JP2007215773A - Game machine, program, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a game from becoming monotonous and make a player anticipate the bulk acquirement of game mediums while maintaining the soundness of the game. <P>SOLUTION: A lottery, which decides the justice of the first big bonus (BB1) and the second big bonus (BB2) in a normal state, is performed, a game state is shifted to the first big bonus state (a BB1 state) based on the prize of the BB1 which wins by the lottery, and the game state is shifted to the second big bonus state (a BB2 state) based on the prize of the BB2 which wins by the lottery. In the BB1 state, a challenge bonus (CB) is independently operated by shifting to the challenge bonus (a CB state), in which the player is advantageous compared with the normal state and a general state, via the general state in which the player is disadvantageous compared with the normal state. In the BB2 state, the CB is continuously operated by shifting to the CB state without going via the general state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a program, and an information storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (cylinder gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to game media such as medals and pachinko balls, and performs a game for acquiring such game media. In addition, this type of gaming machine performs a lottery based on the player's operation, displays the game result based on the lottery result using a combination of symbols arranged on the reel, and determines the medal according to the game result. It has a function to pay out etc.

  Conventionally, in order to ensure the soundness of the game, there has been a restriction that sets an upper limit on the lottery probability of the big bonus that allows a bonus game that can acquire a large number of medals and the like. However, even if a big bonus is won, a game machine equipped with a stock function has been developed that allows the big bonus to be held based on the establishment of a certain bonus release condition. , Has gained popularity among players. A gaming machine having such a stock function can explode a large number of medals in a short period of time without increasing the probability of drawing a big bonus. Is forbidden.

Along with the regulation prohibiting the adoption of the stock function, the regulation that has currently set the upper limit of the lottery probability of the big bonus has been abolished. However, if a big bonus that can win a large amount of medals when winning a prize is drawn with a high probability, it is contrary to the purpose of the above regulations that prohibits models that can acquire a large number of medals etc. in stock functions etc. in a short period of time. Therefore, in reality, only models that draw lots of big bonuses with the same winning probability as in the past have been developed, and there is concern that the individuality between the models is being lost.
JP 2001-104543 A

  For this reason, game machine manufacturers are developing game machines that are attractive to players while complying with these regulations, but for players, the biggest concern is to acquire a large number of medals. For this reason, in gaming machines provided under such regulations, it is difficult for games to be uniform and monotonous and attract enough attention from players.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and allow the player to expect a large amount of game media while maintaining the soundness of the game. To provide a gaming machine, a program, and an information storage medium.

(1) The present invention includes a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether a winning combination is a random number for each game;
A gaming machine comprising gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to a gaming result, wherein the lottery means In the normal state, a lottery for determining whether or not a plurality of combinations including the first special combination and the second special combination are successful is performed, and the gaming state transition control means is based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery. The game state is shifted to the first special state, and control is performed to shift the gaming state to the second special state based on the winning of the second special role won by the lottery. In the first special state, the normal state The player performs control to shift to the second gaming state, which is advantageous to the player compared to the normal state and the first gaming state, through the first gaming state, which is disadvantageous compared to the first gaming state, and in the second special state, Without going through the first gaming state Relates game machine performs control to shift to the second game condition.

  In the present invention, the “game result” includes the presence / absence of a winning combination by lottery, the presence / absence of winning a winning combination, the reel stop state, the number of games, and the like.

  According to the present invention, in the normal state, the first special role that triggers the transition to the first special state and the second special role that triggers the transition to the second special state are drawn. As a result of winning, the gaming state is assigned to one of the special states. In the first special state, a transition is made to the second gaming state, which is more advantageous than the normal state, after passing through the first gaming state, which is more disadvantageous than the normal state, while in the second special state, the first gaming state The game state is shifted to the second game state without going through. Therefore, according to the present invention, the first special state can be set as a game section where game media can be easily consumed, and the second special state can be set as a game section where game media can be easily acquired. Therefore, according to the present invention, when the first special role and the second special role that trigger the transition to the special state are drawn with a relatively high probability, the normal state is set to be high for the first and second special roles. It can be set as a probability winning section. Even if the normal state is set as the high-probability winning section of the first and second special roles, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the first special state is set as a gaming section that easily consumes game media. Can be ensured. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, if the second special role is frequently won, the player can be expected to have an opportunity to acquire a large amount of game media, and the player's interest can be attracted. It becomes like this.

  (2) The present invention also includes a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made using a random number for each game, and a plurality of states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to the game result. A gaming machine comprising gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between gaming states, wherein the lottery means determines whether or not a plurality of combinations including a first special combination and a second special combination are in the normal state. The lottery to be determined is performed, and the gaming state transition control means shifts the gaming state to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the second special combination won by the lottery. Control is performed to shift the gaming state to the second special state based on a winning, and in the first special state and the second special state, the player passes through the first gaming state which is disadvantageous compared to the normal state. Than the normal state and the first gaming state The engineer performs control to shift to the advantageous second gaming state based on the winning of the given transition trigger, and the lottery means sets the transition trigger to the first special status in the second special status. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that draws with a higher probability of winning.

  In the present invention, the “game result” includes the presence / absence of a winning combination by lottery, the presence / absence of winning a winning combination, the reel stop state, the number of games, and the like.

  According to the present invention, in the normal state, the first special role that triggers the transition to the first special state and the second special role that triggers the transition to the second special state are drawn. As a result of winning, the gaming state is assigned to one of the special states. In the first and second special states, in the first gaming state, which is disadvantageous compared to the normal state, a lottery for a transition trigger that becomes a transition opportunity to the second gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal state is drawn. In the special state, it is easier to win the transition opportunity than in the first special state. Therefore, according to the present invention, the first special state can be set as a game section where game media can be easily consumed, and the second special state can be set as a game section where game media can be easily acquired. Therefore, according to the present invention, when the first special role and the second special role that trigger the transition to the special state are drawn with a relatively high probability, the normal state is set to be high for the first and second special roles. It can be set as a probability winning section. Even if the normal state is set as the high-probability winning section of the first and second special roles, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the first special state is set as a gaming section that easily consumes game media. Can be ensured. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, if the second special role is frequently won, the player can be expected to have an opportunity to acquire a large amount of game media, and the player's interest can be attracted. It becomes like this.

  (3) Also, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the lottery means performs a lottery to determine whether or not the third special combination is successful in at least the first gaming state of the normal state and the first special state, and the transition to the gaming state The control means ends the first special state based on the winning of the third special role by the lottery in the first gaming state of the first special state, and changes the gaming state based on the winning of the selected third special role. The game state is shifted to a third special state that is advantageous to the player at least compared with the normal state, and the third special state is terminated based on the achievement of a predetermined number of games or a predetermined number of winnings. May be controlled to shift to the normal state. In this way, even if the first special role is won in the normal state and transitions to the first special state, the third special role, which is one of the end triggers in the first special state, is drawn in lots. Thus, an opportunity to return the gaming state to the normal state early through the third special state can be given.

  (4) In the gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of reels that are rotatable with a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface, and an operation means for performing an operation that triggers rotation and stop of the plurality of reels. And reel stop control means for controlling the plurality of rotating reels to stop according to whether the winning combination is achieved based on a stop operation to the operation means, and the second special state second state In the gaming state, at least one of the plurality of reels may be set to an uncontrolled state.

  “Control state” refers to a target of a pull-in process in which one type of symbol associated with a winning combination among a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel is preferentially drawn into the active line. The state which becomes. On the other hand, the “non-control state” refers to a state in which the pull-in process does not substantially work as two or more types of winning combinations are selected regardless of the lottery result. “Substantially” means to include a state in which the pull-in process is difficult to work. In addition, the “non-control state” includes a state where the pull-in process is performed so that the amount of pull-in of the reel is smaller than the “control state” regardless of the above, and further includes a state where no pull-in process is performed. . In addition, the “uncontrolled state” is a state in which an exact pushing operation is required to stop the reel at a target position with respect to the operation for stopping the reel. With regard to the operation for stopping the reel, it can be said that the reel can be stopped at the target position without requiring a more accurate pushing operation as in the “uncontrolled state”.

  In this way, in the second gaming state of the first special state, the player can stop the reel at the target position by performing a so-called pushing operation. A game that makes it easy to acquire a medium can be performed.

  (5) Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, in the second gaming state of the first special state, the combination in which the game medium is paid out upon winning is set to the winning state regardless of the result of the lottery. Good. In this way, an opportunity to acquire a game medium can be obtained regardless of the result of the lottery, so that it is possible to play a game that is easier to acquire a game medium than in the normal state.

  (6) Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the lottery means draws a re-game player who does not need to insert a game medium in the next game with a predetermined winning probability in the normal state when winning, In the first gaming state of the first special state, the replaying combination may be drawn with a lower winning probability than the normal state, or the replaying combination may not be drawn. In this way, in the first gaming state of the first special state, the chance of playing the game without consuming the game medium by the re-gamer is reduced as compared to the normal state. The first special state to be transferred can be set as a game section in which game media are easily consumed.

  (7) Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the lottery means draws a combination for paying out game media upon winning a prize with the same winning probability in the first game state in the normal state and the first special state. May be. In this way, in the first gaming state of the first special state, not only the chances of winning the re-gamer are reduced, but the so-called small role winning opportunity can be obtained only with the same probability as the normal state. The first gaming state in one special state can be set to a gaming state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the normal state.

  (8) The present invention also includes a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made using a random number for each game, and a plurality of states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to the game result. A program for causing a computer to function as gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between gaming states, wherein the lottery means determines whether a plurality of roles including a first special combination and a second special combination are in the normal state. The lottery to be determined is performed, and the gaming state transition control means shifts the gaming state to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the second special combination won by the lottery. Control is performed to shift the gaming state to the second special state based on a winning. In the first special state, the normal state and the first game are passed through the first gaming state, which is disadvantageous to the player compared to the normal state. State The present invention relates to a program for performing a control for making a transition to an advantageous second gaming state by the player, and performing a control for making a transition to the second gaming state without going through the first gaming state in the second special state. is there.

  The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that is readable by a computer and stores a program that causes the computer to function as each of the means described above.

  In the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, each aspect shown in the above (2) to (7) can be adopted as appropriate, and the computer can function as the means shown in (2) to (7). it can.

  (9) The present invention also includes a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made using a random number for each game, and a plurality of states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to the game result. A program for causing a computer to function as gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between gaming states, wherein the lottery means determines whether a plurality of roles including a first special combination and a second special combination are in the normal state. The lottery to be determined is performed, and the gaming state transition control means shifts the gaming state to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the second special combination won by the lottery. Control is performed to shift the gaming state to the second special state based on a winning, and in the first special state and the second special state, the player passes through the first gaming state which is disadvantageous compared to the normal state. Normal condition And a control for shifting the player to a second gaming state that is more advantageous than the first gaming state based on a winning of a given transition trigger, and the lottery means in the second special state, the transition trigger Is drawn with a higher winning probability than in the first special state.

  The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that is readable by a computer and stores a program that causes the computer to function as each of the means described above.

  In the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, each aspect shown in the above (2) to (7) can be adopted as appropriate, and the computer can function as the means shown in (2) to (7). it can.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called slot machine or spinning-type gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that performs a game using a medal as a gaming medium.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a reel unit including a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 is housed in a box-shaped housing including a storage box BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. A hopper unit (not shown) as a medal payout device is housed in the lower portion of the reel unit in the housing. In addition, a control board for controlling the operation of the gaming machine is housed in the casing of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is divided into 21 regions (each region is referred to as a “frame”) at regular intervals, and a plurality of types are provided for each frame. One of the symbols is arranged. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a step motor (reel driving means: not shown), and can be rotated around the axis of the step motor, respectively, and the number of drive pulses of the step motor. And by controlling the pulse width and the like, the frame can be stopped in units of frames (predetermined rotation angle units). That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the step motor rotates and drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in accordance with the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and the supply of the drive pulse from the control board is interrupted, As the rotation of the step motor stops, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop.

  The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable, and the front upper door UD has a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation state and the stop state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Is provided. In the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, three symbols (for three frames) of a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, respectively. Can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW. In the stopped state of each reel R1 to R3, the symbols observed from the display window DW are stopped and displayed at any position on the five effective lines L1 to L5. The player's game result is judged by the combination of symbols stopped and displayed in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active line is a combination corresponding to a predetermined combination, the combination is won. As a thing, medals are paid out from the hopper unit.

  The five activated lines L1 to L5 are determined according to the number of medals inserted (the number of bets). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to insert medals in the range of 1 to 3 for one game, and one medal is inserted into the medal slot MI provided in the front lower door DD. In this case, when one effective line L1 is activated and two medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, three effective lines L1 to L3 are activated and three medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI. When it is input, all the five effective lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, and the like, and various types such as the number of stored medals (credits), the number of medals paid out (or the number acquired) in one game, the remaining number of bonus games, etc. Game information is displayed.

  In addition, the front upper door UD is provided with a liquid crystal display LCD for performing game effects. On the liquid crystal display LCD, various videos (or images) for assisting the game or for exciting the game are displayed. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a plurality of speakers for performing a game effect are provided for the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD. From the speaker, various sounds for assisting the game or for exciting the game are output.

  The front lower door DD is provided with various operation means. As the operation means, a bet button B0 for performing an operation for putting a stored medal into an inserted state, and a start lever for performing an operation for triggering a game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. SL, stop buttons B1 to B3 are provided for performing operations that trigger each of the rotating reels R1 to R3.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the player is set in a ready state in which a game can be started by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot MI or performing an operation of pressing the bet button B0. When the player depresses the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start rotating by driving the step motor, and the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 increases to a predetermined speed. On the condition that a predetermined waiting time (wait time) has elapsed, the pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted. Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at an arbitrary timing, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop according to the pressing timing.

  Further, a medal payout opening MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the lower part of the front lower door DD, and a number of medals according to the game result are paid out from the medal payout opening MO to the medal tray MP.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by the game control means 100. The game control means 100 receives input signals from input means such as the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, etc., and performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results. Then, operation control of output means such as the reel unit 310, the payout device (hopper unit) 320, the display device 330, the speaker 340, and the like is performed. The functions of the game control means 100 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM, RAM, etc., and software comprising a given program.

  The game control means 100 includes a random number generation means 110, a lottery means 120, a reel stop control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, an effect control means 180, a memory. Means 190 are included.

  The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The lottery means 120 is a means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is based on a game start signal from a start switch 210 that is activated by a player pressing the start lever SL, and a lottery table selection process; Random number determination processing, flag setting processing, etc. are performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which lottery table is used for lottery among a plurality of lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage unit 192 of the storage unit 190. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the normal state, the first big bonus state (BB1 state: first special state), the second big bonus state (BB2 state: second special state), the regular bonus state (RB state: third) It is possible to set a plurality of types of gaming states such as (special state), and the storage unit 190 stores a lottery table for lottery in each gaming state. In the lottery table for each gaming state, a re-playing combination (replay) and a small combination (a predetermined number of medals are associated with winning a prize) for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535). Any of various types of roles such as the first payout), the first big bonus (BB1: first special role), the second big bonus (BB2: second special role), the regular bonus (RB: third special role) Is associated.

  In the random number determination process (so-called internal lottery), a random number value (random number for lottery) is acquired for each game based on the game start signal from the start switch 210, and lottery in the storage unit 190 is performed for the acquired random number value. It is determined whether or not the winning combination is won with reference to the lottery table stored in the table storage unit 192.

  In the flag setting process, based on the result of random number determination, the flag of the winning combination determined to be won is changed from the non-internal winning state (first flag state, off state) to the internal winning state (second flag state, on state). ). The flag setting information is stored in the flag storage unit 194 of the storage unit 190. Also, in this embodiment, a flag that can carry on the internal winning state for the next game until the prize is won (carry-over possible flag) and a non-internal winning without carrying the internal winning state for the next game regardless of the winning. A flag to be reset to a state (carry-over impossible flag) is prepared. The first big bonus (BB1: first special combination), the second big bonus (BB2: second special combination), and the regular bonus (RB: third special combination) are associated with the former flag. Other combinations (for example, small combinations, replays, etc.) are associated with the latter flag.

  The reel stop control means 130 is rotating based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240 that is activated when the player presses (stops) the stop buttons B1 to B3 (operation means). Stop control is performed to stop the third reel R3 according to the set state of the flag. The gaming machine of the present embodiment employs a table system that performs stop control with reference to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage unit 196 of the storage unit 190. Specifically, referring to the stop control table, the stop positions of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are determined according to the pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 (mode of stop operation), and the determined stop The stop control of the reels is performed by stopping the supply of drive pulses to the step motor of the reel unit 310 so that the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop at the position.

  The reel stop control means 130 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reel. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose flag is set to the internal winning state is stopped on the active line (so that the winning combination can be won). On the other hand, the kicking process is a control to stop the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose flag is set to the non-internal winning state does not stop on the active line (so that the winning combination cannot be won). It is processing. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in order to realize the pull-in process and the kick-off process, the flag setting state, the pressing timing and pressing order of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the stop position of the already stopped reel (or the effective line) The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes according to the types of symbols stopped on L1 to L5. In this way, the reel stop control means 130 can stop the symbol of the combination in which the flag is set to the internal winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination in which the flag is set to the non-internal winning state is a winning form. Stop control is performed to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 so as not to stop.

  In the present embodiment, a state in which a symbol corresponding to a specific combination is a target of a pull-in process in preference to other symbols is referred to as a control state. In this case, depending on the result of the lottery, if only a specific role is in the internal winning state, the symbol corresponding to that role will be the target of the drawing process in preference to other symbols, and the lottery result. Multiple roles are set to the internal winning state, but the symbol corresponding to a specific role among the multiple roles that are in the internal winning state is changed to the symbol corresponding to the other role set to the internal winning state. It is assumed that any case where priority is given to the pull-in processing is included in the control state in this embodiment.

  The winning determination unit 140 performs processing for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage unit 198 of the storage unit 190, the stop state of each reel. It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on the active line is a predetermined winning combination.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140, it is determined whether to perform control for paying out medals, replay processing, or control for shifting the game state. For example, when a small role is won, the payout control unit 150 performs medal payout control. When a replay is won, the replay processing unit 160 performs a replay process, and BB1, BB2, RB, etc. In such a case, the game state transition control means 170 controls to shift the game state.

  The payout control means 150 performs control related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a winning combination is won, control is performed to instruct the hopper unit 320 (paying device) the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out the designated payout number of medals. If medal storage (credit) is permitted, the payout number is added to the stored medal number stored in a storage medal number storage area (not shown) of the storage unit 190 instead of paying out medals. Processing (credit processing) is performed.

  The replay processing means 160 performs replay processing (replay processing) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals for the next game when the replay (replaying gamer) wins. That is, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when a replay is won, the next game start operation (pressing the start lever SL by the player) is automatically waited with the same effective line as the previous game activated. To do.

  Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, the gaming state transition control means 170 is in a normal state, a first big bonus state (BB1 state: first special state), and a second big bonus state (BB2 state: second special state). Control is performed to shift the gaming state among a plurality of types of gaming states such as a regular bonus state (RB state: third special state). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the gaming state can be shifted to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied. When shifting the gaming state, the lottery table stored in the lottery table storage unit 192 of the storage unit 190 is switched. Further, the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage unit 196 or the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage unit 198 may be switched according to the game state of the transfer destination.

  The BB1 state is a gaming state that shifts from the normal state, and when the first big bonus (BB1) is internally won in the normal state, a predetermined first big bonus symbol (BB1 symbol: first special role symbol) is given. This is a gaming state in which the start condition is that it is stopped in the form of winning. In the BB1 state, a condition that a medal exceeding a predetermined number (predetermined number of 253 or less) has been paid out in the bonus game or that a regular bonus (RB: third special role) has been won If any of the end conditions is satisfied, control is performed to shift (return) the gaming state to a normal state (including a state of waiting for an RB winning).

  The bonus game in the BB1 state is first started from the general bonus game state (general state: first game state). In the general state, the lottery means 120 determines whether or not the challenge bonus (CB: transition opportunity role) and the small role are appropriate. A lottery to decide is performed. However, in the general state, the replay (re-gamer) lottery is not performed. That is, the general state is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player as compared to the normal state by the amount that the winning opportunity for replay is not obtained. When the CB is won during the game in the general state and the challenge bonus symbol (CB symbol: transition opportunity symbol) is stopped in the form of winning, the game state of the bonus game is changed from the general state to the challenge bonus state (CB state: No. 1). Control to shift to (2 gaming state) is performed. In the BB1 state, the regular bonus (RB: 3rd special role) is drawn in both the general state and the CB state, and the RB is won during the game in the general state or the CB state. When (RB symbol: third special role symbol) is stopped in the form of winning, control is performed to return the gaming state to the normal state (here, RB winning standby state).

  In the CB state, the small combination flag is set to the internal winning state regardless of the lottery result of the lottery means 120, and at least one of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is set to the uncontrolled state. The challenge bonus game can be played only once. In other words, in the CB state, a small role flag is easier to win than in the normal state because the small role flag is in the internal winning state regardless of the lottery result, so it is easier to win medals than in the normal state. Therefore, the gaming state is more advantageous than the normal state.

  In the CB state, for example, when a plurality of types of small combinations with different payout numbers or winning patterns are prepared as small roles, priority should not be given between the small roles for the target of the pull-in process in the stop control table. A given reel can be set to a substantially non-controlled state by each of the small combinations being subjected to a pull-in process evenly. Note that all reels may be set to the uncontrolled state, or some reels may be set to the uncontrolled state and the remaining reels may be set to the controlled state. In this case, as a method for setting the remaining reels other than the reel set to the uncontrolled state to the controlled state, for example, when a plurality of types of small roles are prepared, a specific small role is assigned to another small role. A method of preparing a stop control table so as to be a target of the pull-in process in preference to the above is conceivable.

  The BB2 state is a gaming state that shifts from the normal state in the same way as the BB1 state, and when the second big bonus (BB2: second special role) is internally won in the normal state, the predetermined second big bonus symbol This is a gaming state in which (BB2 symbol: second special role symbol) is stopped in the form of a winning. In the BB2 state, the end condition is that medals exceeding a predetermined number (a predetermined number of 253 or less) are paid out in the bonus game, and the game state is set to normal when the end condition is satisfied. Control to return to the state is performed.

  Then, in the bonus game in the BB2 state, unlike the BB1 state, the CB state is controlled so as not to go through the general state, but to shift to the CB state and pay out more than a predetermined number of medals. That is, in the BB2 state, the challenge bonus (CB: transition opportunity) is a gaming state in which the BB2 is continuously operated with the winning of BB2. Thus, in the BB2 state, since the CB state in which a small role is easy to win continues, it is easy to acquire many medals in a short period of time, and it becomes a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state or the BB1 state. ing.

  Even in the BB2 state, the regular bonus (RB: 3rd special role) is drawn, and during the game in the BB2 state (the CB is continuously operating), the RB is won and the regular bonus symbol ( When the RB symbol (third special role symbol) is stopped in a winning form, control is performed to return the gaming state to the normal state (here, the RB winning standby state). That is, if the RB is won by lottery even after the transition to the BB2 state, the BB2 state is controlled to end even if a predetermined number of medals have not been paid out.

  In the RB state, when a regular bonus (RB: third special role) is won internally in the normal state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, a predetermined regular bonus symbol (RB symbol: third special role symbol) is awarded. This is a gaming state where the start condition is that it was stopped at. In the RB state, the end condition is that a predetermined number (12 times) of games or a predetermined number (8 times) of winnings is achieved in the bonus game, and if the end condition is satisfied, the game state is normally set. Control to return to the state is performed. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, winning of RB is a forced termination condition for the BB1 state and the BB2 state.

  In the bonus game in the RB state, the bonus game in which the type of the small role or the winning rate of the small role is increased is played until the end condition is satisfied. That is, in the RB state, it is easier to obtain medals than in the normal state, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player.

  The effect control unit 180 performs control related to a display effect performed using the display device 330 such as a lamp, an LED, or a liquid crystal display, and a sound effect using sound output from the speaker 340. Specifically, the lamps and LEDs are turned on or blinked according to the occurrence of gaming events such as the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button B0, the start lever SL, and the stop buttons B1 to B3, and the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD is changed. By changing the sound or outputting sound from the speaker 340, the game is boosted or effect control for assisting the game is performed.

  Note that the functional block configuration of the present embodiment can also be applied to a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, the function is realized by downloading a program that causes the computer to function as the game control means 100 of the present embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. be able to. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240 and the like virtually function their functions with respect to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, etc.), or a controller. This can be realized by assigning. In the computer system, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the like are not indispensable constituent elements, and these device units virtually function their functions by controlling images displayed on the display (display device 330). Can be realized.

2. Next, the control method employed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, in the control method of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, in the normal state, the first big bonus (BB1), the second big bonus (BB2), and the regular bonus (RB) are lottery, and the lottery result When BB1 is won, the BB1 flag is shifted to the BB1 winning standby state in which the internal winning state is set. When BB2 is won, the BB2 flag is set to the internal winning state. When the RB is won and RB is won, the RB winning standby state is entered. In the bonus waiting state of each bonus, the lottery table is switched so that bonuses other than the bonus associated with the internal winning flag are not drawn. Instead of switching the lottery table, if any bonus is in the internal winning state, the winning will be invalidated even if other bonuses are won until the winning bonus is won and consumed. May be.

  In the method of this embodiment, in the normal state, a lottery is performed using a lottery table as shown in FIG. 4A, and BB1 and BB2 are won with high probability. That is, a method is adopted in which the normal state is set as the high probability winning section of the big bonus (BB) by drawing BB1 and BB2 with high probability in the normal state. The winning probability between BB1 and BB2 is set in accordance with, for example, the average number of acquired sheets (so-called TY) in the BB2 state. For example, if TY is set to 200, the number of medals to be paid out, which is the end condition for the BB2 state, is set to about 250 to 253, the winning probability of BB1 is 1/1 / 16.384, and the winning probability of BB2 is 1 / 16.384. Further, for example, when TY is set to 107, the number of medals to be paid out as the BB2 state end condition is set to about 130 to 140, the winning probability of BB1 is 1/1 / 16.384, and the winning probability of BB2 is 1. /8.738. Also, for example, if TY is 47, the number of medals to be paid out as the BB2 state end condition is set to about 60, the winning probability of BB1 is 1 / 16.384, and the winning probability of BB2 is 1/3. 542. That is, it is preferable to set the winning probability of BB2 to be lower than the winning probability of BB1 as the average number of sheets acquired in the BB2 state is larger.

  In the method of the present embodiment, the BB1, BB2, and RB flags are the types of flags (carry-over flag) in which the internal winning state of the flag is carried over to the next and subsequent games even if the winning game is missed. Therefore, when BB1 and BB2 are won, either BB1 or BB2 will win. When BB1 wins, the state shifts to the first big bonus state (BB1 state), and when BB2 wins, the state shifts to the second big bonus state (BB2 state). When each bonus is won in a game won for BB1, BB2, and RB, control is performed so as to shift directly to the BB1, BB2, and RB states without going through the bonus waiting state of each bonus.

  Here, in the method of the present embodiment, in the BB1 state, the gaming state shifts to the general state with the winning of BB1. In the general state, lottery is performed using a lottery table as shown in FIG. 4B, and unlike the normal state, a challenge bonus (CB) is lottery. In this lottery table in the general state, unlike the normal state, first, the replay is not drawn, and the winning combination of the small role (small role A, small role B) is the same as the normal state. It is a point set in the probability. In this embodiment, by having such a feature, in the general state, it is easy to consume medals as much as the chance of winning the replay is lost, and it is set in a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. Can do.

  In the BB1 state, if the CB can be won by winning the CB in the general state, the state can be shifted to the challenge bonus state (CB state). However, the CB is set as a type of flag (carry-over impossibility flag) that cannot be carried over to the next and subsequent games because the flag is reset when a winning is missed in the won game. Further, in the BB1 state, even if the CB is won, the CB operates alone, so the CB ends with one bonus game. For this reason, CB is treated in the same way as a small role from the viewpoint of profits to the player.

  In the BB2 state, the CB is continuously operated as the BB2 wins. Therefore, in the BB2 state, in principle, the CB state continues until medals exceeding a predetermined number are paid out, and the small role flag is set to the internal winning state regardless of the lottery result. For this reason, according to the method of the present embodiment, the player can continuously increase the number of medals held in a short period of time by winning a small role continuously in the BB2 state.

  By the way, the BB1 state is a gaming state that does not end until the payout of medals exceeding a predetermined number (predetermined number of 253 or less) is completed in principle, as in the BB2 state. If it shifts to, it will become difficult to get out of the game section where medals are more easily consumed than in the normal state. However, in the BB1 state, RBs are drawn in both the general state and the CB state as a remedy for getting out of the disadvantageous state for such a player. If the RB is won, the normal state (RB It is possible to return to the waiting state for winning. In other words, when BB1 is won in the normal state, even if the BB1 flag is a carry-over flag and the winning game is missed, in the BB1 winning standby state, RB, BB2, etc. Since the bonus lottery is not performed, the player is forced to win BB1, which is a disadvantageous game section. However, even if the state shifts to the BB1 state, it is possible to return to the normal state in which the winning opportunity of BB2 can be obtained without winning the condition of paying out medals exceeding a predetermined number by winning the RB.

  In the method of the present embodiment, as described above, the normal state is set to the so-called bonus high-probability winning section by shifting from the normal state to the BB1 state or the BB2 state with high probability, but the BB1 state consumes medals. Since the BB2 state is set to a game zone where medals are easily obtained, the BB1 state and the BB2 state complement each other, and a bonus is given in the normal state. Even if a lottery is performed to win with a high probability, the health of the game will not be harmed. In addition, as indicated by L1 in FIG. 3, even if the game state repeatedly transitions between the normal state and the BB1 state, the RB is drawn in the BB1 state, and based on the winning of the RB. Therefore, it is possible to relieve a situation in which the player is significantly disadvantaged. On the other hand, as indicated by L2 in FIG. 3, in a loop state in which the game state repeatedly transitions between the normal state and the BB2 state, a large amount of medals can be obtained. Can attract. However, if it seems that the loop state as indicated by L2 in FIG. 3 continues for a long time, it may not be preferable from the viewpoint of game soundness. Therefore, even in the BB2 state, the RB lottery is performed and the BB2 is based on the RB win. By controlling the state to be forcibly terminated, the game soundness can be secured.

  In addition, according to the method of the present embodiment, it becomes easy to stay in the BB1 state for a long time among a plurality of types of gaming states, and the period during which the replay is not drawn is extended over a long period of the operating period of the gaming machine. As a result, the proportion of medals paid out by winning a small role can be increased, and the proportion of medals paid out by a challenge bonus can be reduced.

  Next, an example of control processing of the gaming machine that realizes the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the initial state is set to the normal state, and the game in the normal state is executed (step S10). During the normal state, the first big bonus BB1 is won (Y in step S11), and when the BB1 symbols are aligned and stopped on the active line and the BB1 wins (Y in step S12), the gaming state is in the normal state. To BB1 state (step S13).

  In the BB1 state, first, the general state is entered, and the challenge bonus (CB), regular bonus (RB), and small role lottery are performed. The CB is won (Y in step S14), and the CB symbol is valid. When CB wins by stopping on the line together (Y in step S15), CB operates alone (step S16). That is, the bonus game in the CB state where the small role flag is in the internal winning state regardless of the lottery result and at least one of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is in the uncontrolled state is limited to one time. Executed. If RB is won in the BB1 state (Y in step S17 or Y in step S19), the BB1 state is ended and the state shifts to a state of waiting for the RB winning (from B to step S29). Also, when the small role is won in the BB1 state (Y in step S20), the small character symbols are aligned on the active line and stopped, and the medal is paid out in accordance with the winning of the small role (Y in step S21). Is called. The BB1 state continues until medals exceeding the predetermined number are paid out (N in step S18, to step S13). When medals exceeding the predetermined number are paid out (Y in step S18), the BB1 state is terminated. The normal state is restored (from A to step S10).

  Next, in the normal state (step S10), the second big bonus BB2 is won (Y in step S22), and when the BB2 symbols are aligned on the active line and stopped, BB2 wins (Y in step S23). The gaming state shifts from the normal state to the BB2 state (step S24).

  In the BB2 state, the CB is continuously operated with the BB2 winning until the BB2 state end condition is satisfied (step S25). If RB is won in the BB2 state (Y in step S26), the BB2 state is ended and the state shifts to a state of waiting for the RB winning (from B to step S29). The BB2 state also continues until medals exceeding the predetermined number are paid out (N in step S27, to step S24). When medals exceeding the predetermined number are paid out (Y in step S27), the BB1 state is terminated. The normal state is restored (from A to step S10).

  Next, when the RB is won in the normal state, the BB1 state, or the BB2 state (Y in step S19, Y in step S26, or Y in step S28), the RB symbol stops on the active line. When RB wins (Y in step S29), the gaming state shifts to the RB state (step S30).

  In the RB state, when a bonus game with an increased type of winning combination or winning rate is executed and 8 winning combinations have been achieved (Y in step S31), or when 12 games of RB game have been consumed At (Y in step S32), the RB state ends and returns to the normal state (from A to step S10).

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  First, in the above embodiment, the case where the challenge bonus (CB) lottery is not performed in the normal state has been described as an example. However, the CB may be lottered in the normal state. In this case, lottery is performed using a lottery table as shown in FIG. 6A in the normal state, and lottery is performed using a lottery table as shown in FIG. 6B in the general state in the BB1 state. You can do it. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the general state, it is preferable to set the lottery table so that the winning probability of the CB is higher than that in the normal state. Even in this way, in the general state in the BB1 state, the game state becomes disadvantageous for the player as much as the winning opportunity for replay is lost compared to the normal state.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when winning a prize in BB2, the case where the CB is shifted to the BB2 state where the CB continuously operates in accordance with the winning is described as an example. However, as shown in FIG. A state and a CB state in which the CB operates independently may be set. In this case, in the general state in the BB1 state, a lottery is performed using a lottery table as shown in FIG. 8A so as to win CB with a low probability, and in the general state in the BB2 state, FIG. A lottery table may be used to win a CB with a high probability using a lottery table as shown in FIG. Specifically, the total number of random numbers assigned to the CB winning in each general state lottery table may be larger in the general state in the BB2 state than in the general state in the BB1 state.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the CB drawn in the general state in the BB2 state is a so-called single action that ends in one bonus game, but the CB drawn in the general state in the BB2 state is After winning a prize, it may be a role that is continuously operated until a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, BB2 is a bonus for using CB. However, BB2 may be a bonus that can be repeatedly awarded to RB until a predetermined number of medals are paid out. In this case, a general state is set in the BB2 state, and in the general state, a lottery may be performed so that the RB is won with higher probability than the normal state. In this case, unlike the above embodiment, the BB2 state may not be terminated by winning the RB.

  In the above embodiment, the case where RB is used as a role that triggers the forced termination of the BB1 state or the BB2 state has been described as an example. However, instead of RB, the type of the small role or the prize for the small role is awarded. A single bonus (SB) for executing a bonus game with an increased rate may be used as a role that triggers the BB1 state or the BB2 state to be forcibly terminated. Further, in the BB1 state or the BB2 state, when both RB and SB are selected and either one is won, the gaming state may be controlled so as to forcibly end the BB1 state or the BB2 state. .

  In the above embodiment, the case where the replay is not drawn in the general state in the BB1 state has been described as an example. However, the replay may be drawn in the general state in the BB1 state. In this case, the winning probability of replay in the general state of the BB1 state may be lower than that in the normal state.

  In addition, a gaming state other than those introduced in the above embodiments and modifications may be set. For example, when a specific winning combination is won, after storing it, a stock time state (ST state) in which the stored combination is released based on a predetermined condition, or a discharge height that increases the probability of releasing the stored combination A probability state may be set. Further, for example, a replay time (RT state) in which the winning probability of a replay (replaying gamer) that makes it unnecessary to insert a medal at the next game in accordance with winning can be set. Further, for example, an assist time state (AT state) may be set for notifying the type of winning small combination and the mode of a stop operation necessary for winning the winning small combination. Further, for example, a game state in which the probability of transition to a special game state such as the ST state, the RT state, and the AT state becomes high in a game of a certain section may be set.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the game machine of this embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function of the game machine of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the lottery table used with the method of this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the example of control processing of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the lottery table used with the modification of the method of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the lottery table used with the modification of the method of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the method of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

BX storage box, UD front upper door, DD front lower door, DW display window,
DS game information display, LCD liquid crystal display,
R1 first reel, R2 second reel, R3 third reel,
B0 bet button, SL start lever, B1-B3 stop button,
MI medal slot, MO medal outlet, MP medal tray,
100 game control means, 110 random number generation means, 120 lottery means,
130 reel stop control means, 140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means,
160 replay processing means, 170 gaming state transition control means, 180 effect control means,
190 storage means, 192 lottery table storage means, 194 flag storage means,
196 stop control table storage means, 198 winning determination table storage means,
210 medal insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 stop switch, 310 reel unit, 320 hopper unit,
330 display device, 340 speaker

Claims (10)

Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a role is won using a random number for each game;
A gaming machine comprising gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to a gaming result,
The lottery means
In the normal state, a lottery is performed to determine whether a plurality of roles including the first special role and the second special role are successful,
The gaming state transition control means is
The gaming state shifts to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the gaming state shifts to the second special state based on the winning of the second special combination won by the lottery. Control
In the first special state, the player performs control to shift to the normal state and the second game state, which is advantageous compared to the first game state, through the first game state, which is disadvantageous compared to the normal state. ,
In the second special state, control is performed to shift to the second game state without passing through the first game state. Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a role is won using a random number for each game;
A gaming machine comprising gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to a gaming result,
The lottery means
In the normal state, a lottery is performed to determine whether a plurality of roles including the first special role and the second special role are successful,
The gaming state transition control means is
The gaming state shifts to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the gaming state shifts to the second special state based on the winning of the second special combination won by the lottery. Control
In the first special state and the second special state, the player enters a second gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal state and the first gaming state via the first gaming state, which is disadvantageous to the player as compared to the normal state. Based on the winning of the given transition opportunity, control to be transferred,
The lottery means
The gaming machine, wherein in the second special state, the transition opportunity is drawn with a higher winning probability than in the first special state. In claim 1 or 2,
The lottery means
At least in the first gaming state of the normal state and the first special state, perform a lottery to determine whether or not the third special role is successful,
The gaming state transition control means is
The first special state is terminated based on the winning of the third special combination by the lottery in the first gaming state of the first special state, and the gaming state is at least the normal state based on the winning of the selected third special combination As well as the transition to the third special state where the player is more advantageous than
A gaming machine, characterized in that, based on the achievement of a predetermined number of games or a predetermined number of winnings, the third special state is terminated and control is performed to shift the gaming state to the normal state. In any one of Claims 1-3,
A plurality of reels that are rotatable with a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface,
Operation means for performing an operation that triggers rotation and stop of the plurality of reels;
Reel stop control means for performing control to stop the plurality of rotating reels according to whether or not the combination is based on a stop operation to the operation means;
Including
In the second gaming state of the first special state, at least one of the plurality of reels is set to an uncontrolled state. In claim 4,
In the second gaming state of the first special state, a gaming machine in which a game medium is paid out upon winning is set to a winning state regardless of the result of the lottery. In any one of Claims 1-5,
The lottery means
In the normal state, when a prize is won, a re-game player who does not need to insert a game medium in the next game is drawn with a predetermined winning probability,
The gaming machine, wherein in the first gaming state of the first special state, the re-gamer is drawn with a low winning probability compared to the normal state, or the re-gamer is not drawn. In claim 6,
The lottery means
A gaming machine, wherein a combination of a game medium to be paid out in accordance with a prize is drawn with the same winning probability in the first game state in the normal state and the first special state. Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a role is won using a random number for each game;
A program that causes a computer to function as gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to a gaming result,
The lottery means
In the normal state, a lottery is performed to determine whether a plurality of roles including the first special role and the second special role are successful,
The gaming state transition control means is
The gaming state shifts to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the gaming state shifts to the second special state based on the winning of the second special combination won by the lottery. Control
In the first special state, the player performs control to shift to the normal state and the second game state, which is advantageous compared to the first game state, through the first game state, which is disadvantageous compared to the normal state. ,
In the second special state, a program for performing control to shift to the second gaming state without passing through the first gaming state. Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a role is won using a random number for each game;
A program that causes a computer to function as gaming state transition control means for controlling state transition between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state, a first special state, and a second special state according to a gaming result,
The lottery means
In the normal state, a lottery is performed to determine whether a plurality of roles including the first special role and the second special role are successful,
The gaming state transition control means is
The gaming state shifts to the first special state based on the winning of the first special combination won by the lottery, and the gaming state shifts to the second special state based on the winning of the second special combination won by the lottery. Control
In the first special state and the second special state, the player enters a second gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal state and the first gaming state via the first gaming state, which is disadvantageous to the player as compared to the normal state. Based on the winning of the given transition opportunity, control to be transferred,
The lottery means
The program characterized in that in the second special state, the transition opportunity is drawn with a higher winning probability than in the first special state.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to claim 8 or 9 is stored.

Images