JP2014140584A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for conducting a performance to indicate whether or not a game state after the end of a jackpot game takes a probability variable state, and to create a new game property thereby to enhance a game amusement.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous for a player, when a pattern variably displayed on a pattern display device is stop-displayed in a special mode; provability variation state generating means for generating a provability variation state, in which the probability for a pattern to be stop-displayed in a special mode is high; and specified performance execution means capable of executing a specific performance, in which a probability variation notification indicating the occurrence of a probability variation state is performed, during a special game. In the case where a probability variation notification is not performed in a specified performance during the special game, the specified performance execution means executes the specified performance, even after the end of the special game.

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).

  When the game ball enters the starting point, the symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and when the symbol is stopped and displayed in a special mode, the symbol is stopped and displayed in a special mode as a type of game machine that executes a special game. Some have a probability change state with a high probability after the special game ends. In such a gaming machine, at the time when the start of the special game is confirmed, it is unclear whether or not the probability variation state occurs after the end of the special game, and an effect for indicating whether or not the probability variation state occurs ( Hereinafter, it is well known that the expectation for the occurrence of the probability variation state, that is, the expectation for the “probability promotion” is increased by performing the “specific effect” during the special game. In addition, in order to increase the expectation for the probability change promotion after the end of the special game, it is unknown whether the probability change state has occurred even after the end of the special game. There is known a gaming machine that can execute a notification to the effect (hereinafter also referred to as “probability change notification”) (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-87898 A

  However, the configuration for performing a specific effect during the special game as described above and the configuration for notifying the probability change after the special game have been installed and widely known in many gaming machines. In the same configuration as the conventional game, It has become difficult to further improve interest.

  In particular, in the case where the probability change notification can be executed after the special game is finished, the probability change notification is performed in a situation where the symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Under such a situation, the player with respect to the symbol change display result is displayed. In general, the degree of interest in is high. For this reason, even if the probability change notification may be performed after the special game is over, the player is less likely to have an expectation for the probability change promotion than the specific performance during the special game after the special game is over.

  Accordingly, in view of the above points, the present invention creates a new game property that can sufficiently give a player a sense of expectation for occurrence of a probable change state (probability change promotion) even after the end of a special game, and enhances the game interest. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
Special game executing means for executing a special game for operating the special winning device based on the fact that the symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device is stopped and displayed in a special manner;
A probability variation state generating means for generating a probability variation state in which the probability that the symbol is stopped and displayed in a special manner is high; and
A specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect that may cause a probability change notification indicating that the probability change state occurs during the special game;
With
The specific effect executing means is configured to execute the specific effect even after the special game ends when the probability change notification is not performed in the specific effect during the special game. Yes.

  This provides a new game characteristic that if the specific effect during the special game is not notified of the probability change, the specific effect executed during the special game is continued as it is after the special game ends. Can do. As a result, the expectation for the probability change promotion obtained by the specific effect during the special game can be maintained even under the situation where the symbol after the special game is variably displayed, and the game entertainment can be enhanced.

In the above configuration, the present invention provides
The specific effect after the end of the special game and the specific effect during the special game are executed according to the same effect pattern.

  As a result, it is possible to easily recognize that the specific performance itself executed during the special game continues even after the special game is finished, and the expectation for the probability change promotion obtained by the specific performance during the special game is special. Even after the game is over, it can be effectively sustained.

In the above configuration, the present invention provides
The specific effect after the end of the special game is performed until the number of executions of the variable display or stop display after the end of the special game reaches a predetermined number of times,
Until the number of executions reaches the predetermined number of times, a variable display limiting unit is provided that limits the time required for the variable display of the symbols to a predetermined time.

  As a result, the execution period of the specific effect after the end of the special game can be secured, and the expectation for the probability change promotion can be maintained after the end of the special game as well as the specific effect during the special game.

In the above configuration, the present invention provides
A continuation informing means for executing continuation notification indicating that the specific effect is performed even after the special game is finished when the probability change notification is not performed in the specific effect during the special game is provided. Yes.

  Thereby, even if the probability change notification is not performed in the specific effect during the special game, the expectation for the probability change promotion can be effectively maintained thereafter.

  According to the above configuration of the present invention, it is possible to create a new game property that can sufficiently give a player a sense of expectation for occurrence of a probable change state (probability change promotion) even after the end of a special game. Can be increased.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a figure which shows the big hit game determination table. It is a figure which shows the flow of a promotion chance production. 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 promotion chance production | presentation 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. On the upper surface of the upper plate part 6, an effect button 8 is provided at the center and a CR operation part 9 is provided on the right side. The effect button 8 includes a 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 the present embodiment, a 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 operation gate 27, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

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

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

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

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 5) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 5) for detecting an 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 device 61 and a second special symbol display device 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display device 51 is composed of one LED, and the normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display device 51, normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display device 51, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be displayed in a fluctuating manner, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a display manner in which the normal symbol is hit or missed after a predetermined time. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a preset hit 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 this embodiment, a normal symbol success / failure determination value is prepared, and this normal symbol success / failure determination value is acquired when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 27, and whether or not to activate the second start port 28b. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol is normal (whether to be in an open state). A “hit value” is set in advance for the normal symbol success / failure determination value, and a hit is determined when the acquired normal symbol success / failure determination value matches the winning value. When it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed by the normal symbol display device 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 determination value does not match the winning value), the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed by the normal symbol display device 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. The Note that the normal symbol success / failure determination value can be generated using a hardware random number using a random number counter by a counter IC or a software random number using a random number counter by software.

  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. With the holding of the normal symbol, the normal symbol appropriateness determination value 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 device 61 for displaying the first special symbol and a second special symbol are displayed. A second special symbol display device 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 devices 61 and 62 is composed of seven LEDs, and special LEDs (first special symbol and second special symbol) are respectively displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting each of the special symbol display devices 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 device 61 and the 2nd special symbol display device 62, a specific combination is set as a jackpot symbol among the combinations of the special symbols displayed by the combination of lighting and extinguishing 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 starts to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 61. 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 the game ball enters the second start port 28b, the second special symbol starts to be displayed on the second special symbol display device 62, and after the predetermined time elapses, the second special symbol is a big hit symbol or an off 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 determination value acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a, and the second value acquired when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. Special symbol determination values are provided. The first special symbol judgment value includes a first special symbol success / failure judgment value used for the first special symbol success / failure judgment as to whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and a jackpot symbol judgment for determining a stop symbol of the first special symbol. And a first reach determination value used for reach determination for determining whether or not to perform reach production. Similarly, for the second special symbol determination value, a second special symbol success / failure determination value used for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is determined, and a stop symbol of the second special symbol is determined. A second symbol determination value used for jackpot symbol determination and a second reach determination value used for reach determination for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect are included.

  Based on the game ball entering the first starting port 28a, a first special symbol success / failure determination value, a first symbol determination value, and a first reach determination value are acquired, and each of the acquired determination values is a main control. Is stored as a hold (first special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the unit 200. In addition, based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, a second special symbol success / failure determination value, a second symbol determination value, and a second reach determination value are acquired, and each of the acquired determination values is It is stored as a hold (second special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. The special symbol judgment value (special symbol success / failure judgment value, symbol judgment value, reach judgment value) is generated using a hardware random number using a random number counter by a counter IC or a software random number using a software random number counter. can do.

  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 determination values (first special symbol success / failure determination value, first symbol determination value, first reach determination value). In the present embodiment, since the first symbol determination value and the first reach determination value are obtained together with the first special symbol determination value based on the game ball entering the first start port 28a, the first special symbol is also acquired. The number of reservations also corresponds to the number of stored first symbol determination values and first reach determination values. 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 determination values (second special symbol success / failure determination value, second symbol determination value, second reach determination value). In the present embodiment, since the second symbol determination value and the second reach determination value are acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure determination value based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, the second special symbol is also acquired. The number of reservations also corresponds to the number of stored second symbol determination values and second reach determination values. 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.

  The special symbol success / failure determination value is set with a winning value (big hit value) for determining whether or not the special symbol is obtained, and the special symbol success / failure acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the first start port 28a or the second start port 28b. When the judgment value matches the big hit value, it becomes “big hit”, and when it does not match, it becomes “out”. 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 it is determined that the first special symbol is determined to be a big hit, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 is a display mode (hit mode) indicating a big hit. To be determined. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first special symbol is determined to be out, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 is a display pattern (disappearance mode) indicating that the first special symbol is out. Special mode). Similarly, if the second special symbol is determined to be a big hit in the second special symbol success / failure determination, the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 is a big win symbol that is a display mode (hit mode) indicating a big hit ( If the second special symbol is determined to be out of the second special symbol determination, the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 is displayed in a display mode (outside mode) indicating that it is out. A certain outlier (non-special aspect) is determined.

  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 in the variation (effect content). The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by variation pattern determination using a variation pattern determination value from a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol validity determination is executed.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and each is selected in accordance with the gaming state (special symbol variation mode). In addition, each variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state is selected when the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit, and when the special symbol success / failure determination result is out of the range. 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 reach determination using the reach determination value acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28.

  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 device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is the above-mentioned jackpot symbol (special aspect) (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) which 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. That is, the winning ball is paid out when the winning ball entrance ball detection switch 33s (not shown) disposed in the winning port 33a detects the passage of the game ball.

  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. 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 this embodiment, a plurality of types of big hit games having different execution modes are provided. Specifically, when the game in which the big winning opening 33a is opened is “round game”, a plurality of “round numbers” indicating the number of round games that can be executed in one big hit game are provided. In the embodiment, three types of “4 rounds”, “8 rounds”, and “16 rounds” are provided. In addition to the number of rounds, the operating state of the probability variation function after the end of the big hit game differs depending on the type of the big hit game (type of the big hit). The probability variation function will be described later.

  FIG. 3 shows a jackpot game determination table for determining a specific jackpot game from a plurality of types of jackpot games. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, there are provided four types of big hits including “16R probability big hit”, “8R probability big hit”, “8R normal big hit”, and “4R normal big hit”. The type of jackpot is determined based on the result of jackpot symbol determination (type of jackpot symbol) using the symbol determination values (first symbol determination value, second symbol determination value). Specifically, when “16R probability variation big hit symbol” is set as the stop symbol of the first special symbol, “16R probability variation big hit symbol” is generated, and when “8R probability variation big hit symbol” is set, “8R When “probable big hit” occurs and “8R normal big hit symbol” is set, “8R normal big hit” occurs. In addition, when “16R probability variation big hit symbol” is set as the stop symbol of the second special symbol, “16R probability variation big hit symbol” occurs, and when “8R probability variation big hit symbol” is set, “8R probability variation big hit symbol” occurs. When “4R normal big hit symbol” is set, “4R normal big hit symbol” is generated.

  When “16R probability variable big hit” occurs, the number of rounds of the big hit game is 16 rounds, and when either “8R probability variable big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs, the number of rounds of the big hit game is 8 When “4R normal big hit” occurs, the number of rounds of the big hit game is four rounds. In addition, when either of “16R probability change big hit” or “8R probability change big hit” occurs, the probability variation function operates after the big hit game ends, and either “8R normal big hit” or “4R normal big hit” occurs. In such a case, the probability variation function does not operate after the big hit game ends.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the jackpot game determination table, a distribution ratio for each jackpot is set. Specifically, in the first special symbol variation game, the allocation rate per 16R probability variation is “20%”, the allocation rate per 8R probability variation is “57%”, and the allocation rate per 8R normal variation is “ 23% ". In the 2nd special symbol variation game, the allocation rate per 16R probability variation is “52%”, the allocation rate per 8R probability variation is “25%”, and the allocation rate per 4R regular variation is “23%”. Is set to For this reason, the probability of occurrence of a probable big hit for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is “77%”.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, when either “8R probability variation big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs in the symbol variation game of the first special symbol, the promotion chance effect is executed during the big hit game. . This promotion chance effect corresponds to the “specific effect” of the present invention, which will be described later.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function are activated to be in an advantageous state (the “non-probable state with electric support” or “the positive change with electric support” described later) Status "etc.) is started. In the advantageous state in which the variable time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function are activated, the symbol variation game can be advanced under conditions that are more advantageous than the normal state in which these functions are not activated. Here, as advantageous states, (a) a state in which all of the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function are activated (an electric power support with a certain variation state), (b) the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function Among the probability variation functions, only the probability variation function is activated (the probability variation state without electric support), (c) only the variation time shortening function and the opening time extension function among the variation time shortening function, the opening time extending function and the probability varying function. Can be exemplified (a state of electric support and a non-probable change state). 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. Further, 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”. Hereinafter, the state in which the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are activated is also referred to as a “short time state”. Therefore, the above-mentioned (a) “probability change state with electric support” is “probability change state and short time state”, and (c) “non-probability change state with electric support” is simply “time reduction state”.

  As described above, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a normal jackpot symbol (8R normal jackpot symbol or 4R normal jackpot symbol), after the jackpot game is over, without changing the probability variation function, By operating the open time extension function, the “non-probable change state with power support” (short time state) is started. The non-probable change state (time reduction 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 (time reduction state) with electric support is configured to continue until the number of executions of the special symbol change display (or stop display) reaches the predetermined number after the big hit game ends. Set as number of times. In this embodiment, when the 8R normal big hit game is played (when 8R normal big hit is generated), the number of short times is set to 7, and when the 4R normal big hit game is played (when the 4R normal big hit is generated) ) Is set to 30 times, 50 times, or 70 times.

  Also, if the special symbol stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol (16R probable big hit symbol or 8R probable big hit symbol), after the big hit game ends, operate the probability variation function, variation time shortening function and open time extension function. , “Electric support and probable change state” is started. A jackpot game started by a probable jackpot game is also referred to as a “probable jackpot game”. 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 hit 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. That is, both the “probability change state” and the “short time state” continue until the next big hit game is started.

  When the probability variation function is activated (probability variation state), the jackpot value for determining whether or not the special symbol is increased increases the probability that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is a jackpot. Specifically, as the success / failure determination table in which the jackpot value is set, a low probability success / failure determination table and a high probability success / failure determination table in which the number of jackpot values is set larger than the low probability success / failure determination table are prepared. . When the probability variation function is not in operation, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the low probability success / failure determination table, so that the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination value matches the jackpot value is low (in this embodiment, 1/200). When the probability variation function is activated, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the high probability success / failure determination table, so that the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination value matches the jackpot value is high (in this embodiment, 1/20). )

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect display device 25 generates a symbol variation effect in response to the special symbol variation game performed using the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62. Done. As the symbol variation effect, for example, in accordance with the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display on the second special symbol display device 62, the effect symbol consisting of numerical symbols is displayed in a variable manner. For example, a reach display effect to be performed during a change display of the effect symbol. There are a plurality of types of effect contents (effect patterns) of the symbol variation effect, and display data (image data) for these effects is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

  Here, the symbol variation effect realized under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 described later will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, an effect symbol display unit 25 a for displaying effect symbols is provided in the display area V of the effect display device 25. 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 device 61 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 62. That is, the effect display device 25 functions as a symbol display device in the same manner as the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device 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 in a manner corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In the effect design, the symbol combination with the same three digits becomes a special mode (success mode) corresponding to the special symbol jackpot symbol, and the other symbol combinations become the non-special mode (out mode) corresponding to the special symbol losing symbol. .

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

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

  Also, in this embodiment, whether or not the game state after the big hit game is shifted to a probable change state during execution of a predetermined big hit game (hereinafter referred to as “specific big hit game”) among a plurality of types of big hit games. The promotion chance effect indicating (whether or not the probability variation state occurs) is executed. In the present embodiment, the 8R probability variable big hit game and the 8R normal big hit game (that is, the 8R big hit game) executed as a result of the symbol variable game of the first special symbol are set as “specific big hit games”.

  Specifically, it is impossible for the player to determine whether or not a probability variation state occurs in a symbol variation effect corresponding to a symbol variation game that triggers the occurrence of a specific jackpot game (8R probability variation jackpot game or 8R normal jackpot game). It carries out in the form which becomes. After that, the big hit game effect corresponding to the specific big hit game is performed in a manner in which it is impossible to determine whether or not the probability variation state occurs until the predetermined time comes from the start of the big hit game. In this embodiment, the types of stop symbols of the effect symbols corresponding to the 8R probability variable big hit symbol and the 8R normal big hit symbol are the same, and whether the 8R probability variable big hit or the 8R normal big hit is based on the stop symbol of the effect symbol. Indistinguishable. Then, a promotion chance effect (specific effect) is executed at a predetermined time during the 8R probability variation big hit game and the 8R normal big hit game, and this promotion chance effect notifies whether or not a probability change state will occur after the big hit game ends. . In this embodiment, a “probability change promotion success notification” indicating that a probability change state occurs, and a “probability change promotion failure notification” indicating that a probability change state does not occur or whether a probability change state occurs is still unknown. Is performed during the promotion chance production. The promotion chance effect can be performed using the display area V of the effect display device 25, for example.

  The promotion chance effect is executed according to a predetermined effect pattern at a predetermined time from the start to the end of the specific jackpot game. For example, a promotion chance effect can be executed during a predetermined round game among a plurality of round games constituting the jackpot game. In this embodiment, in the 8R probability variable jackpot game and the 8R normal jackpot game, 6 The promotion chance effect is executed in the eighth round game. In this embodiment, the promotion chance effect is performed over a plurality of consecutive round games, but the promotion chance effect is completed in one round game, or a plurality of non-consecutive round games (for example, The promotion chance effect can be executed in the third and sixth round games).

  Further, in this embodiment, as a promotion chance effect, a battle effect in which a teammate character and an enemy character battle each other is performed, and whether or not a probability change state occurs after the jackpot game is finished by winning one of the characters (probability change promotion). It is configured to notify whether or not to succeed. Specifically, it is shown that by performing an effect in which the ally character wins in the battle effect, a probable change state occurs after the big hit game ends (probability change promotion success notification), and by performing the effect that the ally character is defeated It is indicated that the probability change state does not occur after the jackpot game ends or whether it is still unknown (probability change promotion failure notification).

  Here, in the present embodiment, a battle effect is performed as a promotion chance effect, in which “an effect in which a teammate character wins” or “an effect in which a teammate character loses” is performed. That is, by performing “probability change promotion success notification” or “probability change promotion failure notification” in “promotion chance production”, it indicates whether or not a probability change state occurs. The execution mode of the promotion chance effect is not limited to the mode shown in the present embodiment, and other modes can be adopted. For example, the mode of performing only the “probable change promotion success notification” without performing the “probability change promotion failure notification”. It can also be. In this case, it is “probability change promotion failure” not to perform “probability change promotion success notification” in “promotion chance production”, that is, “the probability change state does not occur or it is still unknown whether or not it occurs after the big hit game” Will mean. “Probability change promotion success notification” corresponds to “probability change notification” of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the promotion chance effect (battle effect) of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of battle effects A, B, and C are provided. Battle productions A, B, and C have different production patterns, different types of characters appearing, production contents, and the like. In addition, the battle effects A, B, and C include a mode in which a winning result is obtained and a mode in which a defeat result is obtained, respectively. Probability of being different).

  A specific battle effect is selected from the battle effects A, B, and C, and the selected battle effect is executed. The selection of the battle effect is the result of jackpot symbol determination using the symbol determination values (first symbol determination value, second symbol determination value) described above (the type of jackpot symbol, in this case, the 8R probability variation big hit symbol or the 8R normal jackpot symbol) And based on the result of a lottery using a predetermined random number for determining battle effects. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, “A” indicating battle effect A, “B” indicating battle effect B, and “C” indicating battle effect C are displayed in display area V of effect display device 25. The specific battle effect is configured to be selected in a roulette format. In the example shown in FIG. 4, battle effect A is selected.

  In the battle effect, either a victory result where the teammate character wins or a defeat result where the teammate character loses is obtained. In this embodiment, when an 8R probability variation jackpot game is executed (when the result of the jackpot symbol determination is an 8R probability variation jackpot symbol), a battle effect or a defeat result with a victory result (successful probability promotion success) during the jackpot game ( One of the battle effects accompanied by the probability change promotion failure) is executed. Further, when the 8R normal jackpot game is executed (when the result of the jackpot symbol determination is an 8R normal jackpot symbol), only the battle effect with the defeat result (probability change promotion failure) is executed during the jackpot game.

  If the result of the battle performance executed during the jackpot game is victorious (successful promotion of probability change), the player can recognize that the game state is the probability change state after the jackpot game ends. "Direction mode" occurs. On the other hand, if the result of the battle performance executed during the jackpot game is defeated (probability promotion failure), the battle performance continues after the jackpot game ends. Is generated. In the promotion chance production mode, by continuously performing the battle production performed during the big hit game, the player can firmly recognize that the state that can be promoted with certainty continues even after the start of the symbol variation game. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this example, among the distribution ratio “57%” of the 8R probability variable big hit game, the probability ratio promotion success distribution ratio is “27%”, and the probability change promotion failure distribution ratio is “27%”. 30% ". Further, the distribution rate of the 8R normal jackpot game (probability change promotion failure) is “23%”, which is lower than the distribution rate “30%” of the probability change promotion failure in the 8R probability change big hit game. In other words, even when a battle effect with a defeat result (probability change promotion failure) is executed during a big hit game, the possibility of being an 8R positive change big hit game is higher than the possibility of being an 8R normal big hit game. . For this reason, when the promotion chance production mode occurs, it is possible to increase a sense of expectation for the probability change promotion.

  In addition, in this embodiment, after the battle performance during the big hit game is a defeat result (failure promotion promotion failure), the continuous notification for notifying that the battle production is continuously performed also in the symbol variation game after the big hit game ends. Production is performed. The continuous notification effect can be performed using, for example, the display area V of the effect display device 25.

  In the promotion chance effect mode, the battle effect executed during the jackpot game (battle effect A in the example shown in FIG. 4) is continuously executed even in the symbol variation game after the jackpot game ends. In the battle effect A executed during the symbol variation game, the same character as the battle effect A executed during the big hit game appears and is executed according to the same effect pattern.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the number of time reductions after the end of the 8R normal big hit game is set to 7, and after the 8R probability variable big hit game ends, the time reduction state continues until the next big hit occurs. After the probable big hit game is finished and after the 8R normal big hit game is finished, the opening mode of the second start port 28b becomes an open pattern for a long time until the seventh special symbol variation display is finished. For this reason, for the player, the state after the end of the specific jackpot game (8R jackpot game) is “an electric support with a probability change after the end of the 8R probability change big hit game” or “the power support after the end of the 8R regular jackpot game”. It is not possible to determine whether there is a “non-probable change state”. Utilizing this fact, in this embodiment, after the end of the specific jackpot game, the promotion chance effect mode is generated until the special symbol variation display is performed seven times, during which the same battle as in the specific jackpot game is generated. It is assumed that the result of the battle effect is obtained when the effect is performed and when the variation display of the special symbol is performed for the seventh time (when the variation is out of the first to seventh times).

  In the promotion chance production mode after the end of the 8R probability change big hit game, a battle production with a victory result (successful promotion of probability change) is executed, and after the promotion chance production mode ends, the player is made aware that the gaming state is a probability change state. "Probability change mode" that can be generated. After the 8R probability variation big hit game ends, the probability variation state with electric support continues until the next big hit occurrence, so in the probability variation production mode, the game proceeds in the probability variation state with electric support. Further, in the promotion chance production mode after the end of the 8R normal big hit game, a battle production with a defeat result (probability change promotion failure) is executed, and after the promotion chance production mode ends, the player is in a non-probability change state. The “normal performance mode” that can be recognized by the player occurs. After the 8R normal big hit game ends, the special symbol change display is performed seven times, so that the time-short state is ended. Therefore, in the normal performance mode, the game proceeds in a non-probable state without electric support.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol change time during the promotion chance production mode is determined based on the execution time of the promotion chance production executed during the big hit game. Specifically, the special time during the promotion chance directing mode is set so that the execution time of the promotion chance directing executed during the jackpot game is the same as the execution time of the promotion chance directing executed in the promotion chance directing mode. The variation time of the symbol is limited to a predetermined time.

  For example, when the execution time of the promotion chance effect during the big hit game is 70 seconds, the execution time of each of the seven special symbol changes executed during the promotion chance effect mode (the change time of the special symbol) By limiting to 10 seconds, the execution time of the promotion chance effect executed during the promotion chance effect mode can be set to 70 seconds. In this way, in order to limit the variation time of the special symbol during the promotion chance production mode, during the promotion chance production mode, the variation time (fluctuation pattern) of the special symbol is defined based on the execution time of the promotion chance production during the jackpot game. The special symbol variation time (variation pattern) is determined using the “special variation pattern table”.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, 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. Further, the main control unit 200 is configured by a CPU 200b as a main body to determine whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is determined by the determination program stored in the ROM. . Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 6 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 6 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 determination values (random number counter), prize ball payout control, etc. are performed. The normal symbol display device 51 (see FIG. 2) determines whether the normal symbol is hit and stopped in the normal symbol display mode or whether it is stopped and displayed in the off-normal symbol display mode. Here, as described above, the normal symbol success / failure determination in the present embodiment has a probability of being 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. 7A, 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 determination value is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501c). The first special symbol determination value includes a first special symbol determination value, a first symbol determination value, a first reach determination value, 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 hold number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501e: NO), the start opening winning process is terminated, and the second special symbol hold number is less than 4. If it is determined that there is (S501e: YES), the second special symbol determination value is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501f). The second special symbol determination value includes a second special symbol success / failure determination value, a second symbol determination value, a second reach determination value, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one.

  Next, returning to FIG. 7A, 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. 9 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, a special symbol success / failure determination value (a success / failure determination value acquired when a game ball enters the start port 28) stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is read (S508a). A special symbol success / failure 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), it is determined whether or not the effect counter exceeds zero (S508e). The effect counter is a counter used to limit the variation time of the special symbol during the promotion chance effect mode, and counts the number of times the special symbol is changed during the promotion chance effect mode. In this embodiment, when a specific big hit game (8R probability variable big hit game, 8R normal big hit game) is performed, an initial value “7” is set in the process of S610c (FIG. 11) described later. Thereby, after the promotion chance production mode is started, until the special symbol variation display is performed seven times, the variation time of each time is limited to a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds).

  As a result of the determination processing in S508e, if it is determined that the production counter is greater than zero (S508e: YES), special variation pattern table setting processing is performed (S508f), and the production counter is decremented by “1” (S508g). ). In the special variation pattern table setting process, a special variation pattern table in which the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol is defined based on the execution time of the promotion chance effect during the big hit game is set. On the other hand, as a result of the determination process in S508e, if it is determined that the effect counter is not greater than zero (S508e: NO), a deviation pattern table setting process is performed (S508h).

  Next, the variation pattern determination value is acquired, and the symbol determination value (the symbol determination value acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is read ( S508i). Then, the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are determined using each determination value (S508j). As the special symbol variation pattern, the variation pattern determination value acquired in S508i is used to select a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d, S508f, or S508h. Each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d, S508f, or S508h is associated with a variation pattern determination value and a variation pattern, and the variation corresponding to the variation pattern determination value acquired in S508i. The pattern is determined as the variation pattern used this time. Also, the special symbol stop symbol is set in the symbol determination table stored in the predetermined area of the main control unit 200 using the symbol determination value read in S508i when the result of the special symbol success / failure 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 associates the symbol determination value with each jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol determination value read in S508i is determined as the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed this time. The

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in the process of S508j, the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S508k), 1 is subtracted (S508l), and a symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S508m). 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 S508j, 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 S508j. 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. 7A, 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 device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is a big hit symbol (FIG. 7 ( 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). The jackpot game start command is provided according to the type of jackpot game. When the sub-control unit 260 receives this command, a jackpot game start effect (fanfare effect) according to the type of jackpot game is performed. 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 device 61 or the second special symbol display device 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 processing of S606, when the big hit game being executed is “16R big hit game”, it is determined whether the number of rounds has reached “16 rounds”, and when the big hit game is “8R big hit game”, the number of rounds is “8”. It is determined whether or not “round” has been reached. In the case of “4R big hit game”, it is determined whether or not the number of rounds has reached “4 rounds”. When the number of rounds reaches “16 rounds”, “8 rounds”, or “4 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), and a round number designation command for designating the number of round games to be newly started is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S609).

  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 (S610). Here, the big hit game end process (S610) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the big hit game flag is set to OFF (S610a), and it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a specific big hit (8R probability variable big hit, 8R normal big hit) (S610b).

  As a result, when it is determined that the current big hit is not the specific big hit (8R probability variation big hit, 8R normal big hit) (S610b: NO), the process proceeds to S610d. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current big hit is a specific big hit (8R probability variation big hit, 8R normal big hit) (S610b: YES), "7" is set as the initial value in the effect counter (S610c).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a probable big hit (S610d). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation is a big hit (S610d: YES), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S610e). As a result, the probability variation function starts operating with the end of the big hit game. Then, “10,000” is set in the fluctuation shortening counter (S610f). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a probable big hit (S610d: NO), it is determined whether or not the current big hit is an 8R normal big hit (S610g).

  As a result, when it is determined that the current big hit is an 8R normal big hit (S610g: YES), "7" is set to the fluctuation shortening counter (S610h). On the other hand, when it is determined that the current big hit is not the 8R normal big hit (S610g: NO), since the current big hit is the 4R normal big hit, the variation shortening counter is set to “30”, “50” or “70”. Either one is set (S610i).

  Next, the fluctuation shortening counter is set to ON (S610j), and the open extension flag is set to ON (S610k). 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 (S610l).

  Next, the promotion chance 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 promotion chance effect process shown in FIG. 12, 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. 12, it is first determined whether or not a specific jackpot game (8R probability variable jackpot game, 8R normal jackpot game) is being executed (S700). Whether or not a specific jackpot game (8R probability variable jackpot game, 8R normal jackpot game) is being executed is included in a special symbol included in the symbol change start command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the processing of S508m and S509m shown in FIG. A special symbol stop symbol (type of jackpot symbol) designated by the symbol information designation command, or a jackpot game designated by the jackpot game start command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the process of S518 shown in FIG. 7B. It can be determined based on the type.

  As a result of the determination processing in S700, if it is determined that the specific jackpot game (8R probability variable jackpot game, 8R normal jackpot game) is being executed (S700: YES), whether or not the promotion chance effect is being executed. Is determined (S701). As a result, when it is determined that the promotion chance effect is being executed (S701: YES), the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion chance effect is not being executed (S701: NO), it is determined whether it is the start timing of the promotion chance effect (S702). In the present embodiment, since the promotion chance effect is executed during the sixth to eighth round games of the specific jackpot game, in the determination process of S702, the number of rounds transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the process of S609 (FIG. 10). Based on whether or not the round designated by the designation command is the sixth round, it can be determined whether or not it is the start timing of the promotion chance effect.

  As a result of the determination process of S702, when it is determined that it is not the start timing of the promotion chance effect (S702: NO), the promotion chance effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the start timing of the promotion chance effect (S702: YES), the promotion chance effect is started (S703). In this embodiment, as described above, a battle effect in which a teammate character and an enemy character battle each other is executed as a promotion chance effect.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the promotion chance effect is obtained (S704). In the present embodiment, the result of the promotion chance effect is obtained during the eighth round game. If it is determined that the result of the promotion chance effect is not obtained as a result of the determination process in S704 (S704: NO), the promotion chance effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the promotion chance effect is obtained (S704: YES), whether or not the result of the promotion chance effect (probability change notification mode) is the probability change promotion success (probability change success notification) (step 704). It is determined whether or not the battle effect is a victory result (S705).

  As a result, when it is determined that the probability change promotion is successful (the battle effect is the victory result) (S705: YES), the promotion chance effect is terminated, and the game state after the end of the big hit game is in the probability change state. A probability variation effect mode that allows the player to recognize that it is present is generated (S706). On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the promotion chance effect is not a successful probability promotion success (the battle effect is a defeat result), that is, if it is determined that the probability change promotion failure (probability change promotion failure notification) (S705: NO), performing a continuous notification effect for informing that the promotion chance effect (battle effect) will continue to be performed even after the end of the jackpot game (S707), and generating the promotion chance effect mode after the end of the jackpot game (S708) . Then, the promotion chance effect (battle effect) is continuously performed during the promotion chance effect mode (S709).

  Next, as a result of the determination processing in S700, if it is determined that the specific jackpot game (8R probability variable jackpot game, 8R normal jackpot game) is not being executed (S700: NO), it is determined that the promotion chance effect mode is in effect. Is determined (S711). As a result, when it is determined that the promotion chance effect mode is not in effect (S711: NO), the promotion chance effect process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion chance effect mode is in effect (S711: YES), after the specific jackpot game is over, the promotion chance effect is continued in accordance with the change display of the special symbol (as the symbol change effect). Therefore, it is determined whether or not the result of the promotion chance effect has been obtained (S712). In the present embodiment, the result of the promotion chance effect during the promotion chance effect mode is obtained when the predetermined number of times of the variable display of the first to seventh special symbols is performed, The timing can be arbitrarily set by performing random number lottery for determining the notification timing. If it is determined that the result of the promotion chance effect is not obtained as a result of the determination process of S712 (S712: NO), the promotion chance effect process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the promotion chance effect has been obtained (S712: YES), whether or not the result of the promotion chance effect (probability change notification mode) is the probability change promotion success (probability change promotion success notification) ( It is determined whether or not the battle effect is a victory result (S713).

  As a result, when it is determined that the probability change promotion is successful (the battle effect is the victory result) (S713: YES), after the promotion chance effect mode is finished, the game state is determined to be the probability change state. The probability variation effect mode that can be recognized by the person is generated (S714). On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the promotion chance effect is not a successful change promotion success (the battle effect is a defeat result) (S713: NO), after the promotion chance effect mode is ended, the gaming state is in an uncertain change state. A normal performance mode that allows the player to recognize this is generated (S715).

  In the present embodiment described above, if the result of the promotion chance production executed during the specific jackpot game (8R probability variable jackpot game, 8R normal jackpot game) is a probability change promotion failure, the promotion chance even after the jackpot game ends. The promotion chance production mode in which the production is continuously performed is generated. As a result, even if the promotion to the probabilistic state fails as a result of the promotion chance production executed during the jackpot game, the expectation for the probability change promotion obtained by the promotion chance production during the specific jackpot game is expressed as a specific jackpot. It is possible to provide a novel game characteristic that can be sustained even in the symbol variation game after the game ends, and to enhance the game entertainment.

  Further, in this embodiment, the promotion chance effect (promotion chance effect performed as the symbol variation effect) executed in the symbol variation game (promotion chance mode) after the jackpot game ends is the promotion chance performed during the jackpot game. It is comprised so that it may be performed according to the production pattern (a battle production in this example) similar to the production. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize that the promotion chance effect itself executed during the big hit game is continuously executed even in the symbol variation game after the big hit game ends. As a result, the expectation for the probability change promotion obtained by the promotion chance effect during the big hit game can be effectively maintained even in the symbol variation game after the big hit game ends.

  Also, in this embodiment, when the promotion chance effect is executed in the symbol variation game (promotion chance mode) after the jackpot game ends, the promotion is performed based on the execution time of the promotion chance effect executed during the jackpot game. The execution time of the symbol variation game during the chance mode (the variation time of the special symbol) is limited. As a result, the execution period of the promotion chance effect executed in the symbol variation game after the end of the big hit game, in other words, the execution period of the promotion chance mode can be secured sufficiently, and in the same way as the promotion chance effect during the big hit game Even after the special game ends, the expectation for the probable promotion can be maintained.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the result of the promotion chance production during the jackpot game is a probability change promotion failure (the battle production is a defeat result) (when the probability change promotion is not successful), the promotion chance production (battle production) ) Is configured to perform a continuous notification effect for notifying that it will continue even in the symbol variation game after the end of the big hit game. As a result, even if the result of the promotion chance production during the jackpot game becomes a probability change promotion failure (not a probability change promotion success), the expectation for the probability change promotion can be effectively maintained thereafter.

  Here, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the present invention will be described. The “big hit game” corresponds to the “special game” of the present invention, and the “promotion chance effect” is the “specific effect” of the present invention. “Probability change promotion notification” corresponds to “Probability change notification” of the present invention, and “Main control unit 200” corresponds to “Special game execution means”, “Probability change state generation means”, “Change display” of the present invention. Corresponding to “limitation means”, “effect display device 25, sub-control unit 260 and effect display control unit 280” correspond to “specific effect execution means” and “continuation notification execution 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 embodiment, the promotion chance effect is executed in the 8R probability variable jackpot game and the 8R normal jackpot game. However, the promotion chance effect is executed in different types of jackpot games. You may comprise as follows.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although comprised so that a promotion chance effect might be performed by the jackpot game performed as a result of the symbol variation game of a 1st special symbol, it is not restricted to this, The symbol variation game of a 2nd special symbol As a result, the promotion chance effect may be executed in the jackpot game executed.

  In the above embodiment, the promotion chance effect is executed over a plurality of consecutive round games including the final round game in the big hit game. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may comprise so that a promotion chance effect may be performed when one or several round game or a big hit game is complete | finished (when an ending effect is performed). That is, promotion chance effects can be performed at any time from the start to the end of the jackpot game.

  Moreover, although the example which performs the battle production which a friendly character and an enemy character fight as an promotion chance production was demonstrated in the said Example, it is not restricted to this, By the production which can alert | report the probability change promotion success or the probability change promotion failure as a result of production. I just need it.

  Moreover, although the example which does not use the production | presentation button 8 as a promotion opportunity production | presentation was demonstrated in the said Example, it is not restricted to this, It can change advancing of production | production by operation of the production | production button 8 by a promotion chance production | presentation. You may comprise. For example, when performing a battle effect as a promotion chance effect, it is possible to perform an effect in which an ally character attacks an enemy character based on the operation of the effect button 8.

  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, 33a ... Grand prize opening, 61 ... 1st special symbol display apparatus, 62 ... 2nd special symbol display apparatus, 200 ... Main-control part (Special game execution means, Probability change state generation means, Fluctuation display restriction means) , 260... Sub-control unit (specific effect execution means, continuation notification execution means), 280... Effect display control unit (specific effect execution means, continuation notification execution means).

Claims (4)

Special game executing means for executing a special game for operating the special winning device based on the fact that the symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device is stopped and displayed in a special manner;
A probability variation state generating means for generating a probability variation state in which the probability that the symbol is stopped and displayed in a special manner is high; and
A specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect that may cause a probability change notification indicating that the probability change state occurs during the special game;
With
The specific effect executing means is configured to execute the specific effect even after the special game ends when the probability change notification is not performed in the specific effect during the special game. To play.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific effect after the special game ends and the specific effect during the special game are executed according to similar effect patterns, respectively. The specific effect after the end of the special game is performed until the number of executions of the variable display or stop display after the end of the special game reaches a predetermined number of times,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a variable display limiting unit that limits a time required for the variable display to a predetermined time until the execution count reaches the predetermined number.   When the probability change notification is not performed in the specific effect during the special game, it is provided with continuous notification execution means for executing a continuous notification indicating that the specific effect is performed even after the special game ends. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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