JP2017185104A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suppressing reduction of an expectation of a player to a situation in which a state becomes an advantageous state advantageous to a player.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 may execute: a notification performance for notifying a player of a fact that a state becomes an advantageous state advantageous to a player; and a possibility suggestion performance for suggesting a possibility of a situation in which the state becomes the advantageous state advantageous to the player. In the game machine 1, when the possibility suggestion performance is executed in a period since the notification performance is executed, until a time when the state becomes the advantageous state advantageous to the player, a performance mode of the possibility suggestion performance can be easily determined to a second performance mode which suggests that a possibility in which the state becomes the advantageous state advantageous to the player is relatively high, relative to a first performance mode which suggests that a possibility in which the state becomes the advantageous state advantageous to the player is relatively low.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with effect execution means for executing an effect.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, when a game ball wins at a predetermined starting port, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game advantageous to the player is executed, and the symbol display unit starts to display the symbol variation. When a predetermined variation time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variation display, the symbol indicating the result of the determination is stopped and displayed. In addition, various effects are performed in an image display means such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with the variable display of symbols (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-14593 A

  By the way, in a conventional gaming machine, an effect that suggests that there is a low possibility that the player will be in an advantageous state is performed in spite of the fact that a notification effect has been made to notify that the player is in an advantageous state. As a result, there is a possibility that the player's expectation for being in a state advantageous to the player may be reduced.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decrease in a player's expectation for being in a state advantageous to the player.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that determines whether or not to execute a special game and executes the special game according to the result of the determination, and is in a state advantageous to the player. A notification effect execution means capable of executing a notification effect to be notified, a possibility suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a possibility suggestion effect suggesting the possibility of being in an advantageous state for the player, and the possibility suggestion effect An effect of any of a plurality of effects including a first effect that suggests that the possibility is relatively low and a second effect that suggests that the possibility is relatively high. And a possibility suggestion effect by the possibility suggestion effect execution means between the time when the notification effect is executed by the notification effect execution means and before the player becomes in an advantageous state. Is executed, Representation embodiment of potential suggest effect is likely to be determined in the second representation embodiment than the first representation embodiment.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that determines whether or not to execute a special game and executes the special game according to the result of the determination, and is in a state advantageous to the player. The first possibility of executing the first possibility suggesting effect suggesting that the notification effect executing means capable of executing the notification effect for informing the player and the possibility that the player is in a state advantageous to the player are relatively low. Said notification effect execution means, and second possibility suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a second possibility suggestion effect suggesting that there is a relatively high possibility that the player is in an advantageous state. When the possibility suggesting effect is executed after the notification effect by the effect executing means is executed until the player is in an advantageous state, the first possibility suggesting effect executing means is the first possibility. Execution of the second possibility suggestion rather than sex suggestion Easy toward the second possibility suggested effects by stage is executed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the player's expectation with respect to being in a state advantageous to the player.

Schematic front view of gaming machine 1 A plan view showing a part of the gaming machine 1 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the control apparatus with which the gaming machine 1 is provided. Explanatory diagram illustrating various random numbers used for jackpot determination processing Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the production in a low base state Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the 1st production | presentation actor 71 and the 2nd production | presentation actor 72 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the production | presentation after a fixed alerting | reporting production | presentation appears. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the variation pattern table for jackpots Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the necessity determination execution decision table of a determination alert | report effect Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the cut-in type selection table for selecting the type of cut-in effect performed after a fixed alerting effect appears. Explanatory diagram for explaining that various confirmed notification effects are reproduced during a short-time game after the end of the jackpot game The screen figure for demonstrating the various effects performed after a fixed alerting | reporting effect is performed The screen figure for demonstrating the various effects performed after a fixed alerting | reporting effect is performed The screen figure for demonstrating the various effects performed after a fixed alerting | reporting effect is performed Block diagram illustrating the configuration of main RAM 103 and various information stored in main RAM 103 The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the game control board 100 Detailed flowchart of the switch processing in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the first start port switch processing in step S21 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the pre-determination process in steps S218 and 228 of FIGS. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of jackpot determination processing in step S309 in FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the stop process in step S319 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the game state setting process performed at the time of completion | finish of a jackpot game in the game control board 100 The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the production control board 130 Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the hold command receiving process in step S13 of FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the change start command reception process in step S16 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S164 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the fixed notification effect setting process in step S1641 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the accessory operation setting process in step S1651 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of cut-in effect setting processing in step S1661 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the reproduction confirmation notification effect setting process in step S1681 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the image sound control board 140 Detailed flowchart of image output control processing in step S41 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the lamp control board 150

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Schematic configuration example of gaming machine 1]
First, a schematic configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the gaming machine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 provided with a prize or a combination related to determination, and a frame member 3 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 3 supports a transparent glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval. The glass board and the game board 2 form a game area 10 in which a game ball can flow down. Has been.

  When the player holds the handle 20 and rotates the lever 21 in the clockwise direction, the game balls stored in the upper plate 28 are guided to a launching device (not shown), and the game is performed with a hitting force according to the rotation angle of the handle 20. Fired into region 10. This game area 10 is provided with game nails, windmills, etc. (not shown), and the launched game balls are guided to the upper position in the game area 10 and contacted with the game nails, windmills, etc. The game area 10 falls along the game board 2 while changing the moving direction. Note that the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player operates the stop button 22.

  The upper plate 28 stores game balls and prize balls supplied to the launching device. Below the upper plate 28, a lower plate 29 for collecting prize balls is provided. When the player operates the take-out button 23 arranged close to the lower plate 29, a part of the lower surface of the lower plate 29 is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower plate 29 are arranged below the lower plate 29. Drop into a box not shown. In addition, the upper plate 28 and the lower plate 29 may be configured by a single plate.

  When the player performs a so-called “left strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the left area in the game area 10 as exemplified by the arrow 31. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called “right strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the right region in the game region 10 as illustrated by the arrow 32.

  The first starting port 11, the second starting port 12, the three normal winning ports 14, the first gate 15, and the electric tulip 17 are provided in the passing path of the left-handed game ball as a prize and a winning combination. It has been. In addition, in the passing path of the right-handed game ball, the second starting port 12, the big winning port 13, the one normal winning port 14, the second gate 16, and the electric tulip are used as a prize and a winning combination. 17 is provided.

  The game ball launched into the game area 10 enters the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the big winning port 13, and the normal winning port 14 in the process of flowing down along the game board 2. May win. In this case, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the winning place are paid out to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. The game balls that have not won a prize are discharged from the game area 10 through the discharge port 18.

  The first start port 11 is a start region that is always open, and the second start port 12 is a start region that is opened only when the electric tulip 17 as a normal electric accessory is operating. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins a prize through the first start port 11, or when a game ball wins a prize through the second start port 12, a jackpot game (special game) advantageous to the player is played. It is determined whether or not to execute, and a special symbol indicating the determination result is displayed on a first special symbol display 41 or a second special symbol display 42 of the display 4 described later. When the special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, a jackpot game (an example of a special game) for opening the jackpot 13 is executed.

  In the following description, the determination executed on condition that a game ball wins the first start port 11 is referred to as “first special symbol determination”, and the game ball wins on the second start port 12 is a condition. The determination to be executed is referred to as “second special symbol determination”, and these determinations are collectively referred to as “special symbol determination”.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrates the case where the 2nd starting port 12 is provided as a starting port which starts a 2nd special symbol determination, a normal electric accessory is used as a starting port which starts a 2nd special symbol determination. You may provide the start port which a game ball can win regardless of whether it act | operated. As an example of such a configuration, a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through a specific area wins alternately at the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 is given as an example. In addition, a configuration in which either one of the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 can win a game ball is easier to win than the other (for example, the game ball is first started Another example is a configuration in which a sorting member that is distributed to the mouth 11 or the second starter 12 is operated so that the first starter 11 can easily win a prize.

  The special winning opening 13 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. A plate for opening and closing the big prize opening 13 is provided at the opening of the big prize opening 13. The special winning opening 13 is normally closed by this plate. On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 4, the jackpot game in which the above-mentioned plate is operated to open the jackpot 13. Is executed. During the jackpot game, the big prize opening until a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, nine game balls won in the big prize opening 13 or 29.5 seconds have passed since the big prize opening 13 was opened) is satisfied. A long open round game that is closed after 13 is maintained in the open state is executed a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals.

  In this way, since the big prize opening 13 is opened long during the jackpot game, the player can make more awards by making a right strike during the jackpot game compared to when the jackpot game is not being played. You can get a sphere.

  The electric tulip 17 is disposed close to the second starting port 12 and has a pair of blade members. The electric tulip 17 has a closed posture in which the pair of blade members closes the second starting port 12 (see the solid line in FIG. 1), and an open posture in which the second starting port 12 is opened (see the broken line in FIG. 1). The posture can be changed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second start port 12 is normally closed by an electric tulip 17. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16, it is determined whether or not the second start port 12 is to be opened although the prize ball is not paid out. Here, when it is determined that the second start port 12 is to be opened, the operation of returning to the closed posture after the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 has maintained the open posture for the specified time is performed a predetermined number of times. As described above, the second start port 12 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the electric tulip 17 is not operated, whereas the game ball is easily passed by the operation of the electric tulip 17. Become.

  In the following description, the determination executed on condition that the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16 is referred to as “ordinary symbol determination”.

  The normal winning opening 14 is always open like the first start opening 11 and is a winning opening through which a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by winning a game ball. Unlike the first starting port 11 and the like, even if a game ball wins the normal winning port 14, no determination is made.

[Example of configuration of rendering means of gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game board 2 or the frame member 3 has various effects such as the liquid crystal display device 5, the speaker 24, the first effect agent 71, the second effect agent 72, and the board. A lamp 25 and the like are provided. Further, the frame member 3 incorporates a frame lamp 37 (see FIG. 4) not shown in FIG.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 is an image display device that displays an effect image, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “liquid crystal screen 5”) is provided at a position that is easily visible by the player. ing. The liquid crystal screen 5 includes, for example, a decorative symbol for notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, a character or item for performing a notice effect, a hold image (hold icon) displayed as many as the number of special symbol determinations being held, An effect image including various display objects such as the icon that suggests that the special symbol is being displayed is displayed. Note that the image display device may be configured by another image display device such as an EL display device.

  The speaker 24 produces a sound effect by outputting music, sound, sound effects, etc. in synchronism with the display effect performed on the liquid crystal display device 5 or asynchronously.

  The first effect actor 71 is disposed in front of and on the side of the liquid crystal screen 5. The first effect accessory 71 includes a light emitting element (for example, LED). The 1st production | presentation actor 71 performs a predetermined | prescribed effect by the movement and / or light of an accessory itself. In the present embodiment, the first effector 71 is configured in a shape imitating a sword, and the initial posture (the sword appears to be almost upright with the sword handle (lower end) as the center of rotation) ( 1) and a rotation posture (see, for example, FIG. 7B-3) in which the sword appears to be substantially horizontal.

  The second effect actor 72 is disposed above the liquid crystal screen 5 and the first effect agent 71. The second effect accessory 72 includes a light emitting element (for example, LED). The second effect accessory 72 performs a predetermined effect by both or one of the movement and light of the accessory itself. In the present embodiment, the second effect actor 72 is configured to have a star-like shape, and is configured to be rotatable about the depth direction of the gaming machine 1 as the axial direction.

  The panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 perform various effects by light, such as changing a lighting or blinking pattern and changing a light emission color.

[Configuration example of operation means of gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame member 3 is provided with an effect button 26 and an effect key 27 as operation means operated by the player. The effect button 26 is a push button for inputting operation information when pressed by the player. The effect key 27 is a so-called cross key for the player to perform a selection operation. In the gaming machine 1, there may be an effect according to the operation of the effect button 26 or the effect key 27.

[Configuration Example of Display 4]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The display 4 mainly displays information related to special symbol determination and normal symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first special symbol display 41, the second special symbol display 42, the first A special symbol hold indicator 43, a second special symbol hold indicator 44, a normal symbol indicator 45, a normal symbol hold indicator 46, a game state indicator 47, a round indicator 48 and the like are configured.

  When the first special symbol determination is performed, the first special symbol display 41 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the first special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol display 42 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the second special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the second special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. In the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 42, as a determination symbol, a jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, or the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” ”Is stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 43 displays the number of holds for the first special symbol determination. The second special symbol hold indicator 44 displays the number of holds for the second special symbol determination.

  When the normal symbol determination is performed, the normal symbol display 45 notifies the determination result of the normal symbol determination by suspending and displaying the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol. The normal symbol hold display 46 displays the number of holds for normal symbol determination. The game state display 47 displays the game state at the time when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, the round indicator 48 displays the opening pattern of the big winning opening 13 during the jackpot game.

  In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is called “special symbol”, and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 45 is “normal symbol”. Shall be called. Also, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 is called “first special symbol”, the special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 42 is called “second special symbol”, and both of them are called. It may be distinguished.

[Variation production]
In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins at the first start port 11 (or the second start port 12), the first special symbol determination (or second special symbol determination) for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is performed. Done. When a game ball wins the first starting port 11 (or the second starting port 12), the first special symbol (or the second special symbol indicator 42) is displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41 (or the second special symbol indicator 42). After the symbol) is variably displayed, the special symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (second special symbol determination) is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, on the liquid crystal screen 5, a fluctuating effect is displayed in which the decorative symbol is variably displayed as the special symbol is variably displayed (see FIG. 1), and the special symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol is stopped. Along with the display, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination.

  During such a variation effect, a so-called reach effect may be performed. Specifically, on the liquid crystal screen 5, for example, three rows of decorative symbols made up of a series of numbers in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed, and when the variation display of special symbols is started. These decorative symbols are variably displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom, for example. On the other hand, when the reach effect is performed, before all the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, first, for example, the left and right column decorative symbols (the left symbol and the right symbol) are completely displayed. Make a pseudo stop so as not to stop. At that time, if the same decorative symbol on the active line as the left symbol and the right symbol is pseudo-stopped, reach will be established, and a reach effect will be given to give the player a sense of expectation that three identical decorative symbols will be gathered. Is called. When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the same decorative symbol is stopped on the active line and the jackpot is notified. . In addition, when different decorative symbols as the left symbol and the right symbol are pseudo-stopped during the variation effect, the reach effect is not performed and the lost symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol indicator 42). As the stop display is made, the three decorative symbols that do not have the doublet are stopped and the variation effect ends.

  The “pseudo stop” refers to a state in which the decorative symbol continues to move slightly without being completely stopped, and the “main stop” refers to a state in which the decorative symbol is completely stationary.

[Display area and hold icon]
By the way, when the symbols (special symbols and decorative symbols) are variably displayed as described above, or when a big hit game is being played, a new game ball is won at the first starting port 11 (or the second starting port 12). However, it is not possible to immediately execute the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) and the symbol variation display triggered by the winning. For this reason, in the gaming machine 1, even if a game ball wins the first starting port 11 (or the second starting port 12), the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) and the variation display of the symbol are immediately displayed. If it cannot be executed, the first special symbol determination (or second special symbol determination) is suspended within a range not exceeding a predetermined number (“4” in the present embodiment), and the number of reserved symbols is displayed as the first special symbol hold display. Displayed on the instrument 43 (or the second special symbol hold indicator 44).

  On one liquid crystal screen 5, a first hold icon display area 51 and a second hold are displayed as display areas on which a hold icon as an effect image suggesting that the special symbol determination and the change display of the symbols are put on hold. An icon display area 52 is provided (see FIG. 1).

  The first hold icon display area 51 is an area in which a hold icon suggesting that the first special symbol determination is held is displayed. In the first hold icon display area 51, the same number of hold icons as the number of hold for the first special symbol determination shown by the first special symbol hold indicator 43 (see FIG. 3) are displayed.

  The second hold icon display area 52 is an area where a hold icon suggesting that the second special symbol determination is held is displayed. In the second hold icon display area 52, the same number of hold icons as the number of hold for the second special symbol determination shown by the second special symbol hold indicator 44 (see FIG. 3) are displayed.

  In FIG. 1, three hold icons are displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 to indicate that the number of holds in the first special symbol determination is “3”, and the second special symbol determination is performed. In order to suggest that the number of holds is “2”, a state in which two hold icons are displayed in the second hold icon display area 52 is illustrated.

  The liquid crystal screen 5 has a display area for displaying the icon as a variation suggestion image that suggests that the symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42). The region 53 is provided (see FIG. 1).

  In the gaming machine 1, when the change display of the symbol is started to digest the right of the first special symbol determination being held, the first display among the hold icons displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 is performed. The held icon (hold icon closest to the area 53) is moved from the first hold icon display area 51 to the area 53. When another hold icon is displayed in the first hold display area 51, the display position of the other hold icon is shifted to the area 53 side in the first hold icon display area 51. For example, when the first special symbol determination is digested in a state where three hold icons are displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first of these hold icons is displayed. The hold icon located on the right side is moved from the first hold icon display area 51 to the area 53, and the remaining two hold icons are shifted to the right in the first hold icon display area 51. As a result, the number of the hold icons displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 is two, and the player is notified that the first special symbol determination right held is two. Become.

  Note that such a shift process is similarly performed for the hold icon displayed in the second hold icon display area 52. Further, in the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, when both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are held, the second special symbol determination is prioritized over the first special symbol determination. . For this reason, the shift process for the hold icon displayed in the second hold icon display area 52 is prioritized over the shift process for the hold icon displayed in the first hold icon display area 51. That is, the shift process for the hold icon displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 is performed after the hold icon displayed in the second hold icon display area 52 disappears.

  Before a special symbol determination based on acquisition information such as a jackpot random number acquired in response to winning of a game ball at the first start port 11 (or the second start port 12) is made, a hold corresponding to the acquired information The icon is displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 (or the second hold icon display area 52). When the special symbol determination and the special symbol variation display are performed based on the acquired information corresponding to the hold icon displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 (or the second hold icon display area 52), The hold icon is moved to the area 53 and is displayed in the area 53 as the icon that suggests that the special symbol is variably displayed.

  In the first hold icon display area 51, for example, a normal icon or a special icon is displayed. Here, the normal icon is a default hold icon that does not suggest any reliability for the jackpot, and is, for example, a white hold icon. The special icon is a hold icon that suggests reliability for the jackpot, and this is a hold icon displayed in a color other than white. If the special icons are arranged in order from a hold icon that suggests a relatively low reliability for the jackpot to a hold icon that suggests a relatively high reliability for the jackpot, for example, a blue hold icon, yellow Hold icon, green hold icon, red hold icon, rainbow hold icon, and the like.

  Note that the display mode of the normal icon does not change until the special symbol determination corresponding to the hold icon is digested, that is, until the normal icon moves to the area 53 and is deleted from the area 53. There is. Moreover, when a hold icon is displayed in the 1st hold icon display area 51, for example, it may be displayed as a special icon from the beginning. Further, for example, when the normal icon displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 changes to a special icon in the first hold icon display area 51 or the area 53, for example, it is displayed in the first hold icon display area 51. The special icon may be changed to a higher-order special icon in the first hold icon display area 51 or the area 53. The change of the normal icon (or special icon) to the special icon (or higher-order special icon) in this way is referred to as “pending change” in the following description.

  In the second hold icon display area 52, a normal icon and a special icon are displayed as in the first hold icon display area 51. In the second hold icon display area 52, a special hold icon called “reproduction icon” that is not displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 may be displayed. This “reproduction icon” will be described later.

[Configuration of control device of gaming machine 1]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1.
On the back side of the game board 2, a control device for controlling the operation of the gaming machine 1 is provided in addition to a ball tank for storing game balls sent to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 controls the game control board 100 that controls the progress of the game, such as various determinations and command transmission, and the effects based on the commands received from the game control board 100. An effect control board 130 that controls the effects of images and sounds, an image sound control board 140 that controls effects by images and sounds, a lamp control board 150 that controls effects by various lamps and movable bodies, and the like. Note that the configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the effect control board 130, the image sound control board 140, and the lamp control board 150 may be configured as one board.

[Configuration Example of Game Control Board 100]
The game control board 100 includes a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102, and a main RAM 103. The main CPU 101 performs various arithmetic processes related to determination and the number of payout balls based on a program stored in the main ROM 102. The main RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 101 executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The game control board 100 includes a first start port switch 111, a second start port switch 112, an electric tulip control unit 113, a first gate switch 114, a second gate switch 115, a big winning port switch 116, and a big winning port control unit. 117, the normal winning a prize opening switch 118, and each indicator 41-48 which comprises the indicator 4 are connected. In addition, since the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment has the four normal winning opening 14, it is provided with the four normal winning opening switches 122. However, in FIG. It is written.

  The first start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 11 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second start port switch 112 detects that a game ball has won the second start port 12 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. In response to a control signal from the game control board 100, the electric tulip control unit 113 opens and closes the second start port 12 by operating an electric solenoid coupled to the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 so as to be able to transmit driving. To do. The first gate switch 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the first gate 15 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second gate switch 115 detects that the game ball has passed through the second gate 16 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The big prize opening switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 13 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. Based on a control signal from the game control board 100, the special prize opening control unit 117 opens and closes the special prize opening 13 by operating an electric solenoid coupled to a plate that closes the special prize opening 13 so that the drive transmission is possible. To do. The normal winning opening switch 118 detects that the game ball has won the normal winning opening 14 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100.

  When the main CPU 101 of the game control board 100 receives a detection signal from the first start port switch 111, the second start port switch 112, the big winning port switch 116, or the normal winning port switch 118, the game ball wins. A payout control board (not shown) is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is managed based on information from the payout control board. Although a detailed description is omitted, the payout control board supplies the game ball to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29 by controlling a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the ball tank.

  The main CPU 101 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Also, various random numbers are acquired as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is input, and the second special symbol determination is executed using the acquired random numbers.

  When a game ball is detected by the first start port switch 111 or the second start port switch 112 and the detection signal is input, the main CPU 101 acquires a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. To do.

  Here, the jackpot random number is a random number for determining jackpot or loss. The design random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach when it is determined that the reach is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern when a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  When the main CPU 101 acquires these random numbers, first, based on whether or not the acquired jackpot random number matches a predetermined random number value stored in the main ROM 102, it is determined whether or not to execute the jackpot game. judge. Here, when it is determined that the jackpot game is to be executed, the jackpot type is determined based on which random number value of the predetermined random number value stored in the main ROM 102 matches the acquired symbol random number. Here, the types of jackpots include, for example, “probability jackpot” in which the game is controlled in the probability change gaming state after the jackpot game is ended, or the game is controlled in the short time gaming state after the jackpot game is ended. An example is the “normal jackpot”. The gaming state and jackpot type will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot game is not executed in the determination based on the jackpot random number, based on whether or not the acquired reach random number matches a predetermined random number value stored in the main ROM 102, It is determined whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach. Further, the main CPU 101 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is variably displayed regardless of whether or not the jackpot game is performed. As a result, the variation time of the special symbol is determined.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot game is to be executed and determines the type of jackpot, the main CPU 101 controls the opening / closing of the jackpot 13 through the jackpot control unit 117, so that the jackpot game corresponding to the jackpot type is controlled. Execute.

  Further, the main CPU 101 acquires a random number at the timing when the detection signal from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115 is input, and executes normal symbol determination using the acquired random number. And when it determines with opening the 2nd starting port 12, the 2nd starting port 12 is temporarily open | released by operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip control part 113. FIG.

  Further, the main CPU 101 causes each of the display devices 41 to 48 constituting the display device 4 to execute the processing described above with reference to FIG.

[Configuration Example of Production Control Board 130]
The effect control board 130 includes a sub CPU 131, a sub ROM 132, a sub RAM 133, and an RTC (real time clock) 134. The sub CPU 131 performs a calculation process when controlling the presentation based on the program stored in the sub ROM 132. The sub RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub CPU 131 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. The RTC 134 measures the current date and time (date and time).

  The sub CPU 131 sets the production contents based on game information related to special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, jackpot game, and the like transmitted from the game control board 100. In that case, the input of the operation information from the production | presentation button 26 or the production | presentation key 27 may be received, and the production | generation content according to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 131 transmits a command instructing execution of the effect of the set effect content to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

[Configuration Example of Image Sound Control Board 140]
The image sound control board 140 includes an overall CPU 141, a control ROM 142, a control RAM 143, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144, an sound DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 145, and the like. Based on the program stored in the control ROM 142, the overall CPU 141 performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image or sound representing an effect whose effect content is set on the effect control board 130. The control RAM 143 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the general CPU 141 executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The VDP 144 generates an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. The acoustic DSP 145 generates acoustic data output from the speaker 24. The overall CPU 141 controls the operations of the VDP 144 and the acoustic DSP 145 by generating a control signal based on a command from the effect control board 130 and a program stored in the control ROM 142 and outputting the control signal to the VDP 144 and the acoustic DSP 145.

  Although not shown in the figure, the VDP 144 displays an image ROM for storing material data necessary for generating the effect image, a drawing engine for executing the effect image drawing process, and an effect image drawn by the drawing engine. An output circuit for outputting to the display device 5 is provided. The drawing engine draws the effect image in the frame buffer using the material data stored in the image ROM based on the control signal from the overall CPU 141. The output circuit outputs the effect image drawn in the frame buffer to the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not shown in the figure, the acoustic DSP 145 is used as a working ROM for data processing by the acoustic DSP 145 and an acoustic ROM for storing various acoustic data related to effect sounds such as music, voice, and sound effects. SDRAM is connected. The acoustic DSP 145 reads the acoustic data corresponding to the control signal from the overall CPU 141 from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 24.

[Configuration Example of Lamp Control Board 150]
The lamp control board 150 includes a lamp CPU 151, a lamp ROM 152, and a lamp RAM 153. The lamp CPU 151 performs a calculation process when controlling the operations of the first effect actor 71, the second effect actor 72, the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the like based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 152. The lamp RAM 153 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the lamp CPU 151 executes the program, or a work area such as data processing.

  The lamp ROM 152 stores light emission pattern data and operation pattern data. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating each light emission pattern of the light emitting elements included in the first effect role 71, the light emitting elements included in the second effect role 72, the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the like. The motion pattern data is data indicating the motion pattern of the first effect actor 71, the second effect actor 72, and the like.

  The lamp CPU 151 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 152 to the lamp RAM 153, and the light emitting elements included in the first effect actor 71, 2 Controls the light emission of the light emitting element, the panel lamp 25, and the frame lamp 37 included in the stage effect object 72. In addition, the lamp CPU 151 reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 152 to the lamp RAM 153, and operates the first effect object 71. The driving of the motor (or the motor that operates the second effect accessory 72) is controlled.

  In addition, when the effect button 26 or the effect key 27 is operated by the player, the lamp CPU 151 transmits an operation command to that effect to the effect control board 130.

[Description of judgment method using various random numbers]
Next, a determination method using various random numbers will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating various random numbers used in the jackpot determination process. Note that, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the drawings for explaining various tables after FIG. 5 will be described assuming that the range of random numbers and the random number value are set to a number smaller than the actual number.

  The jackpot random number illustrated in FIG. 5A is a random number used for determination for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game. This jackpot random number has a relatively low probability that it is determined that a jackpot game will be executed (in this embodiment, a normal game state and a short-time game state) and a probability that a jackpot game is determined to be executed. Each of the high probability state (in this embodiment, the probability variation game state) is set individually.

  In this embodiment, two winning values “0” and “1” are set in advance for the low probability state, and the game ball is in the first start port 11 when the game is controlled in the low probability state. When the jackpot random number acquired at the timing of winning the prize (or the second start port 12) matches the winning value, it is determined that the jackpot game is executed.

  Further, regarding the high probability state, in the present embodiment, 15 winning values “0” to “14” are preset, and the game ball is first started when the game is controlled in the high probability state. When the jackpot random number acquired at the timing of winning the mouth 11 (or the second start mouth 12) matches any of these winning values, it is determined that the jackpot game is executed.

  Here, the range that the jackpot random number can take is set to “0” to “599” in this embodiment in both the low probability state and the high probability state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the jackpot probability in the low probability state is 2/600 (= 1/300), and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is 15/600 (= 1/40).

  If the jackpot random number is determined to be a jackpot (execute the jackpot game), the design random number acquired together with the jackpot random number at the start opening prize (or to the second starting slot 12) However, the process of determining the jackpot type is performed based on which random number value among the random number values set in advance for each jackpot type matches.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, there are three types of jackpots for the first start opening winnings: “per 16R probability variation”, “per 2R probability variation”, and “per 16R normal variation”. It is prepared. In this embodiment, the type of jackpot by the second start opening winning is the same as the type of jackpot by the first starting opening winning, but in other embodiments, these types of jackpots may be different. .

  Here, “16R probability change per game” means that the game is controlled in the probability change game state after 16 long open round games in which the special winning opening 13 is long open until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and after the big hit game is completed. It is a big hit.

  “2R probability change per game” is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in the probability change game state after two long-opening round games in which the big winning opening 13 is opened long until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and after the jackpot game ends. is there. The “2R probability change hit” may be a big hit in which two short-opening round games in which the big winning opening 13 is short-opened (for example, 0.1 second) are performed.

  “16R normal winning” is a big hit where the game is controlled in the short-time gaming state after the big winning game is finished and the 16 long opening round games are performed to open the big winning opening 13 until the predetermined condition is satisfied. is there.

(About gaming state)
Here, the gaming state in the gaming machine 1 will be described. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the game is controlled in any one of the three game states of “normal game state”, “probability game state”, and “time-short game state”.

  The “normal game state” is a normal game state in which special symbol determination is performed in a low probability state in which it is determined that a jackpot game is to be executed, and the electric chew support function is not provided. In other words, in the normal gaming state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/300). Also, the probability that the second start port 12 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/12), and the normal symbol variation time is relatively long (for example, 25 seconds). And the opening time of the second starting port 12 when it is determined to open the second starting port 12 is set to a relatively short time (for example, 0.1 second × 1 time).

  The “probability game state” is a game state in which special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state in which it is determined that a jackpot game is to be executed, and an electric chew support function is provided. That is, in the probability variation gaming state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 1/40). In addition, the probability that the second start port 12 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 12/12), and the variation time of the normal symbol is relatively short (for example, 2 seconds). And the opening time of the second starting port 12 when it is determined to open the second starting port 12 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.6 seconds × 3 times). Note that the probability variation gaming state and the short-time gaming state have a feature that a variation pattern with a short variation time of the special symbol is easily selected as compared with the normal gaming state.

  Note that, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the jackpot game is finished and the game proceeds to the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state basically continues until the next jackpot.

  The “time-short game state” is a game state in which special symbol determination is performed in the low probability state described above and an electric chew support function is provided. That is, in the short-time gaming state, the probability that it is determined that the jackpot game is executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/300). In addition, the probability that the second start port 12 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 12/12), and the variation time of the normal symbol is relatively short (for example, 2 seconds). And the opening time of the second starting port 12 when it is determined to open the second starting port 12 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.6 seconds × 3 times).

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the jackpot game ends and shifts to the short-time gaming state, the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) is performed when the jackpot does not occur midway. The game is controlled in the short-time game state until it is played 100 times. Then, if the big win is not made before the 100 special symbol determinations are made, after the 100th special symbol determination is made, the gaming state is returned from the short-time gaming state to the normal gaming state.

  In the following description, a state in which a game ball is easily awarded to the second starting port 12 due to the addition of the electric chew support function (for example, a probable gaming state or a short-time gaming state) is referred to as a “high base state”. A state where the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 12 is not easy due to the absence of the electric chew support function (for example, a normal game state) may be referred to as a “low base state”. In the following description, a game played in the low base state may be referred to as “non-short-time game”, and a game played in the high base state may be referred to as “time-short game”.

  If it is determined that the game ball is a big hit based on the jackpot random number acquired when winning the first starting port 11, the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is shown in FIG. 5 (B). The jackpot type is determined based on which of the random number values associated with the jackpot type in the symbol determination table matches. In the present embodiment, the range that can be taken by the symbol random number acquired when a game ball wins the first starting port 11 is “0” to “199”. Since 90 random numbers from “0” to “89” are assigned per 16R probability variation, the probability is 16R probability variation at a ratio of 90/200 (= 45%).

  In addition, since 30 random values of “90” to “119” are assigned for 2R probability variation, 2R probability variation is achieved at a ratio of 30/200 (= 15%). Further, since 80 random numbers from “120” to “199” are assigned for 16R normal, 16R normal is obtained at a rate of 80/200 (= 40%).

  As illustrated in FIG. 5C, in the present embodiment, three types of jackpots are prepared as the jackpots resulting from the second start opening winning, the same as the jackpots resulting from the first starting opening winning. When it is determined that the big hit is based on the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins the second starting port 12, the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is shown in FIG. 5 (C). The jackpot type is determined based on which of the random number values associated with the jackpot type in the symbol determination table matches.

  The possible range of the symbol random number acquired when the game ball wins the second starting port 12 is “0” to “199”, similar to the symbol random number related to the first starting port winning. Since 110 random values from “0” to “109” are assigned per 16R probability variation, the probability per 16R probability variation is 110/200 (= 55%). Further, since 10 random numbers from “110” to “119” are assigned with respect to the 2R probability variation, the ratio is 2R probability variation at a ratio of 10/200 (= 5%). Further, since 80 random numbers from “120” to “199” are assigned for 16R normal, 16R normal is obtained at a rate of 80/200 (= 40%).

[Flow of production in low bass state]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of effects in the low base state. When the game is controlled in the high base state, it is possible for the player to make a right strike to easily win the game ball at the second starting port 12. On the other hand, when the game is controlled in the low base state, it is difficult to win the game ball at the second starting port 12 even if the player makes a right strike. For this reason, when the game is controlled in the low base state, the player plays the game by left-handed aiming at the first start port 11.

  On the other hand, when a game ball wins the first start port 11, the first special symbol determination is executed. Then, after the first special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41, the first special symbol display 41 is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination. On the other hand, the following effects are performed on the liquid crystal screen 5 with the display of the first special symbol.

  That is, on the liquid crystal screen 5, when the first special symbol determination is executed, the decorative symbol variation display is started almost simultaneously with the first special symbol variation display (see FIG. 6A). ). Specifically, the liquid crystal screen 5 displays, for example, three rows of decorative symbols composed of several rows in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction, and changes in the first special symbol. When the display is started, the decorative symbol variation display is started so that these decorative symbols scroll from top to bottom (see, for example, FIG. 13B).

  Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of scrolling, for example, the left symbol which is the decorative symbol in the left column and the right symbol which is the decorative symbol in the right column are stopped before all the decorative symbols are stopped. . At that time, if the same decorative symbol does not stop on the active line, the reach is not established, and the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “lost” with the stop display of the first special symbol. Loss is notified when three decorative symbols (for example, loose eyes) suggesting this are stopped and displayed on the active line (see FIG. 6B). When the first special symbol determination is suspended, the earliest reserved icon displayed in the reserved area 51 is shifted to the area 52, and the decorative symbol is displayed along with the variation display of the first special symbol. The next variable display is started (see FIG. 6H).

  On the other hand, when the same decorative symbol is stopped on the active line as the left symbol and the right symbol, reach is established (see FIG. 6C). When the reach is established in this way, a reach effect is executed to give the player a sense of expectation that the same decorative design as the left design and the right design will stop on the active line as a middle design and become a uniform design. The

  In the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, a normal reach effect, an SP reach effect, and an SPSP reach effect are prepared as reach effects that are executed in association with the variable display of the first special symbol.

  The normal reach effect (see FIG. 6D) is a reach effect in which an effect in which an animation character plays an active role is developed as the scroll speed of the middle symbol is gradually reduced. In the gaming machine 1, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “big hit”, the variation time of the first special symbol is easily set to a relatively long time, and conversely, when it is “lost” Has a feature that the variation time of the first special symbol is easily set to a relatively short time. On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “losing” and the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a relatively short time, this normal reach effect is executed and at the end thereof “Lose” is easily reported. For this reason, it can be said that the normal reach production is a reach production that suggests that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively low.

  In the SP reach production (see FIG. 6E), for example, the production in which a live-action character plays an active role takes longer than the normal reach production, for example, until the middle symbol stops on the active line. Reach production. This SP reach effect may be selected when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “big hit”. Further, the SP reach effect is easily selected when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “losing” and the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a longer time. For this reason, it can be said that the SP reach production is a reach production that suggests that the reliability for the jackpot is medium.

  The SPSP reach production (see FIG. 6 (F)) is, for example, a production in which a live-action character plays an active role over a longer time than the SP reach production until the middle symbol stops on the active line. Reach production. This SPSP reach production is easily selected when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “big hit”. In addition, the SPSP reach effect may be selected even when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “losing”, but the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a relatively short time. Is difficult to select, and conversely has a characteristic that it is easily selected when the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a relatively long time. For this reason, it can be said that the SPSP reach production is a reach production that suggests that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively high.

  Up to this point, a case has been described in which one reach effect is executed after the reach has been established, and whether or not the jackpot is informed at the end of the reach effect, but in the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, the first special Different types of reach effects may be executed within the same variation of symbols.

  Specifically, when the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a relatively long time, that is, when the variation pattern of the first special symbol having a relatively long variation time is selected, for example, after reaching reach First, a normal reach production is executed, and in the middle or at the end of the normal reach production, a higher reach production such as an SP reach production or an SPSP reach production may be developed.

  For example, the development pattern that develops from the normal reach production to the SPSP reach production is selected when the variation time longer than the variation time that the development pattern that develops from the normal reach production to the SP reach production is selected. When the reach production that develops with the former development pattern is executed, the reliability of the jackpot is higher than when the reach production that develops with the latter development pattern is executed. For this reason, in this embodiment, it can be said that the reliability to the jackpot is the highest when developing from the normal reach production to the SPSP reach production.

  In this way, when one or a plurality of types of reach effects are performed during one fluctuation display of the first special symbol, a display indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination is accompanied with the stop display of the first special symbol. The decorative design is stopped and displayed in the manner (see FIG. 6B). Then, when the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which “big hit” is notified in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol, a predetermined opening effect (OP corresponding to the type of the big hit is given during the opening period of the big hit game. Production) is started (see FIG. 6G). Although not shown in the figure, during a plurality of round games that constitute a jackpot game, an effect is performed during a predetermined round, and a predetermined ending is performed during the ending period after all round games are completed. Production is performed.

  In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the case where there are three types of reach production, normal reach production, SP reach production, and SPSP reach production, four or more types of reach production may be prepared. In addition, regarding the above three types of reach production, there are prepared development patterns in which the reach production develops in the order of normal reach production, SP reach production, and SPSP reach production, and a special pattern variation pattern corresponding to this development pattern. Also good.

[About the operations of the directors 71 and 72]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operations of the first effect actor 71 and the second effect actor 72. The second stage effect 71 is maintained in a stationary state as illustrated in FIG. 7A-1 at normal times. On the other hand, for example, when a variation pattern of a special design that will develop a reach production from a normal reach production to an SP reach production is selected, first, the same decorative design is displayed on the active line as the left design and the right design. The pseudo reach is stopped and the normal reach effect is executed (see FIG. 7A-2). Then, for example, in the final stage of the normal reach effect, the second effect actor 72 rotates clockwise for a predetermined time while emitting light with a predetermined light emission pattern, for example (see FIG. 7 (A-3)). Accordingly, the reach effect performed on the liquid crystal screen 5 develops from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect (see FIG. 7A-4).

  In this way, in the present embodiment, the second effect actor 72 functions as a means for suggesting the development from the low-reliability normal reach effect to the medium-reliability SP reach effect by operating in the final stage of the normal reach effect. To do.

  On the other hand, the first stage character 71 is normally maintained in an initial posture in which the sword looks almost upright as illustrated in FIG. 7B-1. On the other hand, for example, when a variation pattern of a special design that will develop a reach production from a normal reach production to an SPSP reach production is selected, first, the same decorative design is displayed on the active line as the left design and the right design. The pseudo stop is performed and the normal reach effect is executed (see FIG. 7B-2). Then, for example, in the final stage of the normal reach production, the first production actor 71 changes its posture to a rotational posture in which the sword appears to be substantially horizontal while emitting light with a predetermined light emission pattern, for example (FIG. 7B-3). )), Return to the initial posture. Accordingly, the reach effect performed on the liquid crystal screen 5 develops from the normal reach effect to the SPSP reach effect (see FIG. 7 (B-4)).

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the first effect actor 71 functions as a means for suggesting the development from the low-reliability normal reach effect to the high-reliability SPSP reach effect by operating in the final stage of the normal reach effect. To do.

  Although not shown in the figure, when the first stage actor 71 or the second stage actor 72 does not operate in the final stage of the normal reach production, the SPSP reach production or the SP reach production is developed. However, the middle symbol different from the left symbol and the right symbol stops on the active line at the end of the normal reach production, and the loss is notified.

[Modified examples of the action of an accessory]
In the present embodiment, the second stage actor 72 operates to suggest that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively low (medium in this embodiment) and to suggest the development to the SP reach production, and the reliability for the jackpot The case where the 1st production | presentation actor 71 act | operates in order to suggest that the degree is relatively high and to suggest the development to SPSP reach production will be described.
On the other hand, in order to suggest that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively high (or relatively low) for the first stage actor 71 (or the second stage actor 72), a timing other than at the time of reach development. You may make it operate | move by. For example, the operation timing of the first effect actor 71 or the second effect actor 72 is determined based on the determination result of special symbol determination (determination result of whether or not big hit and variation pattern) or the like. Specifically, it is determined whether or not one of the two stage actors 71 and 72 is to be operated, and when it is determined to be operated, one or two or more of a plurality of operation timings during the variation of the special symbol The operation timing of the director is set by selecting, for example, a random number lottery.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrates the case where each operation pattern of the 1st production | presentation actor 71 and the 2nd production | presentation actor 72 is one, in other embodiment, these production | generation actors 71 and 72 are demonstrated. A plurality of operation patterns (operation modes) may be prepared.

[Direction flow during reach development]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a description will be given of the flow of effects when a final notification effect appears during a normal reach effect. Here, FIG. 8 is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the effect after the confirmation alerting | reporting effect appears.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a fixed notification effect is provided as a notification effect for notifying that the player is in a state advantageous to the player during the variable display of the first special symbol that will ultimately be notified of the jackpot. It may be executed (see FIG. 8A). In the present embodiment, this final notification effect is an effect for notifying that the first special symbol indicating a jackpot is to be stopped and displayed, and is configured as a so-called premier effect with a very low appearance rate.

  The confirmation notification effect may be executed at various timings during the variation display of the first special symbol. In the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, for example, a final notification effect may be executed before reach is established. Further, there is a case where the definite notification effect is executed during the normal reach effect after the reach is established. As described above, when the final notification effect is executed by the end of the normal reach effect, and further developed into the SPSP reach effect or the SP reach effect, the following effects are performed.

  For example, when the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation representation pattern of the decorative design that develops from the normal reach production to the SPSP reach production is selected, the first production actor 71 operates at the end of the normal reach production ( (See FIG. 8B). About the action | operation of this 1st production | presentation actor 71, it is as having mentioned above based on FIG. 7 (B-1)-(B-4).

  On the other hand, for example, when the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation representation pattern of the decorative design that develops from the normal reach production to the SP reach production is selected, the second production actor 72 operates at the end of the normal reach production. (See FIG. 8C). About the action | operation of this 2nd production | presentation thing 72, it is as having mentioned above based on FIG. 7 (A-1)-(A-4).

  As described above, when the first effector 71 is activated to develop into the SPSP reach effect, or when the second effector 72 is activated to develop into the SP reach effect, at the end of each reach effect. A cut-in effect is executed. This cut-in effect is displayed by superimposing a specific effect image on the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 according to the operation of the effect button 26 by the player (or automatically), or a specific effect. This is an effect of displaying an image on the liquid crystal screen 5 in full screen.

  This cut-in effect is an effect that suggests the degree of reliability (that is, the degree of reliability with respect to the jackpot) that the special symbol (in this case, the first special symbol) that is fluctuating is stopped and displayed in a manner that finally shows a jackpot is there. For this reason, a plurality of effect patterns are prepared for the cut-in effect. Specifically, in this embodiment, a weak cut-in effect that displays a specific effect image that suggests that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively low, and a specification that indicates that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively high A strong cut-in effect for displaying the effect image is prepared.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, a strong cut-in effect or a weak cut-in effect is performed for each of the SP reach effect and the SPSP reach effect. For this reason, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, there are two effect routes for each of the case where the confirmed notification effect appears and the case where it develops to the SPSP reach effect and the case where it develops to the SP reach effect.

In the case of developing to the SPSP reach production, the first production route is the strong effect at the end of the SPSP reach production when the first production actor 71 is activated after the confirmation notification production appears, and the SPSP reach production is developed. This is an effect route in which a cut-in effect is performed (see FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8D).
The second production route in the case of developing to the SPSP reach production, the first production actor 71 is activated after the confirmation notification production appears and develops into the SPSP reach production, and is weak at the end of the SPSP reach production. This is an effect route in which a cut-in effect is performed (see FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8E).

In the case of developing to the SP reach production, the first production route is that the second production actor 72 operates to develop into the SP reach production after the confirmation notification production appears, and is strong at the end of the SP reach production. This is an effect route in which a cut-in effect is performed (see FIGS. 8A, 8C, and 8F).
In the case of developing into the SP reach production, the second production route is the second production role 72 that operates after the confirmation notification production appears and develops into the SP reach production, and is weak at the end of the SP reach production. This is an effect route where a cut-in effect is performed (see FIGS. 8A, 8C, and 8G).

  By the way, in this embodiment, the notification effect which notifies that it will be in a state advantageous to a player is comprised as a fixed notification effect which alert | reports that it will always be a big hit. For this reason, when a confirmed notification effect appears, it is possible that the player would be able to watch the effect performed during the special symbol fluctuation display while being immersed in the superiority of the jackpot winning. preferable.

  On the other hand, for example, the SP reach effect that the reliability for the jackpot is not necessarily high due to the operation of the second effect character 72 instead of the first effect character 71 despite the appearance of the confirmation notification effect. If the player develops to the end of the reach, or if the weak cut-in production is performed instead of the strong cut-in production, the player may feel anxiety that it may be lost. There is a risk that the interest of the definite notification effect will be significantly reduced.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the definite notification effect appears before the reach development, the ratio that the first effect agent 71 operates to develop into the SPSP reach effect is the second effect. It is set to be higher than the rate at which the accessory 72 is activated to develop into SP reach production.
In addition, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the confirmed notification effect appears and develops into the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect, the proportion of the strong cut-in effect appears that the weak cut-in effect appears. It is set to be higher than the percentage of

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment reduces the occurrence rate of the so-called bottom squeeze pattern in which an effect with low reliability for the jackpot is performed after the confirmed notification effect is performed, thereby reducing the confirmation notification effect. It suppresses the decline of interest.

[About the jackpot variation pattern table]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the big hit variation pattern table. For example, when a game ball wins at the first starting port 11, a variation pattern random number used for the variation pattern selection process for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol is acquired together with the above jackpot random number, symbol random number, and reach random number. Is done. In this way, after various random numbers as acquisition information are acquired, if it is determined that the jackpot is based on the acquired jackpot random number, based on the design random number acquired together with the jackpot random number The type of jackpot is determined. Then, the variation pattern of the first special symbol is selected based on the variation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number and the symbol random number used in these processes.

  The main ROM 102 of the game control board 100 stores a big hit variation pattern table (see FIG. 9). This jackpot variation pattern table is a table used to select the variation pattern of the first special symbol when it is determined that the jackpot is determined in the first special symbol determination.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the jackpot variation pattern table, the variation pattern random number and the variation pattern of the first special symbol are associated with each other. In this embodiment, the range that the fluctuation pattern random number can take is set to “0” to “99”. In the jackpot variation pattern table, the variation pattern A in which the variation time of the first special symbol is 30 seconds, the variation pattern B in which the variation time of the first special symbol is 50 seconds, and the variation time of the first special symbol is 70. For a variation pattern C that is second, a variation pattern D that has a variation time of 90 seconds for the first special symbol, and a variation pattern E that has a variation time of 110 seconds for the first special symbol, Numeric values are associated.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the variation pattern random number obtained together with the jackpot random number that matches the winning value of the jackpot is any one of “0” to “4”, the variation pattern A is selected. If it is any one of “5” to “14”, the variation pattern B is selected. Further, when the obtained variation pattern random number is any one of “15” to “29”, the above variation pattern C is selected, and when it is any one of “30” to “59”, the above-described variation pattern C is selected. When the variation pattern D is selected and any one of “60” to “99” is selected, the variation pattern E is selected.

  For this reason, in the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at a ratio of 5/100 (= 5%), and the variation pattern B is 10 / 100 (= 10%) is selected, the fluctuation pattern C is selected at a ratio of 15/100 (= 15%), and the fluctuation pattern D is selected at a ratio of 30/100 (= 30%). Pattern E is selected at a ratio of 40/100 (= 40%).

  When the variation patterns selected when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a jackpot are arranged in order from the one with the highest selection rate, the variation pattern E, variation pattern D, variation pattern C, variation pattern B, variation pattern A In order.

[Confirmation notification effect execution necessity determination table]
As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1, when the first special symbol determination is executed on the game control board 100, a change start command is transmitted from the game control board 100 to the effect control board 130. This variation start command includes symbol setting information indicating the determination result of whether or not the jackpot is present, variation pattern setting information indicating the variation pattern of the selected first special symbol, and the like.

  The sub CPU 131 of the effect control board 130 determines whether or not it is a big hit based on the symbol setting information included in the variation start command received from the effect control board 100. And when it determines with it being a jackpot, the process which determines whether the decision notification effect mentioned above is performed with reference to the execution necessity determination table (refer FIG. 10) of a decision notification effect is performed.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing a determination necessity determination execution table for the confirmation notification effect. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the execution necessity determination table, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the variation time of the first special symbol, and the execution necessity determination random number are associated with each other.

  When the sub CPU 131 receives the variation start command related to the jackpot of the first special symbol determination, the sub CPU 131 specifies the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command. Then, an execution necessity determination random number is acquired in response to receiving this variation start command, and the acquired execution necessity determination random number is associated with the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified above in the execution necessity determination table. Whether or not to execute the final notification effect is determined based on whether or not the random number value (winning value) matches.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the execution necessity determination table for the fixed notification effect, the range that the execution necessity determination random number can take is set to “0” to “99”. In the execution necessity determination table, when one random number value of “0” is associated with the variation pattern A and the variation pattern of the first special symbol this time is the variation pattern A, a confirmation notification is made. The probability determined to execute the effect is 1/100 (= 1%).

In addition, when the random number values “2” and “56” are associated with the fluctuation pattern B and the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol this time is the fluctuation pattern B, the confirmation notification effect is executed. Then, the probability determined is 2/100 (= 2%).
In addition, when the variation pattern C is associated with three random values “10”, “38”, and “86” and the variation pattern of the first special symbol this time is the variation pattern C, it is confirmed. The probability determined to execute the notification effect is 3/100 (= 3%).

In addition, four random numbers “7”, “21”, “48”, and “98” are associated with the fluctuation pattern D, and the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol this time is the fluctuation pattern D. In some cases, the probability of being determined to execute the final notification effect is 4/100 (= 4%).
Further, six random numbers “27”, “31”, “55”, “72”, “83”, “94” are associated with the variation pattern E, and the first special symbol of this time When the fluctuation pattern is fluctuation pattern E, the probability of determining to execute the definite notification effect is 6/100 (= 6%).

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the first special symbol is variably displayed with the variation pattern A having a variation time of 30 seconds, the normal reach effect is executed after the reach is established, and the normal reach effect ends. Sometimes jackpots are reported. The execution decision probability of the fixed notification effect for this variation pattern A is set to 1% as described above. For this reason, the appearance rate of the fixed notification effect when the jackpot is notified in the normal reach effect is also 1%.

In addition, when the first special symbol is variably displayed in the variation pattern B having a variation time of 50 seconds, the SP reach effect is executed after the reach is established, and the jackpot is notified at the end of the SP reach effect. become. The execution decision probability of the fixed notification effect for this variation pattern B is set to 2% as described above.
In addition, when the first special symbol is variably displayed with the variation pattern D having a variation time of 90 seconds, the normal reach effect is developed to the SP reach effect after the reach is established, and a jackpot is notified at the end of the SP reach effect. Will be. The execution decision probability of the fixed notification effect for the variation pattern D is set to 4% as described above.
Therefore, the appearance rate of the confirmed notification effect when the jackpot is notified in the SP reach effect is 6% (= 2% + 4%) in the present embodiment.

On the other hand, when the first special symbol is variably displayed with the fluctuation pattern C having a fluctuation time of 70 seconds, the SPSP reach effect is executed after the reach is established, and the jackpot is notified at the end of the SPSP reach effect. become. The execution decision probability of the fixed notification effect for the variation pattern C is set to 3% as described above.
In addition, when the first special symbol is variably displayed with the variation pattern E having a variation time of 110 seconds, after reaching reach, the normal reach effect is developed to the SPSP reach effect, and a jackpot is notified at the end of the SPSP reach effect. Will be. The execution decision probability of the fixed notification effect for the variation pattern E is set to 6% as described above.
Therefore, the appearance rate of the definite notification effect when the jackpot is notified in the SPSP reach effect is 9% (= 3% + 6%) in the present embodiment.

  Up to this point, the appearance rate of the definite notification effect when the jackpot is notified in each reach effect has been described with reference to FIG. 10, but when the variation pattern D is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol. When comparing with the case where the variation pattern E is selected, the following can be said.

  That is, when the variation pattern D is selected and developed from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect and the jackpot is notified, the appearance rate of the confirmed notification effect is 4%. In addition, when the variation pattern E is selected and the normal reach effect is changed to the SPSP reach effect and the jackpot is notified, the appearance rate of the final notification effect is 6%. For this reason, when the confirmation notification effect is executed before the reach is established, it is easier to develop the SPSP reach effect than the SP reach effect (that is, the first effect character 71 operates more than the second effect character 72). It is easy to say.

  As described above, when the final notification effect is executed, the first effect agent 71 is easier to operate than the second effect agent 72, and more easily develops to the SPSP reach effect than the SP reach effect. Since the player who saw the confirmed notification production has developed into an SP reach production that cannot be said to have high reliability for the jackpot, there is a sense of anxiety that the confirmed notification production has appeared, but that it may be lost. It is possible to effectively suppress learning.

In addition, when the variation pattern B or the variation pattern D is selected and the jackpot is notified in the SP reach effect, the appearance rate of the final notification effect is 6% (= 2% + 4%) as described above. is there.
On the other hand, when the variation pattern C or the variation pattern E is selected and the jackpot is notified in the SPSP reach effect, the appearance rate of the final notification effect is 9% (= 3% + 6%) as described above. is there.
For this reason, when the case where the final notification effect is executed and the jackpot is notified by the SP reach effect is compared with the case where the jackpot is notified by the SPSP reach effect, the jackpot is made by the SPSP reach effect rather than the SP reach effect. Is easy to be notified.
Therefore, even if the direct development from the reach establishment to the SP reach production or the SPSP reach production is taken into consideration, it is possible to effectively suppress the player's feeling of anxiety that it may be lost as described above. It can be said.

[Cut-in type selection table for appearance of cut-in effects]
This variation start command includes symbol setting information indicating the determination result of whether or not the jackpot is present, variation pattern setting information indicating the variation pattern of the selected first special symbol, and the like.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the first special symbol determination is executed on the game control board 100, the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of whether or not the jackpot or the variation pattern setting information indicating the variation pattern of the first special symbol A variation start command including the above is transmitted from the game control board 100 to the effect control board 130. On the other hand, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not to perform the reach effect based on the symbol setting information included in the change start command received from the effect control board 100, and which reach effect is to be performed. If the reach effect is to be developed, the variation effect pattern of the decorative pattern is set such as what pattern the reach effect is developed in, and which decorative symbol is used to notify the winner. Here, when a variation production pattern for notifying the winning in SP reach production or SPSP reach production is set, a cut-in type for selecting a type of cut-in production that suggests reliability for the jackpot at the end of these reach productions Perform the selection process.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a cut-in type selection table for selecting a type of cut-in effect that is performed after the confirmation notification effect appears. When the sub CPU 131 sets a variation effect pattern for notifying the jackpot in the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect, and further sets a notice effect pattern for executing the confirmed notification effect before developing into the reach effect, FIG. With reference to the cut-in type selection table exemplified in FIG. 11, the type of cut-in effect to appear at the end of these reach effects is selected.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, in the cut-in type selection table, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the cut-in type, and the type selection random number are associated with each other.

  When the sub CPU 131 receives the variation start command related to the jackpot of the first special symbol determination and specifies that the variation pattern of the first special symbol is the variation pattern D or the variation pattern E, the sub CPU 131 acquires the type selection random number, A cut-in type is selected based on which random number value that the acquired type selection random number matches with the identified variation pattern.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, in the cut-in type selection table that is referred to when a confirmed notification effect appears, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the cut-in type, and the random number value of the type-selected random number correspond to each other. It is attached. In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, only the fluctuation patterns D and E among the fluctuation patterns A to E are shown, and the other fluctuation patterns are not shown.

The possible range of the type selection random number is set to “0” to “99” in this embodiment. In the cut-in type selection table of FIG. 11, when the variation pattern of the first special symbol is variation pattern D, 60 random numbers from “0” to “59” are associated with the strong cut-in. Thus, 40 random numbers “60” to “99” are associated with the weak cut-in. For this reason, when the acquired type selection random number matches any of “0” to “59”, it is determined to execute the strong cut-in effect, and when it matches any of “60” to “99”. It is determined to execute a weak cut-in effect.
Regarding the variation pattern D, since the random value is associated with each of the strong cut-in and the weak cut-in as described above, the ratio at which the strong cut-in is executed is 60/100 (= 60%). And the rate at which the weak cut-in is executed is 40/100 (= 40%).

On the other hand, when the variation pattern of the first special symbol is the variation pattern E, 80 random numbers “0” to “79” are associated with the strong cut-in, and the weak cut-in 20 random numbers “80” to “99” are associated with each other. For this reason, when the acquired type selection random number matches any of “0” to “79”, it is determined to execute the strong cut-in effect, and when it matches any of “80” to “99”. It is determined to execute a weak cut-in effect.
Regarding the variation pattern E, since the random value is associated with each of the strong cut-in and the weak cut-in as described above, the ratio at which the strong cut-in is executed is 80/100 (= 80%). And the rate at which the weak cut-in is executed is 20/100 (= 20%).

As is clear from the notation of FIG. 11 and the description so far, in the present embodiment, when the confirmed notification effect is executed and the jackpot is notified by developing from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect, a strong cut-in is performed. The rate at which the effect is executed is 60%, and the rate at which the weak cut-in effect is executed is 40%.
On the other hand, when the final notification effect is executed and the jackpot is notified by developing from the normal reach effect to the SPSP reach effect, the ratio at which the strong cut-in effect is executed is 80%, and the weak cut-in effect is executed. The ratio is 20%.

As described above, when the final notification effect is executed when the final notification effect is executed, whether the final reach effect in which the jackpot is notified is the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect, the stronger cut-in effect than the weak cut-in effect. Is easy to execute.
For this reason, a weak cut-in effect is executed in spite of the execution of the final notification effect, and as a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the player from feeling uneasy about the possibility of losing. Is possible.

[Reproduction of final notification effect]
In the gaming machine 1, as described above, a definite notification effect for definite notification that the jackpot game is executed is executed. In this embodiment, there are three types of finalized notification effects, a premier effect A, a premier effect B, and a premier effect C, as the types of finalized notification effects. Any of the three types of confirmation notification effects is executed.
In addition, although detailed description is abbreviate | omitted, the premiere effect A, the premier effect B, and the premier effect C are effects with a relatively low appearance rate in this embodiment, and display different specific effect images on the screen. It is configured as an effect.

  By the way, the confirmation notification effect is an effect of displaying a specific effect image on the screen, and when the time during which the specific effect image is displayed is relatively short (for example, when only a few seconds are displayed), When the display size of the specific effect image is small, the player does not notice that the final notification effect has been executed, and as a result, there is a possibility that the high effect intended by the developer of the gaming machine 1 cannot be obtained. is there.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the fixed notification effect is executed during the variable display of the first special symbol, the fixed notification effect common to the fixed notification effect is displayed after the jackpot game ends. It will be reproduced during short-time games in the base state.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that various confirmation notification effects are reproduced during the short-time game after the end of the jackpot game. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the premier effect A is executed while the first special symbol is being displayed while the non-time-saving game is being performed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a jackpot. In the situation where the short-time game is performed after the jackpot game is executed, an effect of reproducing the premier effect A is performed during the variable display of the second special symbol.
Further, when the premier effect B is executed during the display of the variation of the first special symbol in a situation where a non-short-time game is being performed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a big hit, and the big hit game is executed. In a situation where a short-time game is being performed after that, the effect of reproducing the premier effect B is performed during the variable display of the second special symbol.
Further, when the premier effect C is executed during the display of the variation of the first special symbol in a situation where a non-short-time game is being performed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a big hit and the jackpot game is executed. In a situation where a short time game is being performed afterwards, an effect of reproducing the premier effect C is performed during the variable display of the second special symbol.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the fixed notification effect common to the fixed notification effect executed when the non-short-time game is being played is reproduced during the short-time game after the end of the jackpot game.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when the fixed notification effect is executed during the variable display of the first special symbol related to the jackpot during the non-short-time game, during the variable display of the second special symbol related to the jackpot during the short-time game The common confirmation notification effect is executed. Specific processing for reproducing this final notification effect will be described in detail later.

[Specific example of effect executed after finalized notification effect]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, a specific example of the effect executed after the confirmation notification effect is performed will be described. Here, FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 are screen diagrams for explaining various effects executed after the confirmation notification effect is performed.

  In FIG. 13A, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating that the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a loss, and the first special symbol determination 2 in the first hold icon display area 51 is displayed. It shows a state where two hold icons are displayed. In FIG. 13A, a special icon (for example, red hold) is used to indicate that the earliest hold icon displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 has a relatively high reliability for the jackpot. Icon).

  When a predetermined fixed time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the losing symbol shown in FIG. 13A is stopped and displayed, the first special symbol determination for the special icon that has been held is executed, and With the start of the variable display of one special symbol, the variable display of the decorative symbol is started (see FIG. 13B). At that time, the special icon displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 is shifted to the area 53. Here, when these symbol displays are started, since it is determined that the premier effect A is executed as the final notification effect before the reach is established, for example, a predetermined character is displayed on the upper right of the liquid crystal screen 5. Then, the premier effect A is output in which the effect sound that the character emits a specific line is output from the speaker 24 (see FIG. 13C).

  Although FIG. 13C illustrates a state in which the fixed notification effect is executed before the reach is established during the fluctuation display of the first special symbol, in this embodiment, the timing at which the fixed notification effect is executed is illustrated. A plurality of prepared notification effects may be performed when reach is established or after reach is established.

  A so-called pseudo-continuous notice effect may be executed after the premier effect A is executed as the confirmation notification effect. This pseudo-continuous notice effect is an effect that makes it appear as if the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner a plurality of times during a single change display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol).

  When this pseudo-continuous notice effect is executed, first, during the variation display of the first special symbol, an effect of quasi-stopping the three rows of decorative symbols in a manner showing a loss is performed (see FIG. 13D). In this way, when the decorative symbol is pseudo-stopped and the first pseudo-stage effect is finished, the pseudo second-stage effect is entered. Specifically, the three rows of decorative symbols that have been pseudo-stopped are restarted, and the decorative symbol variation display is resumed (see FIG. 13E). Then, when the pseudo-continuous notice effect develops to the pseudo third series, the decorative symbols in the three columns are pseudo-stopped in a manner showing a loss as in the case of developing from the pseudo first series to the pseudo second series (see FIG. 13 (F)), and thereafter, the three rows of decorative symbols are restarted, and the decorative symbol variation display is resumed (see FIG. 13 (G)).

  Here, an effect pattern is set in which a pseudo-continuous notice effect that develops up to a pseudo third series is executed before the reach is established, the normal reach effect is changed to the SPSP reach effect, and the jackpot is notified by this SPSP reach effect. If so, the following effects are performed.

  That is, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pseudo third decorative symbol variation display, the same decorative symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol is pseudo-stopped on the active line and reach is established, and the reach is established. A normal reach effect is performed to increase the player's expectation that the same decorative design as the reach design (here, 3 designs) will stop (see FIG. 13H).

  Here, since it is set to develop from the normal reach production to the SPSP reach production, for example, the first production actor 71 operates at the end of the normal reach production to reach the SPSP reach production from the normal reach production. Develops (see FIG. 13I).

  In addition, it develops into a normal reach production after the confirmation notification effect is performed, and the second production actor 72 is activated to develop into an SP reach production, or after the confirmation notification effect is performed during the normal reach production. In some cases, the accessory 72 operates to develop an SP reach production.

  On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows a state in which the first effect actor 71 is activated during the normal reach effect after the confirmation notification effect is performed and develops into a highly reliable SPSP reach effect. . In this case, the player who sees the confirmed notification effect can be confident that the first effect actor 71 will be activated and developed into the SPSP reach effect, and that it will be a big hit. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from having anxiety that the game may be lost.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 13 and subsequent figures, when the SPSP reach effect comes to an end, although not shown in the figure, a predetermined effect display that prompts the player to operate the effect button 26 within a preset effective period is displayed. When the player operates the effect button 26 during the effective period (or when the effective period ends without operation), the cut-in effect described above is performed.

  FIG. 14A illustrates a state in which a strong cut-in effect is performed as a cut-in effect. In this way, after the confirmed notification effect is performed, the SPSP reach effect is developed, and further, the strong cut-in effect is executed to suggest that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively high. You can deepen your confidence that you will be a big hit.

  In addition, even if the SPSP reach effect is developed after the confirmation notification effect is executed, the weak cut-in effect may be performed. However, in this embodiment, the ratio of the weak cut-in is set to a low 20%. (See FIG. 11). For this reason, the player is less likely to have anxiety that the final notification effect has been executed or that it may be lost.

  When a variation time corresponding to a preset variation pattern (here, variation pattern E) has elapsed since the start of variation display of the first special symbol relating to the jackpot of the first special symbol determination, As one special symbol stops, the same middle symbol as the reach symbol stops on the active line and a jackpot is notified (see FIG. 14B).

  In this manner, when the predetermined fixed time elapses after the decorative symbol is stopped in a manner showing a big hit, a predetermined opening effect is executed in the opening period of the big hit game, although not shown in the figure. This opening effect includes, for example, an effect for notifying the type of jackpot and an effect for prompting the player to make a right strike.

  During the round game in which the opening period ends and the grand prize opening 13 is opened, the decorative symbols, the type of jackpot (whether or not the odd jackpot), the number of rounds, and the jackpot of the jackpot are displayed when the jackpot is notified. The display during the round which displays the number of times, the effect display that prompts the player to make a right strike, the total payout number of game balls in the current jackpot game, etc. is performed using the liquid crystal screen 5 (see FIG. 14C).

  In this way, when all of the multiple round games accompanied by the production during the round are completed and the ending period of the jackpot game is reached, although not shown in the figure, for example, the game state after the jackpot game ends is given to the player. An ending effect for notification is performed.

  As described above, when the variation display of the first special symbol related to the jackpot is finished and the jackpot game is executed, in this embodiment, after the jackpot game is finished, the game is performed in the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state. Is controlled. In the gaming state to which these electric chew support functions are provided, the following effects are performed along with the short-time game.

  That is, for example, when a game ball wins the second starting port 12 and the second special symbol determination is suspended in a situation where the first special symbol determination is suspended, The reservation for the second special symbol determination is preferentially digested.

  FIG. 14D illustrates a state in which the first hold of the two second special symbol determinations is digested in a state where one first special symbol determination is held. ing. When the change display of the symbol is enabled in a state where the second second special symbol determination is on hold, of the two hold icons related to the second special symbol determination displayed on the second hold icon display area 52 The first hold icon is shifted to the area 53 as the icon, and the second hold icon is shifted in the second hold icon display area 52. Along with this, the variation display of the second special symbol is started and the variation display of the decorative symbol is started.

  Here, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination corresponding to the icon displayed in the area 53 is “losing”, the decorative symbols in the three columns are lost along with the stop display of the second special symbol. The display is stopped in the manner shown (see FIG. 14E).

  By the way, in the gaming machine 1, when the confirmation notification effect is executed in accordance with the change display of the first special symbol, the jackpot game executed following the stop display in the mode indicating the big hit of the first special symbol. It is supposed that the effect which reproduces a fixed alerting | reporting effect is performed with the change display of the 2nd special symbol after completion | finish.

  Here, if the confirmed notification effect is reproduced during the variation display of the second special symbol related to the second special symbol determination determined to be lost, the confirmed notification effect is displayed as the notification effect during the variation display of the second special symbol. In spite of the fact that the game has been performed, the player will be notified of the loss, and there is a risk that the game will be hindered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, an effect of reproducing the confirmed notification effect is performed during the variable display of the second special symbol related to the second special symbol determination determined to be a big hit.
By adopting such a configuration, the player can confirm the confirmed notification effect performed during the variation display of the first special symbol related to the jackpot during the variation display of the second special symbol. It is possible to recognize that the variation display of the second special symbol also leads to a jackpot. That is, by adopting the above configuration, it is possible to notify that both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are big hits by one type of final notification effect.

  In addition, when a game is controlled in a probabilistic gaming state or a short-time gaming state, a so-called “continuous chain” state in which the jackpot game is continuously executed may occur. If the configuration that reproduces the final notification effect during the variation display of the second special symbol related to the second or the second special symbol variation display related to the fourth or subsequent jackpot is adopted, the first special symbol related to the jackpot The relationship between the confirmed notification effect performed during the variable display and the confirmed notification effect reproduced during the short-time game is sparse, and as a result, the player may not be able to recognize that the confirmed notification effect has been reproduced. There is. In addition, when the probabilistic gaming state (or the short-time gaming state) ends and the gaming state is returned to the normal gaming state before the third jackpot is awarded, the confirmed notification effect can be reproduced during the short-time gaming. It becomes difficult.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the second special symbol related to the second jackpot is displayed in a variable manner, that is, after the jackpot game related to the first jackpot is finished, in order to suppress the occurrence of these problems. The confirmed notification effect is reproduced while the variable display of the second special symbol (or the first special symbol) related to the first jackpot is displayed.

Specifically, the following effects are performed with respect to the reproduction of the confirmation notification effect.
In other words, when the jackpot game related to the first win is over and the second special symbol determination is put on hold, the jackpot is awarded when the second special symbol determination is executed at the stage where the second special symbol determination is held. A pre-determination process including a process of pre-determining whether or not is satisfied is executed.

  As a result of this pre-determination process, when a pre-determination result indicating that the current second special symbol determination hold is digested is “big hit”, a reproduction icon is displayed in the second hold icon display area 52. Is displayed (see FIG. 14E). Thus, by displaying the reproduction icon as the hold icon related to the second special symbol determination, the second special symbol accompanying the reproduction of the confirmation notification effect is refrained from being displayed, and the reproduction icon corresponding to the reproduction icon is displayed. 2 It is possible to effectively suggest that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”.

  In the present embodiment, the case where there is one type of reproduced icon to be displayed is described regardless of the type of the confirmed notification effect to be reproduced. However, in other embodiments, which of the plurality of confirmed notification effects is displayed. A plurality of types of effect images for displaying the reproduction icon may be prepared so that the player can identify whether the confirmed notification effect is reproduced. This allows the player to specify the type of confirmed notification effect to be reproduced in addition to reproducing the confirmed notification effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the final notification effect is reproduced during the variation display of the second special symbol related to the first jackpot after the jackpot game related to the first jackpot ends, the second special symbol determination related to the jackpot is performed. Even if it is held, if it is not a hold related to the second jackpot, the reproduction icon is not displayed.

  When the decoration symbol is stopped and displayed with the reproduction icon displayed as illustrated in FIG. 14E, a shift process is performed on the hold icon in the second hold icon display area 52 including the reproduction icon. Then, the next symbol variation related to the second special symbol determination is started (see FIG. 14F).

  Here, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination corresponding to the hold immediately before the reproduction icon is “losing”, the decorative symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating “losing”. (See FIG. 14G).

  Next, when a predetermined fixed time has elapsed from the stop display of the decorative symbol, a shift process for the second hold icon display area 52 is executed. As a result, the reproduction icon moves from the second reserved icon display area 52 to the area 53 and is displayed as the icon, and the decorative display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the icon is started (FIG. 14 ( H)).

  By the way, if the player knows in advance that the confirmation notification effect performed during the variation display of the first special symbol is reproduced during the variation display of the second special symbol corresponding to the reproduction icon, the reproduction icon By paying attention to the effect performed during the variable display of the second special symbol corresponding to, the player can recognize the confirmed notification effect.

  However, if the player is unable to recognize what the reproduction icon is, or if the player has missed the confirmed effect performed during the variable display of the first special symbol, There is a possibility that the player may miss the confirmed notification effect that is executed during the variation display of the second special symbol.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, when the change display of the second special symbol corresponding to the reproduction icon is started, the confirmation notification effect is reproduced after the change display of the second special symbol is started. It is assumed that a countdown effect that counts down the remaining time until it is performed is executed (see FIG. 14I). As illustrated in FIG. 14 (I), this countdown effect is configured as an effect that displays a message such as “5 seconds until reproduction of finalized notification effect”. In the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, Along with the display of this message, for example, an effect of outputting sounds such as “5 more seconds”, “4 seconds”, “3 seconds”, and “2 seconds” from the speaker 24 is also executed.

  In another embodiment, a word or message that allows the player to recognize that the confirmed notification effect is reproduced is suppressed to prevent the player from overlooking the confirmed notification effect. You may make it give to.

  When the variation display of the second special symbol corresponding to the reproduction icon is started and 4 seconds have elapsed since the start of the countdown effect described above, an effect display such as “one second until reproduction of the final notification effect” is performed ( (See FIG. 15A). Then, when another one second elapses from here, the countdown effect ends, and an effect that reproduces the confirmed notification effect is executed (see FIG. 15B). Here, since the premiere effect A is executed as the final notification effect during the variation display of the first special symbol, the same effect as the premier effect A is performed (FIGS. 13C and 15B). reference).

  When the confirmation notification effect is executed in this way, reach is established (see FIG. 15C), and after a predetermined reach effect is executed (see FIG. 15D), a jackpot is notified. (See FIG. 15E).

  The predetermined reach effect may be a reach effect that is the same as or in common with the reach effect performed during the change display of the first special symbol accompanied by the execution of the confirmation notification effect, or the first special symbol change. It may be a reach effect that is not performed during the display but only during the variable display of the second special symbol.

  14 to 15, a state in which an effect of reproducing the confirmed notification effect is started at a timing five seconds after the change display of the second special symbol is shown. The timing at which is executed is not limited to this. For example, the reproduction effect starts with the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, the reproduction effect starts at the timing 3 seconds after the variation display of the second special symbol starts, or the reach is established Reproduction effects may be started during later reach effects.

  In the present embodiment, the reproduction effect that reproduces the confirmed notification effect described so far is performed during the variable display of the second special symbol related to the jackpot of the second special symbol determination. For this reason, when the variation display of the second special symbol accompanied by the reproduction effect is finished and the second special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time, the effect display related to the jackpot game (so-called opening effect) starts. (See FIG. 15F).

[Configuration Example of Main RAM 103]
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main RAM 103 and various types of information stored in the main RAM 103. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the main RAM 103 includes a determination storage area 1030, a first reserved storage area 1031, a second reserved storage area 1032, a third reserved storage area 1033, and a fourth reserved storage area 1034. A first reserved storage area 1035, a second reserved storage area 1036, a third reserved storage area 1037, and a fourth reserved storage area 1038 are provided.

  The determination storage area 1030 is a storage area for storing various information used for the special symbol determination when the special symbol determination is actually executed. The first reserved storage area 1031 to the fourth reserved storage area 1034 are storage areas for storing various information related to the first special symbol determination, and the first reserved storage area 1035 to the fourth reserved storage area 1038 are the second storage areas. This is a storage area for storing various information related to special symbol determination. In addition, the second special symbol determination is prioritized over the first special symbol determination. For this reason, in the determination storage area 1030, when the special symbol determination is performed, when the second special symbol determination is suspended, various information stored in the first reserved storage area 1035 is shifted, and the first When only the special symbol determination is suspended, various information stored in the first reserved storage area 1031 is shifted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the reserved storage areas 1031 to 1038 are areas acquired by the main CPU 101 for storing jackpot random numbers, areas for storing design random numbers, areas for storing reach random numbers, It includes an area for storing variation pattern random numbers, an area for storing prior determination information, and the like.

  The jackpot random number is a random number for determining jackpot or loss. The design random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach when it is determined that the reach is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is variably displayed.

  The pre-determination information is information obtained by a pre-determination process (see FIG. 21) described later based on the jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number. Specifically, the pre-determination information is information indicating whether or not the winning start information, the determination result of the special symbol determination is a jackpot, the type of the jackpot if it is a jackpot, It includes information indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol, information indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Here, the winning start opening information is acquired when the game ball wins the first starting opening 11 with the jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number stored in the same reserved storage area. Information indicating whether or not the game ball has been acquired by winning the second start port 12. The pre-determination information including these pieces of information is stored in the same storage area as the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number used in the pre-determination process.

  The five pieces of information described based on FIG. 16B are stored in the first reserved storage area 1031 to the fourth reserved storage area 1034 in order from the first reserved storage area 1031 every time a game ball wins the first start port 11. Every time a game ball wins in the second start port 12, it is stored in any of the first reserved storage area 1035 to the fourth reserved storage area 1038 in order from the first reserved storage area 1035.

  For example, when five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination are newly acquired in a state where no information is stored in any of the first reserved storage area 1031 to the fourth reserved storage area 1034, the five pieces of information are: It is stored in the first reserved storage area 1031. For example, when five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination are newly acquired in a state where five pieces of information are stored in each of the first reserved storage area 1031 and the second reserved storage area 1032, the five pieces of information Is stored in the third reserved storage area 1033.

  Further, when the information stored in the first reserved storage area 1031 is shifted to the determination storage area 1030 when the first special symbol determination is performed, the information is stored in the reserved storage areas after the second reserved storage area 1032. Information is shifted to the first reserved storage area 1031 side. For example, when information stored in the first reserved storage area 1031 is shifted to the determination storage area 1030 in a state where information is stored in each of the first reserved storage area 1031 to the third reserved storage area 1033, the second Information stored in the reserved storage area 1032 is shifted to the first reserved storage area 1031, and information stored in the third reserved storage area 1033 is shifted to the second reserved storage area 1032.

  Such information shift processing is similarly performed in the first reserved storage area 1035 to the fourth reserved storage area 1038 in which information related to the second special symbol determination is stored. In the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, when both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are held, that is, information is stored in both the first reserved storage area 1031 and the first reserved storage area 1035. If stored, the shift processing in the first reserved storage area 1035 to the fourth reserved storage area 1038 is preferentially performed prior to the shift processing in the first reserved storage area 1031 to the fourth reserved storage area 1034.

  By the way, even when a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner or when a game ball is won at the first starting port 11 or the second starting port 12 during a jackpot game and various random numbers are acquired, a special symbol determination or a special symbol is displayed. The variable display cannot be made immediately.

  For this reason, when various random numbers are acquired under such circumstances, the main CPU 101 uses the acquired various random numbers and the like as the hold storage areas 1031 to 1038 as information for holding the special symbol determination as described above. Is going to be stored in. On the other hand, when the special symbol is not variably displayed, the special symbol determination is not suspended, and the game is not in the big hit game, the main CPU 101 obtains various random numbers obtained with the start opening prize as a trigger. The data is directly stored in the determination storage area 1030.

[Timer interrupt processing by game control board 100]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100. The game control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 17 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the game control board 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 17 and thereafter is performed according to a command issued by the main CPU 101 based on a program stored in the main ROM 102.

  First, the main CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, and a normal design random number (step S1).

  The normal symbol random number is a random number for determining whether or not to open the second start port 12. The jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, and the ordinary design random number are incremented by “1” every time the process of step S1 is performed. Note that a loop counter is used as a counter for performing the processing of step S1, and each random number is returned to “0” and updated after reaching a preset maximum value.

  Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 executes a switch process when a detection signal is input from each switch (step S2). This switch processing will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S2, the main CPU 101 executes special symbol determination, displays the special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and displays the determination result of the special symbol determination. A special symbol process including a process of stopping and displaying the special symbol shown is executed (step S3). This special symbol process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S3, the main CPU 101 includes a process of executing normal symbol determination, causing the normal symbol display unit 45 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and then stopping and displaying the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Normal symbol processing is executed (step S4).

  Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 101 performs the electric tulip process for operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip control unit 113 when it is determined that the second start port 12 is opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. Is executed (step S5).

  Subsequent to the process of step S5, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is a big win in the process of step S3, the main prize opening control process for controlling the special prize opening control unit 117 to open the special prize opening 13 is performed. Execute (Step S6).

  Subsequent to the process of step S6, the main CPU 101 executes a prize ball process for controlling the payout of the prize ball according to the winning of the game ball (step S7).

  Subsequent to step S7, the main CPU 101 transmits to the effect control board 130 information necessary for determining various commands and effect contents set (stored) in the main RAM 103 in the process step before step S7. Processing is executed (step S8).

[Switch processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the first start port switch 111 as illustrated in FIG. 18, and is updated as appropriate by the process of step S1. For the random number (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number), the first start port switch process including the process of acquiring the value at the time when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input is executed. (Step S21). The first start port switch process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence or absence of a detection signal input from the second start port switch 112, and the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is received for various random numbers that are appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A second start port switch process including a process of acquiring a value at the time of input is executed (step S22). The second start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 101 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the gate switch 114, and the value at the time when the detection signal from the gate switch 114 is input with respect to the normal symbol random number that is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. The gate switch process for acquiring the above is executed (step S23).

[First Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 (specifically, the first start port switch 111 is “ON”) following the random number update process in step S <b> 1. On the basis of whether or not an ON signal indicating that the first start port switch 111 has been turned ON is determined (step S210). Here, when it is determined that the first start port switch 111 is “ON” (step S <b> 210: YES), the hold number U <b> 1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol determination (step S211).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1 (step S211: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U1 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S212), and the first special symbol. As the acquisition information used for determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired (steps S213 to S216).

  As described above, various acquisition information such as a big hit random number is acquired in accordance with the establishment of the acquisition condition that the first start port switch 111 is “ON” in a state where the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1.

  Following the processing of step S216, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state (step S217). The main RAM 103 stores a time-saving game flag. At this time, the short game flag is set to “OFF” when the electric tulip 17 is controlled in a state where it is difficult to win the game ball at the second start port 12, and conversely, the game ball is likely to win the second start port 12. This flag is set to “ON” when the electric tulip 17 is controlled to the state. In step S217, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state based on whether or not the short-time game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON”.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the current state is not the high base state (step S217: NO), that is, when the time-saving game flag is set to “OFF”, the main CPU 101 executes a pre-determination process (step S218). Specifically, prior to the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 23) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, whether or not the jackpot is based on the acquired information acquired by the processes in steps S213 to S216. Is determined in advance, and prior determination for acquiring a variation pattern of the special symbol that is actually selected when the first special symbol determination is executed is executed. This predetermination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 21. The predetermination result indicating the result of this predetermination process includes four random numbers related to the first special symbol determination acquired in the processes of steps S213 to S216. And stored in the main RAM 103 (see FIG. 16B).

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S218 or determines that the high base state is set (the time-short game flag is set to “ON”) (step S217: YES), the main CPU 101 determines the first special symbol determination. Such a hold command is set in the main RAM 103 (step S219). This hold command is a command for notifying that the first special symbol determination is put on hold, and includes the pre-determination information obtained in this processing step when the process of step S218 is executed, It is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process of step S8.

[Second Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 (specifically, the second start port switch 112 is “ON” following the first start port switch process of step S <b> 21. It is determined whether or not the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” based on whether or not an “ON signal indicating that it has turned“ ”has been input (step S220).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” (step S220: YES), the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax2 (in this embodiment, “4”) of the second special symbol determination (step S221).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S221: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U2 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S222), and the second special symbol. As the acquisition information used for determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired (steps S223 to S226).

  Following the process of step S226, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state, similarly to the process of step S217 (step S227). Here, when it is determined that the current state is the high base state (step S227: YES), that is, when the time-saving game flag is set to “ON”, a pre-determination process is executed (step S228). This pre-determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 21. The pre-determination result indicating the result of the pre-determination process is obtained by using four random numbers related to the second special symbol determination acquired in the processes of steps S223 to S226. And stored in the main RAM 103 (see FIG. 16B).

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S228 or determines that it is not in the high base state (the time-short game flag is set to “OFF”) (step S227: NO), the main CPU 101 determines the second special symbol determination. Such a hold command is set in the main RAM 103 (step S229). This hold command is a command for notifying that the second special symbol determination is put on hold, and includes the pre-determination information obtained in this processing step when the process of step S228 is executed, It is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process of step S8.

[Preliminary determination processing by game control board 100]
Hereinafter, the prior determination process executed by the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 21 is a detailed flowchart of the prior determination process in steps S218 and S228 of FIGS.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the high base state is not set in the process of step S217 of FIG. 19 or when the main CPU 101 determines that the high base state is set in the process of step S227 of FIG. 20, the main CPU 101 executes a jackpot determination process (step S2181). ). Specifically, in the low probability state (in the present embodiment, the normal gaming state or the short-time gaming state), the low probability big hit random number table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103. On the other hand, in the case of a high probability state (probability game state in this embodiment), the high probability big hit random number table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103. Then, whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S213 of FIG. 19 (or the process of step S223 of FIG. 20) matches any of the winning values stored in the jackpot random number table set in the main RAM 103. Based on this, it is determined whether or not a big hit is to be determined at the start of the change.

  Next, based on the determination result of step S2181, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not it is determined to be a big hit at the start of the change (step S2182). Here, when it is determined that it is a big hit at the start of the change (step S2182: YES), the big change pattern table for the big hit is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S2183).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit at the start of the change (step S2182: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether a reach effect is performed during the change (step S2184). Specifically, based on whether or not the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S2181 matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 102, It is determined whether or not a reach effect is performed during the fluctuation.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the reach effect is to be performed (step S2184: YES), the main CPU 101 reads the reach variation pattern table from the main ROM 102 and sets it in the main RAM 103 (step S2185).

  By the way, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is “losing” and the reach effect is not performed during the change, the first special symbol is determined based on the number of suspensions of the first special symbol determination at the start of the change. Variation pattern is determined. The number of first special symbol determinations may be different before and after the first special symbol determination being held is digested. For this reason, the variation pattern of the special symbol acquired before the first special symbol determination is digested may be different from the variation pattern of the special symbol selected when the first special symbol determination is actually digested. is there. That is, for the right of the first special symbol determination in which the reach effect is not performed during the change, an accurate special symbol variation pattern may not be acquired prior to the first special symbol determination.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S2184: NO), the process proceeds to step S2187 without performing the variation pattern random number determination process of step S2186 described later. .

  When the main CPU 101 sets the big hit variation pattern table or the reach variation pattern table, the main CPU 101 executes variation pattern random number determination processing (step S2186). Specifically, the variation pattern random number acquired at the time of starting winning a prize together with the jackpot random number used in the process of step S2181 is the random number value defined in the variation pattern table set in the main RAM 103. The variation pattern of the first special symbol (or second special symbol) to be selected in the first special symbol determination (or second special symbol determination) performed at the start of the variation based on which random number value matches. Is identified.

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S2186 or determines that the reach effect is not performed (step S2184: NO), the main CPU 101 generates pre-determination information and stores it in the main RAM 103 (step S2187). The area in which the prior determination information is stored is as described above with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the main CPU 101 determines the jackpot based on the acquired information based on the acquired information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball has won the first starting port 11 (or the second starting port 12). Prior to performing the determination and the variation pattern selection process, it is determined in advance whether or not it is a big hit, and the variation pattern (that is, the variation time) of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) is acquired.

[Special symbol processing by game control board 100]
Next, the details of the special symbol process executed by the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 22 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S3 of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 22, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” ( Step S301). This jackpot game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the jackpot game is being executed, and is set to “ON” at the start of the jackpot game, and is set to “OFF” at the end of the jackpot game. Here, when it is determined that the game is a big hit game (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot game is not being played (step S301: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). If it is determined that the special symbol variation display is not being performed (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is equal to or greater than “1”. (Step S303). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U2 is “1” or more (step S303: YES), the holding number U2 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S304).

  If the main CPU 101 determines that the holding number U2 is not “1” or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the holding number U1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is “1” or more. Is determined (step S305). If it is determined that the hold number U1 is “1” or more (step S305: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the hold number U1 to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S306).

  Following the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process for the reserved storage area of the main RAM 103 (step S308). Specifically, when the main CPU 101 executes a shift process following the process of step S304, the main CPU 101 determines the earliest acquired information stored in the reserved storage areas 1035 to 1038 for the second special symbol determination. While shifting to the storage area for storage 1030, the remaining acquired information is shifted to the storage area for determination 1030. Further, when the shift process is executed following the process of step S306, the earliest acquired information stored in the first special symbol determination reserved storage areas 1031 to 1034 is shifted to the determination storage area 1030. At the same time, the remaining acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area 1030 side.

  Subsequent to the process of step S308, the main CPU 101 executes a jackpot determination process based on the random number stored in the determination storage area 1030 (step S309). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is determined that it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined. Then, special symbol setting information indicating the results of these processes is set in the main RAM 103. The jackpot determination process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  As is clear from the notation of FIG. 22, when the starting condition such that the main CPU 101 is not in the jackpot game and is not changing the symbol is satisfied, in this step S309, based on the jackpot random number acquired at the time of winning the starting opening, It is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player.

  Subsequent to the process of step S309, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (step S310). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Following the process of step S310, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol setting information set in the process of step S309, the special symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or the second special symbol determination. A change start command is set in the main RAM 103 including information indicating whether it is related, change pattern setting information set in the process of step S310, information regarding the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like (step S311).

  This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of an effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8. As a result, the decorative display variation display or the like on the liquid crystal display device 5 is started.

  Subsequent to the process of step S311, the main CPU 101 starts the special symbol variation display based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command set in step S311 (step S312). At that time, in the case where the acquisition information (random number) related to the first special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area 1030, when the processing of step S309 to step S311 is performed, in the first special symbol display 41 Start to display special symbols. On the other hand, when the processing of step S309 to step S311 is performed in a state where the acquired information (random number) related to the second special symbol determination is stored, the special symbol variable display is started on the second special symbol display 42. To do.

  Next, the main CPU 101 starts measuring a variation time that is an elapsed time from the start of the variation display in step S312 (step S313).

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S313 or determines that the special symbol is changing (step S302: YES), the main CPU 101 is selected by the process of step S310 from the start of the measurement of the changing time in step S313. It is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (step S315). Here, when it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (step S315: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the variation time has elapsed (step S315: YES), the special symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. Is set in the main RAM 103 (step S316). This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8. Thereby, the process etc. which stop-display the decoration symbol which was variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 in the aspect which shows the determination result of special symbol determination, etc. are performed.

  Subsequent to the process in step S316, the main CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display started in the process in step S312 (step S317). Specifically, the special symbol set in the process of step S309 (a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display that has variably displayed the special symbol. The special symbol stop display is continued at least until a predetermined symbol determination time (for example, 1 second) elapses.

  Thus, the main CPU 101 displays the special symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process after the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 as the first special symbol display 41. Alternatively, the second special symbol display 42 is stopped and displayed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S317, the main CPU 101 resets the variation time when the measurement is started in the process of step S313 (step S318), and performs a process during stop including a process of starting the jackpot game when the jackpot is won. It executes (step S319). This stop process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S309 of FIG. The main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 1030 (step S3091). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 1030 is a jackpot based on whether or not it matches a preset winning value.

  The winning value here is a jackpot winning value defined in the high probability jackpot random number table or the low probability jackpot random number table. When the jackpot determination is executed in the high probability state (the probability variation gaming state in the present embodiment), the winning value stored in the high probability time jackpot random number table is used. On the other hand, when the jackpot determination is executed in the low probability state (the normal gaming state or the short time gaming state in the present embodiment), the winning value stored in the low probability time jackpot random number table is used.

  In this way, the main CPU 101 starts such that acquisition information such as a jackpot random number acquired when a game ball is won at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 is stored in the determination storage area 1030. When the condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

  Following the processing of step S3091, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S3092). Here, when it is determined that the game is a jackpot (step S3092: YES), the type of jackpot is determined with reference to the symbol determination table for the jackpot stored in the main ROM 102 (step S3093).

  Specifically, when the symbol random number stored in the determination storage area 1030 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination in step S3091 is related to the first special symbol determination, the symbol random number is The jackpot type is determined based on which random number value specified in the symbol determination table for the first start opening winning match. On the other hand, if it is related to the second special symbol determination, the type of jackpot is determined based on which random number value specified in the symbol determination table for the second start opening winning matches the symbol random number To decide.

  In this way, the main CPU 101 selects one of 16R probability variation, 2R probability variation, and 16R normal variation by determining the type of jackpot.

  Then, the main CPU 101 sets jackpot symbol setting information corresponding to the determined jackpot type in the main RAM 103 (step S3094). As a result, the jackpot symbol set here at the time of the process of step S317 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and the jackpot game corresponding to the special symbol is performed. Will be.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3092: NO), the main CPU 101 sets the lost symbol setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3095). Thereby, the lost symbol set here in the process of step S317 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. In this case, the jackpot game is not performed.

[Change pattern selection processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 24 is a detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S309 in FIG. 22, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3091 is a jackpot (step S3101). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S3101: YES), the big hit variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3102).

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3101: NO), whether or not the reach random number stored in the determination storage area 1030 matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect that makes the player expect a big hit (step S3103). If it is determined that a reach effect is to be performed (step S3103: YES), the reach variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3104). Conversely, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3103: NO), the variation pattern table for loss is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3105).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern random number determination process with reference to the variation pattern table set in the main RAM 103 by the process of step S3102, the process of step S3104, or the process of step S3105 (step S3106). Specifically, when the big hit variation pattern table or the reach variation pattern table is set in the main RAM 103, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area 1030 is set as the variation. A variation pattern is selected by reading from the pattern table.

  If the variation pattern table for losing is set in the main RAM 103, the number of reserved special symbol determination is specified based on the number of reserved storage areas in which various types of information are stored immediately before the shift process of step S308 is performed. Then, the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of holdings and the presence / absence of the current time is read out from the variation pattern table for loss to select the variation pattern.

  By selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in this way, the variation time of the special symbol is inevitably determined.

  When the main CPU 101 selects the variation pattern, the main CPU 101 sets the selected variation pattern setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3107). The variation pattern setting information is included in the variation start command and transmitted to the effect control board 130 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 103 by the jackpot determination process in step S309 described above.

[Processing during stop by game control board 100]
FIG. 25 is a detailed flowchart of the stop process in step S319 of FIG. After resetting the variation time by the process of step S318, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not it is a big hit as in the process of step S3092 (see FIG. 23) as illustrated in FIG. S3191). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S3191: YES), the big win game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” (step S3192).

  Next, the main CPU 101 sets the time-short game flag and the probability change game flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “OFF” (step S3193). Here, the short-time game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the short-time state in which the electric chew support function is granted, and the probability variation game flag is relatively probable to be determined to be a big hit in the special symbol determination. It is a flag indicating whether or not a high probability state.

  In the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, the gaming state is controlled by setting the short-time gaming flag and the probability variation gaming flag. That is, when the gaming state is controlled to the probability variation gaming state, both the probability variation gaming flag and the short time gaming flag are set to “ON”, and when the gaming state is controlled to the time variation gaming state, the probability variation gaming flag is “OFF”. When the game state is controlled to the normal game state, both the probability variation game flag and the short-time game flag are set to “OFF”.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S3193, the main CPU 101 sets an opening command for notifying that the big hit game is started in the main RAM 103 (step S3194). This opening command includes information such as the type of jackpot, the opening pattern of the jackpot 13 during the jackpot game, and is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3191: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the time-saving game flag is set to “ON” (step S3196). If it is determined that the short-time game flag is set to “ON” (step S3196: YES), the short-time game remaining number J stored in the main RAM 103 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step). S3197). The short game remaining number J at this time indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in the short time state.

  Following the processing of step S3197, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the time-saving game remaining count J is “0” (step S3198). Here, when it is determined that the time-saving game remaining count J is “0” (step S3198: YES), the time-saving game flag is set to “OFF” (step S3199). As a result, the electric chew support function is not provided.

  The main CPU 101 executes the process of step S3199, determines that the time-saving game flag is not “ON” (step S3196: NO), or determines that the time-saving game remaining count J is not “0” ( Step S3198: NO), it is determined whether or not the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S3201).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the probability variation game flag is set to “ON” (step S3201: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the high probability remaining game count K stored in the main RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting “1”. (Step S3202). The high probability remaining game count K indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in a high probability state.

  Following the processing of step S3202, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the high-probability game remaining count K is “0” (step S3203). Here, if it is determined that the high probability remaining game count K is “0” (step S3203: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to “OFF” (step S3204). Thereby, special symbol determination comes to be performed in a low probability state.

  When the process of step S3204 is performed, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is not “ON” (step S3201: NO), when it is determined that the high probability game remaining count K is not “0” ( If the process of step S3203: NO) or step S3194 is performed, the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

[Game state setting process by game control board 100]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a game state setting process executed at the end of the jackpot game in the game control board 100. In the gaming machine 1, the jackpot game is executed by the big prize opening control process in step S6. When the ending in the jackpot game ends, the gaming state setting process for setting the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the jackpot game ends. Is executed.

  When the ending in the jackpot game ends, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot that triggered the current jackpot game is a probable hit based on the symbol setting information stored in the main RAM 103 (step S6261). Here, when it is determined that it is not the probability variation (step S6261: NO), the process proceeds to step S6266 described later.

  If the main CPU 101 determines that the probability change is a hit (step S6261: YES), the main CPU 101 sets the probability change game flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “ON” (step S6262), and the high stored in the main RAM 103 is also high. The probability game remaining count K is set to, for example, “10000” (step S6263). By performing the process of step S6263, the high probability state related to the jackpot determination continues until the special symbol determination is performed 10,000 times after the jackpot game is ended.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S6263, the main CPU 101 sets the short-time game flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “ON” (step S6264), and also sets the short-time game remaining number J stored in the main RAM 103 to “10000”. "(Step S6265). By performing a series of processes from step S6262 to step S6265 in this way, if a big hit does not occur in the middle after the big hit game is finished, the game is played in the probability variation game state until 10,000 special symbol determinations are made. Will be controlled.

  If the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a chance change (step S6261: NO), it sets the short-time game flag to “ON” (step S6266), and sets the short-time game remaining count J to “100” (step S6267). .

  As a result of the series of processing in step S6266 and step S6267 in this way, the game is played in the short-time gaming state until a special symbol determination is made 100 times unless a big hit occurs in the middle after the big hit game ends. Will be controlled.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control board 130]
When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the sub CPU 131 of the effect control board 130 sets a CTC cycle, which is a cycle for performing timer interrupt processing to be described later. And sub CPU131 repeats the random number update process which updates the production random number etc. which are used in order to determine the content of production with the predetermined period shorter than a CTC period. That is, the sub CPU 131 repeats the timer interrupt process at the CTC cycle while repeating the random number update process at a predetermined cycle while the gaming machine 1 is activated.

  Hereinafter, the timer interruption process executed in the effect control board 130 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the effect control board 130. The sub CPU 131 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 27 every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds), similarly to the timer interrupt process performed in the game control board 100. Note that the processing performed on the effect control board 130 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 27 and the subsequent steps is performed according to a command issued by the sub CPU 131 based on a program stored in the sub ROM 132.

  First, when receiving a command as game information from the game control board 100, the sub CPU 131 executes a command reception process (step S10). Details of the command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S10, the sub CPU 131 executes a command transmission process (step S30). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 133 by the process of step S10 is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 (and the lamp control board 150). By performing this command transmission process, execution of effects by image display, sound output, etc. is instructed to the image sound control board 140, and execution of effects by lighting of various lamps, etc. is instructed to the lamp control board 150. Is done.

  Then, the sub CPU 131 executes data transfer processing (step S50). Specifically, since the data regarding the image sound control is transmitted from the image sound control unit 140, the data is transferred to the lamp control unit 150. As a result, the lamp control unit 150 produces effects by effect media such as the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, the effect actors 71 and 72, and the effect buttons 26 so as to be synchronized with the effect performed on the liquid crystal screen 5 and the speaker 24. Controlled by.

[Command reception processing by effect control unit 130]
FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the sub CPU 131 first determines whether or not a command transmitted from the game control board 100 has been received (step S11). If it is determined that a command has not been received (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S30.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the command from the game control board 100 has been received (step S11: YES), the command is controlled according to the process of step S219 (see FIG. 19) or step S229 (see FIG. 20). It is determined whether or not the hold command is transmitted from the substrate 100 (step S12). If it is determined that the command is not a pending command (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S15 described later.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), the sub CPU 131 executes a hold command reception process (step S13). The hold command reception process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the received command is not a pending command (step S12: NO), the sub CPU 131 is a variation start command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the process of step S311 (see FIG. 22). It is determined whether or not there is (step S15). If it is determined that the received command is not a change start command (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S19 described later.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the received command is a change start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 131 executes a change start command reception process (step S16). This variation start command reception process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the received command is not a change start command (step S15: NO), the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the process of step S316 (see FIG. 22). It is determined whether or not (step S19). If the sub CPU 131 determines that it is a symbol confirmation command (step S19: YES), it ends the decorative symbol variation display and stops displaying the decorative symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination executed at the start of symbol variation. A variable effect end command for instructing execution of the process is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S20).

  By transmitting the variation effect end command to the image sound control unit 140 and the lamp control unit 150 by the process of step S30, the special symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is displayed. A decorative symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 while being stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42). The stop will be displayed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the received command is not a symbol determination command (step S19: NO), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the command is an operation command transmitted from the lamp control board 150 (step S21). This operation command is a command transmitted from the lamp control board 150 to notify the information when the lamp CPU 151 of the lamp control board 150 detects the operation of the effect button 26 and the effect key 27. Includes information indicating whether the effect button 26 or the effect key 27 is operated, information indicating which key is operated when the effect key 27 is operated, and the like. When the sub CPU 131 determines that an operation command has been received (step S21: YES), the sub CPU 131 sets an operation notification command including information included in the operation command in the sub RAM 133 (step S22). On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not an operation command (step S21: NO), another command corresponding to the received command is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S23).

[Reception command reception processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of the hold command reception process in step S13 of FIG. When the sub CPU 131 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), as illustrated in FIG. 29, “1” is added to the number of special symbol determinations stored in the sub RAM 133. The updated value is updated (step S131). Specifically, based on the winning start information included in the advance determination information in the hold command, is the hold command related to the first special symbol determination or the hold command related to the second special symbol determination? , And based on the result of the determination, the number of reservations related to the first special symbol determination or the number of reservations related to the second special symbol determination is updated to a value obtained by adding “1”.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S131, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the advance determination information is included in the received hold command (step S132). If it is determined that the prior determination information is not included, the process proceeds to step S144 described later.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the predetermination information is included in the received hold command (step S132: YES), the sub CPU 131 stores the predetermination information in the sub RAM 133 (step S133). Then, a prefetch effect random number is acquired and stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S134). The pre-reading effect random number is incremented by “1” every time the random number update process described above is performed, and the sub CPU 131 acquires the count value at the time when the hold command is received as the pre-reading effect random number.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S134, the sub CPU 131 executes the hold prefetch effect based on, for example, the advance determination information included in the received hold command and the prefetch effect determination table stored in the sub ROM 132. It is determined whether or not (step S135). Although not shown in the drawing, for example, the sub-ROM 132 stores a jackpot pre-reading effect determination table and a loss-reading pre-reading effect determination table. When the sub CPU 131 receives the pre-determined information indicating the jackpot in the process of step S133, the sub CPU 131 reads the jackpot prefetch effect determination table from the sub ROM 132 and sets it in the sub RAM 133. On the other hand, when pre-determination information indicating a loss is received in the process of step S133, the prefetch effect determination table for the loss is read from the sub ROM 132 and set in the sub RAM 133. In these tables, the variation pattern of the special symbol is associated with the winning value related to the reserved pre-reading effect. The sub CPU 131 uses the pre-reading effect random number acquired in the process of step S134, and the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the pre-determination information stored in the process of step S133 among the winning values stored in the set table. It is determined whether or not to perform the pre-reading effect based on whether or not it matches any winning value corresponding to.

  Although a detailed description is omitted, the prefetch effect determination table for jackpots and the prefetch effect determination table for losers refer to the prefetch effect determination table for losers when referring to the prefetch effect determination table for jackpots. In addition, the winning value of each table is defined so that it is easy to be determined when the pre-reading effect is executed. In addition, the winning value is defined so that the prefetch effect determination table for jackpot and the prefetch effect determination table for lose are both easily determined when the prefetch effect is executed as the variation time of the special symbol becomes longer.

  In the process of step S135, when it is determined not to execute the hold prefetch effect (step S135: NO), the process proceeds to step S144 described later. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines to execute the hold prefetch effect (step S135: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the hold command received this time is a hold command related to the second special symbol determination (step S136). .

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the received hold command is not a hold command related to the hold of the first special symbol determination (step S136: NO), the sub CPU 131 acquires a change random number and stores it in the sub RAM 133 (step S137). The change random number is incremented by “1” every time the random number update process described above is performed, and the sub CPU 131 acquires the count value at the time when the hold command is received as the change random number.

  Subsequent to the process of step S137, the sub CPU 131 sets the initial display color, hold change pattern, and change timing of the hold icon to be newly displayed (step S138). Although not shown in the figure, the sub-ROM 132 stores an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern of a hold prefetch effect using a hold icon. In this effect pattern determination table, the variation pattern of the special symbol, the change random number, the remaining reservation number of the first special symbol determination (or the remaining reservation number of the second special symbol determination), the initial display color of the hold icon, The hold change pattern and the hold change timing are associated with each other. In the process of step S138, the sub CPU 131 changes the special symbol variation pattern included in the preliminary determination information related to the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) set in the sub RAM 133 in the process of step S133, The initial display color of the hold icon corresponding to the change random number acquired in the process of step S137 and the number of remaining reservations of the first special symbol determination (or second special symbol determination) updated in the process of step S131, and the hold By reading the change pattern and the hold change timing from the effect pattern determination table, the initial display color of the hold icon, the hold change pattern, and the hold change timing are determined. These determination results are set in the sub-RAM 133 as setting information indicating the effect pattern of the reserved pre-reading effect.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 131 determines that the hold command received this time is a hold command related to the second special symbol determination (step S136: YES), the reproduction flag stored in the sub RAM 133 is set to “ON”. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S140). Here, the reproduction flag is a flag indicating whether or not the confirmation notification effect is executed in accordance with the variation display of the first special symbol and it is necessary to execute the reproduction effect for reproducing the confirmation notification effect. This reproduction flag is set to “ON” when the fixed notification effect is executed along with the variation display of the first special symbol, and is set to “OFF” when the setting for executing the reproduction effect is performed. It is.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the reproduction flag is not set to “ON” (step S140: NO), the sub CPU 131 executes the processes after step S137 described above. Thereby, the production | presentation pattern is set regarding the reservation pre-reading production using the holding | maintenance icon which concerns on a 2nd special symbol determination.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the reproduction flag is set to “ON” (step S140: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether the determination result of the second special symbol determination that is put on hold is “big hit”. (Step S141). Specifically, whether or not the prior determination information related to the second special symbol determination stored in the sub-RAM 133 in step S133 described above includes information indicating that the determination result of the second special symbol determination is a big hit. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the second special symbol determination that is put on hold is a “big hit”.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the determination result of the held second special symbol determination is not “big hit” (step S141: NO), the sub CPU 131 executes the above-described processing from step S137.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 131 determines that the determination result of the held second special symbol determination is “big hit” (step S141: YES), the sub CPU 131 holds the second reserved symbol display area 52 related to the second special symbol determination. Setting information for displaying a reproduction icon (for example, see FIG. 13E) as an icon is generated and set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S142).

  The sub CPU 131 executes the process of step S138, executes the process of step S142, determines that the received hold command does not include the advance determination information (step S132: NO), or holds the prefetching effect. Is determined not to be executed (step S135: NO), an icon display command is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S144). This icon display command indicates that the execution of the process of displaying the hold icon related to the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) in the first hold icon display area 51 (or the second hold icon display area 52). This is a command for instructing the control board 140, and is sent to the image sound control board 140 by the command transmission process of step S30.

  Here, when the process of step S144 is executed following the process of step S132 or the process of step S135, a normal icon is displayed in the first hold icon display area 51 or the second hold icon display area 52. In this case, the hold prefetch effect that changes the normal icon to the special icon is not executed.

  On the other hand, when the process of step S144 is executed following the process of step S138, the hold command including the setting information set in the sub RAM 133 by the process of step S138 is transmitted to the image sound control board 140. . In this case, the hold prefetch effect is executed, in which the normal icon is displayed and then changed to a special icon, or the special icon is displayed and then changed to a higher-order special icon.

  When the process of step S144 is executed subsequent to the process of step S142, an icon display command including reproduction icon setting information set in the sub-RAM 133 by the process of step S142 is transmitted to the image acoustic control board 140. It will be. In this case, the above-described reserved pre-reading effect is not executed, and a reproduction icon is displayed in the second reserved icon display area 52 as a reserved icon for the second special symbol determination.

[Variation start command reception processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart of the change start command receiving process in step S16 of FIG. When the sub CPU 131 determines that the command received from the game control board 100 is a change start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 131 executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG.

  That is, the sub CPU 131 acquires the value at the time when the change start command is received from the game control board 100 and stores it in the sub RAM 133 with respect to the effect random number that is appropriately updated by the random number update process described above (step S161). Then, the received change start command is analyzed (step S162).

  In this variation start command, as described above, the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process, whether the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or relates to the second special symbol determination It includes winning start information indicating whether it is a thing, setting information of a variation pattern of a special symbol, information indicating a gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Therefore, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be specified by analyzing the variation start command. That is, it is possible to identify the type of jackpot if the jackpot is a jackpot, a loss, or a jackpot. Further, by specifying whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern for loss based on the variation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach. . Similarly, the variation time of the special symbol can be specified based on the variation pattern setting information. Further, the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the gaming state.

  When the variation start command is analyzed, the sub CPU 131 executes variation effect pattern setting processing for setting the variation effect pattern of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol based on the analysis result (step S163). By executing this variation effect pattern setting process, the variation pattern of the decorative symbol, presence / absence of reach effect, the type of decorative symbol constituting the reach symbol, the type and content of reach effect, the type of decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed, etc. Is determined. This variation effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequently, the sub CPU 131 executes a notice effect pattern setting process for setting effect patterns of various notice effects that are executed when the decorative symbol is variably displayed with the change effect pattern set in the process of step S163 (step S164). ). By executing the processing of step S164, whether or not various kinds of notice effects such as a step-up notice effect, a serif notice effect, and a final notification effect are executed, and what kind of effect pattern is used when the notice effect is executed. It is determined whether or not to execute the process. The notice effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 sub-commands a variable effect start command instructing the start of the variable effect in the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S163 and the start of the notice effect in the notice effect pattern set in the process of step S164. It is set in the RAM 133 (step S167).

  This variable effect start command includes information indicating the variable effect pattern set by the process of step S163 and information indicating the notice effect pattern set by the process of step S164. The command transmission process of step S30 Is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150. As a result, the fluctuating effect and the notice effect for which the effect pattern is determined on the effect control board 130 are realized by the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S167, the sub CPU 131 subtracts “1” from the number of suspensions stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S168). Specifically, when the change start command received from the game control board 100 is to notify the start of the symbol change related to the first special symbol determination, the number of suspension of the first special symbol determination is decremented by “1”. Update to the specified value. On the other hand, if the received change start command is for notifying the start of symbol variation related to the second special symbol determination, the number of pending special symbol determinations is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1”.

[Variation effect pattern setting process by effect control unit 130]
FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Subsequent to the processing of step S162 in FIG. 30, the sub CPU 131 sets a decoration symbol to be stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol as illustrated in FIG. (Step S1631). Specifically, based on the symbol setting information included in the variation start command received from the game control board 100, a special symbol indicating a big hit is stopped and displayed at the end of symbol variation, or a special symbol indicating loss Specify whether the symbol is stopped. And when it is specified that the special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, the decorative symbol for informing the jackpot is set, and when the special symbol indicating the loss is specified to be stopped, Set a decorative pattern to notify you of the loss.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in this step S1631, whether the effect with reach or the effect without reach needs to be performed based on the setting information of the variation pattern included in the received variation start command. Based on the determination result, a decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed is set. In addition, when a variation start command related to jackpot is received, in step S1631, the gaming state after the jackpot game is identified based on the information included in the variation start command, and the game is stopped based on the identification result. A decorative pattern to be displayed may be set.

  Sub CPU131 judges whether it is necessary to perform the effect with reach based on the information about the variation pattern included in the received variation start command following the processing of step S1631 (step S1632).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that it is not necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1632: NO), the decorative symbol set here in the process of step S1631 without performing the reach effect after starting the variable display of the decorative symbol (here) Then, the change effect pattern of the non-reach effect until the stop display is displayed is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1633).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that it is necessary to perform the presence effect (step S1632: YES), the decorative symbol set in the process of step S1631 is performed after the reach effect is performed after starting the variable display of the decorative symbol. The variable effect pattern of the effect with reach until the (success symbol or lost symbol) is stopped and displayed is set, and the setting information is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1634). By executing the processing in step S1634, the reach symbol displayed on the active line when the reach is established, the type of reach effect to be executed, and when the normal reach effect is developed, it is developed into either the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect. It is decided whether to make it.

[Notification effect pattern setting processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 32 is a detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S164 of FIG. When the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not to execute the above-described final notification effect as illustrated in FIG. 32 following the processing of step S163 in FIG. 30, and determines to execute the final notification effect, Then, a confirmation notification effect setting process for setting the type and execution timing of the confirmation notification effect is executed (step S1641). This final notification effect setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Sub-CPU 131 decides whether or not to operate the first effect actor 71 and the second effect actor 72 following the processing of step S1641, and operates in any operation pattern when it is decided to operate. An accessory operation setting process for setting whether or not to perform is executed (step S1651). This accessory action setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Sub-CPU 131 sets whether to execute a weak cut-in effect or a strong cut-in effect when the cut-in effect is executed at the end of the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect following the process of step S1651. A cut-in effect setting process including the above is executed (step S1661). The cut-in effect setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  The sub CPU 131 executes a reproduction effect that reproduces the confirmed notification effect during the short-time game when the confirmed notification effect is executed along with the variation display of the first special symbol following the process of step S1661. A reproduction effect setting process including a setting process is executed (step S1681). This reproduction effect setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

[Confirmed notification effect setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart of the fixed notification effect setting process in step S1641 of FIG. Sub-CPU 131 executes a confirmation notification effect setting process as illustrated in FIG. 33 following the process of step S163 of FIG. First, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the received variation start command is a variation start command related to jackpot based on the symbol setting information included in the variation start command received from the game control board 100 ( Step S1642). In the present embodiment, the confirmation notification effect is executed during the variation display of the special symbol related to the jackpot, while the confirmation notification effect is not executed during the variation display of the special symbol related to the loss. For this reason, when it is determined that the received variation start command is not the variation start command related to the jackpot (step S1642: NO), the processing from step S1643 is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S1651 (see FIG. 32). Is advanced.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 131 determines that the received variation start command is a variation start command related to the jackpot (step S1642: YES), the sub CPU 131 reads the execution necessity determination table (see FIG. 10) from the sub ROM 132 and stores it in the sub RAM 133. Set (step S1643). Then, an execution necessity determination random number is acquired and stored in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1644). This execution necessity determination random number is incremented by “1” every time the random number update process described above is performed, and the sub CPU 131 acquires the count value at the time of receiving the variation start command related to the jackpot as the execution necessity determination random number. .

  Next, the sub CPU 131 executes execution necessity determination processing for determining whether or not to execute the final notification effect (step S1645). Specifically, when a variation start command related to jackpot is received, the variation pattern of the special symbol is specified based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command. Based on whether or not the acquired execution necessity determination random number matches the random value (winning value) associated with the specified special pattern variation pattern in the execution necessity determination table, the confirmation notification effect is obtained. Determine whether to execute.

  Note that FIG. 10 illustrates an execution necessity determination table for determining whether or not to execute the fixed notification effect in accordance with the variation display of the first special symbol, but the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. Then, it is also possible to execute a fixed notification effect along with the variation display of the second special symbol, and although not shown in the figure, there is also a table for determining whether or not to execute this fixed notification effect. Are stored in the sub-ROM 132. For this reason, in the process of step S1643 mentioned above, when the change start command which concerns on the jackpot of the 1st special symbol determination is received, the execution necessity determination table (refer FIG. 10) for a 1st special symbol determination is set. When the change start command related to the jackpot of the second special symbol determination is received, the execution necessity determination table for the second special symbol determination is set.

  Subsequently, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the determination result in step S1645 is to execute a final notification effect (step S1646). Here, when it is determined that the determination result is not to execute the fixed notification effect (step S1646: NO), the series of fixed notification effect setting processing ends and the process proceeds to step S1651.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 131 determines that the determination result is to execute the fixed notification effect (step S1646: YES), the sub CPU 131 sets the fixed notification effect flag stored in the sub RAM 133 to “ON” (step S1646). In step S1647, the above-described reproduction flag is set to “ON” (step S1648). Here, the fixed notification effect flag is a flag indicating whether or not to execute the fixed notification effect, and is set to “ON” when it is determined to execute the fixed notification effect, and the symbol variation in which the fixed notification effect is performed. It is set to “OFF” when the setting related to the other notice effect executed during the setting is performed.

  When the reproduction flag is set to “ON”, the sub CPU 131 sets a fixed notification effect pattern and sets the setting information in the sub RAM 133 (step S1649). Specifically, for example, a lottery process using a random number is executed to select a type of a finalized notification effect to be executed, and a process of selecting an execution timing of the finalized notification effect.

[Functional action setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 34 is a detailed flowchart of the accessory operation setting process in step S1651 of FIG. Sub CPU131 performs the accessory operation | movement setting process as illustrated in FIG. 34 following the process of step S1641 of FIG. Specifically, first, the reach effect is developed during the current symbol change based on the setting information of the change effect pattern set in the sub-RAM 133 by the process of step S163 in FIG. 30, and the reach effect is developed. It is determined whether or not (step S1652). If it is determined that the reach effect does not develop (step S1652: NO), the process proceeds to the cut-in effect setting process in step S1661.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the reach effect is developed (step S1652: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether the development destination is the SP reach effect (step S1653). Specifically, it is determined whether the development destination from the normal reach production is the SP reach production or the SPSP reach production.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the development destination is the SP reach effect (step S1653: YES), the sub CPU 131 suggests the development to the SP reach effect when developing from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect (FIG. 7A-A). 3), the operation pattern of the second effect actor 72 for causing the second effect actor 72 to execute is set, and the setting information is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1654).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the development destination is not the SP reach production (step S1653: NO), the sub CPU 131 suggests the development to the SPSP reach production when developing from the normal reach production to the SPSP reach production (FIG. 7 ( B-3) is set), and the operation pattern of the first effector 71 for causing the first effector 71 to execute is set, and the setting information is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1655).

  By transmitting the change start command including the setting information to the lamp control board 150, the first effect actor 71 or the second effect agent 72 operates during the reach development from the normal reach effect.

[Cut-in effect setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of the cut-in effect setting process in step S1661 of FIG. Sub-CPU 131 executes a cut-in effect setting process, as illustrated in FIG. 35, following the process of step S1651 of FIG. Specifically, first, based on the setting information of the changing effect pattern set in the sub-RAM 133 by the process in step S163, it is determined whether or not an effect with reach is performed during the current symbol change (step S1662). . If it is determined that the effect with reach is not executed (step S1662: NO), the process proceeds to step S1681.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the effect with reach is executed (step S1662: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the final reach effect informing the determination result of the special symbol determination is equal to or greater than the SP reach effect. (Step S1663). That is, it is determined whether or not the winning is notified in the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect. Here, when it is determined that the final reach effect is not equal to or greater than the SP reach effect (step S1663: NO), that is, when the winning is notified in the normal reach effect, the process proceeds to step S1681.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the final reach effect is greater than or equal to the SP reach effect (step S1663: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the confirmed notification effect flag stored in the sub RAM 133 is set to “ON”. (Step S1664). If it is determined that the confirmed notification effect flag is set to “ON” (step S1664: YES), a cut-in type selection table (see FIG. 11) for confirming notification effect appearance is read from the sub ROM 132 and the sub notification is displayed. It is set in the RAM 133 (step S1665). Then, the confirmation notification effect flag is set to “OFF” (step S1666).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the confirmation notification effect flag is not set to “ON” (step S1664: NO), for example, based on the symbol setting information included in the received variation start command, It is determined whether or not the current symbol variation is a symbol variation related to the jackpot (step S1668). If it is determined that the symbol variation related to the jackpot (step S1668: YES), the jackpot cut-in type selection table is read from the sub ROM 132 and set in the sub RAM 133 (step S1669). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the symbol variation related to the jackpot (step S1668: NO), the cut-in type selection table for losing is read from the sub ROM 132 and set in the sub RAM 133 (step S1670).

  In the present embodiment, only the cut-in type selection table for confirming notification effect appearance among these three cut-in type selection tables is shown, and the other two cut-in type selection tables are not shown. However, when these tables are compared, the following can be said.

  When the cut-in type is selected using the jackpot cut-in type selection table and the cut-in type is selected using the cut-out type selection table for loss, the former is the latter In comparison, it can be said that the strong cut-in effect is easily selected and the weak cut-in effect is difficult to select.

In addition, when comparing the case of selecting the cut-in type using the cut-in type selection table for confirming notification effect appearance and the case of selecting the cut-in type using the cut-in type selection table for jackpot, the former Compared to the latter, it can be said that the strong cut-in effect is more easily selected and the weak cut-in effect is less likely to be selected.
For this reason, when the confirmed notification effect is executed, a strong cut-in is easily executed within the same variation, and the player can watch the effect until the jackpot is notified with peace of mind.

  When executing the process of step S1666, executing the process of step S1669, or executing the process of step S1670, the sub CPU 131 acquires the type selection random number and stores it in the sub RAM 133 (step S1672). This type selection random number is incremented by “1” every time the random number update process described above is performed, and the sub CPU 131 acquires the count value at the time when the change start command is received as the type selection random number.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 executes a cut-in type selection process for selecting a strong cut-in or a weak cut-in as a type of cut-in effect (step S1673). Specifically, the sub CPU 131 identifies the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the information included in the received variation start command, and the acquired type selection random number is specified in the set cut-in type selection table. The cut-in type is selected based on which random value associated with the variation pattern matches. The process of selecting the cut-in type is as described above with reference to FIG.

[Reproduction effect setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 36 is a detailed flowchart of the reproduction confirmation notification effect setting process in step S1681 of FIG. Sub-CPU 131 executes a reproduction effect setting process as illustrated in FIG. 36 following the process of step S1661 of FIG. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the reproduction flag is set to “ON” (step S1682). If it is determined that the reproduction flag is not set to “ON” (step S1682: NO), the series of notice effect pattern setting processing ends, and the process proceeds to step S167.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the reproduction flag is set to “ON” (step S1682: YES), for example, based on the information included in the change start command received this time, the change display of the second special symbol It is determined whether or not is started (step S1683). In the present embodiment, the reproduction effect that reproduces the final notification effect is performed during the variation display of the second special symbol. For this reason, when it is determined that the variation display of the second special symbol is not started (step S1683: NO), that is, when the variation display of the first special symbol is started, the processes after step S1684 are not executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S167.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the variation display of the second special symbol is started (step S1683: YES), the second special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped based on the information included in the variation start command. It is determined whether or not it is displayed (step S1684). Here, when it is determined that the second special symbol indicating the big hit is not displayed in a stopped state (step S1684: NO), that is, when the second special symbol indicating the loss is stopped and displayed, the process proceeds to step S167.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the second special symbol indicating the big hit is to be stopped (step S1684: YES), the sub CPU 131 sets an effect pattern of the reproduction effect (step S1585). Specifically, when the confirmation notification effect is executed during the variation display of the first special symbol, the setting information of the confirmation notification effect is retained, and the confirmation is reproduced by the reproduction effect based on the setting information. The type of notification effect is determined. And the fluctuation | variation time of a 2nd special symbol is specified based on the information contained in the fluctuation | variation start command which concerns on the jackpot of the received 2nd special symbol determination. Here, when the variation time of the second special symbol is 30 seconds, for example, when the second special symbol variation display is started, the timing when 0 second has elapsed, the timing when 5 seconds have elapsed, and 10 seconds are The timing for executing the reproduction effect is selected by selecting any one of a plurality of timings including the elapsed timing. Then, the information shown as a result of these processes is set in the sub-RAM 133 as the reproduction effect pattern setting information.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 executes countdown effect setting processing (step S1686). Specifically, based on the setting information set in the process of step S1585, the remaining time from when the variation display of the second special symbol is started until when the reproduction effect is started is specified. For example, when the reproduction effect is started at the timing when 5 seconds have elapsed since the start of the variable display of the second special symbol, “5 seconds” is specified as the remaining time. In addition, when the reproduction effect is started at the timing when 15 seconds have passed since the second special symbol variation display is started, “15 seconds” is specified as the remaining time. In addition, when the reproduction effect is started at the timing when 0 second has elapsed since the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, “0 seconds” is specified as the remaining time. When the sub CPU 131 specifies the remaining time in this way, setting information for executing a countdown effect (see FIG. 14I) for counting down the time from the remaining time to 0 second by 1 second is stored in the sub RAM 133. set.

  A variable effect start command including the setting information set in step S1686 is transmitted to the image sound control board 140, whereby a countdown effect as illustrated in FIG. 14I is executed.

  Note that this countdown effect is not essential, and a configuration in which the countdown effect is not performed, a configuration in which whether or not to perform the countdown effect, for example, is determined by lottery using a random number, or the like may be employed.

  When executing the process of step S1686, the sub CPU 131 sets the reproduction flag to “OFF” (step S1687), and ends the series of reproduction effect setting processes.

[Timer interrupt processing by image sound control board 140]
Next, with reference to FIG. 37, a timer interrupt process executed in the image sound control board 140 will be described. Here, FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the image sound control board 140. The image sound control board 140 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 37 at regular intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. To do.

  First, the overall CPU 141 executes an image output control process for controlling image display on the liquid crystal screen 5 based on a command received from the effect control board 130 (step S41). The image output control process will be described later in detail based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S41, the overall CPU 141 executes effect sound output control processing for outputting various effect sounds from the speaker 24 so as to be synchronized with the effect display performed on the liquid crystal screen 5 or asynchronously ( Step S42).

  Subsequent to the process of step S42, the overall CPU 141 executes a data transmission control process (step S44). Specifically, data related to image sound control performed on the image sound control board 140 is transmitted to the effect control board 130. On the other hand, the effect control board 130 transfers the data received from the image sound control board 140 to the lamp control board 150. As a result, the frame lamp 25, the effect button 26, the effect objects 71 and 72, and the like are controlled so as to be synchronized with the effect performed by the liquid crystal screen 5 and the speaker 24.

[Image Output Control Processing by Image Acoustic Control Board 140]
FIG. 38 is a detailed flowchart of the image output control process in step S41 of FIG. The overall CPU 141 first determines whether or not a command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S411). If it is determined that a command has not been received (step S411: NO), the process proceeds to step S42.

  On the other hand, when determining that the command from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S411: YES), the overall CPU 141 sets the setting information included in the command in the control RAM 143 (step S412). Next, the overall CPU 141 determines how various effect images should be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 based on the set setting information, and creates and controls a display list for controlling the drawing process of the VDP 144. The data is stored in the RAM 143 (step S413), and the display list is set in the display list storage area (step S414).

  Here, the display list is composed of commands for instructing execution of drawing in frame units. The type of image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) to draw the image, display priority, display magnification, and rotation. It includes various parameters such as angle and transmittance. The display list storage area is provided in a VRAM having an SRAM capable of writing and reading image data at high speed. The VDP 144 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 based on the display list set in the display list storage area. The drawing process of the displayed image is executed.

[Timer interrupt processing by lamp control board 150]
Next, timer interrupt processing executed in the lamp control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the lamp control board 150. The lamp control board 150 is transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the command from the effect control board 130 and the effect control board 130 in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. 39, a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 39 are repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

  First, the lamp CPU 151 of the lamp control board 150 executes a data reception process for receiving data relating to image sound control transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the effect control board 130 (step S601). Based on the data relating to the image sound control received by the process of step S601, the lamp CPU 151 synchronizes with the effects by the liquid crystal screen 5 and the speaker 24, such as various effect means (effect buttons 26, effect actors 71 and 72, etc. ) To control.

  The lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the variable effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received following the process of step S601 (step S602). Here, if it is determined that the variation effect start command has been received (step S602: YES), the light emission pattern data corresponding to the setting information included in the received variation effect start command is read from the lamp ROM 152 and set in the lamp RAM 153. By doing so, the light emission patterns of the light emitting elements provided in the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the stage effects 71 and 72 are set (step S603). Following the processing of step S603, the lamp CPU 151 starts light emission control of each light emitting element based on the set light emission pattern data (step S604).

  Next, the lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the operation of the effect actors 71 and 72 during the symbol variation is instructed by the received variation effect start command (step S605). Here, when the change start command including the setting information set by the process of step S1654 or step S1655 shown in FIG. 34 is received, it is determined that the operations of the production actors 71 and 72 are instructed. .

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the operations of the effect actors 71 and 72 are instructed (step S605: YES), the lamp ROM 152 stores the operation pattern data corresponding to the setting information included in the received variable effect start command. Is set in the lamp RAM 153 to set the operation pattern of the first effect combination 71 or the second effect combination 72 (step S606).

  The lamp CPU 151 determines that the operation of the effect actors 71 and 72 is not instructed when the process of step S606 is executed, when it is determined that the change effect start command is not received (step S602: NO). In the case (step S605: NO), it is determined whether or not the variable effect end command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S607). Here, when it is determined that the change effect end command has been received (step S607: YES), the light emission control started in the process of step S604 described above is ended (step S608).

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the change effect end command has not been received (step S607: NO), or when the process of step S608 is executed, it is determined whether or not the effect button 26 (or the effect key 27) has been operated. Determination is made (step S609). Specifically, the effect button 26 is based on whether or not a detection signal from a sensor that detects the operation of the effect button 26 (or a detection signal from a sensor that detects the operation of each key of the effect key 27) is input. It is determined whether (or any key of the production key 27) has been operated.

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the effect button 26 (or the effect key 27) has been operated (step S609: YES), the lamp CPU 151 transmits an operation command to that effect to the effect control board 130 (step S610).

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the reproduction effect that reproduces the confirmed notification effect after the confirmed notification effect is executed during the variation display of the special symbol that is to be stopped and displayed in a manner showing a big hit. There is a case where an effect including is executed. For this reason, even if the player overlooks the confirmed notification effect, it is possible to confirm the confirmed notification effect again, and as a result, it is effective to reduce the interest of the confirmed notification effect. It is possible to suppress it.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the effect including the reproduction effect is executed during the variation display of the second special symbol related to the jackpot, it is possible to concentrate on a game such as a handle operation during the jackpot game.
In addition, since the reproduction effect is executed during the variation display of the second special symbol related to the jackpot, the player can confirm the confirmation notification effect again, and the jackpot is notified as a result of the variation display of the second special symbol this time. Can be recognized in advance.

Moreover, in this embodiment, after the confirmation notification effect (an example of the notification effect) is executed, in a situation where a cut-in effect (an example of the possibility suggestion effect) suggesting the possibility of a big hit is executed, A strong cut-in effect that suggests a relatively high probability of winning a jackpot is more likely to be executed than a weak cut-in effect that suggests a relatively low probability of a jackpot.
In this way, when the confirmed notification effect is executed, the strong cut-in effect is more easily executed than the weak cut-in, so that after the confirmed notification effect is executed, the player decreases the expectation for the jackpot. Can be effectively suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the first possibility suggesting effect (in this embodiment, the operation of the second effector 72 and the suggestion that the possibility of a big hit is relatively low after executing the confirmation notification effect) Development to SP reach production) and second possibility suggesting production suggesting that there is a relatively high probability of winning (in this embodiment, the operation of the first production actor 71 and the development to SPSP reach production) ) Can be executed more easily than the first possibility suggesting effect.
As described above, since the second possibility suggesting effect is more easily executed than the first possibility suggesting effect when the confirmed notification effect is executed, the player is able to deal with the jackpot after the confirmed notification effect is executed. It is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in expectation.

Note that the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines.
When the start condition is satisfied, special game determination means (101) for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player (for example, jackpot game);
A symbol display control means (101) for causing the predetermined symbol display means (41, 42) to variably display the symbols and then stopping and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination means;
Special game executing means (101, 117) for executing the special game when a specific symbol indicating that the special game is determined by the special game determining means is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means. When,
The first display including the predetermined effect (for example, the fixed notification effect) (for example, the variable display of the first special symbol) during the variable display of the symbol in which the specific symbol is stopped and displayed in the symbol display means. First production execution means capable of performing production),
After the first effect is executed by the first effect execution means, the second effect including the predetermined effect (for example, a reproduction effect corresponding to the confirmed notification effect) (for example, the effect accompanying the variable display of the second special symbol) And a second effect execution means capable of executing (2).

Moreover, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can also be regarded as the following gaming machines.
The second effect execution means includes:
A gaming machine capable of executing the second effect while the symbol display means displays the variation of the symbol in which the specific symbol is stopped (for example, during the variation display of the second special symbol).

Moreover, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can also be regarded as the following gaming machines.
A game machine that determines whether or not to execute a special game (for example, a jackpot game), and executes the special game according to a result of the determination,
A notification effect executing means capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a confirmed notification effect) for notifying that the player is in an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state);
Possibility suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a possibility suggestion effect (for example, a cut-in effect) that suggests a possibility of being advantageous to the player;
The production mode of the possibility suggesting production is a first production mode (for example, weak cut-in) that suggests that the possibility is relatively low, and a second production that suggests that the possibility is relatively high. A production mode determination means for determining a production mode of any of a plurality of production modes including a mode (for example, strong cut-in),
Possibility by the possibility suggesting effect executing means after the notification effect (for example, the confirmed notification effect) by the notification effect executing means is executed until the player is in a state advantageous to the player (for example, the jackpot gaming state). When the suggestion effect is executed, the effect mode of the possibility suggestion effect is more easily determined to the second effect mode (for example, strong cut-in) than the first effect mode (for example, weak cut-in). A gaming machine characterized by that.

Moreover, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can also be regarded as the following gaming machines.
A game machine that determines whether or not to execute a special game (for example, a jackpot game), and executes the special game according to a result of the determination,
A notification effect executing means capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a confirmed notification effect) for notifying that the player is in an advantageous state;
The first possibility suggesting effect (for example, the operation of the second effector 72 or the development to the SP reach effect) that suggests that the possibility of becoming advantageous to the player is relatively low. 1 possibility suggesting production execution means,
A second possibility suggesting effect (for example, the operation of the first effector 71 or the development to the SPSP reach effect) that suggests that there is a relatively high possibility of being in a state advantageous to the player. And 2 possibility suggestion production execution means,
When the possibility suggesting effect is executed during a period from when a notification effect (for example, a confirmed notification effect) is executed by the notification effect executing means to a state advantageous to the player (for example, a big hit gaming state). In the gaming machine, the second possibility suggesting effect by the second possibility suggesting effect executing means is more easily executed than the first possibility suggesting effect executing means by the first possibility suggesting effect executing means. .

[Variation regarding confirmed notification effect and reproduction effect]
In another embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted for the confirmed notification effect and its reproduction effect.
That is, in the present embodiment, the case where the confirmation notification effect is mainly executed during the fluctuation display of the first special symbol related to the jackpot has been described. However, the confirmation notification effect is displayed during the variation display of the second special symbol related to the jackpot. May be executed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the reproduction effect is the same effect as the confirmed notification effect has been described, but the reproduction effect is an effect that is partially the same as the confirmed notification effect and the remaining part is different. There may be.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where the reproduction | regeneration effect which reproduces a fixed alerting | reporting effect during a time-saving game was demonstrated, you may make it perform a reproduction | regeneration effect during a jackpot game in other embodiment.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where the reproduction | regeneration effect was performed during the fluctuation | variation display of the 2nd special symbol which concerns on jackpot, in other embodiment, the reproduction | regeneration effect during the fluctuation | variation display of the 2nd special symbol which concerns on a loss May be executed.

  In another embodiment, the reproduction effect may be executed in the high base state regardless of the variation display of the second special symbol. For example, a plurality of display means including a first image display means (for example, a main liquid crystal) and a second image display means (for example, a sub liquid crystal) are provided, and the variation effect accompanying the variable display of the second special symbol in the first image display means. As an example, a configuration in which a reproduction effect is executed in the second image display means at the same time as the notice effect is executed regardless of the symbol variation is given. In this case, it is also possible for the second image display means to execute all of the variation effect and the notice effect produced during the variation display of the first special symbol accompanied by the final notification effect as the reproduction effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the reproduction effect that reproduces the confirmed notification effect is executed in the high base state such as the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state has been described, but in other embodiments, the low reproduction such as the normal gaming state is performed. The reproduction effect may be executed in the base state.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the effect reproduced by the reproduction effect is a confirmed notification effect (so-called premier effect), but the effect reproduced by the reproduction effect is not limited to the confirmed notification effect, In another embodiment, a reproduction effect that reproduces a so-called intense heat effect (notification effect for notifying the jackpot but a notice effect that suggests that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively high) may be executed.

[Variations related to player-friendly conditions]
In the present embodiment, the case where the jackpot is notified by the confirmed notification effect (an example of the notification effect) has been described, but the notification effect is not limited to this, and for example, the game is controlled in the probability variation gaming state. It may be an effect to notify that That is, the state advantageous to the player is not limited to the jackpot gaming state in which the jackpot game is executed, but may be other states.

[Variation related to a suggestion effect that there may be multiple effects]
In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the possibility suggesting effect suggesting that the player is in an advantageous state is a cut-in effect, but the possibility suggesting effect may be in a state advantageous to the player. An effect that can be controlled to any one of a plurality of effect modes including a first effect mode that suggests that the first effect mode is relatively low and a second effect mode that indicates that the possibility is relatively high. If so, it may be different from the cut-in effect.

[Modifications regarding the first possibility suggesting effect and the second possibility suggesting effect]
In the present embodiment, the first possibility suggesting effect that suggests that the possibility of being advantageous to the player is relatively low is changed from the effect in which the second effector 72 operates or the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect. When the second possibility suggesting effect suggesting that the above possibility is relatively high is an effect in which the first effect actor 71 operates or a development effect from the normal reach effect to the SPSP reach effect. Explained. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the first possibility suggesting effect and the second possibility suggesting effect may be effects other than those exemplified here. For example, the structure which performs the effect which displays one character as a 1st possibility suggestion effect, and performs the effect which displays several characters as a 2nd possibility suggestion effect is mentioned as an example.

[Other variations]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following forms may be sufficient. That is, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a so-called one-type pachinko gaming machine has been described, but the present invention is applied to other gaming machines such as one-type two-type mixed pachinko gaming machine. May be.

  Further, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized with other configurations and operation modes. Further, the order of processing, the set value, the threshold value used for determination, etc. in the flowcharts described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other orders and values without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say. The screen diagrams and the like exemplified in the above embodiment are merely examples, and other modes may be used.

1 gaming machine 5 liquid crystal display (liquid crystal screen)
24 Speaker 71 1st stage actor 71
72 2nd production actor 72
100 game control board 101 main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
130 Production control board 131 Sub CPU
132 Sub ROM
133 Sub RAM
134 RTC
140 Image Sound Control Board 141 General CPU
142 Control ROM
143 Control RAM
144 VDP
145 Acoustic DSP
150 Lamp control board 151 Lamp CPU
152 Lamp ROM
153 Lamp RAM

Claims (2)

It is a gaming machine that determines whether or not to execute a special game and executes the special game according to a result of the determination,
A notification effect executing means capable of executing a notification effect for notifying that the player is in an advantageous state;
Possibility suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a possibility suggestion effect that suggests the possibility of becoming a state advantageous to the player;
A plurality of effects including a first effect mode that suggests that the possibility is relatively low and a second effect mode that suggests that the possibility is relatively high. And a production mode determination means for determining any production mode of the mode,
If the possibility suggesting effect is executed by the possibility suggesting effect executing means between the time when the notification effect is executed by the notification effect executing means and before the player becomes in an advantageous state, the possibility suggestion is executed. A gaming machine characterized in that an effect aspect of an effect is more easily determined to be the second effect aspect than the first effect aspect. It is a gaming machine that determines whether or not to execute a special game and executes the special game according to a result of the determination,
A notification effect executing means capable of executing a notification effect for notifying that the player is in an advantageous state;
First possibility suggesting effect execution means capable of executing a first possibility suggesting effect that suggests that the possibility of becoming advantageous to the player is relatively low;
A second possibility suggesting effect executing means capable of executing a second possibility suggesting effect suggesting that the player is likely to be in an advantageous state;
When the possibility suggestion effect is executed during the period from when the notification effect is executed by the notification effect execution means until the player is in an advantageous state, the first possibility suggestion effect execution means A gaming machine characterized in that the second possibility suggestion effect by the second possibility suggestion effect execution means is more easily executed than the first possibility suggestion effect.

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