Multiple sequence video game

Abstract

A video game system includes a game that requires the multiple input of a single input device to provide a series of timed input signals relative to a start signal. The relative time of the input signal determines the result of a heat and the combined results of a series of heats provide game score. The game has a fast learning curve in combination with a player skill level that is not necessarily controlling. The game is based on timed player input that are sensitive about the optimal values to include a random or luck factor about the optimal values. In a preferred embodiment the game is a race theme game and requires the player to input shift signals. In a preferred embodiment of the game different levels are provided and points are awarded based on performance relative to a standard and relative to a variable standard determined by the player's performance in an earlier level.

1 . A video game having a series of heats with each heat requiring multiple inputs of a single input device for determining the user's performance within each heat and providing a score for each heat,
 said game further including a combined game score based on the performance within at least 3 heats.   
   
   
       2 . A video game as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said game has a maximum time period for completing said series of heats and said maximum time period is of a sufficient duration to allow completion of a number heats greater than the number of heats required for said combined game score. 
   
   
       3 . A video game as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said maximum game time is less than 3 minutes and the average time to complete a heat and start a following heat is less than 30 seconds. 
   
   
       4 . A video game as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said combined game score is based on the best 5 heats. 
   
   
       5 . A video game as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said game includes a heat termination input to allow a player to selective terminate a heat prior to completion thereof and allow earlier initiation of a following heat. 
   
   
       6 . A video game as claimed in  claim 3  wherein each heat includes a visual display of the actual performance within the heat as it progresses relative to a desirable performance within the heat to allow assessment of whether a heat should be selectively terminated. 
   
   
       7 . A video game as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said multiple inputs for each heat include a start input and at least 3 shift inputs. 
   
   
       8 . A video game as claimed in  claim 7  including for each heat a count down indicator associated with a starting time for each heat where said start input is not recognized before said start time. 
   
   
       10 . A video game as claimed in claim  9  including a visual display of an engine RPM meter and a speed meter and the timing of said series of inputs determines the score for each heat. 
   
   
       11 . A video game comprising a series of heats with each heat requiring a multiple inputs of a single input device for determining the user's performance within each heat and providing a score for each heat,
 said game further including a combined game score based on the performance within at least 3 heats;   said game including a timing function for determining the time of each input of said series of inputs and using the time of each input to determine the score for each heat.   
   
   
       12 . A video game as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each heat includes a visual display of the actual performance within the heat as it progresses relative to a desirable performance within the heat to allow assessment of whether a heat should be selectively terminated; said game including a separate heat termination input to allow a user to terminate a heat prior to completion thereof and allow earlier initiation of a following heat. 
   
   
       13 . A video game terminal as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said game has a maximum time period for completing said series of heats and said maximum time period is of a sufficient duration to allow completion of a number heats greater than the number of heats required for said combined game score. 
   
   
       14 . A video game as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said combined game score is based on the best 5 heats. 
   
   
       15 . A video game as claimed in  claim 13  wherein each heat includes a visual display of a distance performance within the heat as it progresses relative to a desirable distance performance within the heat to allow assessment of whether a heat should be selectively terminated and each heat is completed when a certain distance is completed. 
   
   
       16 . A game as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said multiple inputs for each heat include a start input and at least 3 shift inputs. 
   
   
       17 . A video game as claimed in  claim 16  including for each heat a count down indicator associated with a starting time for each heat where said start input is not recognized before said start time. 
   
   
       18 . A video game as claimed in  claim 17  including a visual display of an engine RPM meter and a speed meter and the timing of said series of inputs determines the score for each heat. 
   
   
       19 . A video game comprising a series of events with each events being similar and requiring a multiple inputs of a single input device representing a common game instruction;
 said game including a timing function for determining the relative timing of said multiple inputs and based thereon determining the user's performance within each event and providing a score for each event;   said game further including a combined game score based on the performance within at least 2 events of a first level of said game and at least one event in a second level of said game, said game requiring the user to exceed a specified performance within said first level to advance to said second level.   
   
   
       20 . A video game as claimed in  claim 19  wherein said game includes a fixed time period for a player to advance from said first level to said second level and provides additional time if a player advances to said second level. 
   
   
       21 . A video game as claimed in  claim 19  or  20  wherein said first level has a common performance level for advancing to said second level and said second level has variable performance level based on the actual performance of said player in said first level, said variable performance level if exceeded by said player improving the combined game score. 
   
   
       22 . A video game as claimed in  claim 21  including a bonus round comprising at least one event, said bonus round being awarded based on performance exceeding predetermined criteria in said first and second levels. 
   
   
       23 . A video game as claimed in  claim 22  wherein said bonus round is completed after expiry of time in said levels. 
   
   
       24 . A video game as claimed in  claim 23  wherein an event in said bonus round is awardable for a player qualifying for said second level in a predetermined manner and at least one additional event in said bonus round being awarded for a player exceeding said variable performance level. 
   
   
       25 . A video game as claimed in any one of  claims 19  to  24  wherein said game has a maximum game time in said first level of 3 minutes or less and a maximum game time in said second level of 1 minute or less. 
   
   
       26 . A video game as claimed in  claim 25  wherein said single input corresponds to a gear shift input and each event includes the capability for the player to input at least 4 gear shift inputs. 
   
   
       27 . A video game as claimed in  claim 25  or  26  wherein said game includes a time measurement of the relative time of said inputs for the event and based thereon determines a score for each event. 
   
   
       28 . A video game as claimed in any one of  claims 19  to  27  in combination with a pay to play video game terminal.