JP2015003234A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase interest and amusement by gradually increasing player's expectations during the progress of a usual game performance.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 displays one item after a normal game performance is started, and the one item is displayed in a stored state at one display area among a prescribed number of display areas. While the normal game performance is continued, one more item is repeatedly and sequentially displayed, and each item sequentially displayed is sequentially displayed in the stored state at one display area among the prescribed number of display areas other than the display area where the item is stored. When the normal game performance is completed, a storage performance is performed so that the prescribed number of items or less can be displayed in the stored state. Especially when a specific game performance is carried out, the prescribed number of items are displayed in the stored state at high probability.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that launches a game ball on a game board surface.

  Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine capable of shifting to a special development effect called a gun fight chance game when a reach effect is started from a normal symbol variation state (for example, Patent Document 1). In this gun fight chance game, a player is given at least one opportunity to operate an operation button within a predetermined period, and the reach effect is a big hit by detecting that the operation button is operated within the period. It is a game that informs the degree of expectation.

JP 2007-301106 A

  In this type of gaming machine, there are many cases in which symbol variation generates a jackpot through a reach state. In other words, in principle, if the symbol variation does not reach reach, no jackpot will be generated. Further, even if the symbol variation reaches the reach state, it is generally very unlikely that a big hit will occur if the effect in the normal reach state (normal reach effect) is performed. In other words, when an effect that is a big hit on a gaming machine is performed, after a normal game effect that becomes a normal reach effect from a pattern change is performed, the normal reach effect evolves to the next stage, and a specific character In fact, there are many cases where a specific game production is performed so as to achieve the target action. Such a specific game effect suggests to the player that the degree of expectation that a jackpot will occur is higher than the normal game effect. However, even if a specific game effect is performed, it is not always a big hit. If a specific character or the like does not achieve the target action in a specific game effect, the symbol variation is lost. And stop.

  When the symbol variation is started in the gaming machine as described above, the player expects the effect to develop progressively from the normal game effect to the specific game effect. However, the conventional gaming machine described above, when performing a gun fight chance game, activates the gun fight chance game at a predetermined timing after entering the normal reach state after starting the symbol variation by the normal game effect. Therefore, it is possible to surprise the player at the timing when the gun fight chance game is activated, while the player's normal game performance is in progress before the timing when the gun fight chance game is activated. It does not gradually increase expectations.

  Therefore, to produce an effect that gradually increases the expectation of the player who expects the production to shift progressively from the normal game production to the specific game production. If it is possible, it is thought that the interest property of a gaming machine can be improved further than before.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a gaming machine that is more interesting than before by gradually increasing the player's expectation during the progress of a normal game performance. It is intended to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine (1), wherein a special game judging means (53) for judging whether or not a special game advantageous to a player is performed when the start condition is established. ) And an effect control means (33) for causing a predetermined effect means to perform a game effect based on the determination result by the special game determination means (53), the effect control means (33) Along with the determination of whether or not to perform the special game by the game determination means (53), the normal effect control means (72) for performing a normal game effect, and the normal effect control means (72) by the normal effect control means (72) Specific effect control capable of causing a specific game effect to be suggested suggesting that the degree of expectation determined to be performed by the special game determining means (53) is high after a normal game effect is performed. The normal game effect is opened by the means (74) and the normal effect control means (72). After being started, the one item is displayed, and then the one item is stored in one of the predetermined number of display areas, and the normal game effect is continued. One item is repeatedly displayed in sequence, and each item to be displayed in sequence is stored in one display area of the predetermined number of display areas except for the display area that already displays the storage state of the items. A storage effect that can be displayed in a state where the predetermined number or the number of items less than the predetermined number are stored at the time when the normal game effect ends, by sequentially displaying the displayed state Storage effect control means (75) to be performed, the storage effect control means (75), when the specific game effect is performed by the specific effect control means, the specific game effect is Display control means for displaying the predetermined number of items in a state in which the predetermined number of items are stored in the predetermined number of display areas at a time when the normal game effect ends, with a higher probability than when not It is a configuration.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to gradually increase the player's expectation during the progress of a normal gaming effect, and to provide a gaming machine with higher interest than before. it can.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance structure of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control mechanism of the game machine attached to the back side of a game board. It is the block diagram which showed typically the main functional structure in a main control board and an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the ratio which the 1st thru | or 4th jackpot (special game) generate | occur | produces. It is a figure which shows the special game performed by the 1st thru | or 4th jackpot game. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the shutter interlock | cooperated with opening / closing operation | movement of a 2nd big winning opening. It is a figure which shows the transition of the gaming state by control of the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a 1st start port switch process and a 2nd start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a normal symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an electric tulip process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an output process. It is a figure which shows an example of the various effect patterns previously stored in the effect control board. It is a figure which shows each operation | movement timing of the normal production | presentation control part in a production | presentation control board, the operation production | presentation control part, the specific production | presentation control part, and the storage production | presentation control part. It is a figure which shows the one aspect | mode of a series of fluctuation effects performed by the normal effect control part, the operation effect control part, and the specific effect control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage effect performed by the storage effect control part. It is a figure which shows one production | presentation aspect in case the storage production which stores all the predetermined number items in the item storage display part is performed. It is a figure which shows one production | presentation aspect in case the storage production which stores the item of less than a predetermined number is performed on an item storage display part. It is a figure which illustrates the relationship between the display mode of the item in an item storage display part, and the suggestion of the effect by it. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement in an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of an effect determination process.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. This gaming machine 1 is a ball-type gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a launching device in accordance with a player's instruction operation wins various winning holes. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 has a gaming machine main body 1a fixed to an island facility of a hall (store), and a transparent glass plate 2 is fitted on the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a. A front frame door 3 is provided. The gaming machine main body 1 a includes a gaming board 10 that rolls gaming balls inside the front frame door 3.

  The front frame door 3 is pivotally supported at the left end of the gaming machine main body 1a so that the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a can be opened and closed. The transparent glass plate 2 is for making the gaming board 10 attached to the inside of the gaming machine main body 1a visible while the front frame door 3 closes the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a. In addition, a shelf-shaped sphere storage unit 4 that protrudes to the front side is provided at the lower center of the front frame door 3. On the upper surface of the ball storage section 4, an operation button 6 that can be operated by the player is provided, and a storage tray for storing a game ball for launching on the game board 10 is provided. Further, the front frame door 3 includes a handle lever 5 that can be rotated in the clockwise direction in order to allow the player to fire the game ball at the lower right portion of the ball storage unit 4. Further, the front frame door 3 is provided with a frame lamp 7 that is lit in various patterns as the game progresses, above the transparent glass plate 2 and below the ball storage unit 4, and is positioned above the transparent glass plate 2. Speakers 8 are provided on the left and right sides of the frame lamp 7 to output sound for various effects as the game progresses.

  When the front frame door 3 is in a closed state, the game board 10 forms a game area where the game ball can roll between the board surface and the transparent glass plate 2 fitted in the front frame door 3. That is, when the handle lever 5 is operated by the player, the game ball is launched to the upper left part of the game area with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle, and then the game ball flows down while rolling in the game area. When the game ball wins various winning holes provided on the game board 10, the gaming machine 1 pays out the prize ball to the storage tray of the ball storage unit 4.

  In the center of the game board 10, a center accessory 11 for performing various effects as the game progresses is provided. In addition, the game board 10 has a first start port 13, a second start port 14, a first big prize port 15, a second big prize port 16, and a through hole in addition to a large number of nails and windmills around the center actor 11. A known member such as a gate 21 is provided. In addition to this, the game board 10 is also provided with a normal winning opening not shown. Further, the game board 10 displays a special symbol corresponding to the determination result of the special game determination (big hit determination) by displaying a variation of the special symbol on the lower left part of the board surface outside the game area where the game ball rolls. The number of holds due to the winning of the game ball is displayed at the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, or the normal symbol lottery result due to the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is displayed. For this purpose, a symbol display 22 is provided.

  In the game board 10 shown in FIG. 1, a through gate 21 is provided on the left side of the center accessory 11. The through gate 21 is a gate which is a condition for the normal symbol lottery to be performed in the gaming machine 1, and when the game ball passes through the gate, the normal symbol lottery is started in the gaming machine 1.

  The first start port 13 is provided below the center accessory 11, and the second start port 14 is provided on the right side of the first start port 13. The second starting port 14 is provided with electric tulips 14a that are blade-shaped opening and closing members on the left and right sides, and if the electric tulip 14a is open to the left and right, the game ball can easily win the second starting port 14 Become. When the electric tulip 14a wins the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the through gate 21, the electric tulip 14a is opened in the left and right directions for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times according to the game state at that time. Each of the first start port 13 and the second start port 14 is a winning port for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls, and whether or not to play a jackpot game that is a special game advantageous to the player in the gaming machine 1 This is a winning opening that is a condition for determining whether or not a jackpot (special game determination) is to be made. Therefore, when a game ball wins at these start openings 13 and 14 and a start condition is satisfied, a big hit determination is performed in the gaming machine 1, a special symbol variation display is started on the symbol display 22, and the center bonus In 11 and the like, the symbol variation effect corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination is started.

  The symbol display 22 is arranged at the corner of the game board 10 and is provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to visually recognize. The display mode of the special symbol variable display is also difficult for the player to identify. Displayed in display mode. Therefore, the player recognizes the result of the jackpot determination or the like based on the result of the symbol variation effect performed mainly by the center accessory 11 or the like.

  The first big prize opening 15 is provided on the game board 10 on the right side of the second start opening 14. The first big prize opening 15 is normally closed. Then, in the gaming machine 1, when the jackpot determination (special game determination) is made based on the condition that the game ball is won at the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14, the jackpot game (special game) started after that In a predetermined round of (game), the first big prize opening 15 is opened. When the first grand prize opening 15 is opened, the open state continues until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winnings are counted. When the predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of winnings are counted, the first big winning opening 15 is closed.

  The second grand prize opening 16 is provided on the right side of the center accessory 11. The second big prize opening 16 is also normally closed. Then, in the gaming machine 1, when the jackpot determination (special game determination) is performed on the condition that a game ball is won at the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14, the jackpot game (special game) started after that Until a predetermined time elapses in a predetermined round of (game) or until a predetermined number of winnings are counted, the second big prize opening 16 is opened. In the jackpot game, a round in which either the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is selectively opened is executed a predetermined number of times, so that the first grand prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 is not open at the same time. The jackpot game that opens the first grand prize opening 15 or the second grand prize opening 16 is a game that gives the player an opportunity to obtain a lot of prize balls, and is therefore particularly advantageous for the player. Gaming state (special gaming state).

  In addition, the center accessory 11 includes an image display 12 configured by, for example, a color liquid crystal display in the center. The image display 12 can display, for example, three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c with symbols such as numerals, alphabets, and characters. A special jackpot determination (special game determination) is performed in the gaming machine 1. As the symbol variation display starts, the symbol variation effect that causes the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c to fluctuate in the vertical direction is started, and the variation effect is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time. An effect of notifying the player of the result of the determination (special game determination) is performed. For example, when the symbol variation effect performed on the image display 12 is stopped with all three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c being aligned with the same symbol, the stop symbol is notified that the symbol is a big hit. .

  The image display 12 may perform various game effects between the start and stop of the symbol variation effect. For example, the normal reach effect in the normal reach state may be performed from the normal symbol variation effect, or the operation effect that prompts the player to operate the operation button 6 may be performed from the normal reach effect in the normal reach state. Further, when the player performs a button operation while performing the operation effect and the player succeeds in performing the operation effect, the image display device 12 shifts the normal reach effect in the normal reach state to the next stage, and a specific character or the like is displayed. There may be various development effects that display whether or not the target action can be achieved.

  In addition, an item storage display unit 24 in which a predetermined number (for example, seven) of light emitting units 25 are arranged inside a substantially elliptical display area is provided below the image display 12 in the center accessory 11. . The predetermined number of light emitting units 25 can be individually controlled to be turned on or off, and each includes a plurality of light sources (for example, LEDs) such as red, yellow, green, and blue. Therefore, by individually controlling each light emitting unit 25, it is possible to cause each of the predetermined number of light emitting units 25 provided in the item storage display unit 24 to emit light in an arbitrary color. Such an item storage display unit 24 is for performing a storage effect, which will be described later, while a normal symbol variation display and a normal reach effect in the normal reach state are being performed on the image display 12. In the present embodiment, the case where seven light emitting units 25 are provided in the item storage display unit 24 is illustrated, but the number of the light emitting units 25 is not limited to seven, and may be one. It may be any number of two or more.

  In addition, a winning area 17 is formed on the right side of the center accessory 11 in which a game ball that wins the second big prize opening 16 rolls when the second big prize opening 16 is open. In the winning area 17, similarly to the through gate 21, a V gate 18 configured to allow game balls to pass therethrough is provided. When the game ball that has won the second grand prize opening 16 passes through the V gate 18, the gaming state after the big hit game (special game) becomes the probability variation gaming state (high probability state). In other words, the V gate 18 is a gate that triggers the transition to a probability-changing gaming state in which the probability of winning a subsequent jackpot is higher than the normal probability. A shutter that opens and closes the V gate 18 by moving back and forth in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface of the game board 10 and opening the V gate 18 in conjunction with the opening operation of the second prize winning opening 16. 19 is provided. For example, when the second big prize opening 16 is opened, the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18 at a timing delayed by a predetermined time of about 1 to 2 seconds from the opening timing. Accordingly, when a game ball wins the second grand prize opening 16 when the shutter 19 closes the V gate 18, the game ball is provided below the winning area 17 without passing through the V gate 18. It is discharged from the discharge port 20 to the back side of the game board 10. On the other hand, if a game ball wins the second grand prize opening 16 when the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, the game ball passes through the V gate 18 and is then provided below the winning area 17. It is discharged from the outlet 20 to the back side of the game board 10. When the game ball passes through the discharge port 20, a winning at the second large winning port 16 is detected by a second large winning port switch 48 described later.

  Note that an out port 23 is provided at the lowermost center of the game board 10 for discharging a game ball that has not won any prize port to the back side of the game board 10 as an out ball.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 attached to the back side of the gaming board 10. On the back side of the gaming board 10, a main control board 30 that controls the main operation of the gaming machine 1 and a sub control board 31 that controls each part based on signals and commands output from the main control board 30 are provided. ing. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the sub control board 31 includes a payout control board 32, an effect control board 33, an image control board 34, a lamp control board 35, and the like.

  The main control board 30 includes a CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, and a RAM 30c. The main control board 30 has a first start port switch 41 for detecting that the game ball has won the first start port 13 and a second start port switch for detecting that the game ball has won the second start port 14. 42, a through gate switch 43 for detecting that a game ball has passed through the through gate 21, an electric Chu solenoid 44 for opening and closing the electric tulip 14a, a first big prize opening solenoid 45 for opening and closing the first big prize opening 15, A first grand prize opening switch 46 that detects that a game ball has won a prize in the first big prize opening 15, a second big prize opening solenoid 47 that opens and closes the second big prize opening 16, and a game ball in the second big prize opening 16 A second grand prize opening switch 48 for detecting that a prize has been won, a shutter solenoid 49 for driving the shutter 19 provided in the prize winning area 17 of the second big prize opening 16, and a V gate. 8 game ball is connected to each of the V gate switch 50 for detecting that has passed. A symbol display 22 is connected to the main control board 30. The symbol display 22 is provided with a special symbol display 22a for displaying the variation of the special symbol and a normal symbol display 22b for displaying the variation of the normal symbol.

  The main control board 30 is a payout control board when each of the first start opening switch 41, the second start opening switch 42, the first big prize opening switch 46 and the second big prize opening switch 48 detects a winning of a game ball. A prize ball command is sent to 32. The payout control board 32 includes a CPU 32a, a ROM 32b, and a RAM 32c, and is configured to control a payout motor 32d provided on the back side of the game board 10. When a prize ball command is input from the main control board 30, A predetermined number of balls are paid out in accordance with the winning opening.

  The main control board 30 is configured to determine whether or not to play a special game and to perform a lottery for normal symbols. For example, when a game ball passes through the through gate 21, a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to open / close the electric tulip 14a is performed, and if it is won, the electric chew solenoid 44 is driven for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times. 14a is opened. Note that when the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 14a is opened, it becomes easy for the game ball to enter the second starting port 14, so that the state where the electric tulip 14a is opened is advantageous to the player. One of the states.

  Further, when the main control board 30 detects that the game ball has won the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the main control board 30 makes a jackpot determination according to the winning start port, and the special symbol display 22a. Then, the display of the variation of the special symbol for a predetermined time based on the determination result is started. The main control board 30 sends a signal to the effect control board 33 so as to perform an effect for a predetermined time according to the determination result of the jackpot as the special symbol display 22a starts the variable symbol display. And send commands. In addition, when it is detected that the game ball has won the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 and the change display of the previous special symbol has not ended, the main control board 30 displays the special symbol associated with the winning. Hold the variable display of. Then, when it is time to finish the variation display of the previous special symbol and start the next variation display, the main control board 30 digests the hold and performs the next jackpot determination, and the result of the jackpot determination Based on this, the special symbol variation display is started.

  Further, when it is determined that the jackpot is won in the jackpot determination, the main control board 30 starts the jackpot game (special game) corresponding to the type of the jackpot after displaying the variation of the special symbol for a predetermined time. At the same time, a signal or a command is sent to the effect control board 33 so as to perform an effect corresponding to the jackpot game.

  The production control board 33 includes a CPU 33a, a ROM 33b, and a RAM 33c, and determines specific production contents based on signals, commands, and the like from the main control board 30. Then, the effect control board 33 controls each of the image control board 34 and the lamp control board 35 to execute an effect based on the determined specific effect contents. That is, the effect control board 33 determines a specific effect to be performed by the entire gaming machine 1 based on an instruction from the main control board 30 and controls the execution of the game. In particular, when the big hit determination is performed by the main control board 30 and the variation display of the special symbol is performed for a predetermined time, the effect control board 33 has three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, In addition to performing a symbol variation effect that varies 12c, various effects according to the result of the jackpot determination may be executed by shifting from the symbol variation effect to various effects.

  In addition, the operation buttons 6 are connected to the effect control board 33. Therefore, when it is detected that the operation button 6 is operated at a predetermined timing at which the player can perform the button operation, the effect control board 33 can perform an effect corresponding to the button operation. .

  The image control board 34 includes a CPU 34 a, a ROM 34 b, a RAM 34 c, and a VRAM 34 d, and controls an image displayed on the image display 12. The image control board 34 can start a symbol variation effect that varies the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c based on an instruction from the effect control substrate 33, and can shift the symbol variation effect to a reach effect. Further, the image control board 34 may perform an operation effect by displaying an image that prompts the player to operate the operation button 6 based on an instruction from the effect control board 33. The image control board 34 can also make various development effects by causing a specific character or the like to appear on the image display 12 based on an instruction from the effect control board 33. Furthermore, the image control board 34 can also perform display processing of various item images to be displayed as a storage effect based on an instruction from the effect control board 33. The VRAM 34 d is a memory for writing an image to be displayed on the image display 12. The CPU 34a performs various processes such as a background image display process, a decorative symbol display process, an operation effect image display process, a character image display process, and a storage effect display process on the VRAM 34d. A background image, a decorative design image, an operation effect image, a character image, an item image, and the like can be displayed in a superimposed manner. Is done. Further, the image control board 34 is configured to generate a sound effect for production from the speaker 8.

  The lamp control board 35 includes a CPU 35a, a ROM 35b, and a RAM 35c. The lamp control board 35 lights the frame lamp 7 based on an instruction from the effect control board 33, and a predetermined number of light emitting sections 25 provided in the item storage display section 24. The lighting is controlled individually.

  The image display 12, the speaker 8, the frame lamp 7, and the item storage / display unit 24 are provided for performing various effects that can be easily perceived by the player as the game progresses in the gaming machine 1. It is.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing main functional configurations of the main control board 30 and the effect control board 33.

  The RAM 30c of the main control board 30 is provided with a game data storage unit 55 and a hold storage unit 60. The game data storage unit 55 stores a jackpot random number 56, a design random number 57, a variation pattern random number 58, and a reach random number 59. Although not shown, the game data storage unit 55 also stores ordinary symbol random numbers. The various random numbers 56, 57, 58, 59 stored in the game data storage unit 55 are random numbers that can take values within a predetermined range. The hold storage unit 60 is for temporarily storing game data including a jackpot random number 56, a design random number 57, a variation pattern random number 58, and a reach random number 59 up to a predetermined upper limit number and holding the game data.

  A determination table 61 and a fluctuation pattern table 62 are stored in advance in the ROM 30b of the main control board 30. The determination table 61 is a table that is referred to for performing a jackpot determination (special game determination). The determination table 61 includes a jackpot random number determination table and a design random number determination table. The variation pattern table 62 is a table that is referred to in order to determine the variation time of a special symbol for displaying the determination result when the jackpot determination is performed on the main control board 30. In the variation pattern table 62, various variation times are defined as the variation times of the special symbol, and the variation times corresponding to the jackpot determination result, the reach random number, and the like are determined. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss, a variation time of about 3 to 80 seconds is set. When the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, a variation time of about 18 to 80 seconds is set. Yes.

  Here, the variation pattern table 62 is set in advance so that the expectation level that is a big hit increases as the variation time of the special symbol becomes longer. More specifically, the fluctuation pattern table 62 defines five kinds of fluctuation times, for example, 18 seconds, 23 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, and 80 seconds, as the fluctuation times when the jackpot determination result is a big hit. If the ratio is determined as the variation time of the special symbol at the time of jackpot, they are 80 seconds, 60 seconds, 45 seconds, 23 seconds, and 18 seconds in descending order. In addition, when the jackpot determination result is a loss, for example, when the variation pattern table 62 defines six types of variation times of 13 seconds, 18 seconds, 23 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, and 80 seconds , 13 seconds, 18 seconds, 23 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, and 80 seconds in descending order of the ratio determined as the variation time of the special symbol at the time of losing. In other words, when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, the special symbol tends to have a longer variation time, and when the jackpot determination result is lost, the special symbol has a shorter variation time. The longer the symbol variation time, the higher the degree of expectation that will be a big hit.

  Since the CPU 30a of the main control board 30 controls the operation of the gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner, it functions as various processing units. FIG. 3 shows some of the functions, and the CPU 30a functions as a random number update unit 51, a game data acquisition unit 52, a special game determination unit 53, and a symbol display control unit 54.

  The random number update unit 51 is a processing unit that updates various random numbers 56, 57, 58, 59 stored in the game data storage unit 55. By the update process by the random number update unit 51, the various random numbers 56, 57, 58, 59 stored in the game data storage unit 55 are sequentially updated within a predetermined range.

  When each of the first start port switch 41 and the second start port switch 42 detects a winning of a game ball, the game data acquisition unit 52 receives a big hit random number 56 and a design random number 57 from the game data storage unit 55 at that timing. The game data including the fluctuation pattern random number 58 and the reach random number 59 are acquired. When the game data acquisition unit 52 acquires the game data, the game data acquisition unit 52 stores the game data in the hold storage unit 60. The holding storage unit 60 distinguishes between game data acquired by winning the first start port 13 and game data acquired by winning the second start port 14, and sets each game data to a predetermined upper limit number ( For example, up to four) can be stored. Therefore, the game data acquisition unit 52 stores the game data acquired by winning the first start port 13 in the reserved storage area for the first start port, and the game data acquired by winning the second start port 14 Store in the reserved storage area for the second start port. When the upper limit number of game data has already been stored in these reserved storage areas, the game data acquisition unit 52 discards the game data acquired from the game data acquisition unit 52 and holds the hold storage unit 60. The process of storing in is not performed.

  The special game determination unit 53 reads the game data stored in the hold storage unit 60 and in the hold state, and makes a jackpot determination based on the game data. That is, the special game determination unit 53 refers to the jackpot random number determination table included in the determination table 61 based on the jackpot random number 56 included in the game data, and determines whether the jackpot random number 56 is a value indicating a jackpot. To do. The jackpot random number determination table includes a high probability determination table and a normal probability determination table, and the special game determination unit 53 determines the normal probability determination table and the high probability determination according to the gaming state at the time of reading the game data. One of the tables is selected, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number 56 matches the value indicating the jackpot determined in the selected table. Based on such determination, winning or losing of the game data read from the holding storage unit 60 is determined. Note that the normal probability determination table is a table in which the probability of jackpot is set to about 1/400, for example, and the high probability determination table has a higher probability of jackpot than the normal probability determination table, for example, 1 The table is set to about / 68.

  When the game data is won, the special game determination unit 53 further determines the type of jackpot game to be performed as a special game advantageous to the player by determining the symbol random number 57 included in the game data. That is, the special game determination unit 53 refers to the symbol random number determination table included in the determination table 61 based on the symbol random number 57 and determines the jackpot type indicated by the symbol random number 57. The design random number determination table includes a first start port determination table and a second start port determination table. In the special game determination unit 53, the reserved storage area from which the game data is read is the reserved storage area for the first start port. If so, the first start port determination table is referred to. On the other hand, if the reserved storage area from which the game data is read is the reserved storage area for the second start port, the special game determination unit 53 refers to the determination table for the second start port and determines the type of jackpot game To do.

  Here, a first jackpot game and a second jackpot game are defined in the first start opening determination table, and one of the jackpot games is determined according to the design random number 57. In addition, the third jackpot game and the fourth jackpot game are defined in the second start port determination table, and either one of the jackpot games is determined according to the design random number 57.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the ratio of occurrence of the first to fourth jackpots. First, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the first start port determination table, the rate of occurrence of the first jackpot game P1 is 38%, and the rate of occurrence of the second jackpot game P2 is 62%. %. Therefore, when a game ball is won at the first start port 13 and a special game is played, there is a higher possibility that the second jackpot game P2 will be played than the first jackpot game P1. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the second start-up determination table, the rate of occurrence of the third jackpot game P3 is 48%, and the rate of occurrence of the fourth jackpot game P4 is 52%. %. Therefore, when a game ball is won at the second start port 14 and a special game is performed, the third jackpot game P3 and the fourth jackpot game P4 are generated at substantially the same rate.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating special games performed in the first to fourth jackpot games P1 to P4. First, in any of the first to fourth jackpot games P1 to P4, a round in which one of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 is opened for any game is a predetermined number of times (for example, a total of 16 Round) done. The first grand prize opening 15 is opened from the first round to the fourth round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened in the fifth round. Thereafter, the first big prize opening 15 is opened again from the sixth round to the fifteenth round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened again in the sixteenth round. The above points are common to any of the first to fourth jackpot games P1 to P4.

  The difference between the first to fourth jackpot games P1 to P4 is the opening time of the first big winning opening 15 or the second big winning opening 16 in each round. That is, the long opening and the short opening are determined in both the first grand prize opening 15 and the second big winning opening 16, and either one of the long opening and the short opening is rounded for each round of each big hit game P1 to P4. Is set. In the case of long opening, the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to a relatively long time of about 30 seconds, for example. On the other hand, in the case of a short opening, the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to an extremely short time of about 0.2 seconds, for example. Therefore, when the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened for a long time, it is easy for a game ball to win the prize winning holes 15 and 16, whereas when the short is opened, it is open. It is extremely difficult to win a game ball in the big winning openings 15,16. In either case of long opening or short opening, if a predetermined upper limit number (for example, about 9) of game balls wins while the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened, Even before the opening time elapses, the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed. However, in the case of a short opening, a predetermined upper limit number (for example, one or two game balls may be won while the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened). It can be said that there are almost no winning game balls. Therefore, in the case of short opening, there are many cases in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed after the opening time of about 0.2 seconds elapses.

  In the first jackpot game P1, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the first big prize opening 15 is long open from the first to the fourth round, and after the fifth round, the first big prize opening 15 or the second This is a game in which all the big prize winning openings 16 are short-circuited. In the second jackpot game P2, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the first grand prize opening 15 is long open until the first to fourth rounds, and the second big prize opening 16 is long open in the fifth round. Thus, after the sixth round, the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is a game in which all shorts are opened. In the third jackpot game P3, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the first grand prize opening 15 is long open until the first to fourth rounds, and the second big prize opening 16 is long open in the fifth round. Thus, after the sixth round, the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is a game in which all shorts are opened. That is, in the present embodiment, the second jackpot game P2 and the third jackpot game P3 have exactly the same opening pattern. As shown in FIG. 5 (d), the fourth big win game P4 is a game in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is long open in all rounds from the first to the 16th round. It is.

  Here, paying attention to the fifth and sixteenth rounds where the second grand prize opening 16 is opened, the first jackpot game P1 is short-opened in any round. Therefore, when the first jackpot game P1 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the possibility that a game ball will win the second big winning opening 16 is low. On the other hand, in the second and third jackpot games P2 and P3, the second big winning opening 16 is opened long in the fifth round. For this reason, when the second or third jackpot game P2, P3 is performed in the gaming machine 1, there is a high possibility that a game ball will win the second big winning opening 16. Further, in the fourth jackpot game P4, the second big winning opening 16 is opened long in both the fifth and sixteenth rounds. Therefore, when the fourth jackpot game P4 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the game is most likely to win a game ball in the second big winning opening 16.

  As described above, when a game ball won while the second grand prize opening 16 is opened passes through the V gate 18, the subsequent gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the probability changing gaming state. Therefore, since the second to fourth jackpot games P2 to P4 have a round in which the second big winning opening 16 is opened long, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a game that can be changed into a probable gaming state. Yes. On the other hand, since the first big win game P1 does not have a round in which the second big winning opening 16 is long open, the game state of the gaming machine 1 cannot be changed to the probability change game state.

  Here, even when the second grand prize opening 16 is short-opened, the probability that the game ball will win the second big prize opening 16 is not zero. That is, the game ball may win at the timing when the second big winning opening 16 is opened for a short time of about 0.2 seconds. However, when a game ball wins the second grand prize opening 16 in such a short open, the operation of the shutter 19 is controlled so that the winning ball does not pass through the V gate 18. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the shutter 19 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the second winning prize opening 16, where (a) shows the case of long open, and (b) shows the case of short open. ing. In either case of long open or short open, the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18 after a predetermined time Td of, for example, several seconds has elapsed after the second big prize opening 16 is opened. The predetermined time Td is the same time for long open and short open.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), when the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, the shutter is released at the timing T2 after a predetermined time Td has elapsed after the second big prize opening 16 is opened at the timing T1. 19 opens the V gate 18. Even at the timing T2 when the V gate 18 is opened, the second grand prize winning opening 16 is in the opened state, so that a game ball that wins the second big winning opening 16 in this state passes through the V gate 18. Therefore, when the second grand prize opening 16 is opened long, if the game ball can be awarded to the second big prize opening 16 while the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, it is almost certainly V. A game ball can pass through the gate 18. Therefore, the second to fourth jackpot games P2 to P4 having a round in which the second big winning opening 16 is opened long are special games that can change the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the probability changing gaming state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the second big prize opening 16 is opened short, the timing T2 after a predetermined time Td has elapsed since the second big prize opening 16 was opened at the timing T1. When the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, the second big prize winning opening 16 is already closed. Therefore, even if a game ball wins the second big prize opening 16 during a short period of time when the second big prize opening 16 is short-opened, the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18 in the game ball. Since it passes through the winning area 17 before, it is discharged from the outlet 20 to the back side of the game board 10 without passing through the V gate 18. Further, when the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, the second big prize opening 16 is already closed, so that the game ball does not pass through the V gate 18. Therefore, the first jackpot game P1 that does not have a round in which the second big winning opening 16 is opened long is a special game in which the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 cannot be changed to the probability-changing gaming state.

  The special game determination unit 53 determines the jackpot game to be performed as a special game advantageous to the player by determining the symbol random number 57, and selects one jackpot game from the first to fourth jackpot games P1 to P4. Identify. Therefore, the special game determination unit 53 not only determines whether or not to play a special game for a player, but also if the determination result is to perform a special game, the special game determination unit 53 An opening pattern for opening the winning opening 15 and the second major winning opening 16 is determined.

  When the special game determination unit 53 makes the above determination, the symbol display control unit 54 operates. The symbol display control unit 54 uses the special symbol display 22a based on the determination result in the special game determination unit 53 and the variation pattern random number 58 and the reach random number 59 included in the game data acquired by the special game determination unit 53. Determine the variation time of the symbol. That is, the symbol display control unit 54 reads the variation pattern table 62 of the ROM 30b, and from among a large number of variation times set in the variation pattern table 62, the determination result in the special game determination unit 53 and the special game determination unit 53 determines a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern random number 58 and the reach random number 59 included in the game data acquired. The symbol display control unit 54 controls the variation display of the special symbol on the special symbol indicator 22a based on the determined variation time.

  In addition, the symbol display control unit 54 responds to the variation time of the special symbol as an effect for displaying the determination result in the special game determination unit 53 with the start of the variation display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 22a. In order to produce an effect, a command is sent to the effect control board 33. On the other hand, the special game determination unit 53 waits without reading the next game data from the holding storage unit 60 while the special symbol variation display is performed by the symbol display control unit 54, and the special symbol variation display ends. Then, the next game data is read at the timing when the next variation display can be performed, and the jackpot determination is performed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the transition of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 under the control of the main control board 30 as described above. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the gaming machine 1 enters a normal gaming state ST1. The normal game state ST1 is a state in which a game is progressed with a normal probability that the probability of winning a jackpot is lower than the probability variation game state. Further, in this normal game state ST1, even when the normal symbol lottery performed by the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is won, the time for the electric tulip 14a to open the second start port 14 is extremely short. It is unlikely that a game ball will win the second start port 14. Therefore, in the normal game state ST1, the player operates the handle lever 5 so that the game ball launched into the game area of the game board 10 flows down the left area of the center accessory 11 as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. The game is played with the aim of winning the game ball at the first start port 13.

  When a big hit is generated by winning the game ball to the first start port 13 in the normal gaming state ST1, the gaming machine 1 performs either the first big win game P1 or the second big hit game P2. When the big hit game is started in the gaming machine 1, each of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 arranged on the right side of the center accessory 11 is opened in a predetermined round. Therefore, the player can operate the handle lever 5 while the big hit game is performed in the gaming machine 1, so that the game ball launched into the game area of the game board 10 as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. 11 is adjusted so as to flow down the right region of the game, and the game is played with the aim of winning the game ball in the first grand prize winning port 15 or the second grand prize winning port 16.

  When the first jackpot game P1 is performed, even if the game ball wins the second big winning opening 16, the game ball does not pass through the V gate 18. Therefore, the gaming state after the first jackpot game P1 is the short-time gaming state ST2. The short-time gaming state ST2 is a state in which a game is advanced with the same normal probability that the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as the normal gaming state ST1. However, at this time in the short game state ST2, the time for the electric tulip 14a to open the second start port 14 becomes relatively long when the normal symbol lottery performed by the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is won, and the normal game There is a higher possibility that a game ball will win the second start port 14 as compared to the state ST1. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state ST2, the player operates the handle lever 5 so that the game ball launched into the gaming area of the game board 10 flows down the right area of the center accessory 11 as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. The game is adjusted so that the game ball passes through the through-gate 21 and the game is played with the aim of winning the second start port 14, so that the second start port 14 can be frequently won. Therefore, it is possible to advance the game without reducing the possession so much. At this time, the short game state ST2 is continued until, for example, a special symbol change display associated with winning a prize at the second starting port 14 is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), and the big hit is not won by the predetermined number of times. In this case, the game state returns to the normal gaming state ST1 (arrow A1 in FIG. 7).

  In addition, when the game ball wins the first start port 13 and a jackpot is generated, and the second jackpot game P2 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the game won to the second grand prize port 16 as described above. The sphere passes through the V gate 18. Therefore, the gaming state after the second jackpot game P2 becomes the probability variation gaming state ST3. In the probability variation gaming state ST3, as described above, the probability of winning the jackpot is high. In this probability-changing gaming state ST3, as in the short-time gaming state ST2, the time for the electric tulip 14a to open the second starting port 14 is relatively long when a normal symbol lottery performed by the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is won. The length of the game ball becomes longer, and the possibility that the game ball wins the second starting port 14 is higher than that in the normal game state ST1. Therefore, in the probability variation gaming state ST3, the player operates the handle lever 5 so that the game ball launched into the gaming area of the gaming board 10 flows down the right area of the center accessory 11 as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. The game ball is passed through the through gate 21 and the game is played with the aim of winning the second start port 13 so that the second start port 14 can be frequently won. Therefore, it is possible to advance the game without reducing the possession so much. This probability variation game state ST3 continues until, for example, a special symbol change display associated with winning a prize at the second start port 14 is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 110 times), and the jackpot is not won by the predetermined number of times. If it is, the game returns to the normal gaming state ST1 (arrow A2 in FIG. 7). As a result, the probability of winning a subsequent jackpot changes from a high probability state to a normal probability state.

  When a big hit is generated by winning a game ball to the second starting port 14 in the probability variation gaming state ST3 or the short-time gaming state ST2, the gaming machine 1 is either one of the third jackpot game P3 or the fourth jackpot game P4. I do. Even when the third or fourth jackpot game P3, P4 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the player operates the handle lever 5 so that the game area of the game board 10 is indicated by the arrow F2 in FIG. The game ball to be launched is adjusted so as to flow down the right area of the center accessory 11, and the game is played with the aim of causing the game ball to win the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16. Even when the third or fourth jackpot game P3, P4 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has won the second big winning opening 16 passes through the V gate 18. Therefore, the gaming state after the third or fourth jackpot game P3, P4 becomes the probability variation gaming state ST3.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment shifts from the normal gaming state ST1 to the short-time gaming state ST2 or the probability-changing gaming state ST3 via the jackpot game. If a big win occurs in the short-time gaming state ST2 or the probability-changing gaming state ST3, the game ball wins the second big winning opening 16 that is opened long in a predetermined round during the big hit game, and the game ball is V gate 18 By passing through, the subsequent gaming state becomes the probability changing gaming state ST3 at a rate of 100%.

  On the other hand, the effect control board 33 controls the execution of various effects corresponding to the operating state of the gaming machine 1 controlled by the main control board 30 described above. In particular, the CPU 33a of the effect control board 33 functions as an effect pattern determination unit 71, a normal effect control unit 72, an operation effect control unit 73, a specific effect control unit 74, and a storage effect control unit 75 as shown in FIG. It is possible to control the changing effects of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b and 12c in various effect patterns in conjunction with the special symbol changing display by the main control board 30. The ROM 33b of the effect control board 33 stores in advance various effect patterns 70 corresponding to the special symbol variation display. The operation of each part in the effect control board 33 will be described in detail later.

  Next, main operation procedures performed in the main control board 30 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main operations in the main control board 30. The CPU 30a of the main control board 30 sets a process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 as a timer interrupt process for a certain period of time (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation, except in special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Repeat every time. When this process is started, the main control board 30 performs a random number update process (step S101), a first start port switch process (step S102), a second start port switch process (step S103), and a gate switch process (step S104). ), Various switch processes (step S105), prize ball process (step S106), special symbol process (step S107), special prize opening process (step S108), normal symbol process (step S109), electric tulip (electric chew) process (Step S110) and the output process (Step S111) are sequentially executed as a series of processes. When the series of processes is completed, the initial value random number update process (Step S112) is repeatedly executed. Thereafter, when time elapses and an interrupt is generated again by the timer, execution of the processes after the random number update process (step S101) is started again. Thereafter, such processing is repeated.

  In the random number update process (step S101), the random number update unit 51 stores various random number values such as the jackpot random number 56, the design random number 57, the variation pattern random number 58, and the reach random number 59 stored in the game data storage unit 55 of the RAM 30c. An updated process is performed. In the first start port switch process (step S102), the above-described game data acquisition unit 52 monitors the state of the first start port switch 41, and the game ball wins the first start port 13 and the first start port switch 41 is received. When is turned on, processing for obtaining game data from the game data storage 55 is performed. In the second start port switch process (step S103), the above-described game data acquisition unit 52 monitors the state of the second start port switch 42, and the game ball wins the second start port 14, and the second start port switch 42 When is turned on, processing for obtaining game data from the game data storage 55 is performed. In the gate switch process (step S104), the game data acquisition unit 52 monitors the state of the through gate switch 43, and when the through ball 21 passes through the through gate 21 and the through gate switch 43 is turned on, a normal symbol is randomly selected. In order to do this, a process of obtaining a normal symbol random number is performed. In the various switch processes (step S105), a process of inputting signals from all other switches (for example, a big prize opening switch) is performed. In the winning ball process (step S106), a process of counting the number of winnings in various winning ports and setting a winning ball command based on the counted value is performed. In the special symbol processing (step S107), the special game change by the special game determination unit 53 and the symbol display control unit 54 and processing associated with the symbol variation are performed. In the big prize opening process (step S108), the operation of the jackpot game for opening and closing the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 is controlled. In the normal symbol processing (step S109), normal symbol variation and processing associated with the symbol variation are performed. In the electric tulip process (step S110), the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 14a is controlled. In the output process (step S111), a process of outputting a control command, game data, and the like from the main control board 30 to the payout control board 32 and the effect control board 33 is performed. The commands and data to be output to each substrate are generated in each process of steps S102 to S110 and are set in advance in the RAM 30c. Therefore, in this output process, the commands and data set in the RAM 30c are read and output. In the initial value random number update process (step S112), initial values of various random numbers such as the jackpot random number 56, the design random number 57, the variation pattern random number 58, and the reach random number 59 stored in the game data storage unit 55 are updated. By repeatedly executing the initial value random number update process (step S112) in the remaining time after executing steps S101 to S111, the initial values of various random numbers can be updated each time. Since this remaining time becomes longer or shorter depending on the operating state of the gaming machine 1 and the like, the number of executions of the initial value random number update process (step S112) during the remaining time is different each time. The updated value of the initial value of is irregular. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to generate a jackpot illegally, the initial value of the jackpot random number 56 is unknown, so the timing at which the jackpot random number 56 becomes the winning value of the jackpot cannot be known, and thus fraud can be prevented. Is possible.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the first start port switch process (step S102 in FIG. 8) and the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 8). First, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the first start port switch process (step S102), it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the first start port 13 and the first start port switch 41 is turned on. (Step S201). If the first start port switch 41 is not turned on, the first start port switch process is terminated. If the first start port switch 41 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U1 stored in the hold storage area for the first start port of the hold storage unit 60 is less than the upper limit value (step S202). . In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S202), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, and the first start port switch process is terminated. On the other hand, if the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S202), the value of the hold number U1 is incremented by 1 (step S203). Then, game data obtained by winning the first start port 13 is read from the game data storage unit 55, and various random number values included in the game data are stored in the reserved storage area for the first start port of the hold storage unit 60. (Step S204). Depending on the value of the jackpot random number 56 read at this time, it is determined whether the jackpot is “losing” or “lost”. In the case of “big hit”, the type of the big hit game is determined by the value of the read design random number 57. Further, in the case of “losing”, whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined based on the value of the read reach random number 59. Then, the main control board 30 sets game data including various read random numbers as game data for transmission for transmitting to the effect control board 33 (step S205). The transmission game data set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by winning the first start port 13. When the game data setting is completed, the first start port switch process is terminated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, in the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 8), whether a game ball has won the second start port 14 and the second start port switch 42 has been turned on. It is determined whether or not (step S301). If the second start port switch 42 is not turned on, the second start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port switch 42 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U2 stored in the hold storage area for the second start port of the hold storage unit 60 is less than the upper limit value (step S302). . In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U2 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S302), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, so the second start port switch process is terminated. On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S302), 1 is added to the value of the hold number U2 (step S303). Then, game data for the big hit lottery by winning the second start port 14 is read from the game data storage unit 55, and various random number values included in the game data are reserved for the second start port of the storage unit 60. Store in the storage area (step S304). Based on the values of the various random numbers read at this time, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and in the case of a loss, whether or not a reach effect is performed. Then, the main control board 30 sets game data including various read random numbers as transmission game data for transmitting to the effect control board 33 (step S305). The transmission game data set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by winning the second starting port 14. When the game data setting is completed, the second start port switch process is terminated.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the gate switch process (step S104 in FIG. 8). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 21 and the through gate switch 43 is turned on (step S401). If the through gate switch 43 is not turned on, the gate switch process is terminated. If the through gate switch 43 is on, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is less than the upper limit value (step S402). In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reservations G has reached the upper limit (NO in step S402), the number of reservations cannot be increased any more, and the gate switch process is terminated. On the other hand, when the reserved number G is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S402), 1 is added to the value of the reserved number G (step S403). Then, the normal symbol random number for the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the through gate 21 is read, and the random number value is stored in the RAM 103 (step S404). Note that the random symbol value read at this time determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is successful.

  Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol process (step S107 in FIG. 8). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game (step S501). If the jackpot game is in progress, the special symbol processing cannot be performed until the jackpot game ends, and therefore the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation processing (YES in step S501). . On the other hand, if it is not a jackpot game (NO in step S501), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying a variation of a special symbol (step S502). When the special symbol variation display is not in progress (NO in step S502), it is determined whether or not the number of holdings U2 is 1 or more (step S503). When the holding number U2 is 1 or more (YES in step S503), the main control board 30 reads out the game data stored first in the holding storage area for the second start port of the holding storage unit 60 (step S504). ), 1 is subtracted from the value of the holding number U2 (step S505). Then, the other reserved storage areas stored in the reserved storage area for the second start port are sequentially shifted (step S506).

  On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is 0 (NO in step S503), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the hold number U1 is 1 or more (step S507). When the holding number U1 is 1 or more (YES in step S507), the main control board 30 reads the game data stored first in the holding storage area for the first start port of the holding storage unit 60 (step S508). ), 1 is subtracted from the value of the holding number U1 (step S509). Then, the other reserved storage areas stored in the reserved storage area for the first start port are shifted (step S510). If the number of holds U1 is 0 (NO in step S507), it means that there is no hold due to winning at the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 which is a condition for special game determination. The process ends without starting the symbol variation display.

  When the game data is read out in any one of step S504 and step S508, the process proceeds to the process for determining the jackpot based on the read game data (steps S511 to S517). That is, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state (probability game state) (step S511). Is selected and read (step S512). If the probability is not high, the normal probability determination table is selected and read (step S513). Then, the main control board 30 executes a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not to play a jackpot game as a special game advantageous to the player (step S514). In the jackpot determination process (step S514), whether or not the jackpot is determined is determined based on the jackpot random number 56 included in the game data read in step S504 or S508, and the variation display of the special symbol is performed according to the determination result. The variation time to perform is determined. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

  The main control board 30 performs the jackpot determination process (step S514), and then causes the effect control board 33 to perform a variation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c corresponding to the variation time determined in the jackpot determination process. Is set in the RAM 30c (step S516). Then, the main control board 30 starts the special symbol variation display on the special symbol indicator 22a (step S516), and starts the variation time measurement in order to continue the variation display until the variation time elapses (step S516). S517).

  On the other hand, when the variation of the special symbol is being displayed in step S502 (YES in step S502), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the variation time has ended (step S518). Here, it is determined whether or not the variation time measured in step S517 has reached the variation time determined in the jackpot determination process (step S514) when the special symbol variation display is started. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S518), the special symbol variation display is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (YES in step S518), the main control board 30 sets a variation stop command for stopping the variation effect performed by the effect control board 33 in the RAM 30c ( Step S519). Then, the special symbol change display on the special symbol display 22a is stopped at the stop symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination (step S520), and the measured change time is reset (step S521). Then, the main control board 30 executes a stop process (step S522). The details of the stop process will be described later.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the jackpot determination process (step S514 in FIG. 11). When this processing is started, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the jackpot random number 56 included in the game data is a jackpot based on the table selected in step S512 or S513 (step S541). If the jackpot is won (YES in step S542), the type of jackpot game to be played as a special game is determined based on the design random number 57 (step S543). When the symbol random number 57 is determined, the symbol random number 57 to be determined is a random number read from the reserved storage area for the first start opening, and read from the reserved storage area for the second start opening. The table to be referenced differs depending on whether the random number is issued. In the case of the symbol random number 57 read from the reserved memory area for the first start port, one of the first and second jackpot games P1, P2 is determined by the determination in step S543. In the case of the symbol random number 57 read from the reserved area for the second start port, one of the third and fourth jackpot games P3 and P4 is determined by the determination in step S543. When the type of jackpot game is determined, the main control board 30 sets a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot as a stop symbol to be stopped after the special symbol variation display (step S544). Subsequently, the main control board 30 refers to the jackpot variation pattern table from the variation pattern table 62 of the ROM 30b (step S545), and determines the variation time of the symbol based on the variation pattern random number 58 and the like (step S546).

  If the jackpot is not won (NO in step S542), the main control board 30 sets a lost symbol based on the symbol random number 57 as a stop symbol to be stopped after the special symbol variation display (step S547). Then, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation gaming state (step S548), and if it is the probability variation gaming state, the main control board 30 refers to the variation pattern table for probability variation gaming from the variation pattern table 62 of the ROM 30b. In step S549, the symbol variation time is determined based on the variation pattern random number 58, the reach random number 59, and the like (step S550).

  On the other hand, when it is not in the probability variation gaming state (NO in step S548), it is determined whether or not the time-saving game is being played (step S551). When the time-short game is in progress, the main control board 30 refers to the time-short game variation pattern table from the variation pattern table 62 of the ROM 30b (step S552), and the symbol variation time based on the variation pattern random number 58, the reach random number 59, and the like. Is determined (step S553).

  Further, when the game is not in the short-time game (NO in step S551), the main control board 30 refers to the normal game variation pattern table from the variation pattern table 62 of the ROM 30b (step S554) and stores it in the holding storage unit 60. The reserved number (for example, the value of the reserved number U1 stored in the reserved storage area for the first start port) is confirmed (step S555). Then, the main control board 30 determines the symbol variation time set in the regular game variation pattern table based on the variation pattern random number 58, the reach random number 59, and the reserved number (step S556). For example, when the number of holdings is larger than a predetermined number, a relatively short variation time such as 3 seconds or 8 seconds is determined in order to efficiently digest the special symbol variation display. The This is the end of the jackpot determination process (step S514).

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the suspension process (step S522 in FIG. 11). In this process, after the change display of the special symbol is stopped, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the jackpot game, the short-time gaming state ST2 is shifted to the normal gaming state ST1, or the probability variation gaming state ST3 is changed to the normal gaming state. A process of shifting to ST1 is performed. When the stop process is started, the main control board 30 determines whether or not to generate a jackpot game (step S571). When generating a jackpot game (YES in step S571), the main control board 30 corresponds to the type of jackpot. A jackpot game is set (step S572). A jackpot start command is set in the RAM 30c to cause the stage control board 33 to perform a stage corresponding to the jackpot game (step S573). Thereafter, the main control board 30 starts a jackpot game (step S574).

  When determining that the jackpot game is not generated (NO in step S571), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the current game state is the probability variation game state ST3 (step S575). As a result, when it is in the probability variation gaming state ST3 (YES in step S575), the main control board 30 subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining variation count SC in the probability variation gaming state ST3 (step S576). The remaining variation count SC is set to a predetermined value (for example, 110) when the jackpot game is completed and the game proceeds to the probability variation game state ST3. The main control board 30 subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining variation count SC, and then determines whether the remaining variation count SC has become 0 (step S577). Is set to the normal gaming state ST1 (step S578).

  Further, when determining that the current gaming state is not the probability variation gaming state ST3 (NO in step S575), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the short time gaming state ST2 (step S579). As a result, when it is in the short time gaming state ST2 (YES in step S579), the main control board 30 subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining fluctuation count JC in the short time gaming state ST2 (step S580). The remaining fluctuation count JC is set to a predetermined value (for example, 100) when the jackpot game is over and the state shifts to the short-time game state ST2. After subtracting 1 from the value of the remaining fluctuation count JC, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the remaining fluctuation count JC has become 0 (step S581). Is set to the normal gaming state ST1 (step S582). If the current gaming state is the normal gaming state (NO in step S579), nothing is performed thereafter. This is the end of the stop process (step S522).

  Next, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are flowcharts showing details of the special prize opening process (step S108 in FIG. 8). In this process, the opening / closing operation of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 in the case of a big win game is controlled. The main control board 30 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game (step S601). When it is not in the big hit game (NO in step S601), the opening / closing operation of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is not performed, so the big prize opening process is ended. On the other hand, when the jackpot game is in progress (YES in step S601), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the jackpot game opening operation started by the gaming machine 1 in the stop process (FIG. 13). Judgment is made (step S602). When the gaming machine 1 is in the opening operation (YES in step S602), the main control board 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed (step S603). . If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S603), the opening operation is continued, and the big prize opening process is terminated.

  When the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S603), the main control board 30 adds 1 to the round value R for opening the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 (step S604). . The round value R is initialized to 0 at the time of occurrence of the jackpot, and becomes a round value to be performed this time by adding 1 in step S604. Then, the main control board 30 confirms the type of jackpot game (step S605), and sets the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 in the current round R (step S606). Then, it is determined whether the current round R is the fifth or sixteenth round (step S607), and if it is not any of the fifth or sixteenth round (NO in step S607), the first grand prize opening 15 is determined. Is released (step S608). If the current round R is the fifth or sixteenth round (YES in step S607), the main control board 30 opens the second big prize opening 16 (step S609). When the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened in step S608 or S609, the main control board 30 starts measuring the opening time. Then, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S606 has elapsed (step S610). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S610), the main control board 30 is further open. It is determined whether or not a predetermined upper limit number of game balls have won the big winning opening (step S611). As a result, if the opening time has not elapsed and the number of winnings has not reached the upper limit value (NO in step S611), it is not necessary to close the open large winning opening, so the large winning opening process Exit.

  On the other hand, when the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S610), or when the number of winning prizes to the big prize opening reaches the upper limit (YES in step S611), the main control board 30 is currently open. The first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed (step S612). Then, it is determined whether or not the current round R is a value indicating the final round (for example, 16) (step S613). If it is not the final round (NO in step S613), since the big hit game continues, the big prize winning process is terminated as it is.

  If the current round R is the final round (YES in step S613), the main control board 30 executes the processing from step S614 onward to end the jackpot game. That is, the main control board 30 resets the current round value R to 0 (step S614), and determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the V gate 18 during the big hit game (step S615). When the game ball passes through the V gate 18 (YES in step S615), the main control board 30 sets the probability variation gaming state ST3 as the subsequent gaming state (step S616), and the remaining variation count SC in the probability variation gaming state ST3. Is set to 110 (step S617). On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the V gate 18 during the jackpot game (NO in step S615), the main control board 30 sets the short-time game state ST2 as the subsequent game state (step S618). The value of the remaining fluctuation count JC in the short-time gaming state ST2 is set to 100 (step S617).

  Then, the main control board 30 starts measuring the time for ending the jackpot game (step S620), and determines whether or not the ending has ended (step S621). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the ending was started, it is determined that the ending has not been completed (NO in step S621), and the big prize opening process is terminated. If a predetermined time has passed since the end of the ending, it is determined that the ending has ended (YES in step S621), and a jackpot end command is set on the stage control board 33 in order to end the stage for the jackpot game. (Step S622), the jackpot game is ended (Step S623).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that the gaming machine 1 is not opening (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 15, and the main control board 30 determines whether the first grand prize port 15 or the second grand prize port. It is determined whether or not 16 is open (step S651). If it is being opened (YES in step S651), the processing after step S610 shown in FIG. 14 is executed. If not open (NO in step S651), it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 1 is ending a big hit game (step S652). If the ending is in progress (YES in step S652), the processing from step S621 shown in FIG. 14 is executed. If the ending is not in progress (NO in step S652), the elapsed time after the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed has passed a predetermined interval (interval time) of each round. Whether or not (step S653). If the interval time has not elapsed (NO in step S653), it is not the timing for carrying out the next round yet, so the big prize opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the interval time has elapsed (YES in step S653), the processing after step S604 shown in FIG. 14 is executed to perform the next round.

  When the jackpot game is started in the gaming machine 1 by the above-described big winning opening process, the first big winning opening 15 or the second big winning opening 16 is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the type of the big winning game. Is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the normal symbol processing (step S109 in FIG. 8). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S701). The auxiliary game means that the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 14a is being opened. When an auxiliary game is performed in the gaming machine 1, it becomes easy for a game ball to win the second starting port 14, and such an auxiliary game is also one of special games advantageous to the player. If the auxiliary game is being performed (YES in step S701), the main control board 30 ends the normal symbol process without starting the normal symbol variation. If it is not in an auxiliary game (NO in step S701), it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying a normal symbol variation (step S702). If the normal symbol is not being variably displayed (NO in step S702), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is 1 or more (step S703). When the number of holdings G is 0 (NO in step S703), it means that there is no game ball passing to the through gate 21 which is a condition for normal symbol lottery, so the normal symbol variation display is not started. Normal symbol processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the holding number G is 1 or more (YES in step S703), the main control board 30 reads game data (normal symbol random number) corresponding to the earliest holding (step S704), and the holding number G 1 is subtracted by 1 (step S705), and the storage area storing other hold is shifted (step S706). Then, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the normal symbol random number read from the hold is a predetermined winning value, and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S707). When the normal symbol lottery is won (YES in step S707), the main control board 30 sets a symbol (winning symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is won in the RAM 103 (step S708). If the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S707), a symbol (losing symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is lost is set in the RAM 103 (step S709).

  The main control board 30 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state ST1 (step S710). If the gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state ST1 (YES in step S710), The fluctuation time is set to a long time (29 seconds in the example shown) (step S711). If it is determined that the current gaming state is not the normal gaming state ST1, but is either the short-time gaming state ST2 or the probability-changing gaming state ST3 (NO in step S710), the variation time of the normal symbol is reduced to a short time (in the illustrated example). In this case, it is set to 3 seconds) (step S712). The main control board 30 starts normal symbol variation display on the symbol display 22 based on the variation time set in step S711 or S712 (step S713), and starts measurement operation of the variation time (step S714). ).

  If the normal symbol variation display is in progress (YES in step S703), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the regular symbol variation time has ended (step S715). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step S714 has reached the variation time set in step S711 or S712. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S715), the normal symbol variation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is. When the variation time has ended (YES in step S715), the main control board 30 stops the variation display of the normal symbol and displays the symbol set in step S708 or S709 (step S716). Thereafter, the measured variation time is reset (step S717). Then, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S718), and if it is won (YES in step S718), an auxiliary game for opening the electric tulip 14a is started (step S719). As a result, the gaming state is in the auxiliary game. On the other hand, if the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S718), the normal symbol processing is terminated while the current state of the gaming machine 1 is maintained.

  Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the electric tulip process (step S110 (electricity Chu process) in FIG. 8). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S801). When the auxiliary game is not being performed (NO in step S801), the electric tulip 14a is not opened, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated. When the auxiliary game is being performed (YES in step S801), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the electric tulip 14a is being opened (step S802). If the electric tulip 14a is not being opened (step S802) In step S802, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the normal gaming state ST1 (step S803). If it is in the normal gaming state ST1 (YES in step S803), the main control board 30 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 14a to a short time (0.2 seconds in the illustrated example) (step S804). Further, when not in the normal gaming state ST1, but in the short-time gaming state ST2 or the probability-changing gaming state ST3 (NO in step S803), the main control board 30 sets the open time of the electric tulip 14a for a long time (3. 5 seconds) (step S805). Then, the main control board 30 opens the electric tulip 14a (step S806) and starts measuring the elapsed time after opening (step S807). On the other hand, if the electric tulip 14a has already been opened (YES in step S802), the processes in steps S803 to S807 are skipped. Thereafter, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S804 or S805 has elapsed (step S808). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S808), the electric tulip 14a Since the opening of is continued, the electric tulip process is terminated. If the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S808), the main control board 30 closes the electric tulip 14a (step S809), ends the auxiliary game, and ends the electric tulip process (step S810).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the output process (step S111 in FIG. 8). In this process, various data and commands are output from the main control board 30 to the sub-control board 31. First, when the game data for transmission is set, the main control board 30 transmits it to the effect control board 33 (step S901). If the game data for transmission is not set, the transmission process in step S901 is not performed. Next, if the variation start command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 33, and an instruction is given to effect for the time corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol (step S902). Thereby, the fluctuating effect which fluctuates the decorative symbols 12a, 12b and 12c by the effect control board 33 is started. If the change start command is not set, the transmission process in step S902 is not performed. Next, if the change stop command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 33, and the change effect executed by the effect control board 33 is stopped, and whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. An instruction for notifying the player of this is given (step S903). If the change stop command is not set, the transmission process in step S903 is not performed. Next, if the jackpot start command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 33, and the start of the effect operation accompanying the start of the jackpot game is instructed (step S904). If the jackpot start command is not set, the transmission process in step S904 is not performed. Next, if the jackpot end command is set, it is transmitted to the effect control board 33, and the end of the effect corresponding to the jackpot game is instructed (step S905). If the jackpot end command is not set, the transmission process in step S905 is not performed. Finally, if other various commands are set, each part is controlled by transmitting it to the effect control board 33 and the payout control board 32 (step S908). For example, a prize ball command that accompanies winning of a game ball at various winning openings is transmitted to the payout control board 32 at this time, and the payout control board 32 pays out a prize ball. Thus, the output process ends.

  As described above, the main control board 30 starts the special symbol variation display on the condition that the game ball wins the first start opening 13 or the second start opening 14, and the effect control board 33 Control is performed so that various effects are executed in conjunction with the change display of the special symbol.

  Next, an operation when the effect control board 33 receives a change start command from the main control board 30 will be described. The change start command received by the effect control board 33 from the main control board 30 includes a special symbol change time determined by the main control board 30. Therefore, when the CPU 33a of the effect control board 33 receives the change start command, as shown in FIG. 3, the effect pattern determination unit 71, the normal effect control unit 72, the operation effect control unit 73, the specific effect control unit 74 and the storage It functions as an effect control unit 75 and executes a change effect corresponding to the change time of the special symbol.

  The effect pattern determination unit 71 is one effect corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol based on the result of the big hit determination on the main control board 30 from a plurality of types of effect patterns 70 stored in advance in the ROM 33b of the effect control board 33. Determine the pattern.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of various effect patterns stored in advance in the ROM 33b. FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C are production patterns corresponding to fluctuation times of 3 seconds, 8 seconds, and 13 seconds, respectively, and all are production patterns when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. FIGS. 19 (d) and 19 (e) are production patterns corresponding to a fluctuation time of 18 seconds. FIG. 19 (d) is a pattern showing a case of loss, and FIG. 19 (e) is a case of jackpot. FIGS. 19 (f) and 19 (g) are production patterns corresponding to a fluctuation time of 23 seconds, and (f) is a pattern that shows a loss and (g) is a jackpot. FIGS. 19 (h) and 19 (i) are both production patterns corresponding to a fluctuation time of 45 seconds. FIG. 19 (h) shows a case where a loss occurs and FIG. 19 (i) shows a case where a big hit. FIGS. 19 (j) and 19 (k) are production patterns corresponding to a variation time of 60 seconds, and (j) is a pattern that shows a loss and (k) is a jackpot. Further, FIGS. 19 (l) and 19 (m) are production patterns corresponding to a fluctuation time of 80 seconds. FIG. 19 (l) is a pattern showing a case of loss and (m) is a case of jackpot. Therefore, the effect pattern determination unit 71 should be executed as a variation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c based on the jackpot determination result and the variation time of the special symbol from among the plurality of types of effect patterns 70. Determine the production pattern.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A, 19 </ b> B, and 19 </ b> C, the production patterns a, b, and c are all production patterns including only the symbol variation production 81. The symbol variation effect 81 is one of the normal game effects that are displayed on the image display 12 by changing the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c in the vertical direction, for example. It is. When an effect based on these effect patterns a, b, and c is performed, the gaming machine 1 executes only the symbol change effect 81, and therefore, the image display 12 starts the variable display of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c. After that, two of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are stopped without being aligned with the same symbol, and then the third decorative symbol is stopped. In such an effect, since the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are stopped at a relatively early timing without being aligned with the same symbol after the variation effect is started, the jackpot determination result is lost to the player. It is notified early that it is. Therefore, the effects based on each of the effect patterns a, b, and c do not give any special expectation to the player.

  The effect pattern d in FIG. 19D is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81 and a reach effect 82. For example, the reach effect 82 is stopped when two decorative symbols 12a, 12c of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c are aligned in the same pattern, and only the central decorative symbol 12b is changed in the vertical direction. This is a normal reach production, and is one of the normal game productions generally called normal reach. When an effect based on the effect pattern d is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs the reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and therefore, the image display 12 displays three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c. After the variable display is started, two of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c are stopped in a state where the two decorative symbols 12a, 12c are aligned with the same symbol, and then only the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed. It is displayed in a state that has fluctuated for a predetermined time. Eventually, the third decorative symbol 12b is stopped at a different symbol from the other two decorative symbols 12a, 12c, and the player is notified that the jackpot determination result is lost. Is done.

  The effect pattern e in FIG. 19 (e) is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81 and a special reach effect 87. The special reach production 87 is started as soon as two of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c are in the reach state in which the same symbols 12a, 12c are in the same design, and is different from the normal reach production. The reach state is produced in a manner. In this special reach production 87, for example, a character that does not appear in the normal reach production appears on the image display 12 and tries to align the third decorative design 12b with the same design as the other two decorative designs 12a and 12c. An effect of performing an operation is performed. Such a special reach effect 87 may be the same effect as any one of a first development effect 84, a second development effect 85, and a third development effect 86, which will be described later. In the effect pattern e, after the special reach effect 87, the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b and 12c are stopped in a state where all the decorative symbols 12a, 12b and 12c are aligned, and the player is notified that the game is a big hit.

  The effect pattern f in FIG. 19 (f) is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81, a reach effect 82, and an operation effect 83. The operation effect 83 is an effect that prompts the player to operate the operation button 6. For example, the operation effect 83 is an effect that displays an image prompting the button operation on the image display 12 for a predetermined time. When an effect based on the effect pattern f is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, the third decorative symbol 12b is different from the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c. It is displayed as a symbol, and the player is notified that the jackpot determination result is lost. If the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the third decorative symbol 12b is different from the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c at a predetermined timing. Is displayed in a stopped state.

  The effect pattern g in FIG. 19G is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81, a reach effect 82, and a special reach effect 87. When an effect based on the effect pattern g is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs a special reach effect 87 for a predetermined time. In the special reach production 87, as in the case of the production pattern e, for example, the production in the reach state is performed in a special mode different from the normal reach production 82. Also in the effect pattern g, after the special reach effect 87, the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are stopped in a state where all are arranged, and the player is notified that the game is a big hit.

  The effect pattern h in FIG. 19H is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81, a reach effect 82, an operation effect 83, and a first development effect 84. The first development effect 84 is, for example, an effect in a reach state that is further advanced from the normal reach effect 82, and is a specific game effect that has a higher expectation level than the normal reach effect 82. One. In such a first development effect 84, the screen configuration of the image display device 12 is changed to a screen configuration different from the normal reach production 82, and for example, a specific character or the like appears and achieves the first target action. An animated movie or the like is displayed. When an effect based on the effect pattern h is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, an effect in which the reach effect 82 is shifted to the first development effect 84 is performed, and a predetermined timing is reached. Thus, the first development effect 84 is started. Also, when the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the first development effect 84 is started at a predetermined timing. After the first development effect 84 is performed for a predetermined time, the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed in a stopped state as a symbol different from the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c, and is displayed to the player. It is notified that the determination result of jackpot is a loss. In this effect pattern h, as an animation movie displayed in the first development effect 84, a movie that ends without achieving the target action is displayed.

  The effect pattern i in FIG. 19 (i) is substantially the same as the effect pattern h described above, and is an effect pattern including a design variation effect 81, a reach effect 82, an operation effect 83, and a first development effect 84. When an effect based on the effect pattern i is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, an effect in which the reach effect 82 is shifted to the first development effect 84 is performed, and a predetermined timing is reached. Thus, the first development effect 84 is started. Also, when the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the first development effect 84 is started at a predetermined timing. After the first development effect 84 is performed for a predetermined time, the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed in the same state as the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c and is displayed in a stopped state. It is notified that it becomes. In this effect pattern i, a moving image that achieves a target action and ends is displayed as an animation moving image displayed in the first development effect 84.

  The effect pattern j in FIG. 19 (j) is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81, a reach effect 82, an operation effect 83, a first development effect 84, and a second development effect 85. The second development effect 85 is, for example, an effect in a reach state that is performed in a further developmental manner from the normal reach effect 82 or the first development effect 84, and has a higher expectation level than the first development effect 84. It is one of the specific game productions. In such a second development effect 85, the screen configuration of the image display device 12 changes to a screen configuration different from the normal reach production 82 and the first development effect 84, and for example, a specific character appears and the second purpose. Animated videos that are intended to achieve the following actions are displayed. When an effect based on the effect pattern j is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, an effect in which the reach effect 82 is shifted to the first development effect 84 is performed, and a predetermined timing is reached. Thus, the first development effect 84 is started. Also, when the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the first development effect 84 is started at a predetermined timing. In the first development effect 84, for example, after a moving image that ends without being able to achieve the intended action of a specific character or the like, the second development effect 85 is started at a predetermined timing. After the second development effect 85 is performed for a predetermined time, the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed in a stopped state as a symbol different from the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c. It is notified that the determination result of jackpot is a loss. In this effect pattern j, as an animation movie displayed in the second development effect 85, a movie that ends without achieving the target action is displayed.

  The effect pattern k in FIG. 19 (k) is substantially the same as the effect pattern j described above, and includes an effect pattern 81, a reach effect 82, an operation effect 83, a first development effect 84, and a second development effect 85. It is. When an effect based on the effect pattern k is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, an effect in which the reach effect 82 is shifted to the first development effect 84 is performed, and a predetermined timing is reached. Thus, the first development effect 84 is started. Also, when the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the first development effect 84 is started at a predetermined timing. Then, after the first development effect 84 is performed for a predetermined time, the second development effect 85 is further started. After this second development effect 85 has been performed for a predetermined time, the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed in the same state as the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c and is displayed in a stopped state. It is notified that it becomes. In this effect pattern k, as an animation movie displayed in the second development effect 85, a movie that achieves the target action and ends is displayed.

  The effect pattern l in FIG. 19 (l) is an effect pattern including a symbol variation effect 81, a reach effect 82, an operation effect 83, a first development effect 84, a second development effect 85, and a third development effect 86. The third development effect 86 is, for example, an effect in a reach state that is performed in a further developmental manner from the normal reach effect 82, the first development effect 84, or the second development effect 85, and is further more than the second development effect 85. It is one of the specific game productions that raises the expectation of a big hit. In such a third development effect 86, the screen configuration of the image display 12 is changed to a screen configuration different from the normal reach production 82, the first development effect 84, and the second development effect 85, for example, a specific character appears. Then, a moving image or the like based on a live-action video that achieves the third target action is displayed. When an effect based on this effect pattern l is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, an effect in which the reach effect 82 is shifted to the first development effect 84 is performed, and a predetermined timing is reached. Thus, the first development effect 84 is started. Also, when the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the first development effect 84 is started at a predetermined timing. In the first development effect 84, for example, after a moving image that ends without being able to achieve the intended action of a specific character or the like, the second development effect 85 is started at a predetermined timing. Also in the second development effect 85, for example, after a moving image that ends without being able to achieve the intended action of a specific character or the like, the third development effect 86 is started at a predetermined timing. Then, after the third development effect 86 is performed for a predetermined time, the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed in a stopped state as a symbol different from the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c. It is notified that the determination result of jackpot is a loss. In this effect pattern l, as a moving image of a live-action video displayed in the third development effect 86, a moving image that ends without achieving a target action of a specific character or the like is displayed.

  The effect pattern m in FIG. 19 (m) is substantially the same as the effect pattern l, and the symbol variation effect 81, the reach effect 82, the operation effect 83, the first development effect 84, the second development effect 85, and the third development effect. 86. When an effect based on the effect pattern m is performed, the gaming machine 1 performs a normal reach effect 82 for a predetermined time after performing the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time, and then performs an operation effect 83 for a predetermined time. When it is detected that the player has operated the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 for a predetermined time is being performed, an effect in which the reach effect 82 is shifted to the first development effect 84 is performed, and a predetermined timing is reached. Thus, the first development effect 84 is started. Also, when the operation button 6 is not operated while the operation effect 83 is being performed, the first development effect 84 is started at a predetermined timing. Then, after the first development effect 84 is performed for a predetermined time, the second development effect 85 is further started. After the second development effect 85 is performed for a predetermined time, the third development effect 86 is further started at a predetermined timing. After the third development effect 86 is performed for a predetermined time, the third decorative symbol 12b is displayed in the same state as the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c and is displayed in a stopped state. It is notified that it becomes. In this effect pattern m, as a moving image of the live-action video displayed in the third development effect 86, a moving image that ends when the specific character or the like achieves the intended action is displayed.

  Among the effect patterns a to m as described above, the patterns in which the variation effects of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are big hits are five patterns of effect patterns e, g, i, k, and m, and other effect patterns. All of a, b, c, d, f, h, j, and l are lost. By the way, as described above, when the result of jackpot determination is a jackpot, the variation time of the special symbol tends to be long, and when the result of jackpot determination is lost, the variation time of the special symbol tends to be short. is there. Therefore, for example, in a case where a variation time of 80 seconds is specified by a variation start command, there is a relatively high possibility that an effect pattern m that is a big hit will be selected. Selected. That is, when an effect with a variation time of 80 seconds is performed, a big hit is generated at a rate of about 50%. For example, in the case where the variation time of 60 seconds is specified by the variation start command, the possibility that the effect pattern k that is a big hit is selected is about 20%, and in the case where the fluctuation time of 45 seconds is designated, it is a big hit. The possibility that the production pattern i is selected is about 10%. Further, for example, in the case where a variation time of 23 seconds is specified, the possibility of selecting the effect pattern g that is a big hit is about 3%, and in the case where a change time of 18 seconds is specified, the effect pattern that is a big hit The possibility that e is selected is, for example, less than 1%. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the variation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c is started, the variation effect shifts from the reach effect 82 to the operation effect 83, and the operation effect 83 is further changed. After that, each production pattern 70 is set in advance so that the degree of expectation that becomes a big hit gradually increases as the transition to the first development production 84, the second development production 85, and the third development production 86 progresses progressively. Yes. Therefore, when the variation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c is started in the gaming machine 1, the player enters a reach state and shifts to the operation effect 83, and further passes through the operation effect 83. It is expected that an effect of progressively shifting to the first development effect 84, the second development effect 85, and the third development effect 86 will be performed.

  When receiving the variation start command from the main control board 30, the effect pattern determination unit 71 executes one of the above-described multiple types of effect patterns 70 based on the result of the jackpot determination and the variation time of the special symbol. Determine the production pattern. Then, the effect pattern determination unit 71 performs an effect to be executed for each of the normal effect control unit 72, the operation effect control unit 73, the specific effect control unit 74, and the storage effect control unit 75 based on the determined one effect pattern. Instruct.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating operation timings of the normal effect control unit 72, the operation effect control unit 73, the specific effect control unit 74, and the storage effect control unit 75. The normal effect control unit 72 controls the execution of normal game effects including the symbol variation effect 81 and the normal reach effect 82, and the image display is based on the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71. At 12, the variation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c is started. When the effect pattern does not include the reach effect 82 (in the case of the effect patterns a, b, and c), the normal effect control unit 72 performs the symbol variation effect 81 for a predetermined time and then three decorative symbols 12a and 12b. , 12c is not reached, and is stopped at the lost symbol to end the changing effect. When the reach effect 82 is included in the effect pattern being executed (in the case of effect patterns d, f, h, i, j, k, l, m), the normal effect control unit 72 displays the symbol variation effect 81. After a predetermined time, the two decorative symbols 12a and 12c are stopped at the same symbol to reach a reach state, and then a normal reach effect 82 is performed for a predetermined time. If the effect pattern being executed does not include the effect performed after the reach effect 82 (in the case of the effect pattern d), the normal effect control unit 72 uses the third decorative pattern 12b in the normal reach effect 82 as the other effect. The variation effect is ended by stopping at a symbol different from the two decorative symbols 12a and 12c.

  When the operation effect 83 is included in the effect pattern being executed (in the case of the effect patterns f, h, i, j, k, l, and m), the operation effect control unit 73 performs a game effect based on the operation effect 83. Execution is controlled, and for example, an image prompting button operation is displayed on the image display 12 at a predetermined timing T1 set in the effect pattern being executed. When the effect pattern being executed does not include the development effect after the operation effect 83 (in the case of the effect pattern f), the operation effect control unit 73 displays the third decorative pattern 12b after the operation effect 83 as another The variation effect is ended by stopping at a symbol different from the two decorative symbols 12a and 12c.

  The specific effect control unit 74 controls the execution of a specific game effect that suggests that the normal game effect is higher than the normal game effect after the normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72. And when the effect pattern being executed includes at least one of the first development effect 84, the second development effect 85, and the third development effect 86 (in the case of the effect patterns h, j, j, k, l, m). In addition, the execution of the development effects 84, 85, and 86 is started at a predetermined timing T2 defined in the effect pattern. For example, when the effect patterns h and i are being executed, the specific effect control unit 74 performs only the first development effect 84 as the specific game effect, and ends the variable effect after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the production patterns j and k are being executed, the specific production control unit 74 sequentially performs the first development production 84 and the second development production 85 as the specific game production, and ends the variation production after a predetermined time has elapsed. . Further, when the production patterns 1 and m are being executed, the specific production control unit 74 sequentially performs the first development production 84, the second development production 85, and the third development production 86 as specific game productions, and a predetermined time has elapsed. Later, the variable production is ended.

  In the case of the production patterns e and g of FIGS. 19E and 19G, the special reach production 87 is included, and therefore the specific production control unit 74 is activated at the timing when the special reach production 87 is started. Then, the special reach production 87 determined for the production patterns e and g is executed.

  The storage effect control unit 75 operates when a normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72 and stores items in parallel with the normal game effect performed by the normal effect control unit 72. It controls the execution of the production. In the storage effect, one item is repeatedly selected from a plurality of types of items including a specific item and a non-specific item to appear on the image display 12, and the displayed item is displayed in the item storage display unit 24. Displayed in the accumulated state one by one, and according to the storage display state of the item in the item storage display unit 24 at the time when the normal game effect by the normal effect control unit 72 ends, the variation effect is then the first development effect 84, an effect suggesting whether or not to proceed to one of the second development effect 85 and the third development effect 86. Such a storage effect is executed as an effect corresponding to the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71. However, there are various storage effect execution patterns, and the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71 and the execution effect of the storage effect are not in a one-to-one correspondence with each other. There are a plurality of storage effect execution patterns for one effect pattern determined by the unit 71. The storage effect control unit 75 selects one execution pattern by lottery or the like from the plurality of execution patterns based on the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71, and the normal effect control unit 72 performs a normal operation. A storage effect based on the selected execution pattern is executed in parallel with the game effect.

  That is, each of the normal effect control unit 72, the operation effect control unit 73, and the specific effect control unit 74 sequentially executes various effects predetermined for one effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71. Is. On the other hand, the storage effect control unit 75 determines the extent to which the effect progressed by each of the normal effect control unit 72, the operation effect control unit 73, and the specific effect control unit 74 progresses. The storage effect is performed in a manner not defined in the effect pattern determined by.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of a variable effect performed by the normal effect control unit 72, the operation effect control unit 73, and the specific effect control unit 74. Note that FIG. 21 illustrates a case where a variation effect corresponding to the effect pattern m is performed. When the effect pattern m is determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71, the normal effect control unit 72 is first activated to start the symbol variation effect 81. In this symbol variation effect 81, as shown in FIG. 21A, a variation display in which the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c vary in the vertical direction on the image display 12 is performed for a predetermined time. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 21B, the two decorative symbols 12a and 12c stop at the same symbol and reach a reach state, and a normal reach effect 82 in which only the central decorative symbol 12b fluctuates becomes a predetermined time. Done. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the reach effect 82, an operation effect 83 is started as shown in FIG. 21C, and an image prompting button operation is displayed on the image display 12. If the player operates the operation button 6 while the operation effect 83 is being performed, an effect of notifying that the transition to the first development effect 84 will be made is performed. Therefore, when the operation effect 83 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the player operates the operation button 6 in the hope that the effect of notifying the transition to the first development effect 84 will be performed. Thereafter, at a predetermined timing, as shown in FIG. 21 (d), the first development effect 84 having a higher expectation that is a big hit than the normal reach effect 82 is started. Video production is performed. After that, when a predetermined time elapses, as shown in FIG. 21 (e), the second development effect 85 having a higher expectation than the first development effect 84 is started, and the image display 12 displays the second animation. 2 animation production is performed. When a further predetermined time elapses, as shown in FIG. 21 (f), a third development effect 86 with a higher expectation than the second development effect 85 is started. A third moving image effect is performed. When this third video effect is finished, as shown in FIG. 21 (g), the player stops with all three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c aligned with the same symbol, and informs the player that a big hit will be made. In this state, the variation effect of the variation ends.

  Next, the storage effect performed by the storage effect control unit 75 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage effect control unit 75 includes a first display control unit 75a and a second display control unit 75b. These first and second display control units 75a and 75b both store items that appear on the image display 12 in the item storage display unit 24 during the period in which the normal game control unit 72 performs the normal game effect. Control is performed to display a predetermined number of the light emitting units 25 in a stored state one by one. Here, the first display control unit 75a stores a number of items less than a predetermined number that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 during a period in which a normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72. Control to display on the screen. On the other hand, the second display control unit 75b displays in a state where all the predetermined number of items that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 are stored during the period in which the normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72. To control. Therefore, when the storage effect control unit 75 performs the storage effect accompanying the start of the fluctuating effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c, the first and second display controls are performed based on the execution pattern of the storage effect. Either one of the parts 75a and 75b is selectively operated.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage effect performed by the storage effect control unit 75. In the example of FIG. 22, during a period in which a normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72, a predetermined number (for example, seven items) that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 is displayed in a stored state. The case where the storage effect is performed is illustrated. Therefore, in the storage effect shown in FIG. 22, the second display control unit 75 b functions in the storage effect control unit 75 and the storage display for the item storage display unit 24 is performed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), when the symbol variation effect 81 is started on the image display 12, the storage effect control unit 75 causes the front side of the effect image in which the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c vary. Then, a red item (item image) 90 that is the specific item 91 is caused to appear, and is moved in the screen toward the item storage display unit 24 located below the image display 12. When the red item 90 crosses the screen and disappears from the screen, the storage effect control unit 75 activates the second display control unit 75b, for example, in the item storage display unit 24 as shown in FIG. One light emitting part 25d of the predetermined number of light emitting parts 25 provided is lit in red of the specific item 91.

  In the example of FIG. 22B, another item 90 has already appeared on the image display 12. This another item 90 is a non-specific item 92 other than red. And if the item 90 which is the non-specific item 92 crosses the inside of a screen and disappears toward the item storage display part 24, the storage production | generation control part 75 will operate the 2nd display control part 75b, for example, it shows in FIG.22 (c). As described above, the remaining one light emitting unit 25a among the predetermined number of light emitting units 25 provided in the item storage display unit 24 is lit in the color of the non-specific item 92 other than red. At this time, the item 90 that appears first continues to be stored in the light emitting unit 25d.

  In the example of FIG. 22C, another item 90 appears on the image display 12. This item 90 is a red specific item 91. And if the item 90 which is the specific item 91 crosses the inside of a screen and disappears toward the item storage display part 24, the storage production | generation control part 75 will operate the 2nd display control part 75b, for example, it shows in FIG.22 (d). As described above, the remaining one light emitting unit 25e among the predetermined number of light emitting units 25 provided in the item storage display unit 24 is lit in red of the specific item 91. At this time, the two items 90 that appear earlier continue to be stored in the two light emitting units 25d and 25a.

  In the example of FIG. 22D, two new items 90 appear on the image display 12. One of these two items 90 is a non-specific item 92 other than red, and the other is a red specific item 91. When these items 90 sequentially cross the screen and disappear toward the item storage display unit 24, the storage effect control unit 75 operates the second display control unit 75b, for example, as shown in FIG. 22 (e). The remaining light emitting units 25b and 25f of the predetermined number of light emitting units 25 provided in the item storage display unit 24 are turned on one by one in order. In the example of FIG. 22E, the light emitting unit 25b is lit with the color of the non-specific item 92 other than red, and the light emitting unit 25f is lit with the red of the specific item 91. At this time, the three items 90 that appear earlier continue to be stored in the three light emitting units 25d, 25a, and 25e.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 22E, one new item 90 appears on the image display 12. This item 90 is a red specific item 91. When the item 90 crosses the screen and disappears in the direction in which the item storage display unit 24 is positioned, the storage effect control unit 75 activates the second display control unit 75b, for example, as shown in FIG. The remaining one light emitting unit 25c among the predetermined number of light emitting units 25 provided in the storage display unit 24 is turned on. At this time, the five items 90 that appear earlier continue to be stored in the five light emitting units 25d, 25a, 25e, 25b, and 25f.

  In the example of FIG. 22F, a new item 90 appears on the image display 12. This item 90 is a non-specific item 92 other than red. When the item 90 crosses the screen and disappears in the direction in which the item storage display unit 24 is positioned, the storage effect control unit 75 operates the second display control unit 75b, for example, a predetermined number provided in the item storage display unit 24 The last remaining one of the light emitting units 25 is turned on.

  In this way, the storage effect is an effect that is performed in parallel with the normal game effect while the normal game effect including the symbol variation effect 81 and the reach effect 82 is performed by the normal effect control unit 72. . And when the storage effect which the 2nd display control part 75b functions as mentioned above is performed, until the normal game effect is complete | finished, predetermined number (7 pieces) provided in the item storage display part 24 It becomes the storage effect which succeeds in storing the item 90 with respect to all the light emission parts 25. On the other hand, in the case of a storage effect in which the first display control unit 75a functions, a predetermined number of items that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 (until the normal game effect by the normal effect control unit 72 ends) ( Since the number of items 90 less than (seven) is stored, the storage that fails to store the items 90 for all of the predetermined number (seven) of the light emitting units 25 provided in the item storage display unit 24 is stored. It becomes directing.

  Then, when determining the execution pattern of the storage effect, the storage effect control unit 75 according to the present embodiment determines whether the specific game effect is performed by the specific effect control unit 74 in the variation effect. And which of the second display control units 75a and 75b is to be functioned. More specifically, the storage effect control unit 75 performs the first display control unit 75a and the second display control unit 75b when the specific game effect is not performed by the specific effect control unit 74 in the variation effect. It is determined that the storage effect by either one is performed. On the other hand, when a specific game effect is performed by the specific effect control unit 74 in the variation effect, it is determined that the storage effect by the second display control unit 75b is performed. According to such a storage effect, if all the predetermined number (seven) items 90 that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 can be stored when a normal game effect is performed in the gaming machine 1, Thus, the variation effect is an effect suggesting that there is a possibility of developing into a specific game effect. On the other hand, when all of the predetermined number (seven) items 90 that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 cannot be stored when a normal game effect is performed in the gaming machine 1, The variation effect is an effect suggesting that it does not develop into a specific game effect. Therefore, the player expects that the predetermined number of items 90 that can be stored and displayed in the item storage display unit 24 are stored by the storage effect when the variation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c is started. become. Therefore, the player's expectation can be gradually increased by storing and displaying the items 90 one by one on the item storage display unit 24 during the progress of the normal game effect. Become.

  In addition, when the operation effect 83 is included in the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71, the storage effect control unit 75 of the present embodiment performs a specific game effect by the specific effect control unit 74 in the variation effect. Regardless of whether or not it is displayed, it is determined that the storage effect by the second display control unit 75b is performed. On the other hand, when the operation effect 83 is not included in the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination unit 71, it is determined that the storage effect by the first display control unit 75b is performed. According to such a storage effect, if all the predetermined number (seven) items 90 that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 can be stored when a normal game effect is performed in the gaming machine 1, Regardless of whether or not a specific game effect is performed, the normal game effect is an effect that suggests that the operation effect 83 will develop into a specific effect. On the other hand, when a normal game effect is being performed on the gaming machine 1, when all of the predetermined number (seven) items 90 that can be displayed on the item storage display unit 24 cannot be stored, This game effect is an effect that suggests that it will not develop into an operation effect 83. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, each of the first development effect 84, the second development effect 85, and the third development effect 86, which are specific game effects, is performed via the operation effect 83. Since it is an effect, if all the predetermined number of items 90 can be stored in the item storage display unit 24 by the storage effect, the player is informed that the operation effect 83 will be developed before the specific game effect. Can do it. In addition, in the storage effect that suggests that the normal game effect develops into a specific effect called the operation effect 83, the display mode such as the number of display and the display position of the specific item 91 is not particularly relevant, as will be described later. Regardless of the item 91 or the non-specific item 92, the item storage display unit 24 may be an effect that stores any number of items 90 in a total predetermined number.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an effect aspect in a case where a storage effect for storing all the predetermined number of items is performed in the item storage display unit 24. FIG. 23A shows a state in which the fluctuation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c is in the reach state, and the normal reach effect 82 in which the central decorative symbol 12b is changed is performed. In this state, when a predetermined number of all items are stored in the item storage display unit 24 and all of the light emitting units 25a to 25g are turned on, the reach effect 82 is then changed to the operation effect 83 as shown in FIG. Develop. The effect after the operation effect 83 is FIG. 23 (c) or (d). That is, in the case where the first development effect 84 is developed and a specific game effect is performed, the operation effect 83 is followed by the first development effect 84 as shown in FIG. In the case where a specific game effect is not performed without developing to 84, after the operation effect 83, the central decorative symbol 12b is different from the other two decorative symbols 12a and 12c as shown in FIG. It stops as a symbol, and the variation effect ends.

  On the other hand, FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an effect mode in a case where a storage effect is stored in the item storage display unit 24 that stores a number of items less than a predetermined number. FIG. 24A shows a state in which the fluctuation effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c is in the reach state, and the normal reach effect 82 in which the central decorative symbol 12b is changed is performed. If all the predetermined number of items are not stored and displayed in the item storage display unit 24 by the end of the normal reach effect 82, as shown in FIG. The central decorative design 12b becomes a different design from the other two decorative designs 12a and 12c in the state of the normal reach production 82 and stops, and the variation production ends.

  In this way, if all of the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g included in the item storage display unit 24 are lit by the storage effect while the normal game effect is being performed, the player can operate the operation button 6. In the case where all of the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g included in the item storage display unit 24 are not turned on due to the storage effect, the player has the opportunity to operate the operation button 6 Is not given. Therefore, during the progress of the normal game effect, an opportunity to operate the operation button 6 may be given by additionally lighting the light emitting units 25a to 25g of the item storage display unit 24 one by one by the storage effect. The player's expectation that he will not be able to be gradually increased.

  And the storage production | presentation control part 75 of this embodiment performs the storage production | presentation which makes all the light emission parts 25a-25g provided in the item storage display part 24 by the 2nd display control part 75b perform the production | presentation pattern determination part 71. Based on whether or not a specific game effect such as the first development effect 84 is included in the determined effect pattern, a red specific item 91 and a non-specific item 92 other than red are selected from a plurality of types of items 90. The storage display in the item storage display unit 24 is performed while selecting and appearing on the image display 12. Thereby, the 2nd display control part 75b mutually changes the lighting number or lighting position of the specific item 91 in the item storage display part 24 with the case where a specific game effect is performed in the said change effect, and the case where it is not performed. The storage effect is performed in the different display modes. That is, the storage effect control unit 75 produces the first development effect 84 after the operation effect 83 is performed according to the lighting display state in which all the lighting units 25a to 25g are lit by the second display control unit 75b. It is configured to suggest whether or not to shift to a specific game production such as. Accordingly, during the progress of the normal game effect, the player not only pays attention to whether or not all the light emitting units 25a to 25g of the item storage display unit 24 are lit, but is displayed on the item storage display unit 24. Attention is also paid to the display mode such as the number of display and the display position of the specific item 91, and the interest is further improved.

  Furthermore, when a specific game effect is performed by the specific effect control unit 74, the storage effect control unit 75 is one of the first development effect 84, the second development effect 85, and the third development effect 86. The display mode of the specific item 91 and the non-specific item 92 in the item storage display unit 24 is changed depending on whether the process proceeds to the stage. In other words, the second display control unit 75b proceeds to the first development effect 84 and the second development effect 85 when the specific game effect is performed in the variation effect. The storage effect is performed so that different display modes are obtained by changing the lighting number or lighting position of the specific item 91 in the item storage display unit 24 depending on the case and the case of further progressing to the third development effect 86. Thereby, the storage effect control unit 75 produces the first development effect after the operation effect 83 is performed in the lighting display state in which all the lighting units 25a to 25g are lit by the second display control unit 75b. It is configured such that it can be suggested to develop to 84, suggest to develop to the second development effect 85, or suggest to develop to the third development effect 86. As described above, since the first to third development effects 84, 85, and 86 are effects with different expectation levels for jackpots, the third development effect 86 with the highest expectation level for jackpots is performed for the player. I hope that Therefore, by performing an effect that suggests to which stage of the first development effect 84, the second development effect 85, and the third development effect 86 the specific game effect proceeds by the storage effect, Not only simply paying attention to whether or not all the light emitting units 25a to 25g of the item storage display unit 24 are lit, but the display mode such as the display number and display position of the specific item 91 displayed on the item storage display unit 24 is used. Will also be attracting attention, and will be even more interesting.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the item display mode in the item storage display unit 24 and the suggestion of effects thereby. In addition, in FIG. 25, although the aspect of the 1st-7th storage effect is shown typically, the storage effect control part 75 can also perform a storage effect in display modes other than these.

  First, the first storage effect shown in FIG. 25A is an effect in which all of the plurality of light emitting units 25 a to 25 g emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91. Thus, when all of the plurality of light emitting units 25 a to 25 g provided in the item storage display unit 24 are lit and displayed in a state where the specific item 91 is stored, the effect after the operation effect 83 is up to the third development effect 86. It is a storage effect that suggests that it is determined to proceed. Therefore, when this first storage effect is performed, the player's expectation is greatest.

  Next, in the second storage effect shown in FIG. 25B, a predetermined number (for example, five) or more of the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91, and the like. This is an effect in which the light emitting section of the light is emitted in a color corresponding to the non-specific item 92. In the example of FIG. 25 (b), except for the light emitting unit 25a, the six light emitting units 25b to 25g emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91. Thus, when the predetermined number or more of the light emitting units 25a to 25g provided in the item storage display unit 24 are lit and displayed in a state where the specific item 91 is stored, the effect after the operation effect 83 Is a storage effect that suggests that there is a possibility of progressing to the third development effect 86. That is, when the second storage effect is performed, the subsequent effect may progress to the third development effect 86, but may not progress. Therefore, when this second storage effect is performed, the expectation of the player who expects the third development effect 86 to be performed becomes relatively large.

  Next, in the third storage effect shown in FIG. 25C, among the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g, three light emitting units 25c, 25d, and 25e arranged in the central lateral direction emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91. Then, the other light emitting unit produces an effect of emitting light in a color corresponding to the non-specific item 92. As described above, when the three light emitting units 25c, 25d, and 25e in the predetermined position among the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g provided in the item storage display unit 24 are lit and displayed with the specific item 91 stored, This is a storage effect that suggests that the effect after the operation effect 83 has been confirmed to advance to the second development effect 85. Therefore, when this third storage effect is performed, the player operates the button with confidence that the second development effect 85 will be performed.

  Next, in the fourth storage effect shown in FIG. 25D, among the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g, any three light emitting units emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91, and the other light emitting units are not. This is an effect in which light is emitted in a color corresponding to the specific item 92. In the example of FIG. 25D, the light emitting units 25b, 25e, and 25g emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91. As described above, when three light emitting units among the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g provided in the item storage display unit 24 are lit and displayed in a state where the specific item 91 is stored, the effect after the operation effect 83 is the second. The storage effect suggests that there is a possibility of progressing to the development effect 85. That is, when the fourth storage effect is performed, the subsequent effect may progress to the second development effect 85, but may not progress. Therefore, when the fourth storage effect is performed, the player performs a button operation while expecting the second development effect 85 to be performed.

  Next, the fifth storage effect shown in FIG. 25 (e) is a red color corresponding to the specific item 91 in which the two light emitting portions 25c and 25e at the left and right ends arranged in the center lateral direction among the plurality of light emitting portions 25a to 25g. This is an effect in which light is emitted and the other light emitting units emit light in a color corresponding to the non-specific item 92. As described above, when two light emitting units 25c and 25e at a predetermined position among the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g provided in the item storage display unit 24 are lit and displayed in a state where the specific item 91 is stored, an operation effect is produced. This is a storage effect that suggests that the production after 83 has been confirmed to proceed to the first development production 84. Therefore, when the fifth storage effect is performed, the player operates the button with a certainty that the first development effect 84 is performed.

  Next, the sixth storage effect shown in FIG. 25 (f) is that any two of the light emitting units 25 a to 25 g emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91, and the other light emitting units are not. This is an effect in which light is emitted in a color corresponding to the specific item 92. In the example of FIG. 25 (f), the light emitting units 25 b and 25 g emit light in red corresponding to the specific item 91. As described above, when two light emitting units among the plurality of light emitting units 25 a to 25 g provided in the item storage display unit 24 are lit and displayed in a state where the specific item 91 is stored, the effect after the operation effect 83 is the first. The storage effect suggests that there is a possibility of proceeding to the development effect 84. That is, when the sixth storage effect is performed, the subsequent effect may progress to the first development effect 84, but may not progress. Therefore, when the sixth storage effect is performed, the player performs the button operation while expecting the first development effect 84 to be performed.

  The first to sixth storage effects are display modes that are display-controlled by the second display control unit 75b. On the other hand, the storage effect shown in FIG. 25G is a display mode in which display control is performed by the first display control unit 75a.

  In the seventh storage effect shown in FIG. 25 (g), the storage effect ends without turning on some of the light emitting units 25d among the plurality of light emitting units 25a to 25g. In the example of FIG. 25 (g), only one light emitting unit 25d does not emit light, but a plurality of light emitting units may not emit light. Thus, in the storage effect, when the collection of a predetermined number (seven) of items 90 fails and all of the light emitting units 25a to 25g provided in the item storage display unit 24 do not emit light, a normal game The effect is not transferred to the operation effect 83, and the variation effect ends.

  Next, main operation procedures performed in the effect control board 33 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the main operation in the effect control board 33. The CPU 33a of the effect control board 33 repeatedly executes a process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 during a normal operation, except in a special case such as when the power is turned on.

  When starting this process, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not game data has been received (step S1001). When game data is received (YES in step S1001), the effect control board 33 performs game data reception processing (step S1002). In this game data reception process, the game data received from the main control board 30 is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33c, and a process for performing a hold display on the image display 12 or the like is performed. If game data has not been received (NO in step S1001), the process in step S1002 is skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a change start command has been received (step S1003). When the variation start command is received (YES in step S1003), the effect control board 33 executes an effect determination process (step S1004). In this effect determination process, one effect pattern is determined based on the jackpot determination result and the change time included in the change start command, and the above-described storage effect execution pattern is determined based on the effect pattern. . Details of the effect determination process (step S1004) will be described later. Then, the effect control board 33 starts the changing effect of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c based on the effect pattern determined in the effect determining process (step S1004) (step S1005). Accordingly, the storage effect determined in the effect determination process (step S1004) is also started to be executed in parallel with the symbol variation effect. If no change start command has been received (NO in step S1003), the processes in steps S1004 and S1005 are skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a change stop command has been received (step S1006). When the change stop command has been received (YES in step S1006), the effect control board 33 stops the change effect currently being executed with the stop symbol designated in advance, and ends the change effect (step S1007). If no change stop command has been received (NO in step S1006), the process in step S1007 is skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a jackpot start command has been received (step S1008). When the jackpot start command is received (YES in step S1008), the effect control board 33 starts the jackpot effect (step S1009). If the jackpot start command has not been received (NO in step S1008), the process in step S1009 is skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a jackpot end command has been received (step S1010). If the jackpot end command is received (YES in step S1010), the effect control board 33 ends the jackpot effect currently being executed (step S1011). If the jackpot end command has not been received (NO in step S1010), the process in step S1011 is skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether another command has been received (step S1012). If another command has been received (YES in step S1012), the effect control board 33 executes an effect process corresponding to the command received from the main control board 30 (step S1013). If no other command is received (NO in step S1012), the process in step S1013 is skipped. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1001 again, and the above-described processing is repeated. In this way, the effect control board 33 controls the execution of various effects according to various commands received from the main control board 30.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the effect determination process (step S1004). When the effect determination processing is started, the effect control board 33 first determines the effect pattern of the change effect to be performed by the image display 12 or the like based on the jackpot determination result included in the change start command or the change time of the special symbol. (Step S1101). For example, one effect pattern corresponding to the jackpot determination result determined by the main control board 30 and the variation time of the special symbol is determined from among the 13 effect patterns am shown in FIG.

  When the effect pattern is determined, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the variation time for performing the variation effect based on the determined effect pattern is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) (step S1102). As a result, when the variation time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time (YES in step S1102), the effect control board 33 ends the effect determination process (step S1004) without determining the storage effect to be performed during the change effect. That is, when the variation time is shorter than a predetermined time such as 3 seconds or less, the variation effect ends immediately, and the items 90 are sequentially stored in the item storage display unit 24 one by one. It is not possible to effectively perform the storage effect. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the storage effect is not performed when the variation time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. Specifically, the storage effect is not performed when the effect pattern a shown in FIG. 19 is selected.

  On the other hand, when the variation time is not less than the predetermined time (NO in step S1102), the production control board 33 proceeds to the process for determining the storage effect because a certain time or more can be secured for the storage effect. . In this case, the effect control board 33 first determines whether or not a specific game effect such as the first development effect 84 is included in the effect pattern determined based on the variation time (step S1103). When a specific game effect is included (YES in step S1103), the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the third development effect 86 is included in the effect pattern (step S1104). As a result, when the third development effect 86 is included (YES in step S1104), the effect control board 33 executes the storage effect as a confirmed effect indicating that the third development effect 86 is confirmed to be performed. It is determined whether or not (step S1105). This determination is made, for example, by random lottery. When the storage effect is executed as a confirmed effect (YES in step S1105), the effect control board 33 shows a storage effect to be performed in a period until the normal game effect in the variation effect ends, as shown in FIG. The first storage effect as shown in (1) is set (step S1106). On the other hand, when it is determined that the storage effect is not to be executed as the confirmed effect based on the result of random number lottery or the like (NO in step S1105), the effect control board 33 waits until the normal game effect in the variation effect is ended. As a storage effect to be performed during the period, a second storage effect as shown in FIG. 25B is set (step S1107).

  On the other hand, when the third development effect 86 is not included in the effect pattern (NO in step S1104), the effect control board 33 determines whether the second development effect 85 is included in the effect pattern (step S1108). ). As a result, when the second development effect 85 is included (YES in step S1108), the effect control board 33 determines whether or not to perform the gaze effect (step S1109). This determination is also made by, for example, random lottery. If it is determined that a gasse effect is to be performed based on the result of random lottery or the like (YES in step S1109), the effect control board 33 is a storage effect that should be performed during the period until the normal game effect in the variation effect ends. Then, the second storage effect as shown in FIG. 25B is set (step S1107). In this case, it is suggested that there is a possibility that the variation effect may develop up to the third development effect 86 by the storage effect, and therefore the storage effect is executed as the gasse effect. If it is determined not to perform the gaze effect (NO in step S1109), the effect control board 33 determines whether or not to execute the storage effect as a confirmed effect indicating that the second development effect 85 is performed. Is determined (step S1110). This determination is also made by, for example, random number lottery as described above. When the storage effect is executed as a confirmed effect (YES in step S1110), the effect control board 33 shows a storage effect to be performed in a period until the normal game effect in the variation effect is ended, as shown in FIG. The third storage effect as shown in (1) is set (step S1111). On the other hand, if it is determined that the storage effect is not to be executed as the confirmed effect based on the result of random number lottery or the like (NO in step S1110), the effect control board 33 waits until the normal game effect in the variation effect ends. As a storage effect to be performed during the period, a fourth storage effect as shown in FIG. 25D is set (step S1112).

  When the second development effect 85 is not included in the effect pattern (NO in step S1108), the first development effect 84 is included in the effect pattern. In this case, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not to perform a gas effect as a storage effect (step S1113). This determination is also made by, for example, random number lottery as described above. If it is determined that a gasse effect is to be performed based on the result of random lottery or the like (YES in step S1113), the effect control board 33 is a storage effect that should be performed during the period until the normal game effect in the variation effect ends. Then, the fourth storage effect as shown in FIG. 25D is set (step S1112). In this case, it is suggested that there is a possibility that the variation effect may develop to the second development effect 85 due to the storage effect, and therefore the storage effect is executed as the gasse effect. If it is determined not to perform the gaze effect (NO in step S1113), the effect control board 33 determines whether or not to execute the storage effect as a confirmed effect indicating that the first development effect 84 is confirmed to be performed. Is determined (step S1114). This determination is also made by, for example, random number lottery as described above. When the storage effect is executed as the confirmed effect (YES in step S1114), the effect control board 33 shows the storage effect to be performed in the period until the normal game effect in the variation effect ends, as shown in FIG. The fifth storage effect as shown in (5) is set (step S1115). On the other hand, when it is determined that the storage effect is not to be executed as the confirmed effect based on the result of random number lottery or the like (NO in step S1114), the effect control board 33 is in a state until the normal game effect in the variation effect is finished. As a storage effect to be performed during the period, a sixth storage effect as shown in FIG. 25 (f) is set (step S1116).

  Furthermore, when a specific game effect is not included in the determined effect pattern (NO in step S1103), the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the operation effect 83 is included in the effect pattern (step S1117). Then, when the operation effect 83 is included in the effect pattern (YES in step S1117), the effect control board 33 shows a storage effect to be performed in the period until the normal game effect in the variation effect is ended as shown in FIG. ) Is set (step S1118). On the other hand, when the operation effect 83 is not included in the effect pattern (NO in step S1117), the effect control board 33 is a storage effect that should be performed during the period until the normal game effect in the variation effect ends. A seventh storage effect as shown in FIG. 25 (g) is set (step S1119).

  When the above-described processing is performed on the effect control board 33, when the normal game effect before the timing at which the specific game effect such as the first development effect 84 is started, the fluctuation occurs. It is possible to perform a storage effect that suggests what kind of effect the effect is likely to develop thereafter. Then, the storage effect stores items 90 one by one during a period in which the normal game effect is being performed, and the subsequent effects depend on the display mode of each item 90 finally stored in the item storage display unit 24. It is a production that suggests what kind of production may be developed. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment gradually increases the player's expectation during the progress of the normal game effect before the effect develops and shifts from the normal game effect to the specific game effect. This makes it possible to achieve a more interesting production than before.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment determines whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a start condition associated with winning in the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, Based on the determination result, various game effects are performed in various effect means including the image display 12 and the item storage display unit 24. Then, the effect control board 33 that comprehensively controls the game effects in the gaming machine 1 includes the normal effect control unit 72 that performs the normal game effects in accordance with the determination as to whether or not to perform the special game, A specific effect control unit 74 capable of performing a specific game effect suggesting that the degree of expectation determined to be a special game is high after a normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72; When a normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72, one item 90 is repeatedly selected from a plurality of types of items 90 including the specific item 91 and the non-specific item 92, and the selected item 90 is stored one by one, and a storage effect that can display the selected items 90 on the item storage display unit 24 up to a predetermined number is performed. Those having a reservoir performance control unit 75. Further, the storage effect control unit 75 causes the item storage display unit 24 to display a number of items 90 less than a predetermined number during the period in which the normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72. 75a and a second display control unit 75b for displaying a predetermined number of items 90 on the item storage display unit 24 during a period in which a normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control unit 72, and a specific effect control When a specific game effect is not performed by the unit 74, a storage effect is performed by either the first display control unit 75a or the second display control unit 75b, and the specific game control unit 74 performs a specific game effect. Is performed, the storage effect by the second display control unit 75b is performed. When the second display control unit 75b performs the storage effect, the specific item 91 or the non-specific item 92 is selected from the plurality of types of items 90 based on whether or not the specific game effect is performed in the variation effect. An effect that suggests whether or not a specific game effect is performed is performed according to the display mode of the specific item 91 or the non-specific item 92 in the item storage display unit 24.

  Therefore, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can gradually increase the player's expectation by the storage effect even while the normal game effect is being performed. It gives interest.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment individually displays one item 90 that appears in sequence one by one during the execution of the storage effect for each of the plurality of light emitting units 25 a to 25 g provided in the item storage display unit 24. It is the structure which can be displayed on the state stored in the. And when the 2nd display control part 75b performs a storage effect, when the specific game effect by the specific effect control part 74 is performed in the said fluctuation | variation after that, predetermined specific light emission among several light emission parts 25a-25g is performed. It is possible to display the specific item 91 on the part, and it is suggested in advance that a specific game effect may be performed by such a display mode. Therefore, during execution of the storage effect, the player comes to pay attention to whether or not the specific item 91 is displayed on the specific light emitting unit of the item storage display unit 24, and the specific item 91 is displayed on the specific light emitting unit. Every time it is done, the player's expectations can be raised.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the second display control unit 75b performs the storage effect, the specific item 91 is displayed in the item storage display unit 24 based on whether or not the specific game effect is performed by the specific effect control unit 74. It is also possible to determine the number of items to be displayed and display the determined number of specific items 91 on the item storage display unit 24 during execution of the storage effect. Therefore, during execution of the storage effect, the player comes to pay attention to the number of specific items 91 displayed on the item storage display unit 24, and raises the player's expectation every time the specific item 91 is displayed. Can do.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration example in which the item storage display unit 24 that displays the items 90 that appear one by one in the storage effect in the sequentially stored state is provided separately from the image display 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same function as that of the item storage display unit 24 described above may be realized in a partial display area of the image display 12. Even when the item storage display unit 24 is provided separately from the image display 12, it is not always necessary to provide the light emitting unit 25 using a light source such as an LED as described above. For example, a color liquid crystal display different from the image display 12 is provided. For example, the item storage display unit 24 may be configured.

  Moreover, although the red item 90 that appears on the image display 12 is the specific item 91 and the color other than red is the non-specific item 92 in the above embodiment, the specific item 91 is another type other than red. The color may be sufficient, and the item 90 of multiple colors, such as red and blue, may be the specific item 91. Furthermore, the specific item 91 and the non-specific item 92 are not distinguished by color, but are distinguished by elements other than color, such as the shape of the item 90 and patterns and patterns (including characters) attached to the item 90, for example. It does not matter.

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the specific game effect performed by the specific effect control unit 74, the second development effect 85 is performed after the first development effect 84, and the third development effect 86 is performed after the second development effect 85. The case where is performed is illustrated. However, the specific game effect performed by the specific effect control unit 74 is not limited to such an effect mode. For example, the second development effect 85 may be an effect performed without going through the first development effect 84, and the third development effect 85 does not go through the first development effect 84 or the second development effect 85. It may be a production performed together.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 1 is a ball-type gaming machine that launches a gaming ball by a player's instruction operation is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a gaming machine such as a slot machine. It does not matter.

1 gaming machine 24 item storage display section (display area)
25 (25a-25g) Light emitting part (individual display area)
30 Main control board 33 Production control board (production control means)
53 Special game determination unit (special game determination means)
72 Normal production control unit (normal production control means)
73 Operation effect control unit (operation effect control means)
74 Specific production control unit (specific production control means)
75 Storage effect control unit (storage effect control means, storage effect determination means)
75a 1st display control part (1st display control means)
75b 2nd display control part (2nd display control means)
81 Design variation production (normal game production)
82 Reach production (normal game production)
83 Operation effects 84 First development effects (specific game effects)
85 Second development effect (specific game effect)
86 Third development effect (specific game effect)
90 Item images (items)

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing the start condition;
An effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means to perform a game effect based on the determination result by the special game determination means,
With
The production control means includes
In accordance with the determination as to whether or not to perform the special game by the special game determination means, normal effect control means for performing a normal game effect;
After the normal game effect is performed by the normal effect control means, it is possible to perform a specific game effect that suggests that the degree of expectation that the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed is high. Specific production control means,
After the normal game effect is started by the normal effect control means, the one item is displayed, and then the one item is displayed in one display area of a predetermined number of display areas. , One item is repeatedly displayed in order during the period in which the normal game effect continues, and each of the items to be sequentially displayed is the predetermined item except for the display area that already displays the storage state of the item. By sequentially displaying the number of display areas in a state where they are stored in one display area, the predetermined number or items less than the predetermined number are stored at the time when the normal game effect ends. Storage effect control means for performing a storage effect that can be displayed in a state,
Have
The storage effect control means includes
When the specific game effect is performed by the specific effect control means, the predetermined number of display areas are displayed at the time when the normal game effect ends with higher probability than when the specific game effect is not performed. A gaming machine comprising display control means for displaying a predetermined number of items in a stored state.

Images