JP2007029587A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of attracting the interest of a player for a long time even though a jackpot is not generated. <P>SOLUTION: When a game ball enter a first prize winning port, lottery is done, in the case of prize winning, a first special game is done in a state that the second prize winning port is opened, after the completion of the first special game, a second special game begins which is advantageous to the player but not so advantageous as the first special game. Further, when the first special game begins a predetermined specified performance begins, the specified performance is continued without change until the second special game finishes even though the first special game finishes. Consequently the player feels as if he/she continues the first special game in the second special game continuing from the first special game thereby it becomes possible to strongly attract the interest of the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that fires a game ball toward a game board surface and plays a game.

  Various gaming machines are known as gaming machines that play a game by firing a gaming ball toward the surface of the gaming board. Among these gaming machines, a so-called pachinko machine has a plurality of winning holes provided on the surface of the game board. When a gaming ball enters one of the winning holes, Can be paid out. In addition, among these winning holes, the winning holes called “big winning holes” are closed in a normal gaming state, but when a predetermined condition is met, the winning holes are opened and the game balls can be easily entered. It is now possible to win many prize balls.

  Among the above-described pachinko machines, in a so-called “digital-pachi” type pachinko machine, when a game ball enters a winning opening called a “starting opening”, a lottery is performed and a special symbol variation display is started. When the result of the lottery is a win, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning combination, and the special winning opening is opened. In this way, the state where the big winning opening is opened is called “big hit”. Since a large number of game balls can be acquired when a “hit” occurs, it is normal for a player to play a game while strongly expecting that a big hit will occur.

  However, since the probability that a big hit will occur is not so high, it is difficult to generate a big hit, and the player may lose interest in the game. Therefore, in the rare event that the big hit continues (so-called consecutive resort state occurs), the effect of notifying the big hit so as to impress the player strongly and give a great satisfaction Has been proposed as a special effect (Patent Document 1). According to the proposed technology, when a reaming state occurs, an effect different from that at the time of normal jackpot occurrence is performed, so the player can feel great joy and the fact that the reaming was strong, Then, even if it is not possible to generate a big hit for a long time, it becomes possible to maintain interest in the game.

  Also, instead of completing the display during the big hit game for each big hit, the new big hit game is produced by taking over the previous big hit game. A technique that enables this is also proposed (Patent Document 2). According to this technique, the player can enjoy the content of the presentation that is varied and does not get tired over a plurality of big hit games.

JP-A-6-182039 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-57562

  However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, after the big hit game is finished, until the next big hit game is started, a special symbol variation display effect is performed in the same manner as in the normal game state. , Giving the impression that the occurrence of a big hit game is interrupted, disappointing the player, and as a result, it reduces the expectation that it will be a villa, and weakens the impression that it is a villa There is a problem. Furthermore, since the special symbol variation display effect that is performed in the normal gaming state is a familiar effect for the player, if such a common effect is performed after the big hit game ends, the player's interest is cooled. There is also a risk.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and improves the expectation that it will be a consecutive resort, or gives a strong impression that it is actually a consecutive resort. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine capable of attracting the player's interest to the game even after the big hit game is finished.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface provided with a first winning port and a second winning port,
A lottery determination unit that performs a lottery when a game ball has entered the first winning opening, and determines whether the lottery is successful,
If the winning / failing mode is a win, first special game starting means for starting a first special game that makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second winning port;
A second special game starting means for starting a second special game, which is a game state advantageous for the player, separately from the first special game after the first special game is ended;
A specific effect executing means for starting a predetermined specific effect when the first special game is started and continuing the specific effect until the end of the second special game.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when the lottery of the winning / failing mode is won, the first special game in which the game ball is easy to enter is performed, and after the first special game is finished, the second special game is performed. Is started. Here, the second special game is a game state that is provided separately from the first special game and is advantageous for the player. Further, when the first special game is started, a predetermined specific effect is started, and this specific effect is continued as it is until the second special game ends even if the first special game ends. It has become.

  In this way, even if the first special game is finished and the second special game is started, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the first special game is continuing. By doing so, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that a big hit can be drawn immediately to make a consecutive home. In addition, when the resort is actually connected, it is possible to make a strong impression on the player. In addition, since the jackpot game effect continues instead of the symbol variation effect after the big hit, this is felt as a novel game for the player, and as a result, the player's interest is strongly attracted to the game. be able to.

  Further, in such a ball game machine, since the specific performance performed during the first special game is performed for a time longer than the time during which the first special game is actually performed, the first special game is frequently performed. The impression that it is occurring can be given to other players. Therefore, the interest of other players is strongly attracted, and the operation rate of the ball game machine can be greatly improved.

  In such a ball and ball game machine of the present invention, if the hit mode is a so-called probability variation, the specific effect may be continued even during the probability variation state performed after the end of the first special game. good.

  If the gaming state is a probable change state, the first special game is started soon after the winning / failing mode is hit. Therefore, until then, it is possible to continue the specific performance without cooling the player's interest, and it is possible to attract interest for a long time. In addition, since it is possible to impress the player strongly that he / she is in a resort, it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

  Alternatively, if the winning mode is a so-called normal winning mode, the specific effect may be continued even during the time-short state that is performed after the end of the first special game.

  While the gaming state is in the short-time state, it is easy for the player to enter the first winning opening, so this is an advantageous gaming state for the player. That is, there is a possibility that a big hit will be drawn before the game ball is almost reduced as compared with the normal game state. For this reason, even if the specific performance is continued after the end of the first special game, the player has a sense of expectation that, if the time is short, the player can win a big hit again before reducing the ball. Can be made. As a result, the player's interest is not chilled.

  In addition, in such a ball game machine, when the winning / failing mode is a win, a predetermined notification effect is provided for notifying that the first special game is started, and during the second special game. When the mode is a hit, the notification effect may not be performed.

  In this way, the notification effect is originally performed prior to the start of the first special game. However, when the first special game is started during the specific effect, the first special game is not performed. A game is started. For this reason, even if the first special game is played a plurality of times during the specific performance, the player does not have the impression that a new special game has started, but instead the entire game performed during the specific performance. You will get the impression that you played the first special game for one time. Eventually, it is possible to give the player the impression that the first special game has been performed for a long time including during the second special game.

  Further, in the above-described ball game machine, the first special game start means sets the second prize opening to an open state in which the game ball is easy to enter, and then enters a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to enter. The operation to be performed may be repeated a predetermined number of times. Then, the number of rounds, which is the number of times the second prize opening has been opened during the first special game, is counted, and a new one is added during the second special game that is performed after the end of the first special game. When the first special game is started, the number of rounds in the first special game that is newly started may be counted and displayed following the previous rounds.

  In this way, when the first special game is played a plurality of times during the specific performance, the number of rounds performed in each special game is accumulated and displayed, so that the total number of games played during the specific performance It is possible to give the player an impression as if the first special game for one time was performed.

  In addition, when the winning mode is a predetermined specific hit, the operation of opening the second prize opening in a predetermined mode in which the game ball is difficult to enter is repeated a plurality of times. During the first special game according to the specific hit mode, the number of rounds may not be counted.

  Even during the first special game started by the specific hit mode, the second prize opening is opened a plurality of times, but it is rare for a game ball to win a prize at the opened second prize opening. The feeling that the first special game has been performed can hardly be obtained. Therefore, if the number of rounds is not counted during the first special game according to the specific hit mode, it is possible to avoid the distrust to the player by counting only the number of rounds even though there is no actual feeling. Is preferable.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-1-1. Special design game processing:
C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
C-2. Production control processing:
C-2-1. Outline of production control process:
C-2-2. Overview of specific production mode:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Furthermore, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side (player side) of the upper plate part 5. By pressing this switch, the player can intervene in the progress of the game, such as changing the game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, a variable winning device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the gaming area 11, and between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, there are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passing of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the game ball is likely to enter is in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering is small.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the variable winning device 18 provided below the central device 26, a large winning device 31 is provided substantially in the center. This special winning device 31 is composed of a special winning opening 31d that opens substantially in a substantially rectangular shape, a special winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the special winning opening 31d, and the like. The big winning opening 31d is in an open state when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and is a big hit that is an advantageous gaming state for the player. A gaming state is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d. Note that the big winning opening 31d in this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the second winning opening of the present invention. The jackpot game in this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the first special game of the present invention. Furthermore, the start port 17 in the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the first prize winning port of the present invention.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured by using light emitting diodes (LEDs), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b lights green light. It is possible to do. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7 segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. In addition, the symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs. The display contents of the symbol display device 28 having such a configuration will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the screen configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. ing. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced. Detailed contents of various effects performed by the effect display device 27 will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub control board 220 that controls the control of the game using symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and the details of the effect display device 27 under the control of the sub control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs general control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, a launch control board 260 that controls control related to the launch of game balls, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the runaway of the CPU, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201 and RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown, and mounted on other control boards such as ROM, PIO, and sub-control board 220 mounted on the main control board 200. The CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., are not shown.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17, a large prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the big prize opening 31d, and The symbol display device 28 for displaying the fluctuation stop of the normal symbol and the special symbol is connected via the relay terminal board, and outputs signals to these various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Thus, the operation is also controlled.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A game effect is produced by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display unit 28a and the right normal symbol display unit 28b. The left normal symbol display unit 28a is configured to be capable of lighting red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 28b is configured to be capable of lighting green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 28a and 28b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 6A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 6B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 6D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is in an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In the present embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 6C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c (see FIG. 3).

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in an open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display sections 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol “A” or “Y” is displayed on the left special symbol display unit 30a, and the comma “.” Is displayed on the right special symbol display unit 30b. Further, “A” and “Y” in the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” In the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display 12 types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped and displayed in any state.

  Among the 12 types of display modes shown in FIG. 7, a combination of red “Y” and red “comma” (hereinafter, this combination is expressed as “red Y-red comma”), and The combination of orange “Y” and red “comma” (that is, “orange Y-red comma”) is an off symbol, and the remaining 10 combinations of symbols are the winning symbols. After the special symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28, when the symbol that has been stopped is a winning symbol, a so-called special gaming state is started, and a gaming state in which the special winning opening 31d is opened in a predetermined manner ( Round) is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol fluctuation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol fluctuation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of stored special symbols is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c (see FIG. 3).

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, “specific probability variation symbol” is provided in addition to “normal symbol” and “probability variation symbol” as the symbol. In FIG. 7, “normal winning symbol” is surrounded by a broken line, “probable variation winning symbol” is surrounded by a solid line, and “specific certain variation winning symbol” is surrounded by a one-dot chain line. When the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “normal winning symbol” or “probable winning symbol”, the first special gaming state is started and the special winning opening 31d is opened in a predetermined manner. The round is repeated up to 15 rounds. As described above, since the game ball can easily enter when the special winning opening 31d is in the open state, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls before the 15th round is completed. Such a gaming state is a so-called “big hit” gaming state. Further, even after the end of the first special game state, the opening time of the start port 17 is extended for a while, so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 17. In addition, when the winning symbol is “probable variation winning symbol”, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed again is set to a high value. A gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state). In this way, when the “normal winning symbol” or the “probable variation winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the player can proceed with the game very advantageously. It is normal to do.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “specific probability change per symbol”, the first special gaming state is performed for two rounds. It should be noted that the number of rounds when the “specific probability variation symbol” is stopped and displayed is smaller than the number of rounds when the “normal probability symbol” or “probability variation symbol” is stopped and displayed (15 times in this embodiment). If it is a plurality of times, it is possible to set the number of rounds to 3 rounds, 4 rounds, etc. instead of 2 rounds. Further, in the round that is performed when the “specific probability change symbol” is stopped and displayed, the special winning opening 31d is opened only for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds). For this reason, even if the “specific probability variation symbol” is stopped and displayed, the player hardly obtains a prize ball and the first special gaming state is ended. And after the end of the first special gaming state, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is set to the high probability state. As described above, when the “specific probability change symbol” is stopped and displayed, the big winning opening 31d is opened for two rounds in such a manner that almost no game ball can enter. Therefore, the “specific probability variation hit” that is the hit mode in the present embodiment corresponds to the “specific hit mode” of the present invention.

  In this way, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed in which symbol greatly affects the gaming state. However, it is not always easy to determine whether the 12 types of special symbols shown in FIG. 7 correspond to “normal hit symbol”, “probable variable symbol”, “specific probability variable symbol”, or “outlier symbol”. is not. Therefore, in accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 also performs the effect of causing the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be displayed with the change stopped.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 8 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at “normal hit symbol”, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number, In the case of stopping at “symbol”, the display is stopped with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the “specific probability change symbol”, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination that is not aligned with the same symbol, and the “off symbol” is displayed. When stopping, the three symbols are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not match the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and the respective display symbols are displayed. The timing for confirmation is also set the same. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and enter a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol with the two character symbols stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, and it is possible to increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It has become.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are not aligned with the same symbol in the effect display device 27, it is not limited to simply “displacement”. Since the game is stopped and displayed with the “specific probability change symbol”, the game state may be switched to the probability change state. However, since the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is set to a similar symbol, it is difficult to discriminate between the “specific probability variation symbol” and the “off symbol”, and the effect display device 27 is stopped and displayed. The character symbols to be displayed are exactly the same in that the three symbols are not aligned, and are difficult to discriminate. In addition, the special gaming state performed after the “specific probability change hit” ends in a very short time without particularly obtaining a prize ball. As a result, the game is continued in a state where the occurrence probability of the big hit is switched to a high probability without realizing that the player has reached the “specific probability change hit”. In this way, if the occurrence probability of a big hit can be switched to a high probability state without being noticed by the player, for example, after performing an effect that predicts the occurrence of a big hit, the jackpot is actually generated with a high probability As a result, even if the state where the big hit state does not occur continues for a long time, the player's interest can be attracted to the game.

  Hereinafter, in order to realize the above-described game, details of control executed mainly on the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220 will be described.

C. Game machine control contents:
The progress of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 is controlled by the main control board 200. Various effects performed as the game progresses are executed by the sub control board 220 and the effect control board 230 connected to the sub control board 220 under the control of the main control board 200. In the following, first, the game control process performed on the main control board 200 to advance the game will be described, and then the effect control process performed on the sub-control board 220 in order to produce an effect in accordance with the progress of the game. Will be described.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a normal electric player stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric player game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to winning a game ball (such as the start opening switch 17s or the big prize opening switch 31s) among various switches connected to the main control board 200. To do. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed.

  When a prize ball number designation command output from the main control board 200 is received, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command. And according to the result, a drive signal is output to the payout motor 109m mounted in the payout device 109, and the process of actually paying out the winning ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball number designation command (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game processing is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed (S100). ). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36 or whether or not the number of normal symbols held (see FIG. 3) is set. If the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 36 or if the number of normal symbols held is set, it is determined that the normal symbol game processing is performed (S100: yes). It is determined not to be performed (S100: no). In addition, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of normal symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is correct, and it is determined whether the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 6C) or with any other outlier symbol. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at this time, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. . In the normal symbol game process, as described above, the movement stop display of the normal symbol is performed, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, the process of operating the normal electric accessory is performed. When the ordinary electric accessory operates, the pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17 rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in an open state.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is operating (S190). If it is in operation (S190: yes), a process for stopping the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electric accessory stopping process) is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S190: no), it is not necessary to perform the ordinary electric accessory stopping process, and the process is skipped.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory stop process, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has passed (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, the start port 17 is in an open state, but when a predetermined time has elapsed, the pair of blade pieces are restored to the normal state in which they are upright again. Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing. Note that the normal electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the start port 17) is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 1.5 when the opening time extending function described later is operated. Extended to seconds.

  On the other hand, when a prescribed number of game balls enter the opening 17, the start port 17 returns to the normal state even when the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no prescribed number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory stop process, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process (S300). Such a determination is made as to whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17, whether or not a special symbol holding number (see FIG. 3) is set, and whether or not the condition device is operating. Do by detecting. Here, the condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, and the special symbols are “normal hit symbol”, “probable variable hit symbol”, and “specific probability variable hit symbol” shown in FIG. It is a device that starts operation when any one of the above is stopped. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting a big hit game state (first special game state) in which the big winning opening 31d is continuously opened. Then, it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed if the game ball has entered the start port 17 or if the number of special symbols to be held is set and the condition device is not in operation (S300: yes). In other cases, it is determined that the special symbol game process is not performed (S300: no). In addition, when a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of special symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed as a result of the above determination (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S320). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped.

C-1-1. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, since the display time for the player to confirm the stop symbol is provided for a while after the change display of the special symbol is finished, it is determined whether or not the display time is during the display time. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the display time for displaying the special symbol stop time has elapsed (S324: no), the number of special symbols held is “0”. It is determined whether or not there is (S326). If the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate, it is determined whether or not the probability of jackpot occurrence is in a high probability state (probability variation state) (S328). The probability variation state is when the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped at either the “probability variation symbol” or the “specific probability variation symbol” shown in FIG. It continues until the next special game starts. Therefore, in S328, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. If the probable change is in progress (S328: yes), whether or not the special symbol is determined in a state where the probability of jackpot is set high. A determination is made (S330). On the other hand, if the probability change is not in progress (S328: no), whether the special symbol is true or not is determined with the probability of jackpot set to a normal value (S332).

  The special symbol determination is performed by referring to the following determination table and winning mode determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the success / failure determination table includes a probability change table shown in FIG. 13 (b) and a non-probability change table shown in FIG. 13 (a). A special symbol success / failure determination random number is stored in association with a success / failure determination result of “win” or “out”. As is clear from comparison between FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the probability change success / failure determination table has a higher probability of winning than the non-probability change success / failure determination table. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 and stored in the RAM 202 on the main control board 200. The special symbol is determined whether or not the special symbol is determined by subtracting the special symbol determination random number from the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined. The hit mode is determined.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a hit mode determination table that is referred to in order to determine a hit mode when the determination result of the special symbol is a win. As shown in the figure, the hit mode determination table stores a hit mode of “normal hit”, “probable hit”, or “specific probability change” in association with the hit mode determination random number. Yes. Here, the random number for determining the winning mode is a random number acquired when the determination result of the special symbol is “winning”.

  In S328 to S332 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. If the probability change is in progress, the success / failure determination table shown in FIG. Whether or not the special symbol is determined with reference to the hit state determination table of FIG. 14 and if the probability change is not in progress, whether or not the special symbol is determined with reference to the hit state determination table of FIG. 13 (a) and the hit state determination table of FIG. Judgment is made. Note that the above-described special symbol success / failure determination is executed by the main control board 200 performing the special symbol game processing of S328 to S332. Therefore, the main control board 200 of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “appropriate aspect determination means” in the present invention. As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S338).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) for setting a variation pattern of a special symbol in the special symbol game process. When the special symbol variation pattern setting process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a positive hit (S3381). If it is a probability variation (S3381: yes), a variation pattern of the stop symbol and the special symbol for probability variation is determined (S3383). As shown in FIG. 7, since four symbols are set as the probability variation per symbol, one of the symbols is determined by lottery, and more than one variation pattern is set. One variation pattern is determined by lottery.

  On the other hand, when the result of the determination is not a positive hit (S3381: no), it is determined whether or not the normal hit is obtained (S3387). And when it is judged that it was a normal hit (S3387: yes), by performing a lottery, any one stop symbol from the five normal hit symbols shown in FIG. 7 and a special symbol change A pattern is determined (S3389).

  If the result of the determination is not a normal hit (S3387: no), it is next determined whether or not it is a specific probability change (S3391). If it is determined that it is a specific probability variation (S3391: yes), a specific probability variation symbol and a special symbol variation pattern are determined (S3393). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, since only one specific probability variation symbol is set, if the determination result is a specific probability variation, a lottery is performed. The stop symbol can be determined without any change. Further, since only one special symbol variation pattern is set for the specific probability variation, it can be determined without performing a lottery. Of course, a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to specific probability variation symbols and specific probability variation may be provided and determined by lottery.

  If it is determined that the determination result is not a specific probability variation (S3391: no), since it is not any of “probability variation”, “ordinary variation”, or “specific probability variation”, the determination result is “excluded”. Therefore, it is only necessary to determine a stop symbol and a variation pattern for removal. However, in the case of “displacement”, there are a case where it is disengaged after the reach effect and a case where it is disengaged without reaching the reach effect. Therefore, before determining the stop symbol and the variation pattern, first, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a reach effect is to be performed (S3403). Then, depending on the presence or absence of the reach effect, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined by lottery (S3405).

  When the special symbol stop pattern and the variation pattern are determined according to the determination result by performing the above-described processing, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated, and the special symbol of FIG. Return to symbol game processing.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns from the special symbol variation pattern setting process, after starting the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S340), the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol reservation number (S342). ). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the twelve kinds of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. Also, when the special symbol variation display is started, the number of special symbols held is decremented by 1, so 1 is subtracted from the data of the number of special symbols held stored in the RAM on the main control board 200. It is.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subtracts 1 from the number of special symbol reservations, it outputs a special symbol variation pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S344), and then outputs a special symbol stop information designation command ( S346). The variation pattern designation command output here is a command for designating the special symbol variation pattern determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. The special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol determined together with the variation pattern.

  The variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 on the sub-control board 220 side receives these commands and acquires the special symbol variation pattern and the special symbol stop symbol, after determining the effect mode in the effect display device 27 based on these information, Various effects are performed. The effect mode determined by the sub-control board 220 is output to the effect control board 230, and the effect control board 230 controls the effect display device 27, so that various effects are performed. The processing (effect control processing) performed on the sub control board 220 will be described later.

  As described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol of the special symbol, and sends the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command corresponding to these to the sub-control board. When output is directed to 220, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is fluctuating in the process of S322 immediately after the special symbol game process is started (S322: yes), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the stop are already stopped. This corresponds to the case where the symbol is determined and the change of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), the symbol design of the character design (and possibly the background design 27d) that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 toward the sub-control board 220 is stopped. The command is output (S350), and the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed (S352). Then, after setting a display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 12). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is one of the normal winning symbol, the probability variation symbol, and the specific probability variation symbol (that is, the winning symbol) shown in FIG. In S358 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the symbols stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 are those winning symbols.

  If the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), based on the symbol that is stopped and displayed, the opening time of the big winning opening (large winning port opening time), And the frequency | count of continuous operation | movement of an accessory continuous operation | movement apparatus is set (S359). In the present embodiment, in the case of the symbol with a specific probability variation and the symbol with a specific normal rate, the opening time for the big prize opening is set to about 0.2 seconds and the number of continuous operations is set to two times. In the case of the probability variation symbol and the normal symbol, the opening time of the large winning opening (large winning port opening time) is set to about 26 seconds and the number of continuous operations is set to 15 times.

  Thus, after setting the special winning opening opening time and the number of continuous operations according to the special symbol that is stopped and displayed, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device to be described later. This is a device that starts operation when the stop display is made at any of the above, and places the special winning opening 31d in an open state. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. As will be described in detail later, when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. Special games (so-called big hit games) will be started.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. The time reduction function is a function for shortening the time for which the symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are operating, these functions are stopped (S364). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a certain change (S362: no), it is checked whether the time is short (S368), and if it is short (S368: yes), the time reduction function is stopped. (S370). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory also works. Therefore, when the time reduction function is stopped in S364 or S370, After the function opening time extending function is also stopped (S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in S360 is neither probabilistic nor time-saving (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed. .

  As described above, the processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a symbol that activates the conditional device (S358: yes) has been described. If it is not the symbol to be activated (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S372). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability variation state is set to continue until the next big hit gaming state (first special gaming state) occurs. Therefore, if it is determined that the current game state is a probability change state (S372: yes), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. Return to control processing.

  If it is determined in S372 that the current gaming state is not being changed (S372: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S374). If it is determined that the time is short (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S378). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time reduction state is set to continue until the next big hit gaming state occurs or the special symbol rotates a predetermined number of times (here, 70 times). Therefore, if the current gaming state is short (S374: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of changes in the special symbol has reached a predetermined number (S378). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time-shortening function is stopped (S380), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S366), and then FIG. 11 and FIG. After exiting the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 9, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S378: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The first special game is started when the main control board 200 operates the condition device in the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 (S360 in FIG. 12). Therefore, the main control board 200 of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “first special game starting means” in the present invention.

C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts the first special game by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and a series of the above-described prize ball related process (S50) and subsequent steps. Repeat the process.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a partial flow of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the remaining flow of the special electric accessory game process. By executing the special electric accessory game process, a so-called big hit gaming state (first special gaming state) is generated. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called jackpot game state (first special game state) will be briefly described. .

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The “special electric accessory” referred to in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. As described above, in the present embodiment, the large winning opening 31d corresponds to the “second winning opening” of the present invention. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. The “container continuous operation device” referred to in this specification is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When such rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the first special game ends.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the “special probability variation symbol” is set as the special symbol, and when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are activated by this symbol, the following special game is performed. Done. That is, after the special winning opening 31d is opened for about 0.2 seconds, it is immediately closed to end one round, and if this is repeated two rounds, the first special game is ended. The special game performed in such a manner is completed in a very short time with almost no game balls entering the large winning opening 31d, and thus no prize balls are paid out. Therefore, the game is continued without the player noticing that the special game has been performed. In the following description, a special game of two rounds that is started when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with “specific probability variation symbol” will be abbreviated as “per two rounds (2R)”. On the other hand, a special game of 15 rounds that is started when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “ordinary winning symbol” or “probable winning symbol” is abbreviated as “per 15 round (15R)”. There shall be.

  The special game described above is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  When the special electric accessory game process is started, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The special winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the special winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the special game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S404). In the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 15, the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory is set to 15 times for “probable hit” or “normal hit”, and twice for “specific probability change”. Yes. The special electric accessory is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. When a special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory operates a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. . Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), whether or not the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number, in other words, a predetermined number of rounds is determined. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (S404).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special game is started, the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is the time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After having been made (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball-related process (S50), the special electric equipment game process (S400) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 16 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S406 and the process is ended as it is. When the second round process is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is exited and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes in FIG. 16) or a predetermined number of games in the special winning opening 31d. The ball enters (S412: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all the rounds have not been completed (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the new prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408). As described above, when the symbol for operating the condition device is “specific probability variation symbol”, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d is set to about 0.2 seconds. Even if the special winning opening 31d is opened, the opening time immediately passes (S410: yes), and it is closed again (S414), and one round is completed in a very short time.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have been completed (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous action device is stopped in order to end the first special game (S416). . In addition, as described above, when the symbol that caused the condition device to operate is “designated per certain probability variation”, since the number of rounds is set to two, the predetermined number of rounds immediately ends. (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S416), and the first special game is thereby ended.

  When the special game is finished as described above, it is determined whether or not the special symbol for operating the condition device is the “probable variation per symbol” or the “specific certain variation per symbol” (S418 in FIG. 17). And when it is judged that it is any of these symbols (S418: yes), after the operation of the probability variation function is started (S420), the special symbol that causes the conditional device to be activated is “probability variation per symbol”. It is determined whether or not (S422). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol is a “probable change symbol” (S422: yes), the operation of the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S428, S430), and FIG. 16 and FIG. The special electric accessory game process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is not “probable variation per symbol” (S422: no), the condition device has started the operation according to “specific probability variation per symbol”. The special electric accessory game process is terminated without activating the extension function and the time reduction function.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol that caused the condition device to operate is not “probable variation per symbol” or “specific probability variation per symbol” (S418: no), the conditional device operates according to “normal per symbol” Therefore, after starting the operation of the normal electric accessory opening time extension function (S428) and subsequently starting the operation of the time reduction function (S430), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is performed. Exit.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. In the special symbol game process during the game control process, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined (S328 to S332 in FIG. 11). The continuous operation device operates (S360 in FIG. 12), and the first special game is started. Also, in the special electric accessory game process (FIGS. 16 and 17) performed during the game control process, the special game is performed in a predetermined manner according to the special symbol hit mode, and after the special game ends, Depending on the mode, processing for operating the probability changing function, the opening time extending function, and the time shortening function of the ordinary electric accessory is performed. As described above, when any one of the probability changing function, the opening time extending function of the ordinary electric accessory, and the time shortening function is activated, the gaming state is advantageous to the player, although not as large as the big hit game. Therefore, a game performed in a state in which any of these functions is activated constitutes one aspect of the “second special game” in the present invention. Further, the probability changing function, the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory are started while the main control board 200 performs the special electric accessory game processing shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Therefore, the main control board 200 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “second special game starting means” of the present invention.

  As described above, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game by repeatedly performing the game control process shown in FIG. 9, and the special symbol variation pattern designation command or the like during the game control process. Various commands such as a stop information designation command and a symbol stop command are output to the sub-control board 220. The sub control board 220 performs various effects based on the command output in this way. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in consideration of the fact that the probability of occurrence of a big hit game is not necessarily high, even if the big hit game is not played for a long time, the player's interest is tied to the game. In order to make this possible, the following effects are performed. Hereinafter, a process (effect control process) in which various commands output from the main control board 200 are received and the sub control board 220 performs a game effect will be described.

C-2. Production control process:
C-2-1. Outline of production control processing:
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect control processing performed by the sub-control board 220 in order to produce a game. This process is a process that is automatically started by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220 after power is supplied to the sub control board 220 after completion of a predetermined initial operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  In the effect control process, first, it is determined whether or not a special symbol variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1002). Here, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern set in the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 15. In the special symbol game process of FIG. This command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 when the determination is made.

  If it is determined that the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S1002: no), the process waits until the command is received. On the other hand, if a variation pattern designation command has been received (S1002: yes), it is next determined whether or not a special symbol stop information designation command has been received (S1004). Here, the special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. This command is output continuously. If it is determined that a special symbol stop information designation command has not been received (S1004: no), the process stands by while repeating this determination until a command is received.

  When the special symbol stop information designation command is received (S1004: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol determination result performed on the main control board 200 is a probability variation or a specific probability variation (S1006). Such a determination can be made based on the special symbol stop information designation command previously output from the main control board 200. In other words, as described above, the special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating which symbol the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is to be stopped and displayed, and the special symbol stop symbol corresponds to the result of the determination of validity. Therefore (see FIG. 7), based on the special symbol stop information designation command, it can be determined whether or not the determination result of the special symbol is a probability variation or a specific probability variation.

  As a result, if it is determined that the probability variation or specific probability variation is detected (S1006: yes), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S1008). Here, the probability variation flag is a flag for storing whether or not the probability variation function is operating during the game control process performed on the main control board 200. That is, in the main control board 200, when the determination result is a probability variation or a specific probability variation, the operation of the probability variation function is started as described above (S420 in FIG. 17), and the next hit (that is, normal) The operation is performed until any one of hit, probability variation, and specific probability variation occurs (S364 in FIG. 12). Therefore, the sub control board 220 stores the fact that the probability changing function is operating on the main control board 200 by setting the probability changing flag to ON. In this embodiment, the probability variation flag is set to a predetermined address of a RAM (not shown) mounted on the sub-control board 220.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning / failing determination result performed on the main control board 200 is not a probability variation or a specific probability variation (S1006: no), it is determined whether or not the determination result is a normal hit (S1008). If it is determined that it is a normal hit (S1008: yes), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S1012), and then the number of time reductions is set (S1014). In other words, if the result of the determination is normal hit, as described above, the probability variation function does not start even when the big hit game is ended on the main control board 200 side, and the determination of whether or not the different symbol is determined is a predetermined number of times. The time reduction function is activated while it is performed. Corresponding to this, also in the sub-control board 220, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is normal hit (S1010: yes), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S1012), and the number of time reductions is predetermined. The number of times is set (S1014). In this embodiment, the number of time reductions is assigned to a predetermined address of a RAM (not shown) mounted on the sub-control board 220.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the determination on the main control board 200 is not normal (S1010: no), the result of the determination is not good. Therefore, in this case, if the number of time reductions remains, a process of decreasing by one is performed (S1016). It should be noted that when the number of time reductions is already “0”, it is not necessary to decrease the number.

  As described above, when each processing is performed according to the result of the special symbol determination performed on the main control board 200, the pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command received from the main control board 200 previously. Accordingly, display of the screen of the effect display device 27 and output of various sound effects are performed (S1018). Note that the specific content of the effect performed at this time may be determined by performing lottery on the sub-control board 220 in accordance with the variation pattern designation command.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines which symbol the changing character symbol is to be stopped based on the special symbol stop information designation command (S1020). In other words, in the special symbol stop information designation command, the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as any one of “normal hit symbol”, “probable hit symbol”, “specific probability hit symbol”, and “outlier symbol”. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 performs a process of determining the stop symbol of the character symbol while matching with the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 based on such information. .

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a symbol stop command has been received (S1022 in FIG. 19). If the symbol stop command has not been received (S1022: no), the system waits until the command is received. If the symbol stop command is received (S1022: yes), the character symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 is displayed as shown in FIG. Is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined in S1020 (S1024 in FIG. 19).

  If the symbol is stopped and displayed, it is next determined whether or not it is a hit, that is, whether or not the hit determination result corresponds to any one of “normal hit”, “probable hit”, or “specific probability hit” (S1026). ). If it is determined that it is not a hit (S1026: no), it is then determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S1028). As described above, the probability variation flag is a flag that is set in order to store that the probability variation function is operating on the main control board 200. In the normal gaming state, such as immediately after the game is started, the probability variation flag is OFF. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the probability variation flag is not ON (S1028: no), the process returns to the head of the effect control process again, and is in a standby state until a variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 ( S1002 in FIG. 18).

  If a hit occurs (ie, any one of normal hit, probability variation, or specific probability variation) while repeating such processing (S1026: yes in FIG. 19), this time, whether or not the specific effect flag is ON. Is determined (S1030). As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to be able to attract the player's interest to the game for as long as possible, when a hit occurs, a special performance state called a specific performance mode is set. When the specific effect mode is started, the fact that the specific effect mode is being set is stored by setting the specific effect flag to ON. The specific effect flag is also set to a predetermined address of a RAM (not shown) mounted on the sub control board 220. Naturally, when the first hit occurs, since the specific effect mode is not set, the specific effect flag is OFF (S1030: no), and after the specific effect flag is set to ON (S1032), the specific effect flag is OFF. The effect mode is started (S1034).

  On the other hand, if the specific effect flag has already been turned on (S1030: yes), the specific effect flag is set to ON (S1032), or the process of starting the specific effect mode (S1034) is skipped. It is determined whether or not the mode is “specific probability variation hit” (S1036). Then, when it is determined that it is not the specific probability variation (S1036: no), either “normal hit” or “probability variation” has occurred, so processing for integrating the number of rounds is performed ( S1038). That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 16, in the main control board 200, when a normal hit or a probable hit occurs, a so-called big hit game is started, and the big winning opening 31d is opened for a predetermined number of rounds. Correspondingly, in the effect control process performed on the sub-control board 220, a process of integrating the number of rounds is performed. Although details will be described later with reference to another drawing, while the specific effect mode is being performed, even if a large number of big hits occur, on the screen of the effect display device 27, they are one continuous. The production is performed as if it is in a gaming state, and during the specific production mode, rounds performed corresponding to each big hit are accumulated and accumulated.

  When a predetermined number of rounds are accumulated in accordance with the occurrence of the normal hit or the probability change (S1038), the process returns to the head of the effect control process and waits until a variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (FIG. 18). S1002). On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol win / fail state is a specific probability variation (S1036: yes), the variation pattern designation command is received by returning to the head of the effect control process without accumulating the number of rounds. It will be in a waiting state.

  After that, a variation pattern designation command and a special symbol stop information designation are received (S1002: yes, S1004: yes in FIG. 18), production is started with the designated variation pattern (S1018), and the symbol is stopped and displayed (Fig. 19 S1024), it is determined whether or not the winning determination result of the special symbol is “normal hit”, “probable variation hit” or “specific probability change hit” (S1026). If it is determined that the game is successful (S1026: yes), the same processing as described above is performed. If it is determined that the game is not successful (S1026: no), whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON. Is determined (S1028). As described above with reference to FIG. 18, the probability variation flag is set to ON when “probability variation” or “specific probability variation” occurs (S1008 in FIG. 18), and thereafter, “normal collision” occurs and turns OFF. Until it is done (S1012), it is kept in the ON state. Therefore, if the previous hit is “probable change” or “specific probability change”, the probability change flag is set to ON, so it is determined as S1028: yes, and the process returns to the head of the effect control process. The process waits until a variation pattern designation command is received (S1002 in FIG. 18).

  On the other hand, if the previous hit was “normal hit”, the probability variation flag is set to OFF, so it is determined that S1028: no, and this time, it is determined whether or not the short-time count has been exhausted. (S1040). That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the normal hit occurs and the big hit game ends, the time-saving function operates until the determination of whether or not is made a predetermined number of times, so it is determined whether or not the predetermined number of times has been consumed. is there. Then, if it is determined that all the time reductions have not been consumed yet (S1040: no), the process returns to the head of the effect control process and waits until a variation pattern designation command is received (S1002 in FIG. 18). On the other hand, when it is determined that all the number of time reductions have been consumed (S1040: yes), the specific effect flag is turned off (S1042), and the integrated value of the number of rounds is initialized (S1044). The mode is terminated (S1046). Eventually, the specific effect mode is started when the special symbol win / fail determination result is either normal hit, probability change, or specific probability change (S1034 in FIG. 19), the probability change state (S1028: yes), or the short time state (S1040). : No), the specific effect mode is maintained, and the time reduction state ends and ends (S1046). Thus, when the specific effect mode ends, the process returns to the head of the effect control process again, and the above-described series of processes is repeated.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, by setting such a specific effect mode, it is possible to produce an effect as if it is one continuous gaming state from the occurrence of the big hit, during the probability change and the short time. Thus, even if a big hit does not occur for a long time, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the game. Below, the content of the production performed during the specific production mode will be described.

C-2-2. Overview of specific production mode:
FIG. 20 is an explanatory view illustrating the contents of effects performed on the effect display device 27 when the normal effect or the probability change event occurs and the specific effect mode is started. As shown in the drawing, when a normal hit or a probable hit occurs, a display for notifying that a so-called big hit has occurred and a character “MISSION TIME” indicating that the specific effect mode is started are displayed. And the door displayed on the screen opens and specific production mode is started. In S1034 of FIG. 19, such an effect is performed.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 19, the specific effect mode is also started when a specific probability variation occurs. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of effects performed on the effect display device 27 when the specific effect mode is started by the specific probability variation. As shown in the figure, when the specific effect mode is started by the specific probability change, only the characters “MISSION TIME” indicating that the specific effect mode is started are displayed. As described above, when the specific probability variation occurs, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c variably displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 differ from the case where the normal variation or the probability variation occurs. Since the stop combination is displayed in a predetermined combination that does not align with the same symbol, the player usually does not notice that a hit has occurred. Therefore, when the screen illustrated in FIG. 21 is displayed, it is possible to give the player an impression that the specific effect mode is suddenly started even though it is not a big hit.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the effect display device 27 during the specific effect mode. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, during the specific effect mode, a screen for proceeding through the maze is displayed as illustrated. Further, during the specific effect mode, only the left character symbol 27a is displayed as the character symbol, and the left character symbol 27a is also variable and displayed in accordance with the movement that the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is variable and displayed. When a normal hit or a probable hit occurs in a special symbol, a coin appears on the path of the maze, and an effect of acquiring the coin is performed. The number of coins that appear is the number corresponding to the number of rounds that are played during the so-called jackpot game. For example, when a big hit occurs and a big hit game for 15 rounds is played, 15 coins appear. It is like that. Each time a coin is acquired, the number in the coin number display area 27r provided at the upper left of the screen is incremented by “1”. In S1038 of FIG. 19, the effect of acquiring coins according to the number of rounds is thus performed.

  Note that, as described above with reference to FIG. 19, when a specific probability variation has occurred, the process of integrating the number of rounds (S1038) is skipped. Therefore, as described above, the main control board 200 plays a two-round jackpot game even when a specific probability change occurs, but on the screen of the effect display device 27, an effect of acquiring the appearing coin is performed. There is no. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 21, when the specific production mode is started by the specific probability change, not only the display of notifying the big hit does not appear, but the door opens and the maze is displayed. No coins will appear even if you go inside. Then, when a normal hit or a probable hit occurs while proceeding through the maze, an effect is produced in which coins corresponding to the number of rounds appear.

  As described above, when any one of “normal hit”, “probability change hit”, or “specific probability change hit” occurs in the main control board 200, the specific effect mode is started in the sub control board 220, and not only during the big hit game. The specific production mode is maintained even during the probability change or the time reduction. Further, during the specific effect mode, an effect of proceeding in the maze while searching for coins is performed on the effect display device 27. If it is determined that all the predetermined number of times have been consumed (S1040: yes in FIG. 19), the specific effect flag is set to OFF (S1042), and the specific effect mode is terminated (S1044).

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of effects performed on the effect display device 27 when the specific effect mode ends. As shown in the figure, when exiting the specific effect mode, a door that leads from the maze to the outside appears, and the letters “MISSION END” indicating that the specific effect mode is ended are displayed on the door. Yes. Subsequently, an effect of opening the door to the outside from the maze is performed, and the specific effect mode is ended. The series of specific effects described above is such that the sub control board 220 outputs a command for designating display contents to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27, and the effect control board 230 displays the effect display. By controlling the device 27 to execute a specific effect, the effect control process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is executed. Therefore, the sub control board 220, the effect control board 230, and the effect display device 27 of the present embodiment constitute one aspect of the “specific effect executing means” in the present invention.

  FIG. 24 is a time chart illustrating the content of control performed on the main control board 200 during the specific effect mode and the effect content performed on the screen of the effect display device 27 correspondingly. In the illustrated example, a probable hit is generated in a normal game state, and a 15-round big hit game is started. In response to such control being performed on the main control board 200, an effect of notifying the big hit is performed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (see FIG. 20), and then the screen of the specific effect mode (moving through the maze) Screen is displayed. In addition, 15 coins appear on the path of the maze in accordance with the 15 round big hit game, and the effect of acquiring these coins is performed (see FIG. 22). The effect of notifying the occurrence of the big hit is that the sub control board 220 that has received the big hit start fanfare designation command from the main control board 200 receives the effect control board 230, the decoration drive board 226, and the amplifier board 224. A big hit start fanfare designation command is transmitted to the effect display device 27 and various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f, and the effect control process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is performed. Therefore, the sub-control board 220, the production control board 230, the decoration drive board 226, the amplifier board 224, the production display device 27, and the various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f of this embodiment are one of the “notification production means” of the present invention. It constitutes an aspect. Further, the process of counting the number of rounds performed during the big hit game is also performed by the sub control board 220 performing the effect control process shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. The number of rounds counted by the sub control board 220 is transmitted to the effect display device 27 via the effect control board 230 as needed and displayed. Accordingly, the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “round number counting means” of the present invention. The effect control board 230 and the effect display device 27 constitute one aspect of the “round number display means” of the present invention.

  When the 15-round jackpot game ends, the game state on the main control board 200 side shifts to a probable change state, but on the screen of the effect display device 27, the screen of the specific effect mode (the screen proceeding in the maze) is continuously displayed. Has been. When the special symbol is determined to be correct during the probability change and the special symbol is displayed in a variable stop state, the left character symbol 27a, which is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen on the screen of the effect display device 27, is displayed in a variable stop display. To do. However, since only the left character symbol 27a is displayed during the specific performance mode, even if the result of the determination is wrong, the player does not leave an impression of “going out” and simply proceeds in the maze. There is only an impression to go. In addition, when a specific probability change occurs, a very short big hit game of two rounds is performed. In this case as well, as in the case of “out”, the left character pattern 27a is displayed at the lower left corner on the screen of the effect display device 27. Is merely displayed with no change, and no coins appear. As described above, the two-round jackpot game started by the specific probability change ends in a very short time, and almost no prize ball is paid out. Therefore, in the event that a specific probability change occurs, the player does not perform the effect of appearing the coin. It is possible to avoid having it in advance.

  Thus, when a normal hit occurs while playing a game in a probable state, a 15-round big hit game is started on the main control board 200 side. On the other hand, on the screen of the effect display device 27, since the screen has already progressed in the maze, a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit and the start of the specific effect mode as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. In other words, 15 coins corresponding to the number of rounds appear on the path of the maze, and the effect of acquiring coins is performed. When the 15-round jackpot game ends, the game state shifts to the short-time state on the main control board 200 side, but on the screen of the effect display device 27, a screen that still proceeds in the maze is displayed. . In this state, when a normal hit or a probability change occurs again, a coin corresponding to the number of rounds appears and the screen of the specific performance mode is continued. When the time-short state is completed without generating a screen, a screen for ending the specific effect mode is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (see FIG. 23), and the normal effect screen is restored. In the case where a big hit occurs during the specific effect mode, the sub control board 220 performs a process of performing an effect of causing a coin to appear as it is without notifying the occurrence of the big hit on the screen of the effect display device 27 or a sound effect. The performance control process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is performed. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “notification effect prohibiting means” of the present invention.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, once any one of the normal hit, the probability change, and the specific probability change occurs, the screen of the specific effect mode (in this embodiment, the maze is advanced). Screen), and the screen of the specific production mode is maintained not only during the big hit game but also during certain change and short time. For this reason, during the jackpot game and the subsequent probability change or short time can be produced as an integrated gaming state, the player will have the impression of enjoying a long-time jackpot game . Also, unlike conventional gaming machines, special symbols are variably displayed between jackpot games and jackpot games as in the normal gaming state, so players will not be disappointed. I don't want to cool down my expectations. When a recreational resort actually occurs, it is possible to impress the player strongly. In addition, the effect during the big hit game is continued even after the big hit game is over, which makes the player feel a novel game, and in that respect, the player's interest can be strongly attracted.

  In addition, during the probable change and during the short time, the same effects as during the big hit game are performed. Can be attracted for a long time. Furthermore, because the screen is the same as during big hits or during short breaks, it gives other players the impression that big hits are occurring frequently. As a result, new players The effect of attracting can also be obtained.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments, the specific effect mode is maintained even during the time reduction, but the specific effect mode may be terminated at the same time as the shift to the time reduction state.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine having 2R and 15R as the big hit mode has been described, but it is not necessary to limit to this. For example, in the case of a gaming machine having 2R probability variation, 7R probability variation, 15R probability variation, and 15R time reduction, the specific performance mode is ended only when 15R time reduction is drawn, so the player must always acquire 15R prize balls. Can do. Furthermore, among 2R probability variation, 7R probability variation, 15R probability variation, and 15R time shortening, by increasing the distribution rate of 7R probability variation, it is possible to improve the retreat rate while reducing the number of hits per hit and suppressing gambling Therefore, the effect in the present invention can be further enhanced.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which a main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the special symbol's success / failure. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the hit mode determination table referred in order to determine a hit mode when the determination result of the special symbol is a win. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the first half part of the presentation control process which a sub control board performs in order to produce a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the second half part of the presentation control process which a sub control board | substrate performs in order to produce a game. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the content of the effect performed on an effect display apparatus, when a normal hit or a probability change hit | occur | produces and a specific effect mode is started. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the content of the effect performed on an effect display apparatus when specific effect mode is started by specific probability change. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the screen displayed on an effect display apparatus in specific effect mode. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the content of the effect performed on an effect display apparatus when complete | finishing a specific effect mode. It is the time chart which illustrated the contents of control performed by the main control board in specific production mode, and the contents of production performed on the screen of an effect display device corresponding to this.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine, 4b to 4f ... Various LEDs and lamps (notification production means)
17 ... Starting port (first winning port),
27 ... effect display device (specific effect execution means, notification effect means, round number display means), 28 ... symbol display device,
31d ... Grand prize opening (second prize opening),
200 ... main control board (appropriate / impossible mode determining means, first special game starting means, second special game starting means)
220... Sub control board (specific effect execution means, notification effect means, notification effect prohibition means, round number counting means)
224... Amplifier board (notification production means)
226 ... decoration drive board (notification production means)
230 ... production control board (specific production execution means, round number display means)

Claims (6)

In a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface provided with a first winning port and a second winning port,
A lottery determination unit that performs a lottery when a game ball has entered the first winning opening, and determines whether the lottery is successful,
If the winning / failing mode is a win, first special game starting means for starting a first special game that makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second winning port;
A second special game starting means for starting a second special game, which is a game state advantageous for the player, separately from the first special game after the first special game is ended;
A ballistic ball game comprising: a specific effect execution means for starting a predetermined specific effect when the first special game is started and continuing the specific effect until the end of the second special game. Machine. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The hit / miss mode determining means is a means for determining one hit mode from a plurality of hit modes including at least a predetermined probability variation hit mode when the hit mode is a hit.
The second special game start means, when the winning mode is the probability changing winning mode, the probability changing state that is a gaming state in which the probability that the lottery's winning / failing mode becomes a winning mode is high. A bullet ball game machine characterized by starting as a second special game. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The hit / miss mode determining means is a means for determining one hit mode from a plurality of hit modes including at least a predetermined normal hit mode when the hit mode is a hit.
When the hit mode is the normal hit mode, the second special game start means sets a time-short state that is a game state in which a game ball can easily enter the first winning opening. A bullet ball game machine characterized by starting as a special game of No. 2. In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the case where the winning / failing mode is a win, notification effect means for performing a predetermined notification effect for notifying that the first special game is started;
A bulletin ball game machine comprising: a notification effect prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the notification effecting means when the winning / failing mode is a hit during the second special game. In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first special game start means repeats a predetermined multiple times an operation in which the second prize opening is in an open state in which a game ball is easy to enter and then closed in which the game ball is difficult to enter. Means for performing the first special game by performing,
The number of rounds, which is the number of times that the second prize opening has been opened during the first special game, is counted, and a new one is added during the second special game that is performed after the first special game ends. When the first special game is started, the round number counting means for counting the number of rounds in the first special game newly started following the previous round number;
A round ball game machine comprising: a round number display means for displaying the round number counted by the round number counting means. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 5,
The hit / miss mode determining means is a means for determining one hit mode from a plurality of hit modes including at least a predetermined specific hit mode when the hit mode is a hit.
When the hit mode is the specific hit mode, the first special game start means opens the second winning opening in a predetermined mode in which the game ball is difficult to enter. It is a means to repeat several times as a special game,
The round ball game machine characterized in that the round number counting means does not count the number of rounds during the first special game according to the specific hit mode.

Images