JP2008073446A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of improving the performance effect of a special performance of developing a story during a special game. <P>SOLUTION: In the pachinko game machine, when a game as the special performance is interrupted together with the end of a special game, a state value for specifying a scene when interrupting the game is stored. Then, when shifting to the special game again, the scene when interrupting the game is reproduced on the basis of the state value and the game is restarted from the just interrupted state. Thus, no matter what timing the game is interrupted during the special game, since the story is restarted from the interrupted scene, the scene longed for by a player is accurately reproduced and the performance effect is kept high. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to an effect control technique in a ball game machine.

  Various types of pachinko machines are popular as bullet ball machines. Among conventional pachinko gaming machines, when a game ball enters a start port formed on a game board, a lottery value is randomly acquired as a result. The acquired lottery values are temporarily stored, for example, up to four as reserved balls. The reserved balls are sequentially read one by one to determine whether or not they are correct, and a symbol called a special symbol is variably displayed according to the determination result. At this time, there is a case where a design for the purpose of production called a decorative design is displayed in a variable manner in conjunction with the display of the special design. Based on the lottery result based on the read lottery value, the stop display mode of the special symbol is determined.

  When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode after the fluctuation display for a predetermined time, the gaming state shifts to a special game as a so-called “big hit”. A special game is composed of a plurality of unit games. The big prize opening formed on the game board is opened at the start of the unit game. The unit game ends when a predetermined period, for example, 30 seconds elapses from the start of the unit game, or when nine or more game balls are won in the big prize opening during the unit game. At this time, the grand prize opening is also temporarily closed. The unit game can be continued up to a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times. When the game balls fall into the big prize opening, more game balls than usual are paid out as prize balls.

  A general player plays a game mainly for the purpose of opening a special winning opening in order to obtain many prize balls, that is, shifting the gaming state to a special game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

When transitioning to such a special game, the screen of the effect display device on which the decorative symbols have been displayed until then is switched to display the effect image for the jackpot. For example, there are those that entertain a player by displaying a predetermined story during a special game. In addition, there is a game in which a series of stories can be developed step by step each time the special game is repeated because the story during the special game is the same every time. Such ingenuity stirs up the excitement and excitement of the player, and increased the willingness to continue playing with the aim of enjoying the story.
JP 2003-230714 A JP-A-11-28277

  However, although a series of stories is developed, one story is divided into a plurality of partial stories in advance, and these are only displayed sequentially according to a predetermined rule. In other words, since the divisions of the partial stories constituting the story are determined in advance, the story is monotonous in that the story is restarted from one of the predetermined divisions. On the other hand, the execution time of a special game can change randomly depending on the progress of the game. For example, if you shift to a special game and win more than 9 balls in a big winning spot in a short period of time, the special game may end before 30 seconds have passed since the start, and the special game ends. The point in time and the end point of the partial story do not necessarily match. For this reason, if the partial story is interrupted, the continuity of the story in the next special game may not be guaranteed and the player may feel uncomfortable.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine capable of further enhancing the effect of special effects in which stories are developed during special games.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a bullet ball game machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start port provided at a predetermined position in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, A variable pitching device that is provided at a predetermined position in the game area and can be opened so that a game ball can enter, an effect display device that can display a predetermined effect image as a moving image, and a game ball has entered the start opening Multiple scenes are connected to the lottery means for executing the lottery with the opportunity, the special game control means for opening the variable pitching device when the result of the lottery is successful, and executing the special game advantageous to the player. For special effects that produce a series of stories that progress toward a predetermined ending, an effect condition storage means for storing selection conditions for subsequent scenes according to state values representing the effect state of each scene, and execution of special games During the current state value and selection condition Therefore, the subsequent scenes are sequentially selected to display the effect image of the special effect on the effect display device, and the special effect control means for interrupting the special effect at the end of the special game, and the state value at the time of at least interruption of the special effect Effect state storage means for storing.

  When the special game is executed again, the special effect control means reproduces the scene when the special effect is interrupted by using the state value stored in the effect state storage means, and resumes the special effect from the reproduced scene. To do.

  Here, the “special effect” is executed during a special game, and a plurality of scenes are connected to produce a series of stories. Depending on which scene is selected in the process, the story is selected. The flow of can vary. This "special effect" may be a story itself that is automatically expanded when a scene is selected internally, or a player-participation type where a scene is selected based on the player's input and the story develops It may be a game or the like. In the case of the former, the flow of the story itself is determined in advance, but where the scene constituting the story is interrupted depends on the end timing of the special game.

  Further, the “state value” here defines the production state of each scene, and means information that can identify which scene of a series of stories. For example, it may include a value representing the current position information of the character that appears, a value representing the current state quantity such as physical strength, intelligence, and experience value, a value representing the state quantity representing the background surrounding the character, and the like. The “selection condition” means information for associating a state value with a scene, and the next scene can be uniquely identified based on the current state value. Therefore, when the state value changes with the progress of the story, the scene also changes correspondingly, and one story is constituted by the connection of the scene. In other words, the subsequent scene changes depending on the state value, and the flow of the story can also change.

  According to this aspect, even if the special effect is interrupted at the end of the special game, the state value at the time of the interruption is stored. When the special game is entered again, the scene at the time of interruption of the special effect is reproduced based on the state value, and the special effect is resumed.

  That is, a series of stories produced by special effects is completed by executing a plurality of special games. For this reason, the player wants to enjoy the continuation of the special game as long as the story is not completed even after the special game is finished, and tries to continue the game until the next special game starts. That is, the player's willingness to continue to play can be maintained.

  The scene at the time of interruption of the special effect is stored as a state value, and the scene at the time of interruption is reproduced via the state value when the special effect is resumed next time. In other words, no matter what timing the special performance is interrupted due to the end of the special game, the story is resumed from the interrupted scene, so the scene that the player has been waiting for is accurately reproduced, and the effect of the performance is enhanced. Can be held.

  Specifically, an operation input device that receives a player's operation input may be further provided, and a player participation type game effect may be performed as a special effect. That is, the production condition storage means stores the selection conditions of the scenes constituting the production display process of the game that can be developed into a plurality of kinds of stories based on the player's operation input, and the special production control means The current state value may be determined based on the operation input, and the effect image of the special effect may be displayed as a moving image on the effect display device.

  According to this aspect, since the development of the story changes as the player participates, the impression and excitement become higher, and it can be expected that the willingness to continue the game is further increased.

  More specifically, the special effect control means displays the identification information in which the state value at the time of interruption of the special effect is encoded on the effect display device at a predetermined timing after the end of the special game, and before the start of the special game. When the identification information input screen is displayed on the effect display device at a predetermined timing and the identification information input by the player is decodable data, the identification information is decoded and the effect state can be reproduced. It may be set to.

  Here, the “predetermined timing after the end of the special game” may be a predetermined timing in a standby state in which an operation triggered by entering the starting port is interrupted for a predetermined period or more. Specifically, for example, the identification information may be displayed during display of a demonstration screen for demonstration of a game. Alternatively, the identification information may be displayed each time the special effect is interrupted after the special game is over. The identification information can be displayed, for example, as a predetermined character string, and the player can write down or memorize the character string and hold it.

  Further, the “predetermined timing before the start of the special game” may be a predetermined timing in the standby state. The display timing of the input screen may be simultaneous with the display timing of the identification information or may be different timing. Alternatively, an identification information input screen may be displayed each time the special game is resumed. The player can input a character string, for example, written or memorized as described above according to the input screen.

  Also, “setting the rendering state to a reproducible state” is intended to include both the case where the rendering state is immediately reproduced and the case where the rendering state is set to be reproducible later. For example, it may include both a case where an identification information input screen is displayed when the game is shifted to a special game after the game is started or resumed, and a case where the identification information input screen is displayed in advance when the game is started or resumed.

  According to this aspect, the player who has received the identification information can resume the special effect from the interrupted scene by inputting the identification information even if the game is once ended in a state where the special effect is interrupted. it can. Further, when the encoded identification information is issued, the player can resume the interrupted special effect as long as the game table can decode the identification information. That is, as long as the identification information is appropriate, the special effect can be resumed even on a game machine different from the game machine that interrupted the special effect. Also, the player can resume the special effect that was interrupted even if the game dates differ. As a result, it is possible for the convenience of the player. Also, if the player plays a game for the purpose of resuming the special performance, it will also be used for the profit of the hall side.

  The effect condition storage means may store a change condition for changing the progress of the special effect according to the result of the lottery. For example, if the lottery result is a normal jackpot, the special performance will proceed as usual, and if it is a jackpot with a probability variation game (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”), the story of the special performance will be advantageously developed for the player. It may be set. As an advantageous development, for example, the special effect may arrive at a player's intended ending early, or a privilege during the game may be easily obtained. In the former case, for example, several scenes from when the interrupted game is resumed until the end of the story may be skipped. In this case, the big change with probability variation is the “change condition”, but other change conditions can be set.

  The effect condition storage means also has a condition for selecting an interpolation effect to be executed until the special game ends when any of the state values reaches a predetermined target value and the special effect ends before the special game ends. May be further stored.

  That is, as mentioned above, no matter what timing the special performance is interrupted during the special game, the story is resumed from the interrupted scene, so conversely at what point in time the special performance ends in the special game It is not certain that the special performance may end before the end of the special game. In such a case, by performing an interpolating effect, it is followed until the special game ends. A plurality of types of interpolation effects can be set. In this case, the fact that the special effect has ended before the end of the special game and the correspondence between the end timing and the type of the interpolation effect can be a “selection condition”. This makes it possible for the player to finish the special game and the special game without feeling uncomfortable.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the ball game machine of the present invention, it is possible to further enhance the effect of special effects in which a story is developed during a special game.

FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a transparent plate 13, a door 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, and a launch handle 17. The outer frame 11 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening portion of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like.

  The transparent plate 13 is made of glass or the like and is supported by the door 14. The door 14 is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending out the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. A speaker 18 is provided between the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state is output.

  The operation button 82 is a button that the player operates to input an instruction or the like in response to a request from the gaming machine side as the game progresses. The selection button 84 is a button that is operated by the player to select an event or information on performance in accordance with an instruction from the gaming machine side. These operation buttons 82 and selection buttons 84 constitute an operation input device, and are provided on the outer wall surface in the vicinity of the upper ball tray 15.

  The game board 50 has an out port 58, a special symbol display device 61, an effect display device 60, and a start winning port (hereinafter referred to as “start port”) 62 on a game area 52 defined by the outer rail 54 and the inner rail 56. , A center ornament 64, a grand prize opening 66, an operation opening 68, and a general prize opening 72. Further, in the game area 52, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed. The start opening 62 includes a start winning detection device 74 for detecting the entrance of a game ball and a normal electric accessory solenoid 76 for expanding the normal electric accessory at the start opening. The start winning detection device 74 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the start port 62, and generates start win information indicating the winning at the time of entering. The general winning opening 72 includes a general winning detecting device 73 for detecting the entering of a game ball. The general winning detection device 73 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening 72, and generates general winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning. The special winning opening 66 includes a winning detection device 78 for detecting the entry of a game ball and a special winning opening solenoid 80 for expanding the special winning opening 66. The winning detection device 78 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 66, and generates big winning opening winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning.

  The big winning opening 66 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened as a “big hit” when the special symbol 192 stops in a predetermined manner. The big winning opening 66 is provided above the out opening 58 and the like. The winning detection device 78 of the big winning opening 66 includes a sensor that detects passage of a game ball.

  The special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60 provided substantially in the center of the game area 52 display the special symbol 192 and the effect image 200 linked to the special symbol 192 on the respective screens as moving images (hereinafter, such display is performed). "Design variation" or "variation display"). The special symbol 192 is a symbol corresponding to the result of a lottery (hereinafter referred to as “winning lottery”) performed when a game ball enters the start port 62. If the symbol pattern when the variable display is stopped is a symbol determined to be a hit, the timing at which the stop symbol is displayed becomes the hit occurrence timing. The special symbol display device 61 is display means composed of, for example, 7 segment LEDs. The special symbol display device 61 circulates numbers in the range of 0 to 9 as the variable symbolic display of the special symbol 192. The normal hit time is 0, the probability change hit time is 1, and when it is off, any number from 2 to 9 is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol.

  The effect display device 60 is a liquid crystal display that displays the effect image 200 as a moving image in conjunction with the change display of the special symbol 192. The effect image 200 includes a decorative symbol 190 that is variably displayed in conjunction with the variability display of the special symbol 192 in order to visually produce the result of the success / failure lottery indicated by the special symbol 192. The effect image 200 also includes a moving image of a special effect executed during the special game. A specific example of this special effect will be described later.

  The operation port 68 is provided at the left side position of the game board 50. The operation port 68 includes a passage detection device 69. The passage detection device 69 is a sensor that detects the passage of the game ball to the operation port 68, and generates passage information indicating the passage at the time of passage. The passing of the game ball to the operation port 68 triggers a lottery (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol lottery”) for expanding the start port 62.

  When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are guided one by one to the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54 with a strength corresponding to the turning angle, thereby playing the game area. To 52. When the player fixes the rotation position of the firing handle 17 by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at regular time intervals. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 52 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting a plurality of game nails and windmills. When a game ball is dropped into each of the general winning port 72, the start port 62, and the big winning port 66, the winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out to the upper ball plate 15 or the lower ball plate 16. A game ball dropped into each winning hole such as the general winning hole 72 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball dropped into the out hole 58 is processed as an out ball. Each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes. In this application, “incoming”, “entering”, and “winning” include “passing”.

  When the game ball falls into the start port 62, the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60. The variable display of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is stopped after the elapse of the display time determined prior to the display. When the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 at the time of the stop are symbols indicating winning, the game shifts from the normal game to the special game, and the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 66 is started.

  The big winning opening 66 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls are dropped. A special game is composed of one or more unit games. The number of unit games in this embodiment is 15 times. Since one opening / closing operation is performed in one unit game, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 66 is repeated by the number of unit games.

  When a special game occurs and a predetermined condition such as a lottery is satisfied, a probability variation game is started as a specific game after the special game ends. In the probability variation game, a lottery with a higher win probability than the normal probability state is performed, and a new special game is generated relatively early.

  When the game ball passes through the operation port 68, a symbol called a normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 59 for a predetermined time. The normal symbol display device 59 is provided on the right side of the effect display device 60. The normal symbol display device 59 includes two lamps. The operation in which the respective lamps alternately flash is an operation corresponding to “ordinary symbol variation display”. When the normal symbol variation display is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, the start port 62 is normally expanded for a predetermined time with a probability of about 50% to 80%. At this time, one of the two lamps of the normal symbol display device 59 is lit up.

  A center ornament 64 is provided around the effect display device 60. The center decoration 64 has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60, and decoration. The center decoration 64 is provided with a lottery holding lamp 20 at the upper part thereof and an operation holding lamp 22 at a left side part thereof. The lottery hold lamp 20 is composed of four lamps, and displays the number of lottery holds depending on the number of lights. The number of lottery holdings is the number of winning / successful lottery results won in the starting slot 62 during symbol variation or special game, and indicates the number of winning balls for which symbol variation has not yet been executed. The operation hold lamp 22 is also composed of four lamps, and displays the number of hold of normal symbol fluctuations depending on the number of lights. The number of normal symbol fluctuations held is the number of game balls that have passed through the operation port 68 during the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and indicates the number of normal symbol lotteries for which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet been executed. In addition, a game effect lamp 90 is provided in the game area 52 and plays a role of production by blinking or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the function of the variable pitching device described in the claims is realized mainly by the big winning opening 66, the big winning opening solenoid 80, the winning detection device 78, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine.
The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 102 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes the entire game operation, such as a lottery determination when winning at the start port 62. The sub board 104 includes a liquid crystal unit 42, controls display contents on the effect display device 60, and changes display contents according to a lottery result by the main board 102 in particular. The main board 102 and the sub board 104 constitute a game control device 100. The set base 39 includes a prize ball tank 44, a flow path for prize balls, a payout unit 43 for delivering prize balls. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 52 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

FIG. 3 shows functional blocks of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment.
In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game control device 100 includes a start port 62, a big winning port 66, a general winning port 72, an operating port 68, a special symbol display device 61, an effect display device 60, a normal symbol display device 59, and operation buttons 82. The selection button 84, the speaker 18, and the game effect lamp 90 are electrically connected to each other, and can transmit and receive various control signals. The game control apparatus 100 controls not only the basic operation of the game, but also staging operations such as symbol variation display and electrical decoration. The game control device 100 is configured in such a manner that functions are shared between a main board 102 that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including basic operations of the game, and a sub board 104 that controls design effects and the like. The game control device 100 is configured by hardware including elements such as a ROM and a RAM for storing data and programs, and a CPU used for arithmetic processing.

  The main board 102 includes an incoming ball judging means 110, a winning / failing lottery means 112, a symbol determining means 114, a holding control means 116, a main display control means 118, a special game control means 120, a specific game execution means 122, and an opening / closing control means 124. . The sub-board 104 includes pattern storage means 130, effect condition storage means 131, effect determination means 132, effect state storage means 133, and effect display control means 134. Each functional block included in the main board 102 may be configured such that any one of the functional blocks is mounted on the sub board 104 instead of the main board 102. Similarly, each functional block included in the sub-board 104 may be configured such that any one of them is mounted on the main board 102 instead of the sub-board 104.

  The entrance determination means 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. When receiving the start winning information, the winning determination means 110 determines that the game ball has won the start opening 62, and when receiving the big winning opening winning information, determines that the game ball has won the big winning opening 66, and the general winning is obtained. When the information is received, it is determined that the game ball has won the general winning opening 72. When receiving the passage information, the ball entering determination unit 110 determines that the game ball has passed through the operation port 68.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 acquires a random number value as a success / failure lottery value in order to determine whether or not to shift from the normal game to the special game when the game ball enters the start port 62. For example, the success / failure lottery value is acquired from a range of 0 to 65535. The “random number” in the present application may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo-random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like. The success / failure lottery means 112 holds a plurality of success / failure tables to be referred to in the success / failure determination. In the plurality of success / failure tables, the determination result of winning or losing is associated with the winning / losing lottery value, and the success / failure probability is determined according to the associated winning range setting.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to a success / failure determination table with a low probability in the low probability state (hereinafter referred to as “non-probability change validity determination table”), and in the high probability state, the success / failure determination with a high probability. Refer to a table (hereinafter referred to as a “probability variation determination table”). In the uncertain variation determination table, it is determined that a winning lottery value in the range of 0 to 255 is a win. In the probability variation determination table, it is determined that a winning lottery value in the range of 0 to 2500 is a win. The success / failure lottery means 112 executes the success / failure lottery by referring to any of the plurality of success / failure tables and determining whether or not the success / failure lottery value is a win. The determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is indicated by the special symbol 192 on the special symbol display device 61 by a variable display. In addition, the decorative symbol 190 that shows the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 in an effect manner is variably displayed on the effect display device 60.

  The symbol determining unit 114 determines a stop symbol and a variation pattern of the special symbol 192 to be displayed on the special symbol display device 61. The symbol determining means 114 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol according to the pattern lottery value generated in the range of 0 to 255. Moreover, the symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol aspect of a special symbol according to the symbol lottery value produced | generated in the range of 0-255. When the winning / losing lottery value is a win, it is determined based on the symbol lottery value whether it is a normal hit or a probable change. Note that if the winning / failing lottery value is off, any one of a plurality of types of off symbols is determined as a stop symbol.

  The symbol determination means 114 also determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 59 by the normal symbol lottery. The symbol determining means 114 sends data indicating the variation pattern and stop symbols to the main display control means 118, the effect determining means 132, and the effect display control means 134 as a result of the success / failure lottery.

  The symbol determination means 114 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns in which variation modes from the variation start to the stop when the special symbol is variably displayed are defined. Multiple types of variation patterns have various variation times. That is, for each variation pattern, a variation time is defined for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the variation of the special symbol is stopped when the variation time elapses.

  When the game ball passes through the operation port 68, the symbol determination means 114 acquires a lottery random number for determining the normal symbol, and determines a stop symbol of the normal symbol according to the lottery random number. When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a specific symbol, the opening / closing control means 124 expands the normal electric accessory at the start port 62 for a predetermined time.

  The holding control means 116 holds the winning / losing lottery value acquired by the winning / failing lottery means 112 as a holding ball. The success / failure lottery value is accumulated until the number of holds reaches a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit of the number of holds is 4. The hold control means 116 holds the upper limit of four as a result of the normal symbol lottery.

  The main display control means 118 causes the special symbol display device 61 to variably display the special symbol. The main display control means 118 transmits the change start command and the change stop command to the effect display control means 134 at the timing of starting and stopping the change display of the special symbol, thereby causing the special display by the main display control means 118 to be displayed. 192 and the variation display of the decorative symbols by the effect display control means 134 are synchronized, and the interlock is maintained. The main display control means 118 displays the normal symbol variation on the normal symbol display device 59.

  The special game control means 120 controls the execution process of the special game when the winning / losing lottery is won.

  The specific game execution means 122 sets the normal game after the special game to a high probability state when the probability change has occurred. At this time, the specific game executing means 122 sets a probability variation appropriateness determination table as the appropriateness determination table to be referred to by the appropriateness lottery means 112 for the appropriateness lottery. In principle, the high-probability state is continued until the next jackpot occurs, and during that time, the probability of the hit determination by the success / failure lottery means 112 is maintained at a high value. If the normal win occurs in the high probability state, the normal game after the end of the special game is in the low probability state. In other words, the specific game executing means 122 sets a non-probability change appropriateness determination table as the appropriateness determination table to be referred to by the appropriateness lottery means 112 for the appropriateness lottery.

  The opening / closing control means 124 controls the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory at the start opening 62 and the special winning opening 66. When the normal symbol is stopped at a specific symbol, the opening / closing control unit 124 sends an opening instruction to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76 to open the start port 62. Further, the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening instruction to the special winning opening solenoid 80 during the special game, and opens the special winning opening 66.

  The pattern storage unit 130 holds a plurality of types of display patterns of the effect image 200 including the decorative symbol 190 displayed on the screen of the effect display device 60.

  The stop symbol of the decorative symbol 190 is formed as a combination of five or nine symbols. For example, when the determination result by the winning / failing lottery means 112 indicates a shift to a special game, a combination such as “777” or “111” in which three symbols are aligned on the active line is selected. In the case where the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 indicates that the game does not shift to the special game, a combination that does not have three symbols such as “312” and “946” is selected. However, if the determination result is that the game does not shift to the special game, and the display pattern of the special symbol indicating the detachment with the reach is selected, the valid line such as “191” or “727” is displayed. Select a combination in which only one symbol is not available.

  The display pattern of the decorative symbol 190 defines a variation display mode of the decorative symbol 190, that is, an effect process from the start of variation to the stop of variation of the decorative symbol 190. In the display pattern, a pattern for displaying a normal out symbol, a pattern for displaying a dismissed symbol through a reach state that will be a big win if one more symbols are aligned, and a winning symbol through a reach state are displayed. When the pattern is included. In particular, the pattern that passes through the reach state includes patterns having various fluctuation times. Each display pattern has a variation time for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the symbol variation is stopped when the variation time elapses.

  The effect condition storage means 131 stores a special effect program to be displayed on the screen of the effect display device 60 during execution of the special game. That is, in the present embodiment, a role playing game (hereinafter simply referred to as “game”), which will be described later, is executed as a special effect that enhances the interest of the player during the special game. This game is a player-participation-type game in which the player can control the action of the character as the main character. In each scene that constitutes the story of this game, there are state values such as current position information, personality, physical strength, intelligence, experience values of a plurality of characters including the main character, and state values that represent the background surrounding the character, It is set in detail to define the production state of the scene. The player develops the scene while growing the character through changes in their state values due to events such as battles. As each state value changes as the story progresses, the scene changes accordingly, and one story is formed by the connection of the scenes. The program stored in the effect condition storage unit 131 holds a selection condition for selecting a subsequent scene according to the state value of each scene. For this reason, when the program is executed, scenes are sequentially selected in accordance with changes in the current state value and the story is developed. How to reproduce the interruption scene from each state value is not only specified in the program, but the correspondence between the state value and the component of the scene is specified in a predetermined table separately from the program. May be. A specific example of this game will be described later.

  The effect determining unit 132 determines a display pattern corresponding to the progress of the game from the plurality of display patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 130. That is, the effect determining unit 132 displays the display pattern of the effect image 200 including the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the decorative symbol 190 as a result of the lottery by the success / failure lottery unit 112, the stop symbol of the special symbol 192, the variation pattern of the special symbol 192, It is determined according to the variation time. The effect determining unit 132 sends information on the display pattern of the effect image 200 including the decorative design 190 to the effect display control unit 134.

  The effect state storage means 133 stores the state value representing the current scene of the special effect while sequentially updating it.

The effect display control means 134 includes a normal effect control means 136 and a special effect control means 138.
The normal effect control unit 136 displays the decorative symbol 190 in a variable manner on the effect display device 60 in accordance with the selected fluctuation pattern data. The normal effect control unit 136 also controls effect processing such as lighting and extinguishing of the game effect lamp 90 and sound output from the speaker 18.

  The special effect control means 138 executes the special effect program during the execution of the special game, sequentially selects the subsequent scenes based on the current state value and the selection condition, and generates the effect image 200 of the special effect. To display. The special effect control means 138 also interrupts the special effect at the end of the special game. As will be described later, the special effect control means 138 reproduces the scene when the special effect is interrupted by using the state value stored in the effect state storage means 133 when the special game is executed again. The special production is resumed from the scene.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen example of an effect image displayed on the effect display device as a special effect. The figure shows an example of a game screen displayed during execution of a special game, and shows how scenes develop from (a) to (c).

  In FIG. 4A, a progress scene 161 is shown in which the main character 151 that can be operated by the player is walking toward the destination. In the corner of the screen, state values such as intelligence, physical strength, and experience values of the main character 151 at that time are displayed. Internally, in addition to these state values, a state value representing the wilderness that is the background, a state value representing the current position information of the main character 151, and the like are held.

  In FIG. 4B, a suggestion scene 162 is displayed in which the background of the hero character 151 is deteriorated and the encounter with the hostile special character 152 is predicted. Also in this case, various state values of the main character 151 at that time are displayed in the corners of the screen, and the above-described various state values are updated and held internally.

  In FIG. 4C, an encounter scene 163 in which the main character 151 encounters the special character 152 is displayed. In this case, various state values of the special character 152 as well as the main character 151 at that time are displayed in the corners of the screen, and the various state values described above are updated and held internally. Also, on this screen, a selection request for selecting “fight”, “speak”, “ignore”,... As an action for the special character 152 is displayed. The player selects one by operating the selection button 84 and determines this by operating the operation button 82, so that the player can develop the next scene.

  Here, since the special game is finished before the player performs this operation, it is assumed that the special effect is interrupted in the encounter scene 163 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another screen example of the effect image displayed on the effect display device as the special effect. The figure shows an example of a game screen that is displayed when the special game corresponding to FIG. 4 ends and the game shifts to the normal game, and then shifts to the special game again, and the scene is changed from (a) to (c). The deployment is shown.

  In FIG. 5A, the same encounter scene 163 as in FIG. 4C is displayed. That is, in this embodiment, when the special effect is once interrupted and then resumed in the next special game, the special effect is restarted from the scene at the previous interruption. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the scene at the time of interruption of the last special effect is first reproduced. The player can select one of the actions for the special character 152 that could not be selected last time. Here, it is assumed that the action of “fight” is selected by the player. In this case as well, the above-described various state values are updated and held apart from whether or not an image is displayed.

  FIG. 5B shows a battle scene 165 between the main character 151 and the special character 152. The progress of the battle state is developed based on the above-described various state values according to the program. Also in this case, the various state values described above are updated and held.

  FIG. 5C shows a victory scene 166 where the main character 151 has won the battle with the special character 152. In the figure, the main character 151 has won. However, depending on the state value, a defeat scene in which the main character 151 loses the battle with the special character 152 may be displayed. In this case as well, the above-described various state values are updated and held apart from whether or not an image is displayed.

  In this way, even if the special effect is interrupted due to the end of the special game, the special effect is resumed from the scene that was interrupted in the next special game, so that the player can continue to enjoy the game as the special effect without a sense of incongruity. it can.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a basic operation process in the pachinko gaming machine. The process shown in the figure is a process repeatedly executed as a loop process.

  First, when a game ball wins the start opening 62, the general winning opening 72, the big winning opening 66, or the like, or the game ball passes through the operation opening 68, whether or not the ball has entered or passed is determined by the entrance determining means 110. In the case of winning, a winning process corresponding to each entry or passage such as acquisition of a lottery value or counting the number of entries is executed (S10). Subsequently, if the special game is not being executed (N in S12), a special effect setting process for setting execution conditions for the special effect is executed (S13), and then a control process for a normal game such as a special symbol lottery is executed (S13). S14). If a special game is being performed in S12 (Y in S12), a special game control process is executed (S16). Then, a prize ball payout according to various winnings in the processes from S10 to S16 is processed (S18).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the special effect setting process of S13 in FIG. 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams illustrating screen examples displayed on the effect display device in the process of the special effect setting process. Hereinafter, description will be made based on FIG. 7 with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 as appropriate.

  First, when the entrance of the game ball is not detected by each of the entrance detection devices (N in S20), and the entrance not detected state is in a standby state after a predetermined period of time (S21) Y) The normal effect control means 136 displays a demonstration screen for demonstrating the game (S22). Further, the special effect control means 138 displays a special effect setting image along with the demonstration screen (S23).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, a demonstration image 171 is displayed as a moving image as the effect image 200, and a special effect setting image 172 is displayed beside it. As the special effect setting image 172, “new game start” for starting a new game, “resumption of interrupted game” for resuming the previously interrupted game, and “interruption for saving the interrupted game” Each setting button of “Save Game” is displayed. The player can select one of the setting buttons with the selection button 84 and set it with the operation button 82.

At this time, if “start new game” is set (Y in S24), the special effect control means 138 ends the process of S13 as it is. In this case, a new game is started the next time the game is shifted to the special game. On the other hand, when “start new game” is not set (N in S24) and “resume interrupted game” is set (Y in S26), the special effect control means 138 executes an interrupted game setting process described later. (S27). Furthermore, when neither “start new game” nor “restart interrupted game” is set (N in S24, N in S26) and “store interrupted game” is set (Y in S28), special effect control means 138 Executes the interrupted game storage process (S29). That is, the special effect control means 138 encodes the state value of the game that was interrupted immediately before according to a predetermined rule, and generates a continuation key that is input to resume the interrupted game. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the continuation key is displayed as the effect image 200 together with the message “Please keep this continuation key carefully”. If the player wants to start the game that has been continued from the state where it was interrupted, the player inputs this continuation key in the suspending game setting process described later, replacing this continuation key.
In S20, when a game ball is detected (Y in S20), in S21, when a predetermined period of time has not elapsed (N in S21), in S28, an “interrupted game” If “Save” is not set (N in S28), the process in S13 is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the interrupted game setting process of S27 in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the effect display device in the course of the interrupted game setting process. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on FIG. 10 with reference to FIG. 11 as appropriate.

  First, the special effect control means 138 displays an input screen for requesting the player to input the continuation key as a condition for restarting the previously interrupted game from the interrupted scene (S30). . At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the continuation key input buttons “A to Z” and “0 to 9” are displayed as the effect image 200 together with the message “please input the continuation key”. The player can input the continuation key that has been changed by inputting the continuation key by selecting each input button with the selection button 84 and setting it with the operation button 82.

  When the continuation key is input in this way (Y of S31), the special effect control means 138 executes the decoding (S32). At this time, if the state value of the interrupted game is normally decoded (Y in S33), this is set as the state value at the time of restarting the game (S34), and the game restart flag is turned on (S35). The state value set at this time is held in the effect state storage means 133. On the other hand, if the continuation key is not input in S31 (N in S31) and if the state value of the game interrupted in S33 is not decoded normally (N in S33), the process of S27 is terminated as it is. To do.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, “symbol” indicates both the special symbol 192 and the effect image 200.

  In the normal game control process, if the winning / losing lottery value is on hold (Y in S40) and the symbol variation is not being displayed (N in S41), the winning / losing lottery means 112 executes the determining process. (S42). In accordance with the determination result, the main display control means 118 starts changing display, transmits a change start command to the effect display control means 134, and the effect determining means 132 that has received the command displays a display pattern according to the result of the lottery determination. The normal effect control means 136 starts the variable display of the decorative symbol 190 along the display pattern (S43). As a result, synchronous display of the decorative symbol 190 is also started in synchronization with the start of variation of the special symbol 192.

  That is, the effect determining unit 132 refers to the pattern storage unit 130 based on the variation time of the special symbol 192 sent from the main display control unit 118 together with the variation start command, and sets in advance corresponding to the variation time. A display pattern of the decorated decorative pattern 190 is selected. That is, the display pattern such as the reach effect described above is determined by selecting the display pattern. The normal effect control means 136 executes the variable display of the decorative symbol 190 along the display pattern determined at this time.

  If the winning or failing lottery value is not held in S40 (N in S40), the processing from S41 to S43 is skipped, and if the symbol variation is being displayed in S41 (Y in S41), S42 and S43 Is skipped. Subsequently, if the symbol variation display has already started (Y in S44), the symbol variation display process is executed (S45). If the symbol variation display has not started (N in S44), S45 is skipped. .

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game control process in S16 of FIG.

  First, if the special winning opening 66 has not been opened (N in S50), the special effect control means 138 executes special effect effect start processing prepared for the special game (S52), and the opening / closing control means. 124 opens the special winning opening 66 (S54). If the big winning opening 66 has been opened (Y of S50), S52 and S54 are skipped.

  And while this special performance is continuing (N in S56), when a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the winning prize opening 66 is opened (Y in S60), or the opening time has not elapsed (S60). N), when nine or more game balls have entered the big winning opening 66 (Y in S62), the opening / closing control means 124 closes the big winning opening 66 (S64). If the opening time has not elapsed (N in S60) and the number of balls entered into the grand prize winning hole 66 has not reached 9 or more (N in S62), the process from S64 onward is skipped and the flow in S16 Exit.

  If the number of rounds of the unit game has reached 15 after closing the big prize opening 66 in S64 (Y of S66), the special effect control means 138 executes a special effect end process for ending the special effect (S68). The special game control means 120 ends the special game (S70). If the number of rounds has not reached 15 (N in S66), 1 is added to the number of rounds and the flow in S16 is terminated (S72).

  On the other hand, if the special game is repeated and the special effect ends in the middle of a certain special game (Y in S56), an interpolation effect that follows until the special game ends is started (S58). ). For example, the special effect control unit 138 may display a recollection scene of a game that has been continued or display a predetermined video.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the special effect start process in S52 of FIG.
First, if the game restart flag is not on (N in S80), the special effect control means 138 starts the special effect as a new game from the beginning (S82). On the other hand, if the game restart flag is on (Y in S80), the special effect control means 138 reproduces the interrupted scene of the game interrupted last time based on the state value stored in the effect condition storage means 131 (S84). ), The game is resumed from the scene (S86). Then, the game restart flag is turned off and the process of S52 is terminated (S88).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the special effect end process in S68 of FIG.
First, the special effect control unit 138 interrupts the ongoing game (S90), and stores the state value of the scene at the time of interruption in the effect state storage unit 133 (S92). At this time, if the game has not yet reached the end and the special performance has not ended (N in S94), the game restart flag is turned on (S96). Then, a message such as “The game is interrupted. This game will be resumed at the next jackpot” is displayed as the effect image 200 (S98), and the processing of S68 is terminated. On the other hand, in S94, if the game is completed and the special effect is ended (Y in S94), an end message indicating that the game is ended is displayed (S99), and the process of S68 is ended.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a player participation type game effect is performed during execution of a special game. This game is not completed in one special game, but is configured as a series of stories heading to an end by executing a plurality of special games. For this reason, the player wants to enjoy the continuation of the game while the special game is once completed, and the motivation to continue the game is maintained with the goal of resuming the special game. In particular, it is a player-participation-type game in which the development of the story changes as the player participates, rather than playing the video as a mere story. It is expected that willingness to continue will increase. As a result, it can be used for the pachinko hall benefit by continuing the game.

  When the game as a special effect is interrupted with the end of the special game, a state value for specifying the scene at the time of interruption of the game is stored. When the game is shifted to the special game again, the scene at the time of interruption of the game is reproduced based on the state value, and the game is resumed from the state at the time of the interruption. For this reason, no matter what timing the game is interrupted during a special game, the story is resumed from the interrupted scene, so the scene that the player has been waiting for is accurately reproduced, and the stage effect is kept high. can do.

  Also, when the player pauses the game, a continuation key is issued for specifying the game interruption state that has been continued until then. As a result, the player can resume the game from the interrupted state by inputting the continuation key even if the game date or the game table is different. As a result, it can be expected that the player visits the game for the purpose of resuming the game, which can also be used for the profit on the hall side.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. is there.

  For example, although not specifically described in the present embodiment, the progress of the game may be changed according to the result of a lottery such as a special symbol lottery. For example, if the lottery result is a probable hit, the game story may be set to be advantageously developed for the player, such as a higher target achievement rate in the game than in the normal win. For example, to reduce the number of appearances of characters in the story that are obstacles to achieving the goal so that the hero character operated by the player can achieve the goal early, some of the characters until the end of the story are reached. You may make it skip a scene. When special games do not occur so frequently, such a contrivance can maintain the player's satisfaction.

  In this embodiment, a continuation key is issued in which a game scene interrupted at the end of each game is recorded as a state value. Thereby, even if the player once ends the game in a state where the game is interrupted, the player can resume the game from the interrupted scene by inputting the continuation key. However, since the continuation key does not include information for identifying the player, even the other person who acquired the continuation key can play the game from the interrupted scene. Therefore, in principle, the game may be configured to be resumed only by the player who has continued the game. For example, you may make it issue the continuation key which encoded the state value of the scene at the time of a game interruption, and the user ID for identifying a player. The user ID can be acquired by inputting the player's name or the like before issuing the continuation key. When resuming the game, the player is requested to input the user ID and the continuation key, and only when the user ID obtained when the user ID and the continuation key are decrypted matches from the interrupted scene. The game can be allowed to resume. Thereby, fraudulent acts, such as another person starting a game from the middle, can be suppressed.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the special effect setting image 172 is displayed during the display of the demonstration screen in the standby state, and the setting of saving the interrupted game content and restarting the interrupted game is set. I was able to do it. In a modified example, a continuation key may be displayed each time the game is interrupted after the special game ends. Alternatively, a continuation key input screen may be displayed each time the special game is resumed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the probability variation game as a specific game, that is, a game in which the probability of winning a special symbol lottery is set to a high probability is mentioned. In addition to this, a so-called short time, that is, a variation time of a normal symbol is shortened, and the start port 62 is efficiently expanded so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 62 is executed. Good. In that case, the time reduction may be executed for a predetermined number of times after the special game, or the presence / absence of the time reduction, the number of continuations, etc. may be set by lottery.

  Further, in this embodiment, the example in which the ball game machine of the present invention is configured as a conventional type 1 pachinko game machine is shown, but a plurality of functions of the first type pachinko game machine are executed in series or in parallel. You may comprise as other gaming machines containing the function of 1st type pachinko gaming machines, such as a possible gaming machine.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the pachinko game machine in an Example. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a screen of the effect image displayed on an effect display apparatus as a special effect. It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of a screen of the effect image displayed on an effect display apparatus as a special effect. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement process in a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the special effect setting process of S13 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a screen displayed on an effect display apparatus in the process of a special effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a screen displayed on an effect display apparatus in the process of a special effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption game setting process of S27 in FIG. 7 in detail. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a screen displayed on an effect display apparatus in the process of an interruption game setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the special game control process in S16 of FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the special effect start process in S52 of FIG. 13 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the special effect completion process in S68 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Pachinko machines, 50 game boards, 52 game areas, 60 production display devices, 61 special symbol display devices, 62 start ports, 66 large winning ports, 68 operating ports, 72 general winning ports, 82 operation buttons, 84 selection buttons, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game control apparatus, 110 Entrance determination means, 112 Win / fail lottery means, 114 Symbol determination means, 116 Holding control means, 118 Main display control means, 120 Special game control means, 122 Specific game execution means, 124 Opening / closing control means, 130 Pattern storage means, 131 effect condition storage means, 132 effect determination means, 133 effect state storage means, 134 effect display control means, 136 normal effect control means, 138 special effect control means, 151 hero character, 152 special character, 161 elapsed field Face, 162 suggestion scene, 163 encounter scene, 165 battle scene, 166 victory scene, 171 demonstration image, 172 special production setting image, 190 decoration design, 192 special design, 200 production image.

Claims (5)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting opening provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and allowing a game ball to enter;
A variable pitching device that is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and can be opened so that a gaming ball can be pitched;
An effect display device capable of displaying a predetermined effect image as a movie;
Lottery means for performing a lottery triggered by a game ball entering the start opening;
When the result of the lottery is a win, special game control means for opening the variable pitching device and executing a special game advantageous to the player;
Production condition storage means for storing a selection condition of a subsequent scene according to a state value representing a production state of each scene for a special production that produces a series of stories that are connected to a plurality of scenes and proceed toward a predetermined ending. ,
During the execution of the special game, subsequent scenes are sequentially selected based on the current state value and the selection condition to display the special effect effect image on the effect display device, and at the end of the special game, Special production control means for interrupting the special production;
Effect state storage means for storing a state value at least when the special effect is interrupted;
With
When the special game is executed again, the special effect control means reproduces a scene at the time of interruption of the special effect using the state value stored in the effect state storage means, and from the reproduced scene A bullet ball game machine, wherein the special performance is resumed. It further comprises an operation input device that accepts a player's operation input,
The production condition storage means stores a selection condition of a scene constituting a production display process of a game that can be developed into a plurality of types of stories based on the operation input of the player,
The special effect control means determines the current state value based on the player's operation input, and causes the effect display device to display a moving image on the effect display device;
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1. The special effect control means is
Identification information obtained by encoding the state value at the time of interruption of the special effect at a predetermined timing after the end of the special game is displayed on the effect display device;
The identification information input screen is displayed on the effect display device at a predetermined timing before the start of the special game, and when the identification information input by the player is decodable data, the identification information is decoded. Setting the production state to a reproducible state,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.   4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect condition storage means stores a change condition for changing the progress of the special effect according to the result of the lottery.   The effect condition storage means selects an interpolation effect that is executed until the special game ends when any of the state values reaches a predetermined target value and the special effect ends before the special game ends. 5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further storing a condition.

Images