JP2014061199A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve game taste of a game machine more than conventional ones by executing a pseudo continuous variation performance in a novel mode.SOLUTION: The game machine executes a plurality of variation performances of executing variable displays of performance symbols a plurality of times during a single special symbol game, and finishing a final variable display in a mode corresponding to a result of a special symbol game. The plurality of variation performances are so configured that as the number of performance symbol variable displays to be executed during a single special symbol game increases, a possibility of deriving a win as a result of the special symbol game becomes higher. When a first variable display in the plurality of performance symbol variable displays reaches prescribed timing, the game machine finishes the first variable display and starts a second variable display, and when the second variable display reaches prescribed timing, finishes the second variable display and starts a third variable display. As the number of performance symbol variable displays to be executed during the plurality of variation performances increases, variable display update timing of starting a new variable display during each variable display is delayed.

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).

  Conventionally, a special symbol game is displayed in which a special symbol is variably displayed and stopped when a game ball enters the start gate.When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a special symbol game, the special winning opening is opened. There is known a gaming machine that executes a hit game as a state. Many of these gaming machines execute a symbol variation effect in which special symbols different from the special symbol are variably displayed during the special symbol game and are stopped and displayed. In recent years, as the symbol variation effect, “1 It is known to perform a “pseudo continuous variation effect” in which the effect symbol variation display and stop display (effect symbol unit variation) are performed a plurality of times during a special symbol game of the number of times (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-80921 A

However, the configuration for executing the above-described pseudo continuous variation effect is widely known and installed in many gaming machines, and it is difficult to further improve the gaming interest in gaming machines with the same configuration as before. In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to execute a pseudo continuous variation effect in a new manner to improve the gaming interest of a gaming machine as compared to the conventional art.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
In a gaming machine that executes a special symbol game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and stopped by a special symbol display device, and when a winning is derived as a result of the special symbol game, a winning game advantageous to a player is executed. ,
In one aspect of the special symbol game, the effect display device performs a variation display of the effect symbol a plurality of times, and the last variation display of the plurality of variation displays corresponds to the result of the special symbol game. A multi-variation effect execution means for executing a multi-variation effect to be ended is provided,
The multi-variable effect is configured such that as the number of times of the variable display of the effect symbol performed during one special symbol game is increased, the possibility that a winning is derived as a result of the special symbol game is increased. ,
The multiple variation effect execution means includes:
When the first variation display of a plurality of variations of the effect symbol reaches a predetermined time, the first variation display is terminated and the second variation display is started, and the second variation display is predetermined. When the time is reached, the second variation display is terminated and the third variation display is started.
The variation display update time at which a new variation display is started during each variation display is delayed as the number of variation displays of the representation symbol performed during the plurality of variation representations increases. Yes.

  According to the present invention, the variation display update time during the first variation display (end timing of the first variation display) among the variation displays of the plurality of performance symbols performed during the multiple variation rendering (during the pseudo continuous variation rendering). The earlier the is, the higher the possibility that a new variation display will be started during the variation display of the subsequent effect symbol, and the expectation for the increase in the number of variation display of the effect symbol increases. As a result, it is possible to realize a new game characteristic such as “make attention to the update display timing in the first change display in the multiple change effect (pseudo continuous change effect)”. As a result, the pseudo continuous change effect function can be realized. It is possible to improve the interest of the gaming machine provided.

Further, the present invention provides the above-described configuration,
The multiple variation effect execution means includes:
During the second variation display started after the end of the first variation display, the variation display update timing at which the second variation display was started during the first variation display. The period until the time is reached is notified as a non-updatable period with no update possibility of the change display, and the change display in which the second change display is started during the first change display. Announce the period after reaching the same period as the renewal time as a renewable period with the possibility of updating the variable display,
During the third variation display started after the end of the second variation display, the same variation display update time as the third variation display was started during the second variation display. The period until the time is reached is notified as the non-updatable period, and reaches the same time as the change display update time when the third change display is started during the second change display. The period after this is notified as the period with the possibility of updating.

  As a result, “a time when there is no possibility of starting a new variation display” and “a new variation display” in each of the variation display of a plurality of production symbols performed during a multiple variation production (during a pseudo continuous variation production). It is possible for the player to grasp the “time when there is a possibility that the game will start”, to increase the gaming effect by the above-described new pseudo continuous variation effect, and to further improve the gaming interest.

  Further, in the above-described configuration, the present invention may be configured such that the multiple variation effect executing means notifies the remaining time until the period with the possibility of updating occurs during the second variation display and the third variation display. The remaining time notification effect is performed.

  This allows the player to know the remaining time until a “time when there is a possibility that a new variation display may be started” during the multiple variation production (during the pseudo continuous variation production). It is possible to enhance the gaming effect by the quasi-continuous variation effect and to further improve the gaming interest.

  According to the configuration of the present invention described above, the pseudo continuous variation effect can be executed in a new manner, and the gaming interest of the gaming machine can be improved as compared with the prior art.

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 explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the special symbol and effect design in a pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of advancing of the production in the unit fluctuation of production symbols. It is explanatory drawing which shows progress of a pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation production until a special symbol starts a fluctuation | variation until it displays a stop. It is explanatory drawing which shows the quasi-continuous change effect pattern table in which the quasi-continuous change effect pattern was stored. 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 design fluctuation effect process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below 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 3a configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 3b that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 3a.

  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. A first effect button 8 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the upper plate part 6, and a CR operation part 9 is provided on the right side. The effect button 8 includes a middle button 8a, a left button 8b provided on the left side of the middle button 8a, and a right button 8c provided on the right side of the middle button 8a.

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

  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 big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. 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 operating gate 27, there is provided a normal symbol operating gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 7) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board. 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. 7) for detecting a game ball entering the first start port 28a, and a game ball entering the second start port 28b. A start opening ball detection switch 28t (see FIG. 7) for detection and a start opening solenoid 28c (see FIG. 7) 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). 7) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 7) for detecting the incoming game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. 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 refers to both “first special symbol” and “second special symbol” unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the following description, when “special symbol reserve number” is described, unless otherwise specified, the description refers to both “first special symbol reserve number” and “second special symbol reserve number”. To do.

  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.

  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 reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach production 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 the purpose and the reach random number for determining whether or not to perform the reach effect are included.

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

  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). 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. 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 determination random number, second special symbol 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 number of stored random numbers for determining the second special symbol. 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.

  When the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed, and the symbol variable game is completed, the next symbol variable game can be executed. Then, in a state where the symbol variable game can be executed, the presence of one or more first special symbol hold satisfies the execution condition of the symbol variable game of the first special symbol, and one or more second special symbol hold By being present, the execution condition of the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is established.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to perform a second special symbol priority variation process in which the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the symbol variation game 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. If the random number for determination of success / failure matches the jackpot value, the jackpot is determined. 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 special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect or pseudo-continuous effect (effect content) in the variation. The special symbol variation pattern is selected by lottery using a variation pattern random number from a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol success / failure determination is executed.

  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. The deviation variation patterns stored in the deviation variation pattern table include a “normal deviation variation pattern (reach variation pattern without reach)” that does not involve reach variation and a “reach variation pattern with reach” that involves reach variation. The normal deviation variation pattern is configured as a variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time than the reach deviation variation pattern. The reach variation variation pattern has a special symbol variation time longer than the normal variation variation pattern. It is configured as. The presence or absence of reach variation is determined by lottery using a reach random number acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28.

  In addition, in the above-described hit fluctuation pattern table, 41 types of change patterns (hit pseudo continuous) associated with the fact that a big hit is shown by executing a pseudo continuous fluctuation effect described later as a part of a plurality of types of hit fluctuation patterns. Fluctuation pattern for variation effect execution) is stored. In addition, the above-described deviation variation pattern table includes 41 types of variation patterns (displacement pseudo-continuous) associated with execution of a pseudo continuous variation effect to be described later as part of a plurality of types of variation variation patterns. Fluctuation pattern for variation effect execution) is stored.

  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, change display and stop display of first special symbol, change display and stop display of second special symbol, priority change of second special symbol will be described later. 200.

  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. Due to 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. The probability variation function is activated to increase the probability that the symbol is stopped and displayed as 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.

  During the operation of the probability variation function, the probability of winning the special symbol success / failure determination increases as the jackpot winning value for the 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. 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. As shown in FIG. 2, the display area V of the effect display device 25 is provided with an effect symbol display unit 25a 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 area in which various background images including characters, figures, symbols, characters, and the like are displayed. The effect symbol display unit 25a and the background display area constitute a symbol variation effect screen. 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 this embodiment, as the type of symbol variation effect, the variation display and stop display of the effect symbol (hereinafter referred to as “unit variation”) while the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed once. Special fluctuation effect that performs the change display and stop display of the effect symbol multiple times while the change display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed once. (Pseudo continuous variation effect) is provided.

  In the “general variation effect”, the final display mode of the effect symbol in one unit variation (the stop symbol of the effect symbol) corresponds to the variation display result of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, In the “variation effect”, the final display mode (the stop symbol of the effect symbol) of the effect symbol in the last unit variation of the plurality of unit variations corresponds to the variation display result of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. It is supposed to be.

  Here, “unit fluctuation” corresponds to one cycle from when the effect symbol changes to the stop display, and unit fluctuation occurs “before the predetermined reach effect occurs and the occurrence of the reach effect occurs. The pre-reach section (first stage) where the pre-reach production that suggests the possibility (preliminary notice) is performed, and the 2-digit production design of the 3-digit production design is stopped and displayed with the same design. Normal reach section (second effect period) in which a normal reach effect is performed in which the change display of the effect design is continued in the first change mode, and a change display of the effect design of the remaining digits, which is an effect that develops from the normal reach effect. In a second variation mode different from the first variation mode, and a super reach section (third effect period) in which a super reach production is performed, a pre-reach segment, a normal reach segment, Are stepwise generator configured to be able to and Richi section in this order. Note that the unit variation does not necessarily have to be composed of these three sections, but “when it is composed only of the section before reach”, “when it is composed of the section before reach and the normal reach section”, or “before reach” An example of the case where a section, a normal reach section, and a super reach section are included.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of progress during unit variation. FIG. 4 shows an example of a case where one unit variation is “consisting of a pre-reach section, a normal reach section, and a super reach section”. The pre-reach section, normal reach section, and super-reach section are each composed of the first half and the second half, and when the quasi-continuous variation effect continues (when a new unit variation is started), the previous unit variation Ends in any section and a new unit variation is started.

  The super reach production is configured such that the appearance rate is set lower than the normal reach production which is a normal reach production, and the reliability for the big hit is increased when the super reach production is performed. In other words, in this embodiment, the super reach effect is set so that it occurs with a high probability when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit, although it also occurs when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is missed. ing. In addition, the super reach production is performed in such a way that the remaining digits of the production design are displayed in a different manner from the normal reach production (high speed, enlargement, low speed, frame advance, character appearance, full rotation, restart, etc.). There are a plurality of types of contents, and display data (image data) for these effects is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

  The variation pattern transmitted from the main control unit 200 is determined as to the variation pattern of the production symbol (whether the general variation production or the pseudo continuous variation production is executed) and the final display mode of the production symbol (production symbol stop symbol). The sub-control unit 260 and the production symbol control unit 280 are configured to be performed based on the designation command and the special symbol information designation command. 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.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the pseudo continuous variation effect in which the variation display and stop display (unit variation) of the effect symbol are performed a plurality of times while the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed once. Is executed. In this embodiment, the number of unit fluctuations of the effect symbol in the pseudo continuous variation effect is set corresponding to the big hit reliability, and the big hit reliability is set to be higher as the number of unit fluctuations is larger. The pseudo continuous variation effect is based on the type of the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200, “whether or not to execute the pseudo continuous variation effect” and “unit variation when executing the pseudo continuous variation effect”. The sub-control unit 260 and the effect symbol control unit 280 grasp and execute the “how many times are to be executed”, “what schedule is used to update a plurality of unit fluctuations”, and the like.

  During execution of the pseudo continuous variation effect, when the unit variation of the effect symbol is terminated and a new unit variation is started (when the unit variation is updated), this indicates that the new unit variation is started. “Unit fluctuation update effect” is executed. When the unit variation update effect is executed, the unit variation being executed ends and a new unit variation starts. In the last unit variation, as the special symbol stops and displays with a predetermined stop symbol, the effect symbol stops and displays with a stop symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol (completed pseudo continuous variation effect) . The unit variation update effect is performed by temporarily stopping (temporarily stopping and displaying) the effect symbol with a temporary stop symbol that does not correspond to the special symbol stop symbol. That is, in the unit variation update effect, the unit variation being executed ends when the effect symbol is temporarily stopped, and a new unit variation starts when the effect symbol starts to re-variate. The temporary stop of the effect symbol includes not only the case where the effect symbol is completely stopped, but also includes a state where the effect symbol is displayed at a low speed so that the symbol combination can be recognized.

  In the present embodiment, when the unit variation update effect is executed, a new unit variation is always performed (the pseudo continuous variation effect is continued). Specifically, when the unit variation number of the effect design during the pseudo continuous variation effect is set to 2 times, the execution frequency of the unit variation update effect is set to 1 and the unit variation number of the effect symbol is 3 times. Is set to 2, the number of executions of the unit variation update effect is set to 3 times.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the relationship between the special symbol and the effect symbol during the pseudo continuous variation effect. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the number of unit fluctuations of the effect symbol is set to four during the one-time variation display of the special symbol. As shown in FIG. 3, in the quasi-continuous variation effect, after the special symbol and the effect symbol start to change in the first to third unit variations, the effect symbol does not become the same by 3 digits after the temporary stop symbol (“1 · 2・ The unit variation update effect that temporarily stops at 3 ”or“ 7, 5, 7 ”, etc.), and the special symbol is a big hit symbol at the last unit variation (in this case, the fourth unit variation) In accordance with the stop display with the out symbol, the actual symbol is stopped (determined stop) at the stop symbol (such as “7/7/7”) corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol (big hit symbol or out symbol).

  FIG. 5 shows the progress of the pseudo continuous variation effect from when the special symbol starts to change until it is stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 5, in the first unit variation, a unit variation update effect is executed during the pre-reach section, in the second unit variation, a unit variation update effect is executed during the normal reach section, and in the third unit variation, The unit fluctuation update effect is executed during the super reach section. As described above, in this embodiment, when the unit variation update effect is executed a plurality of times from when the special symbol starts to change until it is stopped, the time when the unit variation update effect is executed with the previous unit change (effect Stage) and the time when the unit fluctuation update effect is executed in the subsequent unit change (direction stage), and the time when the unit change update effect is executed in the unit change executed later (effect stage) The unit variation is executed so that the unit variation update effect is performed at a time later than the time when the unit variation update effect is executed (the effect step).

  As described above, the pre-reach section, the normal reach section, and the super reach section are each composed of a first half portion and a second half portion. The first half and the second half are set so as to be divided at an intermediate point for each section (intermediate time of each section). For this reason, in this embodiment, when the unit fluctuation update effect is set to be executed in the first half of the preceding reach section in the previous unit change, the latter half of the preceding reach section is set in the subsequent unit change. There is a possibility that the unit variation update effect is executed at any time (effect stage) of the part, normal reach section (first half part, second half part) or super reach section (first half part, second half part). In addition, when the unit fluctuation update effect is executed in the latter half of the previous reach section, the next unit fluctuation will be in either the normal reach section (first half, second half) or the super reach section (first half, second half) ( There is a possibility that the unit variation update effect is executed in the effect stage). Further, when the unit variation update effect is executed in the latter half of the previous unit variation super reach section, the possibility that the unit variation update effect is executed in the subsequent unit variation is zero. In other words, the earlier the unit variation update effect is executed with the previous unit variation (the production stage), the longer the unit change update effect can be executed with the later unit fluctuation (the production stage). When the unit fluctuation update effect is executed in the previous unit change (effect stage), the later the unit change update effect can be executed in the later unit change (effect stage). Will be shortened (the possibility that the pseudo continuous variation effect will continue is reduced).

  In the subsequent unit fluctuation, the fluctuation period until the time when the unit fluctuation update effect was executed in the previous unit fluctuation is the “period in which the unit fluctuation update effect cannot be executed”. The fluctuation period after the time when the unit fluctuation update effect is executed in the unit fluctuation is the “period in which the unit fluctuation update effect can be executed”. In the present embodiment, in the subsequent unit variation, it is impossible to execute the unit variation update effect before the time when the unit variation update effect is executed in the previous unit variation (the new unit variation After the time when the unit fluctuation update effect was executed in the previous unit change, the unit change update effect is executed. It is configured to execute “a presentation with possibility of continuation” indicating that it is possible (that there is a possibility of being updated to a new unit variation). The “sustainability-less effect” and the “sustainability-prone effect” can be executed using the display area V of the effect display device 25 under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect symbol control 280.

  As a specific example of “there is no continuation effect” in the present embodiment, the “remaining period notification” that notifies the remaining period until the time when the unit variation update effect can be executed (the effect symbol can be temporarily stopped) is reached. "Direction" During the unit change executed later, the unit change update effect can be executed at a time later than the execution time of the unit change update effect with the unit change executed first. Based on the execution time of the unit fluctuation update effect in the fluctuation, the condition that the unit fluctuation update effect can be executed in the later unit fluctuation (for example, “10 seconds remaining until the quasi-continuous generation becomes possible”, “pseudo-continuation prohibited until XX” Medium! "). As an example, when the unit fluctuation update effect is executed in the first half of the pre-reach section due to the previous unit fluctuation, the remaining period until the second half of the pre-reach section is displayed in the subsequent unit fluctuation. . As shown in FIG. 3, the remaining period notification effect is performed using the remaining period display unit 25 b of the effect display device 25. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the remaining period notification effect is performed during the second unit variation and the third unit variation.

  In addition, as a specific example of the “continuous possibility presentation” in the present embodiment, “executable period notification presentation” is performed to notify that the unit variation update presentation is a period that can be executed. This executable period notification effect is performed after the remaining period notification effect is ended, and “pseudo continuous prohibition release!” Is displayed on the remaining period display unit 25b where the remaining period notification effect has been performed.

  It should be noted that the execution schedule of the unit variation update effect, the non-sustainable effect and the continuable effect that are executed during the pseudo-continuous change effect, and the effect contents in each unit change (collectively, “execution pattern of the pseudo-continuous change effect” ") Is set when the pseudo continuous variation effect is executed. Specifically, the execution pattern of the pseudo continuous variation effect is configured so that the sub-control unit 260 determines based on the type of the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200.

  FIG. 6 shows a pseudo continuous variation effect pattern table in which execution patterns of a plurality of types of pseudo continuous variation effects are stored. As shown in FIG. 6, in the pseudo continuous variation effect pattern table of the present embodiment, 41 types of pseudo continuous variation effects corresponding to 41 types of variation pattern designation commands associated with execution of pseudo continuous variation effects. The execution pattern is stored. In the present embodiment, the execution pattern of the unit variation update effect is provided from 1 to 3 times, execution patterns 1 to 6 are set to the execution frequency of the unit variation update effect as one, and the execution pattern 7 The execution frequency of unit variation update effects is set to 2 for 21 to 21, and the execution count of unit variation update effects is set to 3 for the execution patterns 22 to 41.

  Execution patterns 1 to 6 (unit fluctuation update effect execution times 1) are different in the execution time of the unit fluctuation update effect. Specifically, the execution timing of the unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 1 → execution pattern 2 →.

  Execution patterns 7 to 21 (the number of executions of the unit variation update effect are twice) differ in the execution time of the first or second unit variation update effect. Specifically, in execution patterns 7 to 21, the first unit variation update effect is executed in the order of execution patterns 7 to 11 → execution patterns 12 to 15 → execution patterns 16 to 18 → execution patterns 19 and 20 → execution pattern 21. The time is late.

  In execution patterns 7 to 11, the execution time of the second unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 7 → execution pattern 8 →... → execution pattern 11. The execution time of the second unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of pattern 12 → execution pattern 13 →... → execution pattern 15. In execution patterns 16 to 18, execution pattern 16 → execution pattern 17 → execution pattern 18 The execution time of the second unit fluctuation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 19, and in execution patterns 19 and 20, the execution time of the second unit fluctuation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 19 → execution pattern 20.

  Execution patterns 22 to 41 (unit fluctuation update effect execution count 3 times) have different execution timings of the first, second, or third unit fluctuation update effect. Specifically, in the execution patterns 22 to 41, the execution time of the first unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of the execution patterns 22 to 31 → the execution patterns 32 to 37 → the execution patterns 38 to 40 → the execution pattern 41. .

  In the execution patterns 22 to 31, the execution time of the second unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of the execution patterns 22 to 25 → the execution patterns 26 to 28 → the execution patterns 29 and 30 → the execution pattern 31. In 32-37, the execution time of the second unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of execution patterns 32-34 → execution patterns 35, 36 → execution pattern 37. In execution patterns 38-40, execution patterns 38, 39 are executed. → The execution time of the second unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of the execution pattern 40.

  In execution patterns 22 to 25, the execution time of the third unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 22 → execution pattern 23 →... → execution pattern 25. The execution time of the third unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of pattern 26 → execution pattern 27 → execution pattern 28. In execution patterns 29 and 30, the third unit variation update is performed in the order of execution pattern 29 → execution pattern 30. The execution time of the production is delayed, and in the execution patterns 32 to 34, the execution time of the third unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 32 → execution pattern 33 → execution pattern 34. In 36, the execution time of the third unit variation update effect is delayed in the order of execution pattern 35 → execution pattern 36. In the execution pattern 38 and 39, the execution pattern 38 → order for the third time running time of the unit fluctuation updated rendition of the execution pattern 39 is slow.

  As described above, in the pseudo continuous variation effect of the present embodiment, the greater the number of executions of the unit variation (the greater the number of executions of the unit variation update effect), the higher the big hit reliability. For this reason, the big hit reliability of the execution patterns 1 to 41 is set so that the execution patterns 1 to 6 (the number of times of execution of the unit variation update effect) is the lowest, and the execution patterns 7 to 21 (unit variation update effect of the unit variation update effect). The number of executions is 2), and the execution patterns 22 to 41 (the number of executions of the unit variation update effect is 3) are set so as to increase in this order.

  Further, in the execution pattern in which the number of executions of the unit variation update effect is the same, the big hit reliability is set to be different depending on the execution time of the unit variation update effect (temporary stop time of the effect symbol).

  First, in the execution pattern in which the number of executions of the unit variation update effect is one, the big hit reliability increases as the execution time of the unit variation update effect is delayed. Specifically, in execution patterns 1 to 6, the big hit reliability increases in the order of execution pattern 1 → execution pattern 2 →.

  In the execution pattern in which the unit variation update effect is executed twice, the execution time of the first unit change update effect executed in the previous unit change and the second unit change executed in the subsequent unit change are performed. The longer the update execution time is, the higher the jackpot reliability.

  Specifically, in execution patterns 7 to 11, the big hit reliability increases in the order of execution pattern 7 → execution pattern 8 →... → execution pattern 11. In execution patterns 12 to 15, execution pattern 12 → execution pattern 13 → ... → The big hit reliability increases in the order of the execution pattern 15, and in the execution patterns 16 to 18, the big hit reliability increases in the order of the execution pattern 16 → the execution pattern 17 → the execution pattern 18. The big hit reliability increases in the order of execution pattern 19 → execution pattern 20. In this way, in the execution pattern where the execution timing of the unit variation update effect in the previous unit variation is the same, the greater the unit variation update effect in the later unit variation, the higher the jackpot reliability. The greater the distance between the execution time of the unit fluctuation update effect at 1 and the execution time of the unit change update effect at the later unit fluctuation, the higher the jackpot reliability.

  In the execution patterns 22 to 41 in which the number of executions of the unit variation update effect is three, the big hit reliability is set to be the same regardless of the execution time of the unit variation update effect.

  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.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 7, 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, a first effect button 8 (middle button 8a, left button 8b, right button 8c) and a second effect button 9 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via an effect button board 264. The sub-control unit 260 receives various commands from the main control unit 200, the first effect button 8 (the middle button 8a, the left button 8b, the right button 8c) and the second effect button 9 (reception of a variation pattern designation command, the first effect). Based on button operation signal input, second effect button operation signal input, etc., selection / execution processing of various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns, and selection of sound effect data output from the speakers 11a to 11d An output process, a process for selecting a symbol variation effect execution pattern (effect pattern) on the effect display device 25, a symbol variation effect execution process based on the execution pattern, and the like are performed.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 8 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 8 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. 9A, 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 S501d. 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 S501d, 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 reach random number, and the like. Thereby, the 1st special symbol reservation number increases by one.

Next, it is determined whether or not the second start port 28b has been won (S501d). If it is determined that the second start port 28b has not been won (S501d: NO). The start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second start port 28b has been won (S501d: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501e). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol reservation number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501e: NO)
), When the start opening winning process is terminated and it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501e: YES), the second special symbol random number (second symbol success / failure determination information) is acquired. (S501f). 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 reach random number, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one.

  Next, returning to FIG. 9A, 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 S515 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).

  If it is determined that the number of first special symbol reservation is not zero (S507: NO), the first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508). If it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number 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. 11 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 (probability change game), it is determined whether the determination result is a big hit (high probability state) using the high probability determination table. If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (in normal game), the normal probability determination table is used to determine whether the determination result is a big hit (low probability state). Make a decision.

  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, the variable pattern random number is acquired, and the symbol determining random number (the special symbol determining random number acquired when the game ball enters the starting port 28) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200. Read (S508f).

  Next, the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are determined (S508g). As the special symbol variation pattern, the variation pattern random number acquired in S508h is used to select a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d or S508e. Note that each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d and S508e is associated with a variation pattern random value and a variation pattern, and the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random value obtained in S508f is the current variation pattern table. It is determined as a variation pattern to be used. 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. 9A, 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 (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. 9 ( 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 the determination process of S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not a big hit game ending condition is satisfied (S606). In the determination process of S606, it is determined whether the number of rounds has reached “15 rounds” which is the maximum number of continuous rounds. When the “round number reaches 15 rounds”, it is determined that the condition for ending the big hit game is satisfied.

  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). In the present embodiment, when the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605) or when the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608), a special winning opening closing command or a special winning opening is directed to the sub-control unit 260. Send a release command. Specifically, a special winning opening closing command is transmitted when closing the special winning opening 33a, and a special winning opening opening command is transmitted when opening the large winning opening 33a.

  If it is determined in the determination process of S606 that the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S606: YES), the big hit game end process is performed (S609). Here, the jackpot 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, the symbol variation effect process executed by the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. In the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 260b mounted on the sub-control board 260a is executed 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 processing 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). Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control unit 200 has been received in the processing of S508j and S509j (FIG. 11) (S700). As a result, if it is determined that the symbol variation start command has not been received (S700: NO), the standby state is maintained until the symbol variation start command is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S700: YES), it is determined whether or not a pseudo continuous variation effect is to be executed (S701). In the determination process of S701, it may be determined whether or not the variation pattern of the special symbol designated by the variation pattern designation command included in the symbol variation start command corresponds to the execution of the pseudo continuous variation effect.

  If it is determined that the pseudo continuous variation effect is not to be executed as a result of the determination process in S701 (S701: NO), the variation display of the effect symbol is started in the general variation effect without the pseudo continuous variation effect (S702). . On the other hand, when it is determined to execute the pseudo continuous variation effect (S701: YES), the execution pattern (FIG. 6) of the pseudo continuous variation effect is determined based on the type of the variation pattern designation command, and the determined pseudo continuous variation is determined. Based on the execution pattern of the effect (FIG. 6), the first unit variation of the effect symbol is started (S703).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo continuous continuation flag is set to ON (S704). The pseudo continuous continuation flag is a flag indicating that the unit variation has been updated. As a result, if it is determined that the pseudo continuous continuation flag is not set to ON, that is, it is the first unit variation in the pseudo continuous variation effect (S704: NO), the pseudo continuous continuation flag is set to ON ( S705). On the other hand, when the pseudo continuous continuation flag is set to ON, that is, when it is determined that the unit fluctuation is two or more times (S704: YES), the remaining period notification effect and the executable period notification effect are executed ( S706). As a result, the remaining time (for example, “remaining ** seconds”) until the execution time of the unit variation update effect in the previous unit variation is notified, and then the unit variation update effect can be executed. Informed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the execution time of the unit variation update effect has arrived based on the elapsed time since the start of the variation display of the effect symbol and the execution pattern of the pseudo continuous variation effect (FIG. 6) ( If it is determined that the execution time of the unit variation update effect has arrived (S707: YES), the unit variation update effect is executed (the effect symbol is temporarily stopped) (S708). When the unit variation update effect is executed, a new unit variation is started (S709). On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution time of the unit variation update effect has not arrived (S707: NO), the unit variation update effect is not executed, and the process waits until the execution time of the unit variation update effect arrives.

  When a new unit variation is started in S709, the number of unit variation updates is counted, and it is determined whether or not the last unit variation has been reached (S710). In the determination process of S710, it may be determined whether or not the number of executions of the unit variation update effect specified by the execution pattern of the pseudo continuous variation effect has been reached. As a result of the determination process of S710, when it is determined that the unit fluctuation of the last round has not been reached (S710: NO), the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, when it is determined that the last unit fluctuation has been reached (S710: YES), the pseudo continuous continuation flag is set to OFF while executing the remaining period notification effect and the executable period notification effect (S711). (S712). Here, executing the remaining period notification effect and the executable period notification effect in the last unit variation gives the player a sense of expectation that “the pseudo-variable effect may still continue” Because.

  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. 9A) (S713). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S713: NO), the standby state is maintained until the symbol stop command is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received (S713: YES), the effect symbol variation display is stopped (S714).

  In the present embodiment described above, in the pseudo continuous variation effect in which the unit variation of the effect symbol is performed a plurality of times during the single variation display of the special symbol, the execution time of the unit variation update effect in the subsequent unit variation is set to the previous unit. It is set to be a period after the execution time of the unit fluctuation update effect in the fluctuation. With this configuration, when the unit variation update effect is executed late in the previous unit change, the period in which the unit change update effect can be executed in the later unit change is shortened. If the unit fluctuation update effect is reduced with the unit fluctuation of the unit, while the unit fluctuation update effect is executed earlier with the unit fluctuation, the unit fluctuation update effect will be Since the period during which execution is possible becomes longer, the expectation that the unit variation update effect will be executed in the subsequent unit variation increases. As a result, it is possible to realize a new quasi-continuous variation effect such as “make the unit variation update effect be expected to be executed early in the unit variation”. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the gaming machine provided with the pseudo continuous variation effect function as compared with the prior art.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the unit variation update effect is executed with the previous unit change, the remaining period for notifying the remaining period until reaching the time when the unit change update effect can be executed with the later unit change. The notification effect is configured to be executed. As a result, the player can grasp the remaining period until the unit variation update effect can be executed during the unit variation, and can clarify the period when the expectation is felt and the period when the expectation is not achieved. Can improve the interest of

  Further, in this embodiment, even if the execution pattern of the pseudo continuous variation effect in which the number of executions of the unit variation update effect is the same, the execution time of the unit variation update effect executed in the previous unit variation and the later The greater the reliability of the jackpot reliability, the greater the distance from the execution time of the unit variation update effect executed by the unit variation. As a result, when the unit variation update effect is executed a plurality of times, the later the unit variation update effect in the later unit variation, the more advantageous to the player, and the later unit variation until the end The expectation for the occurrence of the unit variation update effect can be continued.

  Here, the correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the present invention will be described. The “pseudo continuous variation effect” corresponds to the “multiple variation effect” of the present invention, and the “first unit variation” is the main variation. Corresponding to “first variation display” of the invention, “second unit variation” corresponds to “second variation display” of the present invention, and “third unit variation” of the present invention corresponds to “third variation display” of the present invention. Corresponding to “variable display”, “period in which unit fluctuation update effect cannot be performed” corresponds to “non-updatable period” of the present invention, and “period in which unit fluctuation update effect can be performed” is “update” of the present invention. Corresponding to “Possible period”, “Sub control unit 260 and effect display control unit 280” correspond to “Multi-variable effect executing means” of the present invention.

(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 the above-described embodiment, it is configured such that the production can proceed step by step in the order of pre-reach production, normal reach, and super reach in the unit variation of the production pattern during the pseudo continuous variation production. The unit variation may be made to progress.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although it was decided to perform temporary stop (separation) of an effect design as a unit variation update effect, the embodiment of a unit variation update effect is not restricted to this, and unit variation is newly started. Any effect may be executed as long as the effect corresponds to that. For example, as a unit fluctuation update effect, an effect of driving a predetermined movable object (“driving of the movable object” is associated with the start of a new unit fluctuation) may be performed, or a predetermined character image or symbol image may be provided. May be displayed on the effect display device (“display of a predetermined image” is associated with the start of a new unit variation).

  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, 200 ... Main control part, 260 ... Sub-control part (multiple variation production execution means), 280 ... Production display control part (multiple variation production execution means).

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine that executes a special symbol game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and stopped by a special symbol display device, and when a winning is derived as a result of the special symbol game, a winning game advantageous to a player is executed. ,
In one aspect of the special symbol game, the effect display device performs a variation display of the effect symbol a plurality of times, and the last variation display of the plurality of variation displays corresponds to the result of the special symbol game. A multi-variation effect execution means for executing a multi-variation effect to be ended is provided,
The multi-variable effect is configured such that as the number of times of the variable display of the effect symbol performed during one special symbol game is increased, the possibility that a winning is derived as a result of the special symbol game is increased. ,
The multiple variation effect execution means includes:
When the first variation display of a plurality of variations of the effect symbol reaches a predetermined time, the first variation display is terminated and the second variation display is started, and the second variation display is predetermined. When the time is reached, the second variation display is terminated and the third variation display is started.
The variation display update timing at which a new variation display is started during each variation display is delayed as the number of variation displays of the representation symbol performed during the plurality of variation representations increases. To play. The multiple variation effect execution means includes:
During the second variation display started after the end of the first variation display, the variation display update timing at which the second variation display was started during the first variation display. The period until the time is reached is notified as a non-updatable period with no update possibility of the change display, and the change display in which the second change display is started during the first change display. Announce the period after reaching the same period as the renewal time as a renewable period with the possibility of updating the variable display,
During the third variation display started after the end of the second variation display, the same variation display update time as the third variation display was started during the second variation display. The period until the time is reached is notified as the non-updatable period, and reaches the same time as the change display update time when the third change display is started during the second change display. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a period after the notification is notified as the period with the possibility of updating. The multi-variation effect execution means executes a remaining time notification effect for notifying the remaining time until the period with the possibility of updating occurs during the second variation display and the third variation display. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized in that:

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