JP2009178567A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with higher performance effects. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 1 has an open/close type front frame 5 on the front side of its body and the front frame 5 covers a game board from ahead of it while a playfield 12 is made visually recognizable from the front side through an opening window 30 formed large at its center. A number of decoration lamps are arrayed on the right and left side rim parts of the front frame 5 and lit or flashed with the progress of games, thereby carrying out a prescribed performance-oriented light-emitting operation. Higher quality effect sounds are output from loudspeakers 36 arrayed on the right and left above the opening window 30, thereby generating acoustic effects with substantial virtual reality. With the shift to the variable probability state after the jackpot, the decoration lamps on the front frame 5 conduct light-emitting operations in a special pattern, and thus attention is drawn to the variable probability state sensationally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing a lottery with the progress of a game and giving a player a profit according to the result.

  As a conventional example related to this type of gaming machine, there is one that, when a lottery is won, gives a player an opportunity for a big hit game and then gives the player a profit in a probability variation state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . When it is a big hit game, a special winning device is activated, so that the chances for winning a prize are increased more than usual, and there is an advantage that the player can acquire a relatively large number of prize balls. In addition, when the probability variation state occurs after the big hit game, the internal lottery probability is changed to a relatively high probability, so that there is an advantage that the player can win the next big hit relatively early.

  In the above-described conventional example, when the internal state of the gaming machine becomes a probability fluctuation state, it is possible to perform a probability change notification effect for notifying the player of that fact. A player who is in contact with such a probable change notification effect can clearly know that the current lottery probability is in an advantageous state for him, so he will continue to play games with the expectation that the next winning will be near. It is thought that you can.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-65388 (page 2-3, FIG. 3)

  However, if the player is clearly informed of the probability variation state as in the conventional example, the player will eventually be immersed in the sense of security that the player is in the probability variation state, and the game until the next winning is assigned is monotonous. There is a problem of becoming.

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to provide a gaming machine that can suppress monotonization of the game as much as possible.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine of the present invention, when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs with the progress of the game, profit lottery means for performing a profit lottery whether or not to give a profit to the player with a predetermined probability every time this lottery opportunity occurs When the profit lottery is performed, lottery information display means capable of stopping and displaying the lottery information in a manner corresponding to the result of the profit lottery after the predetermined lottery information is variably displayed over a predetermined period. When winning the profit lottery, a high-value-added profit granting means for giving a basic profit to the player and further giving a high-value-added profit different from the basic profit, and the high-addition When a value profit is given, a high probability game mode that is a game mode in which the predetermined probability is set relatively high from a low probability game mode in which the predetermined probability is relatively low in the profit lottery To A game mode change means for performing a game update, and when the game mode is changed from the low probability game mode to the high probability game mode by the game mode change unit, the high probability game is separated from the profit lottery in the lottery opportunity. A maintenance lottery means for performing a game mode maintenance lottery to continue maintaining the mode, and a game mode demoteing unit for changing the game mode from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode if the game mode maintenance lottery is lost. A game mode information display means capable of displaying game mode information relating to whether the current game mode is the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode, and a plurality of types of displays prepared in advance for the game mode information A table in which the plurality of types of display modes are individually set in association with either the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode. Based on the mode setting means and whether the current game mode is the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode, one type of display mode is selected from the plurality of types of display modes, and the selected mode is selected. Display control means for controlling the display of the game state information by the game state information display means based on one type of display mode.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, a profit lottery is performed every time a lottery opportunity occurs with the progress of the game, and when the profit lottery is won, a profit is given to the player. Profits granted to players include basic profits and high-value-added profits. Of these, basic profits give players more opportunities to win (for this purpose, a special winning device is installed). It is possible to acquire a lot of game media as a whole. The high value-added profit is changed to a high-probability game mode in which a predetermined probability is set to be relatively high (at least twice as high as that in the low-probability game mode) at the time of profit lottery. If it is changed to, the player is more likely to win the next profit lottery relatively soon.

Note that the gaming machine of the present invention has a winning mode (usually a big hit) that grants only basic profits when winning a profit lottery, and a winning mode that grants high value-added profits in addition to basic profits ( It may be configured to include two of the probability variation big hits). In any case, since it becomes easier to win a profit lottery when the game mode is changed to a high probability game mode, the player's sense of expectation and willingness to play is greatly increased compared to the case of the low probability game mode. However, once it has been changed to a high-probability gaming mode, it is only necessary to wait for the next winning, and the player may be too immersed in security and the game will not be tightened is there.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the game mode is changed to the high probability game mode, the game mode maintenance lottery for determining whether or not to maintain the high probability game mode is performed separately from the profit lottery. This game mode maintenance lottery is performed separately from the profit lottery when a lottery opportunity occurs, and if this is won, the high probability game mode is maintained, but if it is lost, it is changed (falls) to the low probability game mode. Therefore, even if the player is changed to a high-probability game mode, it cannot be relieved to let go of the game, and he always has a tension that `` may fall to a low-probability game mode '', I can enjoy it.

  On the other hand, if the player clearly understands the winning result of the game mode maintenance lottery, the player will be greatly discouraged when he knows that he has fallen from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode, The expectation and intense tension that I had been able to lose all at once.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the winning result of the game mode maintenance lottery is not clearly shown to the player, and the game mode is changed as internal processing of the gaming machine (processing of control information that the player does not know) ( Change between a low probability game mode and a high probability game mode). For this reason, the player can continue playing with a sense of excitement while considering whether the high probability game mode continues based on his own guess or whether it falls to the low probability game mode. .

  However, it is inconvenient for the game hall operator to manage the gaming machines because no information about the current gaming mode can be obtained outside, and even from the viewpoint of the player, “high probability gaming mode is extremely There may be a question of “it may be short” or a suspicion that “it may not be a high-probability game mode”.

  Therefore, the gaming machine of the present invention has a configuration capable of displaying game mode information relating to whether the current game mode is a low probability game mode or a high probability game mode. By touching the display of this game mode information, the player is relieved that the high-probability game mode is continuing, or is rejoiced that he has not fallen into the low-probability game mode, and a variety of games It can be performed. In addition, it has a configuration that displays the game mode information to the outside of the gaming machine, so that the game hall operator can easily grasp the internal gaming mode of the gaming machine, which is convenient for managing the gaming machine. .

  Nonetheless, if the current game mode is alternatively displayed as a low probability game mode or a high probability game mode, the display changes from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode. Anyone can clearly see that they have lost the game-style maintenance lottery. In this case, the result is the same as that of clearly indicating the winning result of the game mode maintenance lottery. Therefore, in order not to impair the original fun of the gaming machine, the game mode information does not display either the low-probability game mode or the high-probability game mode as an alternative. It is desirable to display that the possibility of a high probability gaming mode is high, or to display that the possibility of a low probability gaming mode is high.

  For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of types of display modes are provided for the game mode information, and one type of display mode is selected and displayed, so that the game mode information is low probability game mode or high probability game. It is not possible to easily determine which mode is displayed. That is, each of the plurality of types of display modes is always associated with either one of the low-probability game mode or the high-probability game mode, but there are a plurality of types of display modes for any game mode. When one type is simply taken out of these, it cannot be immediately determined whether the game mode is associated with the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode.

  Further, the same one type of display mode is not always selected in any of the low probability game mode and the high probability game mode, and any one type of display mode is selected from a plurality of types. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to specify simply whether the game mode is a high probability game mode or a low probability game mode from the type of display mode.

  Thus, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the following advantages are obtained by using a plurality of types of display modes for the game mode information.

  (1) Since the player cannot determine whether the internal game mode is a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode simply by looking at the display of the game mode information, the player determines the game mode based on his / her own judgment. There is no loss of the gaming nature of the gaming machine that you can enjoy while guessing and searching. In addition, even if there is an actual fall from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode, it cannot be immediately discriminated from the player, so that the player is unlikely to lose his willingness to play.

  (2) In addition, even if the content is difficult for a player to identify at a glance, information on the internal game mode is given in some form. Therefore, the low probability game mode or There is an advantage that it is possible to guess and scrutinize which of the high probability game modes.

  (3) In particular, since each type of display mode is associated with either a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode, a player who has carefully observed all types of display modes. For example, it is possible to determine to a certain extent which of the low-probability game modes and the high-probability game modes is obtained only by looking at the game mode information. Therefore, the player can enjoy the search for the current game mode from the display mode of the game mode information.

  (4) On the other hand, since it has a configuration for displaying information related to the internal gaming mode toward the outside of the gaming machine, it is convenient for a game hall operator or the like to manage the gaming machine.

(Solution 2)
In the solving means 1, it is preferable that the display control means selects the type of the display mode again every time the lottery trigger occurs.

  In this case, every time a lottery opportunity occurs, the display mode of the game mode information is selected again, and the display mode is changed accordingly, so that the display of the game mode information is rich in changes. For this reason, even if the high-probability game mode continues, the player can see that the display mode of the game mode information changes in various ways, saying "Maybe it has fallen to a low-probability game mode" While feeling a sense of crisis, or conversely, getting a sense of security that “the high-probability game mode may still be continuing”, you can enjoy the game that is exciting.

(Solution 3)
In the solving means 1 and 2, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides a display mode associated with the low probability game mode and a display mode associated with the high probability game mode by the display mode setting unit with respect to the game mode information. Is further provided with approximate content setting means.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is one attraction that the current game mode can be estimated from the display mode of the game mode information, but it is easy to guess depending on how much the type of display mode has Sex (or difficulty) is different. For this reason, when there are not many kinds of display modes, the game mode tends to be estimated more easily. However, if the number of display modes is excessively increased, display control becomes complicated, which is not preferable.

  In order to cover this point, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display modes of the low probability gaming mode and the high probability gaming mode are set to approximate contents. In this case, since it is difficult to understand whether each type is associated with a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode, it is possible to reasonably guess the game mode without preparing too many types. Can be difficult.

(Solution 4)
In the solving means 1 to 3, the gaming machine according to the present invention corresponds to the high probability game mode with at least one display mode associated with the low probability game mode by the display mode setting unit for the game mode information. The display device further includes a low-probability display mode setting means for setting contents that are not approximate to any of the attached display modes.

  In this case, it becomes apparent from the viewpoint that at least one display mode is associated with the low probability game mode for a plurality of types of display modes. For this reason, when the one type of display mode is selected by the display control means, there is an advantage that the player can clearly confirm from the display mode that the current game mode is a low probability game mode.

(Solution 5)
In the solving means 1 to 4, the gaming machine of the present invention corresponds to the high-probability gaming mode with at least one display mode associated with the low-probability gaming mode by the display mode setting unit for the gaming mode information. A high-probability display mode setting unit is further provided for setting contents that are not approximate to any of the attached display modes.

  In this case, contrary to the above solution, it is apparently apparent that at least one display mode is associated with the high probability game mode. For this reason, when the one type of display mode is selected by the display control means, the player can be sure that the current game mode is a high-probability game mode from the display mode. Can maintain gaming motivation.

(Solution 6)
In the solving means 1 to 5, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game mode display device that displays the game mode information by a light emitting operation of the light emitter, and the light emitter as a plurality of types of display modes prepared for the game mode information. And a plurality of types of light emission based on whether the current game mode is the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode. The apparatus further includes a light emission operation control unit that selects one type of light emission pattern from the patterns and controls the light emission operation of the light emitter based on the selected one type of light emission pattern.

  According to this solution, various types of display modes can be easily set depending on the luminance of the light emitter. Further, by finely setting the luminance level for each type of display mode, the display mode of the contents approximate to each other as described in the solving means 3 can be easily set.

(Solution 7)
In the solving means 6, the light emission pattern setting means sets a light emission pattern of a type in which the luminance of the light emitter is relatively low as a display mode associated with the low probability game mode, while corresponding to the high probability game mode. It is preferable to set a light emission pattern of a relatively high luminance as the display mode.

  In this case, since the brightness of the light emitter is a clue, there is an advantage that the player can easily make a guess at first glance. On the other hand, the luminance level of the illuminant as seen by the player depends on the surrounding environment (lighting in the game hall, etc.), and performance variations due to individual differences in the illuminant may occur. Therefore, it is impossible to estimate the game mode in general, and there is an interest that stimulates the player's inquiring mind.

  If the luminance of the illuminant here is expressed in 10 levels from 0 to 10, it is assumed that the relatively low luminance includes the 0 level (a state in which the illuminant is not emitting light). In addition, the light emission patterns having relatively close luminance levels (there is a difference of about 1 to 2 levels) are light emission patterns having contents approximate to each other.

(Solution 8)
In the solving means 6 and 7, the light emission operation control means selects the light emission pattern of the type having the lowest luminance of the light emitter when the current game mode is the low probability game mode, and performs the light emission operation of the light emitter. On the other hand, when the current game mode is the high-probability game mode, the light emission operation of the light emitter is controlled by selecting the light emission pattern having the highest luminance of the light emitter.

  In this case, the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode can be clearly (or surely and definitely) displayed based on the light emission pattern of the light emitter. In particular, by making the illuminant not emit light (in a stage where the luminance is 0) in the light emission pattern having the lowest luminance, the player can easily recognize that the game mode is low probability.

(Solution 9)
In the solving means 1 to 8, the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery at the start of fluctuation of the lottery information by the lottery information display means, and the maintenance lottery means before the profit lottery is performed by the profit lottery means. The game mode maintenance lottery is performed.

  As described above, if the player is changed to a high probability game mode, the player will be in an advantageous position in each profit lottery. The game style maintenance lottery is confronted before the profit lottery. And if you lose the game mode maintenance lottery at the lottery that occurred this time, even if it was a high probability game mode until now, the profit lottery that follows will be a low probability game mode (ie relative (With a low probability). For this reason, once a player has been changed to a high-probability gaming mode, it will not always be advantageous in the next profit lottery, and if the player does not win the game mode maintenance lottery first in each lottery opportunity, The profit lottery of that time (the time concerned) suddenly puts a disadvantageous situation.

  On the other hand, if it becomes a high probability game state, if the game state maintenance lottery continues to be won at every lottery opportunity, and if the winner can be successfully won by the next profit lottery, the player will achieve the lottery result he has achieved You can enjoy a greater sense of accomplishment than when you win the traditional single lottery.

(Solution 10)
In solving means 1 to 9, the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery only when the game state maintenance lottery is won by the maintenance lottery means, and performs the profit lottery when the game state maintenance lottery is lost. Absent.

  In this case, even if the game mode is changed to the high probability game mode, it is not guaranteed that the next winning can be obtained easily. In other words, while the game mode is changed to the high probability game mode, the game mode maintenance lottery is executed prior to the profit lottery, and if it is lost in this lottery, it is returned to the low probability game mode as it was. In addition, since the profit lottery itself is not performed, the lottery opportunity cannot receive the profit lottery with an advantageous probability until then.

  Therefore, if a player is changed to a high probability game mode, the player will first play with the game mode maintenance lottery as the first goal, and will only be able to advance to the profit lottery after winning the game. New interests arise. And if the player wins the game mode maintenance lottery and then wins the next profit lottery, he will have a great satisfaction that he has been able to receive profits by breaking through the two lotteries. Can do.

(Solution 11)
In the solving means 1 to 8, the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery at the start of fluctuation of the lottery information by the lottery information display means, and the maintenance lottery means performs the profit lottery by the profit lottery means. Later, the game state maintenance lottery is performed.

  In this case, the pattern is the reverse of the above, and if the player wins the profit lottery first in each lottery opportunity, it will be irrelevant directly even if the player loses in the game mode maintenance lottery thereafter. , It can give the player a sense of security.

(Solution 12)
In the solving means 1 to 11, when the lottery trigger occurs, it further comprises individual random number obtaining means for individually obtaining a predetermined hit determination random number value and a predetermined demotion determination random number value, wherein the profit lottery means The profit lottery is performed using the determination random number value, and the maintenance lottery means performs the game state maintenance lottery using the demote determination random number value.

  The event that causes the lottery opportunity should be irregular, random, or random as the game progresses. In the case of a ball-type game machine, the game ball is won at the start winning opening. In the machine, the player has performed a predetermined start operation (operation to start the symbol display device). Due to such an event, the random number value for hit determination and the random number for demotion determination are individually (acquisition timing may be different, the random number acquisition source may be different, or both of these May be obtained).

  As described above, the game mode maintenance lottery implemented in the present invention is a separate lottery that has a different meaning from that of the profit lottery, so its mechanism, lottery probability (and lottery theory, lottery theory), etc. are set independently. It is desirable that For this reason, in the present solution, a dedicated random number value is provided in addition to the random number value for hit determination used in the normal profit lottery, and the game mode maintenance lottery is performed using this. This makes it easy to set the probability and mechanism of the mode maintenance lottery apart from the existing profit lottery probability and mechanism.

  The gaming machine of the present invention has a separate configuration (solution means 13).

(Solution means 13)
The gaming machine of the present invention, when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs with the progress of the game, profit lottery means for performing a profit lottery whether or not to give a profit to the player with a predetermined probability every time this lottery opportunity occurs When the profit lottery is performed, lottery information display means capable of stopping and displaying the lottery information in a manner corresponding to the result of the profit lottery after the predetermined lottery information is variably displayed over a predetermined period. When winning the profit lottery, a high-value-added profit granting means for giving a basic profit to the player and further giving a high-value-added profit different from the basic profit, and the high-addition When a value profit is given, a high probability game mode that is a game mode in which the predetermined probability is set relatively high from a low probability game mode in which the predetermined probability is relatively low in the profit lottery To A game mode change means for performing a game update, and when the game mode is changed from the low probability game mode to the high probability game mode by the game mode change unit, the high probability game is separated from the profit lottery in the lottery opportunity. Falling lottery means for performing a game mode fall lottery to determine whether or not to change from the mode to the low probability game mode, and when the game mode fall lottery is won, the game mode is changed from the high probability game mode to the above A game mode demoting means for changing to a low probability game mode, a game mode information display unit capable of displaying game mode information regarding whether the current game mode is the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode, and The game mode information has a plurality of types of display modes prepared in advance, and each of the plurality of types of display modes is individually set to the low probability game mode or the high probability game. Display mode setting means that is set in association with any one of the states, and based on whether the current game mode is the low-probability game mode or the high-probability game mode, from among the plurality of types of display modes Display control means for selecting one type of display mode and controlling display of the game mode information by the game mode information display unit based on the selected one type of display mode.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, a profit lottery is performed every time a lottery opportunity occurs with the progress of the game, and when the profit lottery is won, a profit is given to the player. Profits granted to players include basic profits and high-value-added profits. Of these, basic profits give players more opportunities to win (for this purpose, a special winning device is installed). It is possible to acquire a lot of game media as a whole. The high value-added profit is changed to a high-probability game mode in which a predetermined probability is set to be relatively high (at least twice as high as that in the low-probability game mode) at the time of profit lottery. If it is changed to, the player is more likely to win the next profit lottery relatively soon.

Note that the gaming machine of the present invention has a winning mode (usually a big hit) that grants only basic profits when winning a profit lottery, and a winning mode that grants high value-added profits in addition to basic profits ( It may be configured to include two of the probability variation big hits). In any case, since it becomes easier to win a profit lottery when the game mode is changed to a high probability game mode, the player's sense of expectation and willingness to play is greatly increased compared to the case of the low probability game mode. However, once it has been changed to a high-probability gaming mode, it is only necessary to wait for the next winning, and the player may be too immersed in security and the game will not be tightened is there.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the game mode is changed to the high probability game mode, the game mode falling lottery for determining whether or not to maintain the high probability game mode is performed separately from the profit lottery. This lottery game lottery draw is performed separately from the profit lottery when a lottery opportunity occurs, while the high probability game mode is maintained while being lost, but if it wins, it changes to a low probability game mode ( Falls). Therefore, even if the player is changed to a high-probability game mode, it cannot be relieved to let go of the game, and he always has a tension that `` may fall to a low-probability game mode '', I can enjoy it.

  On the other hand, if the player clearly understands the winning result of the game state falling lottery, the player's discouragement when knowing that the high probability game state fell to the low probability game state was large, The expectation and intense tension that I had been able to lose all at once.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the winning state of the gaming state falling lottery is not clearly shown to the player, and the gaming state is changed (processing of control information that the player does not know) as the internal processing of the gaming machine ( Change between a low probability game mode and a high probability game mode). For this reason, the player can continue playing with a sense of excitement while considering whether the high probability game mode continues based on his own guess or whether it falls to the low probability game mode. .

  However, it is inconvenient for the game hall operator to manage the gaming machines because no information about the current gaming mode can be obtained outside, and even from the viewpoint of the player, “high probability gaming mode is extremely There may be a question of “it may be short” or a suspicion that “it may not be a high-probability game mode”.

  Therefore, the gaming machine of the present invention has a configuration capable of displaying game mode information relating to whether the current game mode is a low probability game mode or a high probability game mode. By touching the display of this game mode information, the player is relieved that the high-probability game mode is continuing, or is rejoiced that he has not fallen into the low-probability game mode, and a variety of games It can be performed. In addition, it has a configuration that displays the game mode information to the outside of the gaming machine, so that the game hall operator can easily grasp the internal gaming mode of the gaming machine, which is convenient for managing the gaming machine. .

  Nonetheless, if the current game mode is alternatively displayed as a low probability game mode or a high probability game mode, the display changes from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode. Anyone can clearly see that the game-style falling lottery has been won when switching. In this case, since the same result as the result of clearly showing the winning state of the game state falling lottery is brought about, it is an amusement for the player. Therefore, in order not to impair the original fun of the gaming machine, the game mode information does not display either the low-probability game mode or the high-probability game mode as an alternative. It is desirable to display that the possibility of a high probability gaming mode is high, or to display that the possibility of a low probability gaming mode is high.

  For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of types of display modes are provided for the game mode information, and one type of display mode is selected and displayed, so that the game mode information is low probability game mode or high probability game. It is not possible to easily determine which mode is displayed. That is, each of the plurality of types of display modes is always associated with either one of the low-probability game mode or the high-probability game mode, but there are a plurality of types of display modes for any game mode. When one type is simply taken out of these, it cannot be immediately determined whether the game mode is associated with the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode.

  Further, the same one type of display mode is not always selected in any of the low probability game mode and the high probability game mode, and any one type of display mode is selected from a plurality of types. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to specify simply whether the game mode is a high probability game mode or a low probability game mode from the type of display mode.

  Thus, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the following advantages are obtained by using a plurality of types of display modes for the game mode information.

  (1) Since the player cannot determine whether the internal game mode is a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode simply by looking at the display of the game mode information, the player determines the game mode based on his / her own judgment. There is no loss of the gaming nature of the gaming machine that you can enjoy while guessing and searching. In addition, even if there is an actual fall from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode, it cannot be immediately discriminated from the player, so that the player is unlikely to lose his willingness to play.

  (2) In addition, even if the content is difficult for a player to identify at a glance, information on the internal game mode is given in some form. Therefore, the low probability game mode or There is an advantage that it is possible to guess and scrutinize which of the high probability game modes.

  (3) In particular, since each type of display mode is associated with either a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode, a player who has carefully observed all types of display modes. For example, it is possible to determine to a certain extent which of the low-probability game modes and the high-probability game modes is obtained only by looking at the game mode information. Therefore, the player can enjoy the search for the current game mode from the display mode of the game mode information.

  (4) On the other hand, since it has a configuration for displaying information related to the internal gaming mode toward the outside of the gaming machine, it is convenient for a game hall operator or the like to manage the gaming machine.

(Solution 14)
In the solution means 13, it is preferable that the display control means selects the type of the display mode again every time the lottery opportunity occurs.

  In this case, every time a lottery opportunity occurs, the display mode of the game mode information is selected again, and the display mode is changed accordingly, so that the display of the game mode information is rich in changes. For this reason, even if the high-probability game mode continues, the player can see that the display mode of the game mode information changes in various ways, saying "Maybe it has fallen to a low-probability game mode" While feeling a sense of crisis, or conversely, getting a sense of security that “the high-probability game mode may still be continuing”, you can enjoy the game that is exciting.

(Solution 15)
In the solving means 14, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides a display mode associated with the low probability game mode and a display mode associated with the high probability game mode by the display mode setting unit with respect to the game mode information. Approximate content setting means for setting contents approximate to each other is further provided.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is one attraction that the current game mode can be estimated from the display mode of the game mode information, but it is easy to guess depending on how much the type of display mode has Sex (or difficulty) is different. For this reason, when there are not many kinds of display modes, the game mode tends to be estimated more easily. However, if the number of display modes is excessively increased, display control becomes complicated, which is not preferable.

  In order to cover this point, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display modes of the low probability gaming mode and the high probability gaming mode are set to approximate contents. In this case, since it is difficult to understand whether each type is associated with a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode, it is possible to reasonably guess the game mode without preparing too many types. Can be difficult.

(Solution 16)
In the solving means 14 and 15, the gaming machine of the present invention corresponds to the high probability game mode with at least one display mode associated with the low probability game mode by the display mode setting unit for the game mode information. The display device further includes a low-probability display mode setting means for setting contents that are not approximate to any of the attached display modes.

  In this case, it becomes apparent from the viewpoint that at least one display mode is associated with the low probability game mode for a plurality of types of display modes. For this reason, when the one type of display mode is selected by the display control means, there is an advantage that the player can clearly confirm from the display mode that the current game mode is a low probability game mode.

(Solution 17)
In the solving means 14 to 16, the gaming machine according to the present invention corresponds to the high probability game mode with at least one display mode associated with the low probability game mode by the display mode setting unit for the game mode information. A high-probability display mode setting unit is further provided for setting contents that are not approximate to any of the attached display modes.

  In this case, contrary to the above solution, it is apparently apparent that at least one display mode is associated with the high probability game mode. For this reason, when the one type of display mode is selected by the display control means, the player can be sure that the current game mode is a high-probability game mode from the display mode. Can maintain gaming motivation.

(Solution 18)
In solving means 14 to 17, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game mode display device that displays the game mode information by a light emission operation of the light emitter, and the light emitter as a plurality of types of display modes prepared for the game mode information. And a plurality of types of light emission based on whether the current game mode is the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode. The apparatus further includes a light emission operation control unit that selects one type of light emission pattern from the patterns and controls the light emission operation of the light emitter based on the selected one type of light emission pattern.

  According to this solution, various types of display modes can be easily set depending on the luminance of the light emitter. Further, by finely setting the luminance level for each type of display mode, the display mode of the contents approximate to each other as described in the solving means 3 can be easily set.

(Solution 19)
In the solving means 18, the light emission pattern setting means sets a light emission pattern of a type having a relatively low luminance of the light emitter as a display mode associated with the low probability game mode, while corresponding to the high probability game mode. As a display mode to be displayed, it is preferable to set a light emission pattern of a type having a relatively high luminance of the light emitter.

  In this case, since the brightness of the light emitter is a clue, there is an advantage that the player can easily make a guess at first glance. On the other hand, the luminance level of the illuminant as seen by the player depends on the surrounding environment (lighting in the game hall, etc.), and performance variations due to individual differences in the illuminant may occur. Therefore, it is impossible to estimate the game mode in general, and there is an interest that stimulates the player's inquiring mind.

  If the luminance of the illuminant here is expressed in 10 levels from 0 to 10, it is assumed that the relatively low luminance includes the 0 level (a state in which the illuminant is not emitting light). In addition, the light emission patterns having relatively close luminance levels (there is a difference of about 1 to 2 levels) are light emission patterns having contents approximate to each other.

(Solution 20)
In the solving means 18 and 19, the light emission operation control means selects the light emission pattern of the type having the lowest luminance of the light emitter when the current game mode is the low probability game mode, and performs the light emission operation of the light emitter. On the other hand, when the current game mode is the high-probability game mode, the light emission operation of the light emitter is controlled by selecting the light emission pattern having the highest luminance of the light emitter.

  In this case, the low probability game mode or the high probability game mode can be clearly (or surely and definitely) displayed based on the light emission pattern of the light emitter. In particular, by making the illuminant not emit light (in a stage where the luminance is 0) in the light emission pattern having the lowest luminance, the player can easily recognize that the game mode is low probability.

(Solution means 21)
In the solving means 14 to 20, the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery at the start of fluctuation of the lottery information by the lottery information display means, and the falling lottery means before the profit lottery is performed by the profit lottery means. The game state falling lottery is performed.

  As described above, if the player is changed to a high probability game mode, the player will be in an advantageous position in each profit lottery. In front of receiving the profit lottery, the game style fall lottery will be confronted. And if you win the game state falling lottery at the lottery that occurred this time, even if it has been a high probability game state so far, the profit lottery that follows will be a low probability game state (that is, relative (With a low probability). For this reason, once a player has been changed to a high-probability game mode, the player may not always be in an advantageous situation in the next profit lottery, and must first lose the game mode drop lottery at each lottery opportunity. In that case, the profit lottery of that time (the relevant time) suddenly puts an unfavorable situation.

  On the other hand, if a high-probability gaming mode is reached, if the player continues to lose the gaming mode falling lottery at each lottery opportunity, and if he can win the winning in the next profit lottery, the player will achieve the lottery result he has achieved You can enjoy a greater sense of accomplishment than when you win the traditional single lottery.

(Solution means 22)
In the solving means 14 to 21, the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery only when the game state falling lottery is won by the falling lottery means, and performs the profit lottery when the game state falling lottery is won. Absent.

  In this case, even if the game mode is changed to the high probability game mode, it is not guaranteed that the next winning can be obtained easily. In other words, while the game mode is changed to the high probability game mode, the game mode fall lottery is executed prior to the profit lottery, and if it wins in this lottery, it will return to the low probability game mode as it was originally. In addition, since the profit lottery itself is not performed, the lottery opportunity cannot receive the profit lottery with an advantageous probability until then.

  Therefore, when a player is changed to a high probability game mode, the player first plays the game with the game mode falling lottery as the first goal, and proceeds to the profit lottery only after having lost the game. A new interest that you can do. And if the player has successfully won the game-style drop-out lottery and then won the next profit lottery, he will have a great satisfaction that he was able to get profit by breaking through the two lotteries. be able to.

(Solution 23)
In the solving means 14 to 20, the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery at the start of fluctuation of the lottery information by the lottery information display means, and the falling lottery means performs the profit lottery by the profit lottery means. Later, the game state fall lottery is performed.

  In this case, the pattern is the reverse of the above, and in each lottery opportunity, if the player wins the profit lottery first, it will not be directly irrelevant even if it wins in the game state fall lottery after that Therefore, it can give the player a sense of security.

(Solution 24)
In solving means 14 to 23, the gaming machine of the present invention further comprises individual random number obtaining means for individually obtaining a predetermined hit determination random number value and a predetermined demotion determination random value when the lottery opportunity occurs, The profit lottery means performs the profit lottery using the winning determination random number value, and the falling lottery means performs the game state falling lottery using the demote determination random number value.

  The event that causes the lottery opportunity should be irregular, random, or random as the game progresses. In the case of a ball-type game machine, the game ball is won at the start winning opening. In the machine, the player has performed a predetermined start operation (operation to start the symbol display device). Due to such an event, the random number value for hit determination and the random number for demotion determination are individually (acquisition timing may be different, the random number acquisition source may be different, or both of these May be obtained).

  As described above, the game state falling lottery implemented in the present invention is a separate lottery with different meanings from the profit lottery, so its mechanism, lottery probability (and lottery theory, lottery theory), etc. are set independently. It is desirable that For this reason, in the present solution, a dedicated random number value is provided separately from the hit determination random number value used in the normal profit lottery, and the game state falling lottery is performed using this. Thereby, it becomes easy to set the probability and mechanism of the state falling lottery separately from the existing profit lottery probability and mechanism.

(Solution 25)
In the solving means 1 to 24, the gaming machine of the present invention is formed and fired on the game board surface, ball launching means for launching a game ball as a game medium toward the game board surface in accordance with a predetermined launch operation. A game area where the game ball flows down, a specific winning port which is arranged in the game area and allows the game ball to win, a winning detection means for detecting that the game ball has won the specific winning port, and a game ball A winning ball paying means for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls in accordance with the winning of the game, a winning device that is arranged in the gaming area and that allows a gaming ball to be won by operating a predetermined movable body, and the winning When the winning means is detected by the detecting means, the symbol display means that can stop display after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined period, and the symbols that are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means are in a specific symbol display mode. Specially A special gaming state transition means for shifting to a gaming state, wherein the profit lottery means performs the profit lottery when a game ball has won a prize at the specific winning opening, and the basic profit is obtained from the special game. When the state shifts to the state, the movable body of the winning device operates in a specific operation pattern, so that it is possible to win a game ball to the winning device, and the high value-added profit giving means is the special gaming state. After the game is completed, the change to the high probability game mode by the game mode change means is given as the high added value profit.

(Solution 26)
In the solving means 1 to 25, the event that causes the lottery opportunity is winning a game medium to a specific winning opening.

  The specific winning opening is not limited to a starting winning opening or a starting opening arranged in the game area, but also includes other winning openings. With such a configuration, the timing at which the game medium wins the specific winning opening becomes random and random, and thus the random and random events described above are naturally formed.

(Solution means 27)
In solving means 1 to 24, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a configuration of a revolving gaming machine (slot machine). In other words, the gaming machine of the present invention starts and stops according to the player's operation in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for one game, and the display of the symbol is changed by the start, while the stop A symbol display device that sometimes displays a combination of symbols, a start operation means for accepting a start operation for starting the symbol display device, a stop operation means for accepting a stop operation for stopping the symbol display device, When the symbol display device is stopped, game value giving means for giving the player a required number of game values according to the combination display mode of the symbol at that time, and a specific symbol combination when the symbol display device is stopped are displayed. A bonus game state transition means for shifting to a privilege game state advantageous to a player, and the profit lottery means is started by the start operation means. And it performs the profit lottery triggered by work has been accepted.

  In this case, the lottery opportunity is generated for each game, and the profit lottery is performed. The predetermined number of game values to be played in one game may be selected from a plurality of ways, or may be a mode having only one. In addition, in a spinning-type game machine, when winning in the profit lottery, the winning flag is internally turned ON (condition device is activated), and it is allowed to display a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag in the symbol display device. .

(Solution 28)
In solving means 1 to 24, the gaming machine of the present invention has a configuration of a revolving type gaming machine (a parrot machine, a pachislot machine) that performs a slot machine game using a game ball. That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a gaming value counting unit that counts a specified number of gaming balls as gaming media as a unit of gaming value, and the gaming value counting unit counts for one game. A symbol display device that starts and stops according to the player's operation with a predetermined number of game values multiplied, and changes the symbol display by the start, while displaying a combination of multiple symbols at the time of the stop A starting operation means for receiving a starting operation for starting the symbol display apparatus; a stopping operation means for receiving a stopping operation for stopping the symbol display apparatus; and when the symbol display apparatus is stopped, Game value giving means for giving a player a number of game balls corresponding to the required number of game values according to the combination display mode, and stopping the symbol display device When a combination of specific symbols is displayed, a privilege game state transition means for shifting to a privilege game state advantageous to the player is provided, and the profit lottery means has received the start operation by the start operation means The profit lottery is performed in response to this.

  Similarly, in this solution, the above-mentioned lottery opportunity is generated for each game, and thereby the profit lottery is performed. The predetermined number of game values to be played in one game may be selected from a plurality of ways, or may be a mode having only one. Similarly, in a spinning-type game machine that uses a game ball to play slot machines, the winning flag is turned ON internally (condition device is activated) when winning in the profit lottery, and the symbol display device supports the winning flag. It is permissible for the combined symbols to be displayed in combination.

(Solution 29)
In solving means 1 to 28, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that a profit determination means for executing profit determination as to what kind of profit should be given to a player when winning the profit lottery, and determination of the profit determination means When the result matches the basic condition, the basic profit granting means for giving the basic profit to the player, and when the discrimination result of the profit discrimination means matches the special condition, the basic to the player A high-value-added profit granting means that grants a high-value-added profit different from the basic profit, and either the basic profit or the high-value-added profit to the player And profit information concealment means for concealing without disclosing information regarding whether or not the information is given to the outside of the gaming machine.

  In this case, there are cases where only basic profits are granted according to the results of profit discrimination, and cases where high value-added profits are given in addition to basic profits. However, it is not disclosed to the player which benefits are granted. However, if a high value-added profit is granted as described above, the internal lottery probability itself is changed to a relatively high probability gaming mode, so from the player's standpoint, it is changed to a high probability gaming mode. Knowing what has been done (or being relatively likely to have changed) will help keep your expectations for the next win high. On the other hand, if the player clearly knows that it will not be changed to the high-probability game mode, the player will be angry and may not be able to maintain his willingness to play.

  Therefore, this solution does not clearly disclose to the player whether the basic profit will be granted even if the profit lottery is won, or whether the high value-added profit will be granted. Leaves room for the player to infer or sneak at his own discretion. On the other hand, even if the player is presumed to be in a high probability game mode, the game mode maintenance lottery or the game mode fall lottery will be performed, so there is still a throbbing sense of change to a low probability game mode. Will not be lost.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the player's expectation and willingness to play are hard to decline, and the game can be continued for a long time while maintaining a high expectation until the next profit is always obtained.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the front frame and main body frame of the pachinko machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is the figure which showed all the display patterns of the special symbol as a list. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the control structure of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of a start winning process. It is a flowchart of a game operation process. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation setting processing A. It is a flowchart of a hit variation setting process. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation execution processing B. It is a flowchart of a hit determination process. It is a flowchart of jackpot processing. It is a flowchart of a game state maintenance / demotion determination process. It is a flowchart of a game state information display process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the method of gradation expression. It is a flowchart of a game effect process. It is an example of the image displayed when "Stage a" is selected as an effect scene. It is an example of an image displayed when “stage b” is selected as a production scene. It is an example of the image displayed when "Stage c" is selected as an effect scene. It is a flowchart of the stage selection process A. It is an example of the image displayed as a transition opportunity screen to "Stage a". It is an example of the image displayed as a transition opportunity screen to "Stage b". It is an example of the image displayed as a transition opportunity screen to "Stage c". It is a flowchart of the stage selection process B. It is a flowchart of an aspect inherent production process. It is a flowchart of a continuous production process. In a continuous effect process, it is an example of the effect image displayed in common with a high probability game mode and a low probability game mode. In a continuous effect process, it is an example of the effect image displayed in common with a high probability game mode and a low probability game mode. In a continuous effect process, it is an example of the effect image displayed in a low probability game mode. In a continuous effect process, it is an example of the effect image displayed in a low probability game mode. In a continuous effect process, it is an example of the effect image displayed in a low probability game mode. It is a flowchart of a change production process. It is an effect image example showing the effect content corresponding to the mode value “01” in Table 21. It is an effect image example showing the effect contents corresponding to the mode value “02” in Table 21. It is an effect image example showing the effect content corresponding to the mode value “03” in Table 21. 23 is a series of effect images representing effect contents corresponding to a mode value “04” in Table 22. 23 is a series of effect images representing effect contents corresponding to a mode value “04” in Table 22. 23 is a series of effect images representing effect contents corresponding to a mode value “04” in Table 22. 23 is a series of effect images representing effect contents corresponding to a mode value “04” in Table 22. It is an effect image example showing a part of a series of effect contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23. It is an effect image example showing a part of a series of effect contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23. It is an effect image example showing a part of a series of effect contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23. It is an effect image example showing a part of a series of effect contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23. It is an effect image example showing a part of a series of effect contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23. FIG. 25 is a series of effect images representing effect details corresponding to the mode value “11” in Table 24. FIG. FIG. 25 is a series of effect images representing effect details corresponding to the mode value “11” in Table 24. FIG. FIG. 25 is a series of effect images representing effect details corresponding to the mode value “11” in Table 24. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.

(1. Overview of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 specifically show the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment. The pachinko machine 1 includes a frame body and a game board 4, and the frame body includes an outer frame 2, a main body frame 3, a front frame 5, and the like. Among these, the outer frame 2 is configured by combining upper, lower, left, and right frame members in a rectangular shape, and a lower plate 6 for receiving the lower surface of the main body frame 3 is provided at the front lower portion thereof. One side edge (left edge in this example) of the body frame 3 is attached to one side edge (left edge in this example) of the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism 7, as shown in the figure. The main body frame 3 can be opened and closed on the front side of the outer frame 2. The main body frame 3 is configured by integrally molding the front frame body 8, the game board mounting frame 9, and the mechanism mounting frame 10 with a synthetic resin material. Among these, the front frame body 8 is formed on the front side of the main body frame 3, and its outer shape has a size that matches the outer shape of the outer frame 2 excluding the lower plate 6.

  The game board mounting frame 9 is formed integrally with the rear portion of the front frame body 8, and the game board 4 is mounted on the game board mounting frame 9 so as to be fitted from the front. Although not shown here, the game board 4 can also be opened and closed to the front side from the main body frame 3 via a hinge mechanism, and the game board 4 can be attached to and detached from the main body frame 3 along with this opening and closing operation. It has become.

  An annularly formed guide rail 11 is disposed on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 4, and the guide rail 11 includes an outer rail and an inner rail. On the board surface of the game board 4, a substantially circular game area 12 is defined inside the guide rail 11. In addition, the structure (board | board surface structure) in the game area | region 12 is mentioned later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a bass speaker 14 is provided at a lower left position of the front frame body 8, and the bass speaker 14 is attached to the front frame body 8 via a mounting plate 13. Has been. In addition, a launch rail 15 is provided at a lower position of the front frame 8 at the right side from the center, and this launch rail 15 plays a role of guiding the game ball toward the launch path of the game board 4. A lower front member 16 is attached to the front frame 8 at a position below the firing rail 15 and the bass speaker 14. A lower pan 17 is formed at a substantially central position of the lower front member 16, and a firing handle 18 is provided at a position further to the right.

  As shown in part in FIG. 2, a locking device 19 is mounted on the back side of the main body frame 3 (front frame body 8) just on the side opposite to the hinge mechanism 7. The locking device 19 has a function of locking the entire body frame 3 with respect to the outer frame 2 or locking the front frame 5 with respect to the body frame 3. The locking device 19 has two types of frame locking latches 21 and door locking latches 23, and one of the frame locking latches 21 corresponds to the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2. For example, when the main body frame 3 is pushed into the outer frame 2 from the state shown in FIG. 2, the two frame locking latches 21 on the upper and lower sides respectively engage with the corresponding stoppers 20, thereby causing the main body frame 3 to move. The outer frame 2 is fixed in a locked state.

  The other door locking latch 34 corresponds to the closing tool 22 provided on the rear surface of the front frame 5. For example, when the front frame 5 is pushed into the main body frame 3 from the state shown in FIG. At the top and bottom, the three door locking latches 34 are respectively engaged with the corresponding closures 22, whereby the front frame 5 is fixed in a locked state to the main body frame 3.

  The locking device 19 also has a cylinder lock 24. With the main body frame 3 and the front frame 5 closed, for example, an administrator or employee of the hall inserts a predetermined key into the key hole of the cylinder lock 24. When it is turned in one direction, the engagement between the frame locking latch 21 and the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2 is released, and the main body frame 3 is unlocked. When the key is turned in the opposite direction, the engagement between the door locking latch 23 and the closing tool 22 of the front frame 5 is released, and the front frame 5 is unlocked. The front end portion of the cylinder lock 24 is exposed to the front surface of the lower front member 16 through the front frame 8 and the lower front member 16 so that the unlocking operation can be performed by inserting a key from the front of the pachinko machine 1. Arranged to do so.

  The front frame 5 is also referred to as a glass frame or a glass door, and the front frame 5 is attached to the front side of the main body frame 3 via a hinge mechanism 25 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 includes a door main body frame 26 on the back side, and includes a side decoration device 27, an upper plate 28, and an acoustic illumination device 29 on the front side. The door main body frame 26 is formed of a pressed metal frame member, and the door main body frame 26 is formed to have a size that covers a portion from the upper end of the front frame body 8 to the upper edge of the lower front member 16. ing. When the front frame 5 is closed, the front side of the front frame 8 including the game board 4 is covered by the front frame 5, but a substantially circular opening window 30 is formed in the center of the door body frame 26. The game area 12 of the game board 4 can be viewed from the front through the opening window 30. In addition, a window frame 31 having a rectangular frame shape larger than the opening window 30 is provided on the rear side of the door main body frame 26, and a transparent glass plate 32 is doubled forward and backward in the window frame 31. Is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 5 is provided with side decoration devices 27 on the left and right sides around the opening window 30, and an upper plate 28 at the lower part thereof. In addition, an acoustic illumination device 29 is disposed at the top. The side decoration device 27, the acoustic illumination device 29, the upper plate 28, and the like are integrated so as to constitute the outer shape of the front frame 5 as a whole, and are designed to recall a sense of unity in appearance.

  Among these, the side decoration device 27 is mainly configured by a side decoration body 33 having a built-in lamp substrate, and the side decoration bodies 33 form a pair just on the left and right of the opening window 30. In the side decorative body 33, a plurality of slit-shaped opening holes (without reference numerals) that are long in the horizontal direction are arranged in the vertical direction, and each opening hole has a light source (for example, LED) disposed on the lamp substrate. A corresponding lens 34 is incorporated.

  The acoustic illumination device 29 includes a transparent cover body 35, a speaker 36, a speaker cover 37, a reflector body (not shown), and the like, and these components are unitized in a state where they are assembled with each other.

(2. Board configuration)
FIG. 3 shows the game board 4 alone. As shown in FIG. 3, in the gaming area 12, a number of obstacle nails (without reference numerals) are provided in a predetermined arrangement, and a windmill 40 is provided at an appropriate position in the middle thereof. Yes. At the center of the game area 12, there is a center feature 42 that attracts a lot of attention. The design of the center feature 42 characterizes the model of the pachinko machine 1, the game concept, and the like.

  The center accessory 42 is composed of a frame-like decorative body as a whole, and a character body 42a designed with the head of a racehorse is integrally attached to the upper edge portion thereof. Furthermore, decorative bodies 42b and 42c designed for the front legs of the racehorses are arranged on the left and right of the character body 42a. Of these, the right decorative body 42c can function as a movable accessory.

  The left and right side edges of the center accessory 42 are decorated with alphabet letters designed, and here the alphabet letters are emitted by a decoration lamp (LED) (not shown). In addition, a warp passage is formed along with a warp entrance (not shown) at the upper edge portion or the left and right side edge portions of the center accessory 42. When a game ball flowing down along the game board surface enters the warp entrance, the warp passage passes through the warp passage. It is taken inside the center accessory 42.

  A ball receiving shelf 42d is formed at the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the ball receiving shelf 42d has a certain depth in the front-rear direction. The game ball taken in through the warp passage is released to the inside of the center accessory 42 and guided to the ball receiving shelf 42d. The ball receiving shelf 42d can roll a game ball on its upper surface and give various changes to its movement to add interest to the game. Alternatively, a movable body (not shown) is disposed on the ball receiving shelf 42d, and the movement of the game ball can be changed by the movable body.

  A ball guiding path 42e is formed at the center of the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and an inlet (not shown) to the ball guiding path 42e is formed on the upper surface of the ball receiving shelf 42d. Has been. The game ball that has dropped from the ball receiving shelf 42d to the entrance of the ball guiding path 42e is guided downward through the ball guiding path 42e.

  On the other hand, the exit of the ball guiding path 42e is open toward the front, and the game ball released from the exit falls almost downward. In the game area 12, a ball entry device 44 is arranged at a position immediately below the ball guide path 42e, and when a game ball enters the ball entry device 44, a start prize is awarded. Therefore, the game ball released from the ball guiding path 42e can be awarded with a start with a considerably high probability. The ball entry device 44 has a pair of left and right movable pieces 44a, and these movable pieces 44a can be expanded left and right to increase the probability of entry.

  Further, an attacker device 46 is disposed in the game area 12 at a position below the above-described ball entry device 44, and the attacker device 46 opens and closes the big prize opening by opening and closing the opening and closing member 46a. be able to.

  In addition, the game area 12 is provided with a start gate opening, a general winning opening, etc. (without reference numerals). Further, a liquid crystal display device 51 is disposed inside the center accessory 42, and in this liquid crystal display device 51, for example, an effect display by an image is performed.

(3. Special symbol display device)
In the present embodiment, four multicolor LEDs 52 are arranged on the left side of the character body 42a in the upper edge of the center accessory 42, and the arrangement of these LEDs 52 can function as a special symbol display device. . Further, the arrangement of the four LEDs 54 on the right side of the character body 42a is a holding lamp (up to four holdings).

  In the present embodiment, the function of the special symbol display device can be realized by turning on / off the LED 52. For example, by changing the four LEDs 52 in various patterns in response to the start winning prize, the variation state of the special symbol can be displayed. When the predetermined fluctuation time is over, the stop state in which the special symbol is determined can be displayed by the turn-on / off display patterns of the four LEDs 52. Thereby, when the lottery is performed, the result information is displayed by turning on / off the LED 52 (lottery information display means). Control of special symbol variation display and stop display by turning on / off the LED 52 is performed by a main control board described later (game progress control device).

  Specifically, two types of lighting colors (for example, red and green) are prepared for each LED 52, whereby each LED 52 is “lighted off”, “lighted with lighting color 1”, and “lighted with lighting color 2”. The lighting / light-off display pattern can be switched in three ways. Accordingly, a total of 81 (34 = 81) lighting / light-off display patterns when four LEDs 52 are arranged can be prepared. Here, for convenience of explanation, only two colors are used, but the lighting color of the LED 52 may be three or more colors (preferably about seven colors). Further, the LEDs 52 need not be arranged in one place, may be arranged separately, and do not particularly need to be arranged on the board surface. Or you may display a special symbol by five or more LED, and you may display using 7 segment LED.

  FIG. 4 shows a list of 81 lighting / light-off display patterns. In the table of FIG. 4, the symbol “◯” represents “off” of the LED 52, the symbol “◎” represents “lighting with lighting color 1”, and the symbol “●” represents “lighting with lighting color 2”. ing. For this reason, for example, in Pattern No. 0, all LEDs 52 are “off”, but in Pattern No. 1, one LED 52 located at the right end is “Illuminated with Lighting Color 1”, and the other 3 One is understood to be in a “light-off” state.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, two hit modes are prepared as modes in which the player is given a profit, and these are classified into “normal (non-probability variation) big hit” and “probability big hit”. The As an example, in the table of FIG. 4, pattern numbers 15, 30, 35, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 54, 59, 73, 76, 79 are display patterns corresponding to “probability big hit” (stop When a special symbol is stopped and displayed in these display patterns, a profit of “probable big hit” (high value-added profit) is given to the player.

  On the other hand, pattern numbers 63 (73), 70 (54), 40 (35), 61 (53), 50, 56, 69 and 75 other than the above correspond to “normal (non-probable variation) big hit”. It should be noted that the pattern numbers with parentheses indicate that display patterns that are very similar are provided for “probable big hit” and “normal (non-probable big) big hit”. For example, the pattern numbers 40 and 35 are very similar to each other in the combination of turning on / off display, and it is difficult to distinguish the display patterns at first glance from these display modes. Similarly, pattern numbers 61 and 53, 63 and 73, and 70 and 54 are very similar to each other, and it is difficult to distinguish display patterns from these display modes.

  As described above, the display pattern shown in FIG. 4 represents the symbol display mode (display eye) when the special symbol display device 60 is stopped. As can be seen from FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the lottery result and the subsequent internal state are not easily determined from the symbol display mode of the special symbol display device 60 basically. That is, in this embodiment, by preparing a variety of display patterns for special symbols and display patterns that are very similar among a plurality of winning types, the player can read the lottery results from the display mode of the special symbols. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the lottery result and the internal state can be estimated from the effect display by the liquid crystal display device 51, the behavior of the attacker device 46, etc., or the display mode of the game mode display device described later.

  Therefore, even if a “normal (non-probable) big hit” or “probable big hit” is won during the game and the player wins a big hit, the player is not clearly informed of which one has been won, and is hidden internally Will remain. Furthermore, even when the lottery probability is changed to a high value due to “probability big hit”, the internal state is not clearly notified by text information such as “being probable”. In addition, because there is no particular difference in the variation display mode (variation time etc.) of the special symbol depending on whether the internal state is a normal state (low probability) or a probability variation state (high probability), Even if the change display of the special symbol is seen, it cannot be determined that the player is “probably changing”. Therefore, the player basically plays the game without providing clear information about the type of the winning result and the internal probability state (low probability game mode or high probability game mode).

  However, when the four LEDs 52 are all lit, as in pattern numbers 15 and 30 in FIG. 4, for example, it is easy to make a visual judgment. In this embodiment, these lighting patterns correspond to “probable big hit”. Assigned as a thing (so-called “iron plate pattern”). This leaves the possibility that the player can clearly read the winning type by the display pattern (display eye) when the special symbol display device 60 is stopped.

  In addition, two LEDs 53 and 55 are arranged on the left and right sides of the ball guide path 42e on the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the two LEDs 55 on the left of these function as, for example, a normal symbol display device. The two LEDs 53 on the right side function as the game state display device described above.

(3-1. Normal symbol display device)
When the two LEDs 55 on the left side function as a normal symbol display device, when a game ball passes through the gate openings arranged one by one on both sides of the center accessory 42 during a normal game, the LED 55 is triggered by this. It blinks and starts displaying the change of normal symbols. The winning by normal symbol lottery is determined by the lighting pattern at this time.

(3-2. Game state display device, light emitting operation of light emitter)
In addition, the two LEDs 53 on the right side function as a game state display device, and display “probability change state (high probability game state)” or “normal state (low probability game state)” by the light emission pattern of these LEDs 53. It is possible. The light emission pattern of the LED 53 and its light emission control will be described in more detail later.

(4. Hit mode)
Next, details of each hit mode are as follows.

  (1) “Normal (non-probable change) big hit” is, for example, a round operation that opens and closes the attacker device 46 in a certain pattern for a maximum of 30 seconds and repeats up to 10 rounds. It is called. The player can obtain a lot of prize balls (basic profits) by winning the game balls in the big prize opening during the big hit game. Note that each round operation ends when either 30 seconds elapses or 10 winning balls are counted. The jackpot game ends after 10 rounds (basic profit).

  (2) “Probable jackpot” is a jackpot game similar to (1) above (basic profit), but after the jackpot game ends, the probability of the next jackpot lottery will be higher than usual. A privilege to be set (for example, when the normal jackpot probability is 1/320 and is changed to 1/64, which is 5 times), is added (high value-added profit). For this reason, when the player wins a promising big hit, the probability of the next big hit becomes high and it becomes possible to continuously win the big hit (so-called consecutive resort).

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the two types of hit modes, “normal hit” and “probable hit”, are prepared. In addition to this, for example, the following hit modes are added. Also good.

  (3) “Short opening probability variation hit” is, for example, a round operation of opening the big winning opening for 0.3 seconds twice, and the interval between rounds is 2 seconds. This short opening probability change is ended when the attacker device 46 is opened only twice for a relatively short time (0.3 seconds). If a prize is awarded to a big winning slot during this period, a specified number (for example, 15) of prize balls will be paid out, but not as many prize-winning opportunities as a big hit game (low value-added profit). However, if the player wins a short-open probability change hit, there is a privilege that the probability of the next big hit lottery is set high (1/64), so that the continuity of the big hit game can be expected in the same way as in the case of the probability change big hit. Become.

  (4) “Short-per-open” is the same mode as “Short-open-probable per-change” in the operation of the attacker device 46, but the bonus for changing the big-hit lottery probability is not added. In other words, when the short opening is reached, the attacker device 46 is closed only for a relatively short time (0.3 seconds) and is opened only twice (small value profit). However, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls can be paid out when winning a big winning opening during this period.

  In addition, the concrete numerical value said by said (1)-(4) is the best thing in implementation of invention. In addition, these numerical values can be variously changed and are not limited by the best numerical values.

  When the winning modes (1) to (4) are given as examples, the probability of winning the winning modes (1) to (4) by lottery during the game is represented by, for example, Table 1 below. .

  However, in the present embodiment, only the above (1) “normal big hit” and (2) “probable big hit” are prepared, so here (3) “per short opening probable” and (4) in Table 1. The probability of “per short opening” does not have to be considered. In this case, for example, (1) “ordinary big hit” is 2/16 and (2) “probability big hit” is 14/16. Alternatively, (1) “ordinary big hit” may be a third, and (2) “probable big hit” may be a distribution rate of about two thirds.

(5. Maintenance lottery or falling lottery)
In the present embodiment, when the probability variation state (high probability state) is caused by the “probability big hit” in (2) above, the random variation maintenance lottery (or falling lottery) is performed every time the start winning prize is triggered. ing. The maintenance lottery is performed with a certain probability (for example, 1/640). When the lottery is lost with this maintenance lottery, a process of internally returning from the high probability state to the low probability state (normal probability) is performed.

(6. Control configuration)
FIG. 5 schematically shows a control configuration for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine 1. The control of the pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into a main board group and a peripheral board group, and among these, the main board group plays game operations (winning detection, winning judgment, special symbol display, prize ball payout, etc.) ), And a group of peripheral boards controls production operations (light emission decoration, sound output, liquid crystal display, etc.). In addition to this, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a power supply board, a launch control board, an interface board, and the like. However, since any known ones can be applied, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

(6-1. Main board)
The main board includes a main control board 56 and a payout control board 58, and the main control board 56 is disposed on the back side of the game board 4. The other payout control board 58 is disposed on the back side of the main body frame 3 together with the prize ball device. The main control board 56 and the payout control board 58 are equipped with CPUs 56c, 58c and other electronic parts such as built-in RAMs 56d, 58d and ROMs 56e, 58e, respectively, and various game control programs are executed by these electronic parts. Execute. Bidirectional communication is performed between the main control board 56 and the payout control board 58 via the respective input / output interfaces 56a and 58a. For example, when the main control board 56 transmits a prize ball command, it responds to this. Then, an ACK signal is returned from the payout control board 58 to the main control board 56.

  The main control board 56 is connected to a special symbol display device 60 (LED 52), a normal symbol display device 65 (LED 55), a game state display device 63 (LED 53), etc., which are provided on the game board 4. A solenoid 62 for driving the ball device 44, the attacker device 46, etc., a winning switch 64 for detecting a winning ball, a holding lamp (not shown in FIG. 5), and the like are connected.

  A payout motor 66 for driving the payout device is connected to one payout control board 58, and a motor index sensor, a prize ball count switch, and the like (none of which are shown) are connected to the payout control board 58. Yes.

(6-2. Peripheral board)
In addition to the sub-integrated board 68, the peripheral board includes, for example, a plurality of illumination control boards 70 and 72, a waveform control board 74, and the like. Between the main control board 56 and the sub-integrated board 68, communication in only one direction is performed between the input / output interface 56a and the input interface 68a. Even if a command is sent to 68, the reverse is not performed.

  The sub-integrated board 68 also has electronic components such as a built-in RAM 68d and ROM 68e including the CPU 68c, and a predetermined effect control program can be executed by these electronic components. Further, the other electrical decoration control boards 70 and 72 and the waveform control board 74 also have CPUs (RAM / ROM built-in) appropriately labeled in the drawing. Bidirectional communication is performed between the sub-integrated board 68 and the other illumination control boards 70 and 72 and the waveform control board 74 with the respective input / output interfaces 68b, 70a, 72a and 74a. For example, a lamp (LED) 76 for decoration is mainly connected to the first lighting control board 70, and a lighting signal for the lamp 76 is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the lighting control board 70. Then, in response to this, the illumination control board 70 performs a process of turning on the lamp 76. Alternatively, a decoration lamp 78 is connected to the second illumination control board 72 together with the liquid crystal display device 51, and a display command for the liquid crystal display device 51 is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the illumination control board 72. Then, in response to this, the illumination control board 72 performs a process of actually operating the liquid crystal display device 51. In addition to this, for example, in the case where an actor performing an effect operation by a movable body such as a drum or a character body is provided on the board surface, loads such as a motor and a solenoid for driving these are controlled by the illumination control boards 70 and 72. Connected to etc.

  The waveform control board 74 executes processing for generating and transmitting / receiving waveform signals such as inaudible ultrasonic waves as well as audible sound waves as acoustic outputs. For example, when a sound output command is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the waveform control board 74, the waveform control board 74 performs processing for driving the speakers 14 and 36. In addition, an ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80 is connected to the waveform control board 74, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80 enables ultrasonic communication between a plurality of platforms. Normally, a plurality of pachinko machines 1 are installed side by side in the island facility of the hall, but between the pachinko machines 1 equipped with the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80, ultrasonic communication is possible. By using this communication function, a plurality of pachinko machines 1 can synchronize the effect operation or exchange game information between specific stands.

(7. Example of control processing)
Next, an example of control processing executed by the main control board 56 (CPU) will be described.

(7-1. Start winning process)
First, FIG. 6 shows a routine of the start winning process. In this start winning process, it is determined whether or not there is a start win during the game (step S101). Specifically, when a detection signal is input from a winning switch 64 (starting port switch) corresponding to the above-described pitching device 44, it is determined that there is a starting winning (YES). It is determined that there is no starting prize (NO).

If it is determined that there is a start prize (step S101 = YES), it is next determined whether or not the number of holds is less than a maximum of 4 (step S102). At this time, if the number of holds is less than 4 (YES), a hold storage process is performed (step S103). In this hold storage process, various random number values are acquired and stored in the RAM, and “1” is added to the value of the hold number counter secured in the RAM. Conversely, if the number of holds has reached 4 (NO), the start winning process is returned without proceeding to the hold storing process (step S102).

  In this embodiment, in addition to random numbers used to determine whether or not to win big hits or determine special symbol changes / stop patterns, internal game modes are maintained, demoted or dropped (from high probability game modes to low probability game modes). Dedicated random numbers are used to determine (change / demotion / fall).

  Therefore, for example, random numbers for hit determination (random number value for hit determination), random numbers for hit symbol (random number value for hit type determination), random numbers for variable fluctuation (variable) In addition to this, there are random numbers dedicated to maintenance or falling lotteries. The winning judgment random number is used to determine whether or not the lottery result is a win, and the winning design random number is the above-mentioned “normal big hit” or “probability big hit”. It is a random number for discriminating.

  The winning design random number is used when the winning determination random number is determined to be winning. Specifically, the winning design random number is a display pattern that is stopped and displayed by the special symbol display device 60 (the winning pattern in FIG. 4). This is a random number for specifying the display pattern number). The variable variation random number (variable variation counter) is a random number for varying the symbol variation time by the special symbol display device 60 at the time of deviation variation, for example.

  And if the random number for maintaining or falling lottery is internally changed to the probability variation state (high probability game mode), whether or not the probability variation state should be maintained, or from the high probability game state It is a random number for determining whether or not to demote (fall) to a low probability game mode. This random number for exclusive use of the maintenance or falling lottery may be generated and acquired as a completely random number value, or in a mode used in combination with another random number value (variable random number, random number for out symbol, etc.) There may be.

  When each of the above random number values is acquired and stored in, for example, the RAM, the pending storage process is terminated and the present routine is returned. As described above, in the present embodiment, the random number value used for determining whether or not the jackpot is successful and the random number value used for determining the internal game mode or determining whether to fall or demote are substantially simultaneously (classified as the same procedure in the control process). Stored in a step). Note that these random number values may be stored at the same time, almost at the same time, or slightly different in time.

(7-2. Game operation processing)
Next, FIG. 7 shows a routine of the game operation process accompanying the start winning. In this game operation process, it is first determined whether or not there is a hold (step S201). Specifically, if the value of the number-of-holds counter is not 0, it is determined that there is a hold (YES), and then it is determined whether the special symbol is in an unchanged state (step S202). At this time, if the special symbol display device 60 has not yet started the fluctuation display (fluctuation display by blinking of the LED 52) (YES), then the hold shift process is executed (step S203).

  In the hold shift process, the value of the hold number counter is decremented by “1”, and the process of shifting the contents of each random number value stored in the hold storage area of the RAM is performed. Following this, symbol variation processing is executed (step S204). Here, the variation time of the special symbol, the setting of the display pattern when the variation is stopped, and the like are performed. The contents of the symbol variation process will be described later in detail using yet another flowchart (FIGS. 8 and 10).

  When the above-described symbol variation process (step S204) is completed, an information output process (step S205) is then executed. Here, various control information commands are generated and transmitted from the main control board 56 to the sub-integrated board 68. Is called. Based on the received control information command, the sub-integrated board 68 interprets the control information of the main control board 56 (presence / absence of start winning / holding, special symbol fluctuation / stop display mode, hit determination result, probability fluctuation, etc.) Then, a predetermined production operation is controlled. The details of the control information command will be described later (11. Effect process).

  In the present embodiment, a game state information display process is executed in the information output process (step S205). In this game state information display processing, whether the current internal state is “probability change (high probability game state)” or “non-probability change (low probability game state)” by the light emission operation of the game state display device 63 (LED 53). "Is displayed. The specific contents of the game mode information display process will be described later using another flowchart (FIG. 13B).

  In the game operation process of FIG. 7, a hit determination process (step S206) is finally performed. Note that the value of the hold number counter is 0 at the start of the game operation process (step S201 = NO), or the special symbol display device 60 is changing even if the value of the hold number counter is not 0 (step S202 = If NO, in either case, the information output process (step S205) and the hit determination process (step S206) are executed bypassing the hold shift process (step S203) and the symbol variation process (step S204).

  In the hit determination process (step S206), the hit flag (1 or 2) set at the start of the variation of the special symbol is referred to, and if the hit flag is set, another process (FIG. 11) is executed. Note that the process of setting the hit flag and the content of the hit determination process will be described in detail later using different flowcharts (FIGS. 9 and 11).

(7-3. Special figure variation setting process A)
Next, details of the symbol variation process (step S204) performed in the game operation process of FIG. 7 will be described.

  FIG. 8 shows the contents of the special figure variation setting process A included in the symbol variation process. In the special figure variation setting process A, the special symbol display device 60 mainly sets the variation time and selects the display pattern at the time of stop according to the lottery result. Specifically, the result of the lottery is determined based on the already acquired random numbers for winning determination (step S301). If the winning (winning) is determined (YES), the hit fluctuation setting process (step S302) is performed. Executed. The “winning” here means that it corresponds to the above (1) normal jackpot or (2) probability variation jackpot.

On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is out of lane, that is, it is determined that none of (1) and (2) is true (NO), the variable fluctuation random number (variable fluctuation) already acquired The value of the counter is compared with a predetermined value (for example, 1024) (step S303). The variable fluctuation random number is acquired within a range of 0 to 65535, for example. If this random number value is less than 1024 (YES), the variable fluctuation setting process (step S304) is executed. On the contrary, if the value of the random number for variable fluctuation is 1024 or more (NO), the fluctuation timer is set through each determination in step S305 or step S306.

  The variation timer is a timer for setting the variation time by the special symbol display device 60. Specifically, if the current number of holds is 0 (step S305 = YES), the predetermined variation timer is relatively long. Is set to 10 seconds (step S307). Similarly, if the number of holds is 1 (step S306 = YES), the variable timer is set to a relatively medium 8 seconds, and if the number of holds is 2 or more (step S306 = NO), the variable timer is It is set to a relatively short 6 seconds (so-called holding time is short). In any case, when the variation timer is set, a special symbol stop pattern is subsequently selected (steps S310 to S312). The stop pattern is appropriately selected from the on / off display patterns that do not correspond to any hit mode in FIG.

  When the above special figure fluctuation setting process A is summarized, if the lottery result corresponds to any hit, the special symbol fluctuation display is started after another hit fluctuation setting process (step S302) is executed. (Step S313). On the other hand, if the lottery result does not correspond to any hit (displacement), another variable variation setting process (step S304) with a distribution ratio of 1/64 according to the value of the acquired variable variation random number (variable variation counter). ) Is executed, but in other cases (63/64), the change display of the special symbol is started after the time of the change timer is set in three stages according to the number of holds (step S313). Become.

(7-4. Variable variation setting process)
Here, the variable variation setting process in step S304 is based on the conventional concept of “outlier reach variation”. In other words, when the symbol is removed by lottery, the variation time of the special symbol is gradually shortened according to the number of holdings (steps S307 to S309). By changing the length to short or long, or changing the stop pattern of the special symbol, it is difficult to make the player notice that the variation is out of place. In this variable fluctuation setting process, for example, the fluctuation time is distributed according to the table shown in Table 2 below.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since there is no effect synchronized with the change / stop of the special symbol (for example, the conventional decoration symbol change / stop display, etc.) There is no need to perform “outlier reach fluctuations” to increase For this reason, the setting of the variation time of the special symbol may be basically based on the concept of “short holding time”, but if the setting of the variation time is always fixed, it becomes easier for the player to be aware of “going out”.

  In consideration of this point, by executing the variable variation setting process described above, even if the lottery result is out of the range, “outreach reach variation” is performed at an appearance rate of 1/64. In this regard, in view of the fact that the conventional “displacement reach fluctuation” was performed at a relatively high appearance rate of about 1/11, in this embodiment, a long time for the purpose of providing a space between players. It can be said that the fluctuation is suppressed to a low appearance rate of 1/64. Therefore, from the player's point of view, “outreach reach fluctuations” that are unrelated to the win are less likely to be shown at a long time, and from the hall operator's point of view, the number of games per unit is increased due to heavy use of “outreach reach fluctuations”. Since the situation where the number of balls fired (operation) is reduced is avoided, there is an advantage for both.

(7-5. Hit variation setting process)
FIG. 9 shows the contents of the above-mentioned hit variation setting process (step S302 in FIG. 8). In the following description, in addition to the cases of (1) “normal big hit” and (2) “probable big hit” used in this embodiment, (3) “short open positive change hit” and (4) “short open hit” ”Is illustrated, but if it is limited to the present embodiment, the determination of step S401 and step S402 may be ignored and only the processing of step S404 and step S406 may be considered. .

  In the hit fluctuation setting process of FIG. 9, when the lottery result is a win, the setting of the fluctuation time is roughly divided between the case of “normal big hit” and the case of “probable big hit”. The setting of the variation time is shared between the case of “open-probability change” and the case of “short-open change”.

  That is, if it is determined in step S401 that it corresponds to “per short opening” (YES) or it is determined in step S402 that it corresponds to “short open probability variation” (YES), both cases are common. A short opening per change setting process (step S403) is executed. In step S403, using the value of the variable variation random number (variable variation counter), for example, the variation time is distributed in four ways according to the table shown in Table 3 below.

  Since the value of the variable fluctuation counter is acquired within the range of 0 to 65535, in this fluctuation setting process per short opening, the normal fluctuation is applied in most cases (appearance rate 255/256). As a result, a normal variation timer corresponding to the number of holdings is set with a considerably high appearance rate, so that the player can hardly distinguish from a normal deviation variation. When the above short open per-change variation setting process is executed, “2” is set to the internal hit flag (step S405), and this routine is returned.

  The above procedure does not need to be particularly considered in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, when the lottery result corresponds to “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, the determinations in step S401 and step S402 are both denied (NO). In this case, the common big hit fluctuation setting process (step S404) is executed. In this step S404, using the value of the variable fluctuation random number (variable fluctuation counter) from 0 to 65535, for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in six ways according to the table shown in Table 4 below. When this big hit variation setting process is executed, "1" is set to the internal hit flag (step S406), and this routine is returned.

(7-6. Special figure change execution process B)
Next, FIG. 10 shows the contents of the special figure variation execution process B included in the symbol variation process (step S204 in FIG. 7). When the variation of the special symbol is started by the special symbol variation setting process A, it is determined here whether or not it is during the variation period (step S501). Specifically, whether or not it is during the fluctuation period can be determined by referring to the above-described fluctuation timer. If the fluctuation timer is activated, it is determined that the fluctuation period is in effect (YES). Conversely, if the variation timer is stopped, it is determined that the variation period is not in effect (NO).

  If it is determined in step S501 that the special symbol is changing, a change display control process (step S502) is executed. Here, for the two two-color LEDs 52 constituting the special symbol display device 60, for example, counter values of 0 to 15 are acquired and assigned to 8-bit values, and a total of eight switches (two colors are used by using these values). A process of switching ON / OFF of LED × 4) every 40 ms is performed. Thereby, the high-speed fluctuation | variation by the special symbol display apparatus 60 is implement | achieved, while four 2 color LED52 blinks. Here, the lighting / extinguishing of the LED 52 is controlled with reference to the counter value, but the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the LED 52 can be switched using, for example, a predetermined variation pattern table.

  Thereafter, when the variation timer counts up and the variation period ends, it is determined that it is not during the variation period of the special symbol (NO), and then stop pattern display control (step S503) is executed. In this stop pattern display control, the special symbol display device 60 uses the stop pattern lighting / light-off display pattern data already selected in the special symbol variation setting process A (FIG. 8), the hit variation setting process (FIG. 9), or the like. Sent to. The pattern data need not be transmitted every interrupt cycle (for example, 4 ms), and it is preferable to adjust the light emission luminance of the LED 52 by sampling appropriately.

(7-7. Hit determination process)
FIG. 11 shows the contents of the hit determination process (step S206 in FIG. 7) included in the game operation process. This winning determination process is executed when the lottery result is a win, and is not executed when the lottery is lost. Here, when the lottery result is a win, the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set according to the type of the win.

  FIG. 11 also includes step S601 and step S602 for determining “short opening per hit” and “short opening probability variation hit” that need not be considered in the present embodiment. You can just ignore this step. In addition, when all are viewed in the order of processing, it is determined whether or not the lottery result is “per short opening” (step S601), and if the determination here is negative (NO), the result of the lottery is next. It is determined whether or not it is “short opening probability variation hit” (step S602).

  When the winning mode is either “normal jackpot” or “probability big hit” as in the present embodiment, step S603 is executed from the beginning. In step S603, the maximum setting period for the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set to 30 seconds, the maximum setting continuation number (maximum number of rounds) is set to 10 rounds, and the setting interval is set to 2 seconds. .

As an example different from the present embodiment, when the winning mode includes “short opening probability variation hit” and “short opening probability variation hit”, and the lottery result is “short opening probability variation hit”, the determination in step S602 is affirmative ( YES), and then step S604 is executed. In step S604, the setting maximum period for the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set to 0.3 seconds, the setting maximum duration (maximum number of rounds) is set to 2 rounds, and the setting interval is set to 2 seconds. Is done. When step S603 or step S604 is executed, the big hit process (step S605) is executed by operating the condition device internally.

On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “per short opening”, the determination in step S601 is affirmed (YES), and the short opening per process (step S606) is executed. In this short opening per unit processing, the condition device is not operated internally, but in order to realize a behavior that is the same as or similar to the “short open probability variation per unit” in appearance, the attacker device 46 is simply operated. First, the grand prize opening is opened for 0.3 seconds, and after closing it for an interval of 2 seconds, the grand prize opening is opened again for 0.3 seconds and then closed again. .

(7-8. Big hit processing)
FIG. 12 shows the contents of the big hit process (step S605 in FIG. 11) included in the hit determination process. When the condition device operates internally and the big hit process is executed, first, a predetermined round counter is initialized (step S701). This round counter is secured in the RAM 56d, for example, and the value of the round counter is reset with this initialization. The round counter is for counting the number of rounds in the big hit game, and when the value reaches the set maximum number of times, the big hit process ends.

  After the round counter is initialized, when a predetermined winning ball number counter is set to “0” (step S702), the special winning opening is subsequently opened (step S703). Then, in the next step S704, it is determined whether or not the opening period of the special winning opening is within the set maximum period. The time (30 seconds or 0.3 seconds) set in step S603 or step S604 during the previous hit determination process is applied to the maximum set period here. If the opening period is within the set maximum period (YES), it is then determined whether or not the value of the winning ball counter is less than 10 (step S705). At this time, if the value of the winning ball counter is less than 10 (YES), it is determined whether or not the detection signal of the count sensor corresponding to the big winning opening is turned on (step S706). If the count sensor is turned ON by winning a prize at the big winning opening (YES), “1” is added to the winning ball counter in the next step S707, and the determination in step S704 is performed again. Alternatively, if there is no winning in the big winning opening in step S706 and the count sensor is not ON (NO), the determination in step S704 is performed without adding the winning ball number counter.

  In the case of “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, one round ends when either the set maximum period of 30 seconds elapses or the winning ball reaches 10 counts. . If either of these two conditions is satisfied, the determination in step S704 or step S705 is negative (NO), so that the big prize opening is closed to end the round (step S708). Then, in the next step S709, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter has reached the set maximum continuation count (10 rounds).

  Although not applicable in the present embodiment, when the winning result is “short open probability variation hit”, the set maximum period is as short as 0.3 seconds. For this reason, the winning ball counter does not normally reach 10, and the determination of step S709, that is, the round counter reaches the set maximum number of times (2 rounds) after the set maximum period of 0.3 seconds elapses first. It is determined whether or not.

  In any case, if the value of the round counter has not reached the set maximum number of times (10 or 2) (step S709 = NO), then “1” is added to the value of the round counter (step S710) and the winning ball The number counter is reset to “0” (step S702).

  The above processing is the content corresponding to the processing of the first round in the “normal big hit” or “probability big hit”. Thereafter, when the round operation is repeated and it is determined that the value of the round counter has reached the set maximum continuation count (10 times) (step S709 = YES), the big hit processing is ended there.

(8. Game mode / game mode change means)
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the big hit game by “probability big hit” is finished, the game mode from there is changed to the so-called “probability change (high probability game mode)”. . That is, in this case, “1” is set in the above-described game state flag, and thereafter, the internal game state is changed to “probability change”. And while the game mode is “probable”, the lottery probability of the big hit is five times the normal (at the low probability), so the player can continuously win the next big hit with a high probability. ing.

  In this regard, the conventional probability variation type pachinko machine clearly notifies the player whether or not it is a “probable big hit” depending on the type of special symbol (decorative symbol) at the time of big hit, In most cases, the player is greatly appealed to the player as being “probable” by displaying character information such as “”.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if the internal state is shifted to “probability change” by “probability big hit”, the internal state at that time is clearly announced to the player (notification, notification, It corresponds to teaching, suggestion, transmission, etc.) In addition, since the display patterns by the special symbol display device 60 are diverse (81 ways), the player simply looks at the display mode at the time of stop by the special symbol display device 60 (the combination mode of turning on / off the LED 52). It is difficult to immediately determine whether the “probable big hit” has been assigned, the “normal (non-probable) big hit” has been assigned, or simply “displaced”. Of course, when the “normal big hit” or “probable big hit” is made, the jackpot game is enabled by the operation of the condition device, so that the player can detect that either “big hit” was obtained, but clearly Which “big hit” is not easily recognized.

  In addition, as an example different from the present embodiment, the “short opening probability variation” mode in which the winning prize opening is opened only twice for 0.3 seconds and then the game mode is changed to “probability variation” is won. In this case, if the specifications are included in the type, most players will not notice the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 at all, or even if they notice, It is not easy to make a prize. If the player happens to be aware of the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46, it can be predicted that it may have been a “short open probability variation hit”. Since “per short opening” in which the opening / closing action is performed also exists in this embodiment, “short opening probable per hit” and “per short opening” are simply determined by focusing on the movement of the attacker device 46 and the related performance action. It is not easy to determine.

(9. Features of one embodiment)
In summary, the following features are found in the game in the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment.

  Even if it is a “big hit” for the first time in a normal game mode (at low probability), just looking at the display when the special symbol is stopped will tell the player that it is a “normal big hit” It is not easy to determine whether it is a “hit”. After that, the special symbol variation display mode (variation time, etc.) is the same (or may be approximate) in the normal state (low probability) and the probability variation state (high probability). It cannot be determined that the player is “probably changing” even when viewing the fluctuation display. Further, even if the process shifts to “probability change”, the lottery probability and variation pattern of the normal symbol are the same as (or may be approximated to) the normal state (when the probability is low). Even if it sees an operation pattern (opening-closing frequency of movable piece 44a), it has composition which it is difficult to distinguish that a player is "probably changing".

  Therefore, the player can maintain a high expectation and willingness to win the next “big hit” while expecting that the game mode has shifted to “probability” for the time being when the big hit game ends. In addition, in the specification of the pachinko machine 1, in consideration of the fact that the distribution rate of “probable big hit” is 14/16 and the distribution rate of “normal big hit” is 2/16, in many cases, “ It is thought that it is very easy to expect that it has shifted to “Changing”.

  In this way, if there is an element that can greatly expect the game mode to shift to “probability” after “big hit”, the player will aim for a continuous big hit even after the end of “big hit”. Since the willingness to continue the game can be maintained, the players will become more and more engaged in the game. If the next “big hit” can be allocated early as the game continues, we can be confident that the game mode was “probable change”, and we expect that the “probable change” will continue. While playing, you can continue to be ambitious.

  On the other hand, when selecting a player's pedestal in the hall (standing around), conventionally, only reading the condition of the nail adjustment or looking at data such as the number of rotations (fluctuations) and number of hits per pedestal. In the specification of the present embodiment, there is a new interest in finding a stand that has been abandoned without being aware that the previous player has entered “probability” internally.

  Further, although not particularly taken into consideration in the present embodiment, the following features are further added to the pachinko machine 1 when the specifications including the above “short open probability variation hit” and “short open hit change” are adopted.

  (1) In addition to “probable big hit”, there is a possibility that the game mode may shift to “probable change” triggered by “short open probable hit”, so that the player can take action for opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and related performance actions. If you notice, even if you haven't paid a big hit yet, expecting a transition from normal gaming to “probable change”, and maintaining high expectations and willingness to win a big hit from there be able to.

  (2) However, according to the specifications of the pachinko machine 1, if the allocation rate of “probable big hit” is 12/16, the allocation rate of “short open probable per unit” with the operation of the condition device is about the same as “normal big hit” (2/16), the appearance rate is low as it is, and the appeal to the player is relatively low. As a supplement to this point, there is a separate “Short Open Per Open” that shows the same behavior as the “Short Open Probability Hit” without opening the condition device (opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and related stage action). By combining the hit probability (1/128) of the “short open probability variation” and the appearance rate of the “short open probability variation”, the player is given an opportunity to come into contact with either one at a relatively high frequency.

  (3) For this reason, for example, when a player is in contact with the behavior of the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and the related production action in a normal game mode (at a low probability), the player becomes “probable change” by “short open probable hit”. While expecting that there may have been a transition, it is possible to maintain a high sense of expectation and willingness to play until the next "big hit" is awarded.

  (4) Also, when a player touches the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 or a related production action at a certain point in time, even if it is actually merely “per short opening”, Since the next opening / closing action and related production action may occur while continuing, the player's expectation for the transition to “probability change” is not easily diminished.

  (5) Or, even if you are not blessed with the chance to shift to “probability”, if a player wins a “big hit” even once, expecting to go back to (1) above and shift to “probability” As the feelings come out, the willingness to play will increase further while expecting the next big hit.

(10. Game mode maintenance / demotion determination process)
As described above, in this embodiment, there is a possibility that the game mode may shift to “probability change” after “big hit”, and whether or not the game mode has actually changed to “probability change” is clearly indicated to the player. Not being a factor that enhances the interest of the pachinko machine 1 is different in the present embodiment. More specifically, when the game mode shifts to “probability change” internally, for example, a lottery (maintenance lottery) to keep “probability change” triggered by each start winning prize, or from “probability change” to normal A lottery (so-called lottery such as demotion / falling) for whether or not the game mode should be changed is performed (maintenance lottery means, falling lottery means).

  FIG. 13A shows the contents of the game state maintenance / demotion determination process for executing the above lottery. When the game state shifts to “probability change” as described above, the main control board 56 executes the process of FIG. 13A. Here, first, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the game mode should be maintained as “probability change” using a random number value acquired in response to the start winning (step S801). Winning probability in the maintenance lottery (on the contrary, in the case of a falling lottery), the winning probability of the person who maintains the game mode is set relatively high, for example, 639/640, with a considerably low probability of 1/640 However, it is not to be lost (on the contrary, in the case of falling lottery, it is won). If it does not fall in the lottery here (NO), this routine is returned as it is, but if it falls in the lottery (YES), “demotion determination” to the normal game mode is made. In the following description, the “game state maintenance lottery” will be described as an example, but in the case of “game state drop lottery”, the above parenthesis should be considered.

  If the lottery is lost in the above lottery, then a loss variation setting process (step S802) is performed. Here, using the value of the random number for variable fluctuation (variable fluctuation counter), for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in three ways according to the table shown in Table 5 below.

  Since the value of the variable fluctuation counter is acquired within the range of 0 to 65535, the normal fluctuation is applied in most cases in this defeat selection fluctuation setting process. As a result, a normal fluctuation timer corresponding to the number of holds is set with a considerably high appearance rate, so that the player can hardly distinguish from a normal deviation fluctuation, and in particular, a downgrade from “probability change” is performed. It is impossible to immediately determine what happened. In the selection change setting process, a predetermined stop symbol (outgoing display pattern) is also selected.

  When the above-described selection change setting process is executed, “0” is set to the internal game state flag (step S803), and this routine is returned. Thereafter, the game mode flag becomes “0”, so that the internal game mode is pulled back to the normal time.

  With such a specification, even if it shifts to "probability change" once, there is a possibility that it will be a big hit with a high probability by each starting prize from there, conversely from "probability change" with a probability of 1/640 It can be said that there is a possibility of being demoted. Therefore, even if the player is currently expecting a “probable” game mode, he can always play the game while feeling close to the big hit and the risk of falling. Therefore, a thrilling interest is added there.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even when internally demoted or downgraded from “probability change” to a low probability game mode, the information is concealed without being actively disclosed to the outside. As a result, even if the player had previously assumed that the internal game mode was "probable change" and was changed to the normal low-probability game mode, the variation mode and direction of special symbols It is no longer possible to detect this from the contents of the operation.

  In this way, in this embodiment, even if it shifts to `` probability change '' once, there is a possibility that it will win the next `` big hit '', conversely, it will be lost in the maintenance lottery, and from there it will be in the normal probability state It can be said that there is a possibility of being demoted. Based on the possibility of demotion due to such a maintenance lottery, in this embodiment, the rate of transition to “probability change” at the time of hitting is relatively high (accuracy change in 14/16, non-probability change in 2/16) ), Which increases the player's expectation and avoids the player becoming more unilaterally advantageous than the hall operator.

  In the present embodiment, the maintenance lottery is performed, for example, at the following timing.

  (1) The maintenance lottery is performed before the big hit lottery with the start winning prize as an opportunity (before step S204 in FIG. 7). In this case, the big winning lottery can be executed only when the maintenance lottery is won.

  (2) The maintenance lottery is performed after the big hit lottery with the start winning prize. In this case, conversely, when the “probable big hit” is won in the big win lottery, the maintenance lottery itself may not be executed.

(Display of game mode information)
Next, FIG. 13B shows the contents of the game state information display process. This process is executed in the information output process (step S205 in FIG. 7) during the previous game operation process. In this game state information display process, the game state information is displayed to the outside by controlling the light emission operation of the LED 53 as described above. In the present embodiment, the light emission pattern (luminance) of the LED 53 is controlled in a plurality of steps (for example, 10 steps to 100 steps). The light emission pattern (luminance) of the LED 53 changes in accordance with an on / off control unit (hereinafter referred to as “frame”) of the LED 53. For example, when one unit period (hereinafter referred to as “cycle”) is composed of 8 frames, it is possible to represent 9 levels (gradation) of light emission patterns from a non-light emitting state to a light emitting state with maximum luminance, and 16 frames. 17 gradations can be expressed.

  In order to express a light emission pattern (luminance) in a plurality of stages (multi-gradation), in this embodiment, a method of controlling the gradation of the LED 53 by controlling the light emission duty of the LED 53 in one cycle can be applied. . The light emission duty can be controlled, for example, by switching the LED 53 on and off in units of frames of a certain period (for example, 2 ms) set by dividing one cycle.

(Duty control)
FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gray scale expression method. For example, when the luminance of the LED 53 is represented by a gradation value, the luminance of the LED 53 increases as the gradation value increases. That is, at the gradation value “0”, the LEDs 53 are turned off (non-light emission) in all frames during the above-described one cycle. In the case of the gradation value “1”, the signal is on (hatched portion in the figure) at one frame. Hereinafter, as the gradation value increases, the number of frames to be turned on increases, and the brightest gradation value “8” is turned on in all frames. In this way, nine levels of gradation can be expressed by increasing the ratio of the period during which the LED 53 is on in the cycle, that is, the duty ratio, as the gradation value increases.

  In order to determine the light emission pattern of the LED 53, it is first determined whether or not the current internal game mode has a high probability, that is, whether or not the game mode flag is “1” (step S1001). If it is “probably changing” internally at this time, the determination in step S1001 is affirmed (YES), and the process proceeds to step S1002. In this case, any one value is selected from the range of 0.8 to 0.7 as the duty ratio used for the light emission control of the LED 53.

  On the other hand, if the internal game mode is “normal time (uncertain change)”, the determination in step S1001 is negative (NO), and the process proceeds to step S1004. In this case, any one value is selected from the range of 0.4 to 0.0 as the duty ratio.

  In either step S1002 or step S1004, the duty ratio is selected at random within each range, but a plurality of selectable values (for example, 5 to 50) are set in advance. .

  When the duty ratio value is selected through the above procedure, the light emission operation of the LED 53 is controlled based on the selected duty ratio (step S1003). Therefore, when “probability variation” is internally set, a relatively high luminance (duty ratio = 0.8 to 0.7) is selected as the light emission pattern of the LED 53, while “normal (non-probability variation)” is selected. In this case, a relatively low luminance (duty ratio = 0.4 to 0.0) is selected as the light emission pattern. Here, the light emission control includes making the LED 53 not emit light (duty ratio = 0.0).

(Summary of game state information display processing)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the following advantages are obtained by controlling the light emission operation of the LED 53 by the duty ratio.

  (1) Information regarding whether the internal state is “probability change state” or “normal state” is expressed not by simple light emission or non-light emission (ON / OFF) of the LED 53 but by a difference in brightness of the LED 53 The internal state cannot be easily determined by simply looking at the LED 53 from the outside. Therefore, if it is estimated that the player has transitioned to the “probable change state”, the game can be continued eagerly with the expectation of the next big hit, but from the “probable change state” to the “normal state” You can enjoy a thrilling game while being aware that there may be a fall.

  On the other hand, since each light emission pattern (luminance) corresponds to either “probability change state” or “normal state”, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment has its internal state facing outside. It has a configuration capable of outputting. Therefore, the convenience for the operator of the game hall to grasp the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is enhanced.

  (2) Further, when the luminance of the LED 53 is relatively high, there is a high possibility of “probably changing”, and conversely, when the luminance is relatively low, a tendency of “normal” is high. For this reason, once shifting to “probability change”, whether “probability change (high probability)” continues depending on whether the luminance of the LED 53 is high or low, or from “probability change (high probability)” to “normal (low probability)” It is interesting that a player can guess and scrutinize whether or not it has fallen.

  (3) In addition to the above, in this embodiment, the game state information display process (FIG. 13B) is executed every time there is a change in the special symbol accompanying the start winning, and the duty ratio of the LED 53 is selected again each time. become. As a result, the light emission pattern (brightness) of the LED 53 changes in various ways while the game is continued. Therefore, if the LED 53 emits light with a relatively high luminance in a certain variation, the luminance is relatively low in the next variation. Trying to be depressed, or picking it up again, you can bring it back to high brightness, and you can get the effect of making the player feel awkward and excited every time the brightness changes.

  (4) Further, in the present embodiment, when the LED 53 emits light with the highest luminance (duty ratio = 0.8), it is determined that “probability is changing”, so that the player is “probability changing”. I am convinced that, and more and more efforts to play games.

  (5) Contrary to the above, when the LED 53 does not emit light (duty ratio = 0), the fall to the “normal state” is confirmed. In this case, the player knows that he could not leave a satisfactory result in the maintenance lottery (or falling lottery), and can change his / her feelings for the next big hit win.

  The contents of the game mode information display process (FIG. 13B) can be modified as follows.

  In step S1002 or step S1004, the range of the duty ratio selected in “probably changing” and the range of the duty ratio selected in “normal” may not be completely separated, and the ranges may be partially overlapped. For example, even when the duty ratio is 0.8, it is associated with “probably changing”, and “normal time” and “probably changing” are alternately exchanged and associated as the duty ratio value decreases by one step from there. (Normal time = 0.75, 0.65, 0.55,..., 0.15 / probably changing = 0.7, 0.6, 0.5,..., 0.0). In this case, since the light emission patterns of the LEDs 53 are similar to each other in “probability change” and “normal time”, it is difficult to detect the internal state only with a simple level of brightness.

(Other configurations of game state display device)
(1) In this embodiment, a plurality of types of light emission patterns are provided depending on the luminance difference of the LEDs 53. For example, about 4 to 6 LEDs are arranged, and the number and position of the LEDs that emit light are varied in various ways. A plurality of types of light emission patterns may be provided.

  (2) The arrangement of the LEDs as the game state display device may be a frame instead of the board surface, and the game state display devices may be arranged not only at one place but also at a plurality of places.

  (3) Alternatively, display means other than LEDs may be used as the game state display device. For example, the game state information can be viewed from the outside by disposing a movable body on the board surface and changing the position and posture of the movable body, the angle relative to the front, and the like.

(11. Production process)
The above is purely the contents of the processing related to the control of the game operation by the main control board 56, but when the sub integrated board 68 receives the control information command from the main control board 56, it executes various effect processes based on this. (Production operation control device).

  As already described, the basic game specification of the present embodiment is that “the result of the lottery cannot be easily read simply by looking at the change / stop display of the special symbol”. For this reason, with regard to the rendering process, basically, combinations of decorative symbols (for example, numbers 1 to 10, numbers, characters, pictures, character icons, etc.) associated with special symbols such as those conventionally used in the liquid crystal display device 51, Scroll fluctuations are not displayed. Similarly, since the conventional reach variation display method is not employed for the special symbol, the liquid crystal display device 51 does not perform the reach effect display using the decorative symbol.

  Instead, when the result of the hit determination is “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, an animation image having a series of stories is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51 before shifting to these big hit games, Then, when some kind of completion (for example, a racehorse wins a domestic race) is seen, it develops into a big hit game production (for example, the same racehorse runs in an overseas race). In addition, sound effects and the like are output from the speakers 14 and 36 in accordance with changes in the video.

  As an example different from the present embodiment, when the above “short opening probability variation hit” or “short opening hit per hit” is reached, any related performance action (for example, the racehorse changes its position to the paddock or starts running). Video with visual changes such as entering a gate) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51, and BGM and sound effects are output from the speakers 14, 36.

(11-1. Game effect processing)
Hereinafter, the game effect process in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 14 shows a basic flow of the game effect process. This game effect process is executed in the sub-integrated board 68 (CPU 68c). Derived from the process here, the other lighting control boards 70 and 72, the waveform control board 74 and the like each process (lamp lighting, liquid crystal display). The drive of the apparatus 51, the drive of the speakers 14 and 36, etc.) are performed.

  In this game effect process, a command reception process (step S10d) is first performed, and a control information command is received from the main control board 56 here. Examples of control information commands received by the sub-integrated board 68 from the main control board 56 include the following.

(1) Special symbol variation information command: This is a command corresponding to the value (0 to 65535) of the variable random number (variable variation counter) of the special symbol or the number of holdings. Based on this command pattern, the sub-integrated board 68 recognizes the variation pattern of the special symbol (for example, the variation time, the number of remaining reservations, etc.).

(2) Special symbol winning information command: a command representing a winning result corresponding to a random number for hit determination. Based on this command pattern, the sub-integrated board 68 recognizes a winning result (whether it is a win or a win, which type is a win, etc.) by a special symbol lottery.

(3) Game state information command: This is a command corresponding to the game state flag (0 or 1). Based on this command pattern, the sub-integrated board 68 recognizes whether the current game mode is a low-probability game mode or a high-probability game mode.

  Tables 6 to 8 below list command patterns corresponding to random number values of the variable variation counter for the special symbol variation information command of (1) above. Each command pattern in each table is written in the form of “(status) :( mode)”. When the status in the command pattern is “10H”, it means that the lottery result is a win or not. Regardless of whether or not the variation pattern is set based on the random number value of the variable variation counter.

  In this embodiment, since it is not necessary to consider the hit mode of “short open probability variation hit” and “short open hit hit”, in Table 6 to Table 8 below, the matters related to these hit modes should be excluded. Can do.

  Here, the command pattern shown in Table 6 is determined by, for example, the big hit variation setting process (step S404 in FIG. 9), and the command pattern shown in Table 7 is, for example, the short hit per short release. It is determined in the variation setting process (step S403 in FIG. 9) (not considered in this embodiment). Further, the command pattern shown in Table 8 is determined by, for example, the variable variation setting process (step S304 in FIG. 8).

  On the other hand, Table 9 below lists the command patterns corresponding to the number of holds for the special symbol variation information command (1). Therefore, when the status in the command pattern is “11H”, “12H”, or “13H”, this indicates that the variation pattern (normal variation) is set based on the number of holds. The command patterns shown in Table 9 are determined, for example, in the above special figure variation setting process A (steps S307 to S309 in FIG. 8).

  Next, Table 10 lists the command patterns corresponding to the winning results of the lottery for the special symbol winning information command (2). Here again, the command pattern in the table is written in the form of “(status) :( mode)”. Therefore, when the status in the command pattern is “18H”, this indicates that it corresponds to the winning result of the lottery, and further, which type of winning is determined by the mode “01H to 05H” at that time. Is identified. The command patterns in Table 10 are determined, for example, in the hit determination (step S301 in FIG. 8) of the special figure variation setting process A.

  In the present embodiment, it is not necessary to consider the hit mode of “short open probability variation hit” and “short open hit per hit”. Therefore, in Table 10 below, matters related to these hit modes can be excluded.

  Table 11 below lists the command patterns corresponding to each game mode with respect to the game mode information command of (3) above. Similarly, when the status in the command pattern is “19H”, this indicates that the status corresponds to the game mode information, and the game mode is changed depending on the mode “01H” or “02H” at that time. Is recognized. The command pattern in Table 11 is determined from the game state flag at that time, for example, in the information output process (step S205 in FIG. 7) during the game operation process.

When each control information command is received in the command reception process (step S10d), a stage selection process (step S20d) is executed next. The details of the stage selection process (with A and B) will be described with reference to still another flowchart (FIGS. 18 and 22). Here, for example, among the images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51, the basic selection is performed. A production scene (stage) is selected. For example, three types of production scenes are prepared. Here, one type of production scene is selected.

  As already described, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is not clearly shown to the player whether or not the current game mode is “probable change”, but instead, what happens to the internal game mode through the effect image? It leaves room for players to explore and guess whether they are. For this reason, in the stage selection process, it is possible to remind the player that there has been a change in the game mode by appropriately changing the production scene according to the internal game mode change or the progress of the game, You can change your eyes.

  When a basic effect scene is selected in the stage selection process (step S20d), the state inherent effect process (step S30d) is then executed. In this mode inherent effect process, in addition to the basic effect screen display, an additional effect (especially a continuous effect) related to the current game mode is performed. The details of the mode inherent effect process will be described later using another flowchart (FIGS. 23A and 23B).

  Subsequent to the above-described mode inherent effect process (step S30d), a variable effect process (step S40d) is executed. In this variation effect process, for example, in accordance with the operation of the stop display from the start of the variation of the special symbol, an effect of the content related thereto (for example, an effect using a continuous moving image) is performed. As already described, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 51 does not perform a fluctuating effect, a reach effect, or the like using a decorative symbol, and there is a conventional way of expressing the symbol lottery process in an attractive manner. There is no. Instead, on the liquid crystal display device 51, for example, an animation image or the like having some change is displayed in accordance with the change of the special symbol, and the winning result of the lottery, the winning type, etc. are produced depending on the content of the change. It is something that is expressed. This variation effect process will also be described in detail using another flowchart (FIG. 29).

  In the remaining display processing (step S50d), specific production control commands are generated and transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the illumination control boards 70 and 72, the waveform control board 74, and the like. In response, the liquid crystal display device 51, the various lamps 76 and 78, the speakers 14 and 36, etc. are actually driven.

(11-2. Stage selection process)
Here, the meaning of “stage” used in the rendering process of this embodiment will be clarified. The “stage” in the rendering process of the present embodiment is for identifying a basic concept / theme of a rendering scene displayed as a normal image on the liquid crystal display device 51. While coming into contact with the production scene, the game progresses with a sense of conceptual content such as concepts and subject matter.

  For convenience, “Stage a” represents the stage where the racehorse is grazed, “Stage b” represents the stage where the racehorse is trained, and the racehorse refrains from running in the paddock. It is mainly classified into three types as “stage c” that represents a certain production scene. However, each “stage a to c” has some meaning in proceeding with the game. Specifically, the “stages a to c” have the following meaning depending on the importance of ideas generally extracted from each “stage a to c”. It suggests whether the probability of winning the big hit is high or low (so-called reliability). Hereinafter, a specific example will be described in each of “stages a to c”.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a basic image displayed when “stage a” is selected as the effect scene. In this example, a comical racehorse is grazed on an idyllic pasture (for the sake of convenience, horse equipment is not removed so that it can be easily understood that it is a racehorse). . The racehorse depicted here has the same design as the character body 42a of the center actor 42, and is a character that becomes the central presence (main character) of the game concept in the pachinko machine 1.

  Next, FIG. 16 shows an example of a basic image displayed when “stage b” is selected as the type of effect scene. In this example, the racehorse is trained (for example, training to climb a slope). FIG. 17 shows an example of a basic image displayed when “stage c” is selected as the type of effect scene. In this example, a racehorse is drawing around the paddock in preparation for the race. Then, the subsequent effects (the mode inherent effect process, the change effect process, etc.) are all developed from the basic “stages a to c”.

  As is clear from each stage of “stages a to c” illustrated above, “stage a” extracts a relatively gentle idea as a racehorse's daily life, freed from the tension of the race. A peaceful atmosphere is created. Therefore, in general, a player who is in contact with the production scene of “Stage a” tends to receive an impression as if there is a little time until the big hit.

  From the next “stage b”, an intermediate concept in which the racehorse is in training toward the race start is extracted. For this reason, in general, a player who comes into contact with the stage “stage b” tends to have a sense of expectation as if he is gradually approaching a big hit or is not far from the big hit.

  And from “Stage c”, a tense idea before the race starts, which is the main part of a racehorse, is extracted, so in general, a player who is in contact with the stage of “Stage c” is finally close to the big hit There is a tendency to have a sense that the expectation and excitement that the probability of jackpot is high (being probable) is mixed.

  In this way, since the player's impressions and sensations are different for each stage of “stages a to c”, any “stages a to c” appear in the stage displayed during normal gaming. It can be said that the size of the player's expectation varies depending on whether or not “is selected”. In view of this point, in the stage selection process, “stages a to c” are selected with a certain degree of relevance to the current internal game mode.

  Considering simply, “Stage a” that gives an impression far from the big hit is likely to be selected with high frequency when it is in a low-probability game mode, and conversely, “Stage c” near the big hit is a high-probability game mode In this case, it is natural to select an aspect that is likely to be selected with a high frequency when it is in the range (during probability change). In addition, it can be said that the intermediate “stage b” is naturally selected in a certain frequency regardless of the game mode. For this reason, the selection criteria based on the above-mentioned natural concept is basically applied also in the stage selection process.

  On the other hand, if the current game mode is simply fixed and associated with the “stages a to c” selected at that time, the player clearly knows which game mode is selected. For this reason, in this embodiment, for example, in the case of a high-probability gaming mode, even if the “stage c” corresponding to the mode is selected, if a certain opportunity comes, the “stage” is re-selected and the “stage” is re-selected. ", That is, the stage shift is generated in the production.

  FIG. 18 specifically shows the contents of the stage selection process A performed in the above stage selection process (step S20d). Here, it is determined whether or not an opportunity to switch the production scene (stage transition opportunity) has come (steps S201d to S204d). As an opportunity to switch the production scene, for example, when the high-probability game mode is lost in the mode maintenance lottery performed by the main control board 56 and the game mode is demoted internally (step S201d), the value of the variable fluctuation counter is When the command pattern when less than 1024 is received (step S202d), when the stage transition condition uniquely determined by the sub-integrated board 68 is satisfied (step S203d), or when the stage integration mode shifts in the sub-integrated board 68. This is one of the cases (step S204d) (all are YES). Of these, the internal game mode demotion determination (step S201d) and the command pattern determination (step S202d) can both be performed based on the command pattern received from the main control board 56. For other stage transition condition determination (step S203d) and stage selection mode transition determination (step S204d), each sub-integrated board 68 has its own determination material. Alternatively, in step S201d, it may be determined whether or not the above “short opening probability change per hit” or “short open per hit” is won.

  In either case, since stage reselection (step S205d) is performed, if a stage of a type different from the current state is selected there, an effect in which the production scene is switched to another stage, that is, the stage transition on the production is performed. appear. However, when the same stage as the current state is simply selected repeatedly, there is no particular change in appearance.

  Table 12 below shows a stage selection table (selection criterion 1) used when the internal game mode is demoted (step S201d = YES). The values in the table represent the probability (sorting rate) that each “stage ac” is selected as the stage transition destination.

  A characteristic of the distribution ratio shown in Table 12 is that each of the “stages a to c” can be easily selected with an almost equal frequency. For this reason, for example, if “Stage c”, which has a high probability game state internally and is strongly related to it, is currently selected, if it falls to a low probability game mode, the distribution rate is 67%. In this case, a transition to another “stage a, b” occurs, but “stage c” may be reselected at a distribution rate of 33%. Therefore, even if the game mode is demoted internally, the stage transition does not always occur in the production, and the player may continue the game without noticing the change of the internal game mode at all.

  Note that the stage selection table in Table 12 is used when selecting a production scene (a so-called initial screen) to be displayed first when the sub-integrated board 68 is initialized by turning on the power of the pachinko machine 1 (OFF → ON). Can also be used. For example, the pachinko machine 1 is in a low-probability gaming mode at the time of opening a normal hall, but in the stage selection table of Table 12, each “stage a to c” is selected with a substantially equal distribution rate. The initial production scene can be changed randomly for each table. In this case, the player can select a table based on various judgments while comparing the initial screen for each table. Of course, without using such a method, the initial production scene in the pachinko machine 1 may always be the same type (for example, “stage a”).

  Table 12 is a stage selection table that is applied when the game mode is demoted internally, but another stage selection table is applied in other cases (steps S202d to 204d). Specifically, when re-selecting a stage, different stage selection tables are applied when the game is internally in a low probability game mode and in a high probability game mode. The stage selection table has a tendency that a stage related to the game mode is easily selected.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, specifications are provided in which the sub-integrated board 68 stays and shifts to a plurality of “stage selection modes” in the rendering process. Here, two stage selection modes A and B are set for each of the low probability game mode and the high probability game mode, and a separate stage selection table is prepared for each of these modes A and B. The sub-integrated board 68 stays in one of the stage selection modes (low probability mode A, low probability mode B, high probability mode A, high probability mode B) when executing the rendering process, and further, predetermined The mode transition is performed when the transition condition is satisfied.

  Tables 13 and 14 below show examples of the stage selection tables (selection criteria 2 and 3) used in the low probability game mode. Of these, the table in Table 13 is applied when the sub-integrated board 68 stays in the “low probability mode A”, and the table in Table 14 applies when the sub integrated board 68 stays in the “low probability mode B”. The

The following tendencies are evident from Tables 13 and 14.
(Trend 1) While staying in “low-probability mode A, B”, “stage a” where the player's expectation is generally low is likely to be selected with a relatively high probability (frequency).
(Trend 2) When switching from “low-probability mode A” to “low-probability mode B”, the same stage as the current situation is likely to be selected, or the player ’s expectation level is conceptually high The probability (frequency) that “c” is selected increases.
(Trend 3) However, while staying in “Low Probability Mode B”, if “Stage c” is currently selected, another “Stage a, b” is always selected as the next transition destination. Although it is easy to select “stage c”, it can be said that the stage of “stage c” is difficult to continue.

  Next, Table 15 and Table 16 below show examples of the stage selection tables (selection criteria 4 and 5) used in the high probability game mode. Of these, the table in Table 15 is applied when the sub-integrated board 68 stays in the “high probability mode A”, and the table in Table 16 applies when the sub-integrated board 68 stays in the “high probability mode B”. The

  The following tendencies are evident from Tables 15 and 16.

  (Trend 4) While staying in “High-probability mode B”, “Stage a to c” is the next with an almost equal ratio (frequency) regardless of which of “Stage ac” is currently selected. It is easy to be chosen as a destination.

  (Trend 5) When “high probability mode B” is switched to “high probability mode A”, when “stage c” is currently selected, another “stage a, b” is always used as the next transition destination. Therefore, it is difficult to continue the stage of “Stage c”, and this point is the same as in the above-mentioned (Trend 3) “Low probability mode B”.

  Further, comparing Table 14 and Table 15, the probability (frequency) that “stage a, b” is selected in both “low-probability mode B” and “high-probability mode A”. , The content is partially duplicated. For this reason, the stage selection table is understood to have partially duplicated contents even though the tendency is different between the low probability game mode and the high probability game mode. .

  This kind of stage selection table provides materials that allow players to explore and infer internal game modes from the tendency of stage transitions to be made during production, while making it difficult to make a simple decision. Seasoning of processing is made.

  Note that the stage transition condition is satisfied in the determination in step S203d when, for example, a winning lottery performed on the sub-integrated board 68 is won. The sub-integrated board 68 performs random lottery based on a certain probability (1/64 in the low probability game mode and 1/26 in the high probability game mode) for each game mode, and the stage transition condition is satisfied in the case of winning. Judge that In addition to this, the stage transition condition may be determined for the reason of the effect processing, for example, when the same “stage” continues for a certain time or more, or “stage” which is conceptually different from the internal game mode ”Continues (when“ stage c ”continues for a long time even though it is a low-probability game mode), or when a certain break is seen in other effect processing (when a series of effect stories are completed by variable effect processing) ) Etc., it is determined that the stage transition condition is satisfied.

  In addition, when the production scene is switched by stage transition on the actual screen, for example, a transition opportunity screen is displayed in between. FIG. 19 shows an example of a transition opportunity screen displayed when “stage a” is selected as the next transition destination. In the transition opportunity screen of FIG. 19, for example, when “stage b, c” has been selected up to that point and another production scene (FIG. 16, FIG. 17) has been displayed on the screen, next, “stage a” It is displayed as an eye catcher in the interval until it is switched to the production scene (FIG. 15).

  Similarly, FIG. 20 is a transition opportunity screen to “stage b”, and FIG. 21 is a transition timing screen to “stage c”. In addition, in the transition opportunity screens of FIGS. 19 to 20, the race type (for example, “GIII”, “GII”, “GI”, etc.) that the racehorse is scheduled to start is displayed as character information. It expresses that the degree of expectation for jackpot (the degree of the lottery probability) varies depending on the difference in importance and case.

  FIG. 22 shows the specific contents of the stage selection process B. Here, it is determined whether or not the mode transition condition is satisfied (step S210d). When the mode transition condition is satisfied (YES), the stage selection mode transition is performed (step S211d). When the mode transition is performed as described above, the stage reselection is performed in accordance with the mode transition. Therefore, it is assumed that the mode transition condition is mainly satisfied when some change occurs in the progress of the game. .

  Specifically, the mode transition condition is broadly satisfied by any one of “after big hit (or short open probability change hit)”, “after short open hit”, or “when the internal game mode is demoted”. When any change occurs in the progress of the game, the stage selection mode is reassigned at a constant distribution rate on the sub-integrated board 68. For “after big hit (or short opening probability change hit)”, different allocation rates are applied according to the type of hit at that time, that is, the type when the special symbol is stopped (shown in FIG. 4).

  Table 17 below shows a list of distribution rates in the stage selection mode. In the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to consider the hit mode of “short open probability variation hit” and “short open hit hit”, in Table 17 below, matters related to these hit modes can be considered.

  As is clear from Table 17, even after the same big hit, the allocation rate differs depending on whether the probability variation symbol or the normal symbol, and the allocation rate varies more finely among the probability variation symbols. In particular, when it is easy to distinguish the “probable big hit” from the stop pattern of the special symbol (so-called probabilistic iron plate symbol), it is assigned to the “high probability mode B” with the highest probability. The probability (frequency) of selecting “stage c” increases. In this case, if the player is convinced that it has entered “probability” from the stop pattern of the special symbol, the probability of touching the production as expected (so-called “hot production”) will increase, Can play games more eagerly.

  On the other hand, if the stop display pattern of the special symbol corresponds to the probability variation symbol, there is a high probability that it will be assigned to the “high probability mode A”. B ". In this case, it becomes difficult to easily distinguish the game mode from the subsequent effects, and the player can continue playing the game while being stimulated by the search.

  Note that it is only after the big hit that the mode is changed due to the big hit, and the effect during the big hit game is developed without changing the stage displayed in the past. This makes it easier for players to sensuously accept that they have entered “big hit game” from the flow of production so far, and conversely, by switching the stage on the production after the end of “big hit game (round)” So you can make some breaks there. However, even if the player makes a break after the “big hit game”, “stage c” may be selected suddenly in the subsequent production, so the player may “aim for the next big hit”. With this expectation, you can continue to play games eagerly.

  In addition, another transition condition can be set in the determination in step S210d. For example, when the user stays in the same mode for a certain period of time or when a unique mode transition lottery performed on the sub-integrated board 68 is won. In these cases, for example, on the screen, a short production is performed with a special production scene different from “stages a to c” (a character different from the racehorse appearing) between them, and then the destination An aspect in which an effect process that is switched to a stage may be performed.

(11-2-1. Summary of stage selection process)
In the present embodiment, the following advantages are obtained by executing the above-described stage selection processing (FIGS. 18 and 22), for example.

  (1) Since the effect image (stage image) of the liquid crystal display device 51 that is relatively easy for the player to change is changed at a certain frequency, the stage is frequently changed as the player continues the game for a long time ( Stage switching) occurs as an effect, thereby changing the player's eyes, refreshing the mood, and reaffirming the willingness to tackle the game.

  (2) The contents expressed by the images of each “stage a to c” are all conceptually different, and the degree of importance, urgency, tension, and the like of the concept extracted therefrom are large and small. Can give players different impressions and emotions. For this reason, the player captures the pachinko machine by associating the conceptual content extracted from the “stages a to c” with the current internal game mode (low probability game mode or high probability game mode). You can increase your sense of expectation while guessing the internal game mode of the game. Furthermore, when a player chooses a table in the hall, he stands up based on the currently displayed “Stage” screen (selects a table based on the selection criteria and guidelines determined by the player in the hall). ).

  (3) Moreover, in the present embodiment, not only the contents of the currently selected “stages a to c” but also the frequency (priority level) of each “stage a to c” and the transition pattern thereof (for example, The difference between “stage a” to “stage b” or “stage c”) is also a material for determining the internal game mode. For this reason, even if “Stage a (grazing stage)”, which is not so tense at present, is selected, it may be shifted to “Stage c (paddock stage)” where the tense feeling increases. This suddenly increases the player's expectation.

  (4) As another example of the present embodiment, in the case of having a “short opening probability variation per” or “short opening per variation” mode, the stage transition may have a winning result such as “short opening certain variation per variation” or “short opening per variation”. When the player notices that the attacker device 46 has been activated during the winning of “short opening probability change per hit” or “short open per hit”, there is a stage on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 51 accordingly. Transition (switch to “stage c”) may occur. In this case, the player can continue to maintain the game motivation for the next winning, expecting that the player has shifted to “probability change” internally.

  (5) However, since the appearance content of the selected “stages a to c” and the internal game mode at that time do not always coincide (or correspond), the appearance “ It is not easy to detect the current game mode from the contents of the “stage”. Therefore, the player is more and more inquisitive, which adds new fun to the pachinko machine.

  (6) In the stage selection table, “stage a (grazing stage)” that is easy to select in the low probability game mode and “stage c (paddock stage)” that is easy to select in the high probability game mode are distinguished. However, it may shift to “Stage a (grazing stage)” when in high probability game mode, or it may shift to “Stage c (paddock stage)” when in low probability game mode, Because “Stage b (Training Stage)” that is easy to select in both cases is set, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a low probability game mode or a high probability game mode from the tendency of stage transition, As a result, a production with a deep content is realized.

(11-3. Mode-internal production processing)
FIG. 23A shows specific contents of the mode inherent effect process. Here, it is first determined whether or not a special symbol lottery (variation) has been performed based on the special symbol variation information command (step S3001). At this time, if no lottery is performed (NO), this routine is returned as it is. On the other hand, when the special symbol lottery (variation) is performed (YES), it is next determined whether or not the high probability game mode is based on the game mode information command (step S3002).

  At this time, if the command pattern represents a high-probability gaming mode (YES), the continuous effect process (step S3003) is subsequently performed. On the other hand, if the command pattern represents a low-probability gaming mode (NO), the number of fluctuations (the number of times that the special symbol lottery has been performed) from the previous hit (normal jackpot or probability change jackpot) is accumulated (step) S3004). In order to perform such accumulation of the number of fluctuations, for example, the RAM 68d of the sub-integrated board 68 has a storage area for accumulating and storing the number of fluctuations.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the total number of fluctuations has exceeded a specified number (step S3005). The specified number of times here is, for example, the number of fluctuations set in advance in the sub-integrated board 68. Specifically, in view of the jackpot probability of the low probability game mode, the jackpot occurs theoretically (statistically) at least once. This is the expected number of times (for example, about 400 times).

  In the low-probability game mode, while the cumulative number of changes has not yet reached the specified number (NO), the process proceeds to step S3003 and the continuous effect process is performed as in the high-probability game mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total number of fluctuations exceeds the specified number of times (step S3005 = YES), this routine is directly returned without bypassing step S3003.

  Next, FIG. 23B shows specific contents of the continuous effect process. As described above, the continuous performance process is always executed at the special symbol change opportunity every time in the case of the high probability game mode, but even in the case of the low probability game mode, if the total number of changes does not exceed the specified number of times, It is similarly executed at every special symbol change opportunity. Therefore, in the continuous effect process, it is first determined whether or not the high-probability game mode is based on the game mode information command (step S301d). At this time, if the command pattern represents a high-probability gaming mode (YES), and if not (NO), the subsequent processing contents are different.

  For example, if the game mode is a low-probability game mode, only a single production (production by an additional image) is performed each time the special symbol changes, but in the case of a high-probability game mode, In addition to the above-mentioned single effect, the same effect may be continuously performed up to 4 times (or 5 times or more) of special figure fluctuation (hereinafter referred to as “continuous effect”). Such a “continuous effect”, when the period from the start of the change of one special symbol to the start of the next change is considered as an effect period for one time, effects of the same content are continuously performed over a plurality of effect periods. It is possible to guess that the game mode may be a high-probability game mode that is advantageous to the player by contacting the “continuous production” during the game.

(11-3-1. Mode-internal production)
The “continuous effect” is realized through logic using, for example, a continuous effect flag and determination of a mode value set for each effect content. These continuous effect flags and mode values are distributed according to random numbers uniquely acquired in the sub-integrated board 68 and stored in a predetermined storage area (RAM).

  First, if it is determined that the high-probability game mode is in the mode inherent effect process (step S301d = YES), then it is determined whether the continuous effect flag is “0” (step S302d). The continuous effect flag used here is for determining whether or not to perform the above-mentioned “continuous effect” and further, for how many effect periods the “continuous effect” should be performed. Therefore, if the value of the continuous effect flag is “0”, it means that “continuous effect” is not performed, and conversely, if the value of the continuous effect flag is other than “0”, it means “continuous effect”. "Is performed, and the number of" continuous effects "(for example, 1 to 4 times) is defined by the flag value at that time. Here, although referred to as a “flag”, since the continuous effect flag has a concept of the remaining number of times, it is actually preferable to use a subtraction type count value.

  If a value is not yet stored in the continuous effect flag (step S302d = YES), after the mode value in the mode storage area is cleared in the next step S303d, an effect lottery is performed on the sub-integrated board 68 and the winning result is determined. Is discriminated (step S304d). Here, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not the state inherent effect should be performed with a lottery probability (for example, 1/8) in the case of a high probability game state. A value is determined (step S305d).

  Table 18 below shows a continuous effect number distribution table for determining the value of the continuous effect flag. In step S305d, for example, one of the values “01” to “04” is stored in the continuous effect flag based on a random value (0 to 255) uniquely acquired in the sub integrated board 68, for example. As shown in the rightmost column in the table, the values “01” to “04” of the continuous effect flag respectively correspond to the number of executions of “continuous effect” (1 to 4 times).

When a value is stored in the continuous effect flag, the mode value in the mode storage area is then determined (step S306d). Note that the process of actually assigning and storing the mode value is performed in subsequent steps S307d and S309d. In the previous step S306d, from the results of steps S308d and S309d executed in the past, It is determined whether or not a mode value is stored in the mode storage area (mode value = 0?). If the mode value is not stored at this time (= 0), the process proceeds to step S307d, where the production contents are distributed.

  Table 19 below shows an effect distribution table used in the case of the high probability game mode. In this effect distribution table, for example, a mode value in the middle column is assigned based on a random value (0 to 255) uniquely acquired in the sub integrated board 68.

  Further, when the mode value is determined from Table 19, the content of the effect using the additional image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51 is determined accordingly. For example, when “01” is assigned to the mode value, an effect image having a content such as “a light wind blows” is displayed on the screen in addition to the effect scene displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51. For this reason, in the case of “Stage a” above, only the racehorses that are grazing have been displayed on the screen until then (see FIG. 15), but there is an additional image of the content “Blowing a weak wind” there. Since it is displayed, an effect that an apparent change appears is obtained.

  In the next step S308d, it is determined whether or not the mode value is less than 20. In the present embodiment, for example, a mode value of less than 20 is positioned as an effect content used in “continuous effect”, and conversely, 20 or more are distinguished as a single effect content. If the mode value is less than 20 (step S308d = YES), it is stored in the mode storage area in the next step S309d. The stored mode value is carried over to the next special figure change (production period) and can be used continuously in the next production period.

  In the effect execution process (step S310d), the mode inherent effect is executed according to the effect contents corresponding to each of the currently stored mode values or 20 or more mode values determined in the effect distribution table. Therefore, when a mode value of less than 20 has been stored by the last special figure change (production period), the production content represented by the mode value is repeatedly executed, thereby performing “continuous production”. It has become. On the other hand, a mode value of 20 or more is not stored, and is discarded once it is used for the effect of one special figure change (effect period).

  Further, when the effect execution process (step S310d) is executed, the continuous effect flag is subtracted once. Since the number of “continuous effects” is determined by the value of the continuous effects flag at that time, even if a mode value less than 20 is stored, the value of the continuous effects flag becomes “0” (step S302d). = YES), the mode value is cleared there (step S303d).

  Even if the continuous effect flag becomes “0”, if the effect lottery has not been won (step S304d = NO), the mode value has already been cleared, and thus no special effect is performed in step S310d. This routine returns.

(11-3-2. Approximate aspect inherent production)
Next, processing when the game mode is a low-probability game mode will be described. If the command pattern received by the sub-integrated board 68 does not represent a high probability game mode (step S301d = NO), then in step S311d, an effect lottery in the case of the low probability game mode is performed. This effect lottery is performed with a higher probability (for example, about one-fourth) than in the case of the high probability game mode, and when it is won, the effect in the case of the low probability game mode is performed.

  If the effect lottery is won (step S312d = YES), it is determined whether or not a mode value is stored in the mode storage area (step S312d). If the mode value is not stored (YES), next, in step S314d, effect distribution in the case of the low probability game mode is performed. Table 20 below shows an effect distribution table used in the case of the low probability game mode.

  In the effect distribution table at the low probability shown in Table 20, mode values less than 20 are allocated more than the previous effect distribution table at the high probability (mode values 03 and 04). Instead, in this effect distribution table, the allocation of mode values of 20 or more is less than that at the time of high probability.

  When the content of the effect is determined by the mode value assignment, the process is merged with the process (step S308d) in the case of the high-probability game mode described above, and it is determined whether or not the mode value is less than 20. The reason why such logic is incorporated is to realize the possibility that the same content is continuously performed not only in the case of the high probability game mode but also in the case of the low probability game mode. In other words, the above "continuous production" is a process that is unique to the high-probability game mode, but if the logic is fixed so that the continuous production is performed only in the case of the high-probability game mode in appearance. , The player who is watching the contents of the production is overlooked in the internal game mode, and is not interesting. For this reason, in this embodiment, even in the case of low-probability gaming modes, a logic in which single effects appear continuously appears in appearance, and as a result, it has succeeded in making it difficult to distinguish from “continuous effects”. is doing.

Thus, for example, when “02” is assigned to the mode value according to the low-probability effect distribution table in Table 20, the determination in step S308d is affirmed (YES) and the mode value “02” is stored in the mode storage area ( Step S309d). In this case, in the current performance execution process (step S310d), an additional performance of “one butterfly flying” with the content corresponding to the mode value “02” is performed, but the mode value “02” assigned here is the next time. It will be carried over until the special map change (direction period).

  Thereafter, when the effect lottery in the case of the low-probability game mode is won in the next effect due to the special figure fluctuation (step S311d = YES), the mode value has already been stored, so the determination in step S312d is negative (NO). Is done. In this case, since the mode value “02” stored in the mode storage area is applied in the current production, an additional production of “one butterfly flying” having the same content as the previous time is performed.

  When the above processing is performed, it is perceived by the player that the same production has occurred continuously in appearance. For this reason, it is difficult to simply distinguish from the “continuous production” performed only in the case of the high-probability gaming mode, which strongly stimulates the player's imagination and exploration.

  In the case of the low-probability game mode, if the selection is lost in the effect lottery (step S311d = NO), the mode value stored at that time is cleared (step S314d). For this reason, the same effects appear in succession only when the mode value of less than 20 is stored in advance and the effect lottery is continuously won. However, when comparing the probability of production lottery, the low probability game mode (1/4) is set to be about twice as high as the high probability game mode (1/8). In the case of the low-probability game mode, effects are generated with a relatively high frequency. Furthermore, since the effect distribution table at the low probability has many mode values less than 20 than at the high probability, it can be said that the frequency of storing the mode values is high. As a result, in this embodiment, even in the case of the low probability game mode, a single appearance appears continuously, and as a result, it is difficult to distinguish from a “continuous effect”.

  The above is the specific content of the mode inherent effect processing, which will be described next with an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51. In the following example, it is assumed that the above “stage a” is selected as a basic performance scene.

(11-3-3. Common at high probability and low probability)
24 and 25 show examples of effect images that are displayed in common for the high probability game mode and the low probability game mode. First, in FIG. 24, in addition to the racehorses displayed in the basic effect scene, the effect content (mode value = “02”) indicating that “one butterfly flies” is displayed as an additional image. In actual performance processing, “butterfly” displayed as an additional image at this time appears from the right side of the screen, for example, and is displayed as a moving image while jumping around the racehorse.

  Further, in FIG. 25, in addition to the racehorse, the effect content (mode value = “29”) of “joining two horses” is displayed as an additional image. These two “horses” appear from both sides of the screen, for example, and are displayed in a moving image while slowly turning around the racehorse. Although only an example of an image is shown here, sound effects and the like are output in accordance with the movement of the image in an actual performance.

  The example of the effect image shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 continues to be displayed until the next change is started, for example, when it is displayed together with the start of the change of the special symbol. Although not particularly illustrated, other examples of effect images that are common at the time of high probability and low probability include the above-mentioned “weak wind blows” and “strong wind blows”.

  The effect image example of FIG. 24 is the target of “continuous effect” in the high-probability game mode, and therefore this effect image example is continuously displayed for the number of times of variation corresponding to the value of the continuous effect flag (01 to 04). Will be. However, when the example of the effect image of FIG. 24 is selected in the low probability game mode, the mode value “02” corresponding to this is stored in the mode storage area, so even in the low probability game mode, the effect lottery continues. If you win, you will continue to display continuously across multiple changes. For this reason, it is discriminated whether the effect image example of FIG. 24 is displayed continuously in appearance, whether it is due to the “continuous effect” at the high probability, or it happens to be continuous at the low probability. Is not easy.

  After that, in the state where the effect image example of FIG. 24 is displayed, if the continuous effect flag becomes “0” in the case of the high probability game mode, or if it is lost in the effect lottery in the case of the low probability game mode, Since the mode value is cleared, the additional image is deleted in the subsequent effect execution process (step S310d).

(11-3-4. Low probability)
26 to 28 show examples of effect images displayed in the low probability game mode. First, in FIG. 26, in addition to the racehorses displayed in the basic effect scene, the effect content (mode value = “03”) indicating that “one bee is flying” is displayed as an additional image. Similarly, the “bee” displayed as the additional image appears from the left side of the screen, for example, and is displayed as a moving image while flying around the racehorse. Similarly, in FIG. 27, in addition to the racehorse, the effect content (mode value = “27”) of “three bees flying” is displayed as an additional image.

  In FIG. 28, in addition to the racehorse, the effect content (mode value = “04”) of “one horse joins” is displayed as an additional image. This “horse” appears from the right side of the screen, for example, and is displayed as a moving image while slowly turning around the racehorse. In the effect image example of FIG. 28, since the corresponding mode value is less than 20, there is a possibility that it is continuously displayed in the low-probability game mode.

(11-3-5. High probability)
Although not shown in particular, examples of effect images that are displayed only in the case of a high-probability gaming mode are “fireworks are launched” and “Hakuba joins” shown in Table 19 above. There is also a case where “UFO appears”. These effects are positioned as so-called “premium” effects because the appearance rate (distribution rate) is set very low (about 1/256 to 2/256). When these premium effects are displayed, it is determined that they are high-probability gaming modes alone, so the player's expectation will become more real just by touching the premium effects, and motivation for lively games will also increase. become.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the internal game mode cannot usually be easily discriminated from the effect image, but instead, an effect (so-called “iron plate image”) for determining that the game mode is a high-probability game mode. ) May also appear, adding an interesting aspect different from the original gaming purpose, such as witnessing a premium performance for the player.

(11-3-6. When internal game mode is demoted)
In the case of a high-probability game mode as described above, “continuous production” is performed, but before the continuous production flag becomes “0”, it is lost in the mode maintenance lottery, and in the middle of “continuous production”, the low-probability game mode It can also fall. For example, it is assumed that the “continuous effect” is performed using the effect image example of FIG. 24 (“one butterfly is flying”). If the value of the continuous performance flag at this time is “03”, the mode value “02” is carried over in the logic, so that the remaining three special figures will change as long as the high-probability game mode continues. Until then, “continuous production” is scheduled to continue.

  If the internal game mode is demoted during the “continuous production”, the determination result in step S301d is reversed (YES → NO) on the logic, but even in this case, in this embodiment, It is possible to display the effect image continuously. For example, if the logic is rearranged so that the determination in step S302d is executed before step S301d in FIG. 23B, the stored mode value “02” is used until the continuous effect flag becomes “0”. Then, the effect execution process (step S310d) can be performed as it is. In this case, since the same effect image is displayed as if nothing happened, it is difficult to detect that the internal game mode has been demoted or dropped due to the change in the effect screen.

(11-3-7. Summary of Aspect Intrinsic Production Process)
In the present embodiment, for example, the following advantages are produced by executing the above-described inherent effect processing (FIG. 23A) and continuous effect processing (FIG. 23B).

  First, there are the following advantages in the case of the high probability game mode and in the case of the low probability game mode in which the total number of fluctuations is less than the specified number.

  (1) As shown in each of the distribution tables in Tables 19 and 20, in this embodiment, each performance mode (mode value and content of an additional image corresponding to the mode value) is a low probability game mode or a high probability game mode. These are classified and associated with either one (first type effect mode, second type effect mode). Accordingly, there is still room for the player to guess the current internal game mode from the type of additional image displayed by carefully observing the performance modes one by one.

  (2) However, there is a partial overlap (for example, mode values 01, 02, 28, and 29) in the high-probability effect distribution table (Table 19) and the low-probability effect distribution table (Table 20). In some cases, additional images that are common to both cases are displayed, so it is not easy to guess the game mode with the hint of the production action. Therefore, the player is attracted more and more interested in the production operation, and thereby, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the game motivation for a long time.

  (3) Furthermore, in this embodiment, a specification for a continuous effect (the same additional image continues to be displayed over a plurality of fluctuations) that is performed only at a high probability is prepared. It is possible to raise the expectation that a person may “be surely changing (high probability)”.

  (4) However, some of the production contents (less than the mode value 20) may be displayed continuously by chance even at a low probability, so additional images having the same contents are simply displayed continuously. Just because it does not immediately represent a “probable change”. For this reason, the player expects a “probable change” by touching the form-internal production by continuous additional images, but on the other hand, it may be a production at a low probability (so-called “gase production”). After that, you can continue the game.

  Next, in the low-probability game mode, when the total number of changes exceeds the specified number, the following advantages are added.

  (5) If the situation (so-called “Humari”) that has not been a “big hit” for a long time after becoming a low-probability game mode continues, the determination in step S3005 is denied (NO) in the mode inherent effect process, so the continuous effect process Is not executed. In this case, despite the player's expectation that the game mode is not a high-probability game mode based on the data of the number of times of change, a masquerade effect (gase effect) that causes the high-probability game mode to occur is generated Since this is suppressed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player is bothered.

(11-3-8. Another example of mode inherent production process)
In the above-described mode inherent effect process (FIG. 23A), the continuous effect process is prevented from being executed when the number of changes exceeds the specified number in the low probability game mode. The following processing can also be performed.

  For example, even in the high probability game mode, the number of times of variation is accumulated in the same manner as in step S3004, and when this total reaches a predetermined number (for example, an arbitrarily set number such as 77 times), the high probability game mode is set. A definite effect process for clearly indicating this to the player is executed. In this case, a determination procedure of the same type as that of step S3004 is added after step S3002, and a logic for proceeding to the procedure of the definite effect process may be constructed when the determination here is affirmed.

  Further, as the content of the finalized effect process, for example, the entire background of the effect image may be flashed, conversely blacked out, or a special sound effect may be output. When the player comes into contact with such a confirmed effect, the player can clearly know that it is a high-probability gaming mode in practice, and can continue to maintain a high game motivation for the next big hit. .

(11-4. Fluctuation effect processing)
FIG. 29 specifically shows the contents of the variation effect process. In the present embodiment, for example, some effects are performed in synchronization with the variable symbol display, but it is not always necessary to synchronize with the special symbol.

  The content of the change effect process is, for example, a movie-like effect display along a series of stories in accordance with changes in special symbols, and is actually displayed as an effect scene on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 51. Based on the existing image, some video is added and displayed, or the screen is switched and the story is developed. In the following example, it is assumed that the above “stage a” is selected as a basic performance scene.

  In the variation effect process, it is first determined whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” (step S401d). This determination is made based on the special symbol winning information command (18H: 01H to 05H). If the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit (normal big hit, probable big hit) (YES), the process proceeds to the big hit presentation mode setting process (step S402d). Proceed to the effect mode setting process (step S403d).

(11-4-1. Non-hit effect mode setting process)
In the non-hit effect mode setting process (step S403d), based on the value of the variable effect counter acquired independently in the sub-integrated board 68, whether or not to execute the variable effect itself is determined. The lottery probability (effect appearance rate) differs depending on the mode of the special symbol variation information command at that time. Specifically, when a relatively short variation time is set due to the normal variation of the special symbol, the lottery probability is set low, and the longer the variation time is set, the higher the lottery probability is set. Has been.

  For this reason, when a special symbol is lost due to lottery, an effect is not performed in accordance with all the symbol variations, and sometimes the effect does not appear at all. As a result, the player can avoid such a problem that an effect unrelated to the big hit is shown every time as in the conventional case.

  In addition, although it is another example from the present embodiment, since the non-big hit effect mode setting process is also applied in the case of winning the above “short open probability variation hit” or “short open hit hit”, actually these Even if a profit is given, it is a specification that makes it difficult for the player to detect that it is “per short opening probability change” or “per short opening” simply by looking at the contents of the performance.

  Table 21 below shows the production mode distribution table 01 used when the mode represented by the special symbol variation command is “01H” or “02H”. The leftmost column in the table represents the range of the counter for variation effect (0 to 255), and the counter value acquired in the sub integrated board 68 is 0 to 31 (32/256 = 1/8). The mode value (01 to 03) defined in the middle column of the table is assigned based on the counter value at that time.

  FIG. 30 shows an example of an effect image representing the effect content corresponding to the mode value “01” in Table 21. In FIG. 30, in addition to the basic production scene (a racehorse while grazing), the production content having a series of stories “light trucks are running and passing” as an additional image (moving image) is partway through. It is displayed. In actual performance processing, the “light truck” displayed as an additional image at this time appears from the left side of the screen, for example, and is displayed as a moving image so that the back of the screen (behind the racehorse) crosses from left to right. .

  FIG. 31 shows an example of an effect image representing the effect contents corresponding to the mode value “02” in Table 21. In FIG. 31, in addition to the basic production scene, the production content having a series of stories that “the light truck runs and stops once,” as an additional image (moving image) is halfway ( (Up to where it stopped)

  FIG. 32 shows an example of an effect image representing the effect contents corresponding to the mode value “03” in Table 21. In FIG. 32, in addition to the basic production scene, as an additional image (moving image), “a light truck runs, stops once, a person gets off the car and talks with someone, but it goes.” The contents of the production having a series of stories are displayed halfway (up to the place of conversation).

  The examples of effect images shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 are displayed, for example, within the time from the start to stop of the special symbol change. In the special symbol variation pattern command, the mode “01H” and “02H” differ in the number of seconds of the variation timer (6500 ms or 8500 ms). However, in the production contents corresponding to the mode value “03”, “who is a person?” It is possible to adjust the production time. Although only an example of an image is shown here, sound effects and the like are output in accordance with the movement of the image in an actual performance.

  Subsequently, Table 22 below shows the effect mode distribution table 02 used when the mode represented by the command pattern at the time of deviation variation is “03H” or “04H”. In this table 02, when the counter value acquired in the sub-integrated board 68 is 0 to 223 (224/256 = appearance rate of 7/8), the contents in the table are based on the counter value at that time. The mode values (01 to 07) specified in the column are assigned. In Table 22, the mode values “01” to “03” are the same effect contents as in Table 21 above.

  FIGS. 33 to 36 show a series of effect images representing the effect contents corresponding to the mode value “04” in Table 22. In addition, before the effect image of FIG. 33 is displayed, a series of effect images from FIGS. 30 to 32 described above are displayed.

  First, in FIG. 33, the contents of the effect of the part “The balloon comes out and invites the racehorse to the race” in the series of effect images are displayed. Here, the dialogue of a person (a character imitating an owner) is written as characters in a balloon, but sound may also be output from the speakers 14, 36, etc.

  Further, in FIGS. 34 and 35, the content of the effect of the portion “Race horse is sleeping” is continuously displayed in the series of effect images. For example, FIG. 34 depicts a racehorse sleeping asleep without being aware of the sound of an alarm clock while wearing a futon on the bed. In FIG. 35, the racehorse that finally woke up was surprised at the time pointed by the hands of the clock, and it was shown comically that the racehorse had fallen asleep during the race start time. In FIG. 36, the content of the effect (so-called punching, ending screen) is displayed that concludes the end of a series of stories “Race horse is oversleeping”. In FIG. 36, the racehorse arrived at the racetrack late, but the entrance was closed and it was no longer possible to enter, and it was drawn in a comical manner. Yes.

  By touching the series of production images as described above, the player can slightly raise his sense of expectation to the big hit until midway (Fig. 33). Can be recognized funny.

  Although not shown here, the effect image representing the effect contents corresponding to the mode values “06” and “07” in Table 22 is, for example, the above-mentioned “light truck” image as the “horse carriage” image. It can be thought of as a replacement. However, because of the nature of the production, the so-called “reliability” is higher when the “mare carriage” appears than when the “light truck” appears. In other words, in this embodiment, since the main character in the production is “racing horse”, the idea that “transport to the racetrack is performed” is recalled by the appearance of “horse carriage”, from which “development into a race” This is because it gives us a sense of expectation. Therefore, the “reliability” is higher when the “Horse Carrier” appears than the “light truck” in the production, and “runs in the race” rather than “sleeps in the race” situation. It can be considered that the “reliability” is higher when the situation appears.

  Table 23 below shows an effect mode distribution table 03 used when the mode represented by the command pattern at the time of deviation variation is “05H” or “06H”. In this table 03, when the counter value acquired in the sub-integrated board 68 is 0 to 239 (240/256 = appearance rate of 15/16), the contents in the table are based on the counter value at that time. The mode values (01 to 08) specified in the column are assigned. In Table 23, the mode value “03” has the same effect content as in Table 21 above, and the mode values “04”, “06”, and “07” have the same effect content as in Table 22 above.

  FIGS. 37 to 41 show examples of effect images representing a part of a series of effect contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23. Note that the series of effect images shown in FIGS. 30 to 33 described above are displayed before the effect image of FIG. 37 is displayed.

  First, in FIG. 37, the contents of the effect of “the racehorse goes to the race (start)” in the series of effect images are displayed. Here, all race horses are gated in at once, including the main racehorse.

  Also, in FIG. 38, FIG. 39, and FIG. 40, the content of the effect “In Race” is displayed in the series of effect images. Specifically, first, in FIG. 38, a situation in which other horses run through the head immediately after the start of the race is depicted with a realistic composition (angle viewed from the front). Further, in FIG. 39, a powerful composition is depicted in which a large number of horses are competing intensely at the corner. In the next FIG. 39, it is finally drawn from the distance that each horse is spurting on the last straight line.

  In FIG. 40, the content of the effect that concludes the end of the series of stories “Race horse lost in race” is displayed. In FIG. 40, the racehorse cannot take the first place and is exhausted and drawn comically. Further, in order to more clearly appeal that “the racehorse lost in the race” on the screen, for example, “LOSE” in English meaning “losing” is displayed in text.

  By touching the series of effect images as described above, the player can raise the expectation for the big hit to the middle (Fig. 40), but from the content of the ending screen (Fig. 41), It is interesting to recognize that you are out of the lottery.

  Although not shown here, it is assumed that the effect image representing the effect content corresponding to the mode value “08” in Table 23 is obtained by replacing, for example, the above-mentioned “light truck” image with the “horse carrier” image. Can think.

  In the non-hit effect mode setting process, when the contents of the mode “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are selected from the counter values in each distribution table, the above stage is displayed after the end of each effect. The transition condition (step S203d in FIG. 18) is satisfied. Thereby, since a stage shift occurs when a certain break is made on the story of the effect image, the player can change his / her feelings and work on the game again.

  As an example different from the present embodiment, when the lottery result of the special symbol is not out of place and is “per short opening probability variation” or “per short opening” (command pattern = 18H: 04H, 05H) A mode in which a story such as “Lose to the race but 2nd place” is given above is preferable. By interacting with such contents, the player has a sense of expectation that “it may be a chance (promotion of the game mode)”, and from there, he can work on the game more eagerly.

  The above is the content of the effect process performed in the non-hit effect mode setting process (step S403d). On the other hand, the following effects are performed in the hit effect setting process (step S402d).

(11-4-2. Winning effect mode setting process)
In the above non-big hit effect mode setting process, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the variable effect itself is executed first, but in the big hit effect mode setting process, the variable effect is always executed. In the case of “big hit”, the variation timer of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time (up to 60000 ms), so that it is possible to perform a large-scale production.

  Table 24 below shows the effect mode distribution table 11 used when the mode represented by the special symbol variation information command is “11H” or “12H”. The leftmost column in the table represents the range of the counter for variation effect (0 to 255), and all the counter values acquired in the sub integrated board 68 (256/256 = appearance rate of 1/1). Any mode value (11 to 13, 16) defined in the middle column of the table is assigned.

  42 to 44 show a series of effect images representing effect contents corresponding to the mode value “11” in Table 24. FIG. Before the effect image of FIG. 42 is displayed, the effect images according to FIGS. 30 and 31 described in the non-hit effect mode setting process are displayed. Further, with respect to FIG. 31, a mode in which the “light truck” returns on the screen while backing is conceivable. Then, before the effect image of FIG. 43 is displayed, a series of effect images from FIG. 37 to FIG. 40 (or special effect images approximated to FIG. 37 to FIG. 40, respectively) described in the non-big hit effect mode setting process. Is displayed.

  Among these, in FIG. 42, the content of the effect of “To Special Race Invitation (Big Hit)” in the series of effect images is displayed. Here, the racetrack where a special race (for example, a heavy prize competition) will be held and the characters “GI Victory Cup” representing the title of the special race are shown. Thereafter, the contents of the effect “during the race” in the series of effect images are displayed according to FIGS. 38, 39, and 40 described above.

  In FIG. 43, the contents of the stage that is a hill of a series of stories that “the racehorse wins the special race” are displayed, and in FIG. 44, the contents of the stage that reaches the climax on the story are displayed. First, in FIG. 43, it is drawn with a sense of urgency that a racehorse is struggling with other horses in front of a goal and is about to stick out his nose toward the final line. In FIG. 44, the racehorse finally becomes the first place in the race (determined), and the state where the winning run is performed with joy with the jockey is clearly depicted.

  By touching a series of effect images as described above, the player (FIGS. 30 to 32) initially had a slight increase in expectation for the big hit, but the player entered the special race screen (FIG. 30). When the feeling of expectation is greatly increased at 42) and the production progresses to just before the goal (FIG. 43), the feeling of expectation reaches its climax. Then, when the first place is confirmed on the story (Fig. 44), the expectation that the player has raised up to that point is sublimated into a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and the feeling of enthusiasm for the big hit game that will be held after that Can be switched.

  Although not shown here, the effect image of the part until “light truck runs and stops once,” which is the effect content corresponding to mode value “12” in Table 24, It is the same (or effect image approximated) as the mode value “02” in Table 22 described in the non-hit effect mode setting process. In addition, in the part of the production contents corresponding to the mode value “13” in Table 24, “light truck runs, stops once, person gets off the car and talks with someone but goes” The effect image is the same as (or an effect image similar to) the mode value “03” in Table 22 described in the previous non-hit effect aspect setting process. It should be noted that the content of the effect corresponding to the mode value “16” in Table 24 can be considered as a result of replacing the “light truck” image with the “horse carriage” image.

  Table 25 below shows the production mode distribution table 12 used when the mode represented by the special symbol variation information command is “13H”, “14H”, or “15H”. Similarly, in Table 25, any mode value (14, 15, 17-19, 21) is assigned to all of the acquired counter values (256/256 = appearance rate of 1/1). .

  Here, with respect to the production contents corresponding to the mode value “14” in Table 25, the production images described above (for example, FIGS. 30 to 35) all indicate that “the light truck has been run. It is possible to cover the contents of the production up to “Yes”. Although not shown here, with regard to the production contents of the subsequent “in time for the race”, for example, another connection production scene is inserted between FIG. 35 and FIG. 37, or voice narration is performed. It can be covered by flushing.

  In addition, for the production contents corresponding to the mode value “15” in Table 25, the first part of the production contents corresponding to the mode value “05” in Table 23 described earlier (“light track has run to race Subsequent to “)”, for example, the effect images shown in FIGS. 37 to 40, 43, and 44 can be used.

  Next, with respect to the production contents corresponding to the mode value “17” in Table 25, the preceding stage of the production contents corresponding to the mode value “13” in Table 24 described earlier ( It can be covered by using the effect images represented by FIGS. 37 to 40, 43, and 44, for example, after returning to “)”. The “light truck” can be replaced with the image of a “horse truck”.

  For the production contents corresponding to the mode values “18” and “19” in Table 25, the “light truck” is changed to “the horse carrier” for the production contents corresponding to the mode values “14” and “15”, respectively. You can replace it with the image.

  For the production content corresponding to the mode value “21” in Table 25, for the time being, the first part of the production content corresponding to the mode value “08” in Table 23 described earlier (“the horse transporter has run. Can be used. When the player touches the contents of the production so far, the player is prepared to “get off” at that stage, but from there a special character (for example, “Legendary famous horse” ”Is displayed, and it is possible to touch an elaborate effect (so-called“ reverse effect ”) such that the game develops into a big hit as it is. Thereby, in addition to the satisfaction that the player has been able to win the big hit, the player can also obtain another satisfaction by witnessing a very rare performance image.

  Table 26 below shows the effect mode distribution table 13 used when the mode represented by the special symbol variation information command is “16H”. In Table 26, the same mode value “22” is assigned to all of the acquired counter values (256/256 = appearance rate of 1/1).

  Note that in the special symbol lottery, the command pattern mode is “16H” which is very low in probability (2/65536). In this case, even more rare content is assigned to the effect image. Yes.

  Although not shown in particular, the effect content of the mode value “22” has a different taste than before. That is, even when the mode value “22” is selected in the big hit effect mode setting process, no special effect (display of the effect image) is performed for the first 10 seconds from there, for example, the basic of “stage a” The directing scene continues to be displayed indifferently. Then, on the screen, the racehorse suddenly breaks the fence of the pasture, and it is switched to a production image that runs rapidly to Izuko. Then, after this, a series of stories will be unfolded: “The racehorse will interrupt the race that has already taken place and jumped into the goal as it is”.

  Being in contact with such rare performance contents, the player is surprised at the rapid development of the production, and is expected to have an unprecedented expectation. Also, since the content of the mode value “22” appears very rarely, in addition to the satisfaction that the player has been able to win the big hit, Satisfaction can also be obtained.

  When the game is actually a “hit”, during the round (when the condition device is in operation), an image of the racehorse running in a specific race (for example, a world famous race) is displayed for each round. Further, even if a big hit is made, an effect image that loses in a race is displayed, and an effect that causes a sudden big hit can be performed by suddenly expanding the contents of the effect of a story invited to a specific race.

(11-4-3. Summary of Variation Effect Processing)
In the present embodiment, for example, the following advantages are produced by executing the above-described variation effect process (FIG. 29).

  (1) In this embodiment, when a symbol lottery is triggered by a start winning prize or the like, the process up to the announcement of the winning result (fluctuation process) is expressed as a series of animation images (additional moving images). ing. For this reason, unlike the fluctuation by the conventional decorative design (decorative design corresponding to the special design), the winning result can be expressed in various ways by comparing it with the story of the animation image.

  (2) In addition, the contents of the fluctuating effects are distinguished depending on whether the lottery is lost (Tables 21 to 23) or the cases (Tables 24 to 26). As the series of story development progresses, partial overlap is seen. For example, in Table 21, when the production contents of mode values 01 to 03 selected at the time of deviation fluctuation and the production contents of mode values 11 to 13 selected at the time of hit fluctuation in Table 24 are compared one by one, the final result Although the ending of a typical story is different, it can be seen that the production contents of the first half of the mode values 11 to 13 and the production contents of the mode values 01 to 03 overlap. For this reason, the player is not able to show the fluctuating effect of the content that can be clearly seen as being out of the beginning, and can enjoy the effect while expecting the announcement of the lottery result until the end.

  (3) Further, in the present embodiment, since the contents of the performance are not differentiated between “normal big hit” and “probable big hit”, even if the big hit, It is not possible to tell from the contents of the performance whether the winner is usually a big hit or a promising big hit. Thereby, concealment of the information regarding a winning result and the information regarding a game mode becomes more reliable.

1 Pachinko machine 4 Game board 42 Center object 44 Pitching device (winning entrance, starting winning entrance)
46 Attacker device (winning device, ball winning means)
46a Opening and closing member (movable body)
52,53 LED
56 Main control board (profit lottery means, profit discriminating means, basic profit granting means, high added value profit granting means, low added value profit granting means, small profit granting means)
63 Game state display device 68 Sub-integrated board

Claims (1)

Profit lottery means for performing a profit lottery on whether or not to give a profit to a player with a predetermined probability when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs with the progress of the game;
Profit determination means for determining what profit should be given to the player when winning the profit lottery,
A first profit granting means for granting a player a first profit if the determination result of the profit determination means satisfies a first condition;
A second profit granting means for granting a player a second profit having a value lower than the first profit if the determination result of the profit determination means satisfies a second condition;
When the profit lottery is performed, lottery information display means for stopping and displaying the lottery information after starting the variable display of the lottery information representing the winning result;
When the determination result of the profit determining means satisfies the first condition and when the second condition is satisfied, not only the contents when the lottery information is stopped and displayed, but also the variation mode during the variation display. Variable display variation means to make different,
Information display means for making it difficult to understand whether the first profit is granted when the lottery information change display is stopped, the second profit is given, or whether the lottery is off the lottery A gaming machine characterized by comprising: