Patent Publication Number: US-6991542-B2

Title: Game machine, game music output method, information storage medium, game program distribution device, and game program distribution method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a game machine, a game music output method, an information storage medium, a game program distribution device, and a game program distribution method. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for outputting music other than original music, which is suitable to maintain a player&#39;s excitement, during a period corresponding to apart of the original music, such as a beginning or ending thereof, which is unsuitable to serve as game music, so that the game becomes more attractive. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Arcade game machines and game software in which game music is output and a player operates an input device in accordance with the rhythm of the output game music so that the player can enjoy the feeling of playing music or dancing, are popular. A typical example of such a device or software may include “Beat Mania™” and “Dance, Dance, Revolution™” both manufactured and sold by Konami Corporation. 
     In such music-oriented games, operation timing data representing timing at which player operates an input device is prepared in accordance with the rhythm of music, and operation timing gradually approaching is shown on a display based on the operation timing data. The game player operates an input device while looking at the display and listening to the music. Performance of the game player is evaluated based on the amount of difference between the timing at which the player actually operated the input device and the timing defined by the operation timing data. 
     In such a music-oriented game, generally, any one of a plurality of pieces of game music are desirably or automatically selected as the game advances. One game stage is completed with the selected one piece of game music, and another piece of game music is selected for the next game stage. During an interval between the game stages, introduction of the next game music piece and so on is presented on a display. 
     With this arrangement, however, there is a discontinuation in the music between reproductions of one and next game music pieces. This causes the player&#39;s tension to be reduced, and the player&#39;s excitement is thereby also reduced. 
     In order to address this problem, a desired music-oriented game is of a type in which a plurality of pieces of game music are successively output with a shortest possible interval so that a player be able to stay excited. This type of music-oriented game machine, however, still has the following problem. 
     That is, many of the recent music-oriented games use general popular music and so on as game music. Such music often contains, at the beginning or ending thereof, a part with a slower tempo or smaller volume. Such a part is unsuitable to serve as game music to keep a player excited. Therefore, even though a plurality of pieces of game music are successively output with a shortest possible interval to ensure the shortest possible period with discontinued game music, the player&#39;s tension is still reduced at the beginning or ending of each game music piece. Moreover, this problem is not limited to a music-oriented game only. 
     In view of the above, achievement of an arrangement in which music suitable to keep a player excited is reproduced overlapping with or instead of a part of original music, such as the beginning or ending thereof, which is unsuitable to keep a player excited, would enable not only music-oriented games but also other types of game machines to be made more attractive. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been conceived in view of the above, and aims to provide a game machine allowing output of music other than original music, which is suitable to keep a player excited, during a period corresponding to a part of the original music, such as a beginning or ending thereof, which is unsuitable to keep the player excited. The present invention also aims to provide a game music output method, an information storage medium storing a game program, a game program distribution device, and a game program distribution method for achieving such a game machine. 
     In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine comprising first original music output means for outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; second original music output means for outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; connection music output means for outputting predetermined connection music; and timing control means for controlling the second original music output means and the connection music output means such that main part end timing of the first original music coincides with start timing of the connection music, and that main part start timing of the second original music coincides with output end timing of the connection music. 
     “A main part” here means a part of original music, which is suitable to serve as game music. “A preamble” means a part preceding a main part, which is unsuitable to serve as game music. “A post-amble” means a part subsequent to a main part, which is unsuitable to serve as game music. 
     According to the present invention, connection music begins outputting upon completion of outputting the main part of the first original music, and the main part of the second original music begins outputting upon completion of outputting the connection music. Therefore, selection of connection music suitable to serve as game music enables continuous playing of appropriate game music even in the case where original music pieces are successively reproduced. This makes it possible to provide an attractive game machine capable of keeping a player excited. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the above game machine may further comprise volume control means for controlling an output volume of the post-amble of the first original music. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid a situation where the post-amble of first original music is heard at a large volume during a period when connection music is output. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the above game machine may further comprise volume control means for controlling an output volume of the preamble of the second original music. This arrangement can prevent a situation where the preamble of the second original music is heard at a large volume while outputting the connection music. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, a tempo of the connection music is determined based on a tempo of the main part of the first original music. This arrangement enables smooth transition from the main part of the first original music to the connection music. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, a tempo of the connection music is determined based on a tempo of the main part of the second original music. This arrangement enables smooth transition from the connection music to the main part of the second original music. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, the above game machine may further comprise connection music tempo control means for controlling a tempo of the connection music so as to gradually vary from a tempo based on a tempo of the main part of the first original music to a tempo based on a tempo of the main part of the second original music. This arrangement enables smooth transitions from the main part of the first original music to the connection music, and from the connection music to the main part of the second original music. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine comprising original music storage means for storing audio data concerning at least a main part of original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; connection music storage means for storing audio data concerning predetermined connection music; original music output means for outputting the main part of the original music based on the audio data concerning the main part; connection music output means for outputting the connection music based on the audio data concerning the predetermined connection music during a period when at least the post-amble of the original music must be output after completion of outputting the main part. 
     According to the present invention, connection music is output overlapping with or in the place of a post-amble of original music during a period when the post-amble must be output. This arrangement enables continuous provision of appropriate music to the player even during a period when a post-amble must be output. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine comprising original music storage means for storing audio data concerning at least a main part of original music containing a preamble and a main part subsequent thereto; connection music storage means for storing audio data concerning predetermined connection music; original music output means for outputting the main part of the original music based on the audio data concerning the main part; connection music output means for outputting the connection music based on the audio data concerning the predetermined connection music during a period when at least the preamble of the original music must be output before the start of outputting the main part. 
     According to the present invention, connection music is output overlapping with or in the place of a preamble of original music during a period when the preamble must be output. This arrangement enables continuous provision of appropriate music to the player even during a period when a preamble must be output. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a tempo of the connection music is determined based on a tempo of the main part of the original music. This arrangement allows the connection music to take over the tempo of the main part of the original music. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine comprising original music storage means for storing audio data concerning original music containing a main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; original music end timing storage means for storing main part end timing data indicative of main part end timing of the original music; connection music storage means for storing audio data concerning predetermined connection music; original music reproduction means for outputting the original music based on the audio data concerning the original music; main part end timing monitoring means for monitoring main part end timing based on the main part end timing data while outputting the original music; connection music output means for starting outputting the connection music upon arrival of the main part end timing; and original music volume control means for reducing an output volume of the original music upon arrival of the main part end timing. 
     According to the present invention, connection music is output upon completion of outputting the main part of the original music. This arrangement enables continuous provision of appropriate music to the player even during a period when a post-amble must be output. In addition, interference between the post-amble of the original and the connection music can be avoided because an output volume of the post-amble is then set at, for example, zero. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine, comprising original music storage means for storing audio data concerning original music containing a preamble and a main part subsequent thereto; main part start timing storage means for storing main part start timing data indicative of main part start timing of the original music; connection music storage means for storing audio data concerning predetermined connection music; original music reproduction start timing storage means for storing original music reproduction start timing data indicative of original music reproduction start timing during a period when the connection music is output; connection music output means for outputting the connection music based on the audio data concerning the connection music; original music reproduction start timing monitoring means for monitoring original music reproduction start timing based on the original music reproduction start timing data during a period when the connection music is output; original music reproduction means for starting reproduction of the original music while suppressing an output volume for the original music, upon arrival of original music reproduction start timing; main part start timing monitoring means for monitoring main part start timing based on the main part start timing data after reproduction of the original music was started; and original music volume control means for increasing an output volume for the original music upon arrival of the main part start timing. 
     According to the present invention, reproduction of the original music begins with its output volume suppressed when original music reproduction timing arrives during a period when the connection music is output, and the output volume is increased when main part start timing thereafter arrives. This arrangement enables provision of connection music to the player even during a period when the preamble of the original music must be output. In addition, interference between the preamble and the connection music can be prevented as an output volume of the original music is suppressed during a period for the preamble. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the original music reproduction means begins reproduction of the original music with its output volume set at zero. This arrangement enables complete elimination of interference between the preamble and the connection music. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game music output method comprising an original music output step of outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period when the post-amble of the original music must be output. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an original music output step of outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period when the post-amble of the original music must be output. 
     According to the present invention, the connection music can be provided to the player even during a period when a post-amble must be output. Therefore, selection of connection music suitable to serve as game music allows the player to stay excited. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game music output method comprising an original music output step of outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period when the preamble of the original music must be output. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an original music output step of outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period when the preamble of the original music must be output. 
     According to the present invention, the connection music can be provided to the player even during a period when a preamble must be output. Therefore, selection of connection music suitable to serve as game music allows the player to stay excited. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game music output method comprising a first original music output step of outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; a second original music output step of outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period between main part end timing of the first original music and main part start timing of the second original music. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a first original music output step of outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; a second original music output step of outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period between main part end timing of the first original music and main part start timing of the second original music. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game program distribution device for distributing a program for causing a computer to execute a first original music output step of outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; a second original music output step of outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period between main part end timing of the first original music and main part start timing of the second original music. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game program distribution method for distributing a program for causing a computer to execute a first original music output step of outputting at least a main part of first original music containing the main part and a post-amble subsequent thereto; a second original music output step of outputting at least a main part of second original music containing a preamble and the main part subsequent thereto; and a connection music output step of outputting predetermined connection music during a period between main part end timing of the first original music and main part start timing of the second original music. 
     According to the present invention, the connection music begins outputting upon completion of outputting the main part of the first original music, and the main part of the second original music begins outputting upon completion of outputting the connection music. Therefore, selection of connection music suitable to serve as game music enables continuous playing of appropriate game music even during a period when original music pieces are successively output. This makes it possible to provide an attractive game capable of keeping the player excited. 
     According to a game program distribution device and a game program distribution method of the present invention, a demander can easily obtain a game, unique to the present invention, which outputs connection music even during a period when a preamble or post-amble must be output so that the player can be kept excited. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine having a controller operated by a player in accordance with game music comprising original music output means for outputting, as a part of the game music, at least a main part of original music containing a preamble, the main part, and a post-amble in this order; connection music output means for outputting predetermined connection music; original music determination means for determining next original music to output; timing control means for controlling the original music output means and the connection music output means such that the connection music is output during a period between main part end timing of original music currently output and main part start timing of the next original music to output. 
     According to the present invention, the original music determination means determines next original music to output. The connection music begins outputting when the main part of the original music finishes outputting, and the main part of the next original music begins outputting when the connection music finishes outputting. Therefore, selection of connection music suitable to serve as game music enables continuous playing of appropriate game music. In addition, because the main part of the original music and the connection music can be output endlessly, there can be provided a more attractive game machine. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine having a controller operated by a player in accordance with game music comprising input means for setting a play condition including a number of players and difficulty; play condition storage means for storing the play condition set; and game advancing means for advancing a game according to the play condition stored during successive reproduction of the game music based on a plurality of pieces original music. In this machine, the game advancing means includes original music output means for outputting, as a part of the game music, at least a main part of original music containing a preamble, the main part, and a post-amble in this order; connection music output means for outputting predetermined connection music; original music determination means for determining next original music to output; and timing control means for controlling the original music output means and the connection music output means such that the connection music is output during a period between main part end timing of the original music currently output and main part start timing of the next original music to output. 
     According to the present invention, play conditions including the number of players and a level of difficulty are set using the input means, and stored in the play condition storage means. 
     The game advancing means advances a game according to the stored play conditions. As the game advances, a plurality of pieces of original music are successively reproduced and output as game music. In this invention, in particular, the original music determination means determines next original music to output. The connection music begins outputting when the main part of the original music finishes outputting, and the main part of the next original music begins outputting when the connection music finishes outputting. Therefore, selection of connection music suitable to serve as game music enables continuous playing of appropriate game music. In addition, because the main part of the original music and the connection music can be output endlessly, there can be provided a more attractive game machine. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the game advancing means may further comprise timing guidance image display means for displaying a timing guidance image in conformity with the play condition stored in the play condition storage means, for guiding timing at which the player is to operate the controller in accordance with the game music. With this arrangement, the player can know, by referring to the timing guidance screen image, timing at which to operate the controller. In addition, as the timing guidance screen image is in conformity with the play condition, the player can enjoy the game under the guidance in conformity with the play conditions set. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, in the above game machine, the original music determination means determines original music to output based on a random number. As this arrangement enables outputting of game music pieces in an order unexpected to the player, the player does not become tired of the game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and the other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, will become further apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a structure of a game machine according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an appearance of an example of a controller; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an example of a game screen image; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a configuration of game music data; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram explaining a state where game music pieces are successively output; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart explaining operation of a game machine according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart explaining operation of a game machine according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a complete structure of a game program distribution system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The entire disclosure of the corresponding Japanese application 2000-29841 filed on Feb. 7, 2000, including specification, claims, drawings and summary, are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a structure of a game machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A device  10  comprises a CD-ROM  25 , or an information storage medium, mounted to a home-use game machine  11 , which is in turn connected to a monitor  18  and a speaker  22 . Note that although a CD-ROM  25  is used here to supply a game program and game data to the home-use game machine  11 , any other information storage media, such as a DVD or a ROM card, may be used instead. Alternatively, a game program and game data may be remotely supplied to the home-use game machine  11  via a communication network, as will be described later. 
     A home-use game machine  11  comprises a CPU  14 , a GPU  16 , an SPU  20 , a CD-ROM reader  24 , a RAM  26 , a ROM  28 , and an input/output control device  30 , mutually connected via a bus  12  for data exchange, particularly the input/output control device  30  being further connected to a controller  32  via a cord. The respective elements of the home-use game machine  11  other than the controller  32  are all accommodated in a predetermined single housing. By way of example, the monitor  18  may be a home TV receiver, and the speaker  22  may be a speaker incorporated into the home TV receiver. 
     The CPU  14  has a structure comprising a micro processor, and controls the respective elements of the home-use game machine  11  based on an operating system stored in the ROM  26  and a game program read from the CD-ROM 25 . The bus  12  is used for exchanging addresses and data among the respective elements of the home-use game machine  11 . The ROM  28  stores an operating system, which is a basic program indispensable for comprehensive operation of the home-use game machine  11 . The RAM  26  is used for storing game programs and game data read from the CD-ROM  25  as necessary. The GPU (graphics processing unit)  16 , which has a structure comprising a frame buffer, receives image data from the CPU  14 , and draws a game screen image in the frame buffer based on the received input data. The GPU  16 , moreover, converts the content of the frame buffer into a video signal, and outputs the signal to the monitor  18  at predetermined timing. 
     An SPU (sound processing unit)  20 , which has a structure comprising a sound buffer, reproduces music data, game sound effects, and so on, which are read from the CD-ROM  25  and stored in the sound buffer, and outputs sounds via the speaker  22 . The CD-ROM reader  24 , in response to an instruction from the CPU  14 , reads a game program and game data from the CD-ROM  25 . In this embodiment, the CD-ROM  25  stores a game program and game data for implementing a music game. 
     The input/output control device  30  is an interface for connecting one or more external input/output devices to the home-use game machine  11 . A controller  32  is detachably connected to the control device  30  in this embodiment. Alternatively, an auxiliary storage device, such as a memory card, or an external communication device, such as a modem or a terminal adapter, may be connected. A controller  32  is an input means via which a player operates a game, and has various buttons. The input/output control device  30  periodically (for example, every 1/60 seconds) scans the operation states of the various buttons of the controller  32 , and supplies a signal indicative of the scanning result to the CPU  14  via the bus  12 . Based on the signal, the CPU  14  judges the player&#39;s game operation. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an example of the controller  32 . The controller  32  shown, generally used in various games, has buttons on the surface thereof, including a direction button  34 , a start button  36 , and buttons  38 X,  38 Y,  38 A,  38 B. The direction button  34  is a cross-shaped button generally used in designating a direction in which a character or a cursor is to move. The start button  36  is a small, triangular press button generally used to either start or forcibly end a game. The buttons  38 X,  38 Y,  38 A,  38 B are generally used for other game operations. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an example of a game screen image displayed in the monitor  18  based on a game program and game data read from the CD-ROM  25 . As shown, a background image  46  is displayed over the entire game screen  40 , and a dance gauge  50 , reference arrows  48 X,  48 A,  48 Y,  48 B, timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B, a score  42 , and a message  52  are displayed superimposed thereupon. The score  42 , which is shown on the left lowermost part in the game screen  40 , indicates a score accumulated thus far. The message  52 , which is shown in the center-left part of the screen, constitutes of an expression evaluating the player&#39;s operation, such as “Great”, “Perfect”, “Good”, “Boo”, and so on. 
     The dance gauge  50 , which is shown in the left uppermost part in the screen image, comprises a gauge bar which extends or contracts depending on the finess with which the game is operated. Specifically, the gauge bar may extend to the right in response to a highly evaluated game operation, and contract to the left in response to a poorly evaluated game operation. As a game ends soon after the gauge bar becomes shorter than a predetermined length, the player can know by referring to the dance gauge  50  whether or not the game will end soon. Below the dance gauge  50  are shown reference arrows  48 X,  48 A,  48 Y,  48 B in this order, which serve as a reference for the player to refer to know operation timing. 
     That is, the arrow  48 X is correlated with a button  38 X and a leftward operation of the direction button  34 . Similarly, the arrows  48 A,  48 Y,  48 B are correlated with a button  38 A and a downward operation of the direction button  34 , with a button  38 Y and an upward operation of the direction button  34 , and with a button  38 B and a rightward operation of the direction button  34 , respectively. In a relatively large screen area below the reference arrows  48 X,  48 A,  48 Y,  48 B, timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B are shown, which move upward as time elapses. A player can obtain a higher score by operating, at a time when each of the timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B overlap with a corresponding one of the reference arrows  48 X,  48 A,  48 Y,  48 B, the direction button  34  in a corresponding direction or pressing a corresponding one of the buttons  38 X,  38 A,  38 Y,  38 B. In the example of  FIG. 3 , where the timing guidance arrow  44 Y is about to overlap with the reference arrow  48 Y, a player operating the controller  32  at a time a little later than the timing shown in the drawing by either pressing the button  38 Y or operating the direction button  34  upward, would obtain a higher score. 
     It should be noted that a player does not always have to operate the controller  32  at a very exact timing when the timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B fully overlap with the corresponding reference arrows  48 X,  48 A,  48 Y,  48 B in order to get a score. A player can rather get a score that takes into consideration the extent of overlapping. Note that the timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B are displayed based on step data (described later). 
     The timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B are specifically displayed as follows. That is, after the start of game music reproduction, the CPU  14  reads, from the step data, operation timing within a guidance display range, and generates image data representing the timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B based on the step data. Note that a guidance display range is a range determined here as covering two bars subsequent to the current moment. Image data is configured such that a timing guidance arrow relative to the closest operation timing is displayed in the uppermost part in the timing guidance arrow display area with those relative to farther operation timings displayed in lower parts accordingly. 
     In displaying the arrows, for example, the timing guidance arrow  44 X, indicative of timing of a leftward operation of the direction button  34  and a pressing operation of the button  38 X, is shown below the reference arrow  48 X, associated with these operations. Similarly, timing guidance arrow  44 A, indicative of timing of a downward operation of the direction button  34  and a pressing operation of the button  38 A, is shown below the reference arrow  48 A, associated with these operations; timing guidance arrow  44 Y, indicative of timing of an upward operation of the direction button  34  and a pressing operation of the button  38 Y, is shown below the reference arrow  48 Y, associated with these operations; and a timing guidance arrow  44 B, indicative of timing of a rightward operation of the direction button  34  and a pressing operation of the button  38 B, is shown below the reference arrow  48 B, associated with these operations. It should be noted that, although single guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B are shown in a single column in this drawing, two or more timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B may be shown at the same time in a single column depending on the approaching state of operation timings. The thus generated image data is superimposed onto the background screen image  46 , constituting a part of the game screen  40 . The above processing will be repeated in a predetermined cycle. 
     The head of the guidance display range corresponds to the currently playing position in the game music, and the guidance display range moves toward the end of the music by a predetermined amount each process. Accordingly, the timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B gradually move upward as the music progresses. With the timing guidance arrows  44 X,  44 A,  44 Y,  44 B displayed as described above, a player referring to the game screen  40  can easily anticipate the arrival of operation timing. 
     Next, data recorded in a CD-ROM  25  will be described. The CD-ROM  25  stores not only a game program, various game effect sound data, and various game image data, which are necessary to play a music game using a home-use game machine  11 , but also game music data which is necessary for executing a game program.  FIG. 4  is a diagram describing game music data stored in the CD-ROM  25 . As shown, the CD-ROM  25  stores original music data, connection music data, step data, a timing table, background image data, main part start timing TS, main part end timing TE, and original music reproduction start timing TP, all in a manner associated with each of the game music pieces playable in the music game. 
     Original music data is data on, for example, general popular music which is stored as original music in the form of PCM streams and so on. In response to an instruction from the CPU  14 , the CD-ROM reading device  24  reads original music data, and, if necessary, processes the data. Then, the CD-ROM reading device  24  can supply the data directly, i.e., without passing through the bus  12 , to the SPU  20 . The SPU  20  then converts the received music data into analogue data, and supplies the converted data to the speaker  22 . Connection music data is data concerning a music piece played immediately before a corresponding original music piece, and stored in the form of compressed MIDI data. Step data defines a controller operation procedure for a player to perform in reproduction of corresponding original music data. Step data is configured according to the rhythm of the original music data. Two or more sets of step data may be prepared for a single set of original music data so that a desirable set of step data may be selected depending on a level of difficulty, a play mode, and soon. Step data contains a plurality of data blocks each corresponding to each bar of corresponding original music. Each data block contains information concerning which of the buttons of the controller  32  should be operated at which beat in a corresponding music block when the bars are broken up into blocks for each predetermined beat number such as four beats or eight beats. 
     A timing table is prepared for matching the timing of corresponding game music with that of the step data. With reference to the timing table, the CPU  14  can specify step data corresponding to the currently playing position in the corresponding original music. Background image data, either motion or still image data, is used for displaying a background image  46  in the game screen  40 , shown, for example, in  FIG. 3 . A background image suitable for the atmosphere of original music is selected for every original music data to visually excite the player. 
     Main part start timing TS is data specifying timing at which to start playing the main part of original music. Original music comes from general popular music and so on, and often contains, at its beginning or ending, a part unsuitable to serve as game music. Here, a part unsuitable to serve as game music at the beginning of original music is referred to as a preamble, while a part unsuitable to serve as game music at the end thereof is referred to as a post-amble. A part other than a preamble and a post-amble, i.e., a part suitable to serve as game music, of original music, is referred to as a main part. That is, original music comprises a preamble, a main part, and a post-amble in this order. Main part start timing TS is data specifying the time at which the preamble of original music ends and the main part begins. Main part end timing TE is data specifying timing at which the main part of original music ends and the post-amble begins. 
     Original music reproduction start timing TP is data specifying a time at which to start reproduction of corresponding original music during a period when connection music is output. As described above, original music data is made to correspond to connection music data so that connection music is played before its corresponding original music data. The CPU  14  can know, by referring to original music reproduction start timing TP, the time at which to start outputting the original music during a period when connection music is played. Note that original music reproduction start timing TP is desirably determined such that a period from the original music reproduction start timing TP to end timing of the associated connection music coincides with the length of the preamble of the original music. This arrangement enables immediate outputting of the main part of the original music upon completion of the connection music. Also, the entire length of connection music is desirably determined such that a period from the start timing of the connection music to the subsequent original music reproduction start timing TP is longer than the longest post-amble among those of all original music pieces. This arrangement enables the outputting of connection music either overlapping with or in the place of the post-amble of whichever original music piece is being output before the connection music. 
     It should be noted that connection music is played overlapping with the preamble of its corresponding original music. Any music suitable to serve as game music to keep a player&#39;s tension is selected for connection music. The tempo of connection music is determined so as to correspond to that of its corresponding original music, and more particularly to that of the beginning of the main part of the correlated original music. This arrangement enables a smooth transition from connection music to subsequent original music. Note that the tempo of the connection music is determined based on that of the subsequent original music as described above because the connection music corresponds with subsequent original music here. Alternatively, in the case where connection music corresponds with its preceding original music, the tempo of the connection music may be determined based on that of the preceding original music. Specifically, the tempo of connection music may be set so as to correspond to that of the ending of the original music played immediately before the connection music. This arrangement enables a smooth transition from the original music to the connection music. Further, the tempo of the connection music may be controlled so as to gradually vary from that of the ending of the main part of the original music which is output immediately before the connection music, to that of the beginning of the main part of the original music which is output immediately after the connection music. This arrangement enables smooth transitions from the original music to its immediately subsequent connection music and from the connection music to its immediately subsequent original music. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram describing timing at which to output original music and connection music in the game machine  10 , in which original music pieces MO 1 , MO 2 , MO 3  are sequentially selected for output. In this case, the original music MO 2  is played following its corresponding connection music MI 2 , and the original music MO 3  is played following its corresponding connection music MI 3 . Outputting of connection music correlated to the original music MO 1  is cancelled here as the original music MO 1  is the first to play. As shown, when main part end timing TE arrives during a period when the original music MO 1  is played, the connection music MI 2 , corresponding with the original music MO 2 , which is the next game music to play, begins playing. In this transition, desirably, an output volume of the original music MO 1  is set at zero or outputting of the original music MO 1  is halted upon the start of playing the connection music MI 2 . 
     Thereafter, when the original music reproduction start timing TP arrives while playing the connection music MI 2 , its correlated original music MO 2  begins playing. In this transition, desirably, an output volume of the connection music MI 2  is maintained above zero while that of the original music MO 2  is set at zero. Further, when the main part start timing TS arrives while playing the original music MO 2 , the output volume of the main part of the original music MO 2  is increased to a predetermined level. In the case where the original music reproduction start timing TP is set such that a period from the original music reproduction start timing TP to the end timing of the connection music MI 2  coincides with the length of the preamble of the associated original music MO 2 , as described above, the connection music MI 2  naturally finishes playing when the main part start timing TS of the original music MO 2  arrives. This is similarly applied to a case where the connection music MI 3  is played between the original music MO 2  and the original music MO 3 . 
     The above arrangement enables immediate start of playing of the connection music MI 2  after completion of playing the main part of the original music MO 1 , and immediate start of playing the main part of the original music MO 2  after completion of playing the connection music MI 2 . This results in successive outputting of rhythmic music pieces suitable to serve as game music, so that a player can keep his tension. Also, a sporting feel can be imparted to this type of music game because the original music pieces MO 1 , MO 2 , MO 3  are output at relatively short intervals each accompanied by a corresponding game stage. This makes the game more attractive. 
     Here, next described is game program processing executed in the home-use game machine  11 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  are flowcharts explaining major processing carried out in the home-use game machine  11  by executing a game program stored in the CD-ROM  25 . That is, when the player mounts a CD-ROM  25  in the CD-ROM reader  24  and turns on the home-use game machine  11 , an operating system stored in the ROM  28  is executed, thereby beginning various initial operations. During the initial operation, a part of the game program, necessary for the present processing, may be read from the CD-ROM  25  and loaded to the RAM  26 . According to the game program loaded, a game title and so on is displayed on the monitor  18 . Thereafter, a main menu is displayed either automatically or under the control of the controller  32 . When the player selects “an endless mode” in the menu, endless processing, which is a characteristic feature of the game machine  10  of the present invention, begins. 
     In this processing, a play condition setting menu is shown on the monitor  18 , requiring the player to input the number of players (one or two), a difficulty level (a play condition), and so on (S 101 ). The input play condition is loaded to the RAM  26 . Then, the CPU  14  generates a random number according to known software, and selects one piece of game music for initial playing from among a plurality of pieces of game music stored in the CD-ROM  25  (S 102 ). The CPU  14  loads data on the selected piece of game music (S 103 ). Specifically, data pieces shown in  FIG. 4  are loaded. Among them, original music data is supplied from the CD-ROM reader  24  directly to the SPU  20  for immediate outputting (S 104 ), while other data pieces are loaded once to the RAM  26 . 
     The CPU  14  again generates a random number so that the next original music to play is selected from among the plurality of pieces of game music stored in the CD-ROM  25  (S 105 ). Data on that game music piece is additionally loaded (S 106 ). In this case, reproduction of the original music data is reserved. 
     The CPU  14  then prepares image data for step guidance as shown in  FIG. 3 , based on step data out of the data loaded at S 103 , and outputs the prepared image data via the monitor  18  to update the step guidance (S 107 ). Specifically, the CPU  14  judges correspondence between the step data and the original music data with reference to the timing table. Note that the image for step guidance is in conformity with the pre-determined play condition. 
     Thereafter, whether or not the currently playing position falls within an evaluation period is determined based on the currently playing position and the step data (S 108 ). An evaluation period is a period during which the player&#39;s operation timing is compared with a corresponding timing defined by the step data. Specifically, an evaluation period is a period constituting of the preceding and following, each by a predetermined time amount, time periods with respect to certain timing defined as operation timing according to the step data. 
     For a currently playing position within an evaluation period, the current operation state of the controller  32  is scanned (S 109 ), and the player&#39;s game operation is evaluated thereupon (S 110 ). Here, step data indicates in which direction the direction button  34  should be operated or which of the buttons  38 X,  38 A,  38 Y,  38 B should be pressed at the operation timing currently falling within the evaluation period. Therefore, whether or not a button operation to be evaluated at that time is actually carried out is determined, and an amount of difference between the actual operation timing and the timing defined by the step data is also determined. A smaller difference in timing may get a higher evaluation. Specifically, the maximum score may be given for no timing difference. On the contrary, zero may be given for a maximum difference, and even a negative score may be given for a wrong operation of the direction button  34  or the button  38 , or if no operation is registered. Note that when two or more operations of the direction button  34  and the button  38  must be evaluated at the same time, each button operation is similarly evaluated. The evaluation result is stored in the RAM  26 . The last obtained score is added to the accumulated score, which is stored in the RAM  26 , whereby a total score is obtained. The total score is displayed as a score  42  (S 111 ). The display state of the dance gauge  50  is accordingly updated. Specifically, the gauge bar extends to the right for higher evaluation, and contracts to the left for lower evaluation. Further, a message  52  is shown on the game screen  40  according to the evaluation acquired in step S 110 . 
     Thereafter, the CPU  14  determines whether or not the ongoing game satisfies game end conditions (S 112 ). For example, the game will end when the total score fails to reach a predetermined threshold or when the player continuously presses the start button  36  of the controller  32  over a predetermined time period. When the game ends, the player&#39;s overall performance is evaluated based on the content of the RAM  26 , and displayed on the monitor  18 . 
     On the other hand, when the game end conditions are not met, the CPU  14  determines whether or not main part end timing TE has arrived (S 113 ), in which the main part end timing TE has been loaded at S 103 . When the main part end timing TE has not arrived yet, the process returns to S 107  to update the step guidance. When the main part end timing TE arrives, on the other hand, the connection music begins playing (S 114 ), and an instruction is given to the SPU  20  so as to reduce an output volume of the original music (S 115 ). As a result, only the connection music, but no post-amble of the original music, is heard from the speaker  22 . Note that connection music corresponds with the next game music to be played here, MIDI data of which has been loaded at S 106 . 
     Thereafter, the CPU  14  monitors whether or not original music reproduction start timing TP for the next music has arrived (S 116 ). When original music reproduction start timing TP arrives, the CPU  14  instructs the CD-ROM reader  24  to start reproduction of the next original music (S 117 ). Accordingly, original music data is supplied directly from the CD-ROM reader  24  to the SPU  20 , upon which the associated original music immediately begins playing. For the playing, the CPU  14  instructs the SPU  20  to set an output volume of the original music to zero. At that moment, the connection music continues playing. Therefore, only the connection music, but no preamble, is heard from the speaker  22 . 
     The CPU  14  then monitors whether or not the main part start timing TS for the currently playing music has arrived (S 118 ). When main part start timing TS arrives, the CPU  14  instructs the SPU  20  to increase the output volume of the original music (S 119 ). At that timing, the connection music automatically finishes playing, and the process returns to step S 105 . 
     According to the above described game machine  10 , game music is sequentially selected according to a random number, so that the player can continuously enjoy the game operation and thus keep his excitement. Also, as a sporting feel can be imparted to this type of music, the game machine  10  becomes more attractive. 
     As described above, only a part of original music, i.e., a main part, which is suitable to serve as game music, is used as game music, while other parts, i.e., a preamble and a post-amble, are overlapped with by connection music. Therefore, when music suitable to serve as game music is selected to serve as connection music, music with intention and salutation can be continuously played. This contributes to keeping the player&#39;s tension even during an interval between the game music pieces. 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above. 
     For example, whereas the present invention is applied to a home-use game machine  11  in the above, the present invention can be similarly applied to a business use game machine (arcade game machine). In this case, preferably, a faster storage device than a CD-ROM  25  and a built-in monitor  18  and speaker  22  may be used. 
     Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a music game, as described above, but also to other types of games. For example, when general popular music is used as BGM of a combat game, the preamble or post-amble of such general music maybe replaced by connection music, which is more suitable to maintain game tension. This makes the combat game become still more attractive. 
     Still further, whereas a game program and game data are provided from a CD-ROM  25 , or an information storage medium, to a home-use game machine  11  in the above, a game program and game data may be distributed through a communication network to each home.  FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a complete structure of a game program distribution system utilizing a communication network. As shown, a game program distribution system  53  comprises a game data base  54 , a server  56 , a communication network  60 , a personal computer  62 , a home-use game machine  64 , and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance)  66 , wherein the game database  54  and the server  56  together constitute a game program distribution device  58 . The communication network  60  may be, for example, the Internet or a cable television network. In this system, the game database  54  stores a game program and game data, similar to those stored in the CD-ROM  25 . When a user makes a request for a game distribution, using the personal computer  62 , the home-use game machine  64 , the PDA  66 , or the like, the request is forwarded to the server  56  via the communication network  60 . In response to the request, the server  56  reads the game program and game data from the game database  54  and transfers them to the requesting entity, such as the personal computer  62 , the home-use game machine  64 , the PDA  66 , or the like. Note that although a game distribution is effected in response to a game distribution request in the above, the server  56  may transmit them one-sidedly. Also, game programs and game data necessary for playing a game may not necessarily be all distributed at the same time, and only those necessary for each aspect of the game may be distributed at an appropriate timing. Game distribution via a communication network  60  as described above allows a person to easily obtain a game unique to the present invention, which allows the player to keep his tension through successive reproduction of game music pieces.