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Nintendo patents in-game hint system

Miyamoto's latest lightbulb idea.

Nintendo has patented Shigeru Miyamoto's built-in walkthrough system where the computer can take control of characters to show them the correct route through tricky parts of the game.

Installed from a disc or online through servers, this invention hopes to reduce frustrating and time consuming elements so that more people finish games.

"In some of these games, a volume of the story or the scenario is too large, and therefore a lot of time is needed for clearing the game," reads the patent application.

"Further, in some cases, various puzzles are set in the scenario... However, there is a problem that these puzzles and the like are too difficult, and therefore the game may be stuck halfway, and the game may not be cleared to the end.

"As means for solving the problem, disclosed is a game control method for lowering the difficulty level of a game by presenting, while the game is being played, a hint for allowing the game to be continued," adds the patent.