U.S. patent application number 17/108443 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for computer device configured to provide a game and method for moving game entities from a game board area to an interaction area.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING.COM LIMITED. Invention is credited to Sebastian KNUTSSON.
Application Number | 20220080315 17/108443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005291092 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220080315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KNUTSSON; Sebastian |
March 17, 2022 |
COMPUTER DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE A GAME AND METHOD FOR MOVING
GAME ENTITIES FROM A GAME BOARD AREA TO AN INTERACTION AREA
Abstract
A computer device is configured to provide a computer
implemented game. At least one processor of the computer device is
configured to determine that one more matches have been made by a
plurality of game elements in a game board area and in response to
provide one or more game entities in the game board area. The at
least one processor is configured to control one or more of the
game entities to move from the game board area to an interaction
area.
Inventors: |
KNUTSSON; Sebastian;
(Stockholm, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KING.COM LIMITED |
St. Julians |
|
MT |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005291092 |
Appl. No.: |
17/108443 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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63078581 |
Sep 15, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/537
20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/537 20060101
A63F013/537 |
Claims
1. A computer device configured to provide a computer implemented
game, the computer device comprising: a display configured to
display: a grid of a game board area of the computer implemented
game, the grid of the game board area having a plurality of rows
and columns with a plurality of game elements positioned in the
grid, the game elements having a respective shape and color with
different ones of the game elements having different shapes and
colors, the plurality of game elements being configured to be
selected by user input to cause a match; and an interaction area of
the computer implemented game, the interaction area being outside
the game board area and displaying one or more enemies; a user
interface configured to receive first user input interacting with
the game board area to make a move; and at least one processor
configured to: in response to the first user input, determine that
one or more match conditions have been satisfied by a plurality of
adjacent game elements in the game board area having at least one
of the same color and the same shape; in response to the satisfying
of the one or more match conditions , cause one or more game
entities to be provided at respective positions in the grid of the
game board area, the one or more game entities depicting a
respective hero; receive second user input; in response to the
second user input, cause one or more of the one or more game
entities to move to and stop at a different respective position in
the grid of the game board area; move one or more of the one or
more game entities from the game board area to the interaction
area; and simulate an attack by one or more of the one or more game
entities in the interaction area against one or more of the enemies
of the interaction area.
2. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to control a visualization of the one
or more game entities to be the same in the game board area and in
the interaction area.
3. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to control a visualization of the one
or more game entities in the game board area to be different from a
visualization of the one or more game entities in the interaction
area.
4. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to control one or more of the one or
more game entities to move to a respective position in the
interaction area in dependence on a location of the respective game
entity in the game board area.
5. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
interaction area comprises a plurality of rows and columns defining
respective positions for the game entities.
6. The computer device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the columns
of the grid of the game board area are aligned with the columns of
the interaction area providing aligned columns and the at least one
processor is configured to cause a respective game entity located
at a respective position in a column of the grid of the game board
area to move to a respective defined position in an aligned column
of the interaction area.
7. The computer device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rows of
the grid of the game board area are aligned with the rows of the
interaction area providing aligned rows and the at least one
processor is configured to cause a respective game entity located
at a respective position in a row of the grid of the game board
area to move to a respective defined position in the aligned row of
the interaction area.
8. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive a user input selecting a game
entity and in response to the user input selecting the game entity,
the at least one processor is configured to cause the selected game
entity to move from the game board area to the interaction
area.
9. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive a user input selecting and
moving a game entity from one position in the game board area to
another position in the game board area and in response to the user
input selecting and moving a game entity, the at least one
processor is configured to cause the selected game entity to move
from the game board area to the interaction area.
10. (canceled)
11. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to cause the one or more game entities
moved from the game board area to the interaction area to simulate
an attack with one or more enemies located in a respective
interaction pattern of one of the game entities.
12. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive user input to select a game
entity in the game board area and in response the at least one
processor is configured to cause the display to highlight a path
that would be taken by the game entity when moving to the
interaction area while the game entity continues to be associated
with its respective position in the game board area.
13. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive user input to select a game
entity and in response the at least one processor is configured to
cause the display to highlight a path that would be taken by the
game entity when moving to the interaction area and to highlight in
the interaction area a respective interaction pattern associated
with the game entity while the game entity continues to be
associated with its respective position in the game board area.
14. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to determine a respective position in
the interaction area for one or more game entities in dependence on
the position of at least one of: one or more enemies; and one or
more other game entities.
15. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to determine a respective position in
the interaction area for one or more game entities in dependence on
at least one of: an interaction pattern of that game entity; and a
respective position of one or more enemies.
16. The computer device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at
least one processor is configured to cause a plurality of game
entities to move to the interaction area and to determine an order
for the plurality of game entities in dependence on respective
interaction patterns of the plurality of game entities.
17. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to determine a number of game elements
satisfying a match condition and in response to cause one of a
plurality of different game entities to be provided.
18. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to determine a matching characteristic
of game elements satisfying a match condition and in response to
select one of a plurality of different game entities to be
provided.
19. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive user input which results in the
selection of two game entities and in response the at least one
processor is configured to provide one game entity which differs in
at least one respect to the selected two game entities.
20. The computer device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the one
game entity is capable of providing a greater effect in the
interaction area in at least one respect as compared to at least
one of the selected two game entities.
21. The computer device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive user input moving one of the two
game entities to a position of the other of the two game entities
to select the two game entities.
22. The computer device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the one
entity has at least one same characteristic as the moved one game
entity.
23. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive user input selecting two game
entities and in response the at least one processor is configured
to provide a set of game entities comprising at least three game
entities.
24. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive user input selecting two game
entities satisfying at least one criteria and in response the at
least one processor is configured to provide a set of game entities
comprising a number of game entities equal to one of a number of
columns and a number of rows of the interaction area.
25. A computer implemented method provided by a computer device
configured to provide a computer implemented game, the method
comprising: displaying, by a display of the computer device: a grid
of a game board area of the computer implemented game, the grid of
the game board area having a plurality of rows and columns with a
plurality of game elements positions in the grid, the game elements
having a respective shape and color with different ones of the game
elements having different shapes and colors, the plurality of game
elements being configured to be selected by user input to cause a
match; and an interaction rea of the computer implemented game, the
interaction area being outside the game board area and displaying
one or more enemies; receiving, by a user interface of the computer
device, first user input interacting with the game board area to
make a move; in response to the first user input, determining, by
at least one processor of the computer device that one or more
match conditions have been satisfied by a plurality of adjacent
game elements in the game board area having at least one of the
same color and the same shape; in response to the satisfying of the
one or more match conditions, causing one or more game entities to
be provided at respective positions in the grid of the game board
area, the one or more game entities depicting a respective hero;
receiving second user input; in response to the second user input,
causing one or more of the one or more game entities to move to and
stop at a different respective position in the grid of the game
board area; moving, by the at least one processor, one or more of
the one or more game entities from the game board area to the
interaction area; and simulating, by the at least one processor, an
attack by one or more of the one or more game entities in the
interaction area against one or more of the enemies of the
interaction area.
26. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising
computer executable instructions that, when executed by at least
one processor of a computer device cause the computer device to:
display, by a display of the computer device: a grid of a game
board area of the computer implemented game, the grid of the game
board area having a plurality of rows and columns with a plurality
of game elements positioned in the grid, the game elements having a
respective shape and color with different ones of the game elements
having different shapes and colors, the plurality of game elements
being configured to be selected by user input to cause a match; and
an interaction area of the computer implemented game, the
interaction rea being outside the game board area and displaying
one or more enemies; receiving, by a user interface of the computer
device, first user input interacting with the game board area to
make a move; in response to the first user input, determining, by
at least one processor of the computer device that one or more
match conditions have been satisfied by a plurality of adjacent
game elements in the game board area having at least one of the
same color and the same shape; in response to the satisfying of the
one or more match conditions, causing one or more game entities to
be provided at respective positions in the grid of the game board
area, the one or more game entities depicting a respective hero;
receiving second user input; in response to the second user input,
causing one or more of the one or more game entities to move to and
stop at a different respective position in the grid of the game
board area; moving, by the at least one processor, one or more of
the one or more game entities from the game board area to the
interaction area; and simulating, by the at least one processor, an
attack by one or more of the one or more game entities in the
interaction area against one or more of the enemies of the
interaction area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on, and claims priority to, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 63/078,581, filed on Sep. 15, 2020, the
entire contents of which being fully incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Some embodiments of this application relate to a computer
device configured to provide a computer implemented game.
[0003] Some embodiments may relate to providing a computer device
which is configured to provide a computer implemented game which is
engaging to users or players.
[0004] Some embodiments relate to controlling a user interface
responsive to user engagement with displayed game elements on the
user interface of a computer device.
[0005] Some embodiments may have particular, but not exclusive
application in the field of computer implemented games for example
games, in an online or offline environment, and computing devices
therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In the field of computer-implemented games, there are many
technical challenges facing the designer such that a computer
device is configured to provide such games. For example, there may
be considerations relating to how, for example, the user interface
of the computer device is to be controlled when a user is playing a
computer implemented game.
[0007] One technical challenge relates to the configuring of the
computer device to allow a computer implemented game to be fun and
compelling even when there is limited display resource available.
This may be a particular technical challenge when the computer
implemented game is being played on a smartphone, tablet or other
minicomputer. A limited display resource provides challenges such
as how a user can interact with a particular part of the display.
Another challenge relates to how to provide relative complexity
which is able to be rendered in a visual distinct manner on the
relatively small display.
[0008] Another significant challenge relates to the configuring of
computer device to provide a computer implemented game which is
engaging to the user. Engagement involves configuring the computer
device to provide a computer implemented game with game play which
is engaging and rewarding to players. This typically requires a
computer device to be configured to provide a computer implemented
game which is easily understood at its simplest or introductory
levels, providing rewarding gameplay with quite simple game
mechanics, but becoming progressively more challenging so that
players are not bored, but remain engaged and develop rewarding
skills. Effective engagement requires that the computer device be
configured to provide various forms of feedback to reinforce player
sense of success and accomplishment.
[0009] This may need to be provided in the context of an
environment where a limited number of resources of a computing
device can be used in running the computer implemented game.
[0010] There are technical challenges in configuring a computer
device to provide a computer implemented game with complexity in
the game play particularly where the computer device has a limited
available user interface and/or screen. The user interface and
screen may be provided by a common touch screen.
[0011] A common genre of casual games is so-called match games.
This is a type of tile-matching game where the player manipulates
tiles or game objects according to a matching criterion.
[0012] A match-three game is a type of casual puzzle game where the
player is required to find patterns on a seemingly chaotic board.
The player then has to match three or more of the same type of game
element in the game board area and those matched elements will then
disappear.
[0013] One or more of the technical challenges discussed previously
arise when introducing complexity into such match games.
[0014] This patent specification describes not only various ideas
and functions, but also their creative expression. A portion of the
disclosure of this patent document therefore contains material to
which a claim for copyright is made and notice is hereby given:
Copyright King.com Limited 2020 (pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 401). A
claim to copyright protection is made to all screen shots, icons,
look and feel and all other protectable expression associated with
the games illustrated and described in this patent
specification.
[0015] The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
file or records, but reserves all other copyright rights
whatsoever. No express or implied license under any copyright
whatsoever is therefore granted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] According to one aspect, there is provided a computer device
configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer
device comprising: a display configured to display a game board
area of the computer implemented game and an interaction area of
the computer implemented game, the game board area comprising a
plurality of game elements; a user interface configured to receive
user input interacting with the game board area to make a move; and
at least one processor configured to determine that one more match
conditions have been satisfied by a plurality of game elements in
the game board area and in response to provide one or more game
entities at respective positions in the game board area, the at
least one processor being configured to control one or more of the
one or more game entities to move from the game board area to the
interaction area.
[0017] The at least one processor may be configured to control a
visualization of the one or more game entities to be the same in
the game board area and in the interaction area.
[0018] The at least one processor may be configured to control a
visualization of the one or more game entities in the game board to
be different to a visualization of the one or more game entities in
the interaction area.
[0019] The at least one processor may be configured to generate the
one or more game entities and to cause the display to display the
generated one or more game entities at the respective positions in
the game board area.
[0020] The at least one processor may be configured to control one
or more of the one or more game entities to move to a respective
position in the interaction area in dependence on a location of the
respective game entity in the game board area.
[0021] The game board area may comprise a plurality of rows and
columns. The plurality of rows and column of the game board area
may define positions for the plurality of game elements. The
interaction area may comprise a plurality of rows and columns. The
plurality of rows and columns of the interaction area may define
positions for the game entities.
[0022] One of the rows and columns of the game board area may be
aligned with a corresponding one of the rows and columns of the
interaction area.
[0023] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
game entity to move from a respective column or row of the game
board area to a respective corresponding column or row of the
interaction area.
[0024] The interaction area may be a battle area.
[0025] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
one or more game entities moved from the first game board area to
the interaction area to interact with one or more interaction
entities provided in the interaction area.
[0026] The user interface may be configured to receive a user input
selecting a game entity and in response to that user input, the at
least one processor may be configured to cause the selected game
entity to move from the game board area to the interaction
area.
[0027] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
selected game entity to move from a row or column of the game board
area having the selected game entity to move to the corresponding
row or column of the interaction area.
[0028] The user interface may be configured to receive a user input
selecting and moving a game entity and in response to that user
input, the at least one processor may be configured to cause the
selected game entity to move from the game board area to the
interaction area.
[0029] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
selected game entity to move from a row or column of the game board
area having a position to which the selected game entity is moved
by the user input and to cause the selected game entity to move to
the corresponding row or column of the interaction area.
[0030] The at least one processor may be configured to provide an
interaction pattern for a respective game entity.
[0031] The interaction pattern may occupy a plurality of positions
of the interaction area. The interaction pattern may move as the
game entity moves.
[0032] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
one or more game entities moved from the game board area to the
interaction area to interact with one or more interaction entities
located in a respective interaction pattern of the respective game
entity.
[0033] The interaction may be to remove one or more interaction
entities.
[0034] The interaction may be to reduce a health of one or more
interaction entities.
[0035] The user interface may be configured to receive user input
to select a game entity and in response the at least one processor
may be configured to cause the display to highlight a path that
would be taken by the game entity when moving to the interaction
area.
[0036] The user interface may be configured to receive user input
to select a game entity and in response the at least one processor
may be configured to cause the display to highlight a path that
would be taken by the game entity when moving to the interaction
area and to highlight a respective interaction pattern associated
with the game entity.
[0037] The at least one processor may be configured to highlight a
position of one or more interaction entities with respect to the
interaction pattern associated with the game entity.
[0038] The at least one processor may be configured to highlight
the path and/or the respective interaction pattern while user input
received via the user interface is selecting the game entity.
[0039] The at least one processor may be configured to highlight
the path and/or the respective interaction when the user input
received via the user interface has selecting and moved the game
entity.
[0040] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a
respective position in the interaction area for one or more game
entities.
[0041] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a
respective position in the interaction area for one or more game
entities in dependence on the position of one or more interaction
entities.
[0042] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a
respective position in the interaction area for one or more game
entities in dependence on the position of one or more other game
entities.
[0043] The at least one at least one processor is configured to
determine a position in the interaction area for a game entity in
dependence on an interaction pattern of that game entity.
[0044] The at least one at least one processor is configured to
determine a position in the interaction area for a game entity in
dependence on an interaction pattern of that game entity and on
respective positions of one or more interaction entities.
[0045] The at least one processor may be configured to cause a
plurality of game entities to move to the interaction area and to
determine an order for the plurality of game entities in dependence
on respective interaction patterns of the respective game
entities.
[0046] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine a number of game elements satisfying a
match condition and in response to select one of a plurality of
different game entities to be provided.
[0047] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine a matching characteristic of game elements
satisfying a match condition and in response to select one of a
plurality of different game entities to be provided.
[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine that one or more match conditions have been
satisfied in response to the user input selecting one or more game
elements in the game board area to make a move.
[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine that one or more match conditions have been
satisfied in response to a rearrangement and/or replenishment of
the game board area.
[0050] In some embodiments, the user interface may be configured to
receive user input which results in the selection of two game
entities and in response the at least one processor is configured
to provide one entity which differs in at least one respect to the
selected two game entities.
[0051] In some embodiments, the user interface may be configured to
receive user input which results in the selection of two game
entities and in response the at least one processor may be
configured to provide one entity which differs in at least one
respect to the selected two game entities and which is controlled
by the at least one processor to move from the game board area to
the interaction area.
[0052] The one entity may differ from the selected two game
entities in that the one entity may have a greater effect in the
interaction area in at least one respect as compared to at least
one of the selected two game entities.
[0053] The one entity may have an increased size as compared to the
selected two game entities.
[0054] The at least one processor may be configured such that the
one entity having an increased size is controlled as occupying a
single position in the interaction area
[0055] The user input which results in the selecting of two game
entities may comprise moving one of the two game entities to a
position of the other game entity.
[0056] The one entity may have at least one same characteristic as
the game entity which is moved to the position of the other game
entity.
[0057] In some embodiments, the user interface may be configured to
receive user input which results in the selection of two game
entities and in response the at least one processor may be
configured to provide a set of game entities comprising at least
three game entities.
[0058] The user input which results in the selecting of two game
entities may comprise moving one of the two game entities to a
position of the other game element.
[0059] In some embodiments, the user interface may be configured to
receive user input which selects two game entities satisfying at
least one criteria and in response the at least one processor is
configured to provide a set of game entities comprising a number of
game entities equal to the number of columns or the number of rows
of the interaction area.
[0060] In some embodiments, the user interface may be configured to
receive user input which selects two game entities satisfying at
least one criteria and in response the at least one processor is
configured to provide a set of game entities comprising a number of
game entities equal to the number of columns or the number of rows
of the interaction area, and which are controlled by the at least
one processor to move from the game board area to the interaction
area.
[0061] In some embodiments, the interaction area may comprise a
plurality of different heights.
[0062] In some embodiments, one or more items may be provided to
allow one or more game entities to navigate from one location at
one height to another location at a different height.
[0063] In some embodiments, an interaction pattern for one or more
game entities may be effective only for interaction entities
located at a same height as the respective game entity.
[0064] In some embodiments, an interaction pattern for one or more
game entities may be effective only for interaction entities
located at a different height to the respective game entity.
[0065] In some embodiments, an interaction pattern for one or more
game entities may be effective for interaction entities located at
a same height and a different height as a respective game
entity.
[0066] The at least one processor may be configured in response to
a match condition to cause one or more shots to be provided in the
interaction area.
[0067] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a
characteristic of one or more shots dependent on a characteristic
associated with the match.
[0068] In some embodiments, at least one processor may be
configured to determine that an interaction entity is to be removed
from the interaction area in dependence on the interaction entity
being shot a predetermined number of times. The predetermined
number of times may be one or more.
[0069] The predetermined number of times may be in a predetermined
number of turns. The predetermined number of turns may be one or
more.
[0070] In some embodiments, at least one processor may be
configured to determine that an interaction entity is to be removed
from the interaction area in dependence on the interaction entity
being shot with one or more shots of a predetermined
characteristic.
[0071] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine that one or more game elements is to be
removed from the game board area in response to one or more events
in the interaction area.
[0072] The one or more events may comprise the removal of a game
entity from the interaction area and where the game entity
satisfies one or more conditions. The one or more conditions may be
that the game entity has unused interactions.
[0073] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer
device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the
computer device comprising: a display configured to display a game
board area of the computer implemented game and an interaction area
of the computer implemented game, the game board area comprising a
plurality of game elements; a user interface configured to receive
user input interacting with the game board area to make a move; and
at least one processor configured to determine that one more match
conditions have been satisfied by a plurality of game elements in
the game board area and in response to provide one or more shots in
the interaction area, the at least one processor being configured
to determine an interaction of the one or more shots with one or
interaction entities in the interaction area.
[0074] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer
implemented method provided by a computer device configured to
provide a computer implemented game, the method comprising:
displaying by a display a game board area of the computer
implemented game and an interaction area of the computer
implemented game, the game board area comprising a plurality of
game elements; receiving user input via a user interface
interacting with the game board area to make a move; determining by
at least one processor that one more match conditions have been
satisfied by a plurality of game elements in the game board area
and in response providing one or more game entities in the game
board area; and controlling by the at least one processor one or
more of the one or more game entities to move from the game board
area to the interaction area.
[0075] The method may comprise controlling by the at least one
processor one or more of the one or more game entities to move to a
respective position in the interaction area in dependence on a
location of the respective game entity in the game board area.
[0076] The game board area may comprise a plurality of rows and
columns. The plurality of rows and column of the game board area
may define positions for the plurality of game elements. The
interaction area may comprise a plurality of rows and columns. The
plurality of rows and columns of the interaction area may define
positions for the game entities.
[0077] One of the rows and columns of the game board area may be
aligned with corresponding ones of the rows and columns of the
interaction area.
[0078] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor the game entity to move from a respective column or row
of the game board area to a respective corresponding column or row
of the interaction area.
[0079] The interaction area may be a battle area.
[0080] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor the one or more game entities moved from the first game
board area to the interaction area to interact with one or more
interaction entities provided in the interaction area.
[0081] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface a
user input selecting a game entity and in response to that user
input, causing by the at least one processor the selected game
entity to move from the game board area to the interaction
area.
[0082] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor the selected game entity to move from a row or column of
the game board area having the selected game entity to move to the
corresponding row or column of the interaction area.
[0083] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface a
user input selecting and moving a game entity and in response to
that user input causing by the at least one processor the selected
game entity to move from the game board area to the interaction
area.
[0084] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor the selected game entity to move from a row or column of
the game board area having a position to which the selected game
entity is moved by the user input and causing the selected game
entity to move to the corresponding row or column of the
interaction area.
[0085] The method may comprise providing by the at least one
processor an interaction pattern for a respective game entity.
[0086] The interaction pattern may occupy a plurality of positions
of the interaction area.
[0087] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor the one or more game entities moved from the game board
area to the interaction area to interact with one or more
interaction entities located in a respective interaction pattern of
the respective game entity.
[0088] The interaction may be to remove one or more interaction
entities.
[0089] The interaction may be to reduce a health of one or more
interaction entities.
[0090] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface a
user input to select a game entity and causing by the at least one
processor the display to highlight a path that would be taken by
the game entity when moving to the interaction area.
[0091] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface a
user input to select a game entity and in response causing by the
at least one processor the display to highlight a path that would
be taken by the game entity when moving to the interaction area and
to highlight a respective interaction pattern associated with the
game entity.
[0092] The method may comprise highlighting by the at least one
processor of a position of one or more interaction entities with
respect to the interaction pattern associated with the game
entity.
[0093] The method may comprise highlighting by the at least one
processor the path and/or the respective interaction pattern while
user input received via the user interface is selecting the game
entity.
[0094] The method may comprise highlighting by the at least one
processor the path and/or the respective interaction while user
input received via the user interface has selected and moved the
game entity.
[0095] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a respective position in the interaction area for one or
more game entities.
[0096] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a respective position in the interaction area for one or
more game entities in dependence on the position of one or more
interaction entities.
[0097] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a respective position in the interaction area for one or
more game entities in dependence on the position of one or more
other game entities.
[0098] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a position in the interaction area for a game entity in
dependence on an interaction pattern of that game entity.
[0099] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a position in the interaction area for a game entity in
dependence on an interaction pattern of that game entity and on
respective positions of one or more interaction entities.
[0100] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor a plurality of game entities to move to the interaction
area and determining an order for the plurality of game entities in
dependence on respective interaction patterns of the respective
game entities.
[0101] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a number of game elements satisfying a match condition
and in response selecting one of a plurality of different game
entities to be provided.
[0102] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor a matching characteristic of game elements satisfying a
match condition and in response selecting one of a plurality of
different game entities to be provided.
[0103] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor that one or more match conditions have been satisfied in
response to the user input selecting one or more game elements in
the game board area to make a move.
[0104] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor that one or more match conditions have been satisfied in
response to a rearrangement and/or replenishment of the game board
area.
[0105] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface a
user input which results in the selection of two game entities and
in response providing by the at least one processor one entity
which differs in at least one respect to the selected two game
entities.
[0106] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface a
user input which results in the selection of two game entities and
in response providing by the at least one processor one entity
which differs in at least one respect to the selected two game
entities and controlling the at least one processor to move from
the game board area to the interaction area.
[0107] The one entity may differ from the selected two game
entities in that the one entity may have a greater effect in the
interaction area in at least one respect as compared to at least
one of the selected two game entities.
[0108] The one entity may have an increased size as compared to the
selected two game entities.
[0109] The method may comprise controlling by the at least one
processor the one entity having an increased size as occupying a
single position in the interaction area
[0110] The user input which results in the selecting of two game
entities may comprise moving one of the two game entities to a
position of the other game entity.
[0111] The one entity may have at least one same characteristic as
the game entity which is moved to the position of the other game
entity.
[0112] The method may comprise receiving user input via the user
interface which results in the selection of two game entities and
in response providing by the at least one processor a set of game
entities comprising at least three game entities.
[0113] The user input which results in the selecting of two game
entities may comprise moving one of the two game entities to a
position of the other game element.
[0114] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface an
input which selects two game entities satisfying at least one
criteria and in response providing by the at least one processor a
set of game entities comprising a number of game entities equal to
the number of columns or the number of rows of the interaction
area.
[0115] The method may comprise receiving via the user interface an
input which selects two game entities satisfying at least one
criteria and in response providing by the at least one processor a
set of game entities comprising a number of game entities equal to
the number of columns or the number of rows of the interaction
area, and controlling by the at least one processor the set of game
entities to move from the game board area to the interaction
area.
[0116] In some embodiments, the interaction area may comprise a
plurality of different heights.
[0117] In some embodiments, one or more items may be provided to
allow one or more game entities to navigate from one location at
one height to another location at a different height.
[0118] In some embodiments, an interaction pattern for one or more
game entities may be effective only for interaction entities
located at a same height as a respective game entity.
[0119] In some embodiments, an interaction pattern for one or more
game entities may be effective only for interaction entities
located at a different height as a respective game entity.
[0120] In some embodiments, an interaction pattern for one or more
game entities may be effective for interaction entities located at
a same height and a different height as a respective game
entity.
[0121] The method may comprise causing by the at least one
processor in response to a match condition one or more shots to be
provided in the interaction area.
[0122] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a
characteristic of one or more shots dependent on a characteristic
associated with the match.
[0123] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor that an interaction entity is to be removed from the
interaction area in dependence on the interaction entity being shot
a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times
may be one or more.
[0124] The predetermined number of times may be in a predetermined
number of turns. The predetermined number of turns may be one or
more.
[0125] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor that an interaction entity is to be removed from the
interaction area in dependence on the interaction entity being shot
with one or more shots of a predetermined characteristic.
[0126] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor that one or more game elements is to be removed from the
game board area in response to one or more events in the
interaction area.
[0127] The one or more events may comprise the removal of a game
entity from the interaction area and where the game entity
satisfies one or more conditions. The one or more conditions may be
that the game entity has unused interactions.
[0128] According to another aspect, there is provided a
non-transitory computer readable storage device storing
instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a
computer device causes the at least one processor to provide any of
the methods of embodiments.
[0129] According to some aspects, there is provided a program
product comprising a computer-readable storage device including a
computer-readable program for providing a computer-implemented
game, wherein the computer-readable program when executed on a
computer causes the computer to perform any one or more of the
method steps described previously.
[0130] A computer program comprising program code means adapted to
perform the method(s) may also be provided. The computer program
may be stored and/or otherwise embodied by means of a carrier
medium.
[0131] In the above, many different embodiments have been
described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be
provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments
described above.
[0132] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also
described in the following detailed description and in the attached
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0133] For a better understanding of some embodiments and to show
how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made
by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0134] FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of a game board of a
match game illustrating a matching mechanic used in some
embodiments;
[0135] FIG. 3 shows an example system in which some embodiments may
be provided;
[0136] FIG. 4 shows an example user device in which some
embodiments may be provided;
[0137] FIG. 5 shows a screen shot of a game board area and battle
area of a computer implemented game of some embodiments;
[0138] FIG. 6a shows part of a screen shot showing a first match
pattern to create a hero in the game board area of the computer
implemented game;
[0139] FIG. 6b shows the hero in the game board area of the
computer implemented game provided as a result of the match shown
in FIG. 6a;
[0140] FIG. 6c shows part of a screen shot showing a second match
pattern to create a hero in the game board area of the computer
implemented game;
[0141] FIG. 6d shows the hero in the game board area of the
computer implemented game provided as a result of the match shown
in FIG. 6c;
[0142] FIG. 6e shows part of a screen shot showing a third match
pattern to create a hero in the game board area of the computer
implemented game;
[0143] FIG. 6f shows the hero in the game board area of the
computer implemented game provided as a result of the match shown
in FIG. 6e;
[0144] FIG. 6g shows part of a screen shot showing a fourth match
pattern to create a hero in the game board area of the computer
implemented game;
[0145] FIG. 6h shows the hero in the game board area of the
computer implemented game provided as a result of the match shown
in FIG. 6g;
[0146] FIG. 7a shows a first example of an attack pattern of a
hero;
[0147] FIG. 7b shows a second example of an attack pattern of a
hero;
[0148] FIG. 8a shows a first example when one hero is combined with
another hero to provide a larger hero;
[0149] FIG. 8b shows a second example when one hero is combined
with another hero to provide a larger hero;
[0150] FIGS. 8c to 8e show screen shots of an example when one hero
is combined with another hero to provide an army of heroes;
[0151] FIGS. 9a and 9b show screen shots of the selection of a hero
prior to deployment in the battle area;
[0152] FIGS. 9c and 9d show a hero in the battle area in with
information indicating a health of the hero and a number of
remaining actions;
[0153] FIGS. 9e to 9g show screen shots of one example where a hero
is deployed in the battle area;
[0154] FIG. 10 shows a screen shot with information indicating
matches made during a turn;
[0155] FIG. 11 shows a screen shot of a battle area having three
different heights;
[0156] FIGS. 12a to 12c show screen shots of selection of a set of
heroes to be used;
[0157] FIG. 13 shows an example of a linker mechanic of some
embodiments;
[0158] FIG. 14 shows an example of a map of different game areas of
some embodiments;
[0159] FIGS. 15a to 15c show another visual representation used for
the heroes in a game board areas;
[0160] FIGS. 15d and 15e show another visual representation used
for movement of a hero from the game board area to the battle
area;
[0161] FIGS. 16a to 16c show another visual representation used
when two heroes are selected and one resulting hero is provided in
the battle area;
[0162] FIGS. 16d and 16e show another visual representation used
when two heroes are selected on the game board which provide an
army of heroes in the battle area;
[0163] FIG. 17a shows a screen shot of the game board and battle
area;
[0164] FIG. 17b shows a screen shot when an obstacle in the battle
area is selected by user input received via the user interface;
[0165] FIG. 17c shows a screen shot when an enemy in the battle
area is selected by user input received via the user interface;
[0166] FIGS. 18a to 18d show a boss enemy mode of some embodiments;
and
[0167] FIG. 19 shows a method flow of some embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0168] The terms user and player are used interchangeably
throughout this document and no specific meaning is intended using
one or the other unless the context suggests otherwise.
[0169] In the following description of various implementations of
the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings
which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration various implementations in which the invention may be
utilized. It is to be understood that other implementations may be
utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0170] A person skilled in the art will realise that the different
approaches to implementing the game is not exhaustive, what is
described herein are certain preferred embodiments. It is possible
to implement the way in a number of variations without departing
from the scope of the invention as claimed.
[0171] A schematic view of a user device 100 according to an
embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. All of the blocks shown are
implemented by suitable circuitry. The blocks may be implemented in
hardware and/or software. The user device may have a control part
110.
[0172] The control part has at least one processor 115 and at least
one memory 120
[0173] The control part 110 is shown as having a graphics
controller 125 and a sound controller 130. It should be appreciated
that one or other or both of the graphics controller 125 and sound
controller 130 may be provided by the one or more processors
115.
[0174] The graphics controller 125 is configured to provide a video
output 135. The sound controller 130 is configured to provide an
audio output 140. The controller 110 has an interface 145 allowing
the device to be able to communicate with a network 150 such as the
Internet or other communication infrastructure.
[0175] The video output 135 is provided to a display 155. The audio
out 140 is provided to an audio device 160 such as a speaker and or
earphone(s).
[0176] The device may have a counter or counter function 121. The
counter function may be provided by hardware or software or by a
combination of hardware and software.
[0177] The device may have a timer function 123. The timer function
may be provided by hardware or software or by a combination of
hardware and software.
[0178] The device 100 has an input device 165. The input device can
take any suitable format and can be one or more of a keyboard,
mouse, touch screen, joystick or game controller. It should be
appreciated that the display 155 may in some embodiments
alternatively or additionally provide the input device 165 by way
of an integrated touch screen for example.
[0179] The blocks of the controller 110 are configured to
communicate with each other by an interconnect such as a bus or any
other suitable interconnect and/or by point to point
communication.
[0180] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the
controller may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits,
at least in part.
[0181] The user device 100 is shown by way of example only. In
alternative embodiments, one or more of the parts may be omitted.
Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may comprise one or
more other parts. Alternatively or additionally, one or more parts
may be combined.
[0182] FIG. 3 schematically shows a system 200 according to an
embodiment. The system 200 comprises a server 220 which may store
or be in communication with database 250. The database may store
one or more of game player's details, profiles, statistics etc. In
practice, one or more databases 250 may be provided. Where more
than one server 220 is provided, the database(s) 250 may be
provided in one database 250 or across two or more servers. The
server 220 may also have a games data function. This may comprise
one or more units of memory 216 to store the computer game program,
user behaviour data and at least one processor 215 to run the games
program and process the user behaviour data.
[0183] The server 220 may communicate via, for instance, the
internet 210 to one or more client or user devices 100, such as
shown in FIG. 4 by way of example, as user devices 100a, 100b and
100c, and may further provide connections to a social network 230,
for example, Facebook.TM.. The social network 230 may also be
connected to a database 270 storing social user interaction
details, for instance, user to user interaction maps, friend lists,
location history etc. In practice, one or more databases 270 may be
provided.
[0184] It should be appreciated that embodiments may be deployed in
different system architectures. For example, the computer game may
be implemented as a computer game that is stored in the memory of
the user device and is run on the at least one processor of the
user device. However, the server 320 may handle some elements of
the game in some embodiments. By way of example only, a Java game
applet may be provided to the user device 200 and the locally
running Java applet will generate, for example, the graphics,
sounds, and user interaction for the game play on the user device.
Some data may be fed back to the server to allow interaction with
other players. The data which is fed back may alternatively or
additionally allow scoring and/or cross platform
synchronization.
[0185] In some embodiments, the game may be implemented as a
computer program that is stored in a memory of the system, for
example the server, and which runs on a processor of the game
server. Data streams or updates are supplied to the user device to
allow the user device to render and display graphics and sounds in
a browser of the user device. Such an approach is sometimes
referred to as a web services approach. It should be appreciated,
however, that such an approach does not necessarily require the use
of the Internet.
[0186] It should be appreciated that some embodiments may be
provided as stand-alone games on the user device.
[0187] The switching mechanism of some embodiments will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates a
game board area 2 with a plurality of game elements 20. The game
board area and game elements are displayed on the display of a user
device such as described in relation to FIG. 4. The display may be
a touch screen. The game elements will be one of a plurality of
different types. In the example shown, the game elements have
different shapes. Alternatively or additionally the game elements
may have a different visual appearance such as colour and/or
pattern and/or picture.
[0188] The aim is to swap or switch game elements with each other
to make moves in the game board area. The user may provide an input
via the user interface to select and move a game element to an
adjacent position. This will swap the selected game element with
the game element in the adjacent position. To achieve game goals,
the player has to make moves that create matches of at least three
of the same game element, in some embodiments. The at least one
processor is configured to determine if one or more matches
satisfying one or more match conditions is satisfied.
[0189] The action which results from the determination of a match
condition will depend on the number of game elements in the match
and this will be described in more detail later. The at least one
processor may be configured to determine that the matched game
elements may be removed from the game board area. As a result, the
at least one processor may be configured to cause new game elements
to be provided and the existing game elements may move to fill the
gaps caused by the removal of the matched game elements. In some
embodiments, the game board area may be refilled with game elements
from one or more given directions.
[0190] It should be appreciated that there is a technical challenge
to create a computer implemented game which on the one hand has a
relatively small game board area displayed on the display of the
computer device but at the same time is engaging. The game board
area is relatively small in order to allow the game to be played on
a mobile phone or smart phone, in some embodiments.
[0191] Reference is made first to the move referenced a in FIG. 1.
In the move, the user provides a user input via the user interface
to select and move a triangle game element. The triangle game
element is moved by the user input to swap or switch places with a
circle game element in an adjacent game board area position. In the
case of a touchscreen, the triangle game element may be selected by
the user touching that game element and then dragging their finger
to the position occupied by the circle game element. The selected
triangle game element is dragged with the user's finger to the new
position and the circle game element swaps or switches to the
position previously occupied by the triangle.
[0192] FIG. 2 shows the game board area provided by the at least
one processor on the display after this move has been completed. As
referenced by the highlighting 4 of the three triangles game
elements in a row, a match has been made. In practice any suitable
highlighting of the game elements of the match may be used. The
highlighting of the matched game elements is optional in some
embodiments. Thus the swapping of the triangle game element with
the circle game element has provided a match of three triangle game
elements. Thus, in some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause those game elements which match to be displayed
in a visually distinct manner. For example, those game elements
which are in a match are highlighted.
[0193] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
game elements making up the one or more matches may be removed from
the game board area. The at least one processor may be configured
to cause the game board area to be replenished with new game
elements. Removal of the matched game elements may result in
further matches, those matched game elements also being removed.
For example, when the matched game elements are removed, the game
elements below the removed game elements move up to fill the space
occupied by the removed game elements and new game elements will be
added to fill up the game board area. The refilled game board area
may have one or more matches. Those matching game elements are
removed and the process is repeated until there is a game board
area with no matches.
[0194] In some embodiments, there may be one or more game elements
on the board which cannot be moved.
[0195] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine if the user input which selects and moves a
game element is a valid move. The at least one processor may be
configured to determine that a valid move has been made if there
are three or more game elements which satisfy one or more criteria
such as discussed later. If the at least one processor determines
that a valid move has been made, the at least one processor is
configured to allow the switch to be made and cause the matching
game elements to be removed from the game board area.
[0196] If the at least one processor determines that the user input
which selects and moves a game element is not a valid move, the at
least one processor is configured to prevent the move from being
made. For example, when the user input is released, the at least
one processor is configured to move the selected game element back
to its original position.
[0197] Reference is made to FIG. 5 which shows a game area 300
which is displayed on the display of a computer device. At least
one processor of the user device is configured to cause the game
area shown in FIG. 5 to be displayed on the display. The game area
has a first part 302 which provides an interaction area and a
second part 306 which provides a game board area. In the following,
the interaction area is referred to as battle area but it should be
appreciated that this only one example of the interaction area.
[0198] In some embodiments, the user is unable to directly control
an entity in the interaction area. Rather, the user is only able to
interact with game entities and the game elements provided in the
game board area. For example the user input received via the user
interface may select and move a game entity or game element only
when that game entity or game element is in the game board area.
These game entities may be or so-called heroes which are created
during game play. The created game entities will be referred to as
heroes in this document.
[0199] Interactions by the user with the game board area can be
used to control the game entities in the interaction area. The
interactions may be a user input received via the user interface to
select and move a game element or hero. For example, the user input
may be used by the at least one processor to control where a hero
moves in the interaction area. That user input may for example be
associated with that hero when the hero is in the game board
area.
[0200] The game board area 306 comprises game elements such as
described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this example, the game
elements are arranged in rows and columns on a game board of the
game board area. There are 9 rows and 9 columns in the game board.
However in different embodiments, the numbers of rows and columns
may be different. The number of rows may be equal to the number of
columns or the number of rows may be different to the number of
columns.
[0201] In some embodiments, the user is able to make a move by
providing a user input to select one of the game elements and
switch that selected game element with another game element. The
user interface will receiver user input which selects the game
element and causes the game element to move. This user input may
comprise the user touching the selected game element on a touch
screen of the user device and dragging the game element to a
switched position. In other embodiments, the movement may be
controlled by a pointer device such as mouse or the like.
[0202] The at least one processor is configured to determine based
on the user input received via the user interface what move has
been made by the user. The at least one processor is configured to
cause the display to display the move made by the user input. The
at least one processor is configured to determine if the move made
by the user has cause a match to be made. If the at least one
processor determines that a match has be made, the at least one
processor is configured to cause the matched game elements to be
removed and to cause an updated game board area to be
displayed.
[0203] In some embodiments, the game may have a limited number of
moves in which the player aims to complete the goal of that game.
The at least one processor may be configured to determine the
number of moves made by the user. In some embodiments, the at least
one processor is configured to update the counter each time a move
is made. The counter may be a counter function provided by a
computer program and/or may be a hardware counter. The counter
function may be a count up or a countdown counter.
[0204] In some embodiments, the remaining moves 308 may be
displayed on the display. In some embodiments, the number of moves
used up may alternatively or additionally be displayed.
[0205] The battle area comprises a grid arrangement 304. In some
embodiments the grid is made up of grid locations arranged in rows
and columns. In some embodiments, there may be a one to one
relationship between the columns of the battle area and the columns
of the game board in the game board area. For example if there are
9 columns in the game board area, there are 9 columns in the battle
area.
[0206] In some embodiments the number of rows in the grid
arrangement may be the same as the number of rows in the game area.
In other embodiments, the number of rows in the battle area may be
different to the number of rows in the game board area.
[0207] One or more battle entities are provided in the battle area.
These battle entities may be regarded as enemies. One aim of some
embodiments is for the player to defeat one or more of these
enemies. This may be achieved as a result of the moves made by the
player in the game board area. The battle entities are controlled
by the at least one processor. The battle entities may be static or
move in the battle area.
[0208] In some embodiments, the battle area may be provided with
one or more obstacles. An obstacle may be fixed or may be
removable.
[0209] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to control the one or more enemies. The at least one
processor may be configured for example to control how the one or
more enemies moves.
[0210] In some embodiments, during a turn resulting from a move
made by the player interacting with the game board area, a game
entity or hero is created. The at least one processor is configured
to determine that one or more criteria have been satisfied and in
response to provide in the game board area the created game entity.
The created game entity may be deployed in the battle area. This
may be in response to input provided by the user via the user
interface and/or in response to game play resulting from an input
provided by the user via the user interface. In some embodiments,
the at least one processor is configured to determine that the game
entity is to be deployed in the battle area. The at least one
processor may be configured to determine how the entity is to be
deployed in the battle area.
[0211] Some different examples of how a hero can be created in the
game board area will be described later.
[0212] In some embodiments, once a hero has been created, the hero
may move from the game board area to the battle area. In some
embodiments, the hero may be created in one turn and may be
triggered to move to the battle area in another turn. In other
embodiments, a hero may be created and triggered to move to the
battle area in the same turn. This will be described in more detail
later. It should be appreciated that the user is only able to
provide user input to directly interact with hero when the hero is
in the game board area. This may control where the hero moves to in
the interaction area. In some embodiments, the user is not able to
provide user input to directly engage or select the hero when the
hero is in the interaction area.
[0213] In some embodiments, a turn is where a move is made by the
user input received via the user interface. This may be to select
and move a game element to make a match or to select and move a
hero to deploy the hero. Actions in the game board area and/or
battle area may directly and/or indirectly result from the move
made by the user and a turn is completed when the actions have been
completed. For example, a turn may be completed when the game board
area contains no matches. The at least one processor may be
configured to determine when a turn is completed. The at least one
processor may be configured to prevent the user from making the
next move until the current turn is completed.
[0214] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine that a hero is triggered or to be deployed.
When the at least one processor has determined that the hero is to
be deployed, the at least one processor is configured to cause the
hero to move up the column in which it is located in the game board
area and move onto the battle area. The at least one processor is
configured to cause the display to display the movement of the game
entity.
[0215] The at least one processor is configured to cause the hero
to be moved to the battle area. The at least one processor is
configured to determine a position for hero in the battle area. The
hero will be moved in the battle area until the determined position
has been reached. The at least one processor is configured to cause
the display to hero moving from the game area to the battle area.
The at least one processor is configured to determine the position
for the at least one hero based on or more factors. The determined
position may depend on the position of one or more obstacles in the
battle area and/or the position of one or more enemies in the
battle area and/or the position of one or more other heroes and/or
the characteristics of one or more of the heroes being moved at the
same time us the current hero and/or an attack pattern of the
hero.
[0216] For example, in some embodiments, a position of a hero is
determined such that contact with an enemy is made by the attack
pattern of the hero. At least some of the heroes are such that they
have an associated area of effect which is defined as a set of grid
locations relative to the current location of the hero. This area
of effect may be referred to as an attack pattern.
[0217] Two examples of attack patterns will now be described in
relation to FIGS. 7a and 7b.
[0218] FIG. 7a shows an attack pattern which is referred to a melee
attack pattern. When the hero 700 is located in the battle area,
the hero is located on a grid element 702. The hero is able to hit,
for example an enemy, located in any of 8 grid locations 704
surrounding the central grid elements. Thus the at least one
processor will determine that an enemy located in any of the eight
grid locations is attacked by the hero.
[0219] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may
determine that there are two or more enemies in the grid of the
attack pattern. The at least one processor may be configured to
determine which one or more or if all of the enemies located in the
attack pattern are to be attacked in one turn. In some embodiments,
one or more different enemies may be attacked in different turns,
provided they are still located in the attack pattern.
[0220] These eight locations are the grid locations which are
above, below, left and right of the grid location 702 along with
the locations in the diagonal directions of up and left, up and
right, down and left, and down and right. The melee pattern
provides a 3.times.3 area with the hero located in the central
location of the 3.times.3 area.
[0221] FIG. 7b shows an attack pattern which is referred to a
ranged attack pattern. When the hero 710 is located in the battle
area, the hero is located on a grid element 712. The hero is able
to attack, for example an enemy, located in any of the following 8
squares 714: two grid elements to the left of grid element 712, two
grid elements to the right of grid element 712, two grid elements
above the grid element 712, and two grid elements below the grid
element 712. Thus the at least one processor will determine that an
enemy located in any of the eight grid locations is attacked by the
hero. In this example, not all of the grid elements of the attack
pattern are directly adjacent the grid location 712 of the
hero.
[0222] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, there may
be more or less than two attack patterns. Alternative or additional
attack patterns may be provided in some embodiments.
[0223] An attack pattern may comprise one or more grid elements.
Different attack patterns may have more or less than the eight grid
elements of the above described examples.
[0224] In some embodiments, an attack pattern may not be provided
in grid locations adjacent the hero. Some heroes may have a long
range attack patterns.
[0225] In some embodiments, as discussed later, a three dimension
interaction may be provided. In some embodiments, an attack pattern
may only be effective at a given height with respect to the height
of the hero. The height of the attack pattern may be the same or
different to the height at which the hero is located.
[0226] In some embodiments, the attack pattern of a hero may be
effective at two or more heights. One of those heights may be that
at which the hero is located. In some embodiments, the two or more
heights of the attack pattern may be different to that at which the
hero is located.
[0227] A grid element of an attack pattern may be associated a
single height. In some embodiments, a grid element of an attack
pattern may be associated with two or more heights. In some
embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to cause the
heroes to run up in their column in the game board area, continue
to move in the column of the battle grid and stop the hero at a
location where an enemy in located in on a grid location of the
attack pattern.
[0228] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine a stop location for the hero. This is the
location in the battle area to which the hero is moved when
deployed. The stop location will be in the column of the battle
area corresponding to that of the game board in which the hero is
located.
[0229] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine for a first candidate location in the
column of the battle area if there is an obstacle or enemy in next
grid location of the same column. If so, the at least one processor
is configured to determine this as the stop location for the hero
in the battle area.
[0230] If not, the at least one processor may determine if there
are any enemies in the attack pattern of the hero if the hero is at
that candidate position. If there is, the at least one processor is
configured to determine this candidate location as the stop
location.
[0231] If it is determined that there is no enemy within the attack
pattern, then the at least one processor is configured to cause the
next location in the column in the battle area to be considered as
a candidate location and the method is repeated.
[0232] If no location is found for the hero, then the at least one
processor is configured to cause the hero to be removed from the
game board area.
[0233] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine the furthest candidate location a hero
would be able to move in the interaction area without being stopped
by an obstacle or enemy in the same column. The at least one
processor may determine if there are any enemies in the attack
pattern of the hero if the hero were to be at that furthest
candidate position. If there is, the at least one processor is
configured to determine that furthest position as the stop position
to which the hero will move in the battle area when deployed.
[0234] If it is determined that there is no enemy within the attack
pattern if the hero were to be at that furthest candidate position,
then the at least one processor is configured to cause the next
location in the column of the battle area, closer to the game board
area to be selected as a next candidate location and the method is
repeated.
[0235] When a candidate location is selected as the stop position,
the at least one processor is configured to cause the hero to move
to that stop position when user input to deploy the hero is
received.
[0236] If no location is found for the hero in the column of the
battle area corresponding the column of the game board in which the
hero is located, then the at least one processor is configured to
cause the hero to be removed from the game board area.
[0237] In some embodiments, an obstacle or enemy located in the
column may prevent the hero from initially moving beyond the grid
position of the enemy or obstacle.
[0238] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine the location of any obstacles in a column
and any locations in the column which allow the hero to have one or
more enemies located in their attack pattern.
[0239] The at least one processor may use the determined locations
and any suitable criteria to determine which grid location or stop
location for the hero. The at least one processor may be configured
to cause the hero to be moved to the determined grid location in
response to user input. The criteria may take into account one or
more of other heroes moving into the same column of the battle area
in the same turn and/or other heroes already in the same column of
the battle area and/or the attack pattern of the hero and/or the
attack pattern of one or more other heroes and/or the number of
enemies and/or the types of enemies.
[0240] In some embodiments, a candidate stop location is selected
in dependence on a given enemy being located within an attack
pattern of the hero if located at that candidate stop location. In
some embodiments, depending on the attack pattern, there may be
more than one stop location in the column of the battle area in
which the hero could be located and the at least one enemy would
still be in the attack pattern of the hero. In some embodiments,
the candidate stop position may be adjusted such that the adjusted
candidate stop position may be the furthest position in the column
of the battle area such that if the hero is located at the adjusted
candidate stop position, the enemy is still within the attack
pattern of that hero.
[0241] In some embodiments, the hero has an ability with an area of
effect in the battle area. This will impact a set of grid locations
relative to the hero position. In some embodiments, this may allow
the player to strategize as to how to best position the heroes to
attack the one or more enemies and/or achieve one or more
objectives.
[0242] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to provide a hero in response to determining the
occurrence of a match satisfying a given criteria occurring in the
game board area. This may be as a result of a move being made by
the user directly or indirectly. For example the user provide user
input to switch two game elements to a cause a match to be made.
Alternatively, in response to removal one or more game elements,
the position of one or more game elements may be changed and the
game board area may be refilled with one or more game elements.
This may result in a match which causes a hero to be made.
[0243] In some embodiments, the created hero may share one or
characteristics with the matched game elements. For example, where
different ones of the game elements have different colours and a
match is made with game elements of the same colour, the appearance
of the resulting hero will reflect that colour. The type of hero
provided may in some embodiments depend on the colour and/or one or
more characteristics of the game elements such as shape.
[0244] In some embodiments, when a match of three game elements is
made, the at least one processor is configured to cause those game
elements to be removed. In some embodiments, this will not cause a
hero to be created. In other embodiments, the matching of three
game elements will cause a hero to be created.
[0245] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine when a match of four or more game elements
has been made. In response to determining that a match of four or
more game elements has been made, the at least one processor is
configured to cause those game elements to be removed from the game
board area and a hero to be provided. The at least one processor
may be configured to cause the hero to be provided in the game
board area.
[0246] When four game elements are matched, this will result in the
creation of a hero. This hero may be of a first level or class. The
match may be of four game elements in a row or column or four game
elements arranged in a square. In some embodiments, a match may be
considered to be made when there four game elements in a diagonal
line.
[0247] In some embodiments, when a match is made with five game
elements arranged in an "L" or "T" shape, then this will result in
the creation of a hero. This hero may be of a second level or
class. The second level may be a higher level that the first level
such a hero at the second level is regarded as being stronger or
more powerful than a hero of the first level. The hero at a second
level may have a higher health and/or a higher attack strength
and/or more attacks than a hero at the first level.
[0248] In some embodiments, when a match is made with five game
elements arranged in line, then this will result in the creation of
a hero. This hero may be of a third level or class. The third level
may be a higher level that the first level and the second level
such a hero at the third level is regarded as being stronger or
more powerful than a hero of the first level or the second level.
The hero at a third level may have a higher health and/or a higher
attack strength and/or more attacks than a hero at the first level
or the second level.
[0249] In some embodiments, different heroes may be created
resulting from the satisfying of different match conditions and the
characteristics of the matching game elements.
[0250] In this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 6a and 6b which
show part of the game board 306. In FIG. 6a, a game element 310 is
shown. This game element 310 is selected by user input received via
the user interface and is switched with the game element 313 which
is immediately above the selected game element. The at least one
processor is configured to cause the switched game element 310 to
move into a position such that a match is made with three other
game elements 311. The switched game element 310 shares the same
characteristic as the three other game elements.
[0251] As shown in FIG. 6b, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the matching game elements to be removed from
the game board area and a hero 312 to be provided in the game board
area. In some embodiments the at least one processor is configured
to determine the position of the hero 312 dependent on the position
of the match. In some embodiments, the position of the hero 312 is
the switched position of the game element which is switched to make
the match.
[0252] In the example shown in FIG. 6a, the game elements 311 and
310 are green. Accordingly, the hero created and shown in FIG. 6b
may share that green characteristic. In some embodiments, the hero
created may depend on the characteristic of the matching game
elements.
[0253] Likewise for the matches with five game elements, the hero
may share and/or be dependent on the characteristic of the matching
game element and be located at the switched position of the game
element which is switched to make the match.
[0254] Reference is made to FIGS. 6c and 6d which show part of the
game board area 306. In FIG. 6c, a game element 316 is shown. This
game element 316 is selected by user input received via the user
interface and is switched with the game element 315 which is
immediately below the selected game element. This causes the
switched game element 316 to move into a position such that a match
is made with four other game elements 314 arranged in an "L" shape.
Thus two of four other game elements are in the same row as the
switched game element 316 and the remaining two game elements are
in the same column as the switched game element. The switched game
element 316 shares the same characteristic as the four other game
elements 314.
[0255] As shown in FIG. 6d, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the matching game elements to be removed from
the game board area and a hero 317 to be provided in the game board
area. The position of the hero 317 is the switched position of the
game element which is switched to make the match. In the example
shown in FIG. 6c, the matched game elements are red. Accordingly,
the hero created and shown in FIG. 6d may share and/or be dependent
on that red characteristic.
[0256] Reference is made to FIGS. 6e and 6f which show part of the
game board area 306. In FIG. 6e, a game element 320 is shown. This
game element 320 is selected by user input received via the user
interface and is switched with the game element 319 which is
immediately above the selected game element. This causes the
switched game element 320 to move into a position such that a match
is made with four other game elements 318 arranged in a "T" shape.
Thus two of four other game element are in the same row as the
switched game element 320, one on either side of the switched game
element and the remaining two game elements are in the same column
as the switched game element. The switched game element 320 shares
the same characteristic as the four other game elements 318.
[0257] As shown in FIG. 6f, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the matching game elements to be removed from
the game board area and a hero 317 to be provided in the game board
area. The position of the hero 317 is the switched position of the
game element which is switched to make the match. In the example
shown in FIG. 6e, the matched game elements are red. Accordingly,
the hero created and shown in FIG. 6f may share and/or be dependent
on that red characteristic.
[0258] Reference is made to FIGS. 6g and 6h which show part of the
game board area 306. In FIG. 6g, a game element 320 is shown. This
game element 320 is selected by user input received via the user
interface and is switched with the game element 322 which is
immediately below the selected game element. This causes the
switched game element 320 to move into a position such that a match
is made with four other game elements 321. The switched game
element 320 shares the same characteristic as the four other game
elements.
[0259] As shown in FIG. 6h, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the matching game elements to be removed from
the game board area and a hero 324 to be provided in the game board
area. The position of the hero 324 is the switched position of the
game element which is switched to make the match. In the example
shown in FIG. 6g, the matched game elements are red. Accordingly,
the hero created and shown in FIG. 6h may share and/or be dependent
on that red characteristic.
[0260] In some embodiments, one or visual indications may be used
to indicate to a player a level or class associated with a hero.
For example, a hero of the first level may have no "sergeant
stripes", a hero of the second level or class may have one
"sergeant stripe" 342 (which can be seen in FIGS. 6d and f) and a
hero of the third level or class may have two "sergeant stripes"
340 (which can be seen in FIGS. 6g and h). It should be appreciated
that this is by way of example only and any other suitable visual
indicators may be used. In some embodiments, the heroes provided at
two or more of the different levels or classes may have the same
representation along with the visual distinction to differentiate
the levels or classes. In other embodiments, the heroes of the
different levels or classes may be visually distinct.
[0261] It should be appreciated that more or less than three hero
levels may be provided. In some embodiments, there may be a single
hero level associated with a given game board area.
[0262] In some embodiments, when a hero is created, it replaces one
of the game elements of the match. The other game elements are
removed and the game board is rearranged and replenished.
[0263] In other embodiments, when a match is made, the game
elements of the match are removed, the game board is rearranged and
replenished and the hero which is created is added to the game
board, The at least one processor may be configured to add the hero
to the game board area at a position depending on the location of
one or more of the matching game elements.
[0264] In some embodiments, if two heroes are located next to one
another in the game board area, the position of one hero can be
switched with the position of another hero.
[0265] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to use the level or class of one or more of the heroes
to determine the action resulting from the switching of one hero
with another.
[0266] In some embodiments the at least one processor is configured
to determine the level or class of each hero and in response to
determine the action.
[0267] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine that one of the heroes is at level one.
[0268] If one or two of the heroes are at the first level, the at
least one processor is configured to cause a single larger sized
hero to be created or provided. The larger sized hero will replace
both of the switched heroes. Thus one of the heroes is at level 1
and the other hero is at level 1, 2 or 3.
[0269] It should be appreciated that the larger version of the hero
is considered by the at least one processor to occupy a single
position in the game board area and/or a single grid position in
the battle area and is accordingly controlled.
[0270] In some embodiments, the larger hero may occupy more than
one grid position and accordingly is controlled. The larger hero
may have additional constraints when determining the position of
the larger hero on the battle area.
[0271] Reference is made to FIG. 8a which shows a hero 800 next to
another hero 802 in the same row. In this example, the user input
received via the user interface is to select hero 800 and move it
to the position of the other hero 802 as shown by the arrow. The
user input swipes left from the position of the hero 800 to the
position of hero 802. The at least one processor is configured to
determine which hero has been selected and to provide a larger
version 804 of the selected hero 800 at the position of the other
hero 802. The at least one processor is configured to remove the
other hero from the game board area. The at least one processor is
configured to cause the larger version 804 of the hero to move into
the battle area. The larger hero may be moved into the battle area
such as previously described.
[0272] Thus the user is able to control which column of the two
columns the larger hero is provided and/or the skill set of the
larger hero based on which of the two smaller heroes is
selected.
[0273] Reference is made to FIG. 8b which shows a hero 808 below
another hero 806 in the same column. In this example, the user
input received via the user interface is to select hero 808 and
move it to the position of the other hero 806 as shown by the
arrow. The user input swipes up from the position of the hero 808
to the position of hero 806. The at least one processor is
configured to determine which hero has been selected and to provide
a larger version 810 of the hero 808 at the position of the other
hero 810. The at least one processor is configured to remove the
other hero from the game board area. The at least one processor is
configured to cause the larger version 810 of the hero to move into
the battle area. The larger hero may be moved into the battle area,
such as previously described
[0274] Thus the user is able to control the skill set of the larger
hero based on which of the two smaller heroes is selected.
[0275] In some embodiments, a larger hero may be able to inflict
more damage than the two individual heroes.
[0276] In some embodiments, a larger hero may be able to inflict
different damage as compared to the two individual heroes.
[0277] In some embodiments, a larger hero may be able to inflict
more damage than one individual hero but less than two individual
heroes.
[0278] In some embodiments, the larger hero may have a merged
attack pattern with the attack pattern of both of the individual
heroes.
[0279] The larger hero may have the same number of turns to attack
as the normal sized heroes. In other embodiments, a larger hero may
have more turns to attack than a normal sized hero.
[0280] A larger hero may have more health that the combined health
of the two individual heroes.
[0281] A larger hero may have the same health as the combined
health of the two individual heroes.
[0282] A larger hero may have more health that the one individual
heroes but not as much as two individual heroes.
[0283] The ability of the larger hero may be the same as that of
the hero which is selected and moved to switch with the other
hero.
[0284] The ability of the larger hero may be different to that of
the hero which is selected and moved to switch with the other
hero.
[0285] In some embodiments, if the larger hero is created from a
hero of the second or the third level, regardless of which hero is
switched, the at least one processor is configured to provide the
larger hero at the respective second or third level.
[0286] In some embodiments, the larger hero will follow the same
rules as the corresponding smaller hero.
[0287] In some embodiments, a hero created from two heroes will be
automatically deployed onto the game board area once the user has
released the selected one of the two heroes in the switched
position. The hero created from the two heroes will be deployed in
the column having the switched position of the selected hero. In
other embodiments, that larger hero will only be deployed when
selected by user input received via the user interface.
[0288] In some embodiments, if both of the heroes are at a higher
level (levels 2 and/or level 3), then the at least one processor is
configured to provide an army of heroes.
[0289] The at least one processor may be configured to determine
the level of each of the heroes. In some embodiments, the at least
one processor may be configured to determine that both of the
heroes are enhanced or have sergeant stripes.
[0290] The army of heroes comprises a plurality of heroes. The
number of heroes in the army may depend on the level of the two
heroes.
[0291] The heroes in the army may all be the same and depend on
which one of the heroes is selected for switching.
[0292] If both heroes are level 2, then the at least one processor
is configured to determine that the army will comprise 5
heroes.
[0293] If one hero is level 2 and the one hero is level 3, then the
at least one processor is configured to determine that the army
will comprise 7 heroes.
[0294] If both heroes are level 3, then the at least one processor
is configured to determine that the army will comprise 9
heroes.
[0295] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause all of the heroes in the army to be provided in
different columns of the game board area. In other embodiments, one
or more of the heroes of the army may be in the same column.
[0296] The at least one processor is configured to cause the army
to include the hero selected by the user input and at the switched
position for the selected hero. The switched position is the
position to which the selected hero is moved as a result of the
user input.
[0297] It should be appreciated that the sizes of the armies are by
way of example only. In some embodiments, the largest army will
comprise the same number of heroes as there are columns.
[0298] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the army to be created on each side of the
column containing the switched position of the selected level 2 or
level 3 hero. The at least one processor is configured to cause the
number of heroes on each side of that column containing the
switched position to be even where possible. However if the column
contain the switched position is located at the edge or close to
the edge of the game board area, then the at least one processor is
configured to determine that the number of heroes on each side of
that column will be different.
[0299] Reference is made to FIGS. 8c to 8e. As shown in FIG. 8c a
level 2 hero 820 is next to a level 3 hero 822. In response to user
input the level 3 hero is selected and moved to the position of the
level 2 hero.
[0300] As shown in FIG. 8d, the at least one processor is
configured to cause an army of heroes 824 to be provided in the
game board area. In this example, the army comprises 7 heroes. The
army comprises the selected level 3 hero 822 located in the column
and position of the level 2 hero and 6 other heroes. Each hero is
located in a different column.
[0301] FIG. 8e shows the army of heroes 824 which have been
deployed in the battle area. As can be seen, the at least one
processors is configured to cause each one of the army of heroes to
be located in a different column of the battle grid.
[0302] In some embodiments, the army of heroes may be deployed in
the interaction area without being deployed in the game board
area.
[0303] In some embodiments, the army of heroes may be provided in
the same row of the game board.
[0304] In some embodiments, each of the heroes is associated with a
characteristic which is shared with one or more game elements. By
way of example this characteristic may be colour. The
characteristic of the hero which is selected and switched with the
other hero is used to determine the position of the army of heroes
in the game board. In particular for a column which is to have one
of the army of heroes, the hero will be positioned at the location
of a game element having the same characteristic of the selected
hero. The game element with the shared characteristic is replaced
by the army hero. Where there is more than one game element with
the shared characteristic in the same column, any suitable criteria
can be used to select the game element which is to be replaced by
the army hero. For example, the game element selected may be the
game element closest to the battle area, the game element closest
to the moved position of the selected hero, the game element
furthest from the battle area, the game element furthest from the
moved position of the selected hero or at random.
[0305] In some embodiments, once a hero is created as a result of
matching of game elements, that hero remains in the game board area
until the player is ready to deploy the hero in the battle area.
This may be the case for all or only some types of hero.
[0306] In some embodiments, deploying of another hero located in
the same column as another hero may cause that another hero to be
deployed.
[0307] In some embodiments, a hero is deployed as soon as it has
been created. This may be the case for all or only some types of
hero.
[0308] Reference is made to FIGS. 9a and 9b. In FIG. 9a, a hero 900
has been created and is located at in a game board position in a
column. An enemy 904 is shown in the battle area. The enemy 904 is
located on a grid element in a grid column which is aligned with
the game board column adjacent to that in which the hero is
located.
[0309] As shown in FIG. 9b, user input to select a hero is received
via the user input. The user input will select and drag the hero to
a location in the game board area above, below, to the right or to
the left of the current location in the game board area. In some
embodiments, the user input may only move the hero by one position.
Thus the hero cannot be moved by more than one column or by more
than one row. In other embodiments, the hero may be moved by more
than one column or row in a move to deploy that hero.
[0310] In the example shown in FIG. 9b, the hero has been selected
and dragged to the game board location below the current location
of the hero.
[0311] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine that a move has been made when the hero is
selected by the user input, dragged to a switched location and the
user input to select the hero has been released when that hero is
located at the switched location.
[0312] In some embodiments, while the hero has been selected and
moved by the one position in the game board area, the display is
controlled by the at least one processor to display the location
906 in the battle area to which the hero will move. The location at
which the hero stops may be determined such as previously described
or in any suitable manner.
[0313] In some embodiments, while the hero has been selected and
moved to the switched position in the game board area, the display
is controlled by the at least one processor to display the path 908
which would be taken by the hero through the battle area to reach
the location where the hero stops. This path can be indicated in
any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 9b, a respective
dot 908 appears on grid elements from the edge of the battle area
adjacent the game board area toward the location to which the hero
moves.
[0314] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the attack pattern 902 associated with the
selected character to be displayed on the display and centred on
the grid position 906 to which the hero would move. The attack
pattern may be displayed in such a way as to indicate one or more
of the grids positions of the attack pattern where an enemy may be
attacked. For example, such grid positions may be displayed in a
visually distinct manner from those grid positions which are in the
attack pattern but which would not result in an enemy being
attacked. In some embodiments, the attack pattern may be displayed
in one colour with the one or more of the grid positions where an
enemy may be attacked in a different colour. In the example show in
FIG. 9b, the enemy 904 is located on one of the grid locations of
the attack pattern. This means that if the hero is deployed in the
battle area, that enemy would be attached by the hero.
[0315] If the selected hero is moved by the user input back to its
original position and the user input is released, the hero is not
deployed and no move is made. This may allow the user to see what
attacks could be made by a hero before deciding to deploy that
hero. This provides the advantage that a player of the game is able
to determine where the hero will move to in the battle area, what
skill the hero has and what one or more enemies will be attacked
without requiring the user to commit to making that move.
[0316] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to control the hero to move along the column of the
battle grid which corresponds to the column of the game board area
in which the hero is located after selection and moving caused by
the user input. This allows the user input to control if the hero
is deployed in its current column, the column to the right of the
current column or the column to the left of the current column.
[0317] In some embodiments, the user input may allow the hero to be
moved by more than one position.
[0318] In some embodiments, heroes which are created from matching
game elements may be treated differently from heroes which are
created by combining heroes. In some embodiments, heroes which are
created by combining two heroes are deployed in the same turn in
which they are created. However, in other embodiments,
alternatively or additionally some or all of the heroes created by
combining two heroes may remain in the game board area until
deployed by the player in a turn.
[0319] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine if the hero can be moved in the battle area
such that there is an enemy within the attack pattern of the hero.
If so, the at least one processor will use this determination to
control the position to which the hero is moved in the battle
area.
[0320] In some battle areas, there may be one or more obstacles in
the column of the battle area in which the hero will move. The at
least one processor may be configured to determine the presence of
such an obstacle in the column and in response, the at least one
processor is configured to cause the hero to move to the grid
location in the battle area next to the obstacle.
[0321] In some battle areas, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine one or more strategic positions in the
column of the battle area to which the hero is moved. The at least
one processor may be configured to cause the hero to be moved to
the grid element next to the strategic position or to the grid
element of the strategic position.
[0322] In some embodiments, there may be one or more heroes already
on the battlefield in the same column in which a hero is to be
deployed. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to cause the hero to switch position with an already
deployed hero and/or overtake an already deployed hero. In some
embodiments, the location of an already deployed hero may determine
the position at which the hero to be deployed stops. For example,
the hero to be deployed may be moved to a position in the battle
area grid column next to the already deployed hero. In some
embodiments, the position to which the hero to be deployed is moved
may depend on the attack pattern of one or more of the hero to be
deployed and the already deployed hero.
[0323] When a hero is deployed in the battle area, the at least one
processor is configured to cause the triggering of an ability for
the hero. For example, as the hero is deployed in the battle area,
the ability may be triggered. This may be optional in some
embodiments. This may show the type of weapon that a hero has
and/or may be to highlight to the player that the hero has moved to
the battle area.
[0324] In some embodiments, this triggering of an ability may cause
an effect in the battle area. The effect may be to attack an enemy
and/or interact with an obstacle. In other embodiments, no such
effect may be provided.
[0325] In some embodiments, a hero may be provided with one or more
actions. In some embodiments, there may be a limit on the number of
actions with which a hero is provided. By way of example only, the
number of actions may be 3. However, it should be appreciated that
in other embodiments and/or for other types of hero, the number of
actions may be more or less than 3.
[0326] The action provided may depend on the type of the hero. In
other embodiments, all the actions may be the same for all types of
heroes.
[0327] In some embodiments, the number of actions may depend on the
type of hero. In other embodiments, the number of actions may be
the same for all types of hero. In some embodiments the
effectiveness of the action may be dependent on the level of the
hero.
[0328] Reference is made to FIGS. 9c and 9d. The at least one
processor is configured to cause the display to display a hero 920
shown in FIG. 9c with a visual indication as to the number of
actions remaining and the health of the hero. In some embodiments
only one of the number of remaining actions and the health may be
displayed. In some embodiments, information on only one of the
health and the remaining number of actions may be provided on the
display.
[0329] In some embodiments, a hero may have health but no actions.
In some embodiments, a hero may have actions but no health. In some
embodiments, a hero may have health and actions.
[0330] The hero 920 shown in FIG. 9c is just about to use an action
but has not yet used up an action. Accordingly, in the example of
FIG. 9c, a health bar 922 with a number is displayed which
indicates the number of unused actions and that the hero still has
health. In this example, the number of unused actions in 3 and
accordingly that number is displayed.
[0331] In FIG. 9d, the hero 920 has used one of the actions.
According the health bar 922 is displayed with the number 2
indicating that the number of unused actions is 2 and that the hero
still has health.
[0332] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments,
information about the number of actions may be displayed on the
display in any suitable manner. The information may indicate a
number of unused actions and/or a number of used actions.
[0333] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments,
information about the health may be displayed on the display in any
suitable manner. The information may show a remaining health and/or
a used health. The health bar is only one example of how the health
may be displayed.
[0334] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause a health bar or other suitable information may
be displayed for one or more enemies. The health bar or other such
information may be displayed in a visually distinct manner as
compared to that of a hero. For example the health information may
be displayed in one colour for an enemy and a different colour for
a hero. In other embodiments, the health of a hero may be displayed
in the same way as the health for the enemy.
[0335] The health may reflect damage which is inflicted on a hero
by one or more enemies. If a hero has no remaining heath, the at
least one processor is configured to cause the hero to be removed
from the battle area even if the hero has remaining actions.
[0336] The at least one processor is configured to keep track of
the health of the hero. The at least one processor may use a
counter function to determine one or more of the amount of used
health and the amount of remaining health. A hero will lose health
for example as a result of an attack from an enemy.
[0337] Each time a hero is attacked, the at least one processor is
configured to update the remaining health and/or used health. When
the at least one processor has updated the remaining health and/or
used health, the at least one processor is configured to determine
if the hero has sufficient health to remain in the battle area.
When it is determined that the hero does not have sufficient
health, the at least one processor is configured to cause the hero
to be removed from the battle area. The at least one processor may
determine that the hero does not have sufficient health when the
hero has no health or the health is below a threshold.
[0338] In some embodiments, the hero may acquire health. For
example, one or more heroes may provide healing actions which
increase the health of one or more other heroes. The at least one
processor may be configured to update the remaining health and/or
used health when the hero is provided with extra health.
[0339] The at least one processor is configured to keep track of
the health of the enemy. The at least one processor may use a
counter function to determine one or more of the amount of used
health and the amount of remaining health. An enemy will lose
health for example as a result of an attack from a hero.
[0340] The at least one processor may be configured to determine
when an enemy has no remaining health and in response to remove the
enemy from the battle area. Each time an enemy is attacked, the at
least one processor is configured to update the remaining health
and/or used health. When the at least one processor has updated the
remaining health and/or used health, the at least one processor is
configured to determine if the enemy has sufficient health to
remain in the battle area. When it is determined that the enemy
does not have sufficient health, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the enemy to be removed from the battle area.
The at least one processor may determine that the enemy does not
have sufficient health when the enemy has no health or the health
is below a threshold.
[0341] In some embodiments, the enemy may acquire health. For
example, one or more enemies may provide healing actions which
increase the health of one or more other enemies. The at least one
processor may be configured to update the remaining health and/or
used health when the enemy is provided with extra health.
[0342] The at least one processor is configured to keep track of
the number of used actions and/or the number of remaining actions.
The at least one processor may use the counter function of the user
device to determine one or more of the number of used actions and
the number of remaining actions.
[0343] In some embodiments, where there is more than one enemy in
the attack pattern, the hero will attack each one of the enemies in
a turn, provided there is a sufficient number of actions. There may
only be one action used for a given enemy. For example, if there
are two enemies in the attack pattern, then two actions may be
used.
[0344] In some embodiments, only one action can be used against a
given enemy in one turn. Thus, only one attack on one enemy may be
made in one turn. For example, if there are two enemies in the
attack pattern, then only one action may be used. The at least one
processor may be configured to determine which of the two enemies
is to be attacked based on one or more criteria.
[0345] In other embodiments, the number of actions used against a
given enemy in a turn may be more than one. For example, two
actions may be used in one turn against one enemy.
[0346] In some embodiments, the number of actions which are used in
a turn against a given enemy may be dependent on the enemy.
[0347] In some embodiments, the number of actions which are usable
in a turn may be dependent on the hero.
[0348] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine when there are no actions left and in
response to remove the hero from the battle area.
[0349] In some embodiments, there may be a maximum limit on the
number of turns for which the hero remains in the battle area. This
may be dependent on the maximum number of actions. For example, if
a hero has a maximum number of 3 actions, the hero is removed at
the latest after 3 turns.
[0350] In a turn, the hero will use up one or more actions. For
example, a hero may use one action against an enemy in one turn and
another action against that enemy in another turn.
[0351] In some embodiments, a hero may only use one action per
turn.
[0352] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine that a hero is unable to use an action
against an enemy in a turn. In some embodiments, the at least one
processor is nevertheless configured to reduce the remaining
actions by one. For example, an enemy may be located at a different
height and the attack pattern of the hero is not effective at that
height. Another example may be that an obstacle is preventing the
user from making an attack or use an action.
[0353] In the previous examples, one or more actions are used to
attack an enemy. In some embodiments, one or more actions may be
used to assist in the removal of one or more obstacle. A given
obstacle may be removed if x actions are used. X may be one or
more. The actions may be provided by the same hero and/or by
different heroes.
[0354] In some embodiments, the number of available actions may be
reduced in a turn where a hero is positioned with an obstacle in
the grid location immediately in front of the hero and in the same
column of the battle area. The number of available actions may for
example be reduced by one. The action may have no effect on the
obstacle. The action may not be used. The hero may, for example, be
waiting for an enemy to come into its attack pattern. The hero may
be waiting for the removal of an obstacle by another hero or by the
shots. In some embodiments, the obstacle may become navigable in a
next turn.
[0355] In some situations, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine that a hero may be unable to use any
actions against an enemy and/or an obstacle and/or by waiting by an
obstacle. There may be no obstacles between the hero and the edge
of the column in which the hero is located in the battle area
remote from the game board area. In response, the at least one
processor is configured to cause the display to show the hero
moving up the column and off the battle area. The hero is thus
removed from the battle area. In some embodiments, the at least one
processor may be configured to cause an effect to be provided in
the game board area. The at least one processor may be configured
to cause the display to display a visualization of this effect. The
effect may be provided when the hero has one or more remaining
actions. In some embodiments, the effect may be dependent on the
number of remaining actions.
[0356] The effect provided in the game board area may be any
suitable effect. For example, the effect may be to cause one or
more game elements may be removed from the game board area. This
will cause the game elements in the game board area to be
rearranged in the usual way and the game board area to be
replenished. This may result in one or more matches being made.
Depending on the number and type of matches, one or more further
heroes may be provided in the game board area.
[0357] In some embodiments, the number of game elements which are
removed may be dependent on the number of remaining actions. In
some embodiments, one game element may be removed for each
remaining actions. In other embodiments, the number of game
elements removed may be independent of the number of remaining
actions.
[0358] In some embodiments, the number of game elements which are
removed may be dependent on the hero.
[0359] In some embodiments, a hero which is removed may be
associated with a given game characteristic. This may for example
be colour. The one or more game elements which are removed may have
the same characteristic as the removed hero.
[0360] It should be appreciated that alternatively or additionally,
the at least one processor may be configured to cause one or more
heroes with one or more remaining actions to be removed based one
or more additional or alternative criteria. For example, a hero may
be removed if there is insufficient room to accommodate that hero
or room is being made for another hero. For example, a hero may be
removed if the hero fails to attack an enemy in a turn.
[0361] Reference is made to FIG. 9e, f and g. In FIG. 9e a hero 930
is selected in response to user input received via the user
interface. The at least one processor is configured to determine
and highlight the path 932 on the display for the hero in the
battle area. In this example, there is no enemy, obstacle and/or
the like so the path of the hero is such that the hero would move
up the column of the battle grid and off the battle area.
[0362] FIG. 9f shows the selected hero 930 at the edge 934 of the
grid of the battle area.
[0363] FIG. 9g shows that as the hero moves off the battle area,
the at least one processor is configured to cause an interaction
with the game board area. This interaction may be visually
highlighted 936 on the display. For example, as the hero leaves the
battle area, a shot is seen coming from the hero to the game board
area. This interaction may be the effect previously described.
[0364] The interaction may comprise the removal of one or more game
elements from the game board area and/or the changing of the
characteristic of one or more game elements and/or the providing of
one or more heroes in the game board area.
[0365] In the example show in FIG. 9g, the at least one processor
is configured to cause a game element to be removed from column 938
of the game board area. The removal of one or more game elements
may trigger the making of one or more matches.
[0366] In some embodiments, the interaction with the game board
area may be dependent on the hero. For example, the number of game
elements removed may depend on the hero.
[0367] In some embodiments, the interaction provided may be
dependent on the number of actions associated with the hero.
[0368] In some embodiments, a user may select a hero to deploy and
there may be one or more other heroes in that same column. In some
embodiments, once hero is selected to be deployed, the at least one
processor is configured to cause all the heroes in that same column
to be deployed. In some embodiments, only the selected hero is
deployed. In some embodiments, when a hero is selected to be
deployed, the at least one processor is configured to cause all the
heroes in the same column as the selected hero and between that
selected hero and the battle area to be deployed in the battle
area. In some embodiments, the decision as to whether or not to
deploy one or more of other heroes may depend on the type of a
respective other hero and/or the type of the hero which has been
selected to be deployed.
[0369] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to determine that a hero has been selected for
deployment. The at least processor is configured to cause the
display to show the hero moving up at the column. Each time the
hero reaches the next location in the column of the game board, the
at least one processor is configured to determine if there is a
second hero in that location. If there is the at least one
processor is configured to cause that second hero in that location
to be deployed and to follow the initially deployed hero to the
battle area.
[0370] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to repeat the determination for the next location in the
column and so on. In the event that there is a further hero, the
further hero is also caused to be deployed. The at least one
processor is configured to cause the further hero to follow the
initially deployed hero and the second hero. Accordingly, the
initially deployed hero may be the first to arrive at the battle
area, followed by the second hero which is in turn followed by the
further hero.
[0371] As an alternative to an iterative process, the at least one
processor is configured to determine the location of the heroes in
the column of the hero which has been triggered. The at least one
processor may determine the location of heroes in the column which
are between the triggered hero and the battle area or may determine
the location of heroes in any position in the column of the
triggered hero.
[0372] Based on the location of one or more other heroes, the at
least one processor may be configured to determine the order in
which the heroes to be deployed arrive at the game area.
[0373] In some embodiments, where more than one hero from a given
column is deployed, the at least one processor will cause the
heroes to be deployed in the battle area in the same order in which
they occur in the column of the game board area.
[0374] In some embodiments, where more than one hero from a given
column is deployed, the at least one processor will cause the
heroes to be deployed in the battle area in the same order in which
they are triggered the column of the game board area. This means
that the selected hero would arrive before the second hero which
arrives the third hero
[0375] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to make a determination as to whether the order of one
or more of the heroes is to be changed. The order of the heroes may
be changed in the game board or when the heroes are in the battle
area
[0376] This determination may be based on the attack pattern of the
respective heroes. For example, the one or more heroes with a melee
attack pattern will go first followed by the one or more heroes
having a ranged attack pattern.
[0377] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine if two or more heroes are in the same
column and are to move onto the battle area in the same turn.
[0378] When the at least one processor determines that the two or
more heroes are in the same column and are to move onto the battle
area in the same turn, the at least one processor is configured to
use information about the respective attack pattern of the
respective heroes in order to determine if the order in which the
heroes leave the game board area is to be changed. The information
about the respective attack patterns may be stored in at least one
memory.
[0379] The heroes will be provided in the battle area in the order
determined by the at least one processor.
[0380] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine a stop location for a lead hero. This stop
location may be as previously discussed. The at least one processor
may be configured to determine the number of available grid
positions including the stop location and to determine the number
of heroes to be accommodated. If the number of available grid
positions is less than the number of heroes to be accommodated, one
or more of the heroes may be removed from the battle area.
[0381] The one or more removed heroes may be treated as if there
were no stop location, such as described in relation to FIGS. 9e to
g. In other embodiments, instead of removing a hero which cannot be
accommodated in the battle area, that hero may remain in the game
board area or may be deployed in a different column of the battle
area. In the latter case the at least one processor may be
configured to cause the hero to be accommodated in such a way as to
appear to be moving around an obstacle or the like.
[0382] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to use any suitable criteria to determine which one or
more hero is to be removed or not deployed in the battle area. This
may be based on the strength of the different heroes and/or the
attack pattern of the heroes. For example, the at least one
processor may be configured to ensure that as many of the different
attack patterns as possible are provided by the heroes from the
same column. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to ensure that the number of each of the attack patterns
is as balanced as possible.
[0383] In some embodiments, the hero which is to be removed or not
deployed may be selected by the at least one processor on the basis
of the position of that hero in the column of the game board
area.
[0384] In some embodiments, the hero which is to be removed or not
deployed may be dependent on the characteristics of one or more
enemies.
[0385] In some embodiments, the heroes move from the game board
area to the battle area in the order determined by the at least one
processor.
[0386] In some embodiments, the heroes move from the game board
area to the battle area in an order such as previously discussed.
However, the heroes will stop at the respective locations
determined by the at least one processor. This may mean that one or
more heroes will stop at a given battle grid location and be
overtaken by one or more other heroes moving to their respective
determined position.
[0387] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, only one
hero may occupy a given grid location in the battle area.
[0388] It should be appreciated that the heroes created by
combining heroes may be treated in the same or similar way to the
heroes created from a match. The triggering of the heroes created
from the combining of two heroes may cause one or more other heroes
in the same column to be caused to move to the battle area such as
described previously.
[0389] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured such that removal of more game elements in the game
board area may cause an effect in the battle area. In some
embodiments, for each game element removed from a column of the
game board area a shot is provided in the corresponding column in
the battle area. The shots may result from the match made by the
user or by a subsequent match triggered as a result of one or more
game elements being removed as a result of a match being made or
the deploying of one or more heroes.
[0390] For example if a match is made in a column of three game
elements, 3 shots will be provided in the corresponding column of
the battle area. For example if a match is made in a row of three
game elements, one shot will be provided in each the corresponding
columns of the battle area.
[0391] It should be appreciated that matches of four or more game
elements may provide a respective number of shots in the respective
column or columns.
[0392] In some embodiments, the shots may only be provided for a
match of three game elements as matches of more than four game
elements provide a hero. In other embodiments, shots are provided
where there is a match of four or more game elements.
[0393] In some embodiments, the shots will be associated with a
characteristic of the matched game elements. For example, the shots
may be associated with a colour of the game element. The at least
one processor may be configured to determine the characteristic of
the matched game elements and the column location of each of the
matched game elements. For each of the matched game elements, the
at least one processor is configured to provide a shot in the
respective column of that game element and having a characteristic
dependent on the characteristic of that game element. This may be
regarded as colour shot or blast.
[0394] In some embodiments, one or more obstacles may be removed
using one or more shots. These obstacles may alternatively or
additionally be removed by one or more actions from one or more
heroes.
[0395] The at least one processor may be configured to determine
that an obstacle has been hit and to determine if the obstacle can
be removed. Where more than one shot or action is required to
remove the at least one obstacle, the at least one processor is
configured to determine if the required number of shots and/or
actions have been received. The at least one processor may be
configured to update a counter each time an obstacle is hit by a
shot and/or actions. The at least one processor may be configured
to determine each time the counter is updated if the counter has
reached a threshold. When the processor determines that the counter
has reached the threshold, the at least one obstacle is removed. In
some embodiments, the appearance of the obstacle may change
depending on the number of times that the obstacle has been hit.
The at least one processor may be configured to use the value of
the counter to control the appearance of the obstacle. The
appearance of the obstacle may be changed so that it appears to
have increasing damage.
[0396] In some embodiments, an obstacle may be associated with a
given characteristic such as colour. An obstacle associated with a
given characteristic or colour may be removed by a given number of
shots associated with the same characteristic or colour. The at
least one processor may in this case only update the counter if the
shot is associated with the required characteristic and/or the
action is provided by a hero associated with the required
characteristic.
[0397] In some embodiments the given number of shots to remove an
obstacle may be 3. In other embodiments, the given number of shots
may be more or less than 3. In some embodiments, different
obstacles may require a different number of shots in order to
remove that obstacle.
[0398] In some embodiments, the given number of shots needed to
remove an obstacle may need to be received in a given turn. The
shots may result from the match made by the user or by a subsequent
match triggered as a result of one or more game elements being
removed as a result of a match being made or the deploying of one
or more heroes. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may
be configured to reset the counter at the end of a turn.
[0399] In some embodiments, if the obstacle does not receive
required number of shots or the required number of shots with the
required characteristic within a turn, the at least one processor
may be configured to reset the number of shots required may. For
example if a given obstacle requires 3 shots of a particular colour
in order be removed and only 2 shots are received during the turn,
for the next turn 3 shots of the particular colour would be
required to remove the obstacle.
[0400] In other embodiments, the required shots may be accumulated
across two or more turns. There may or may not be a limit on the
number of turns in which the shots need to be acquired in order to
remove the obstacle.
[0401] In some embodiments one or more of the enemies may be
damaged by one or more of the shots provided in the corresponding
column. In some embodiments, an enemy may be associated with a
given characteristic such as colour. In some embodiments, the enemy
may only be damaged if the shot has the given characteristic of the
enemy. In some embodiments a predetermined number of shots,
optionally with the given characteristic need to be received in the
given turn to cause damage to the enemy. The at least one processor
may be configured to determine if a shot has hit an enemy and if
that shot is associated with the same characteristic as the enemy
(if required) and in dependence on that determination to update the
health of the enemy. The at least one processor may further
determine if the required number of shots, optionally of the
required characteristic, have been received before updating the
health. The health may be reduced. When the health has been
updated, the at least one processor may be configured to determine
if the enemy has sufficient remaining health to remain in the
battle area or if the enemy has insufficient health is to be
removed from the battle area.
[0402] In some embodiments one or more shots in the corresponding
column may be used by a hero to increase the health of the hero. In
some embodiments, there may need to be a threshold number of shots
in order for the health of the hero to be increased. In some
embodiments, the threshold number of shots may be across two or
more turns. In some embodiments, the threshold number of shots may
need to be within one turn.
[0403] In some embodiments, where the hero is associated with a
given characteristic, one or more shots associated with same given
characteristic may be required to increase the health of the
hero.
[0404] The at least one processor may be configured to determine if
a shot has hit hero and if that shot is associated with the same
characteristic as the hero (if required) and in dependence on that
determination to update the health of the hero. The at least one
processor may further determine if the required number of shots,
optionally of the required characteristic, have been received
before updating the health. The health may be increased up to but
not beyond a maximum.
[0405] Alternatively or additionally one or more one or more shots
in the corresponding column may be used by a hero to increase the
number of actions or turns of the hero. In some embodiments, there
may need to be a threshold number of shots in order for the number
of turns or actions of the hero to be increased. In some
embodiments, the threshold number of shots may be across two or
more turns. In some embodiments, the threshold number of shots may
need to be within one turn.
[0406] In some embodiments, where the hero is associated with a
given characteristic, one or more shots associated with same given
characteristic may be required to increase the number of turns or
actions of the hero.
[0407] In some embodiments, a given shot may be used once. For
example, a shot can be used for increasing the health of a hero or
decreasing the health of an enemy or for removing an obstacle. In
some embodiments, a shot may have no effect on the battle area, if
that shot does not encounter a suitable obstacle, hero and/or
enemy.
[0408] Reference is made to FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the at
least one processor may be configured to cause an indication to be
displayed as to number of matches which have been made in a turn.
As shown in FIG. 10, when a move is made in game and there is a
subsequent match triggered in the turn, "combo nX" is displayed
where n is the cumulative number of combinations or matches
occurring in that turn. This will indicate the number of matches
which have been made. Each time an additional match is made, the at
least one processor may be configured to update the current number
of matches and cause updated information is displayed. For example,
when a second match or combination is made, "combo 2X" is displayed
followed by "combo 3X" when a third match or combination is made
within the same turn and so on. FIG. 10 shows that three
combinations have been made in the turn as referenced 950.
[0409] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to increment a counter each time a match is made.
[0410] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine the number of the current match and in
response to determine a strength of the shot which is provided in
the battle area for a respective game element of the match. The
shot may be as previously described. In some embodiments, the
effect provided by the shot is increased in dependence on the
current number of matches. For example, a shot resulting from the
second combination or match may be weaker than a shot resulting
from the fourth combination or match. For example, a stronger shot
may reduce the health of the enemy by more than a weaker shot. A
stronger shot may increase the health of the hero by more than a
weaker shot. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to update the health of the hero or enemy in dependence
on the strength of the shot.
[0411] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause information about the characteristic of the
latest matched game elements to be provided. For example, in some
embodiments, where the characteristic is a colour, the information
which is displayed may be in the colour of the match.
[0412] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is
configured to cause information to be displayed on the display
which provides information to the user as to which columns the
matching elements are located and the effect of the shots on the
battle area. This may be provided by a respective shot being
provided. The respective shot may begin at a position defined by
the location of the respective removed game element. The respective
shot may be provided in the same colour as that of the removed game
element. The shot may move up the column of the game board area in
which the respective removed game element was located. Reference
952 shows a shot moving through the game board area. The shot may
continue up into the respective column of the battle area.
Reference 954 shows a shot moving through the battle area. The shot
may move off the battle area if there is nothing in the path of the
shot. The shot may alternatively interact with one or more of a
hero, an enemy or an obstacle such as discussed previously.
[0413] It should be appreciated that any other suitable information
may be displayed in order to indicate the number of matches which
have been made.
[0414] In some embodiments, a set of heroes are provided to play
one or more different levels of the game. In some embodiments, the
set of heroes may be selected by the at least one processor. In
some embodiments, the set of heroes is selected in response to user
input received via the user interface. In some embodiments, the at
least one processor may select a default set of heroes or the
heroes that were previously used in a previous level or a previous
attempt at that level. In response to user input received via the
user interface, the default set of heroes can be edited to allow
one or more different heroes to be provided in the set of
heroes.
[0415] In some embodiments, the heroes which are in the set of
heroes determine which heroes are provided in the game board area
when a match is made. In some embodiments as discussed previously,
the game elements have one or more characteristics which are used
when determining if a match condition exists. By way of example,
one characteristic may be colour. In some embodiments, there may be
n different ones of a given characteristic for the game elements.
For example, there may be n different colours of game elements in
the game board area. In some embodiments, a set of heroes may
comprise at least one hero associated with each of the n different
characteristics. In some embodiments, a set of heroes may comprise
only one hero for each respective one of the n different
characteristics. In some embodiments there may be one hero for each
characteristic. If there are n different characteristics, there are
n different heroes, one for each different characteristic.
[0416] A hero may be associated with a single characteristic in
some embodiments. In some embodiments, a hero may be associated
with two or more different characteristics. In the described
embodiments below, a hero is associated with a single
characteristic.
[0417] A hero associated with a given characteristic is created
during the game when the at least one processor determines that
game elements having the given characteristic satisfy a match
condition.
[0418] In the example shown in FIG. 12a, n is five and accordingly
there are 5 heroes 1202 in the set 1200 of heroes. Each of the
heroes are associated with a different one of the characteristics
such as colour. In some embodiments, the visual representation of a
given hero may be such as to indicate to the player a shared
characteristic with the associated game elements. This may for
example be the colour of the hero and/or clothing of the hero
and/or the like. Accordingly, in the example shown in FIG. 12a,
each of the heroes has a visual indication indicating which
characteristic that hero is associated with.
[0419] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information 1206
indicating a power or level of a respective hero in the set of
heroes. This may be in the form of a number or in any other
suitable way.
[0420] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information 1204
indicating one or more of the type of attack, the attack pattern,
the ability of the hero or action of a respective hero in the set
of heroes. This may be in the form of a graphical representation or
in any other suitable way. The graphical representation may for
example show the weapon used by the respective hero.
[0421] In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of different
heroes available for selection for a given characteristic. The
different heroes available for selection for a given characteristic
may be associated with different attack patterns and/or different
powers and/or different attributes and/or abilities which are
provided in the interaction area. In some embodiments, the user is
able to increase the number of different heroes available for
selection for a given characteristic by playing the game.
[0422] The hero referenced 1208 is currently provided in the set of
heroes but is a hero where there is an alternative hero available
for selection.
[0423] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to cause information about one or more enemies 1220
which will be encountered when the play option is selected to be
displayed on the display. In the example shown in FIG. 12a, the
information may comprise a visual representation of the enemy.
Alternatively or additionally information may be provided which
indicates one or more of an attacking ability of the enemy and a
strength or power of the enemy.
[0424] In the example shown in FIG. 12b, the user has provided user
input via the user interface and in response the at least one
processor is configured to allow the user to edit the squad. For
example, the user may provide user input, via the user interface,
associated with a hero having a respective characteristic. This
user input may be any suitable user input such as clicking on the
respective character. In response to the user input, the at least
one processor may be configured to display available heroes having
the respective characteristic. In the example shown in FIG. 12b,
the available heroes 1208 and 1210 may be shown. The currently
selected hero 1210 is shown on the far right of the set of heroes.
The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display
to display a visual indication with one or more of the available
heroes to indicate which one of the available heroes is currently
in the set of heroes. In the example shown in FIG. 12b, the hero
referenced 1210 is currently in the set of heroes.
[0425] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information indicating a
power or level of an available hero. This may be as previously
described in relation to the set of heroes.
[0426] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information indicating
the type of attack or action of an available hero. This may be as
previously described in relation to the set of heroes.
[0427] As shown in FIG. 12c, a user input has been received via the
user interface to select the hero referenced 1208. In response, the
at least one processor is configured to cause the display to
display the selected hero 1208 in the set of heroes.
[0428] As shown in FIGS. 12a to 12c, there is a play option 1222
displayed on the display. In response to user input received via
the user interface selecting the play option, the at least one
processor is configured to cause the level or a set of levels to be
played with the selected set of heroes. The at least one processor
may be configured to cause the display to display a game board area
such as described previously with an associated battle area. When a
match satisfying the criteria to cause a hero to be provided
occurs, the hero associated with the characteristic of the matching
game elements is provided.
[0429] Where the enemy is associated with a given characteristic, a
hero having that given characteristic may be able to inflict more
damage on that enemy as compared to a hero not sharing that given
characteristic.
[0430] In some embodiments, one or more different game entities may
be provided in the game.
[0431] In some embodiments the grid arrangement may be a 2
dimensional arrangement. In some embodiments, each grid element may
be generally square. In other embodiments, each grid element may
have a different shape, for example rectangular or any other
shape.
[0432] In some embodiments, the grid arrangement may be a 3
dimensional arrangement. In some embodiments, the grid arrangement
may have a height dimension. The height dimension is also defined
with respect to a grid arrangement. In some embodiments the maximum
height dimension may be less than the row or column dimension. For
example, the maximum height dimension may be 2 grid units in the
height direction. Each grid element in a 3 dimensional arrangement
may be a cube or any other suitable grid unit. In some embodiments,
there may be a base level in the grid arrangement with a height
dimension of zero. In some embodiments one or more obstacles or
other game entity may be provided in the battle zone which have a
height of one grid unit or two grid units. This may provide three
different height options in some embodiments. It should be
appreciated that the number of possible heights may be more or less
than three.
[0433] Reference is made to FIG. 11 which shows an example of a
battle area 1100 which comprises 3 levels or heights. The first
level is the base level 1102. A second level 1104 is provided one
unit higher than the base level. A third level 1106 is provided
which is accessed via the second level and which is two units
higher than the base level. When a hero is deployed from the game
board area, the hero will run along the corresponding column of the
battle area. A hero will be able move up to from the current level
to the next level if an item 1108 is provided in the battle area
which allows the hero to transition from one level to the next.
This item may be represented as a ladder, a ramp, a staircase, an
elevator or in any other suitable manner. If there is no such item
between the levels, such as referenced 1110, then the increased
level will act as an obstacle and prevent the character from moving
further in that column.
[0434] In some embodiments a particular item to transition from one
level to another may only be usable by one or more but not all of
the heroes.
[0435] In some embodiments, the level and/or the characteristics
and/or the power of the hero may determine if the hero is able to
use a particular item to transition from one level to another.
[0436] In some embodiments, any hero may be able to use any item to
transition from one level to another.
[0437] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the
enemies in the battle area use the same items to transition from
one level to another. In some embodiments different items may be
accessible by the enemies as compared to the heroes.
[0438] In some embodiments, as previously discussed, the attack
pattern of the hero may only be effective for the level at which
the hero is currently located. In some embodiments, one or more of
the attack patterns may be effective for the level at which the
hero is located and/or one or more other levels. Any of the
previously described attack pattern options may be used in a 3D
battle area.
[0439] This may allow the user to make strategic choices as to
which hero to deploy. For example, the hero may be on one level and
the enemy may be on a different level. The player can choose a hero
with an attack pattern/type which extends from one level to the
other in order to attack the enemy. The hero may have a weapon such
as an arrow which can be shot at an enemy at a different
height.
[0440] In another scenario, the hero may have an attack pattern
which is on one level only. The player can choose to deploy that
hero in a column where there is an item for transitioning from one
level to another.
[0441] In some embodiments, one hero may be able to cause an item
to be available for another hero. For example, one of the actions
of one hero may cause an item for transitioning from one level to
another. In other embodiments, movement of one hero to a particular
location may cause an item to transition from one level to another
to be available.
[0442] In some embodiments, the enemies may have respective attack
patterns. These attack patterns may be similar to those discussed
in relation to the heroes. This can be used by the player when
determining a strategy. For example, an enemy may be on first
height level and have an attack pattern on that same level. The
player may choose to use a hero which moves on a different level
but has at least a part of the attack pattern on the same level as
the enemy. Thus the hero can attack the enemy without itself being
attacked by the enemy.
[0443] In some embodiments, the game may comprise a plurality of
different game levels which can be completed by a player. Different
game levels may be associated with one or more different heroes
and/or one or more different enemies. Different levels may be
associated with different battle areas. Different heroes may be
acquired by playing different areas.
[0444] In some embodiments, one or more heroes may be acquired
and/or upgraded by completing a game challenge. This game challenge
may be to complete a set of levels for example. This may be
represented by a chest. When the player initially starts the levels
a locked chest is displayed. An indication of the available heroes
and/or upgrades may be shown. When the set of levels have been
successfully completed, the at least one processor is configured to
provide the available heroes and/or upgrades. The at least one
processor may be configured to cause the display to display the
chest as being opened to provide the one or more available heroes
and/or upgrades.
[0445] In some embodiments, the chest may provide one or more
cards. When a player has collected a given number of a particular
card, a particular hero may be provided.
[0446] In some embodiments, a hero which is available may be
selected for use in a set of heroes such as previously
described.
[0447] In some embodiments there may be a plurality of different
game areas. The player may be able to select one or more of these
game areas. When a game area is selected there may be one or more
levels that can be played. In some embodiments, the at least one
processor may be configured to determine which or more game areas
are currently available.
[0448] In some of the previously described embodiments, the visual
representation of the hero used in the game board is the same as
that used in the battle area. In other embodiments, the visual
representation of the hero used in the game board may differ from
that used in the battle area. In this regard, reference is made to
FIGS. 15a to c which shows the appearance of the hero on the
gameboard. In this example, the representation of the hero in the
battle area may be as previously described.
[0449] The hero of FIG. 15a is a hero of the third level. The
visual representation comprise a frame part 1500. In some
embodiments, where the hero shares a colour characteristic of the
matched game elements, the frame may be provided with this colour
characteristic. Alternatively or additionally, the colour
characteristic may be indicated by use of that colour as a
background or in any other suitable way.
[0450] In the example shown in FIG. 15a, a head 1502 of the hero is
provided. In this example, the head is only partially contained in
the frame. In other embodiments, the head may be completed
contained within the frame. In other embodiments, a different
visual indication may be used to represent the hero in the game
board such as a symbol or the like.
[0451] In the example shown in FIG. 15a, the two sergeant stripes
1504 are displayed to indicate that the hero is of the third level.
The sergeant stripes may be displayed adjacent the head of the hero
or in any other suitable location.
[0452] The hero of FIG. 15b is the hero of the second level. The
visual representation again comprises a frame part 1500 such as
discussed in relation to FIG. 15a. In the example shown in FIG.
15b, the head 1502 of the hero is provided such as discussed in
relation to FIG. 15a. In the example shown in FIG. 15b, one
sergeant stripe 1504 is displayed to indicate that the hero is of
the second level. The sergeant stripe may be displayed adjacent the
head of the hero or in any other suitable location.
[0453] The hero of FIG. 15c is the hero of the first level. The
visual representation again comprises a frame part 1500 such as
discussed in relation to FIG. 15a. In the example shown in FIG.
15c, the head 1502 of the hero is provided such as discussed in
relation to FIG. 15a.
[0454] Reference is made to FIGS. 15d and 15e which shows the
selection of a hero in the game board such that the hero is
provided in battle area. The hero is selected in any suitable way
such as previously described. For example a user input may be
received via the user interface to switch the hero with a game
element. The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
display to display the hero moving from its switched position to
the battle area in any suitable way. In the example shown in FIG.
15d, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display
to display a moving arrow 1515 or streak of light or the like. This
is to visually represent movement of the hero towards the battle
area. The at least one processor is configured to cause the
displayed movement to start from the position 1510 on the gameboard
to which the hero has been switched. This example contrasts with
some of the previous examples where a representation of the hero is
shown as moving from the game board to the battle area, with the
same representation used in the game board and the battle area. In
contrast, in this example, a representation of the movement only
without the representation of the hero is provided in the game
board.
[0455] When the representation of the hero reaches the battle area,
the at least one processor is configured to cause the visual
representation 1514 of the hero used in the battle area to be
provided, as shown in FIG. 15e.
[0456] In some embodiments, this battle area representation is
provided as soon as the hero enters the battle area. In other
embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to combine
the transformation to the battle area visual representation with a
visual representation of the movement of the hero in the battle
area (this may be such as shown in FIG. 15d). This may mean that
the visual representation of the hero in the interaction area is
only fully formed two or more rows into the interaction area.
[0457] It should be appreciated, that in other embodiments, where
the visual representation of the hero in the game board is
different to the visual representation of the hero in the battle
area, the game board representation of the hero may be shown as
moving to the battle area and then changing to battle area
representation when the hero reaches the battle area.
[0458] Alternatively, the game board representation may be changed
to the battle area representation when the hero is switched and the
battle area representation of the hero moves from the position in
the game board to which the hero has been switched to the battle
area.
[0459] In the previously described examples, if two heroes are
switched and one or both of the heroes is of the first level a more
powerful hero is created which is represented as a single large
sized hero in the game board. This larger sized hero as previously
described is visually represented as a larger sized hero in the
game board and in the battle area. An alternative to this will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 16a to 16c. In this example,
two heroes 1602 are switched. The two heroes 1602 are shown in FIG.
16a before they have been switched. In this example, both of the
heroes are of the first level and are represented in the game board
such as described in relation to FIG. 15c.
[0460] Referring next to FIG. 16b, when the two heroes have been
switched, the at least one processor is configured to cause a
visual indication 1606 to be displayed in the game board to
indicate that a more powerful hero is being provided. In this
example, this is indicated by the word "supercharged". However this
is by way of example only and the visual indication may be any
other suitable word or in any other way.
[0461] As previously described in relation of the FIGS. 15d, when a
hero is selected in the game board such that it moves from game
board to the battle area, a visual representation of the movement
is displayed. As can be seen from FIG. 16b, the visual
representation of the hero in the battle area is a combination of
the visualization of the movement of the hero in the battle area
and the transformation from the movement visualisation to the
battle area representation.
[0462] FIG. 16c shows the hero 1608 in the battle area with the
battle area visualization completed.
[0463] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the hero
which is created by switching two heroes in the game board may be
visually represented in the battle area as a larger sized hero. In
some embodiments, where at least one of the two heroes which are
switched is of a first level, the at least one processor is
configured to represent the created hero in the game board as a
larger sized hero.
[0464] In other embodiments, where both of the two heroes which are
switched are of a first level, the created hero is not a larger
sized hero. However, if one of the heroes which is switched is of
the first level and the other of the heroes which is switched is of
the second level or the third level, then the created hero is
visually represented in the game board as a larger sized hero.
[0465] In the previously described examples, if two heroes are
switched and both of the heroes is of a second level and/or a
higher level, an army of heroes is created. An alternate
visualization of this will now be described with reference to FIGS.
16d and 16e. In this example and as shown in FIG. 16d, two heroes
1612a and 1612b are switched. The two heroes 1612a and b are shown
in FIG. 16a before they have been switched. In this example, both
of the heroes are of the second level and are represented in the
game board such as described in relation to FIG. 15b.
[0466] The hero 1612a which is selected and switched with the hero
1612b is, after switching represented in a visually distinct manner
as compared to the switched hero 1612b. This is shown in FIG. 16e
where the selected hero 1612a is represented as oval of energy in
its switched position. Additionally, visual indications 1616 of
movement are provided from this oval of energy to the positions in
the game board for the respective heroes of the army. The visual
indications may be arrows or provided in any other suitable way. It
should be appreciated that the position of the army of heroes in
the game board may be as described previously.
[0467] The movement of the army of heroes in the game board and
onto the battle area may be as previously described in relation to
FIGS. 15d and e. It should be appreciated that the created army may
be visualised only in the game board by a moving arrow or streak of
light or the like. This may be from a respective position in a
column. This respective position may be determined such as
previously discussed or in any suitable way.
[0468] Reference is made to FIGS. 17a, b and c. FIG. 17a shows a
game board and battle area. In the battle area is an item 1700 and
two enemies 1702. In this example, the item is an obstacle in the
form of a crate. For tactical reasons a player may need to remove
the obstacle and/or may want to defeat the enemies. In some
embodiments, a variety of different types of item and/or enemy may
be provided. Some embodiments may allow a player to obtain
information about the item and/or the enemy.
[0469] The user is able to provide user input via the user
interface to select an item in the battle area. In the example
shown in FIG. 17b, the user input provided via the user interface
has selected the crate 1700. In response to the user input
selecting the crate 1700, the at least one processor is configured
to cause the display to display information 1704 about the crate.
In some embodiments, this information may comprise one or more of
the type of item, information identifying the item and information
about one or more attack options required to break or remove the
item. In this example, the type of item is an obstacle. The
information identifying the item indicates that the item is a
crate. In this example, the information about the attack options
indicates that the crate can be broken by one hero attack or by 3
colour blasts.
[0470] It should be appreciated that when the user input selects
the obstacle, the at least one processor is configured to alter the
image of the battle area displayed on the display. In the case of
the selected object, the battle area in the region of the crate is
enlarged and not all of the battle area remains visible. This
enlarging may be optional in some embodiments. The angle of view of
the battle area may alternatively or additionally be altered such
as shown in FIG. 17b. This may for example be the case where the
object is close to an edge of the battle area as is the case in the
example shown in FIG. 17b.
[0471] When the user provides a second user input via the user
interface to select the obstacle, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the display to revert to showing the image
shown in FIG. 17a.
[0472] In the example shown in FIG. 17c, the user input provided
via the user interface has selected the enemy 1702 . In response to
the user input selecting the enemy 1702, the at least one processor
is configured to cause the display to display information 1706
about the enemy. In some embodiments, this information may comprise
one or more of the type of item, information identifying the enemy,
information about one or more attack options required to defeat the
enemy, information about one or more attacks provided by the enemy,
information about the remaining health of the enemy, information
about the total health and information about the damage inflicted
by the enemy. In this example, the following information is
displayed. The type of item is an enemy. The information
identifying the enemy indicates that the enemy is an FT-Hitter. In
this example, the information about the attack options provided by
the enemy indicates that the melee forest goblin chases attacks
heroes with a vicious club. The current health of the enemy is
indicated as being 160 and the total health of the enemy is
indicated as 160 (in this example the enemy has its full health and
has not yet lost any health). The damage provides by the enemy is
indicated as 50.
[0473] It should be appreciated that when the user input selects
the enemy, the at least one processor is configured to cause the
display to display an altered image of the battle area. In the case
of the selected enemy, the battle area in the region of the enemy
is enlarged and not all of the battle area is visible. This may be
optional in some embodiments. The angle of view may be changed.
However in this example, as the enemy of FIG. 17c is in a central
region of the battle area, no change or no significant change in
the angle of view is provided.
[0474] When the user provides a second user input via the user
interface to select the enemy, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the display to revert to displaying the image
shown in FIG. 17a.
[0475] In some embodiments, one or more blockers or obstacles may
be provided in the game board and/or the battle area.
[0476] In some embodiments a blocker which is provided in the game
area may be switched with a game element or a hero. Alternatively a
blocker which is provided in the game area may be locked in
position and cannot be switched. In some embodiments only locked
blockers may be provided. In some embodiments only switchable
blockers may be provided. In some embodiments, both locked blockers
and switchable blockers may be provided. In some embodiments where
both locked blockers and switchable blockers are provided, these
may be provided in one or more common levels and/or in different
levels of the game.
[0477] In some embodiments, a plurality of different blockers may
be provided. The different blockers may have a different visual
appearance. The visual appearance of the blocker may be dependent
on a theme of the game level which is being played.
[0478] Some blockers when present may block a colour shot or other
shot provided as a result of the matching of game elements, such as
previously described. . In some embodiments, when a given number of
colour shots have been provided, the blocker may be removed. The
colour shot which is blocked and/or used to remove the blocker is
provided when a game element located in the column below the
blocker is removed. The colour associated with the colour shot will
be that of the removed game element.
[0479] Some blockers when present may prevent a hero located in the
same column as the blocker but below the blocker from moving past
the blocker. In some embodiments, that hero may be used to remove
the blocker. In this latter case, the hero may be used to remove
the blocker and is then removed from the game board. That hero is
then not provided in the battle area.
[0480] Different blockers may different requirements for their
removal. For example some blockers may be removed by a given number
of hero hits and/or by a given number of colour shots. The given
number of hero hits may be one or more. The given number of colour
shots may be of one or more of a particular colour or colours.
Alternatively the given number of colour shots may be of any
colour.
[0481] In some embodiments, a blocker may be removed by making one
or more matches adjacent the blocker or including a game element
underlying the blocker. Where more than one match is required to
remove the blocker, the appearance of the blocker may change each
time a match is made until the required number of matches are made
to remove the blocker. Such a blocker may alternatively be removed
using one or more heroes.
[0482] In some embodiments, a blocker may be provided which may be
only present for a given number of turns before being removed. For
example, the blocker may be removed after 2 turns. In some
embodiments, the blocker may additionally be removable by one or
more actions such as one or more colour blasts and/or using one or
more heroes. In other embodiments, this blocker may not be
destroyed and may only be removed after the given number of
turns.
[0483] In some embodiments, a blocker may be thrown onto the game
board by an enemy in the battle area.
[0484] In some embodiments, one type of blocker may be visualised
as a hole in the game board. This hole may not be destroyed. The
position occupied by the hole may not be occupied by a game element
or hero. The hole may or may not block the movement of the hero
onto the battle area. The hole may or may not block colour
shots.
[0485] Where a blocker is provided in the battle area, this may
stop the progress of at least one type of hero and optionally all
types of hero.
[0486] In some embodiments, the blocker in the battle area may
block the progress of one or more enemies and optionally all types
of enemy.
[0487] In some embodiments, a blocker in the battle area may block
colour shot. One or more blockers may alternatively or additionally
allow a colour shot to pass through it.
[0488] In some embodiments, the blocker may be removed by one or
more colour shots (optionally of a particular colour) and/or by one
or more hero hits.
[0489] In some embodiments, one or more blocker in the battle area
may not be removed by any hero action and/or colour shots.
[0490] In some embodiments, a so-called boss mode may be provided.
In this mode a large sized enemy is provided in the battle area. In
this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 18a to 18d which shows one
example of a large sized enemy. The larger sized enemy will be
referred to a boss enemy in the following.
[0491] In some embodiments, the boss enemy may require a relatively
large number of attacks to be beaten. The attacks may be provided
by one or more heroes and/or one or more colour shots.
[0492] The boss enemy may occupy a plurality of grid positions in
the battle area.
[0493] In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of different
types of boss enemies. Different boss enemies may be of differing
sizes. In some embodiments, the larger the boss enemy, the more
powerful that boss enemy. Different types of boss enemies may
provide different attacks.
[0494] In some embodiments, a player is provided with a number of
lives associated with the playing of boss enemy. The number of
these lives may be one or more. For example, the number of such
lives may be 3. These lives are referred to as boss lives in the
following. The at least one processor is configured update the
number of boss lives as a player plays the boss enemy. In
particular, the processor will update the number of boss lives each
time the player loses a life.
[0495] In some embodiments, when these lives are used up, the level
will be failed regardless of whether there are any remaining moves
and/or heroes. The at least processor may be configured to
determine when the player has used up all his lives or has no
remaining lives. In response, the at least one processor is
configured to end the boss enemy level. This may be considered as a
failed level in some embodiments.
[0496] Reference is made to FIG. 18a which shows an example boss
enemy 1800. The at least one processor is configured to cause the
display to display a boss enemy 1800. This boss enemy may be
located in the part of the battle area furthest from the game
board. In some embodiments, the boss enemy may only occupy n rows
furthest from the game board. n may be any suitable number such as
1 or 2.
[0497] This parts of the battle area occupied by the boss enemy may
be dependent on the type of boss enemy.
[0498] In some embodiments, the boss enemy may move in the battle
area. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 18a, the at least
one processor is configured to cause the display to display an
indication 1802 of a next position of the boss enemy. This may
indicate the direction in which the boss enemy will move when the
player has made a move. In the example shown in FIG. 18a, the at
least one processor is configured to cause the display to indicate
the grid position next to the boss which indicates the direction in
which the boss is moving. In this example, the boss enemy is able
to move sideways along the back of the battle area. The indication
shown in FIG. 18a indicates that the boss enemy will move by one
grid position towards the right.
[0499] It should be appreciated that different movements may be
used by different boss enemies, in some embodiments. In some
embodiments, a boss enemy may have a more complex movement. In some
embodiments, a boss enemy may move by more than one grid position.
In some embodiments, the boss enemy may move towards and away for
the game board alternatively or additionally. It should be
appreciated that the same boss enemy may move differently in a
level. This may be dependent on if the boss enemy is making an
attack and/or the type of attack.
[0500] It should be appreciated that the boss enemy may move every
time a move is made by the player. In other embodiments, the boss
may move less frequently. In some embodiments, the boss may remain
at a given position in the battle area for several moves of the
player. This may be for example when the boss enemy is launching a
so called high damage attack.
[0501] In some embodiments, a boss enemy may have a so-called high
damage attack mode. If the boss enemy is able to make this high
damage attack, the player will loss a boss life. The usual boss
attacks will not have an impact on the boss lives of a player. In
some embodiments, such a high damage attack may be foreshadowed to
allow the player an opportunity to prevent this high damage
attack.
[0502] Some examples of the foreshadowing of the attack will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 18b to 18d. In the example shown,
the big attack is provided by the boss enemy holding a big rock
over his head. This rock will be thrown after a given number of
turns. The given number of turns can be any number of turns. For
example, the given number of turns is 5. However, is should be
appreciated that the given number of turns may be greater than 5 or
less than 5.
[0503] As shown in FIG. 18b, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the display to display a first indication 1804.
This first indication indicates that a high damage attack is coming
shortly. This first indication is optional in some embodiments. In
this example, the at least one processor is configured to cause a
light or visual representation of energy to be displayed above the
head of the enemy to provide the first indication.
[0504] It should be appreciated that this first indication may be
provided in any suitable way. In the example shown in FIG. 18b, the
indication is a visual indication. Any other suitable visual
indication may alternatively or additionally be provided.
Alternatively or additionally the indication may be an audio
indication.
[0505] Reference is made to FIG. 18c. The at least one processor is
configured to cause the display to display a show a second
indication 1806 which is displayed to indicate that a count down to
a big attack is about to start. This may be displayed above the
image of the boss enemy 1800. In this example, the second
indication comprises the words "big attack". However, it should be
appreciated that this is by way of example only and any other
suitable indication may alternatively or additionally used. Any
other suitable visual indication may alternatively or additionally
be provided. Alternatively or additionally the indication may be an
audio indication.
[0506] In some embodiments, the first indication 1804 may
optionally be continued to be displayed while the second indication
is displayed. Alternatively, the first indication may not be
displayed when the second indication is displayed.
[0507] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, only the
first indication or the second indication may be provided. In some
embodiments, neither the first indication nor the second indication
are provided. In some embodiments, both the first indication and
the second indication may be provided. In some embodiments which
one, both or none of the indications are provided may be dependent
on the type of the boss enemy.
[0508] A health bar 1808 is displayed above the boss enemy. This
health bar is discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 18d.
[0509] Reference is made to FIG. 18d.
[0510] The health of the enemy may comprise a maximum value. This
is the health value of the enemy at the beginning of the boss mode.
This is represented by the length of the health bar 1808. The part
of the health 1808c which has been lost is provided at one end of
the bar in one colour. The remaining part of the health bar
represents the health of the enemy. When the boss enemy is about to
go into the big attack mode or starts the big attack mode, the
remaining health bar is divided into a first part 1808a and a
second part 1808b. The first part and the second part may be
displayed in a visually distinct manner from each other and from
the used part of the health. In some embodiments, the user has to
make enough attacks to cause the boss enemy to lose all the second
part of the health 1808b before the end of the countdown to avoid
the big attack. If the user does not make sufficient attacks to
cause the boss enemy to lose that second part of the health, the
big attack take places.
[0511] The at least one processor is configured to determine how
many moves a player has before the boss enemy launches the big
attack. The at least one processor is configured to cause
information about the number of moves left until the big attack to
be displayed on the display. This information may be displayed in
any suitable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 18d, a plurality
of chevrons is displayed ending in a cross. Each chevron represents
a move and the cross represents the move in which the big attack
will be launched by the boss enemy. When a move has been used, the
appearance of the chevron will be changed such that the user is
provided with an indication of the remaining moves.
[0512] Alternatively or additionally a separate counter may be
displayed to indicate the number of moves left until there is a big
attack.
[0513] The at least one processor may be configured to select a
colour characteristic for the boss enemy. In some embodiments, a
boss enemy may always be associated with a same colour
characteristic during a boss mode. Alternatively, a different
colour characteristic may be selected for the boss enemy for a next
attack. The at least one processor may be configured to cause the
display to display information indicating the selected colour
characteristic. In the example of FIG. 18d, the body of the boss
enemy will include the selected colour as the displayed
information. Colour shots of the selected colour will damage the
boss hero.
[0514] In some embodiments, there may be no colour associated with
the boss enemy. A colour shot may have no effect in that
alternative or a colour shot of any colour will have an effect on
the boss enemy.
[0515] It should be appreciated that different types of attacks may
be associated with different enemies. It should be appreciated that
the count down to a big attack may be the same or different for
different boss enemies.
[0516] Reference is made to FIG. 19 which shows a method flow of
some boss enemy embodiments.
[0517] In step S1, the at least one processor is configured to
start a counter for a big attack. The counter may be a count up
counter or a count down counter. The counter may count the number
of moves which the user has before the big attack is provided. When
a threshold number of moves have been made or the remaining number
of moves is zero, the at least one processor is configured to cause
the hero boss to launch a so-called big attack. The at least one
processor may be configured to cause the display to display
information indicating that the counter for the big attack has been
started. The displayed information may be as previously
described.
[0518] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to start the counter in response to one or more
criteria. For example the at least one processor may be configured
to start the counter when the user has made a threshold number of
moves or when there is a threshold number of moves remaining. In
some embodiments, the criteria may alternatively or additionally be
responsive to game play of the user.
[0519] In step S2, the user provides user input via the user
interface to make a move. The move may or may not result in an
attack being made on the enemy. The at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display the move and any attack
which is made on the enemy.
[0520] In step S3, the at least one processor is configured to
determine if the move made by the user resulted in damage to the
health of the boss enemy and if so, a value associated with that
damage.
[0521] In step S4, the at least one processor is configured, where
there has been some damage, to update the health value of the boss
enemy using the damage value. The at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information indicating
the damage to the health of the enemy.
[0522] In step S5, the at least one processor is configured to
determine based on the updated health value if the big attack is
averted.
[0523] In some embodiments, the big attack is averted if the enemy
loses a given amount of health since the counter for the big attack
started. In some embodiments, a value of an amount of health lost
or damage done is updated each time the user makes a move after the
start of the counter for the big attack. When the value is updated,
this updated value is compared to a threshold value to determine if
the big attack is averted.
[0524] In some embodiments, the big attack is averted if the given
amount of remaining health falls below a threshold value. When the
value of the remaining health is updated, the updated value may be
compared to the threshold value.
[0525] If it is determined that the big attack is averted, then the
next step is step S6 and the attack is stopped. This may remove the
counter for the big attack. The at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information indicating
that the big attack has been averted.
[0526] If it is determined that the big attack is not averted, the
next step is step S7. The at least one processor is configured to
update the big attack counter. The at least one processor may be
configured to cause the display to display information indicated
the updated value of the big attack counter.
[0527] In step S8, the at least one processor is configured to
determine if the counter has reached the threshold value. If not,
the next step is step S2.
[0528] If it is determined that the counter has reached the
predetermined threshold value, the at least one processor is
configured to cause the enemy to launch a big attack in step S9.
This may be as previously described. The at least one processor may
be configured to cause the display to display the boss enemy
launching the big attack. This may result in the user losing a boss
life, such as previously described.
[0529] In some embodiments, one or more of the previous steps may
be combined and/or the order of one or more steps may be changed.
For example the step S7 may take place any other suitable time
after step S2. Steps S3 and S4 may be combined. Step S5 may take
place after step S8.
[0530] This method has been described in relation to a boss enemy.
In other embodiments, the enemy may be any other suitable enemy.
That enemy may not be a larger enemy. The enemy may be a more
powerful enemy in some embodiments.
[0531] Reference is made to FIG. 14 which shows one example where a
map 1400 is provided. The map comprises a plurality of different
areas. In the example shown there are three different areas. The
first area 1402 is currently unlocked and available for selection.
When the user provides user input to select that area via the user
interface, the at least one processor may be configured to allow
the user to play one or more levels within that area. The other
areas 1404 and 1406 are not currently available for selection. The
at least one processor may be configured to cause information to be
displayed to indicate if an area is available for selection. In
some embodiments, information about one or more areas may be
displayed. For example an area may represent an ice area, a storm
area or the like. The at least one processor may be configured to
display information indicating when an unavailable area is
available or indicating a level of hero and/or type of hero
required to play that game. This may be the level of the heroes in
the selected set of heroes. In some embodiments, not all heroes may
be used in the set of heroes in all areas. In some embodiments, one
or more of the areas may require one or more particular heroes in
order to be played.
[0532] It should be appreciated that in the described embodiments a
switcher mechanic is used. In other embodiments, any other suitable
matching mechanic can be used such as a slider or a linker matching
mechanism.
[0533] For example, some embodiments may be used with a linker type
matching mechanism. Reference is made to FIG. 13. In a linker
mechanism, a user is configured to provide a user input to select a
chain of game elements sharing a common characteristic on a game
board. The game board area may be similar or the same as the game
board areas previously described. If the chain of game elements
satisfy a given criteria, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine that a match has been made and to remove
those game elements. A hero may be provided. The hero which is
provided may be dependent on the length of the chain and/or the
shape of the chain. The hero provided may be dependent on a
characteristic of the matching game elements such as previously
described.
[0534] By way of example and with reference to FIG. 13, a user
provides a first user input to select a first game element 23a. The
user input continues to an adjacent game element 43b of the same
characteristic and so on to third and fourth game elements 23c and
23d. The user input may be provided by a user touching the
touchscreen to select the first game element and then dragging his
finger to the next game element and so on. The game elements which
are selected have the same game characteristic. It should be
appreciated that an equivalent mechanism may be provided using an
input device such as a mouse or the like. There may be rules
regarding the selection of an adjacent game element. For example
some embodiments may consider only game elements above, below, to
the right and to the left as being adjacent. In some embodiments,
game elements diagonally adjacent to the selected game element may
be additionally be considered to be adjacent.
[0535] The position of the hero provided may be the location of the
beginning of the chain. In some embodiments, the position of the
hero may be at the end of the chain. In some embodiments, the
position of the hero may be at a position of one of the game
elements of the chain. The hero may be provided at a middle
location. Where the chain has an even number of game elements the
middle position closer to the beginning or the end of the chain may
be selected as the location of the hero. In some embodiments the at
least one processor may be configured to select a position for the
hero along the chain on a "random" or "pseudo random" basis.
[0536] In some embodiments, the game board area and the battle area
may be displayed using a portrait mode with respect to a screen of
a device. The game board area may be below the battle area as shown
in the previously described embodiments. In other embodiments, the
game board area may be above the battle area. In some embodiments,
a battle area may be provided with part of the game board area
above the battle area and part of the game board area below the
battle area. In some embodiments, a game board area may be provided
with part of the battle area above the game board area and part of
the battle area below the game board area. In some embodiments, the
game board area and the battle area may be arranged side by side
with respect to each other, with one of the game board area and the
battle area being on the right side of the screen and the other of
the game board area and the battle area being on the left side of
the screen.
[0537] In some embodiments, the game board area and the battle area
may be displayed using a landscape mode with respect to a screen of
a computer device. In some embodiments, the game board area and the
battle area may be arranged side by side with respect to each
other, with one of the game board area and the battle area being on
the right side of the screen and the other of the game board area
and the battle area being on the left side of the screen. In some
embodiments, a battle area may be provided with part of the game
board area to one side of the battle area and part of the game
board area to the other side of the battle area or vice versa. In
other embodiments, the game board area may be above the battle area
or vice versa.
[0538] In some embodiments, a hero is only created when a match
comprises four or more game elements. However, it should be
appreciated that in some embodiments, a hero may be created when
there are fewer than four matching game elements. For example three
matching game elements may cause a hero to be created. In some
embodiments, a match may require more than four matching game
elements before a hero is created.
[0539] It should be noted that the matching patterns required to
create the heroes is by way of example only and different
embodiments may require one or more additional or alternative
patterns.
[0540] In some embodiments a plurality of different types of heroes
are created. In other embodiments, there may be a single type of
hero created.
[0541] In some embodiments, heroes are created in the game board
area. In other embodiments, any other suitable game entity may be
created in the game board area which can be used in a second part.
This second part may be a battle area such as previously described.
However in other embodiments, this area may be any suitable
interaction area.
[0542] The game board area and the interaction area may both have a
row and column arrangement with correspondence between either: the
rows of the game board area and the rows of the interaction area;
or the columns of the game board area and the columns of the
interaction area.
[0543] In some embodiments, the interaction area is a battle area
with one or more enemies. However, in other embodiments, the
interaction area may comprise one or more interaction area
entities. The game entities created in the game board area may
interact with one or more of the interaction area entities to
achieve one or more game objectives. This may for example to remove
one or more of the interaction area entities.
[0544] Some example embodiments may provide methods for introducing
complexity into computer implemented games. This may be
particularly challenging when considering small screen devices,
where complex game arrangements may be difficult to display due to
the limitations imposed by the devices in terms of processing
capability and display size. By providing any of the abovementioned
methods, some example embodiments may allow strategic diversity in
gameplay, and therefore introduce a further level of complexity to
the computer implemented game, without placing undue burden on
processing or display requirements. As such, some embodiments may
also drive user engagement with the computer implemented game by
making the game more complex and challenging.
[0545] It should be appreciated that several of the embodiments
have been described in the context of a computer implemented game
played on a mobile device. However, it should be appreciated that
other embodiments may be played on any other suitable computer
device such as a compute console, a laptop or a desktop or gaming
computer.
[0546] Various methods and devices have been described. It should
be appreciated that these methods may be implemented in apparatus
or devices comprising any suitable circuitry. Some embodiments may
be implemented by at least one memory and at least one processor.
The memory is provided by memory circuitry and the processor is
provided by processor circuitry. Some embodiments may be provided
by a computer program running on the at least one processor. The
computer program may comprise computer implemented instructions
which are stored in the at least one memory and which may be run on
the at least one processor. A computer program product may be
provided which comprises computer program product comprising code
embodied on a computer-readable medium which is configured to be
executed on a processor of the computer or user device. In some
embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage device may
be provided to store program code instructions that, when executed
by at least one processor causes any of the above described methods
to be performed.
[0547] A person skilled in the art will realise that the different
approaches to implementing the game is not exhaustive, what is
described herein are certain preferred embodiments. It is possible
to implement the way in a number of variations without departing
from the scope of the invention as claimed. Although the subject
matter has been described in language specific to structural
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that
the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not
necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described
above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are
disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
* * * * *