JP2013116361A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that can perform continuous performance with a high savor.SOLUTION: The game machine has a first start pocket and a second start pocket. A first variation display reservation part reserves balls entering into the first start pocket, while a second variation display reservation part reserves balls entering into the second start pocket, wherein the reservation of the second variation display reservation part is consumed with priority to the reservation of the first variation display reservation part. The game machine, on the basis of the ball entry into the first or the second start pocket, performs preliminary determination by a preliminary determination part and, on the basis of the result, sets a step-up continuous performance. When this step-up continuous performance is set, wherein the reservation in which a performance of the final step thereof is performed is in the state of not winning a jackpot by the preliminary determination, and subsequently in the event of entry of a game ball into the first start pocket, a continuous performance is set following the final step of the step-up continuous performance, as the performance in the variable display of a special symbol based on that ball entry.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that performs a lottery lottery on the condition that a gaming ball has entered a starting port.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, one that obtains random numbers on the condition that a game ball launched on the surface of the game board enters the starting port and performs a lottery lottery is known. In such a gaming machine, when a game ball enters the start opening and a big hit lottery is performed, a special symbol variation display is started accordingly. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the change display is stopped at a special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery. In addition, the gaming machine enhances the interest of the game by performing various elaborate presentations during the special symbol variation display.

  On the other hand, if a game ball further enters the start port during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation display associated therewith cannot be started until the previous variation display is completed. Therefore, if a game ball enters the start port during the special symbol variation display, a random number to be acquired along with it is temporarily stored, and the special symbol variation display associated with the entry is displayed for a predetermined number of balls. It can be put on hold.

  Conventionally, there is also known a gaming machine in which a random number stored temporarily is determined when a special symbol variation display is suspended, and various effects are performed based on the determination result (for example, Patent Document 1). For example, if it is determined that the fourth holding ball has won the jackpot when four special symbol fluctuation displays are held, from the first holding ball to the fourth holding ball. Until the change display of the special symbol over multiple times is digested, a continuous performance is given to give the player a sense of expectation that the fourth holding ball may have won the jackpot . With such an effect, the player's expectation that he may win a big hit can be increased at an early stage.

JP 2004-283544 A

  However, the conventional continuous production produces the same content over multiple special symbol variations, so that each time a special symbol variation is displayed, the player's expectation is gradually increased. It is not directed.

  Also, when the fourth hold is stored, if a continuous effect is set over the subsequent four special symbol fluctuation displays, the player will win the fourth special symbol fluctuation display. I expect that this may be the case, but the fourth special symbol change display may not be a big hit. In this case, the player will immediately disappear the expectation that was raised from the early stage after the fourth special symbol variation display is finished, and the concentration to the subsequent game will be reduced. .

  Therefore, the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above problems, and it is possible to gradually raise the player's expectation over a plurality of continuous special symbol variation displays, A game that produces an effect that allows the player's concentration to be continued in subsequent games even if the special symbol variation display based on the hold that caused the continuous production to be set is not a big win The machine is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a first start port and a second start port, provided that a game ball enters the first start port or the second start port. A game in which a lottery lottery is performed, a special symbol variation display is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the variation display is stopped at a special symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery, and various effects are performed during the special symbol variation display. A game data acquisition means for performing a lottery lottery by acquiring game data on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port or the second start port; The first variation display holding means for storing the number of game balls that have entered the first start opening and holding the special symbol fluctuation display based on the incoming ball, and the second during the special symbol fluctuation display Memorize the number of game balls that enter the starting port , Second variable display holding means for holding the display of the special symbol based on the incoming ball, and preferentially using the first fluctuation display holding means, the first fluctuation display holding means or the second When a game ball is stored in the variable display holding means, the game data acquired by the game data acquisition means is triggered by the input before starting the variable display of the special symbol based on the input. Based on the determination result of the prior determination means and the determination result of the prior determination means, a plurality of special symbol variation displays corresponding to the number of suspensions of the first variation display suspension unit and the second variation display suspension unit The step-up continuous effect is set by the continuous effect setting means for setting the step-up continuous effect that is stepped up step by step, and the step-up continuous effect is set by the continuous effect setting means. When a game ball enters the first start opening in a state where the final step of the continuous production is not held in the pre-judgment in the pre-judgment in the pre-judgment means, As an effect in the variable display of symbols, a continuous effect addition setting means for setting a continuous effect following the last step is provided.

  Here, the continuous effect in the step-up continuous effect is an effect that is continuously performed over the variable display of a plurality of special symbols, and the contents of each effect are related to each other. It means an effect reminiscent of the player that it is a continuation of the previously performed effect.

  According to this invention, since the continuous effect set based on the determination result of the prior determination means is an effect of stepping up step by step over a plurality of special symbol variation displays, the special symbol variation Each time the display is performed, the player's expectation can be gradually increased. In addition, when a step-up continuous effect is set, and a game ball enters the first start opening in a state where the final step effect of the step-up continuous effect is not made a big win Since the continuous effect following the final step of the step-up continuous effect is set as the effect in the variation display of the special symbol based on the entry, the special symbol based on the hold that caused the setting of the step-up continuous effect is set. Even in the case where the variable display is not a big hit, the player is interested in the subsequent step-up continuous effect and expects that the subsequent variable display of special symbols will be a big hit.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, since a step-up continuous effect that steps up step by step over a plurality of special symbol variation displays is set, the player can perform a plurality of consecutive special symbol variation displays. It is possible to gradually raise the sense of expectation. Even if the special symbol variation display based on the hold that caused the step-up continuous production is not a big win, the player will continue to perform the step-up continuous production, so the player will change the special symbol afterwards. It is expected that the display will be a big hit, and the player's concentration can be continued in subsequent games.

It is a front view which shows the example of 1 structure of a gaming machine. It is a front view which shows one structural example of a game board. It is an enlarged view which shows the structure of a 1st start port. It is an enlarged view which shows the structure of a 2nd start port. It is a figure which expands and shows the indicator for performing the variable display of the special symbol provided in the game board. It is a block diagram which shows the control mechanism of the game machine attached to the back side of a game board. It is the block diagram which showed typically the main function structure in the main control board. It is a figure explaining an example of each random number stored in the random number storage area of the main control board. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the reservation storage area in a main control board. It is a figure which shows an example of holding | maintenance digestion in a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement by the game control part of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a 1st start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a 2nd start port switch process. It is a figure which shows an example of the game data for transmission set to a main control board by the 1st start port switch process and the 2nd start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a normal symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an electric tulip process (electric chew process). It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an output process. It is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the effect control board. It is a figure which shows one structural example of the reservation storage area in an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement by CPU of an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a game data reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a continuous production | presentation setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a continuous production setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a continuous production reset process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a continuous production start pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a continuous production extension setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an effect command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a continuous production | presentation determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of effect control processing. It is a figure which shows one structural example of the display screen in the image display for displaying the image for production. It is a figure which shows an example of the several step of a step-up continuous production. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation in an image display in case a step-up continuous production is performed in a game machine.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player enters various winning holes. The gaming machine 1 includes a frame member 3 having a window portion 2 in which a transparent glass plate 2 a is fitted, and a game board 10 that is detachably attached to the back side of the window portion 2 of the frame member 3.

  The frame member 3 is provided with a handle lever 4 that is operated by the player on the lower right side of the window portion 2, and when the player rotates the handle lever 4 in the clockwise direction, a game ball with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle is provided. Is launched at predetermined time intervals on the surface of the game board 10. The frame member 3 includes speakers 5 provided on both the left and right sides of the upper portion of the window portion 2 and frame lamps 6 provided at the centers of the upper portion and the lower portion of the window portion 2, respectively. Various effects are produced by generating sound effects, and the frame lamp 6 is configured to perform various effects depending on a lighting / flashing pattern or a difference in emission color.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the game board 10 in the present embodiment. The game board 10 has a game area 13 surrounded by an outer rail 11 and an inner rail 12 on a game board surface 10 a corresponding to the front side, and a game that is launched when the player operates the handle lever 4. The ball is launched from between the outer rail 11 and the inner rail 12 to the upper left portion of the game area 13. Inside the game area 13, an image display 8 made up of a liquid crystal display device or the like is provided so as to be positioned substantially at the center of the game board 10. A decorative frame body 14 called a thing is provided. The image display 8 is for displaying various images for performance. As the game progresses, for example, the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is expressed by a plurality of decorative symbols with numbers 1 to 9 and the like. Informs and displays a notice effect by the appearance of a character or an item. The decorative frame body 14 defines a screen frame of the image display 8. The decorative frame body 14 is provided with stage effects 32 such as various lamps and movable objects. A game ball warp passage 31 is provided on the left side of the decorative frame body 14, and a stage 30 on which the game ball can roll is provided at the lower center of the decorative frame body 14. At the upper end of the warp passage 31 is formed an inflow port 31a that opens toward the upper left side of the game area 13, and at the lower end is formed an outflow port 31b for guiding the game ball onto the stage 30.

  Around the decorative frame body 14 in the game area 13, there are a large number of nails 15, through gates 16, windmills 17, normal winning openings 18, first starting openings 19, electric tulips 20, second starting openings 21, and large winning openings 22. Well-known members such as an accessory 23 for opening and closing the grand prize winning port 22 and an out port 24 are arranged. Furthermore, on the outside of the game area 13, a special symbol is displayed on the lower right portion of the game board surface 10 a to display a special symbol according to the lottery result, or the first start port 19 and the second start port. 21 is provided with a display 60 for displaying the number of holds due to the game ball entering.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the through gate 16 is provided on the left side of the game area 13. The through gate 16 is a gate which is a condition for performing the normal symbol lottery in the gaming machine 1, and when the game ball passes through the gate, the normal symbol lottery is started. The normal winning openings 18 are provided at a plurality of locations below the game area 13. The normal winning opening 18 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls when a game ball enters.

  The first start port 19 is provided below the center of the decorative frame body 14, and the electric tulip 20 and the second start port 21 are provided below the first start port 19. The electric tulip 20 includes a blade member that opens and closes to the left and right. If the electric tulip 20 is opened to the left and right, the game ball can easily enter the second start port 21. When the electric tulip 20 wins the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the through gate 16, the left and right blade members are opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times according to the game state. . Each of the first starting port 19 and the second starting port 21 is a winning port for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls, and a winning condition that is a condition for the big win lottery (special symbol lottery) to be performed in the gaming machine 1 The mouth. When a game ball enters these start openings 19 and 21, a big hit lottery is performed in the gaming machine 1, and a special symbol variation display is started on the display 60, and a decorative symbol variation display is displayed on the image display 8. Be started. The image display 8 also displays various notice effects such as the appearance of various characters as well as the decorative pattern change display.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first start port 19 and the second start port 21 are located immediately below the center of the stage 30 of the decorative frame body 14, and the game ball that has flowed into the stage 30 is almost from the center of the stage 30. If it falls downward, it will become easy to enter the 1st starting port 19 or the 2nd starting port 21.

  The special winning opening 22 and the accessory 23 are provided further below the electric tulip 20. The accessory 23 is an accessory that opens and closes the special winning opening 22 and is normally in a state where the special winning opening 22 is closed. Then, in the game ball 1, when a big hit or a small win is won in the big win lottery (special symbol lottery) performed on the condition that the game ball has entered the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the big winning opening is opened. In the game, the winning combination 23 is configured to be opened by rotating around a substantially horizontal rotation axis disposed along the lower edge of the large winning opening 22.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the first starting port 19, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the second starting port 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first start port 19 and the second start port 21 are formed by an integrated board surface component 40 attached to the game board surface 10a. The first start port 19 is provided in the upper part of the panel component 40, and the second start port 21 is provided below the first start port 19 in the panel component 40. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the game ball B enters the first starting port 19, the game ball B is moved by a game ball guide member (not shown) provided on the back side of the board surface component 40. Guided to the back side of the game board surface 10a. The game ball B is guided to the first start port switch 41 provided in the vicinity of the board surface component 40 on the back side of the game board surface 10a, and is passed to the first start port 19 when passing through the first start port switch 41. Detected as entering. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the electric tulips 20 provided on the left and right sides of the second start port 21 are open, the game ball B is moved from the left and right sides of the second start port 21 to the second start port. It will be easy to enter 21. When the game ball B enters the second starting port 21 in this state, the game ball B rolls on the game ball guide path formed inside the board surface component 40 as shown in FIG. Then, it is discharged downward through the second start port switch 42 attached to the lower part of the board part 40 on the back side of the game board surface 10a. When the game ball B passes through the second start port switch 42, it is detected as a ball entering the second start port 21.

  When the first start port switch 41 or the second start port switch 42 detects the entrance of a game ball, various random numbers are acquired as game data in the gaming machine 1, and then a big hit based on the acquired game data A lottery (a jackpot determination) is performed.

  Here, the type of winning in the jackpot lottery in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, there are two types of winning hits in the jackpot lottery, “big hit” and “small hit”. In the case of “big hit”, two hits of “long win” and “short win” are further added. There is. Regardless of which of these is won, the gaming machine 1 shifts to a big prize opening game (special game state) in which the big prize opening 22 is opened. However, the number of times the grand prize opening 22 is opened and closed (number of rounds) and the opening time of the big prize opening 22 are different depending on the type of winning. In other words, there are a jackpot game in the case of winning the jackpot, and a jackpot game in the case of winning the jackpot, and the jackpot game is further the first jackpot in the case of “long win” There is a game and a second jackpot game in the case of “short win”. The second jackpot game in the case where the jackpot is won and “short win” is achieved, and the jackpot game in the case of winning the jackpot is a game having substantially the same operation. Therefore, in the big winning opening game, the first big opening opening game when “long win” in the jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) and “short win” or “small hit” There are two games, the second grand prize opening game. This will be described in more detail below.

  When “long win” is set in the case of “big hit”, in the big prize opening game, the opening time per one time that the accessory 23 opens the big prize opening 22 is relatively long (for example, 30 seconds). Etc.). In the “per-long” big prize opening game, if the set opening time per time has elapsed or a predetermined number of balls (for example, nine) are counted during the opening, the big prize opening 22 is opened. The closing round is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds). Therefore, in this “long win” big prize opening opening game, there is a high possibility that a game ball will enter the big prize opening 22 while the bonus 23 is opening the big prize opening 22, and for the player. A gaming state in which many prize balls can be obtained. And if “long win” is set in the case of a big win, the probability change mode in which the winning probability of the big win in the subsequent big win lottery varies as a probability higher than the normal probability as the gaming state after the big winning opening release game ( Either one of a probability variation gaming state (high probability state)) and a normal mode (normal gaming state (normal probability state)) in which the jackpot winning probability remains a normal probability is set. In addition, the game state after the big prize opening game when “long win” is set is given “time-short game” in which the variation display time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state. At this time, in the case of a short game, the time for the electric tulip 20 to be opened becomes longer than in the case of a non-time-short game, and the game ball enters the second start port 21 more easily. Therefore, when a short-time game is in progress, the player can proceed with the game without reducing the number of possessions. Note that the short-time game when the probability variation mode is set continues until the next jackpot occurs, whereas the short-time game when the normal mode is set displays a special symbol variation display a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). It continues until it is played, after which it becomes a non-temporary game.

  In the case of “big hit”, when “short win” is set, in the big prize opening game, the opening time per one time that the character 23 opens the big prize opening 22 is relatively short (for example, 0. 0). 1 second). And in the “short win” big winning opening game, if the set opening time per time has elapsed or a predetermined number of balls (for example, nine) are counted during the opening, the big winning opening 22 is opened. The closing round is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds). In this “short win” big prize opening game, the opening time for the game 23 to open the big prize opening 22 is set to a short time during which it is difficult for the game ball to enter, so the big prize opening 22 is opened. During this time, there is a low possibility that the game ball will enter the big winning opening 22, and it becomes difficult for the player to obtain many prize balls. In addition, when “short win” is set as the big win, the gaming machine 1 has a probability variation in which the winning probability of the big win in the subsequent big win lottery varies more than the normal probability as the gaming state after the big winning opening release game. Mode (probability gaming state (high probability state)), latent probability variation mode (probability gaming state (high probability state)) in which the winning probability of the jackpot in the subsequent jackpot lottery fluctuates higher than the normal probability, and jackpot Any one of the normal modes (normal gaming state (normal probability state)) in which the winning probability of the game remains the normal probability is set. In addition, when “Short win” is set, the game state after the big prize opening game is “Time-short game” in which the display time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state, and the normal symbol change Either “non-time saving game” having a display time similar to that in the normal game state is given.

  Here, the difference between the probability variation mode and the latent probability variation mode will be described. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the probability changing mode, in the probability changing mode, an effect is provided to notify that the winning probability of the jackpot in the gaming machine 1 has changed to a higher probability than the normal probability. Therefore, in the probability variation mode, the game state is such that the player can easily grasp that the winning probability in the jackpot lottery has shifted to the high probability state. In the case of the probability variation mode, a short-time game is set, so that the player can advance the game without reducing the number of possessions. On the other hand, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the latent probability changing mode, the fact that the winning probability of the jackpot in the gaming machine 1 has changed to a higher probability than the normal probability in the latent probability changing mode is Not notified. For this reason, in the latent probability changing mode, the gaming state itself of the gaming machine 1 is not changed from the normal gaming state, so that the player cannot clearly grasp that the player has shifted to the latent probability changing mode. . In the latent probability changing mode, the short-time game is not set, and the player's possession decreases as the game progresses. However, in any of the probability variation mode and the latent probability variation mode, the high probability state remains unchanged, and the winning probability in the subsequent jackpot lottery is the same probability (that is, high probability).

  On the other hand, unlike the “big hit” described above, the “big hit” does not change the winning probability of the big win in the big win lottery before and after the “small hit”. Also, other game states do not change. In the big prize opening game when winning this “small win”, as in the case of “short win”, the opening time per one time that the accessory 23 opens the big prize opening 22 is relatively short ( For example, 0.1 second). Then, when the set opening time per time has elapsed or a predetermined number of balls (for example, 9) are counted during the opening, the round for closing the big winning opening 22 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds). It is. Accordingly, even in the “small hit” big opening opening game, as in the case of “short win”, the opening time of the big winning opening 22 is set to a short time during which it is difficult for the game ball to enter. There is a low possibility that a game ball will enter the big prize opening 22 while the player 22 is open, and it is difficult for the player to obtain many prize balls. Since the operation of opening / closing the special winning opening 22 by the accessory 23 is almost the same in the case of “small win” and “short win”, the player opens / closes the large winning opening 22 by the accessory 23. Therefore, it is difficult to discriminate which one is hit.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs the big hit lottery on condition that the game balls have entered the start openings 19 and 21 provided in the game board 10 and, in the case of winning, according to the type of the win. The large winning opening 22 provided in the game board 10 is opened.

  Next, the indicator 60 provided in the lower right part of the game board surface 10a outside the game area 13 is composed of an LED display unit, a 7-segment display and the like. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the display device 60. The display 60 includes a normal symbol display 61 that operates when a game ball passes through the through gate 16, a normal symbol hold display 62 that displays the number of hold of the normal symbol lottery, and the game ball is connected to the first start port 19. The first special symbol display 63 that activates the variation display of the special symbol by entering the ball, the first special symbol hold indicator 64 that displays the number of held balls that have entered the first start port 19, and the game ball A second special symbol display 65 that activates a special symbol change display by entering the second starting port 21 and a second special symbol holding indicator 66 that displays the number of holdings that have entered the second starting port 21. And.

  The normal symbol display 61 displays a lottery result of a normal symbol that is performed when a game ball passes through the through gate 16. When winning, a winning symbol (for example, a symbol of ○) is displayed and lost. In the case of, a lost symbol (for example, a symbol of x) is displayed. When the normal symbol lottery is performed in the gaming machine 1, the normal symbol display 61 performs a variable display in which the winning symbol and the lost symbol are alternately turned on and displayed for a predetermined time, and then according to the lottery result of the normal symbol. Either the winning symbol or the lost symbol is lit. When a normal symbol lottery is won, the normal symbol display 61 stops in a state where the winning symbol is displayed, and the electric tulip 20 is released for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times according to the gaming state. For example, in the case of “short time game”, the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol is about 3 seconds, and the opening time of the electric tulip 20 when winning the normal symbol lottery is about 3.5 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of “non-time-saving game”, the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol is about 29 seconds, and the opening time of the electric tulip 20 when winning the lottery of the normal symbol is about 0.2 seconds. The probability of winning the normal symbol lottery is set to be a predetermined probability such as 9/10.

  When the game ball passes through the through gate 16 during the normal symbol fluctuation display, the normal symbol hold display unit 62 holds the next fluctuation display until the previous fluctuation display is completed, and displays the number of holds. Is. In the illustrated example, the normal symbol hold indicator 62 includes four hold lamps having LED display portions arranged in a row, and can display a maximum of four hold numbers.

  The first special symbol display 63 displays a lottery result of a jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) performed when a game ball enters the first starting port 19, and is composed of, for example, a seven-segment display. The The first special symbol display 63 displays the variation of the special symbol for a predetermined time when the big hit lottery is performed for entering the first starting port 19, and then displays the result of the big hit lottery in various modes. indicate. For example, if the winner is selected as a result of the lottery lottery, the first special symbol display 63 stops after displaying the special symbol corresponding to the change after the special symbol is changed, and the gaming machine 1 Transition to a prize opening game. In the big prize opening game, the round in which the accessory 23 opens the big prize opening 22 is repeated a predetermined number of rounds according to the hit type. Further, if the result of the big hit lottery is a loss, the first special symbol display 63 stops in a state in which a predetermined loss symbol is displayed after the special symbol change display.

  The second special symbol display 65 displays a lottery result of a jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21, and is composed of, for example, a seven-segment display. The When the jackpot lottery for entering the second starting port 21 is performed, the second special symbol display unit 65 displays the variation of the special symbol for a predetermined time, and then displays the results of the jackpot lottery in various modes. indicate. For example, if the winner is selected as a result of the lottery lottery, the second special symbol display 65 stops in a state where the special symbol corresponding to the bonus symbol is displayed after the variation of the special symbol is displayed. Transition to a prize opening game. In the big prize opening game, the round in which the accessory 23 opens the big prize opening 22 is repeated a predetermined number of rounds according to the hit type. Further, if the result of the big hit lottery is a loss, the second special symbol display 63 stops after displaying a predetermined loss symbol after the special symbol change display.

  The variation display of the special symbols on the first and second special symbol indicators 64 and 65 is alternatively performed in either one of them. Various effects are performed on the gaming machine 1 during the special symbol variation display by one of the first and second special symbol indicators 64 and 65. At this time, the image display 8 displays a variation of a plurality of decorative symbols, and performs a reach effect or a notice effect. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the step-up continuous effect is started in a state where the step-up continuous effect is set, the image display 8 is displayed during the special symbol variation display on the first or second special symbol display 64, 65. The stage effects set as step-up continuous effects are performed. When the big win lottery is won, a plurality of decorative symbols on the image display 8 are stopped in a state where predetermined symbols such as “111” and “777” are aligned, and the player is won. Is notified.

  When the first special symbol hold indicator 64 is displaying the variation of the special symbol in any one of the first and second special symbol indicators 63 and 65, when the game ball enters the first start port 19, Since the change display of the special symbol accompanying the entry is put on hold, the number of the hold is displayed. The first special symbol hold indicator 64 includes four hold lamps having LED display portions arranged in a line, and holds and displays up to four game balls entering the first start port 19. Be able to.

  When the special symbol hold display 66 is displaying the variation of the special symbol in any one of the first and second special symbol indicators 63 and 65, when the game ball enters the second starting port 21, Since the change display of the special symbol accompanying the entry is put on hold, the number of the hold is displayed. The second special symbol hold indicator 66 also includes four hold lamps having LED display portions arranged in a line, and holds and displays up to four game balls entering the second starting port 21. Can be done.

  In the present embodiment, not only the display 60 but also the image display 8 enters the first start port 19 and holds and the second start port 21 enters and holds. The number of held holds is displayed separately from each other. The hold display on the image display 8 will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 attached to the back side of the gaming board 10. On the back side of the gaming board 10, a main control board 100 that controls main operations of the gaming machine 1 and a sub control board 200 that controls each part based on signals and commands output from the main control board 100 are provided. ing. The sub control board 200 includes a payout control board 120, an effect control board 130, an image control board 140, a lamp control board 150, and the like.

  The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The main control board 100 includes a first start port switch 41 that detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 19, and a second start that detects that a game ball has entered the second start port 21. A mouth switch 42; an electric Chu solenoid 91 for opening and closing the electric tulip 20; a gate switch 92 for detecting that the game ball has passed through the through gate 16; and a normal winning port for detecting that the game ball has entered the normal winning port 18 A switch 93, a big prize opening switch 94 for detecting that a game ball has entered the big prize opening 22, a big prize opening solenoid 95 for opening and closing the accessory 23, a normal symbol display 61, a normal symbol hold display 62, A first special symbol display 63, a first special symbol hold indicator 64, a second special symbol indicator 65, and a second special symbol hold indicator 66 are connected.

  When each of the first start port switch 41, the second start port switch 42, the normal winning port switch 93, and the big winning port switch 94 detects the entry of a game ball, the main control board 100 determines the payout control board 120. In response, a prize ball command is sent. The payout control board 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, and a RAM 123, and is configured to control a payout motor 124 provided on the back side of the game board 2. When a prize ball command is input from the main control board 100, A predetermined number of balls are paid out in accordance with the winning entrance.

  The main control board 100 is configured to perform the above-mentioned jackpot lottery or normal symbol lottery. For example, when a game ball passes through the through gate 16, a normal symbol lottery for opening and closing the electric tulip 20 is performed, and if it is won, the electric tuo solenoid 91 is driven for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times to open the electric tulip 20. When it is detected that a game ball has entered the first starting port 19 or the second starting port 21, the above-mentioned jackpot lottery is performed, and the special symbol variation display is started, and the lottery result is determined. In order to produce an effect, a signal or command is sent to the effect control board 130. Further, when it is detected that a game ball has entered the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, if the special symbol variation display is in progress, the special symbol variation display accompanying the entry is suspended. When the big win lottery is won, a special symbol corresponding to the hit type is displayed after the special symbol change display, and each part of the sub-control board 200 is controlled according to the win type.

  The effect control board 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and a real time clock (RTC) 134, determines specific contents of effects based on signals and commands from the main control board 100, and the image control board 140. And the lamp control board 150 are controlled. The real-time clock (RTC) 134 is a clock circuit (timer) that counts the current time in real time regardless of whether the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 130 is configured to perform a process of setting a step-up continuous effect and to perform a process of changing the setting of a step-up continuous effect that has already been set.

  The image control board 140 includes a CPU 141, a ROM 142, a RAM 143, and a VRAM 144. The image control board 140 displays a variation of the decorative symbols on the image display 8 based on an instruction from the effect control board 130 and is designated by the effect control board 130. The display image on the image display 8 is controlled such that the variable display is stopped at the selected pattern. The image control board 140 performs various effects such as a reach effect and a character appearing on the image display 8 based on the designation from the effect control board 130. The VRAM 144 is a memory for writing an image to be displayed on the image display 8. The CPU 141 executes various processes such as background image display processing, decoration symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the VRAM 144, so that a background image, decoration symbol image, character image, and the like are displayed on the image display 8. It can be displayed in a superimposed manner. Further, the image control board 140 is configured to generate a sound effect for production from the speaker 5.

  The lamp control board 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and a RAM 153. The lamp control board 150 turns on the various lamps 97 including the frame lamp 6 described above based on an instruction from the presentation control board 130, and also displays the effect accessory 32 and the like. It is comprised so that the accessory drive part 98 for driving may be controlled.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the main control board 100. The CPU 101 of the main control board 100 functions as a game control unit 110 that comprehensively controls the overall operation of the gaming machine 1 by executing a predetermined program. The game control unit 110 functions as various processing units according to the progress of the game. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a game data acquisition unit 111, a variable display holding unit 112, and It functions as the special symbol variation processing unit 115. The variation display reservation unit 112 further includes a first variation display reservation unit 113 and a second variation display reservation unit 114. The RAM 103 of the main control board 100 includes a random number storage area 103a and a reserved storage area 103b. Various random numbers serving as game data are stored in the random number storage area 103a, but the figure shows a case where a jackpot random number RN1, a design random number RN2, and a reach random number RN3 are stored. These random numbers RN1, RN2, and RN3 are sequentially updated by the game control unit 110. In addition, in the storage area 103b, two areas of a first variation display suspension storage unit 104 and a second variation display suspension storage unit 105 are provided.

  When the first start port switch 41 or the second start port switch 42 detects the entry of a game ball, the game data acquisition unit 111 receives the jackpot random number RN1, the design random number RN2, and the reach that are sequentially updated in the random number storage area 103a. It is a processing unit that acquires a random number RN3 as game data. Based on these random number values acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111, whether or not the subsequent jackpot lottery is successful, the type of jackpot in the case of a jackpot, the presence or absence of a reach effect in the case of a loss is determined.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of each random number stored in the random number storage area 103a. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the jackpot random number RN1 is a random number used for the jackpot lottery and is a random number that is sequentially updated within a range of 0 to 600. When the gaming machine 1 is in a normal probability state, if the value of the jackpot random number RN1 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is “7” or “317”, the jackpot is won, and the probability of winning the jackpot is 2/601. Yes. On the other hand, when the gaming machine 1 is in a high probability state, the 20 random numbers are set to the values indicating the jackpot, and the value of the jackpot random number RN1 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is the 20 random numbers. Any one of the numerical values is a jackpot, and the probability of winning the jackpot is 20/601. In both cases of the normal probability state and the high probability state, the two random numbers “50” and “100” are set to values indicating small hits, and the jackpot acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 When the value of the random number RN1 is “50” or “100”, it is a small hit. Note that the probability of winning a small hit in the big win lottery is 2/601.

  When the jackpot random number RN1 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is a value indicating a jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined by the symbol random number RN2. In the present embodiment, depending on whether the game data acquisition by the game data acquisition unit 111 is performed by entering the first starting port 19 or by entering the second starting port 21, the design random number The table referred to when determining RN2 is different.

  FIG. 8 (b-1) shows the determination of the symbol random number RN <b> 2 at the time of big hit by entering the first start port 19. The design random number RN2 is a random number that is sequentially updated within a range of 0 to 250, for example. When winning the jackpot by entering the first starting port 19, if the value of the symbol random number RN2 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is between 0 and 150, it becomes “long win”. On the other hand, if the value of the symbol random number RN2 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is any of 151 to 250, “short hit” is obtained. Further, depending on the value of the design random number RN2 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111, either one of a high probability state and a normal probability state is given, and one of a time-short game and a non-time-short game is given. “Period with high probability short-time” is the per-length that shifts to the probability change mode after the big winning opening game, and “Per length with normal probability short-time” is the per-length that shifts to the normal mode after the big winning opening game. is there. Also, among the short wins, the “high probability short short hit” is a short hit that shifts to the latent probability changing mode after the big prize opening game.

  FIG. 8B-2 shows the determination of the symbol random number RN <b> 2 at the time of jackpot by entering the second start port 21. When winning the jackpot by entering the second starting port 21, if the value of the symbol random number RN2 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is between 0 and 150, it becomes “per length with high probability time-shortening”. On the other hand, if the value of the symbol random number RN2 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is any one of 151 to 250, “per length with normal probability shortening” is obtained. That is, in this example, it is set to be “long win” whenever a big win is won by entering the second starting port 21.

  FIG. 8B-3 shows the determination of the symbol random number RN2 at the time of small hit. When a big win is won in the big win lottery, it is determined whether it is “1 small hit” or “2 small hits” according to the value of the symbol random number RN2 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111. However, the difference between “small hit 1” and “small hit 2” is only the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 63 or the second special symbol display 65.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the reach random number RN3 is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed as an effect display, and is a random number that is sequentially updated within a range of 0 to 250. If the value of the reach random number RN3 acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is any of 0 to 24, the reach effect is performed even if the game is lost in the big hit lottery. If the value of the reach random number RN3 is between 25 and 250, the reach display is not performed and the variable display is stopped. On the other hand, when a big win or a small win is won in the big win lottery, the reach effect is always performed, so the value of the reach random number RN3 is ignored. That is, the reach random number RN3 is a random number that is referred to when the jackpot random number RN1 is lost.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the variable display holding unit 112 of the game control unit 110 is a processing unit that holds the variable display of the special symbol by storing the game data acquired by the game data acquiring unit 111 in the holding storage area 103 b. The first variation display hold unit 113 stores the game data obtained by the game ball entering the first start port 19 in the first variation display hold storage unit 104 and the first special symbol hold display unit 64. On the other hand, hold display. The second variation display hold unit 114 stores the game data acquired by the game ball entering the second start port 21 in the second change display hold storage unit 105 and the second special symbol hold display 66. Hold display for.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the reserved storage area 103b. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first variable display hold storage unit 104 includes a first storage area 104a, a second storage area 104b, a third storage area 104c, and a fourth storage area 104d. In each of the storage areas 104a to 104d, game data acquired by entering a game ball into the first start port 19 is stored. That is, the game data is sequentially stored from the first storage area 104a to the fourth storage area 104d in the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 19 and the game data is acquired. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the second variable display hold storage unit 105 includes a first storage area 105a, a second storage area 105b, a third storage area 105c, and a fourth storage area 105d. In each of the storage areas 105a to 105d, game data obtained by entering a game ball into the second start port 21 is stored. That is, the game data is sequentially stored from the first storage area 105a to the fourth storage area 105d in the order in which the game balls enter the second start port 21 and the game data is acquired. As shown in FIG. 9 (c), each storage area of the first variation display hold storage unit 104 and the second variation display hold storage unit 105 includes a jackpot random number storage region for storing the jackpot random number RN1, and a design random number RN2. And a reach random number storage area for storing the reach random number RN3, and each of the random numbers acquired by the game data acquisition unit 111 is stored.

  The first variation display holding unit 113 stores, in the first variation display holding storage unit 104, game data corresponding to the number of game balls that have entered the first start port 19, thereby changing the special symbols based on the entered balls. Hold the display. The first variation display holding unit 113 can store up to four holding balls. Then, when digesting the reserved ball stored in the first variation display reservation storage unit 104 and performing variable display of the special symbol, the first variation display reservation unit 113 reads the game data in the first storage area 104a and digests the reservation. Then, the game data in the second storage area 104b to the fourth storage area 104d are shifted to the first storage area 104a to the third storage area 104c, respectively.

  In addition, the second variation display holding unit 114 stores the game data for the number of game balls that have entered the second start port 21 in the second variation display holding storage unit 105, so that a special symbol based on the entered ball is stored. Hold the variable display. The second variation display holding unit 114 can also store up to four holding balls. Then, when digesting the retained ball stored in the second variation display suspension storage unit 105 to display the variation of the special symbol, the second variation display suspension unit 114 reads the game data in the first storage area 105a and digests the suspension. Then, the game data in the second storage area 105b to the fourth storage area 105d are shifted to the first storage area 105a to the third storage area 105c, respectively.

  The special symbol variation processing unit 115 is a processing unit that digests the retention by the variation table retention unit 112 and displays the variation of the special symbol. When the special symbol fluctuation processing unit 115 reads the hold in the first fluctuation display hold storage unit 104 and performs the special symbol fluctuation display, the first special symbol display unit 63 performs fluctuation display. In addition, when the suspension of the second variation display suspension storage unit 105 is read and the variation display of the special symbol is performed, the variation display is performed on the second special symbol display unit 65. The special symbol variation processing unit 115 reads out the game data stored in the reserved storage area 103b and makes a jackpot determination. If the winning symbol is won, the special symbol variation processing unit 115 stops the variable display with the special symbol corresponding to the type of the winning combination. The stop symbol is determined based on the tables shown in FIGS. 8B-1 to 8B-3. In the case of a loss, the variable display is stopped with a lost symbol.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first variation display unit reservation unit 113 holds one or more reservation balls that have entered the first start port 19, and the second variation display unit reservation unit 114. When the special symbol variation processing unit 115 digests the suspension and starts the variation display of the next special symbol when the one or more retained balls that have entered the second starting port 21 are retained. It is configured to preferentially digest the hold by the display holding unit 114.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of pending digestion. FIG. 10A shows a first special symbol in a state in which three reserved balls are stored by the first variation display reservation unit 113 and two reservation balls are stored by the second variation display reservation unit 114. The lighting state of the hold indicator 64 and the second special symbol hold indicator 66 is shown. In this state, as shown in FIG. 10A, among the four holding lamps 64a to 64d provided on the first special symbol holding indicator 64, the first holding lamp 64a, the second holding lamp 64b, and the third The hold lamp 64c is turned on. Of the four holding lamps 66a to 66d provided on the second special symbol holding display 66, the first holding lamp 66a and the second holding lamp 66b are turned on. In addition, the numbers shown inside the holding lamps indicate the order of entering the starting openings. In the example shown in the figure, “first starting opening 19 → second starting opening 21 → first starting opening 19 → first It shows that game balls have entered in the order of “2 start opening 21 → first start opening 19”.

  FIG. 10B shows the order in which the suspension is digested in the state of FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the hold of the second variation display hold unit 114 is preferentially digested over the first change display hold unit 113. The two holdings of the variable display holding unit 114 are sequentially digested with priority. And when all the hold | maintains of the 2nd fluctuation | variation display reservation part 114 are digested, three reservations of the 1st fluctuation | variation display reservation part 113 will be digested one by one next.

  FIG. 10C shows the second start port 21 after the first variation display reserving unit 113 has stored the three retained balls and digests one retained ball to start the variation display of the special symbol. Shows a case where one game ball enters. In this case, at the time when the hold of the first hold lamp 64a of the first special symbol hold indicator 64 is digested and the change display of the special symbol is started, the subsequent hold digestion order is the order indicated by the broken line arrows in the figure. It has become. However, when the game ball enters the second start opening 21 after the special symbol variation display based on the first hold lamp 64a is started, the hold ball that has entered the second start opening 21 is preferentially digested. Therefore, the subsequent change display of the special symbol is performed based on the hold of the second change display holding unit 114 as indicated by the solid line arrow in the figure. And after the hold | maintenance of the 2nd fluctuation | variation display reservation part 114 is digested, the hold | maintenance of the 1st fluctuation | variation display reservation part 113 currently hold | maintained before it is digested one by one.

  As described above, when the gaming ball 1 enters the second start port 21, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs the second start even if the hold that has entered the first start port 18 is already stored. The special symbol variation display based on the fact that the ball has entered the mouth 21 is preferentially executed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment produces the game data when the game data is acquired based on the game ball entering the first start port 19 or the second start port 21 on the main control board 100. Output to the control board 130. Then, the effect control board 130 manages the number of holdings in the same manner as the main control board 100, and makes a prior determination of game data acquired from the main control board 100. And based on the result of the prior determination, it is an effect that is continuously performed over a plurality of special symbol fluctuation displays corresponding to the number of holds, and step-up step by step whenever the special symbol fluctuation display is performed It is configured to set a step-up continuous production. This step-up continuous effect is, for example, when winning in the pre-judgment made by entering the first starting port 19, until the change display of the special symbol based on the entry is digested before that This is an effect that includes a change display of special symbols to be digested, and steps up step by step continuously over a plurality of special symbol change displays. Therefore, when this step-up continuous effect is set, an effect corresponding to the final step of the step-up continuous effect is performed at the time of the variation display of the special symbol based on the entry that has been won in advance determination.

  Here, the continuous effects in the step-up continuous effects are those in which the contents of each effect performed for each variation display of the special symbol are related to each other and the related effects are continuously performed. However, it is an effect reminiscent of the player that the effect performed later is a continuation of the effect performed earlier. Then, in the step-up continuous effect, every time the special symbol is changed, the effect related to the previous effect is stepped up step by step, and the special symbol based on the entry that was won in advance is determined. When the change is displayed, the effect set as the final step is performed. By setting and executing such a step-up continuous effect on the effect control board 130, a plurality of times are started from an early stage before the start of the special symbol variation display based on the winning game selected in advance. It is possible to increase the player's expectation that he / she may win a jackpot after the change display. Hereinafter, the operation of the gaming machine 1 will be described in more detail.

  First, the operation in the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 110. The game control unit 110 repeats the process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 as a timer interrupt process at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Run. When this process is started, the game control unit 110 performs a random number update process (step S101), a first start port switch process (step S102), a second start port switch process (step S103), and a gate switch process (step S104). ), Various switch processing (step S105), prize ball processing (step S106), special symbol processing (step S107), normal symbol processing (step S108), big prize opening processing (step S109), electric tulip (electric chew) processing (Step S110) and output processing (Step S111) are sequentially executed, and when they are finished, the initial value random number update processing (Step S112) is repeatedly executed thereafter. When a certain time has elapsed and an interrupt is generated by the timer, the process after the random number update process (step S101) is executed again, and this process is repeated thereafter.

  In the random number update process (step S101), the values of various random numbers such as the jackpot random number RN1, the design random number RN2, and the reach random number RN3 stored in the random number storage area 103a of the RAM 103 are updated. In the first start port switch process (step S102), the above-described game data acquisition unit 111 monitors the state of the first start port switch 41, and the random number storage area 103a when the first start port switch 41 is turned on. The process for acquiring game data from is executed. In the second start port switch process (step S103), the game data acquisition unit 111 described above monitors the state of the second start port switch 42, and when the second start port switch 42 is turned on, the random number storage area 103a. The process for acquiring game data from is executed. In the gate switch process (step S104), the game control unit 110 monitors the state of the gate switch 92, and executes a process for drawing a normal symbol when the gate switch 92 is turned on. In the various switch processes (step S105), the game control unit 110 performs input processes from all other switches (for example, a normal prize opening switch, a big prize opening switch, etc.). In the winning ball process (step S106), the game control unit 110 counts the number of winnings in various winning ports, and sets a winning ball command based on the counted value. In the special symbol process (step S107), the game control unit 110 performs a special symbol change and a process associated with the symbol change. In the normal symbol processing (step S108), the game control unit 110 performs normal symbol variation and processing associated with the symbol variation. In the special prize opening process (step S109), the operation of the accessory 23 to open and close the special prize opening 22 is controlled. In the electric tulip process (step S110), the game control unit 110 controls the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 20 based on a predetermined condition. In the output process (step S111), the game control unit 110 outputs a control command, game data, and the like to the payout control board 120 and the effect control board 130. Commands and data to be output to each substrate are generated in each process from step S102 to S110 and are set in the RAM 103 in advance. In this output process, the commands and data set in the RAM 103 are read and output. In the initial value random number update process (step S112), the game control unit 110 updates initial values of various random numbers such as the jackpot random number RN1, the design random number RN2, and the reach random number RN3 stored in the random number storage area 103a. For the remaining time in program execution, the initial value of various random numbers can be updated each time by repeatedly executing the initial value random number update process (step S112). Since the remaining time of the program varies each time depending on the state of the gaming machine 1, the update of the initial values of various random numbers is irregular. For this reason, even if an attempt is made to generate a jackpot illegally, the initial value of the jackpot random number RN1 is unknown, so the timing at which the jackpot random number RN1 becomes the winning value of the jackpot can not be known, and therefore fraud can be prevented. .

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the first start port switch process (step S102 in FIG. 11). In this process, it is determined whether or not a game ball enters the first start port 19 and the first start port switch 41 is turned on (step S201). If the first start port switch 41 is not turned on, the first start port switch process is terminated. If the first start port switch 41 is on, it is determined whether or not the number U1 of holdings in the first variable display holding storage unit 104 is less than the upper limit value (step S202). In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S202), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, and the first start port switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S202), the value of the hold number U1 is incremented by 1 (step S203). Then, various random numbers (game data) for the big hit lottery by entering the first starting port 19 are read from the random number storage area 103 a, and these random number values are held in the first variable display hold in the hold storage area 103 b provided in the RAM 103. The data is stored in the storage unit 104 (step S204). Depending on the value of the jackpot random number RN1 read out at this time, whether the jackpot lottery associated with entering the first starting port 19 has been won as either “big jackpot” or “small jackpot”, or “lost” Determine. In the case of “hit”, the type of “hit” is determined by the value of the read design random number RN2. In the case of “losing”, whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by the value of the read reach random number RN3. Then, the game control unit 110 sets game data including various read random numbers as transmission game data for transmitting to the effect control board 130 (step S205). The game data for transmission set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by entering the first starting port 19. When the game data setting is completed, the first start port switch process is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 11). In this process, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 21 and the second start port switch 42 is turned on (step S301). If the second start port switch 42 is not turned on, the second start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port switch 42 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U2 in the second variation display hold storage unit 105 is less than the upper limit value (step S302). In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U2 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S302), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, so the second start port switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S302), 1 is added to the value of the hold number U2 (step S303). Then, various random numbers (game data) for the big hit lottery due to entering the second starting port 21 are read from the random number storage area 103 a, and these random number values are held in the second variable display hold in the hold storage area 103 b provided in the RAM 103. The data is stored in the storage unit 105 (step S304). Depending on the value of the jackpot random number RN1 read out at this time, whether the jackpot lottery associated with entering the second starting port 21 has been won as either “big jackpot” or “small jackpot”, or “lost” Determine. In the case of “hit”, the type of “hit” is determined by the value of the read design random number RN2. In the case of “losing”, whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by the value of the read reach random number RN3. Then, the game control unit 110 sets game data including various read random numbers as transmission game data for transmitting to the effect control board 130 (step S305). The transmission game data set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by entering the second start port 21. When the game data setting is completed, the second start port switch process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of game data for transmission set in the RAM 103 by the first start port switch process (step S102) and the second start port switch process (step S103). As shown in FIG. 14, in the game data for transmission, information about the ball starting port indicating which game data has entered the first starting port 19 and the second starting port 21, and each starting port The jackpot random number RN1, the design random number RN2, and the reach random number RN3 acquired along with entering the ball are included. The game data for transmission set in the RAM 103 is output to the effect control board 130 in the output process (step S111) of FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the gate switch process (step S104 in FIG. 11). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 16 and the gate switch 92 is turned on (step S401). Here, if the gate switch 92 is not turned on, the gate switch processing is terminated. If the gate switch 92 is on, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is less than the upper limit value (step S402). In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reservations G has reached the upper limit (NO in step S402), the number of reservations cannot be increased any more, and the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S402), 1 is added to the value of the reserved number G (step S403). Then, a random number for lottery of a normal symbol when the game ball passes through the through gate 16 is read, and the random number value is stored in an area different from the random number storage area 103a and the reserved storage area 103b of the RAM 103 (step S404). . The random symbol value read at this time determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the through gate 16 is successful.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol process (step S107 in FIG. 9). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big winning opening opening game after winning the “big hit” or “small win” (step S501). If the special winning opening game is in progress, a special symbol representing any “big hit” or “small bonus” has already been selected and stopped, so the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation ( YES in step S501). On the other hand, if it is not in the big prize opening opening game (NO in step S501), it is next determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying the variation of the special symbol (step S502). If the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (NO in step S502), it is determined whether or not the number of holdings U2 in the second variable display holding storage unit 105 is 1 or more (step S503). Here, when the holding number U2 is 1 or more (YES in step S503), the game data stored in the first storage area 105a of the second variable display holding storage unit 105 is read, and the value of the holding number U2 is set to 1. Subtract (Step S504). Then, the other storage area for storage stored in the second variable display storage section 105 is shifted (step S505).

  On the other hand, if the number of holds U2 is 0 (NO in step S503), it is next determined whether or not the number of holds U1 in the first variable display hold storage unit 104 is 1 or more (step S506). Here, when the holding number U1 is 1 or more (YES in step S506), the game data stored in the first storage area 104a of the first variable display holding storage unit 104 is read, and the value of the holding number U1 is set to 1. Subtract (Step S507). Then, the other storage area for storage stored in the first variable display storage section 104 is shifted (step S508).

  In addition, when the number of holdings U1 is 0 (NO in step S506), it means that there is no entry to the first start port 19 or the second start port 21 which is a condition for the special symbol lottery. The process ends without starting the variable display.

  When the game data is read out in either step S504 or step S507, the jackpot determination process (step S509) and the variation pattern selection process (step S510) are executed in order. Through these jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command to be output to the effect control board 130 is determined. The details of the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process will be described later.

  And the game control part 110 produces | generates the change start command containing the setting information determined by the jackpot determination process and the fluctuation pattern selection process, and sets it to RAM103 (step S511). Based on this setting information, the special symbol variation display on the first special symbol display 63 or the second special symbol display 65 is started (step S512). At this time, in the case of variable display based on the hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 105, the special symbol change display on the second special symbol display 65 is started. In the case of the variable display based on the hold in the first variable display hold storage unit 104, the variable display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 63 is started. Then, in order to continue the variation display of the special symbol for the time set by the variation pattern, measurement of the variation time is started (step S513). The variation start command set in the RAM 103 in step S511 is output to the effect control board 130 in the output process (step S111) in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S502 that the special symbol variation display is in progress (YES in step S502), the game control unit 110 determines whether the variation time has ended (step S514). Here, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step S513 with the start of variation display of the special symbol has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process in step S510. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S514), the special symbol variation display is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time is over (YES in step S514), the game control unit 110 sets a variation stop command in the RAM 103. The variable stop command set here is output to the effect control board 130 in the output process (step S111) of FIG. Then, the variation display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 63 or the second special symbol display 65 is stopped at a preset stop symbol (step S516), and the measured variation time is reset (step S517). Then, the stop process (step S518) is executed. The details of the stop process will be described later.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the jackpot determination process (step S509 in FIG. 16). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state (step S531). If the gaming state is a high probability state, a random number at a high probability is used as a table for determining the jackpot random number RN1. A determination table is selected (step S532). That is, in this case, the table in the high probability state (probability game state) is selected from the tables shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is not a high probability state, a random number determination table at the normal probability is selected (step S533). That is, in this case, the table in the normal probability state (normal game state) is selected from the tables shown in FIG.

  Then, the game control unit 110 determines the jackpot random number RN1 read from the reserved storage area 103b based on the selected table (step S534), and determines whether or not the jackpot is won (step S535). If the jackpot is won (YES in step S535), the design random number RN2 is subsequently determined (step S536). When the symbol random number RN2 is determined, when the symbol random number RN2 to be determined is a random number read from the hold of the first variable display hold storage unit 104 and read from the hold of the second variable display hold storage unit 105 The table to be referenced differs depending on whether the random number is issued. That is, when determining the symbol random number RN2 read from the hold in the first variation display hold storage unit 104, the determination table shown in FIG. When determining the symbol random number RN2 read from the hold, the determination table shown in FIG. 8B-2 is referred to. As a result, it is determined whether the type of jackpot is “long win” or “short win”, and the game state after the big prize opening game is “high probability state” and “normal probability state” Either one of “time-short game” and “non-time-short game” is determined. When the type of jackpot and the subsequent game state are determined, the game control unit 110 sets a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot as a stop symbol to be stopped after the special symbol variation display (step S537).

  On the other hand, if the jackpot is not won (NO in step S535), it is determined whether or not the jackpot is won (step S538). If the bonus is won (YES in step S538), the design random number RN2 is subsequently determined (step S539), and a special symbol corresponding to the bonus is set as a stop symbol to be stopped after the special symbol variation display. (Step S540). If the winning combination is not won (NO in step S538), a lost symbol corresponding to the lost symbol is set as a stopped symbol to be stopped after the special symbol change display (step S541).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the variation pattern selection process (step S510 in FIG. 16). In this process, the variation pattern for various effects including the variation display of the decorative design on the image display 8 is determined. For this purpose, the game control unit 110 first acquires a random number (not shown) for determining the variation pattern and stores it in the RAM 103 (step S561). Next, the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the jackpot is won (step S562). In this determination, determination similar to step S535 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 17) may be performed, or determination may be made by referring to the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 17). If it is a big hit (YES in step S562), it is determined whether or not the big hit type is a long hit (step S563). If it is a long hit (YES in step S563), the game control unit 110 reads a long variation pattern table from the ROM 102 and sets it in the RAM 103 (step S564). If it is not long hit (NO in step S563), a short hit variation pattern table is read from the ROM 102 and set in the RAM 103 (step S565).

  On the other hand, if it is not a big win (NO in step S562), it is further determined whether or not a small win is won (step S566). If it is a small hit (YES in step S566), the game control unit 110 reads the variation pattern table for small hits from the ROM 102 and sets it in the RAM 103 (step S567). If it is not a small hit (NO in step S566), the game control unit 110 determines a reach random number RN3 for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for allowing the player to expect a big hit (step S566). S568). Whether or not a reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number RN3 read from the reserved storage area 103b matches a preset value. As a result of the reach random number determination, when the reach effect is performed (YES in step S569), the game control unit 110 reads the variation pattern table for reach effect from the ROM 102 and sets it in the RAM 103 (step S570). When the reach effect is not performed (NO in step S569), the game control unit 110 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 102 and sets it in the RAM 103 (step S571). Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Then, the game control unit 110 determines a variation pattern random number using the variation pattern table set in step S564, S565, S567, S570 or S571 (step S572). Here, referring to the variation pattern table set in the RAM 103, a variation pattern corresponding to the value of the variation pattern random number acquired in step S561 is selected. Therefore, even if the value of the random number of the variation pattern is the same value, whether or not you won the jackpot, if you win the jackpot, whether it is a long win, whether you won the jackpot, whether the jackpot or small If the winning pattern is not won, the variation pattern table to be referenced differs depending on the state difference such as whether or not the reach effect is performed, and therefore the determined variation pattern may be different. After that, the game control unit 110 sets the variation pattern selected in step S572 as setting information in the RAM 103 (step S573). Note that the setting information of the variation pattern set here is included in the variation start command set in step S511 of the special symbol process (FIG. 16).

  Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the stop process (step S518 in FIG. 16). In this process, after the special symbol variation display is stopped, the game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the jackpot game or the jackpot game according to the result of the jackpot lottery. Also, a process for returning the short-time game to the normal game state is performed. When the stop process starts, the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the jackpot is won (step S581). If it is a big hit (YES in step S581), a gaming state corresponding to the type of the big win is set (step S582). At this time, one of “long win” and “short win” is set as the big prize opening game, and the gaming state after the big prize opening game is finished (for example, a high probability state and a normal probability state) Either one of them, or one with or without short-time game) is also set. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a short-time game (step S583), and if the short-time game is set, 100 is set in the short-time variation count J for counting the number of times the special symbol is changed by the short-time game (step S584). In this example, the number of short-time fluctuations is set to 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. On the other hand, if the short-time game is not set, the short-time variation count J is not set (that is, J = 0). In addition, when shifting to the probability change mode, the time-short game is set, but at that time the short game continues until the next jackpot occurs, so in this case, the time-varying number of times J is not set and J = 0 is maintained. And

  Then, the game control unit 110 sets a jackpot start command in the RAM 103 (step S585), and starts the jackpot operation control (step S586). As a result, the gaming machine 1 becomes a big hit and moves to the big prize opening game, and after a predetermined opening is performed, the winning combination 23 is set in the RAM 103 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot. The special winning opening 22 is opened and closed by a predetermined number of rounds.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big win (NO in step S581), the game control unit 110 determines whether or not a small win is won (step S587). If it is a small hit (YES in step S587), a small hit start command is set in the RAM 103 (step S588), and the small hit operation control is started (step S589). As a result, the gaming machine 1 becomes a small hit, moves to the big prize opening game, and after a predetermined opening is performed, based on the release pattern corresponding to the small hit in which the accessory 23 is set in the RAM 103. The special winning opening 22 is opened and closed by a predetermined number of rounds.

  If it is not a small hit (NO in step S587), the game control unit 110 checks whether or not the short-time variation count J is 0 (step S590). If the number of short-time fluctuations J is 0 (YES in step S590), the in-stop process is terminated. If the time variation number J is not 0 (NO in step S590), the game control unit 110 decrements the value of the time variation number J by 1 (step S591), and checks whether the time variation number J is 0 again (step S591). S592). If the short-time variation count J is not 0 (NO in step S592), the short-time game continues, and thus the stop process is terminated. Also, if the short time variation count J is 0 (YES in step S592), the short time game is ended, so that the game control unit 110 sets the normal game state in the RAM 103 so as to shift the gaming machine 1 to the normal game (step). S593).

  Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the normal symbol processing (step S108 in FIG. 11). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S601). “In auxiliary game” means that the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 20 is being opened. If the auxiliary game is in progress (YES in step S601), the normal symbol process is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation. If it is not in an auxiliary game (NO in step S601), it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying a normal symbol variation (step S602). If the normal symbol is not variably displayed (NO in step S602), the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is 1 or more (step S603). If the number of holds G is 0 (NO in step S603), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation display. To do.

  On the other hand, if the holding number G is 1 or more (YES in step S603), the game control unit 110 subtracts 1 from the value of the holding number G (step S604), and determines the random number in the current normal symbol lottery. It is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S605). This determination is made by determining whether or not the random number value acquired in step S404 of the gate switch process (FIG. 15) matches a preset winning value. When the normal symbol lottery is won (YES in step S605), the game control unit 110 sets a symbol (winning symbol) indicating that it is won in the RAM 103 (step S606). If the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S605), the game control unit 110 sets a symbol (losing symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is lost in the RAM 103 (step S607).

  Then, the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a normal gaming state (step S608). In this determination, if the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the probability change mode or the short-time game, NO is determined, and if the game state is the latent probability changing mode or the normal mode, YES is determined. That is, in the latent probability changing mode, the winning probability of jackpot is high, but the other gaming states are the same as in the normal mode. Therefore, here, the latent probability changing mode is determined as the normal gaming state as in the normal mode. If the normal gaming state is determined (YES in step S608), the normal symbol variation time is set to a long time (29 seconds in the example shown) (step S609). If it is determined that the game is not in the normal gaming state (NO in step S608), the normal symbol change time is set to a short time (3 seconds in the example shown) (step S610). Then, the game control unit 110 starts the normal symbol display 61 on the basis of the contents set in step S606 or S607 (step S611), and the normal symbol variation display for the time set in step S609 or S610. In order to perform the measurement, the measurement of the variation time is started (step S612).

  If the normal symbol change display is being performed (YES in step S602), the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the normal symbol change time has ended (step S613). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step S612 has reached the variation time set in step S609 or S610. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S613), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is. If the variation time has ended (YES in step S613), the game control unit 110 stops the variation display of the normal symbol and displays the symbol set in step S606 or S607 (step S614). Thereafter, the measured variation time is reset (step S615). Then, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step S616), and if it has been won (YES in step S616), operation control of auxiliary games such as opening the electric tulip 20 is started (step S617). . As a result, the gaming state is in the auxiliary game. On the other hand, if the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S616), the normal symbol processing is terminated while the current state of the gaming machine 1 is maintained.

  Next, FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are flowcharts showing details of the big prize opening process (step S109 in FIG. 11). In this process, the big prize opening game when the big win or the small win is controlled. The game control unit 110 determines whether the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit or a small hit (step S701). If it is not a big win or a small win (NO in step S701), the open / close operation of the big prize opening 22 is not performed, and the big prize opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the big hit or the small hit is being made (YES in step S701), the game control unit 110 controls the operation at the big hit or the small hit started by the gaming machine 1 in the stop process (FIG. 19). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step S702).

  If the gaming machine 1 is opening (YES in step S702), the game control unit 110 determines whether or not a preset time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed (step S703). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S703), the opening operation is continued, and the big prize opening process is terminated. If the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S703), the game control unit 110 adds 1 to the current value of the round number R that opens the special winning opening 22 (step S704). Then, the accessory 23 is driven to open the special winning opening 22 (step S705). Note that the opening pattern of the special winning opening 22 is set in the RAM 103 in advance according to the winning type.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 22 by the accessory 23 has passed the time (opening time) preset by the opening pattern set in the RAM 103 (step S706). When the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S706), the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the number C of winnings to the opened big winning opening 22 is 9 or more (step S707). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than 9 (NO in step S707), the state of opening the big winning opening 22 is continued, and thus the big winning opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the opening time of the big winning opening 22 by the accessory 23 has passed a preset time (YES in step S706), or when the number of winning C has reached nine (YES in step S707), The game control unit 110 drives the accessory 23 to close the special winning opening 22 (step S708).

  Next, the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the number of rounds R for opening the special winning opening 22 has reached a preset maximum value (step S709). In the present embodiment, the maximum value of the round number R is set as 15 rounds. If the maximum value has not been reached (NO in step S709), since the operation control at the time of the big hit is continued, the big prize opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of rounds R reaches the maximum value (YES in step S709), the game control unit 110 resets the number of rounds R to 0 (step S710), and in the operation control at the time of big hit or small hit An ending operation is started (step S711).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time for ending operation (ending time) has elapsed (step S712). If the ending time has not elapsed (NO in step S712), the ending operation is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated. In addition, when the ending time has elapsed (YES in step S712), the game control unit 110 ends the jackpot operation control or the jackpot operation control in order to end the jackpot opening game associated with the jackpot or the jackpot. The big prize opening process is terminated (step S713).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that the gaming machine 1 is not opening (NO in step S702), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 22, and the game control unit 110 determines whether or not the special winning opening 22 is open. Is determined (step S721). If it is open (YES in step S721), the processing from step S706 described above is executed. If not open (NO in step S721), it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 1 is ending (step S722). If the process is ending (YES in step S722), the processes in and after step S712 are executed. If the ending is not in progress (NO in step S722), whether or not the elapsed time after the accessory 23 closes the special winning opening 22 has passed the opening round execution interval (interval time) set in advance by the opening pattern. Is determined (step S723). If the interval time has not elapsed (NO in step S723), it is not the timing for carrying out the next round yet, so the big prize opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the interval time has elapsed (YES in step S723), the processing after step S704 described above is executed to perform the next round and open the special winning opening 22.

  With the above-described big winning opening process, a total of fifteen rounds in which the accessory 23 opens the big winning opening 22 in the big winning opening releasing game in which the big win or the small win is started in the gaming machine 1 is performed.

  Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the electric tulip process (step S110 (electric chew process) in FIG. 11). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S801). If the auxiliary game is not being performed (NO in step S801), the electric tulip 20 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated. On the other hand, when the auxiliary game is being performed (YES in step S801), it is determined whether or not the opening operation is being performed in the operation control during the auxiliary game (step S802). If the gaming machine 1 is opening (YES in step S802), it is determined whether or not a preset time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed (step S803). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S803), the opening operation is continued, and the electric tulip process is terminated. In contrast, if the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S803), it is determined whether or not the current operating state of the gaming machine 1 is a normal gaming state (step S804). The determination here is the same as in step S608 of the normal symbol processing (FIG. 20), and if the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the probability variation mode or the short time mode, NO is determined, and if it is the latent probability variation mode or the normal mode, YES is determined. Become. If it is determined that the game state is normal (YES in step S804), the game control unit 110 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 20 to a short time (0.2 seconds in the case of the figure) (step S805). If it is determined that the game state is not the normal game state (NO in step S804), the game control unit 110 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 20 to a long time (3.5 seconds in the case of the figure) (step S806). And game control part 110 opens electric tulip 20 (Step S807), and starts measurement of the elapsed time after opening (Step S808). Then, it is determined whether or not the opening time set in step S805 or S806 has passed (step S809). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S809), since the opening of the electric tulip 20 is continued, the electric tulip process is terminated. When the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S809), the game control unit 110 closes the electric tulip 20 (step S810), ends the operation control during the auxiliary game, and ends the electric tulip process (step S811). ).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing details of the output process (step S111 in FIG. 11). In this process, various data and commands are output from the main control board 100 to the sub control board 200. First, when the game data for transmission is set, the game control unit 110 transmits it to the effect control board 130 (step S901). If the game data for transmission is not set, the transmission process in step S901 is not performed. Next, if the variation start command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 130 to start the variation display of the decorative symbols on the image display unit 8 and to start various effect operations accompanying the variation display of the special symbols. An instruction is given (step S902). If the change start command is not set, the transmission process in step S902 is not performed. Next, if the change stop command is set, an instruction is sent to the effect control board 130 to stop the change display of the decorative symbols on the image display unit 8 and to inform the player of the result of the big hit lottery. This is performed (step S903). If the change stop command is not set, the transmission process in step S903 is not performed. Next, if a jackpot start command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 130, and an instruction to start the effect operation in the big prize opening game at the time of the jackpot is given (step S904). If the jackpot start command is not set, the transmission process in step S904 is not performed. Next, if the jackpot end command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 130, and the effect operation of the big prize opening game at the time of the jackpot is ended (step S905). If the jackpot end command is not set, the transmission process in step S905 is not performed. Next, if the small hitting start command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 130, and the start of the directing operation in the big winning opening release game at the small hitting is instructed (step S906). If the small hit start command is not set, the transmission process in step S906 is not performed. Next, if the small hit end command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 130, and the large winning opening release game effect operation at the time of the small hit is ended (step S907). If the small hit end command is not set, the transmission process in step S907 is not performed. Finally, if other various commands are set, each part is controlled by transmitting it to the effect control board 130 and the payout control board 120 (step S908). At this time, a prize ball command associated with a game ball entering a variety of prize opening is transmitted to the payout control board 120. Thus, the output process ends.

  As described above, when the game ball enters the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the main control board 100 acquires various random numbers such as the big hit random number RN1 at the time when the game ball enters, and the acquired The random number is configured to be transmitted to the effect control board 130 as game data.

  Next, FIG. 25 is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the effect control board 130. The CPU 131 of the effect control board 130 functions as various processing units in order to control the overall effect operation in the gaming machine 1 by executing a predetermined program. As shown in FIG. 4, the data reception unit 201, the hold management unit 202, the prior determination unit 203, the continuous production setting unit 204, the continuous production setting change unit 205, and the production control unit 206 function. As these units function in the effect control board 130, the number of holds regarding the fluctuation display of the special symbol is managed, the game data acquired from the main control board 100 is determined in advance, and the number of holds based on the result of the determination in advance. A step-up continuous effect that is continuously performed over a plurality of special symbol fluctuation displays corresponding to the minute is set, and the setting of the set step-up continuous effect is changed. In addition, the RAM 133 of the effect control board 130 includes a reserved storage area 133a and a random number storage area 133b.

  The data receiving unit 201 is a processing unit that receives game data and commands transmitted from the main control board 100. When the data receiving unit 201 receives game data from the main control board 100, the data receiving unit 201 stores the game data in the reserved storage area 133 a of the RAM 133. The hold storage area 133 a includes a first change display hold storage unit 211 and a second change display hold storage unit 212. When the game data is stored in the hold storage area 133a, the data receiving unit 201 stores the game data in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 if the game data is data acquired by entering the first start port 19. Store. Further, when the data is obtained by entering the second starting port 21, the data is stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212. As described above, the game data for transmission transmitted from the main control board 100 includes information about the entrance gate (see FIG. 14), so the data receiving unit 201 is included in the received game data. Based on the information related to the ball starting port, it is possible to specify which of the first starting port 19 and the second starting port 21 is the data acquired by entering the ball.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the reserved storage area 133a in the effect control board 130. As shown in FIG. 26, the reserved storage area 133a in the effect control board 130 has substantially the same configuration as the reserved storage area 103b (see FIG. 9) in the main control board 100. That is, as shown in FIG. 26A, the first variable display hold storage unit 211 includes a first storage area 211a, a second storage area 211b, a third storage area 211c, and a fourth storage area 211d. In each of the storage areas 211a to 211d, game data acquired by entering a game ball into the first start port 19 is stored. In other words, the game data is sequentially stored from the first storage area 211a to the fourth storage area 211d in the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 19 and the game data is acquired. Further, as shown in FIG. 26B, the second variable display hold storage unit 212 includes a first storage area 212a, a second storage area 212b, a third storage area 212c, and a fourth storage area 212d. In each of the storage areas 212a to 212d, game data acquired by entering a game ball into the second start port 21 is stored. That is, the game data is sequentially stored from the first storage area 212a to the fourth storage area 212d in the order in which the game balls enter the second start port 21 and the game data is acquired. Each storage area of the first variation display hold storage unit 211 and the second variation display hold storage unit 212 has a jackpot random number for storing the jackpot random number RN1 received from the main control board 100, as shown in FIG. A storage area, a design random number storage area for storing the design random number RN2, a reach random number storage area for storing the reach random number RN3, and a predetermination result storage area for storing the predetermination result by the predetermination unit 203 The various random numbers received from the main control board 100 are stored in the jackpot random number storage area, the design random number storage area, and the reach random number storage area.

  The holding management unit 202 is a processing unit that manages the holding of the special symbol variable display based on the game data stored in the holding storage area 133a. Similar to the main control board 100, the hold management unit 202 prioritizes the hold stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 over the hold stored in the first change display hold storage unit 211. Manage to digest. For example, when a change start command is received from the main control board 100, if the hold is stored in both the first change display hold storage unit 211 and the second change display hold storage unit 212, the second change display hold storage unit 212 is stored. Priority will be given to the suspension of. In addition, when only one of the first variation display hold storage unit 211 and the second variation display hold storage unit 212 has a hold, the hold is digested in accordance with the order of entering the starting ports. Then, when the suspension management unit 202 digests the suspension based on the change start command from the main control board 100, the suspension management unit 202 digests the suspension of the first variation display suspension storage unit 211 and the second variation display suspension storage unit 212. The other reserved storage area stored in the storage unit is shifted.

  The prior determination unit 203 is a processing unit that performs prior determination of the received game data at the timing when the game data is received from the main control board 100. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the pre-determination unit 203 triggers the start before the special symbol variation display based on the start is started. As a result, the game data acquired by the main control board 100 is determined in advance. The prior determination unit 203 performs prior determination based on a plurality of conditions. When the plurality of conditions are met, the predetermination unit 203 reads the predetermination random number RN5 stored in the random number storage area 133b, and determines whether or not the predetermination is performed depending on whether or not the random number value is a predetermined value. To decide. The result of the prior determination is stored in the reserved prior determination result storage area stored in the reserved storage area 133a. The pre-determined random number RN5 stored in the random number storage area 133b is sequentially updated by other processing units of the CPU 131.

  The continuous effect setting unit 204 is a processing unit that sets a step-up continuous effect based on the prior determination result in the prior determination unit 203. In other words, when a pre-judgment made at the timing when game data is received from the main control board 100 is won, the number of holds N to be digested before the special symbol variation display based on the received game data is executed (however, N includes a hold based on the received game data), and sets up a step-up continuous effect that steps up step by step over N special symbol fluctuation displays. For example, in the state where three holds are stored in the first variable display hold storage unit 211 and no hold is stored in the second variable display hold storage unit 212, the ball is further entered into the first start port 19. When the accompanying game data is received and the preliminary determination is won, the number of holds becomes “4”, so the continuous effect setting unit 204 steps up in four stages over four special symbol variation displays. Set continuous production. That is, the step-up continuous effect is set so that the effect corresponding to the final step is performed at the time of displaying the variation of the special symbol based on the hold won in the prior determination. As a result, an effect of stepping up step-by-step over multiple consecutive special symbol fluctuation displays is performed, so that each time a special symbol fluctuation display is performed, the player has a sense of expectation of jackpot Will gradually be lifted. When an effect corresponding to the final step of the step-up continuous effect is performed, the player's sense of expectation for the jackpot comes to a maximum, and an effective continuous effect becomes possible.

  The continuous production setting change unit 205 receives the game data associated with entering the second starting port 21 after the step-up continuous production is set by the continuous production setting unit 204, or after that. Furthermore, when game data associated with entering the first starting port 19 is received, execution of the step-up continuous effect that has already been set is prohibited or step-up is performed according to the execution status of the step-up continuous effect. This is a processing unit for changing the setting contents of the continuous performance.

  First, in the state where the step-up continuous production is set by the continuous production setting unit 204 and game data associated with entering the second starting port 21 is received thereafter, the continuous production setting changing unit 205 performs this. The setting change will be described.

  For example, in the state in which four holds are stored in the first variable display hold storage unit 211 and no hold is stored in the second change display hold storage unit 212, the fourth variable display hold storage unit 211 is the fourth. When a step-up continuous effect is set by holding the game, when a game ball enters the second start port 21, a special symbol variation display based on the input to the second start port 21 is preferentially performed. Is called. In this case, despite the fact that the change display of the special symbol based on the hold that was won in the pre-determination was supposed to be performed for the fourth time, the change display based on the entrance to the second start port 21 is preferentially performed. Therefore, the special symbol variation display based on the hold selected in advance determination is performed for the fifth time. For this reason, the step-up continuous effect set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 has already ended when the special symbol based on the hold selected in advance determination is displayed. In other words, after a step-up continuous production is set, when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 where the hold is preferentially consumed, a special symbol variation display based on the hold won in the prior determination and the step-up There will be a gap between the last step of the continuous performance. In this case, a situation occurs in which it is impossible to perform an effective effect by the step-up continuous effect. In order to prevent such a situation, the continuous production setting change unit 205 is a game that is associated with entering the second starting port 21 after the step-up continuous production is set by the continuous production setting unit 204. When data is received, step-up continuous production setting is changed.

  As the game ball enters the second start opening 21, the setting change of the step-up continuous effect performed by the continuous effect setting changing unit 205 is performed when the game ball enters the second start opening 21. The content differs depending on the state of the gaming machine 1. The contents of the setting change in this case will be described below.

  First of all, a step-up continuous effect is set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 in a state in which the game ball is not stored (suspended) in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 where the hold is preferentially performed. When a game ball enters the second start port 21 before the step-up continuous effect is started, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 changes the special symbol preferentially performed based on the received ball. Execution of step-up continuous production is prohibited in the display. As a result, if the step-up continuous effect is set and before the step-up continuous effect is started, the step-up continuous effect is displayed at the time of the variable display that is preferentially performed after entering the second start port 21. Since it does not start, there will be no gap between the change display of the special symbol based on the hold selected for the pre-judgment and the final step of the step-up continuous production, and the last time the change display of the special symbol based on the hold won for the pre-judgment An effect corresponding to the step can be performed.

  Secondly, the step-up continuous effect is set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 in a state in which a game ball is entered (held) in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 where the hold is preferentially performed. When a game ball enters the second start opening 21 before the step-up continuous effect is started, the continuous effect setting changing unit 205 sets the step-up continuous before the start set by the continuous effect setting unit 204. Re-direct the production. That is, when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 in this state, the continuous performance setting change unit 205 is an effect in the special symbol variation display that is preferentially performed based on the ball when the ball is entered. The second variation display hold storage unit 212 sets an effect that is the next stage of the effect performed at the time of digestion of the last hold, and specials for the number of holds that are sequentially digested after the change display of the special symbol based on the entry. The step-up continuous effects that have already been set for the variable display of symbols are stepped up one step at a time and reset. Therefore, the stage of the step-up continuous effect is set as an interrupt as an effect at the time of the special symbol variation display preferentially performed when the game ball enters the second start port 21, and then suspended and digested. The level of the step-up continuous effect that has already been set for the hold in the 1-variable display hold storage unit 211 is increased by one step. Along with this, the stage of the final step is also increased by one stage.

  For example, a step-up continuous effect is set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 in a state where one hold is stored in the second variable display hold storage unit 212, and the second start is performed before the step-up continuous effect is started. When a game ball enters the mouth 21, the received ball is stored as the second hold in the second variation display hold storage unit 212. In this state, since the first stage of the step-up continuous effect is set for the first hold of the second variable display hold storage unit 212, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 sets the second hold based on the entry. On the other hand, the 2nd step which is the production next to the 1st step performed at the time of the 1st reservation digestion is set up. Thereafter, the step-up continuous effect stage set to hold in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 to be put on hold is stepped up by one step and reset. As a result, even if a game ball enters the second start opening 21 before the step-up continuous effect starts, when the special symbol change display is performed preferentially, the change of the special symbol immediately before that is displayed. It is possible to produce a stage-up effect that has been stepped up one step up during the display, and to step up the effect that is performed when the special symbol is displayed after that. Become. As a result, there will be no gap between the change display of the special symbol based on the hold won in the pre-judgment and the final step of the step-up continuous production, and the final step when the change display of the special symbol based on the hold won in the pre-judgement It is possible to perform an effect corresponding to When performing such resetting, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous effect resetting unit.

  Third, when a step-up continuous production set by the continuous production setting unit 204 is started, if a game ball enters the second starting port 21, the second variation display is suspended at the time of the entry. If no entry (holding) of the game ball is stored in the storage unit 212, the continuous production setting change unit 205 uses the entry as an effect in the special symbol variation display that is preferentially performed based on the entry. Set the effect that will be the next stage of the effect performed during the time variation display, and set for the special symbol variation display for the number of holds that will be digested sequentially after the special symbol variation display based on the entry. The step-up continuous effects are reset by stepping up the step-up continuous effects one step at a time. As a result, even if a game ball enters the second start port 21 after the step-up continuous effect is started, when the special symbol variation display is performed preferentially, the variation of the special symbol immediately before that is displayed. It is possible to perform an effect by stepping up the stage of the step-up continuous effect performed during the display by one step, and also to step up the effect performed at the time of the special symbol variation display performed one step later. It becomes.

  For example, when no hold is stored in the second variable display hold storage unit 212, the third hold in the first variable display hold storage unit 211 wins the prior determination, and the step-up continuous effect is set. The first stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is set for the first hold of the first variable display hold storage unit 211, the second stage effect is set for the second hold, and the last step is set for the third hold. A third stage effect is set as the effect. When the first hold is digested and the variation display of the special symbol is started, the variation display of the decoration symbol is performed on the image display 8, and the first stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed. At this time, when a game ball enters the second start port 21, the step-up continuous effect is reset by the continuous effect setting changing unit 205. Then, during the special symbol variation display that is preferentially performed based on the entrance to the second starting port 21, the second stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed. Thereafter, at the time of variable display of the special symbol performed by digesting the second hold of the first variable display hold storage unit 211, the third stage effect is performed, and further, the first change display hold storage unit 211 of the first change display hold storage unit 211 At the time of variable display of a special symbol performed by digesting 3 reservations (holding won in advance determination), a fourth stage effect is performed as the final step effect of the step-up continuous effect. That is, after the start of the step-up continuous effect set by the continuous effect setting unit 204, the stage of the step-up continuous effect is set to be interrupted as the game ball enters the second start port 21, and then the pending digest is performed. The step-up continuous effect stage that has already been set for the hold in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 is raised one step at a time and resetting is performed. Along with this, the stage of the final step is also increased by one stage. Even when such resetting is performed, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous effect resetting unit.

  Fourth, when the step-up continuous effect set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 is started, if a game ball enters the second start port 21, the second variation display is suspended at the time of the entry. If an entry (holding) of a game ball is stored in the storage unit 212, the continuous production setting change unit 205 uses the second as an effect in the variable symbol display that is preferentially performed based on the entry. Set the effect that is the next stage of the effect performed at the end of the last hold of the variable display hold storage unit 212, and change the number of special symbols for the number of holds that are sequentially digested after the special symbol change display based on the entry Step-up continuous effects that have already been set for the display are stepped up one step at a time and reset.

  For example, during the variable display in which the first stage of the step-up continuous effect is performed, a game ball enters the second start port 21 and is stored as the second hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 212. In this case, since the second stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is set in the first hold of the second variation display hold storage unit 212, the third step of the step-up continuous effect is set in the second hold based on the entry. Stage effects are set. After that, the step-up continuous effect stages set to be held in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 to be put on hold are stepped up by one step and reset. Even when such resetting is performed, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous effect resetting unit.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of stages that can be set as a step-up continuous effect is limited, and for example, a step-up continuous effect up to the sixth stage can be set. In this case, the stage that is the final step of the step-up continuous performance has the upper limit at the sixth stage. Therefore, in the state where the step-up continuous production is set, when a game ball continuously enters the second start port 21, the step-up continuous production stage is accompanied by the continuous entry. Since the interruption setting cannot be performed indefinitely, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 executes the following fifth setting change.

  Fifth, after the step-up continuous production is reset a predetermined number of times by the continuous production setting changing unit 205 functioning as a continuous production resetting means, the second step is further performed until the production of the final step is started. When a game ball enters the starting port 21, the continuous production setting change unit 205 performs a change performed immediately before the special symbol variation display based on the entry as an effect in the variation display of the special symbol based on the entry. Set the stage at the same stage as the stage being displayed. Here, the predetermined number of times is determined by the initial number of step-up continuous effects set by the continuous effect setting unit 204. For example, when the number of initial stages of the step-up continuous effect set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 is three, the final step effect performed when digesting the hold that has been won in advance is the third step. Therefore, until the final step reaches the sixth stage, the above-described step-up continuous effect can be reset three times by the second, third, or fourth setting change. Therefore, in this case, whether or not the step-up continuous production is reset three times is a criterion. In addition, when the number of initial stages of the step-up continuous effect is 4, the criterion is whether or not the reset of the step-up continuous effect is performed twice, and when it is 5 steps, the step-up continuous effect is determined. Whether or not resetting is performed once is a criterion. Accordingly, the continuous production setting changing unit 205 preferentially performs resetting in accordance with the initial setting state of the step-up continuous production, and then, when a game ball enters the second start port 21, it is preferentially based on that. As an effect at the time of the variable display of the special symbol to be performed, an effect at the same stage as the effect during the variable display performed immediately before that is additionally set. In addition, when performing such additional setting, the continuous production setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous production addition setting unit.

  If the initial stage number of the step-up continuous effect set by the continuous effect setting unit 204 is six, the step-up continuous effect cannot be reset by changing the second setting. When the game ball enters the second starting port 21, the continuous production setting change unit 205 immediately functions as a continuous production addition setting unit without functioning as a continuous production resetting unit.

  In addition, the continuous production setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous production addition setting unit, and when the production at the same stage is additionally set as the production in the special symbol fluctuation display based on the entrance to the second start opening 21, If the hold is not stored in the display hold storage unit 212, an effect at the same stage as the effect performed during the variable display at the time of entering the ball is additionally set. On the other hand, if the hold is stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212, an effect at the same stage as the effect performed at the end of the last hold in the second change display hold storage unit 212 is additionally set. Thereby, at the time of the variation display of the special symbol based on the incoming ball, it becomes possible to repeatedly execute the same stage effect as the effect during the variation display performed immediately before that. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the gap between the special symbol variation display based on the hold selected for the pre-judgment and the final step of the step-up continuous production, and the special symbol variation based on the hold won for the pre-judgment At the time of display, the sixth stage effect can be performed as the final step effect of the step-up continuous effect. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being reduced due to the interruption and the performance having no relevance during the step-up continuous performance.

  Next, in a state where the step-up continuous production is set by the continuous production setting unit 204 and game data associated with entering the first starting port 19 is received thereafter, the continuous production setting changing unit 205 executes it. The setting change to be described will be described.

  For example, when the step-up continuous effect is set by the third hold stored in the first change display hold storage unit 211 in a state where no hold is stored in the second change display hold storage unit 212, If there is no entry to the second starting port 21, a step-up continuous effect is performed over three consecutive variation displays of special symbols, and the third suspension digest stored in the first variation display suspension storage unit 211. Sometimes the third stage, the final step, is performed. At this time, the player's sense of expectation reaches its climax, but if the third hold is not won, the player's expectation will be lost at once. For this reason, the continuous production setting unit 205 has a step-up continuous production set by the continuous production setting unit 204, and a hold (holding won in the prior determination) in which the final step production of the step-up continuous production is performed. If a game ball enters the first starting port 19 without winning a jackpot, as a special symbol variation display based on the incoming ball, further continuous production following the final step of the step-up continuous production Is set additionally. As a result, the step-up continuous effect is continued after the third on-hold digestion that the player expects to win, so that the player's sense of expectation can be continued. Even when such additional setting is performed, the continuous production setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous production addition setting unit.

  However, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the step-up continuous production from continuing indefinitely, after the pending digestion that is won in advance determination, at the next suspended digestion time point stored in the first variation display suspension storage unit 211. Investigate whether or not all the holds stored in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 and the second change display hold storage unit 212 have been won by the jackpot, and if any of the holds has been won by the jackpot For example, an effect of continuing the step-up continuous effect is executed, and if any of the holds is not won, the effect of ending the step-up continuous effect is executed.

  Next, the effect control unit 206 is a processing unit that performs various effects in the gaming machine 1 by controlling the image control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 based on various effect commands received from the main control board 100. . In particular, when a variation start command is received from the main control board 100, the effect control unit 206 starts the variation display of the decorative symbols on the image display 9. At this time, when the step-up continuous effect described above is set, the effect control unit 206 specifies the stage of the step-up continuous effect that is performed at the same time as the start of the variation display of the decorative pattern this time. By displaying an image of a character or the like corresponding to the current stage, the current stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is executed. Also, before that, if the same stage production has been performed multiple times, and the step-up continuous production shifts to the next stage at the time of this production, the step-up continuous production will be the next stage before the current stage production. An effect indicating that the process is to be performed is performed. Thus, the player can clearly grasp that the step-up continuous production shifts to the next stage.

  Further, the effect control unit 206 stores the hold selected in advance determination in the first variation display hold storage unit 211, and the step-up continuous effect is also set for the hold to be digested after the hold. In the case where there is, after holding the winning decision in advance judgment, at the next holding digest time stored in the first variation display holding storage unit 211, the other holding jackpot determination described above is performed, and the holding that has won the jackpot If there is not, the effect which ends a step-up continuous effect on the way is performed.

  Next, a detailed operation in the effect control board 130 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing main operations performed by the CPU 131 of the effect control board 130. When this process is started, the CPU 131 determines whether or not game data has been received from the main control board 100 (step S1001). If game data has been received from the main control board 100 (YES in step S1001), the CPU 131 receives game data reception processing (step S1002), pre-determination processing (step S1003), continuous effect setting processing (step S1004), and continuous. The effect setting change process (step S1005) is sequentially executed, and the process proceeds to step S1006. Details of the game data reception process (step S1002), the advance determination process (step S1003), the continuous effect setting process (step S1004), and the continuous effect setting change process (step S1005) will be described later. On the other hand, if game data has not been received from the main control board 100 (NO in step S1001), these processes are skipped and the process proceeds to step S1006.

  Next, the CPU 131 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the main control board 100 (step S1006). This effect command includes a change start command, a change stop command, a jackpot start command, a jackpot end command, a jackpot start command, a jackpot end command, and other various commands for effects. If an effect command has been received from main control board 100 (YES in step S1006), CPU 131 executes an effect command reception process (step S1007), and the process proceeds to step S1008. Details of the effect command reception process (step S1007) will be described later. On the other hand, if the effect command has not been received from the main control board 100 (NO in step S1006), the effect command reception process is skipped and the process proceeds to step S1008.

  Then, the CPU 131 performs an effect control process (step S1008). Details of this effect control process (step S1008) will be described later. Then, the process returns to step S1001, and the above processing is repeated.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the game data reception process (step S1002 in FIG. 27). When the CPU 131 receives the game data from the main control board 100, the CPU 131 refers to the information related to the ball starting port included in the received game data, so that it is the game data resulting from entering the first starting port 19. It is determined whether or not (step S1101). If the received game data is from entering the first starting port 19 (YES in step S1101), the CPU 131 stores the received game data in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 of the hold storage area 133a. (Step S1102). If the received game data is not due to entering the first start port 19 (NO in step S1101), the CPU 131 stores the received game data in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 of the hold storage area 133a. (Step S1103). By performing the processing of step S1102 or S1103, it is possible to manage the suspension related to the special symbol variation display on the effect control board 130. The game data reception process is thus completed.

  Next, FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of the prior determination process (step S1003 in FIG. 27). In this process, the prior determination unit 203 described above functions in the CPU 131. When this process starts, the prior determination unit 203 determines whether or not the game data received from the main control board 100 has entered the first start port 19 (step S1201). This determination is made based on the information regarding the ball starting port included in the received game data. If it is not the game data that has entered the first start port 19 (NO in step S1201), the process ends.

  If the game data has entered the first starting port 19 (YES in step S1201), the prior determination unit 203 has won either the hold (that is, the received game data) is either reach or jackpot It is determined whether or not (step S1202). This determination is performed in the same manner as the determination in the main control board 100 based on the jackpot random number RN1 and the reach random number RN3 included in the game data. If the hold is neither a big hit nor a reach (NO in step S1202), the process ends. On the other hand, if the hold is a big win or if there is a reach effect, the process proceeds to the next step.

  The prior determination unit 203 determines whether or not the number of holds including the hold (that is, the hold based on the received game data) is 3 or more until the hold is consumed. (Step S1203). If the number of holdings is less than 3 (NO in step S1203), the number of holdings is small for setting the step-up continuous effect, and the step-up continuous effect with a high effect cannot be performed. On the other hand, if the number of holds is 3 or more (YES in step S1203), the process proceeds to the next step.

  The prior determination unit 203 determines whether or not a step-up continuous effect has already been set (step S1204). If a step-up continuous effect has already been set (YES in step S1204), the process ends. On the other hand, if the step-up continuous effect is not yet set (NO in step S1204), the process proceeds to the next step.

  The prior determination unit 203 then determines whether or not a prior determination result has already been stored in one of the first determination display storage unit 211 and the second determination display storage unit 212. Judgment is made (step S1205). If it is already stored that the pre-judgment has been won in another pending pre-judgment result storage area (YES in step S1205), the process is terminated. In other words, in the present embodiment, if the pre-determination is won, the determination of whether or not the pre-determination is made is not performed until the hold that has been won for the pre-determination is completed, and the step-up continuous production is prevented from being set repeatedly. doing. On the other hand, if it is not stored that the pre-judgment is won in the other pre-judgment judgment result storage areas (NO in step S1205), the process proceeds to the next step.

  The prior determination unit 203 determines whether or not there is a win that is a big hit in the hold to be digested before the hold is digested (step S1206). This determination is made by determining whether or not the jackpot random number RN1 stored in the hold storage area 133a as a hold before the hold is a value indicating a jackpot. Then, if there is a hold before the hold, and a hold that is digested prior to the hold is a big win (YES in step S1206), the process is terminated. That is, in this case, the process is terminated in order to avoid the occurrence of a big hit in the middle of the step-up continuous production. On the other hand, if there is no hold prior to the hold and there is no win that is consumed before the hold (NO in step S1206), the process proceeds to the next step.

  Then, the prior determination unit 203 determines whether there is a reach effect that is performed before the reservation is digested (step S1207). This determination is made by determining whether or not the reach random number RN3 stored in the hold storage area 133a as a hold before the hold is a value indicating the presence of reach. If there is a hold before the hold and the reach effect is performed in the hold that is digested before the hold (YES in step S1207), the process ends. That is, in this case, the process is terminated in order to avoid the reach effect being performed during the step-up continuous effect. On the other hand, if there is no hold before the hold and digested prior to the hold, the reach effect is performed (NO in step S1207), all for determining the preliminary determination random number RN5. As the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step.

  The prior determination unit 203 reads the preliminary determination random number RN5 from the random number storage area 133b (step S1208), and determines whether or not the winning is made based on the random value (step S1209). As a result, if it is not won (NO in step S1209), the preliminary determination process ends. On the other hand, if the value of the acquired preliminary determination random number RN5 is a winning value (YES in step S1209), the preliminary determination winning is stored in the reserved preliminary determination storage area (step S1210), and the process is terminated. .

  As described above, in the pre-determination process (step S1003), the pre-determination is performed based on various conditions, and if the pre-determination is won, the result is stored in the hold pre-determination result storage area in the hold storage area 133a. It has become so. Then, when the hold that is won in advance determination is consumed, at least the reach effect is performed in the gaming machine 1. In the case of the illustrated example, if the game data received from the main control board 100 has entered the second starting port 21, the prior determination random number RN5 is not acquired. It is not limited. For example, even if the determination in step S1201 is eliminated and the received game data is entered into the second start port 21, if the other conditions are satisfied, the preliminary determination random number RN5 is acquired and the random number value is determined. It doesn't matter. Step 1202 illustrates a case where it is determined whether or not the hold (that is, the received game data) is won for either reach or jackpot. In addition to this, for example, the hold is small. It may be determined whether or not the winner is won.

  Next, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing details of the continuous performance setting process (step S1004 in FIG. 27). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the hold received from the main control board 100 and stored in the hold storage area 133a has been won in advance (step S1301). This determination is made by confirming the predetermination result storage area of the storage area in which the hold is stored. If the advance determination is not won (NO in step S1301), the continuous performance setting process ends. On the other hand, when the advance determination is won (YES in step S1301), the CPU 131 confirms the other hold stored in the hold storage area 133a, and the hold that is digested before the hold and the hold The number of holds N, which is the total value with the hold, is acquired (step S1302). The number N of reservations indicates the number of times the special symbol is changed and displayed before the reservation is consumed. In the above-described pre-determination process, since the pre-determination random number RN5 is determined on the condition that the number of holds is 3 or more, the number N of holds is a value of 3 or more. Then, the CPU 131 sets N stages of step-up continuous effects for the hold and each hold that is consumed before the hold (step S1303). For example, when the number N of holds is 3, a three-step step-up continuous effect is set here. Then, the CPU 131 sets a continuous display display command for hold display for the hold for which the step-up continuous effect is set (step S1304). As described above, in the present embodiment, the image display 8 performs the hold display stored in the first variable hold storage unit 211 and the hold display stored in the first change hold storage unit 211. In order to notify the player that the step-up continuous production has been set, the continuous display display command of the hold display is the normal display form of the hold display on the image display 8. This is a command for switching to a different mode. The command set here is temporarily set in the RAM 133, and is output to the image control board 140 in the effect control process (step S1008 in FIG. 27) performed thereafter.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing details of the continuous effect setting change process (step S1005 in FIG. 27). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the game data received from the main control board 100 has entered the second starting port 21 (step S1401). This determination is made based on the information regarding the ball starting port included in the received game data. If the game data does not enter the second starting port 21 (NO in step S1401), the process proceeds to step S1406. On the other hand, if the game data has entered the second starting port 21 (YES in step S1401), the CPU 131 next determines whether or not a step-up continuous effect has already been set (step S1402). If the step-up continuous effect is not set (NO in step S1402), the process proceeds to step S1406. On the other hand, if the step-up continuous effect has already been set (YES in step S1402), CPU 131 determines whether or not the set step-up continuous effect has already been started (step S1403). Here, if the first stage effect of the step-up continuous effect has already started, the answer is YES. If the first stage effect has not yet been started, the answer is NO. If the step-up continuous effect has already been started (YES in step S1403), the CPU 131 executes a continuous effect resetting process (step S1404). If the step-up continuous effect has not yet been started (NO in step S1403), the CPU 131 executes a continuous effect start pre-process (step S1405). The details of the continuous effect resetting process (step S1404) and the continuous effect start pre-process (step S1405) will be described later.

  Next, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the game data received from the main control board 100 has entered the first starting port 19 (step S1406). This determination is made based on the information regarding the ball starting port included in the received game data. If the game data has not entered the first start port 19 (NO in step S1406), the process ends. On the other hand, if the game data has entered the first starting port 19 (YES in step S1406), the CPU 131 then determines whether the hold (that is, the hold based on the received game data) is won in advance. It is determined whether or not (step S1407). This determination is made by confirming the pre-determination result storage area of the storage area in which the hold is stored. And when the said holding | maintenance wins a prior determination, since it is not necessary to reset step-up continuous production, a process is complete | finished. On the other hand, if the hold is not won in advance determination, it is determined whether or not a step-up continuous effect has already been set (step S1408). If the step-up continuous effect is not set here (NO in step S1408), the process ends because it is not necessary to reset the step-up continuous effect. On the other hand, if the step-up continuous effect has already been set (YES in step S1408), the CPU 131 identifies the hold that has already been won for the preliminary determination, and determines whether or not the hold is a “big hit” ( Step S1409). If the pre-judgment hold is “big hit” (YES in step S1409), the process ends because there is no need to continue the step-up continuous effect. On the other hand, if the hold determined in advance determination is not “big hit” (NO in step S1409), the CPU 131 sets the continuous effect extension setting process (step S1410) in order to continue the step-up continuous effect even after the hold determined in advance determination. ).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing details of the continuous effect resetting process (step S1404 in FIG. 31). This process is started when a step-up continuous effect has already been set when the game ball has entered the second start port 21 and the step-up continuous effect has already started. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is 2 or more, including the hold due to entering the second starting port 21 (step S1421). When the number of holds in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is 2 or more (YES in step S1421), the step of the step-up continuous effect has already been set for the hold stored before the hold is stored. Therefore, the CPU 131 obtains a step-up continuous effect stage that is already set to hold in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 (step S1422). Next, the CPU 131 obtains the stage of the final step set to hold that has been won in advance determination, and determines whether or not the stage of the final step is the upper limit value (sixth stage in the present embodiment). (Step S1423). If the stage of the final step is not the upper limit (NO in step S1423), the CPU 131 has already been set for the hold in the second change display hold storage unit 212 as an effect at the time of the change display of the special symbol based on the hold. The next stage effect following the step-up continuous effect stage is set (step S1424). At this time, when there are a plurality of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 and different stages are set for the plurality of holds, the second change display hold storage unit 212 executes the last hold among the plurality of holds. Set the next stage of production following the production. Then, the CPU 131 sets the stage of the step-up continuous effect that has already been set one by one for the hold that is digested after the hold that is preferentially consumed (that is, the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211). By stepping up, the step-up continuous effect is reset (step S1425). In addition, when performing these steps S1424 and S1425, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous effect resetting unit.

  On the other hand, when the stage of the last step set to hold selected in advance determination has already reached the upper limit value (YES in step S1423), the CPU 131, as an effect at the time of variable display of special symbols based on the hold, An effect at the same stage as the step-up continuous effect stage already set for the hold in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is set (step S1426). At this time, when there are a plurality of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 and different stages are set for the plurality of holds, the second change display hold storage unit 212 executes the last hold among the plurality of holds. Set the stage at the same stage. At this time, the continuous production setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous production addition setting unit.

  If the number of holds in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is not 2 or more (NO in step S1421), the CPU 131 presents the step-up continuous effect performed at the time of entering the second start port 21. Are obtained (step S1427). Next, the CPU 131 obtains the stage of the final step set to hold that has been won in advance determination, and determines whether or not the stage of the final step is the upper limit value (sixth stage in the present embodiment). (Step S1428). If the stage of the final step is not the upper limit value (NO in step S1428), the CPU 131 produces an effect of the next stage following the current step-up continuous effect stage as an effect at the time of special symbol variation display based on the hold. Setting is performed (step S1429). Then, the CPU 131 sets the stage of the step-up continuous effect that has already been set one by one for the hold that is digested after the hold that is preferentially consumed (that is, the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211). By stepping up, the step-up continuous effect is reset (step S1430). In addition, when performing these steps S1429 and S1430, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous effect resetting unit.

  On the other hand, when the stage of the last step set to hold selected in advance determination has already reached the upper limit value (YES in step S1428), the CPU 131 displays as an effect at the time of variable display of special symbols based on the hold. The same stage effect as the current step-up continuous stage is set (step S1431). At this time, the continuous effect setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous effect addition setting unit.

  Lastly, the CPU 131 sets a continuous display display command for holding display based on the step-up continuous effect set and changed as described above (step S1432). The command set here is temporarily set in the RAM 133, and is output to the image control board 140 in the effect control process (step S1008 in FIG. 27) performed thereafter.

  Next, FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the continuous effect start pre-processing (step S1405 in FIG. 31). This process is started when a step-up continuous effect has already been set at the time when a game ball enters the second start port 21 and before the step-up continuous effect has started. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is 2 or more, including the hold due to entering the second start port 21 (step S1451). When the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is 2 or more (YES in step S1451), the CPU 131 further holds the hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 stored before the hold is stored. Then, it is determined whether or not the step-up continuous effect has already been set (step S1452). At this time, if the step-up continuous effect is set for the previous hold, the step-up continuous effect stage set for the hold is acquired. If the step-up continuous effect is set for the previous hold (YES in step S1452), the CPU 131 obtains the stage of the last step set for the hold selected for the pre-judgment. It is determined whether or not the stage is an upper limit value (sixth stage in the present embodiment) (step S1453). If the stage of the final step is not the upper limit value (NO in step S1453), the CPU 131 is already set for the hold in the second change display hold storage unit 212 as an effect at the time of the change display of the special symbol based on the hold. The next stage effect following the step-up continuous effect stage is set (step S1454). At this time, when there are a plurality of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 and different stages are set for the plurality of holds, the second change display hold storage unit 212 executes the last hold among the plurality of holds. Set the next stage of production following the production. Then, the CPU 131 sets the stage of the step-up continuous effect that has already been set one by one for the hold that is digested after the hold that is preferentially consumed (that is, the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211). By stepping up, the step-up continuous effect is reset (step S1455). In addition, when performing these steps S1454 and S1455, the continuous effect setting change part 205 functions as a continuous effect resetting means.

  On the other hand, when the stage of the last step set to hold that has been won in advance determination has already reached the upper limit value (YES in step S1453), the CPU 131, An effect at the same stage as the step-up continuous effect stage already set for the hold in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is set (step S1456). At this time, when there are a plurality of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 and different stages are set for the plurality of holds, the second change display hold storage unit 212 executes the last hold among the plurality of holds. Set the stage at the same stage. At this time, the continuous production setting change unit 205 functions as a continuous production addition setting unit.

  Then, the CPU 131 sets a continuous effect display command for holding display based on the step-up continuous effect that has been set and changed as described above (step S1457). The command set here is temporarily set in the RAM 133, and is output to the image control board 140 in the effect control process (step S1008 in FIG. 27) performed thereafter.

  If the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is not 2 or more (NO in step S1451), or even if the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is 2 or more, If the step-up continuous effect is not set to hold (NO in step S1452), CPU 131 turns on the execution prohibition flag for the step-up continuous effect (step S1458). That is, the hold in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 in this case is stored before the step-up continuous effect is started after the step-up continuous effect is set. Is prohibited, and the execution prohibition flag is turned on in order to digest the hold of the second variation display hold storage unit 212 first. This process is completed.

  Next, FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing details of the continuous effect extension setting process (step S1410 in FIG. 31). This process is started when a step-up continuous effect has already been set at the time when a game ball enters the first start port 19 and the hold that has been won in advance determination is not “big hit”. In this process, first, the stage of the final step set to hold that has been won in advance determination is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the stage of the final step is the upper limit value (sixth stage in the present embodiment). (Step S1471). If the stage of the final step has already been set as the upper limit value (YES in step S1471), this process ends. On the other hand, when the stage of the final step is not the upper limit value (NO in step S1471), the CPU 131 continues step-up following the final step as an effect at the time of the special symbol variation display based on the ball entering the first starting port 19. An effect is additionally set (step S1472). For example, when the last step of the hold that was won in the pre-determination is set as the fourth stage, the CPU 131 performs the fifth stage effect of the step-up continuous effect as the effect at the time of the variable symbol display based on the entry. Set. Thereby, the extension setting of the step-up continuous effect is performed, and the step-up continuous effect is continuously performed even after the on-hold digestion that is won in the prior determination.

  Then, CPU 131 sets a continuous display display command for hold display based on the step-up continuous effect additionally set as described above (step S1473). Then, the process ends. Note that the command set in step S 1473 is temporarily set in the RAM 133, and is output to the image control board 140 in an effect control process (step S 1008 in FIG. 27) performed thereafter. By such continuous production extension setting processing, the step-up continuous production that is subsequently performed after the on-hold digestion that has been won in advance is set so as to continue until the stage of the final step reaches the upper limit value.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing details of the effect command reception process (step S1007 in FIG. 27). When receiving the effect command from the main control board 100, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not the received effect command is a change start command (step S1501). If the received effect command is not a change start command (NO in step S1501), the process jumps to step S1510, and an effect confirmation command is set based on the other received effect commands.

  On the other hand, if the received effect command is a change start command (YES in step S1501), CPU 131 selects one effect table from a plurality of effect tables stored in ROM 132 based on the change start command. (Step S1502). The ROM 132 stores in advance a long hit effect table, a short hit and small hit effect table, an effect table with lose reach, and an effect table without lose reach. Each of these tables is provided with a plurality of tables corresponding to variation times determined by the main control board 100. The CPU 131 selects one effect table from the plurality of tables based on information included in the change start command.

  Then, the CPU 131 determines a decoration effect variation effect pattern based on the selected effect table (step S1503). For example, the CPU 131 acquires a random number for effect that is sequentially updated. In the selected effect table, a random number and an effect pattern are associated with each other. By determining the obtained random number value based on the selected effect table, one effect pattern is determined from many effect patterns. To do. At this time, not only the fluctuating side pattern of the decorative design, but also the production pattern by the production role 32, the production pattern by the various lamps 97, the sound pattern output from the speaker 5, and the like are determined.

  Then, the CPU 131 performs a shift process for the reserved storage area 133a (step S1504). For example, when digesting the hold of the first variable hold storage unit 211, the game data in the fourth storage area 211d is shifted to the third storage area 211c and stored, and the game data in the third storage area 211c is stored in the second storage area. The data is shifted to 211b and stored, and the game data in the second storage area 211b is shifted to the first storage area 211a and stored. Note that the game data in the first storage area 211a is erased along with the suspension. When the second variable hold storage unit 212 is used to hold the game, the game data in the fourth storage area 212d is shifted to the third storage area 212c and stored, and the game data in the third storage area 212c is stored in the second storage area 212b. The game data in the second storage area 212b is shifted and stored in the first storage area 212a. Note that the game data in the first storage area 212a is erased along with the suspension.

  Then, the CPU 131 determines whether or not a step-up continuous effect is set (step S1505). If the step-up continuous effect is not set (NO in step S1505), the process jumps to step S1510, and the effect confirmation command is set based on the effect pattern determined in step 1503.

  If the step-up continuous effect is set (YES in step S1505), it is determined whether or not the execution prohibition flag is turned on (step S1506). If the execution prohibition flag is off (NO in step S1506), the CPU 131 executes a continuous effect determination process (step S1507). In this continuous effect determination process, a command for executing a step-up continuous effect is set. The details of the continuous effect determination process will be described later. Then, after executing the continuous effect determination process, an effect confirmation command is set based on the effect pattern determined in step 1503, and the process ends (step S1510).

  On the other hand, if the execution prohibition flag is on (YES in step S1506), the CPU 131 determines whether or not the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is 0 (step S1508). That is, here, it is determined whether or not all the reservations that should be preferentially digested have been digested before starting the step-up continuous effect. If the number of holds in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is 0 by the shift process performed in step S1504, the answer is YES, and the execution prohibition flag for the step-up continuous effect is switched off (step S1509). Then, the process proceeds to step S1510, an effect confirmation command is set based on the effect pattern determined in step 1503, and the process ends. If the number of holds in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is not 0 (NO in step S1508), there is a hold to be digested before starting the step-up continuous effect, so step S1510 is continued. Proceed to, set an effect confirmation command based on the effect pattern determined in step 1503, and the process ends.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing details of the continuous effect determination process (step S1507 in FIG. 35). In this process, first, the CPU 131 determines a step-up continuous effect stage to be executed during the current variation display of the special symbol (step S1521). When the step-up continuous performance stage to be executed this time can be determined, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the current special symbol fluctuation display is to digest the first fluctuation display hold storage unit 211 (step). S1522). When the variation display of the special symbol this time does not digest the retention in the first variation display retention storage unit 211 (NO in step S1522), the process proceeds to step S1525. On the other hand, when the variation display of the special symbol this time is to digest the retention of the first variation display hold storage unit 211 (YES in step S1522), the CPU 131 determines that the hold that has been won in advance determination It is determined whether or not the symbol has already been digested before the symbol change display (step S1523). If the hold that has been won for the pre-judgment is not yet digested (NO in step S1523), the process proceeds to step S1525. On the other hand, if the hold that has been won for the pre-judgment is already consumed (YES in step S1523), the CPU 131 stores the hold in the first change display hold storage unit 211 and the second change display hold storage unit 212 at that time. It is determined whether or not any of the pending holds has a “big hit” (step S1524). If there is a “big hit” in any of the holds, the process proceeds to step S1525. On the other hand, if neither of the first variable display hold storage unit 211 and the second variable display hold storage unit 212 stores a “big hit” hold (NO in step S1524), the process proceeds to step S1529.

  When the process proceeds to step S1525, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the same stage effect has been executed a plurality of times as the step-up continuous effect immediately before (step S1525). If the same stage effect has been executed a plurality of times (YES in step S1525), the CPU 131 then determines whether or not the current step-up continuous effect stage shifts to the next stage (step S1526). ). If it is determined that the process proceeds to the next stage (YES in step S1526), the CPU 131 sets a transition effect command to the next stage in order to perform an effect in which the step-up continuous effect shifts to the next stage ( Step S1527). Then, the CPU 131 designates a step-up continuous effect stage to be executed during the variation display of the current special symbol, and sets a step-up continuous effect execution command (step S1528).

  On the other hand, even if the same stage effect is not executed a plurality of times immediately before (NO in step S1525), or even if the same stage effect is executed a plurality of times immediately before that, this time further continues. If the same stage effect is repeatedly performed (NO in step S1526), there is no need to set the transition effect command, so the process jumps to step S1528 and is performed during the step-up continuous effect stage executed during the special symbol variation display this time. Is specified and an execution command for a step-up continuous effect is set (step S1528).

  If the process proceeds to step S1529, the CPU 131 sets an end effect command for a step-up continuous effect (step S1529). In other words, when the hold in the first variable display hold storage unit 211 is consumed, the hold that was won in the pre-judgment has already been used, and there are also other holds that become “big hit” Therefore, the CPU 131 sets an end effect command in order to end the step-up continuous effect that is subsequently performed after the on-hold digestion that has been won in the prior determination. This process is completed.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of the effect control process (step S1008 in FIG. 27). In this processing, commands for causing the effect control board 130 to execute various effects on the image control board 140 and the lamp control Iban 150 are output. When the continuous effect display command is set, the CPU 131 transmits it to the image control board 140, and changes the display mode of the hold display on the image display 8 when the step-up continuous effect is set (step S1601). ). If the continuous effect display command is not set, the transmission process in step S1601 is not performed. Next, if the transition effect command is set, it is transmitted to the image control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, and before starting the effect at this stage in the step-up continuous effect, the step-up continuous effect is the next An effect of shifting to a stage is performed (step S1602). If the transition effect command is not set, the transmission process in step S1602 is not performed. Next, if the end effect command of the step-up continuous effect is set, it is transmitted to the image control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, and the effect that the step-up continuous effect ends is displayed during the variation display of the special symbol. This is performed (step S1603). Thereby, the display mode of the subsequent hold display on the image display 8 also returns to the normal display mode. If the end effect command for the step-up continuous effect is not set, the transmission process in step S1603 is not performed. Next, if the execution command for the step-up continuous effect is set, the command is transmitted to the image control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, and the specified stage effect in the step-up continuous effect is performed during the special symbol variation display. (Step S1604). If the execution command is not set, the transmission process in step S1604 is not performed. Next, if the effect confirmation command is set, it is transmitted to the image control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, and various effect operations are performed (step S1605). If this effect confirmation command is a command designating an effect pattern for displaying a decorative pattern, the display of the decorative pattern is started on the image display 8, and effects by various lamps 97 and the effect accessory 32 are displayed. Is done. If the effect confirmation command is not set, the transmission process in step S1605 is not performed. This process is completed.

  Various effects are performed in the gaming machine 1 by the operation of the effect control board 130 as described above. In particular, during the special symbol variation display, the decorative display variation display is performed on the image display 8, and when the step-up continuous effect is set, the step-up is performed step by step over a plurality of continuous variation displays. There will be a preliminary announcement. Then, when the final step effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed, the decorative symbol variation display is always reach, so that the player can expect a big hit.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen in the image display 8, where (a) illustrates an example in which a step-up continuous effect is not set, and (b) illustrates a step-up continuous effect. An example is shown when is set. First, as shown in FIG. 38A, three decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 to which numbers 1 to 9 are assigned, for example, are displayed at the center of the image display 8. The decorative symbol 81 is a symbol displayed on the left side of the center of the screen, the decorative symbol 82 is a symbol displayed on the center of the screen, and the decorative symbol 83 is a symbol displayed on the right side of the center of the screen. When these special symbols 81, 82, and 83 are displayed with a special symbol variation, for example, a variation variation that fluctuates in the vertical direction is performed, and each of the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 stops at a symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery. When the reach effect is performed, for example, after the left decorative pattern 81 and the right decorative pattern 83 stop at the same pattern, after various reach effects such as a normal reach effect and a super reach effect are performed, the middle decorative pattern 82 is displayed. , It stops at the symbol according to the success / failure result of the jackpot lottery.

  In such an image display 8, a first hold display unit 84 that displays the hold in the first variable display hold storage unit 211 is provided below the decorative symbol display area where the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 are displayed. ing. The first hold display unit 84 has four hold display units 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d. When there is one hold in the first variable display hold storage unit 211, only the hold display unit 84a is lit. When there are two holds, the hold display parts 84a and 84b are lit. When there are three holds, the hold display parts 84a, 84b and 84c are lit, and when there are four holds. All the holding display parts 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d are lit. Note that when no hold is stored in the first variable display hold storage unit 211, the hold display units 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d are not lit. FIG. 38A shows a case where there are three holds in the first variation display hold storage unit 211.

  In the image display 8, a second hold display unit 85 that displays the hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 212 is provided on the left side of the decorative symbol display area where the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 are displayed. Yes. The second hold display section 85 has four hold display sections 85a, 85b, 85c, and 85d. When there is one hold in the second variable display hold storage section 212, only the hold display section 85a is lit. When there are two holds, the hold display parts 85a and 85b are lit. When there are three holds, the hold display parts 85a, 85b and 85c are lit, and when there are four holds. All the hold display parts 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d are lit. Note that when no hold is stored in the second variable display hold storage unit 212, the hold display units 85a, 85b, 85c, and 85d are not lit. FIG. 38A shows a case where there is one hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 212.

  And as shown to Fig.38 (a), when the step-up continuous production is not set, the mode of the hold display of the 1st hold display part 84 and the 2nd hold display part 85 is a ramp shape which is a normal display form. Is displayed.

  On the other hand, for example, when the advance determination is won at the timing when the fourth hold is stored in the first variable display hold storage unit 211 and the step-up continuous effect is set, the effect control board 130 causes the continuous effect display related to the hold display. Since the command is output, the hold display on the image display 8 is switched as shown in FIG. Note that the example of FIG. 38B shows a state in which no hold is stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212.

  As shown in FIG. 38B, when the step-up continuous effect is set, the hold display in which the step-up continuous effect is executed is changed to a display mode in which the step-up is stepped up step by step. In the case of the illustrated example, an image of “egg” is displayed on the hold display portion 84a corresponding to the first hold in the first variable display hold storage unit 211, and “chick” is displayed on the hold display portion 84b corresponding to the second hold. Is displayed. In addition, an image of “small chicken” is displayed on the hold display portion 84c corresponding to the third hold, and an image of “large chicken” is displayed on the hold display portion 84d corresponding to the fourth hold. In other words, when there are four suspensions waiting for variable symbol display of special symbols, if a step-up continuous effect is set, a hold display for notifying the four-step step-up continuous effect is performed for those four suspensions. . Therefore, when the hold display on the image display 8 changes from the normal display mode to the stepped display mode, the player can grasp that the step-up continuous effect is performed. In addition, the suspension in which the final step of the step-up continuous effect is performed can be grasped from the display mode of the image display 8.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a step-up continuous effect stage in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, a total of 6 steps of step-up continuous effects can be set. As an effect image corresponding to the first stage, as shown in FIG. An image is set. In addition, as an effect image corresponding to the second stage, an image of “chick” is set as shown in FIG. Further, as the effect image corresponding to the third stage, an image of “small chicken” is set as shown in FIG. 39C, and as the effect image corresponding to the fourth stage, the image shown in FIG. As shown, an image of “large chicken” is set. Furthermore, as an effect image corresponding to the fifth stage, an image of “chicken tail black” is set as shown in FIG. 39 (e), and as an effect image corresponding to the sixth stage, FIG. 39 (f). As shown in the figure, an image of “chicken neck black” is set. In the case of this embodiment, the effect image corresponding to the sixth stage is the final stage that can be set as the final step of the step-up continuous effect, and defines the upper limit value of the final step. However, the number of stages that can be set as a step-up continuous effect is not necessarily limited to six stages.

  Next, a series of effects in the image display 8 when a step-up continuous effect is performed in the gaming machine 1 will be described. First, as a first effect mode, after a step-up continuous effect is set, an effect mode when a game ball enters the second start port 21 is exemplified. 40 to 48 are diagrams showing a first effect mode in the image display 8 when performing a step-up continuous effect. Hereinafter, the first effect mode will be described step by step with reference to FIGS. 40 to 48.

  When the step-up continuous effect is not set, during the variation display of the special symbol in the gaming machine 1, the variation display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is performed on the image display 8 as shown in FIG. . At this time, for example, when a game ball enters the first start port 19, the hold display portion 84 a is lit to display the hold on the image display 8. If two more game balls enter the first starting port 19 by the end of the special symbol variation display at this time, the number of held balls that have entered the first starting port 19 is three. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40B, the hold display portions 84a, 84b, 84c are lit in the image display 8. By the time the special symbol variation display at this time ends, one more game ball enters the first start port 19 and accordingly, a pre-determination is won and a step-up continuous effect is set. In this case, as described above, the hold display is switched to a step-by-step hold display for notifying the step-up continuous effect. That is, as shown in FIG. 40 (c), the hold display portion 84d is turned on, and the four hold displays in the first hold display portion 84 are “egg”, “chick”, “chicken small”, and “chicken large”, respectively. "Is switched to a four-stage display.

  In the state shown in FIG. 40 (c), when one game ball enters the second start port 21 until the first change display hold storage unit 211 is put on hold and the step-up continuous effect is started, the hold is held. Is displayed on the second hold display section 85. At this time, since the step-up continuous effect is before the start, the execution prohibition flag is turned on, and the display mode of the hold display unit 85a in the second hold display unit 85 is the normal display mode as shown in FIG. It becomes. As the previous special symbol variation display stops, the variation display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 on the image display 8 also stops as shown in FIG. 41 (b). In FIG. 41 (b), since the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 are not stopped with the same symbols, they are stopped symbols for notifying the player of the loss of the big hit lottery. At this time, the first special symbol display unit 63 in the display unit 60 stops after displaying the variation of the special symbol and displaying the lost symbol.

  In the next variation display of the special symbol, the hold entered in the second start port 21 and stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is preferentially digested. In this case, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), the hold display portion 85a in the second hold display portion 85 is turned off, and the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is started. At this time, since the execution prohibition flag for the step-up continuous effect is on, the step-up continuous effect is not started.

  As described above, when the game ball enters the second start port 21 before the step-up continuous effect starts, the step-up continuous effect must be set for the previous hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 212. For example, the step-up continuous effect is not set for the hold based on the entry, and the step-up continuous effect is not started at the time of special symbol variation display preferentially performed based on the hold.

  On the other hand, when the step-up continuous effect is not set, when two holds are stored in the first variation display hold storage unit 211 and one hold is stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212, The mode of the hold display displayed during the variable display of the previous decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 on the image display 8 is as shown in FIG. That is, in this case, in the image display 8, the hold display portions 84a and 84b are turned on, and the hold display portion 85a is turned on. Then, by the time when the variation display at this time ends, one more game ball enters the first start port 19, and accordingly, when a pre-determination is won and a step-up continuous effect is set, The on-hold display is switched to a step-by-step on-hold display for notifying the step-up continuous production. That is, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), while the hold display portion 84 c is lit, the hold display of the hold display portion 85 a in the second hold display portion 85 indicates the first stage of the step-up continuous effect. The display is switched, and the hold display of the hold display sections 84a, 84b, 84c in the first hold display section 84 indicates “chick” and “chicken” indicating the second stage, the third stage, and the fourth stage of the step-up continuous production, respectively. The display switches to “Small” and “Large chicken”.

  In the state shown in FIG. 42 (b), when one game ball enters the second start port 21 until the second variation display hold storage unit 212 is digested and the step-up continuous effect is started, The hold is displayed on the hold display portion 85b of the second hold display portion 85 as shown in FIG. At this time, although the step-up continuous effect is before the start, the first stage of the step-up continuous effect is set for the previous hold (hold display unit 85a) of the second variable display hold storage unit 212. In the hold display portion 85b for displaying the hold, the hold display is performed by displaying “chick” indicating the second stage. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 42C, the hold display of the hold display portions 84a, 84b, 84c in the first hold display portion 84 is the third stage, the fourth stage, and the fifth stage of the step-up continuous effect. “Niwatori small”, “Niwatori large”, and “Niwatori Oguro” are displayed.

  As described above, when the game ball enters the second start port 21 before the step-up continuous effect starts, the step-up continuous effect is set for the previous hold in the second variable display hold storage unit 212. For example, the next step-up continuous effect following the previous hold is set for the hold based on the entry.

  Next, when the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 that have started the variable display in FIG. 41 (c) stop, the display state of the image display 8 becomes, for example, a state as shown in FIG. 43 (a). In this display state, since the symbols are not stopped with the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83, the stop symbol is used to notify the player of the loss of the big hit lottery. In the next variation display of special symbols, the second variation display hold storage unit 212 does not store the hold, so the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211 is digested. In this case, as shown in FIG. 43B, the hold display in the first hold display section 84 is shifted, and the “egg” image indicating the first stage disappears. Then, the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is started. At this time, the execution prohibition flag of the step-up continuous effect is off. Therefore, the first stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed on the image display 8. In this first stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 43 (c), an “Tamago” effect image showing the first stage of the step-up continuous effect is displayed on the front side of the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83. As shown in FIG. 44A, the “Tamago” effect image 86 rolls from the right side to the left side of the screen. For example, at least one stage effect of the step-up continuous effects is at least one time before starting the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83, or after starting the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83. It is performed at an appropriate timing until the decorative design stops. Therefore, the player grasps that the step-up continuous effect, which is performed over the continuous display of the special symbols a plurality of times, is started by the appearance of the effect image 86. And when the final step of the step-up continuous production is produced, it is expected to be a big hit.

  And if the 1st step of a step-up continuous production is performed, as shown in FIG.44 (b), the decoration design 81,82,83 will stop at a losing design, without becoming reach. If the game ball does not enter the second start port 21 during this time, the hold in the first change display hold storage unit 211 is consumed again in the next change display of the special symbol. In this case, as shown in FIG. 44C, the hold display in the first hold display section 84 shifts, and the “chick” image indicating the second stage disappears. Then, the display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 is started on the image display 8, and the second stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed. In this second stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 44C, the “chick” effect image showing the second stage of the step-up continuous effect is displayed on the front side of the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83. 86 appears, and the effect image 86 of the “chick” crosses from the right side to the left side of the screen. Since the “chick”, which is the effect image 86 at this time, is one step higher than the “egg”, which is the previous effect image, the player's expectation can be further enhanced.

  Here, a case is considered in which three game balls enter the second start port 21 continuously during the special symbol variation display when the second stage effect is performed. In this case, since the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the first ball entering the second starting port 21 is stored in the second fluctuation display holding storage unit 212 and put on hold. At this time, since the step-up continuous effect has already started, an effect that is raised by one step from the current step is set as the step-up continuous effect for the hold stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212. . And as shown to Fig.45 (a), the image of "a small chicken" which shows the 3rd step of a step-up continuous effect is displayed as a hold display based on the 1st entrance to the 2nd start opening 21. . Along with this, the hold display of the hold display portions 84a and 84b in the first hold display portion 84 is increased one step at a time, and as shown in FIG. The display switches to “Niwatori Dai” and “Niwatori Oguro”, respectively. In other words, at the time of the first entry into the second starting port 21, the fourth stage effect is set as the effect that is the final step of the step-up continuous effect for the hold that was won in advance determination (see FIG. 44 (c)), however, this is less than the upper limit value that can be set as a step-up continuous production, so that the suspension based on the first entry into the second starting port 21 is in the currently executed stage. The next stage is set, and the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211, which is put on hold after that, is stepped up by one step-up continuous stage.

  The second ball entering the second starting port 21 is also stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 and put on hold. Also at this time, since the step-up continuous effect has already been started, the step-up continuous effect is set for the hold stored in the second variable display hold storage unit 212. However, in this case, since the third stage effect is set for the hold by the first entry to the second start port 21 (hold display portion 85a), as a step-up continuous effect for the hold, An effect that is increased by one step is set from the step-up continuous effect stage performed immediately before that. Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (b), as a holding display (holding display portion 85b) based on the second entry into the second starting port 21, "large chicken" indicating the fourth stage of the step-up continuous effect. Is displayed. Along with this, the hold display of the hold display portions 84a and 84b in the first hold display portion 84 is increased one step at a time, and as shown in FIG. The display switches to “Niwatori Oguro” and “Niwatori Neguro”. In other words, at the time of the second entry into the second starting port 21, the fifth stage effect is set as an effect that is the final step of the step-up continuous effect for the hold that has been won in advance determination (see FIG. 45 (a)), however, this is less than the upper limit value that can be set as a step-up continuous production, so that the first hold is to be held based on the second entry into the second starting port 21 The next stage of the stage that has been set is set, and the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211, which is put on hold after that, is stepped up one step at a time. Note that, in this state, the effect set to the hold selected in advance determination is an upper limit value that can be set as a step-up continuous effect.

  Further, the third ball entering the second starting port 21 is also stored in the second variation display hold storage unit 212 and put on hold. Also at this time, since the step-up continuous effect has already been started, the step-up continuous effect is set for the hold stored in the second variable display hold storage unit 212. However, in this case, a stage 6 effect, which is an upper limit value that can be set, is set as an effect that is the final step of the step-up continuous effect in the hold that has been won in advance. Therefore, the same stage effect as the step-up continuous effect stage performed immediately before is set as the step-up continuous effect for the third hold. In other words, the third entry to the second starting port 21 is an entry after the step-up continuous effect is reset a predetermined number of times (in this case, twice), and thus is based on the entry. The effect at the time of the special symbol variation display is the same stage effect as the step-up continuous effect stage performed immediately before.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (c), as a holding display (holding display portion 85c) based on the third ball entering the second starting port 21, “chicken large” indicating the fourth stage of the step-up continuous effect. Is displayed. Since the hold display portions 85b and 85c are the same “large chicken” images, it can be understood that these are at the same stage. In this case, as shown in FIG. 45 (c), the hold display of the hold display portions 84a and 84b in the first hold display portion 84 does not change, and the fifth step-up continuous effect fifth is displayed as in FIG. 45 (b). “Niwatori Oguro” and “Niwatori Neguro” are displayed to indicate the stage and the sixth stage, respectively.

  When the variation display of the previous special symbol is completed in the state shown in FIG. 45C, the special symbol variation display is performed by digesting the retention in the second variation display reservation storage unit 212. At this time, as shown in FIG. 46A, the hold display in the second hold display portion 85 shifts, and the “small chicken” image indicating the third stage disappears. Then, the display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is started on the image display 8, and the third stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed. In this third stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 46 (a), on the front side of the fluctuating display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83, for the effect of “small chicken” indicating the third stage of the step-up continuous effect. The image 86 appears, and the “chicken small” effect image 86 crosses from the right side to the left side of the screen. The “chicken small” which is the effect image 86 at this time is one step higher than the “chick” which is the previous effect image, so that the player's expectation can be further enhanced.

  Then, the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 when the third stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed stop at the lost symbol without becoming reach. And also in the next variable display of special symbols, the hold of the second change display hold storage unit 212 is digested again. In this case, as shown in FIG. 46B, the hold display in the second hold display unit 85 is shifted, and the first image of “large chicken” indicating the fourth stage disappears. Then, the display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is started on the image display 8, and the fourth stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed. In the fourth stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 46B, on the front side of the fluctuating display of the decorative symbols 81, 82 and 83, for the effect of “large chicken” indicating the fourth stage of the step-up continuous effect. The image 86 appears, and the “chicken large” effect image 86 crosses from the right side to the left side of the screen. At this time, “Niwatori large”, which is the effect image 86, is stepped up by one step from “Niwatori small”, which is the previous effect image, so that the player's expectation can be further enhanced.

  Then, the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 when the fourth stage of the step-up continuous effect is performed stop at the lost symbol without becoming reach. And also in the next variable display of special symbols, the hold of the second change display hold storage unit 212 is digested again. In this case, as shown in FIG. 46C, the hold display in the second hold display unit 85 is shifted, and the second image of “large chicken” indicating the fourth stage disappears. Then, the display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is started on the image display 8, and the fourth stage effect, which is the same as the previous stage, is performed as a step-up continuous effect. In the fourth stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 46 (c), on the front side of the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83, for the effect of “large chicken” indicating the fourth stage of the step-up continuous effect. The image 86 appears, and the “chicken large” effect image 86 crosses from the right side to the left side of the screen. However, in the production of the fourth stage at this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 46C, the fourth stage of the step-up continuous production is shown on the front side of the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83. ”Appears, and the player is informed that the stage 4 stage is the second stage.

  In this way, when a game ball enters the second start port 21 after starting the step-up continuous production, the predetermined number of times until the production at the time of the on-hold digestion won in the pre-determination reaches the upper limit value of the step-up continuous production is As an effect at the time of special symbol variation display that is preferentially performed based on the entry, an effect that is just one stage higher than the effect performed immediately before is set as an interrupt, and then the step-up sequence is suspended. The stage of production is increased by one stage and resetting is performed. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the second start port 21 after starting the step-up continuous effect, the step-up continuous effect is increased one step at a time over the continuous display of multiple special symbols. Can continue.

  On the other hand, when the effect at the time of the on-hold digest that has been won in advance determination has reached the upper limit value of the step-up continuous effect, An effect at the same stage as the stage of the effect performed immediately before is additionally set, and the stage of the step-up continuous effect that is subsequently suspended is retained in the previous setting state. Therefore, in this case, the same stage effect is repeatedly executed as the step-up continuous effect. Therefore, preferentially hold due to entering the second starting port 21 while maintaining the setting state that the production corresponding to the final step of the step-up continuous production is performed at the time of the variable display based on the hold that was won in advance determination It is possible to continue step-up continuous production while digesting. And when repeatedly performing the same stage of production, as shown in FIG. 46, by slightly changing the content of the production of the same stage, with the production contents that gradually step up in the production of the same stage, It is preferable that the production mode is such that the number of productions is clearly indicated to the player.

  After the second stage of the fourth stage effect is performed, the variation display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 stops at a lost symbol as shown in FIG. 47 (a), for example. In the next variation display of special symbols, the second variation display hold storage unit 212 does not store the hold, so the hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211 is digested. In this case, since the step-up continuous effect shifts to the next stage after the same stage is repeatedly performed, when the suspended pattern held in the first variation display reservation unit 211 is digested and the variable symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The image display 8 is provided with an effect indicating that the step-up continuous effect shifts to the next stage based on the shift effect command. For example, as shown in FIG. 47B, before starting the next stage effect, a transition effect image 87 indicating that the step-up continuous effect shifts to the next stage is displayed. In addition, you may make it perform the transition effect to the next step with the audio | voice emitted from the speaker 5, for example.

  When the transition effect ends, as shown in FIG. 47 (c), the hold display in the first hold display section 84 shifts, and the “chicken tail black” image indicating the fifth stage disappears. Then, the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is started. At this time, the fifth stage effect of the step-up continuous effect is performed on the image display 8. In the fifth stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 47 (c), the “chicken tail black” effect indicating the fifth stage of the step-up continuous effect is displayed on the front side of the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83. The production image 86 appears, and the production image 86 crosses from the right side to the left side of the screen. At this time, the player's sense of expectation for the jackpot is further enhanced.

  Then, the hold display won in the first hold display section 84 for the pre-judgment, and the hold display of “chicken neck black” in the sixth stage is digested, and the display display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 is displayed on the image display 8. Is performed, the sixth stage effect is performed as the final step of the step-up continuous effect. In the sixth stage effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 48 (a), the “chicken neck black” effect indicating the sixth stage of the step-up continuous effect is displayed on the front side of the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83. The production image 86 appears, and the production image 86 crosses from the right side to the left side of the screen. Since the hold that is digested at this time is a hold that has been won in advance, a reach effect is always performed as shown in FIG. 48 (b) even if it is a big win or not a big win. Therefore, the player's expectation for jackpot is at its climax, and is expected to be a jackpot after reaching the reach. If the hold is won in the jackpot, the decorative symbols 81, 82, and 83 stop at the symbol corresponding to the jackpot as shown in FIG.

  Next, as a second effect mode, after the step-up continuous effect is set, an effect mode when a game ball enters the first start port 19 is exemplified. 49 to 51 are diagrams showing a second effect form in the image display 8 when performing a step-up continuous effect. Hereinafter, the second effect mode will be described in order with reference to FIGS. 49 to 51.

  As shown in FIG. 49 (a), during the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 on the image display 8, the fourth hold is stored in the first change display hold storage unit 211. When the pre-judgment is won, the four on-hold displays in the first on-hold display unit 84 are switched to four-stage displays of “egg”, “chick”, “small chicken”, and “large chicken”, respectively. In this example, it is assumed that the fourth hold that has been won for the pre-judgment has not been won for the “big hit”. In this state, when the step-up continuous effect is started, the image display unit 8 performs each step of the step-up continuous effect in the same manner as in the first effect mode described above with the hold of the first variable display hold storage unit 211. Production is performed. In FIG. 49B, the second hold of the first variation display hold storage unit 211 is digested, and the image 86 for the effect of “chick” is produced as a second stage effect of the step-up continuous effect in the image display 8. Shows the state of crossing from the right side of the screen to the left side. At this time, the hold that has been won in advance determination is displayed in the hold display portion 84b.

  When two game balls enter the first starting port 19 continuously during the special symbol fluctuation display when the second stage effect is performed, the hold (hold) Since the display part 84b) is not a “big hit”, the game ball enters the first starting port 19 and, as an effect in the variation display of the special symbol based on the entered ball, follows the final step of the step-up continuous effect. Continuous production is additionally set. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49 (c), the third hold display section 84c has a second hold display section 84c, following the “chicken large” hold display section 84b corresponding to the fourth stage of hold selected in advance. On-hold display with an image of “chicken tail black” indicating the fifth stage is performed, and on-hold display with an image of “chicken neck black” indicating the sixth stage is performed on the fourth on-hold display section 84d. Therefore, the player can grasp that the step-up continuous effect that may be won by the jackpot is continued for a long time, and the expectation for the jackpot is further increased.

  Then, when the display shifts to the next special symbol variation display, as shown in FIG. 50 (a), the image display 8 produces a "chicken small" effect image 86 as the third stage effect of the step-up continuous effect. And cross from the right side of the screen to the left side. This variable display stops at a losing pattern without a reach effect. Further, when the next special symbol variation display is performed, the image display 8 displays the “chicken large” effect image 86 as the fourth stage effect of the step-up continuous effect, as shown in FIG. 50 (b). Appears and crosses from the right side of the screen to the left side. Since this effect is an effect set to the hold that was won in advance determination, the image display 8 shifts the variable display of the decorative symbols 81, 82, 83 to the reach effect. At this time, when a game ball enters the first starting port 19, the step-up continuous effect has already been set up to the sixth stage of the upper limit value. Without being set, the display mode of the hold display section 84c is the normal display mode.

  Since the hold that has been won for the pre-judgment is not “big hit”, the image display 8 stops at the lost symbol as shown in FIG. 50C after performing the reach effect. At this time, the player reduces the sense of expectation for the jackpot, but since the step-up continuous effect is further performed, it is expected that the change display of the special symbol performed after that will become a jackpot.

  Then, when the display shifts to the next special symbol variation display, the image display 8 displays an effect image 86 of “Niwatori Oguro” as the fifth stage effect of the step-up continuous effect, as shown in FIG. 51 (a). Appears and crosses from the right side of the screen to the left side. At this time, if the variable display is not a big hit, and other holdings (holding of the holding display units 84a and 84b) are not big hits, as shown in FIG. When “Oguro” crosses the screen, the fifth stage of the production ends in the middle, such as hitting and rolling on the way. This effect is performed based on a step-up continuous effect end effect command output from the effect control board 130. After that, the setting of the step-up continuous effect is canceled, and the display mode of the hold display portions 84a and 84b in the first hold display portion 84 is switched to the normal display mode as shown in FIG. 51 (b).

  As described above, in this embodiment, if the hold that was won in the pre-judgment is not “big hit”, then, if a game ball enters the first start port 19, the step-up continuous effect is extended and executed. If the extended step-up continuous effect is executed, but the hold that becomes a “big hit” is not stored, the effect that ends the step-up continuous effect is performed to step up. Since the continuous performance is ended, the step-up continuous performance is prevented from being continued indefinitely. In addition, when the extended step-up continuous performance is executed, if the “big hit” hold is stored, the step-up continuous performance is executed normally, so that the player's expectation is enhanced. Can be made.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when an incoming game ball is stored by the first fluctuation display holding unit 113 or the second fluctuation display holding unit 114, the special symbol fluctuation display based on the incoming ball is stored. Before the start of the game, the game data is pre-determined with the entry, and based on the result of the pre-determination, the number of holds between the first variation display hold unit 113 and the second change display hold unit 114 A step-up continuous effect is set in which step-up is performed step by step over a plurality of consecutive special symbol fluctuation displays corresponding to the above. The step-up continuous effect set at this time is for making the player have a sense of expectation that the hold that was won in the pre-determination may have won the jackpot. And when the step-up continuous production is set, the production that is continuously performed over the variable display of multiple special symbols is not the production of the same content but the production that steps up step by step. Each time the symbols are displayed, the player's expectation for the jackpot can be gradually raised, and the game machine can be more interesting than before.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to preferentially digest the hold of the second variation display hold unit 114, and the step-up continuous effect is performed in a state where the hold is not stored in the second change display hold unit 114. If a game ball enters the second starting port before the step-up continuous production is started, a special symbol change display that is preferentially performed based on the ball entered. The execution of the step-up continuous effect is prohibited at. Therefore, when a special symbol based on hold that was won in advance judgment is displayed, the final step of the step-up continuous effect can be produced. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the step-up continuous effect ends before the display is performed. Therefore, the player's attention can be concentrated on the effect performed during the variable symbol display based on the hold that has been won in the pre-judgment.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a step-up continuous production set based on the result of the prior determination has already started, when a game ball enters the second start port 21, At this time, if a game ball entry (hold) is not stored in the second variation display holding unit 114, it is performed during the variation display at the time of entry as an effect in the variation display of the special symbol based on the entry. Set the effect that will be the next stage of the effect, and the step-up continuous effect that has already been set for the change display of the special symbol for the number of the reserved number that is sequentially digested after the change display of the special symbol based on the entry Each one step up and reset.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a step-up continuous production set based on the result of the prior determination has already started, when a game ball enters the second start port 21, At this time, if a game ball entry (hold) is stored in the second variation display hold unit 114, the last hold of the second change display hold unit 114 as an effect in the variable symbol display based on the entry Steps that have already been set for the change display of special symbols for the number of holds that will be sequentially digested after the change display of special symbols based on the incoming game Set up the up-continuous production by stepping up one step at a time.

  Therefore, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a special symbol that is preferentially performed even when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 where preferential retention is performed after the start of the step-up continuous production. At the time of variable display, it is possible to perform an effect that increases the step-up continuous effect by one step, and at the same time, an effect that increases the step-up continuous effect by one step can also be performed at the time of the special symbol change display performed thereafter. it can. And, when the special symbol variation display based on the hold won in the pre-determination is performed, the final step effect of the step-up continuous production can be performed, and the special symbol variation display based on the hold won in the pre-determination It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the step-up continuous effect ends before the operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate the player's attention on the effect performed during the variable symbol display of the special symbol based on the hold that has been won in advance determination.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the step-up continuous effect is set in a state where the game ball entry (hold) is stored in the second variation display reservation unit 114, and the step-up continuous effect starts. If a game ball enters the second start port 21 before being performed, the set step-up continuous effect is reset. Specifically, an effect which is the next stage of the effect performed at the time of digestion of the last hold of the second change display holding unit 114 is set as an effect in the variable symbol special display based on the incoming ball. The step-up continuous effects already set for the special symbol variation display for the number of holdings that are sequentially digested after the special symbol variation display based on the above are stepped up one step at a time and reset. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the second start opening 21 where preferential hold-up is performed before the start of the step-up continuous effect, the step-up continuous effect is preferentially performed. At the time of special symbol variation display, the step-up continuous production can be enhanced by one step, and also when the special symbol variation display is performed thereafter, the step-up continuous production is enhanced by one step. be able to.

  Also, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the continuous production setting changing unit 205 functions as a continuous production resetting unit, the step-up continuous production is reset a predetermined number of times, and then the reset step-up continuous production is performed. If a game ball enters the second starting port 21 before the start of the final step, the effect is displayed during the special symbol variation display immediately before that as the special symbol variation display based on the pitch. The stage of the step-up continuous production which is added and set at the stage of the same stage as the stage of the stage to be displayed, and then retained is retained in the previous setting state. For example, if no hold is stored in the second variation display holding unit 114 at the time of entering the second starting port 21, an effect at the same stage as the effect performed during the change display at the time of the entry is added. Set. If the second variation display holding unit 114 stores the hold at the time of entering the second starting port 21, the same stage as the production performed at the time of the last hold of the second change display holding unit 114 is performed. Set the production. For this reason, even if a large number of game balls enter the second starting port 21 where the special symbol variation display is preferentially performed, the special symbol variation display based on the hold selected in advance determination is performed. Until you are told, you can continue step-up continuous production. In addition, when the special symbol variation display based on the hold selected for the pre-judgment is performed, the final step of the step-up continuous production can be performed, and the special symbol variation display based on the hold won for the pre-determination It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the step-up continuous effect ends before the operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate the player's attention on the effect performed during the variable symbol display of the special symbol based on the hold that has been won in advance determination.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the second start port 21 after starting the step-up continuous effect, the same stage effect is additionally set with respect to the step-up continuous effect. In the case where the effect of the same stage is finished, and when the special symbol change display is performed by digesting the hold held in the first change display holding unit 113, the step-up continuous effect is moved to the next step. An effect indicating the transition is performed. Therefore, the player can grasp that the same stage effect that was performed a plurality of times in the step-up continuous effect has been completed, and can easily grasp that the step-up continuous effect has shifted to the next stage. , It can raise the player's expectation of jackpot.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the step-up continuous effect is set based on the result of the prior determination, and the hold in which the effect of the final step of the step-up continuous effect is performed is not won. In the state, when a game ball enters the first start port 19, a continuous effect following the final step of the step-up continuous effect is additionally set as an effect in the variable symbol display based on the received ball. In this case, the step-up continuous effect is performed at the time of the variable display of the special symbol performed based on the hold that has caused the setting of the step-up continuous effect (the hold that was won in advance judgment). Stop at. Then, the step-up continuous effect is continuously performed in the subsequent variation display of special symbols. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the player's sense of expectation for the jackpot even after the change display of the special symbol that is performed based on the hold that has been won in advance determination stops at the lost symbol.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the step-up continuous effect is set by winning the prior determination is illustrated only when a game ball enters the first start port 19. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a pre-determination process is performed even when a game ball enters the second starting port 21. If the pre-determination is won, a step-up continuous effect is set. You may do it. However, in this case, in order to perform an effective effect as a step-up continuous effect, a hold of a predetermined number of balls or more (for example, 3 or more) is stored in the second change display holding unit 114 as a change display that is digested before that. Preferably it is stored.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 8 Image display device 10 Game board 19 1st starting opening 21 2nd starting opening 22 Large winning opening 23 Accompaniment 60 Display 63 First special symbol display 65 Second special symbol display 100 Main control board 111 Game Data acquisition unit (game data acquisition means)
112 Fluctuation display holding unit 113 First fluctuation display holding unit (first fluctuation display holding unit)
114 Second variation display holding section (second variation display holding means)
130 Production control board 203 Predetermining unit (predetermining means)
204 Continuous production setting unit (continuous production setting means)
205 Continuous production setting change unit (continuous production resetting means, continuous production additional setting means)
206 Production control unit (production control means)

The present invention, the by performing the effect of different aspects the effect is produced as in the prior art, Yu technique that enables it to continue the player's expectation across consecutive variable display of the special symbols The machine is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a first start port and a second start port, provided that a game ball enters the first start port or the second start port. A game in which a lottery lottery is performed, a special symbol variation display is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the variation display is stopped at a special symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery, and various effects are performed during the special symbol variation display. A game data acquisition means for performing a lottery lottery by acquiring game data on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port or the second start port; The first variation display holding means for storing the number of game balls that have entered the first start opening and holding the special symbol fluctuation display based on the incoming ball, and the second during the special symbol fluctuation display Memorize the number of game balls that enter the starting port , Pending variation display of the special symbols based on the ball entrance, and a second variable display holding means to digest preferentially hold than the first variable display holding means, said first variable display holding means or said second Hold display means for performing hold display corresponding to the hold stored in the variable display hold means, and the hold display means is stored in the first change display hold means or the second change display hold means. When a new hold is stored in the first variable display hold means or the second variable display hold means in a state where the hold display corresponding to the hold is being performed, a new hold display corresponding to the new hold is displayed. In addition to the additional display, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the hold stored before the new hold is changed to a display mode different from the normal display mode .

The invention according to claim 2 has a first start port and a second start port, and performs a lottery lottery on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port or the second start port. A game machine that starts a special symbol variation display and stops the variation display at a special symbol according to the result of the lottery after a predetermined time, and performs various effects during the special symbol variation display, Game data acquisition means for performing a lottery lottery by acquiring game data on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port or the second start port, and the first start port during the special symbol variation display The first variation display holding means for storing the number of game balls that have entered the ball and holding the special symbol variation display based on the received ball, and the game ball is placed at the second start port during the special symbol variation display. Memorize the number of balls entered and based on that ball The variable display of another symbol is suspended and stored in the second variation display suspension means that preferentially digests the suspension over the first variation display suspension means, and stored in the first variation display suspension means or the second variation display suspension means. Hold display means for performing a hold display according to the held hold, and the hold display means holds according to the hold stored in the first variable display hold means or the second variable display hold means When a new hold is stored in the first variable display hold means or the second variable display hold means in a state where the display is displayed in the first display mode, it is stored before the new hold. The display mode of the hold display corresponding to the hold is changed to the second display mode that is stepped up from the first display mode.

The invention according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a new hold is stored in the first change display hold means or the second change display hold means, Further comprising a pre-determination means for pre-determining the game data acquired by the game data acquisition means in response to the storage of the new hold before the start of the variable symbol special display based on the hold. When the result of the prior determination performed when a new hold is stored in the first change display hold means or the second change display hold means performs a predetermined effect, The display mode of the hold display corresponding to the hold stored before the new hold is changed.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, the first variable display holding means or the second variable display holding means or the second variable display holding means in a state where the hold display corresponding to the hold stored in the first variable display hold means is performed. When a new hold is stored in the variable display hold means, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the hold stored prior to the new hold changes. Therefore, it is possible to continue the player's expectation in the special symbol variation display performed until the new hold is consumed .

Claims (1)

It has a first start port and a second start port, a lottery lottery is performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port or the second start port, and a special symbol variation display is started. A game machine that stops the variation display after a predetermined time with a special symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery and performs various effects during the variation display of the special symbol,
Game data acquisition means for performing a lottery lottery by acquiring game data on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port or the second start port,
A first variation display holding means for storing the number of game balls that have entered the first start port during the special symbol variation display, and deferring the special symbol variation display based on the entry;
The number of game balls that have entered the second starting port during the special symbol variation display is stored, and the special symbol variation display based on the incoming ball is suspended, which is prioritized over the first variation display suspension means. A second variable display holding means for digesting the hold;
When an entry of a game ball is stored in the first variation display holding means or the second variation display holding means, before the start of the variable symbol display of the special symbol based on the entry, Pre-determination means for determining game data acquired by the game data acquisition means;
Based on the determination result of the prior determination unit, step-up is performed step by step over a plurality of special symbol variation displays corresponding to the number of suspensions of the first variation display suspension unit and the second variation display suspension unit. Continuous production setting means for setting a step-up continuous production,
In a state where the step-up continuous production is set by the continuous production setting means, and the hold in which the production of the final step of the step-up continuous production is performed is not won by the pre-judgment in the pre-judgment means When a game ball enters the first start opening, continuous effect addition setting means for setting a continuous effect following the final step as an effect in the variable symbol display based on the received ball,
A gaming machine comprising:

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