Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU that detects a program control code included in a land object in the vicinity of a player object, and then, the CPU determines a kind of the land object. If the land object is “hole”, the CPU executes a “hole operation” subroutine. Similarly, if the land object is “wall”, “door” or “ladder”, the CPU performs “wall operation”, “door operation” or “ladder” subroutine.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU that detects a program control code included in a land object in the vicinity of a player object, and the CPU determines a kind of the land object. If the land object is “hole,” the CPU executes a “hole operation” subroutine. Similarly, if the land object is “wall,” “door” or “ladder,” the CPU performs “wall operation,” “door operation” or “ladder” subroutine, respectively.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU detects an action code of a land object existing in front of a hole. If “jump” is the action code, a height (or depth) of the hole is calculated. When the hole height is greater than a predetermined height, a jump distance is calculated for the player object, and the CPU causes the payer object to jump in accordance with that distance.

Abstract: A game system includes a first game machine which operates according to a first architecture and, a second game machine which operates according to a second architecture different from the first architecture and has a processing capability lower than that of the first game machine. A game information storage medium stores, in addition to a first game program executable on the first game machine, a second game program executable on the second game machine and an emulator program that converts the second architecture into the first architecture. When a predetermined condition is satisfied while a first game according to the first game program is being executed on the first game machine, it is possible to execute a second game according to the second game program using the emulator program.

Abstract: A video game system includes a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a reality coprocessor. The reality coprocessor performs a conversion process on image data to display a player object or non-player object according to image data transferred from an external ROM to a RAM, and supplies the image signal through the display. The reality coprocessor detects whether or not there exists a non-player object at around the player object on the display in response to an operation of a Z button. If a non-player object is detected, the reality coprocessor selects the non-player object as an attention non-player object. At this time, the hypothetical camera is changed in position and photographing direction such that photographing can be made for the player object directly facing the non-player object.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game machine and a memory medium. The game machine is connected with a controller to be operated by a player and a display device for displaying game images. The memory medium generates player object image data and influencing object image data, as well as generates message data. The message data is a message to teach the player how to operate the controller. A player object and an influencing object are displayed on the display device. Also, the display device displays a message of how to operate the controller.

Abstract: A video game system including a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology features camera perspective or point of view control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment. The control keys allow the user at any time to move in for a close up or pull back for a wide view or pan the camera to the right and left to change the apparent camera angle.

Abstract: An operating device is, while in use, connected to an image processor which generates image data of an image to be displayed on a monitor on the basis of a program. The operating device is provided with an analog joystick in addition to a plurality of switches, and outputs operation signals by which the image data can be modified according to an operation by an operator. The analog joystick includes a lever having a tip end which is protruded from a housing and inclined in an arbitrary direction including North, South, East and West. There is provided with a guide ring which includes a guide wall having an octagonal outer edge around the lever, and the guide wall guides the lever to eight corners, that is, upper, lower, left, right, right-upper, right-lower, left-upper and left-lower corners.

Abstract: A game developer can “tag” an item in the game environment. When an animated character walks near the “tagged” item, the animation engine can cause the character's head to turn toward the item, and mathematically computes what needs to be done in order to make the action look real and normal. The tag can also be modified to elicit an emotional response from the character. For example, a tagged enemy can cause fear, while a tagged inanimate object may cause only indifference or indifferent interest.

Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game machines each of which has an LCD. A game world in which a plurality of characters individually operated by the plurality of game machines appear is displayed on a CRT as a common display and on the LCD as an individual display of each of players. Specifically, a game world having a fixed viewpoint capable of viewing the plurality of characters is displayed on the CRT, and a three-dimensional game world having a viewpoint with reference to one's character is displayed on the LCD. One of the CRT or one's LCD is changeably selected as an operation screen. When a direction instructing key is operated, a moving direction of one's character is determined with reference to the operation screen, and one's character is moved to the determined moving direction.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU that detects a program control code included in a land object in the vicinity of a player object, and then, the CPU determines a kind of the land object. If the land object is “hole”, the CPU executes a “hole operation” subroutine. Similarly, if the land object is “wall”, “door” or “ladder”, the CPU performs “wall operation”, “door operation” or “ladder” subroutine.

Abstract: When any of push-button switches on a handheld controller is pressed in a sound input mode, a video game machine generates and temporarily stores frequency data of a tone corresponding to the depressed switch. When a joystick on the controller is tilted to a predetermined direction, the video game machine changes the generated frequency data according to the amount of tilt of the joystick. It is therefore possible to input various sounds in tone using a limited number of switches. The frequency data stored in the video game machine is read later to be converted into audio signals, and outputted from a speaker incorporated in a CRT display. When a melody based on the inputted sound coincides with a predetermined melody set, the video game machine makes various changes in the progress of the game. For example, a hero character can be warped to a position that is different from the present position, or provided with various items.

Abstract: An operating device for use with an image processing apparatus which displays an image on a display screen and controls the image includes a hand-holdable housing having a shape capable of being grasped by a left hand and a right hand. A first operating device and a second operating device are formed on the housing. One of the first operating device and the second operating device is operable for use as a first moving direction designation input device which designates a moving direction of the image and the other of the first operating device and the second operating device is operable for use as an action designation input device which designates other actions of the image.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game machine and a memory medium. The game machine is connected with a controller to be operated by a player and a display device for displaying game images. The memory medium generates player object image data and influencing object image data, as well as generates message data. The message data is a message to teach the player how to operate the controller. A player object and an influencing object are displayed on the display device. Also, the display device displays a message of how to operate the controller.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches.

Abstract: A video/computer game machine is disclosed that maps external images onto animated game players in a game program. An image of a person's face may be mapped onto the head of an animated game player. The person may then play the game using the animated game player having a face that appears to be that of the person. Similarly, images of other persons can be mapped on other animated game players that appear in the video game program. Accordingly, the invention improves the realism of video games by enabling individuals to create animated game players that have features, e.g., a facial image, of the individual or that were selected and imported by the individual.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU determines straight lines respectively connecting between the player object and a North Pole, target and marker, and determines respective directions of a direction pointing mark, target pointing mark and marker pointing mark to point direction parallel to the straight lines. The player object or other objects are combined with these pointing marks, and displayed on a display.