . , while increasing the output level of the next tune by multiplying by 0.1, 0.2, . . . in synchronism therewith, thereby synthesizing the signal waveforms of both tunes and passing them to the sound processor  26 . Elements on the game screen  100  may also be faded in conjunction with the fade-in/out. For example, since the marks  112  of the gauge  102  and the animation window  101  of FIG. 5 have a very close relationship to the tune reproduction, they may be faded in and out in line with the tune volume. 
     When the fade-in/out processing ends, the processing returns to the Step S 203 . The processing of the Steps S 203  to S 207  is repeated until the last block is detected in the Step S 204 . Then, when it is judged in the Step S 204  that the next block is the last block, a block suitable for the ending is selected (Step S 208 ), and music data corresponding to the block, and a operation timing and sound effect data corresponding to the music data, are read in an operation area of the RAM  23  (Step S 209 ). Then, the reading of the data for creating a medley thereby ends. The block suitable for the ending is typically the last block of one of the tunes A to N. In order to enable the block to be selected in the Step S 208 , information for judging whether the blocks can be used for ending may be included in the type information of FIG.  11 . 
     The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the blocks forming the medley tune can be selected by a method other than that described above, there being various possible modifications. The length of the medley tune need not be approximately the same as that of the other tunes. For example, the end of the medley tune may be corresponded with the groove meter  103 . That is, the medley tune may continue uninterruptedly, unless the value of the groove meter  103  drops to zero (shrinks completely to the left end). In this case, the initial value of the groove meter  103  may be set to its maximum at the start of the medley tune, and if the evaluation calculated in the Step S 105  of FIG. 7 is less than a fixed standard, for example, “Bad” or “Poor”, then the value of the groove meter  103  may be decreased. 
     In the embodiment described above, when multiple next blocks have been extracted in the Steps S 201  and S 205  of FIG. 12, a block is re-extracted by referring to the level of difficulty of the blocks, but alternatively, it is acceptable to refer to the evaluation at that point (for example, the value of the groove meter  103 ), and select a block having a level of difficulty corresponding to the evaluation during the determination of the next block. 
     The tables T 1  and T 2  of FIG.  9  and FIG. 10 may be released to the player, allowing him or her to freely specify the constitution of the medley tune. The present invention is not limited to a portable game device, but may also be applied to an arcade game for business, and an installation game device for home. The music data and operation timing data may be supplied by a magnetic memory medium such as a hard disk, or an optical memory medium such as a CD-ROM. However, since these memory media have a lower read speed than a semiconductor memory, preliminary processing, such as sending all the data to be used for playing the medley tune to the RAM, should preferably be carried out prior to performing the medley tune. 
     The method for making the contents of the medley tune X variable is not limited to that described above, and at least one part of the type information of FIG. 11C may comprise information for judging which block to be linked next, the next block being extracted after referring to the information in the Step S 205  of FIG.  12 . 
     For example, all the blocks selected as potential blocks for the medley tune are divided into blocks A having a fast tempo, and blocks B having a slow tempo. Information specifying a probability of 80% that a block A will be selected as the next block is provided in the type information of the blocks classified as blocks A, and a probability of 20% that a block B will be selected as the next block, is provided in the type information of the blocks classified as blocks A. On the other hand, information specifying a probability of 80% that a block B will be selected as the next block is provided in the type information of the blocks classified as blocks A, and a probability of 20% that a block A will be selected as the next block, is provided in the type information of the blocks classified as blocks B. Then, in the Step S 205  of FIG. 12, a block A or a block B is identified in compliance with the probability specified by the type information corresponding to a block presently being reproduced, and one more block is selected from the blocks classified as blocks A or B. In this example, when a block A is selected, the tune that follows is liable to have a fast tempo, and when a block B is selected, the tune that follows is liable to have a slow tempo. In this example, the block may be extracted during the processing of the Step S 205  by using the value of the groove meter  103  and the table T 2 . By changing the probability specifying the blocks in accordance with their states, the level of difficulty and the atmosphere of the game can be controlled. 
     The relationship between the input device  4  and the press-switches  5  is not limited to that described above, and various alterations are possible. For example, when the timings at which the press-switches  5  are pressed matches the number of switches  5  pressed at that timing, the operation may be evaluated as correct.