JP2014018604A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance game amusement further in a game machine executing a notice performance.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises means for acquiring a win/lose determination random number and a variation mode determination random number based on an entry of a game ball into a start port, means for storing the acquired random numbers as holds, means for determining winning or losing using the win/lose determination random number, and means for determining a variation mode of a pattern based on the win/lose determination result, the variation mode determination random number, and the holding numbers, and the game machine variably displays the pattern in accordance with the determined variation mode. When a hold is stored, the game machine provides: means for identifying a plurality of types of variation modes of the pattern; means for determining whether or not to execute the notice performance, and when determining that the notice performance is to be executed, executing the notice performance in a performance mode indicating the identified variation mode; means for carrying out reidentification so as to decrease the types of variation modes of the pattern when a new hold is stored during the notice performance; and means for carrying out variation so as to decrease the types of performance mode of the notice performance being executed based on the result of the reidentification.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

  In the gaming machine, a random number is acquired and stored (suspended) by entering a game ball into the starting port, and a determination is made using the reserved random number, and at the same time, a special symbol is variably displayed. When the determination result is a win, the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, and when the determination result is off, the stop symbol is displayed with a loss symbol. In such a gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine that performs a pre-reading determination on the hold at the time of hold storage and executes a notice effect for informing the result of the pre-read determination (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-275420 A

  However, a configuration in which pre-reading determination is performed when a hold occurs and the result of the pre-reading determination is notified by a notice effect is well known and installed in many gaming machines. It is difficult to improve further.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention has an object to further improve the gaming interest in a gaming machine that performs a notice effect related to holding.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
Random number acquiring means for acquiring at least a random number for determining whether or not to be used for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the starting port and a random number for determining a variation mode for determining a variation mode of a symbol;
A hold storage means for storing the success / failure determination random number and the variation mode determination random number acquired by the random number acquisition means as a hold;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the random number for determination of success / failure stored as the hold matches a jackpot value;
The variation mode determination for determining the variation mode of the symbol based on the result of the determination, the variation mode determination random number stored as the hold, and the number of holds stored in the hold storage unit at that time. Means, and
In a gaming machine that displays the symbols in a variable manner on a symbol display device according to the variation mode determined by the variation mode determination means, and stops and displays the symbols in a stop symbol based on the determination result of the success / failure determination means,
When the suspension is stored, prior to determination of the variation mode by the variation mode determination unit, a plurality of types of variation modes to be determined by the variation mode determination unit when the symbol variation related to the suspension is started First variation mode pre-identification means for identifying;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to execute a predetermined notice effect for the hold whose variation mode is identified by the first variation mode prior identification unit;
If it is determined by the determining means that the notice effect is to be executed, a notice effect executing means for executing the notice effect indicating a plurality of types of change modes specified by the first change mode prior specifying means;
When a new hold is stored during the execution of the notice effect, the change occurs when the symbol change related to the hold that is the subject of the notice effect is started according to the number of the newly stored holds. A second variation mode pre-identification unit that re-specifies the variation mode scheduled to be determined by the mode determination unit;
Notice effect mode changing means for changing the number of change modes indicated by the notice effect being executed in accordance with the specifying result of the second change mode pre-specifying means;
It is characterized by having.

  In the present invention, prior to a symbol variation mode determination performed at the start of symbol variation at the occurrence of a suspension, prior identification processing and identification that identify in advance a plurality of types of variation modes that may be determined in the suspension When a notice effect showing a plurality of types of variation is performed and a new hold is stored during the notice effect, the change aspect related to the hold that is the subject of the notice effect is specified again and is being executed. The change mode shown in the notice effect is changed based on the result of re-identification. Thereby, in the gaming machine that executes the notice effect indicating the variation aspect related to the hold, the “preliminary effect indicating the change aspect related to the predetermined hold (notifying in advance) is executed and the start prize during the notice effect is given. Along with this, it is possible to realize a “new effect that is narrowed down so that the credibility of the variation mode indicated by the notice effect is increased”, and “a new game that makes attention to which change mode indicated by the notice effect is changed”. Can be realized.

  In addition, according to the configuration of the present invention, when it is desired to narrow down the variation mode indicated in the notice effect, a game ball may be inserted into the start opening to store a new hold, which is indicated in the notice effect. When it is desired to maintain the changed variation mode, it is only necessary to store a new hold without entering a game ball at the start port. Accordingly, it is possible to realize the gameability that the maintenance or narrowing of the variation mode indicated by the notice effect can be selected by adjusting the entry of the game ball into the start port.

  As a result, it is possible to further improve the gaming interest in the gaming machine that performs the notice effect related to the hold.

Further, the present invention provides a gaming machine having the above configuration,
The variation mode determination unit is configured to vary the correspondence between the number of holds stored by the hold storage unit and the variation mode to be determined according to the type of the variation mode determination random number,
The notice effect mode changing means varies a change pattern for changing the number of change modes indicated by the notice effect according to the type of change mode determination random number in the hold that triggers the notice effect. Yes.

  According to such a configuration, the change pattern of the notice effect when the game ball enters the start opening during the notice effect varies depending on the type of random number for determining the variation mode. As a result, the execution pattern of the notice effect can be diversified, and "a new game that makes it possible to pay attention to how the change mode notified in the notice effect changes with the start prize during the notice effect" It can be realized and the game entertainment can be further improved.

Further, the present invention provides a gaming machine having the above configuration,
As the variation mode determined by the variation mode determination unit, a first variation mode in which a probability determined by the variation mode determination unit when the result of the determination is successful is set to a predetermined probability; A second variation mode in which the probability determined by the variation mode determination means when the determination result is a hit is set lower than the first variation mode; and
As the change pattern for changing the effect mode of the notice effect being executed by the notice effect mode changing means, the effect mode showing the first change mode from the effect mode showing the first change mode and the second change mode. And a second change pattern for changing from the production mode showing the first variation mode and the second variation mode to the production mode showing the second variation mode. It is characterized by being.

  Accordingly, “whether the change mode notified in the change pattern notice effect changes with the first change pattern (promotion pattern) or the second change pattern (demotion pattern) with the start winning during the notice effect. New gaming characteristics that can be noticed ”can be further improved.

  According to the above-described configuration of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the gaming interest in a gaming machine that performs a notice effect related to holding.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a chart which shows a hit variation pattern table. It is a chart which shows a deviation variation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display of a fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a hit fluctuation pattern notice effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a deviation fluctuation pattern notice effect. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a start opening prize process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol reservation related process. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation effect relevant process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the hit fluctuation pattern notice effect of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the deviation fluctuation pattern notice effect of 2nd Example.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this. Examples to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a game frame 2 and a game board 20. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. The game frame 2 includes an outer frame 3, a middle frame 4, a front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6, a lower plate portion 7, and the like. The middle frame 4 is not shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 5 is disposed on the front side.

  The outer frame 3 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The outer frame 3 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body. The outer frame 3 includes an outer frame main body 2a configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 2b that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 2a.

  The middle frame 4 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 4 is fitted inside the outer frame 3 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 3. The middle frame 4 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 5 are provided on the front side of the frame portion so as to overlap each other. On the lower side of the front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6 and a lower plate portion 7 are integrally provided. The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit. Below the right side of the front frame 5 is provided a locking device 5b for locking the front frame 5 when it is closed.

  The front frame 5 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 4 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 is made of plastic, and has an opening 5a for making the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 5a is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 5.

  A frame lamp portion 5c using LEDs or the like is provided around the opening 5a in the front frame 5. The frame lamp portion 5c is turned on / off or blinks according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the game effect.

  The upper plate 6 is provided below the opening 5 a in the front frame 5. The upper plate 6 is provided with a discharge port 6a for discharging game balls to be paid out as prize balls or rental balls. On the upper surface of the upper plate part 6, an effect button 8 is provided at the center and a CR operation part 9 is provided on the right side. The effect button 8 includes a first effect button 8a and second effect buttons 8b and 8c provided on the right and left sides respectively.

  The CR operation unit 12 is used to operate a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1. The CR operation unit 9 includes a return button 9a for requesting the return of the prepaid card, a frequency display unit 9b for displaying the remaining frequency of the prepaid card, and a ball lending button 9c for requesting the lending of the game ball.

  The lower plate part 7 is provided below the upper plate part 6 in the front frame 5. A discharge port 7 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 7 is provided at substantially the center of the lower plate portion 7. At the right end of the lower plate part 7, a launching handle 10 is provided for a player to operate a launching unit (not shown). The firing handle 10 is provided with a touch switch 10a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 10, a launch stop switch 10b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 11a to 11d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 11 a to 11 d include upper speakers 11 a and 11 b provided on the upper part of the front frame 5 and lower speakers 11 c and 11 d provided on the front plate part 2 b below the front frame 5.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a starting port 28, a big winning device 33, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, a first decorative member 50, and a second decorative member. A gaming device such as 60 is arranged. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In this embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the start port 28 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the start port 28 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 have a so-called side decoration. It is composed. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 27, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first starting port 28a is configured as a fixed starting port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, so that the game ball can always enter the game. It has become. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable starter that changes. The second start port 28b is in an open state with a high probability of entering by opening a pair of blade pieces, and in a normal state with a low possibility of entering by closing a pair of blade pieces (incoming balls) Including an impossible closed state). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Inside the start port 28, there are a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the first start port 28a, and the entrance of the game ball into the second start port 28b. A start opening ball detection switch 28t (see FIG. 5) for detection and a start opening solenoid 28c (see FIG. 5) for operating the pair of blade pieces are provided. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second start port 28b has a possibility of entering a game ball. It becomes an open state that becomes larger. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced (or entry is impossible). When a game ball enters one of the start ports 28a and 28b, a special symbol (to be described later) starts to be displayed in a variable manner.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 8) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 8) for detecting an incoming game ball.

  On the left and right sides of the start port 28, left winning ports 34, 35 and right winning ports 36, 37 are provided. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs. By combining these LEDs, a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, a first special symbol hold display unit 53, and a second special symbol are provided. A hold display unit 54 is configured. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a first special symbol display portion 61 and a second special symbol display portion 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, and after the predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits in the normal symbol display mode or the off-normal symbol display mode. Stopped display. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. A plurality of opening patterns of the second start port 28b are set. When the opening time extending function for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b is not in operation (normal time), a first opening pattern (short-time opening pattern) in which a first opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set. ) Is set, and when the open time extension function is activated, a second open pattern (long open pattern) in which a second open time (for example, 4 seconds) longer than the first open time is set is set. The open time extension function will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. This random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is used determines whether or not the second starting port 28b is activated when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol is normal (whether to be in an open state). The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. When it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be a win, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol, the setting of the variation pattern of the normal symbol, the storage and storage of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. In this embodiment, two special symbols, a first special symbol and a second special symbol, are provided, and accordingly, a first special symbol display unit 61 for displaying the first special symbol and a second special symbol are displayed. A second special symbol display section 62 is provided. In the following description, when “special symbol” is described, the description corresponds to both “first special symbol” and “second special symbol” unless otherwise specified.

  Each of the special symbol display units 61 and 62 includes seven LEDs, and special LEDs (first special symbol and second special symbol) are displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting each of the special symbol display units 61 and 62 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of display modes can be displayed for each special symbol by a combination of turning on and off of each LED. And in the 1st special symbol display part 61 and the 2nd special symbol display part 62, the specific combination is set as a big hit symbol among the combinations of the special symbols displayed by the combination of lighting and extinction of 7 LEDs respectively. In addition, combinations other than the jackpot symbol are set as outliers. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 28a, the first special symbol display unit 61 starts displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the first special symbol is either a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. The symbol variation game of the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed is performed. In addition, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b, the second special symbol starts to be displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62, and after the predetermined time has passed, the second special symbol is a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. The symbol variation game of the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed is performed. When the opening time extension function in which the second starting port 28b is opened in a short opening time is not activated, the game ball mainly enters the first starting port 28a and the opening time in which the second starting port 28b is opened in the long opening time. When the extension function is activated, the game ball mainly enters the second start port 28b. Therefore, when the opening time extension function is activated, the game proceeds mainly by the symbol variation game of the first special symbol, and when the opening time extension function is activated, the game proceeds mainly by the symbol variation game of the second special symbol. .

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol random number acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a and the second special random number acquired when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. Design random numbers are provided. The first special symbol random number includes a first special symbol success / failure random number used for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and a first special symbol random number for determining whether to stop the first special symbol. One special symbol determining random number and a first special symbol variation pattern determining random number for determining a variation pattern of the first special symbol are included. Similarly, for the second special symbol random number, a second special symbol success / failure random number used for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is determined, and a stop symbol of the second special symbol is determined. The second special symbol determining random number for determining and the second special symbol variation pattern determining random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special symbol are included.

  As a game ball enters the first start port 28a, a first special symbol random number (a first special symbol determination random number, a first special symbol determination random number, a first special symbol variation pattern determination random number) Is acquired and stored as a hold (first special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. As the game ball enters the second start port 28b, a second special symbol random number (second special symbol success / failure determination random number, second special symbol determination random number, second special symbol variation pattern determination) Random number) is acquired and stored as a hold (second special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The first special symbol hold display unit 53 and the second special symbol hold display unit 54 are each composed of two LEDs, and the number of holds can be set up to 4 each by combining the turn-off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Can be displayed.

  The number of game balls that have entered the first start opening 28a can be held until the maximum number of reserved balls (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of first special symbol held. The first special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is stored in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol random numbers (first special symbol success / failure determination random number, first special symbol determination random number, first special symbol variation pattern determination random number). In the present embodiment, the first special symbol determination random number is acquired together with the first special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, so the first special symbol hold number is This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the first special symbol and random numbers for determining the first special symbol variation pattern. The first special symbol hold count is digested and decreased by one each time the first special symbol determination is made and the first special symbol variation display is started.

  The number of game balls that have entered the second start port 28b can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the second special symbol reservation number. The second special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is stored in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol random numbers (second special symbol success / failure determination random number, second special symbol determination random number, first special symbol variation pattern determination random number). In the present embodiment, the second special symbol determination random number is also acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the second starting port 28b. This also corresponds to the stored number of second special symbol determining random numbers and second special symbol variation pattern determining random numbers. The second special symbol hold count is digested each time the second special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and decreases by one. On-hold storage and on-hold digestion of the first and second special symbols are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform a second special symbol priority variation process in which the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. That is, when both the number of the first special symbol hold and the number of the second special symbol hold are “1 or more”, the second special symbol is preferentially displayed in a variable manner over the first special symbol. The reservation of the symbol is preferentially consumed. When the first special symbol reservation count is “1 or more” and the second special symbol reservation count is “zero”, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed.

  A special symbol winning / determining random number is set with a winning / determining hit value (big hit value), and the special symbol acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the first starting port 28a or the second starting port 28b. When the random number for determination of success / failure coincides with the jackpot value, it is determined as a big hit in the first special symbol determination of success / failure. The first special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the first special symbol starts variable display, and the second special symbol correctness determination is performed when the second special symbol starts variable display.

  When the first special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot value, it is determined that the jackpot value is determined, and the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined as the jackpot symbol. Then, if the first special symbol success / failure random number does not coincide with the jackpot value, the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be an out symbol.

  Similarly, when the second special symbol success / failure determination random number coincides with the jackpot value, the jackpot is determined, and the second special symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined as the jackpot symbol. Then, if the second special symbol success / failure determination random number does not coincide with the jackpot value, it is a failure, and the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined to be a missed symbol.

  The symbol variation game of special symbols is configured to proceed according to a predetermined variation pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The variation pattern of the symbol variation game is determined by a lottery using a variation pattern determination random number from a variation pattern table storing a plurality of variation patterns. The variation pattern determination process for determining the variation pattern of the symbol variation game is performed when the special symbol success / failure determination is executed, that is, when the variation of the special symbol is started.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and each is selected and used according to the gaming state (special symbol variation mode). In addition, each variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state is selected when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit and when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out of place. And a deviation variation pattern table.

  FIG. 3 shows a hit variation pattern table used when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit, and FIG. 4 shows a loss variation pattern table used when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is wrong. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, three types of variation patterns A to C are provided as the variation patterns of the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern A is “super reach”, the fluctuation pattern B is “normal reach”, and the fluctuation pattern C is “shortening fluctuation”. The fluctuation time is the longest in the fluctuation pattern A (super reach), and becomes shorter in the order of the fluctuation pattern B (normal reach) and the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation). When the variation display of the special symbol based on the variation pattern A (super reach) is executed, the effect display device 25 uses a three-digit effect symbol to generate a predetermined super reach effect (the effect symbol having the same two-digit effect symbol). The symbol change effect 1) in which the remaining digits of the effect symbols are variably displayed over the first time is executed, and the three-digit effect symbol is statically displayed as a winning symbol combination or a missed symbol combination. When the special symbol variation display based on the variation pattern B (normal reach) is executed, the effect display device 25 uses a three-digit effect symbol to generate a predetermined normal reach effect (a two-digit effect symbol having the same effect symbol). Executes the symbol variation effect 2) in which the remaining digits of the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner over a second time shorter than the first time, and the three-digit effect symbol is a winning symbol combination or an off symbol combination. It is displayed statically. In addition, when the variation display of the special symbol based on the variation pattern C (shortening variation) is executed, the effect display device 25 uses a three-digit effect symbol to generate a predetermined normal variation effect (the three-digit effect symbol is reach). Instead, the symbol change effect 3) that is displayed statically at the same time is executed, and the three-digit effect symbol is statically displayed as a winning symbol combination or a missing symbol combination.

  The big hit reliability is highest in the variation pattern A (super reach), and decreases in the order of the variation pattern B (normal reach) and the variation pattern C (shortened variation). The “big hit reliability” means the possibility that the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed after the end of the change of the special symbol (the probability that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit).

  As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, different variation patterns A to C are set in the hit variation pattern table and the deviation variation pattern table according to the number of special symbol reservations when the special symbol starts to vary. The “special symbol hold count at the time when the special symbol starts to change” indicates the special symbol hold count (1 to 4) immediately before the subtraction process associated with the start of change of the special symbol is performed. For this reason, even if the random numbers for determining the variation pattern are the same, the variation pattern set varies depending on the number of special symbol reservations (1 to 4). Based on the above, the variation pattern of the special symbol is based on the number of special symbols held and the random number for determining the variation pattern when the special symbol starts to fluctuate (at the time when the special symbol is determined) as a result of the special symbol validity determination. Will be determined.

  The hit fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 3 is configured such that the probability that the fluctuation pattern A (super reach) is determined increases as the number of special symbol holds increases, and the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) is determined. It is configured so that the probability of Further, the outlier variation pattern table shown in FIG. 4 is configured such that the probability that the variation pattern C (shortening variation) is determined increases as the number of special symbol reservations increases, and the variation pattern A (super reach) is determined. The probability of being determined is configured to be low. For this reason, the big hit reliability is improved in the case where the super reach is performed in a situation where the number of special symbol reservations is large than in the case where the super reach is performed in a situation where the number of special symbol reservations is small. For example, if the number of special symbol reservations is 4 and the variation pattern A (super reach) is determined, the big hit is confirmed, and if the number of special symbol reservations is 4 and the variation pattern C (shortening variation) is determined, the loss is confirmed. It becomes.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first special symbol random number is reserved, the first special symbol scheduled to be determined by the variation pattern determination process based on the reserved first special symbol random number. The variation pattern pre-identification process (hold prefetching process) for identifying the variation pattern is performed prior to the variation pattern determination process. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern prior identification process is performed on all of the reserved first random numbers for the special symbol. In the variation pattern prior identification process, “holding occurrence identification process” that identifies a variation pattern to be determined based on the reserved first special symbol random number when the first special symbol random number is suspended. And, when the hold of the new first special symbol random number increases after execution of the hold occurrence specifying process, the re-specifying process at the time of hold increase is specified again to re-specify the variation pattern specified in the hold occurrence specifying process It is included. In the on-hold occurrence specifying process and the on-hold increase re-specifying process, the fluctuation pattern is specified using the hit fluctuation pattern table (FIG. 3) or the off fluctuation pattern table (FIG. 4).

  In the on-hold occurrence specifying process, when the first special symbol random number is held, the number of the first special symbol hold that follows the hold is zero (the special symbol when the special symbol related to the hold starts to change) Based on the determination result of whether the first random number for determining whether or not the first special symbol is held matches the jackpot value, and the random number for determining the variation pattern that is held, on the premise that the number is 1) A variation pattern scheduled to be determined by the variation pattern determination process is specified. In addition, in the re-specific process at the time of increase in hold, when the first special symbol hold number increases after the fluctuation pattern is specified in the hold-occurrence specifying process, the held first special symbol success / failure random number becomes the jackpot value. The determination result of whether or not they match, the fluctuation pattern determination random number that is held, and the increased first special symbol hold number (the number of special symbol hold X (> when the special symbol related to the hold starts to change) Based on 1), the variation pattern scheduled to be determined by the variation pattern determination process is identified again.

  First special symbol success / failure determination, second special symbol success / failure determination, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of first special symbol, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of second special symbol, stop of first special symbol Determination of symbol, determination of stop symbol of second special symbol, variation display and stop display of first special symbol, variation display and stop display of second special symbol, priority variation of second special symbol, variation pattern pre-specified processing It is configured to be performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the jackpot game will be described. When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is the above-mentioned jackpot symbol (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit), the main control unit 200 Starts a big hit game (special game) that is relatively advantageous to the player. The big hit game is started by setting the big hit game flag to ON, and the big winning device 33 is operated, in other words, the big winning opening 33a is opened and closed a plurality of times, so that the game balls to the big winning opening 33a are opened. It gives a player a profit (prize ball) for entering the ball. The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a big hit game process by the main control unit 200 described later.

  During the big hit game, the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out in accordance with the game balls entering the big prize opening 33a. In other words, the game ball that has entered the grand prize winning port 33a is detected by passing the game ball with the big winning port entrance ball detection switch 33s (not shown) disposed in the big prize winning port 33a. Will be paid out.

  Then, with the start of the big hit game, the big winning device 33 is continuously operated, and the big winning opening / closing operation for switching the big winning port 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined ending condition, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 33a reaches a specified time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or the number of game balls that have entered the open big opening 33a is a predetermined number (this implementation) In the example, it is possible to reach 10). In the case where one round game is performed from the start to the end of the open state of the big prize winning opening 33a, the maximum number of consecutive rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) that can continue the big hit game is set.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, a specific gaming state in which the variation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function are activated (the “electric support with non-probability change state” or “with electric support” described later) Probability change state etc.) is started. The variable time shortening function, the opening time extending function, and the probability varying function operate by setting the fluctuation shortening flag, the opening extension flag, and the probability changing flag to ON, respectively. The variable time shortening function and the open time extending function start simultaneously and end simultaneously. In the following description, when only one of the functions related to the operating state of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function is described, the other function is also paired. For example, when it is described in the following description that “the variable time shortening function is operating”, this description can be interpreted as “the opening time extending function is also operating”. When it is described that “the function is operating”, this description can be understood as “the variable time reduction function is operating”.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal big hit symbol), after the big hit game ends, the probability variation function is not activated. By operating the time shortening function and the open time extending function, the “non-probable change state with power support” is started. The uncertain change state with electric support is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. By the activation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is extended from the first opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds), which is the normal setting time, to the second opening time (for example, 5 seconds). . As a result, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is higher than that at normal time (when the opening time extension function is not activated). The non-probable change state with electric support is configured to continue until the number of changes of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (100 in this example) after the big hit game ends.

  Also, if the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probable big hit symbol), after the big hit game ends, the probability variation function, variation time shortening function and open time extension function are activated. , “Electric support and probable change state” is started. The probability variation state with the electric support is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. In this state, the probability that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit, that is, a special bonus, together with the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function. A probability variation function is activated that changes (improves) the probability that the symbol is a big hit symbol. The probability variation state with the electric support is configured to continue until the next jackpot game is started after the jackpot game ends.

  While the probability variation function is in operation, the probability of winning the special symbol success / failure determination increases as the bonus winning value for special symbol success / failure determination increases. Specifically, a low probability lottery table and a high probability lottery table in which the number of jackpot winning values is set larger than that of the low probability lottery table are prepared as the lottery tables in which the big hit winning value is set. When the probability variation function is not activated, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the low probability lottery table, so that the probability that the random number for special symbol success / failure coincides with the jackpot winning value is low (in this embodiment, 1 / 200), and when the probability variation function is activated, a special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the high probability lottery table, whereby the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot winning value is high (1 in this embodiment). / 20).

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a symbol variation effect is provided on the effect display device 25 in association with the symbol variation game of the special symbol performed using the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62. Done. As the symbol variation effect, for example, the effect symbol consisting of a number symbol is varied in conjunction with the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display on the second special symbol display unit 62. Examples thereof include a variable display effect to be displayed and a reach effect performed during variable display of the effect symbol. Note that there are a plurality of types of effect contents, and effect image data is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

  Here, the symbol variation effect realized under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 described later will be described. FIG. 5 shows a display example of the effect display device 25 during the symbol variation effect. As shown in FIG. 5, the display area V of the effect display device 25 is provided with an effect symbol display unit 25 a for displaying effect symbols. This effect symbol is displayed in conjunction with the change display and stop display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 62. Further, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, the part excluding the effect symbol display unit 25a is a background display region in which various background symbols including characters, figures, symbols, characters, and the like are displayed. As described above, since the effect display device 25 is arranged in the center of the game board 20 (game area 21), the player usually displays the content displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (particularly the effect symbol). It will play a game paying attention to.

  In the present embodiment, a three-digit number symbol consisting of “1” to “9” is used as the effect symbol, and the effect symbol display unit 25a displays the right symbol display unit on which the left symbol is displayed and the middle symbol. The middle symbol display area and the left symbol display area on which the right symbol is displayed are composed of three symbol display areas. The effect symbol display unit 25a has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each symbol display unit, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction).

  The effect symbol starts when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts the variable display, and when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at any of the symbols, the effect symbol Is stopped and displayed with a symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In the effect symbol, a symbol combination having the same three digits corresponds to the special symbol jackpot symbol, and the other symbol combinations correspond to the special symbol missing symbol. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the jackpot symbol A to C, any one of “111” to “999” is randomly stopped and displayed as the effect symbol. Although it can be recognized from the effect symbols configured and stopped and displayed that the jackpot game is executed, it is difficult to identify which jackpot game (AC) corresponding to which jackpot game is executed. Is configured to do.

  The determination of the variation pattern (variation pattern) and stop symbol of the effect symbol is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200. . Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates the variation pattern of the special symbol. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect The contents of the production are shown. The main control unit 200 determines a variation pattern of the special symbol at random (by random number lottery) according to the determination result of the special symbol. Based on the special symbol variation pattern determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 determines the effect pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a. The special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates a special symbol stop symbol, and the main control unit 200 determines the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol. The stop symbol of is decided at random (by random number lottery). Then, based on the special symbol information designation command indicating the special symbol stop symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub control unit 260 determines the stop symbol of the effect symbol to be stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a.

  Further, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, a hold display effect for displaying the number of special symbols held and a hit-related effect accompanying the progress of the big hit game during the big hit game are performed. The hit-related effects include a jackpot game start effect (fanfare effect) executed at the start of the jackpot game, a round effect (big hit game effect) executed during the jackpot game, and a jackpot game end effect (ending) executed at the end of the jackpot game Production). These hit-related effects are executed by the sub-control unit 260 based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 200 as the jackpot game progresses.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display area V of the effect display device 25 is provided with a first hold display section 25 b and a second hold display section 25 c. The first hold display unit 25b is displayed in conjunction with the first special symbol hold display unit 53, and displays a number of circular figures “◯” corresponding to the first special symbol hold number. The second hold display unit 25c is displayed in conjunction with the second special symbol hold display unit 54, and displays a number of circular figures “◯” corresponding to the second special symbol hold number. In the hold display portions 25b and 25c of the present embodiment, the leftmost circle figure “◯” indicates the hold stored first, and the hold newly stored in order toward the right side.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to the execution of the variation pattern determination process performed at the start of the variation of the first special symbol, the variation pattern pre-identification processing for identifying the variation pattern of the first special symbol is performed. Is called. Then, when the first special symbol random number hold is a specific hold, the result of the variation pattern prior specifying process (holding occurrence specifying process, holding increase respecifying process) using the display area of the effect display device 25 is displayed. A change pattern notice effect (pre-read effect) to be notified is performed. The variation pattern notice effect of the present embodiment is performed when the random number for the first special symbol is stored during the non-operation of the open time extension function in which the game proceeds mainly by the symbol variation game of the first special symbol. Is called.

  The sub-control unit 260 determines whether or not to perform a change pattern notice effect for the first special symbol random number when the first special symbol random number is reserved (the first special symbol random number is specifically reserved) Whether or not the change pattern notice effect is allowed, and when the result of the lottery is won, the change pattern notice effect is provided. In this embodiment, the winning probability of the lottery for whether or not to perform the notice effect is “50%”.

  When the specific hold is stored and the specific process at the time of the occurrence of the hold is executed, the change pattern notice effect is started in the effect form indicating the change pattern specified in the specific process at the time of the hold occurrence. As the change pattern notice effect, it can be realized by displaying the change pattern specified in the specifying process at the time of holding occurrence at the display position corresponding to the specified hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25.

  In this embodiment, three types of character information “S”, “N”, and “Short” are prepared as the display indicating the variation pattern specified based on the specific hold. “S” indicates a fluctuation pattern A (super reach), “N” indicates a fluctuation pattern B (normal reach), and “short” indicates a fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation).

  In addition, when a new hold is stored during execution of the fluctuation pattern notice effect and the re-specific process at the time of increase in hold is executed, the effect mode of the fluctuation pattern notice effect being executed is specified in the re-specific process at the time of hold increase. It changes to the production mode which shows the fluctuation pattern. As a pattern to change the effect mode of the variation pattern notice effect being executed, “promotion pattern” for changing from an effect mode showing a variation pattern with low jackpot reliability to an effect mode showing a variation pattern with high jackpot reliability, and jackpot There is a “demotion pattern” that changes from a production mode showing a variation pattern with high reliability to a production mode showing a variation pattern with low jackpot reliability.

  The “elevation pattern” includes a pattern that changes from a production mode showing the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) to a production mode showing either the fluctuation pattern A (super reach) or the fluctuation pattern B (normal reach), or the fluctuation pattern B (normal reach). There is a pattern for changing from an effect mode indicating ()) to an effect mode indicating a variation pattern A (super reach).

  In addition, the “demotion pattern” is a pattern that changes from the production mode showing the variation pattern A (super reach) to the production mode showing either the variation pattern B (normal reach) or the variation pattern C (shortened variation), the variation pattern B There is a pattern for changing from a production mode showing (normal reach) to a production mode showing variation pattern C (shortening variation).

  FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the hit variation pattern notice effect when the first special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot value, and FIG. 7 shows the case where the first special symbol success / failure determination random number does not match the jackpot value. A specific example of the off-change pattern notice effect is shown. FIGS. 6 (a) and 7 (a) show a case where the number of first special symbol hold is one and it is determined that this first special symbol hold is a specific hold. FIG. 6 (b) and FIG. 7 (b) shows the case where the number of the first special symbol hold becomes two, FIG. 6 (c), FIG. 7 (c) shows the case where the number of the first special symbol hold becomes three, 6 (d) and FIG. 7 (d) show a case where the number of first special symbol reservations is four.

  First, referring to FIG. 6, when the random number for determining whether or not the first special symbol is correct matches the big hit value and the random number for determining the variation pattern is “2”, the variation pattern table (FIG. 3) is used. An example in which the variation pattern is specified will be described.

  When the first special symbol hold number is “0” and a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “1” and a specific hold occurs, By the identification process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern B (normal reach). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is “N” indicating the change pattern B (normal reach) (FIG. 6A).

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “1”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “2”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the identification process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern A (super reach). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed from “N” to “S” indicating the change pattern A (super reach). The hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 6B). In this case, it becomes a promotion pattern in which the jackpot reliability of the change pattern indicated by the changing pattern notice effect being executed becomes high.

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “2”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “3”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern C (shortening variation). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold is changed from “S” to “short” indicating the change pattern C (shortened change) in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25, The hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 6C). In this case, it becomes a demoted pattern in which the jackpot reliability of the change pattern indicated by the running variation pattern notice effect is low.

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “3”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “4”, it is re-displayed when the hold increases. By the identification process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern A (super reach). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed from “short” to “S” indicating the change pattern A (super reach), The hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 6D). In this case, it becomes a promotion pattern in which the jackpot reliability of the change pattern indicated by the changing pattern notice effect being executed becomes high.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, when the first special symbol success / failure determination random number does not match the jackpot value and the variation pattern determination random number is “3”, the deviation variation pattern table (FIG. 4). An example in which the variation pattern is specified using the will be described.

  When the first special symbol hold number is “0” and a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “1” and a specific hold occurs, By the identification process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern B (normal reach). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is “N” indicating the change pattern B (normal reach) (FIG. 7A). .

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “1”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “2”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern C (shortening variation). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed from “N” to “short” indicating the change pattern C (shortening change). At the same time, the hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 7B). In this case, it becomes a demoted pattern in which the jackpot reliability of the change pattern indicated by the running variation pattern notice effect is low.

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “2”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “3”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the identification process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern A (super reach). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed from “short” to “S” indicating the change pattern A (super reach). In addition, the hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 7C). In this case, it becomes a promotion pattern in which the jackpot reliability of the change pattern indicated by the changing pattern notice effect being executed becomes high.

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “3”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “4”, it is re-displayed when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific suspension is identified as the variation pattern C (shortening variation). For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed from “S” to “short” indicating the change pattern C (shortening change). At the same time, the hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 7D). In this case, it becomes a demoted pattern in which the jackpot reliability of the change pattern indicated by the running variation pattern notice effect is low.

  Note that the variation pattern notice effect and the notice effect execution availability lottery are realized by the control processing of the sub-control unit 260.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic control unit includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a lottery unit that is mainly determined by the CPU 200b and determines whether or not a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is determined by a determination program stored in the ROM. Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, start-port entrance detection switches 28 s and 28 t, and a grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 33 s, and these signals are input to the main control unit 200. Is configured to do. The board output relay board 202 is connected with a normal symbol display device 51, special symbol display devices 61 and 62, a start port solenoid 28c, and a big prize port solenoid 33c, and a control signal from the main control unit 200 is output. .

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 11a to 11d, display of effect symbols by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  From the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, various symbol control commands (variation pattern designation command, special symbol information designation command, symbol stop command, etc.) related to special symbol variation display, various lamp control commands, and various voice controls A command is sent. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260, and display of effect symbols according to various symbol control commands from the main control unit 200 (from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280). Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control for realizing a symbol variation effect) are simultaneously transmitted.

  The effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) including a CPU 280b, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output port, a VDP (video display processor), and the like. The display unit 25 is connected to the control unit 260, and the effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. In addition, an image ROM (not shown) is provided on the effect display control board 280a, and the image data of the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 (such as the image data relating to the above-described variation effect) is stored in the image ROM. Is stored more than once.

  In addition, various LEDs / lamps 262 and an amplifier board 263 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. Each LED / lamp 262 includes a frame lamp portion 5c. Connected to the amplifier board 263 are speakers 11a to 11d that output various sounds, sounds, and the like in accordance with the progress of the game. Furthermore, the effect button 8 is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the effect button board 264. The sub-control unit 260 selects various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 8 (reception of a variation pattern designation command, input of a production button operation signal, etc.). Execution processing, selection / output processing of sound effect data output from the speakers 11a to 11d, selection processing of an execution pattern (effect pattern) of the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 25, and symbol variation based on the execution pattern Performs execution processing and the like.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 9 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the CPU 200b mounted on the main control board 200a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 200b or a ROM mounted on the main control board 200a). After the throw-in process (S100), each process of a game start process (S200), a normal symbol game process (S300), a normal electric game game process (S400), a special symbol game process (S500), and a big hit game process (S600) Are repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. The power-off generation process (S50) is a power-on process (S100) when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and a system reset occurs. It has come to move to.

The power-on process (S100) is performed when the power is turned on and when power is restored after the power is cut off. When the power is turned on, RAM initialization processing is performed, and when the power is turned off, the game state is restored when the power is turned off. Return settings etc. are made to make it happen. In the game start process (S200), detection of various switch states, update of various random numbers, prize ball payout control, etc. are performed. In the normal symbol game process (S300), first, the normal symbol display part is determined. At 51 (see FIG. 2), it is determined whether the normal symbol is hit and stopped in the display mode of the normal symbol or whether it is stopped and displayed in the display mode of the off-normal symbol. Here, as described above, the normal symbol success / failure determination in the present embodiment has a probability of being a hit according to the operating state of the opening time extension function (and the fluctuation time reduction function) that extends the opening time of the start port 28b. There is a difference that the probability of hitting is higher when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is activated than when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is not active.

  Next, when the result of normal symbol success / failure determination is obtained, the variation time of the normal symbol is set, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started according to the variation time. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the determined display mode, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. (The 2nd starting port 28b is made into an open state). In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is activated. I do. When the second start port 28b is actuated, the pair of blade pieces open to the left and right, and the second start port 28b is opened.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process (S400), it is determined whether or not the opening time for maintaining the second start port 28b in the open state has elapsed, and if the open time has not elapsed, the second start port 28b. It is determined whether or not a predetermined number of winnings has been won. When it is determined that the predetermined number of winnings has been won at the second starting port 28b in the open state, or when it is determined that the opening time of the second starting port 28b in the open state has elapsed, a pair of The blade piece is closed, and the second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state).

  Next, the special symbol game process (S500) will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, a start opening winning process is performed (S501). Here, the start opening winning process (S501) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the first start port 28a has been won (a game ball has entered) (S501a). If it is determined that the first start port 28a has not been won (S501a: NO), The process proceeds to S501f. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start port 28a has been won (S501a: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol reservation number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501b: NO), the process proceeds to S501f, and the first special symbol reservation number is less than 4. Is determined (S501b: YES), the first special symbol random number (first symbol success / failure determination information) is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501c). The first special symbol random number includes a first special symbol determination random number, a first special symbol determination random number (per symbol determination random number), a variation pattern determination random number, and the like. Thereby, the 1st special symbol reservation number increases by one.

  Next, a variation pattern prior identification process is performed (S501d). In the variation pattern pre-identification process, the pending occurrence identification process that identifies the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the first special symbol random number that has been suspended this time, and the variation that has already been identified by the pending occurrence identification process The re-specifying process at the time of the increase in holding is included, in which the pattern is specified again using the first special symbol holding number increased this time. Then, a first start winning prize command indicating the number of first special symbol reservations, the result of the variation pattern prior identification process, and the like is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S501e).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second start port 28b has been won (S501f). If it is determined that the second start port 28b has not been won (S501f: NO). The start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second start port 28b has been won (S501f: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol reservation number is less than 4 (S501g). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501g: NO), the start opening winning process is terminated, and the second special symbol hold number is less than 4. If it is determined that there is (S501g: YES), a second special symbol random number (second symbol success / failure determination information) is acquired and stored (S501h). The second special symbol random number includes a second special symbol determination random number, a second special symbol determination random number (per symbol determination random number), a variation pattern determination random number, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one. Then, a second start winning time command indicating the number of second special symbol reservation etc. is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S501i).

  Next, returning to FIG. 10A, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (whether or not the big hit game flag is ON) (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game is being played (the big hit game flag is ON) (S502: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated, and the big hit game is not being played (the big hit game flag is OFF). ) (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503).

  As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S510 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S503: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504). Here, the stop display time of the special symbol is a time for determining the special symbol stopped and displayed. In this embodiment, the stop display time of the special symbol is “1 second”. If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504: YES), the process proceeds to S514 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S504). : NO), it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbol hold is zero (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of second special symbol reservation is zero (S506: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbol reservation is zero (S507).

  And when it determines with the 1st special symbol holding | maintenance number being zero (S507: YES), a special symbol game process is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of first special symbol hold is not zero (S507: NO), a first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S506 that the second special symbol hold count is not zero (S506: NO), a second special symbol variation display process is performed (S509). That is, if it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), the first special symbol hold number is not zero (even if it is 1 or more). 2. The special symbol variation display process is executed. Thereby, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed in preference to the first special symbol, and the priority variation function of the second special symbol is realized by the determination processing in S506.

  Here, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) and the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The first special symbol variation display process and the second special symbol variation display process are processes having the same contents. That is, the “special symbol” in FIG. 12 becomes “first special symbol” in the first special symbol variation display process, only “second special symbol” in the second special symbol variation display process, and the others are the same. is there. Hereinafter, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) will be described, and the description of the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be omitted.

  First, the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening 28) is read (S508a). ), Special symbol winning / failing determination is performed (S508b). In the special symbol success / failure determination, when the probability variation function is in operation (in the probability variation state), the probability variation is performed with a high probability that the determination result will be a big hit using the high probability success / failure determination table. When it is determined that the function is not in operation (during a normal game), the determination of success / failure is performed with a low probability that the determination result is a big hit using the normal probability determination table.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (S508b) is a big hit (S508c). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit (S508c: YES), a big hit hour variation pattern table setting process is performed (S508d). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S508c: NO), a variation pattern table setting process at the time of losing is performed (S508e).

  Next, in step S501c or S501h (FIG. 11), the variation pattern determination random number and special symbol determination random number stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 are read (S508f). Then, the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are determined (S508g). For the special symbol variation pattern, the specific variation pattern is determined from the variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d or S508e, using the special symbol reservation number and the random number for variation pattern determination read in S508h. Each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d and S508e is associated with a special symbol reservation number and a random number for determining a variation pattern, and a special symbol variation pattern, and the number of special symbol reservations at that time. And the variation pattern corresponding to the value of the variation pattern determination random number acquired in S508f is determined as the variation pattern to be used this time.

  The special symbol stop symbol is a symbol determination table stored in a predetermined area of the main control unit 200 using the special symbol determination random number read in S508f when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is unsuccessful, it is determined as a missed symbol. Similarly to the variation pattern table, the symbol determination table also associates the value of the special symbol determination random number with each jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the special symbol determination random number read in S508f is It is determined as a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in the processing of S508g, the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S508h), 1 is subtracted (S508i), and a symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S508j). The “design variation start command” includes a variation pattern designation command, a special symbol information designation command, and a hold count designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in the processing of S508g, and the special symbol information designation command is a command for designating the stop symbol of the special symbol similarly determined in the processing of S508g. is there. The number-of-holds designation command is a command for designating the number of special symbols held after the start of variable symbol display. When this symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260, the symbol variation effect (effect symbol variation display) is started under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 that have received these commands. The processing up to this point is when the special symbol variation display is started.

  Next, returning to FIG. 10A, if it is determined in S503 that the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503: YES), the changing special symbol. It is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (S510). As a result, if it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed (S510: NO), it is determined that the special symbol game processing is terminated and the special symbol variation display time has elapsed. In this case (S510: YES), the special symbol variation display is stopped (S511), and a special symbol designating command indicating that the special symbol variation display is stopped is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S512). A stop display time is set (S513).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S514). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S514: NO), the special symbol game processing is terminated and it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. If it is determined (S514: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is a big hit symbol (FIG. 10 ( b) S515).

  As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol (S515: YES), the gaming state at the start of the big hit game is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (S516). The “game state at the time of starting the big hit game” includes the type of the big hit symbol stopped at that time and the setting state of the game state flags (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag) at that time Yes.

  Next, the big hit game flag is set to ON (S517). Thereby, the big hit game is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating that the jackpot game has started is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S518).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S519). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S519: NO), the process proceeds to the determination processing of S521, and when it is determined that the probability variation flag is set to ON ( (S519: YES), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S520). As a result, the probability variation function stops operating with the start of the big hit game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S521). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S521: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. (S521: YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S522), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S523). Thereby, with the start of the big hit game, the operation of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function stops.

  Next, in the determination process of S515, when it is determined that the special symbol stopped symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is not a big hit symbol (in the case of a missed symbol) (S515: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S524). As a result, if it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not ON (S524: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S524: YES), “1” is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S525).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter obtained by subtracting “1” in S525 is “zero” (S526). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S526: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S526). : YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S527), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S528).

  As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function stop operating. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating that the gaming state is such that the variable time shortening function and the opening time extending function are not activated is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S529). Upon receiving this game state designation command, the sub-control unit 260 displays characters, characters, backgrounds, and the like indicating that the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are inactive (normal state) on the effect display device 25. Processing to display in area V is performed.

  Next, the jackpot game process (S600) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is being played (whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON) (S601). As a result, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not being played (the jackpot game flag is OFF) (S601: NO), the jackpot game process is terminated and the jackpot game is being played (the jackpot game flag is ON). Is determined (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. When it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the specified winning number 33a has been won (whether or not the specified number of game balls have entered). (S604).

  As a result, if it is determined that the prescribed number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the jackpot game processing is terminated and the prescribed winning number has been won in the big winning opening 33a. When it is determined (S604: YES) or when it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605).

  If it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not the big hit game ending condition is satisfied (S606). The determination process of S606 determines whether the number of rounds of the big hit game has reached the maximum number of continuous rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment).

  As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game ending condition is not satisfied (S606: NO), it is determined whether or not the closing time (interval time) of the big winning opening 33a has passed (S607), When it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the big hit game process is terminated, and it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has elapsed. (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

  If it is determined in S606 that the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S606: YES), the big hit game end process is performed (S609). Here, the big hit game end process (S609) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the big hit game flag is set to OFF (S609a). Next, it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a probable big hit (S609b). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation is a big hit (S609b: YES), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S609c). As a result, the probability variation function starts to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, “10,000” is set in the fluctuation shortening counter (S609d). On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation is not a big hit (S609b: NO), "100" is set to the fluctuation shortening counter (S609e).

  Next, the fluctuation shortening counter is set to ON (S609f), and the open extension flag is set to ON (S609g). As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function start to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating the operating state of the probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and opening time extension function is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S609h).

  Next, various effect processes executed jointly by the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. 15 and 16, the CPU 260b mounted on the sub-control board 260a is based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub-control board 260a). And a process executed by the CPU 280b mounted on the effect display control board 280a based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 280b or a ROM mounted on the effect display control board 280a). It is.

  First, the special symbol hold-related process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not the first start winning command transmitted by the main control unit 200 is received in the process of S501e (FIG. 11) (S700). As a result, when it is determined that the first start winning command is not received (S700: NO), the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start winning command is received (S700: YES), the production is performed based on the special symbol hold number specified by the hold number specifying command included in the first start winning command. The number of special symbol holds displayed on the first hold display unit 25b of the display device 25 is updated (S701).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the open time extension function is activated (S702). The operating state of the opening time extension function can be determined based on a gaming state designation command transmitted by the main control unit 200. As a result, when it is determined that the open time extension function is operating (S702: YES), the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, when it is determined that the open time extension function is not operating (S702: NO), it is determined whether or not the change pattern notice effect is being executed (S703).

  As a result, when it is determined that the change pattern notice effect is not being executed (S703: NO), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation pattern notice effect is being executed (S703: YES), the effect pattern of the variation pattern notice effect being executed is indicated by the variation pattern identified by the re-specification process at the time of increase in hold. The production mode is changed (S704).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the change pattern notice effect is to be executed (whether or not it is a specific hold) (S705). In the determination process of S705, a lottery for determining whether or not to execute the variation pattern notice effect is executed (whether or not the first special symbol random number is reserved) is executed, and the lottery result is a win. It is determined whether or not.

  As a result of the determination process in S705, if it is determined that the change pattern notice effect is not to be executed (not specified hold) (S705: NO), the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, when it is determined that the change pattern notice effect is to be executed (specific hold) (S705: YES), the change pattern notice effect is executed using the first hold display portion 25b of the effect display device 25 ( S706). In the change pattern notice effect, a display indicating the change pattern (any one of “S”, “N”, and “short” in the present embodiment) is performed at a portion corresponding to the specific hold of the first hold display unit 25b.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second start winning command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the process of S501i (FIG. 11) has been received (S707). As a result, if it is determined that the second start winning command is not received (S707: NO), the special symbol hold-related process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second start winning command is received (S707: YES), the effect is based on the special symbol hold number specified by the hold number specifying command included in the second start winning command. The number of special symbol holds displayed on the second hold display unit 25c of the display device 25 is updated (S708).

  Next, the symbol variation effect related processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation effect is being performed (whether or not the effect symbol is being displayed in a variable manner) (S800). As a result, if it is determined that the symbol variation effect is being produced (the effect symbol is being varied and displayed) (S800: YES), the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol variation effect is not being performed (the effect symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner) (S800: NO), the symbol variation transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the processing of S580j and S509j (FIG. 12). It is determined whether a start command has been received (S801).

  As a result, when it is determined that the symbol change start command has not been received (S801: NO), the symbol change effect related processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S801: YES), it is determined whether the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit (S802). The result of the special symbol success / failure determination can be determined by the type of the stop symbol of the special symbol designated by the special symbol information designation command. As a result of the determination process in S802, if it is determined that the game is a big hit (S802: YES), the effect design pattern for winning and the symbol for stopping winning are set (S803). On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not a big hit (S802: NO), the effect pattern for the effect symbol removal and the symbol for stoppage stop are set (S804).

  Next, based on the variation pattern and the stop symbol set in the process of S803 or S804, the symbol variation effect is started on the effect symbol display unit 25a of the effect display device 25 (S805). Then, with the start of the symbol variation effect, the number of special symbol reservations displayed in the hold display units 25b and 25c of the effect display device 25 is updated (displayed by 1 subtraction) (S806).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop command transmitted by the main control unit 200 has been received in the process of S512 (FIG. 10A) (S807). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S807: NO), the symbol variation effect related processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol stop command is received (S807: YES), the symbol variation effect is terminated (S808).

  In the present embodiment described above, when the specific hold is stored, the process for specifying the change pattern related to the specific hold and the change based on the specified change pattern are performed prior to the change pattern determination process executed at the start of the symbol change. When the pattern notice effect is executed and another hold subsequent to the specified hold is stored, the change pattern related to the specified hold is specified again, and the change pattern for the change pattern notice effect being executed is specified again. To change based on. Thus, in a gaming machine that executes a variation pattern advance notice effect indicating a change pattern according to a specific hold, a new pattern in which the change pattern notified by the change pattern advance notice effect changes with the start winning during the change pattern advance notice effect. It is possible to realize a “variation pattern notice effect” and to add a new game characteristic such as “make attention to which change pattern indicated by the change pattern notice effect is changed” to the change pattern notice effect.

  In addition, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, when it is desired to change the variation pattern notified in the variation pattern notice effect, the game ball is inserted into the first start port 28a and the new hold is stored. What is necessary is just to maintain the fluctuation pattern alert | reported by the fluctuation pattern notice effect, and it is not necessary to memorize | store a new holding | maintenance without entering a game ball in the 1st starting port 28a. Thereby, it is possible to provide a game property that the maintenance or change of the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern notice effect can be selected by adjusting the game ball entering the first start port 28a.

  For example, if a variation pattern with a long variation time is desired, if the variation pattern A (super reach) is notified by the variation pattern notice effect, the game ball may be prevented from entering the first start port 28a. When a fluctuation pattern with a short time is desired, if the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) is notified in the fluctuation pattern notice effect, the game ball may be prevented from entering the first start port 28a. In addition, when the special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot value and the variation pattern C (shortening variation) is notified in the variation pattern notice effect, the new hold is not stored. A big hit can be generated after the first special symbol is shortened and changed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the greater the number of first special symbol reservations, the higher the reliability of the variation pattern jackpot reliability (reliability with respect to the result of the first special symbol success / failure determination). For this reason, it is possible to further increase the jackpot reliability of the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern notification effect by increasing the first special symbol reservation number during the variation pattern notice effect.

  In the present embodiment, in the variation pattern table (FIGS. 3 and 4), the relationship between the number of special symbol reservations and the variation pattern is varied for each random number for variation pattern determination. For this reason, when the game ball enters the first start opening 28a during the variation pattern announcement effect, the change pattern of the variation pattern announcement effect is changed according to the type of variation pattern determination random number. As a result, it is possible to diversify the change pattern of the production mode of the fluctuation pattern warning effect, and “How will the fluctuation pattern notified in the fluctuation pattern warning effect change with the start prize during the fluctuation pattern warning effect?” It is possible to add new playability such as “Make attention to” to the change pattern notice effect.

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern notice effect is changed from a variation pattern having a low jackpot reliability to a variation having a high jackpot reliability in accordance with the start winning during the variation pattern notice effect. A promotion pattern changed to a pattern and a demoted pattern changed from a variation pattern having a high jackpot reliability to a variation pattern having a low jackpot reliability are included. As a result, new game characteristics such as “with the start winning prize during the fluctuation pattern notice effect, it is possible to pay attention to whether the change pattern notified by the change pattern notice effect changes in the promotion pattern or the demotion pattern”. Can be added to the change pattern notice effect.

  Here, the correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the present invention will be described. The “first special symbol success / failure determination random number” corresponds to the “correction determination random number” and the “variation pattern determination random number”. Corresponds to the “variation mode determining random number”, and the processing executed by the main control unit 200 corresponds to the “random number acquisition unit”, “holding storage unit”, “appropriate determination unit”, and “variation mode determination unit” of the present invention. The processes executed by the sub-control unit 260 are the “first variation mode advance specifying unit”, “determination unit”, “notification effect execution unit”, “second variation mode prior specification unit”, “notification” of the present invention. This corresponds to “production mode changing means”.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the variation pattern pre-identification processing (specific processing at the time of holding occurrence, re-specification processing at the time of holding increase) of the second embodiment, a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are specified at the time of holding storage, and each time a holding is newly stored, it is specified. It is configured to reduce (narrow) the fluctuation pattern.

  In the hold specific process, when a random number for the first special symbol is generated, the number of the first special symbol held after the hold is zero, 1, 2, 3 (the special symbol related to the hold starts to fluctuate) Assuming that the number of special symbol hold numbers 1 to 4) at the point of time is 1), the determination result whether or not the reserved random number for determining whether or not the first special symbol matches the jackpot value is held. Based on the fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, all the fluctuation patterns that may be determined in the fluctuation pattern determination process are identified.

  In addition, in the re-specific process at the time of increase in hold, when the first special symbol hold number increases after the fluctuation pattern is specified in the hold-occurrence specifying process, the held first special symbol success / failure random number becomes the jackpot value. The determination result of whether or not they match, the fluctuation pattern determination random number that is held, and the increased first special symbol hold number (the number of special symbol hold X (> when the special symbol related to the hold starts to change) 1), one or more variation patterns are identified again so as to narrow down the number of variation patterns to be determined in the variation pattern determination process (variation patterns that are candidates for determination in the variation pattern determination processing). The

  For this reason, in the second embodiment, the variation pattern advance notice effect is started in the effect manner indicating the plurality of types of variation patterns specified in the hold occurrence specifying process at the time of specific hold storage. Then, when a new hold is stored during the change pattern notice effect, the effect form of the change pattern notice effect is changed to the effect form indicating the change pattern narrowed down by the re-specific process at the time of increase in hold. As described above, the second embodiment is configured such that the number of variation patterns indicated by the variation pattern notice effect decreases (the variation patterns are narrowed down) as the first special symbol reservation number increases. .

  In the second embodiment, “three types” of variation patterns are identified in the hold occurrence specifying process, and each time a new hold is stored during the change pattern notice effect, it is specified by the re-specification process when the hold increases. The number of variation patterns is configured to decrease in the order of “2 types” and “1 type”. In the second embodiment, the same variation pattern table (FIGS. 3 and 4) as in the first embodiment is used, and one variation pattern is determined in the variation pattern determination process. Then, in the variation pattern pre-identification processing (the retention occurrence identification processing, the retention increase re-identification processing), the variation pattern including the variation pattern scheduled to be determined by the variation pattern determination processing is identified.

  In the second embodiment, as a pattern for changing the effect mode of the variation pattern notice effect being executed, the effect mode showing a variation pattern with a high jackpot reliability is changed from an effect mode showing a plurality of types of change patterns with different jackpot reliability. “Promotion pattern” to be narrowed down (changed), and “Demotion pattern” to be narrowed down (changed) from a production mode showing a plurality of types of variation patterns with different jackpot reliability to a production mode showing a variation pattern with low jackpot reliability There is.

  FIG. 17 shows a specific example of the hit variation pattern notice effect when the first special symbol success / failure random number of the second embodiment matches the jackpot value, and FIG. 18 shows the first special symbol success / failure determination random number. A specific example of the off-change pattern notice effect when the jackpot value does not match is shown. FIGS. 17 (a) and 18 (a) show a case where the number of first special symbol hold is one and it is determined that this first special symbol hold is a specific hold, FIG. 17 (b), FIG. 18 (b) shows the case where the number of the first special symbol reservation is two, FIG. 17 (c), FIG. 18 (c) shows the case where the number of the first special symbol reservation is three, 17 (d) and FIG. 18 (d) show a case where the number of first special symbol reservations is four.

  First, referring to FIG. 17, when the random number for determining whether or not the first special symbol is correct matches the big hit value and the random number for determining the variation pattern is “2”, the variation pattern table (FIG. 3) is used. An example in which the variation pattern is specified will be described.

  When the first special symbol hold number is “0” and a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “1” and a specific hold occurs, The specific process identifies several types of variation pattern candidates that may be determined for a specific hold. Here, since the number of suspensions to be generated later is undecided, all of variation pattern A (super reach), variation pattern B (normal reach), and variation pattern C (shortening variation) that may be determined are specified. The For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, “?” Is first displayed as a display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 (FIG. 17A). That is, the display of “?” Is a display for indicating that there is a possibility that all the variation patterns including the variation patterns A to C are determined.

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “1”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “2”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific hold is specified again, and a display for narrowing down the number of candidate variation patterns is made according to the result of re-specification. Here, the fluctuation pattern A (super reach), the fluctuation pattern B (normal reach), and the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) are re-specified by the re-specification process at the time of increase in holding. For this reason, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display section 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed (narrowed) from “?” To “S”, “N”, and “short”, and the hold display “◯” is set to 1 The number is increased (FIG. 17B).

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “2”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “3”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific hold is specified again, and the display of narrowing down again the number of candidate variation patterns is made according to the re-specification result. Here, the fluctuation pattern A (super reach) and the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) are re-specified by the re-specification process at the time of increase in holding. For this reason, the display corresponding to the specific hold is changed from “S” “N” “short” to “S” “short” in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25, and the hold display “ “O” is increased by one (FIG. 17C).

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “3”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “4”, it is re-displayed when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific hold is specified again, and a display for narrowing down the number of candidate variation patterns is made according to the result of re-specification. Here, the fluctuation pattern A (super reach) corresponding to the specific hold is specified by the re-specific process at the time of increase in hold. For this reason, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed (squeezed) from “S” “short” to “S” indicating the variation pattern A (super reach), The hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 17D). In this case, the change patterns A and C indicated by the variation pattern notice effect being executed are promoted patterns that are narrowed down to the variation pattern A having a high jackpot reliability.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, when the first special symbol success / failure determination random number does not coincide with the jackpot value and the variation pattern determination random number is “2”, the deviation variation pattern table (FIG. 4). An example in which the variation pattern is specified using the will be described.

  When the first special symbol hold number is “0” and a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “1” and a specific hold occurs, The specific process identifies several types of variation pattern candidates that may be determined for a specific hold. Here, since the number of suspensions to be generated later is undecided, all of variation pattern A (super reach), variation pattern B (normal reach), and variation pattern C (shortening variation) that may be determined are specified. The For this reason, in the change pattern notice effect, “?” Is first displayed as a display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 (FIG. 18A).

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “1”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “2”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific hold is specified again, and a display for narrowing down the number of candidate variation patterns is made according to the result of re-specification. Here, the fluctuation pattern A (super reach), the fluctuation pattern B (normal reach), and the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) are re-specified by the re-specification process at the time of increase in holding. For this reason, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display section 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed (narrowed) from “?” To “S”, “N”, and “short”, and the hold display “◯” is set to 1 The number is increased (FIG. 18B).

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “2”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “3”, it is re-started when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific hold is specified again, and a display for narrowing down the number of candidate variation patterns is made according to the result of re-specification. Here, the fluctuation pattern A (super reach) and the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) are re-specified by the re-specification process at the time of increase in holding. For this reason, the display corresponding to the specific hold is changed from “S” “N” “short” to “S” “short” in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25, and the hold display “ “O” is increased by one (FIG. 18C).

  Next, in the state where the number of first special symbol hold is “3”, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and the first special symbol hold number becomes “4”, it is re-displayed when the hold increases. By the specifying process, the variation pattern corresponding to the specific hold is specified again, and a display for narrowing down the number of candidate variation patterns is made according to the result of re-specification. Here, the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation) corresponding to the specific hold is specified by the re-specific process at the time of the hold increase. For this reason, the display corresponding to the specific hold in the first hold display unit 25b of the effect display device 25 is changed (narrowed) from “S” “short” to “short” indicating the fluctuation pattern C (shortening fluctuation), The hold display “◯” is increased by one (FIG. 18D). In this case, the change patterns A and C indicated by the variation pattern notice effect being executed are demoted patterns that are narrowed down to the variation pattern C having a low jackpot reliability.

  According to the configuration of the second embodiment described above, when the specific suspension is stored, the variation pattern related to the specific suspension is identified and identified prior to the variation pattern determination process executed at the start of symbol variation. Then, the execution of the change pattern notice effect is started in an effect mode showing a plurality of types of change patterns. Then, when another hold subsequent to the specific hold is stored, the change pattern related to the specific hold is specified again, and the change pattern in which the effect mode of the change pattern notice effect being executed is narrowed is shown. I am going to change it. Thus, in a gaming machine that executes a variation pattern advance notice effect indicating a change pattern according to a specific hold, a new pattern in which the change pattern notified by the change pattern advance notice effect changes with the start winning during the change pattern advance notice effect. It is possible to realize a “variation pattern notice effect” and to add a new game characteristic such as “make attention to which variation pattern indicated by the change pattern notice effect is narrowed down” to the change pattern notice effect.

  Further, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, by adjusting the entrance of the game ball to the first start port 28a, it is possible to select the maintenance or narrowing of the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern notice effect. Can be provided. In other words, when it is desired to narrow down the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern notice effect, a game ball may be inserted into the first start port 28a and a new hold may be stored. On the other hand, when it is not desired to narrow down the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern notice effect, it is not necessary to store a new hold without entering a game ball in the first start port 28a.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the greater the number of first special symbol reservations, the greater the reliability of the variation pattern jackpot reliability (reliability with respect to the result of the first special symbol success / failure determination). For this reason, as the first special symbol hold number is increased during the variation pattern announcement effect and the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern announcement effect is narrowed down, the jackpot reliability of the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern notification effect becomes higher. can do.

  Also in the second embodiment, in the variation pattern table (FIGS. 3 and 4), the relationship between the number of special symbol reservations and the variation pattern is varied for each random number for variation pattern determination. For this reason, the change pattern (change pattern narrowing pattern of the variation pattern) of the variation pattern announcement effect when the start winning is made during the variation pattern announcement effect varies depending on the type of variation pattern determination random number. As a result, it is possible to diversify the change pattern of the production mode of the fluctuation pattern warning effect, and “How will the fluctuation pattern notified in the fluctuation pattern warning effect change with the start prize during the fluctuation pattern warning effect?” It is possible to add new playability such as “Make attention to” to the change pattern notice effect.

Also, in this embodiment, the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern announcement effect is changed in accordance with the start winning during the variation pattern announcement effect. Promotion patterns that are narrowed down from patterns (for example, “short fluctuation” and “super reach”) to variation patterns with high jackpot reliability (for example, “super reach”), variation patterns with low jackpot reliability, and variation patterns with high jackpot reliability (For example, “shortening fluctuation” and “super reach”) to a downgrading pattern narrowed down to a fluctuation pattern having low jackpot reliability (eg, “shortening fluctuation”). As a result, new game characteristics such as “with the start winning prize during the fluctuation pattern notice effect, it is possible to pay attention to whether the change pattern notified by the change pattern notice effect changes in the promotion pattern or the demotion pattern”. Can be added to the change pattern notice effect.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a while the opening time extension function is not in operation, the change pattern notice effect is executed. When a game ball enters the second start port 28b during the operation of the opening time extension function, a variation pattern notice effect may be executed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, a gaming machine having a priority variation function for displaying the second special symbol (corresponding to the second starting port 28b) in a preferential manner over the first special symbol (corresponding to the first starting port 28a). Although the example in which the present invention is applied to 1 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine having a winning order variation function for variably displaying a first special symbol and a second special symbol in order of winning prize. is there. For example, in a gaming machine having a winning order variation function, the number of holds due to a game ball entering the first start port 28a is four, and the number of holds due to a game ball entering the second start port 28b is four. As a result, the maximum number of holds can be set to eight.

In a gaming machine having such a winning order variation function, the upper limit of the number of suspensions stored during the non-operation of the opening time extension function is considered to be “4” based on the game ball entering the first start port 28a. It is done.
On the other hand, the number of holds during the operation of the opening time extension function is “4” based on the game ball entering the first start port 28a when the opening time extension function is not operated, It is considered that the upper limit is “8”, which is obtained by adding “4” based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b. Therefore, a first special symbol variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern based on the first special symbol random number and a second special symbol for determining a variation pattern based on the second special symbol random number A variation pattern table is prepared, and in the first special symbol variation pattern table, a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the number of special symbol reservations is “1” to “4” is set, and the second special symbol variation pattern In the table, it is possible to set a variation pattern according to the case where the number of special symbol reservations is “1” to “8”. As a result, the relationship between the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be made different from the special symbol holding number and the variation pattern set for each variation pattern determination random number.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the lottery for executing the advance notice effect is executed when the first special symbol random number is stored, and the change pattern notice effect is executed when the lottery for executing the advance notice effect is won. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be determined by other means whether or not to execute the change pattern notice effect. For example, in the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the variation pattern determination random number is “1”, the same variation pattern is set regardless of the number of special symbol reservations, and the variation pattern determination random number is “2”. In the case of “6” to “6”, different variation patterns are set depending on the number of special symbol reservations. Therefore, when “1” is acquired as the random number for determining the variation pattern, the variation pattern announcement effect is not executed, and when “2” to “6” is acquired as the random number for determining the variation pattern, the variation pattern notification effect is obtained. Can be configured to perform.

  In the above embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities in the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port, second start port) provided on the game board are used. To a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that gives a player a gaming profit (game value) by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the number of game balls that enter the mouth, big prize opening, etc.) Although an example in which the invention is applied has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives gaming profits in a form different from “payout of prize balls”.

  For example, when a game ball is entered into various winning holes, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the ball is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine in which a gaming profit (game value) is given to a player. In this case as well, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 25 ... Production | presentation display apparatus, 25a ... Production | presentation symbol display part, 25b ... 1st reservation display part, 25c ... 2nd reservation display part, 200 ... Main control part (Random number acquisition means, reservation storage means, success / failure determination) Means, change mode determining means), 260... Sub-control unit (first change mode pre-specifying means, determination means, notice effect executing means, second change mode pre-specifying means, notice effect mode changing means), 280. Display control unit.

Claims (3)

Random number acquiring means for acquiring at least a random number for determining whether or not to be used for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the starting port and a random number for determining a variation mode for determining a variation mode of a symbol;
A hold storage means for storing the success / failure determination random number and the variation mode determination random number acquired by the random number acquisition means as a hold;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the random number for determination of success / failure stored as the hold matches a jackpot value;
The variation mode determination for determining the variation mode of the symbol based on the result of the determination, the variation mode determination random number stored as the hold, and the number of holds stored in the hold storage unit at that time. Means, and
In a gaming machine that displays the symbols in a variable manner on a symbol display device according to the variation mode determined by the variation mode determination means, and stops and displays the symbols in a stop symbol based on the determination result of the success / failure determination means,
When the suspension is stored, prior to determination of the variation mode by the variation mode determination unit, a plurality of types of variation modes to be determined by the variation mode determination unit when the symbol variation related to the suspension is started First variation mode pre-identification means for identifying;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to execute a predetermined notice effect for the hold whose variation mode is identified by the first variation mode prior identification unit;
If it is determined by the determining means that the notice effect is to be executed, a notice effect executing means for executing the notice effect indicating a plurality of types of change modes specified by the first change mode prior specifying means;
When a new hold is stored during the execution of the notice effect, the change occurs when the symbol change related to the hold that is the subject of the notice effect is started according to the number of the newly stored holds. A second variation mode pre-identification unit that re-specifies the variation mode to be determined by the mode determination unit so as to decrease the type;
Notice effect mode changing means for changing the number of change modes indicated by the notice effect being executed in accordance with the specifying result of the second change mode pre-specifying means;
A gaming machine comprising: The variation mode determination unit is configured to vary the correspondence between the number of holds stored by the hold storage unit and the variation mode to be determined according to the type of the variation mode determination random number,
The notice effect mode changing means varies a change pattern for changing the number of change modes indicated by the notice effect depending on the type of change mode determining random number in the hold that is the trigger of the notice effect. The gaming machine according to claim 1. As the variation mode determined by the variation mode determination unit, a first variation mode in which a probability determined by the variation mode determination unit when the result of the determination is successful is set to a predetermined probability; A second variation mode in which the probability determined by the variation mode determination means when the determination result is a hit is set lower than the first variation mode; and
As the change pattern for changing the effect mode of the notice effect being executed by the notice effect mode changing means, the effect mode showing the first change mode from the effect mode showing the first change mode and the second change mode. And a second change pattern for changing from the production mode showing the first variation mode and the second variation mode to the production mode showing the second variation mode. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

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