JP2022006688A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can execute a highly entertaining performance.SOLUTION: In a game machine 1, when a game medium passes through a first winning area, the acquired information is acquired, and on the basis of the acquired information, it is determined whether or not to execute a special game. Further, in the game machine 1, before the determination is made for the reserved right of determination, a pre-determination as to whether or not to execute the special game is performed, and on the basis of the result of the pre-determination, an expectation performance that makes a player expect that the special game is executed may be executed. The expectation performance may be executed when a game medium passes through a second winning area different from the first winning area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

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

For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, when a gaming ball wins a prize at the starting port, it is determined whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then the result of the above determination is shown. The symbol is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if the right of the above determination is reserved, a hold icon suggesting to that effect is displayed. Some gaming machines of this type display a hold icon whose display color is different from that of a normal hold icon in order to expect the player to perform a special game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-39398

By the way, it cannot be said that the production performed by the conventional gaming machine has sufficient interest, and further improvement of the interest is required.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a highly entertaining production.

The gaming machine of the first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is
A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
The first winning area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
A second winning area provided in the game area, through which the game medium can pass, and different from the first winning area.
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the first winning area, and
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means.
A holding means that can hold the right of the judgment up to a predetermined number,
A pre-determination means for preliminarily determining whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right held by the holding means.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed.
It is characterized in that the expected effect may be executed when the game medium passes through the second winning area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and this expected effect is different from the first winning area in the second winning area. It may be executed when the game medium passes through the area. Therefore, the player can feel the unexpectedness, and a high effect can be obtained.

Further, the gaming machine of the second invention is the gaming machine of the first invention.
The effect control means is
When the game medium passes through the second winning area outside the specific period, the expected effect can be executed, while when the game medium passes through the second winning area within the specific period, the expected effect is achieved. It is characterized by limiting the execution of.

According to this configuration, by setting a specific period to an appropriate period, the expected production is executed, which reduces the interest of other productions, or the timing at which the expected production should not be executed. It is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the expected effect is executed.

Further, the gaming machine of the third invention is the gaming machine of the first invention or the second invention.
When the game medium passes through the first winning area, the game medium is paid out and the determination is made, while when the game medium passes through the second winning area, the game medium is paid out but the determination is not made. It is characterized by that.

According to this configuration, when the game medium passes through the second winning area, the game medium is paid out, but the determination is not made, but the expected effect may be executed. Therefore, the second winning area can have a meaning other than the payout of the game medium, and it is possible to execute a highly entertaining production utilizing the second winning area.

Further, the gaming machine of the fourth invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is
A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
A predetermined winning area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the winning area,
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means.
A holding means that can hold the right of the judgment up to a predetermined number,
A pre-determination means for preliminarily determining whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right held by the holding means.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed.
When the pre-determination is performed in response to the passage of one game medium through the winning area, the one gaming medium has passed the winning area with the expected effect based on the result of the pre-determination. It is characterized in that it may be executed later when another game medium passes through the winning area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and this expected effect is one of the games that triggered the preliminary determination. It may be executed not by the passage of the medium but by the passage of another game medium. For this reason, it is possible to make the player feel unexpected while providing an opportunity for judgment, and there are abundant variations related to the execution timing of the expected effect, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a high effect. ..

According to the present invention, it is possible to carry out a highly entertaining production.

Front view of gaming machine 1 Front view of game board 2 Enlarged view of the main display 40 in FIG. A block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device included in the gaming machine 1. Explanatory diagram for explaining jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, and reach random numbers Explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of reach production Explanatory diagram for explaining the variation pattern selection table used for the process of selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in the normal game state. Screen diagram exemplifying the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state (No. 1) Screen diagram exemplifying the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state (Part 2) Explanatory drawing for explaining the flow of compound production Explanatory drawing for explaining the production mode and jackpot reliability of each composite effect Time chart exemplifying the flow of compound production Screen view showing a concrete example of compound production Explanatory drawing to explain the flow of general prize production Screen diagram showing a specific example of compound production (Part 1) Screen diagram showing a specific example of compound production (Part 2) An explanatory diagram for explaining the storage area of the main RAM 83 and the information stored in each storage area. A flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the main control board 80. Detailed flowchart of the sensor detection process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the pre-determination process in steps S211 and 219 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the fluctuation pattern selection process in step S309 of FIG. 21. Detailed flowchart of special figure stop processing in step S317 of FIG. A flowchart illustrating a game state setting process executed at the end of a big hit game on the main control board 80. A flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the sub-control board 90. Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the hold command reception process in step S13 of FIG. 27. Detailed flowchart of fluctuation start command reception processing in step S16 of FIG. 27. Detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. 29. Detailed flowchart of general winning command reception processing in step S24 of FIG. 27. A flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the image / acoustic control board 100. Detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of FIG. 32. Partial front view of the gaming machine 1 for explaining the peripheral lamp 39 Explanatory drawing for explaining the flow of production regarding lamp / speaker production Explanatory drawing for explaining the feature of lamp speaker production Explanatory drawing for explaining the flow of production regarding special production mode

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Configuration example of gaming machine 1]
First, a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 30 and a gaming board 2 mounted in the gaming machine frame 30. The gaming machine frame 30 includes a front frame 31 having a decorative surface, a main body frame for attaching the gaming board 2 and the like, and an outer frame for fixing the gaming machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall. There is. The front frame 31 supports a glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval, and the glass plate and the game board 2 form a game area 3 in which a game ball can flow down. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 has a launch handle 32 for launching a game ball, an upper plate 33 for storing a game ball supplied to a launcher (not shown), and an upper plate. A lower plate 34 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in 33 is provided. When the player grasps the launch handle 32 and rotates it clockwise, the game ball stored in the upper plate 33 is guided to the launcher, and the game ball is set to the rotation angle of the launch handle 32 by the launcher. It is fired at the corresponding firing intensity. The launched game ball moves along the rail member 4 located on the left side of the game area 3 and then is guided to the upper position of the game area 3 and comes into contact with a game hook, a windmill, or the like provided in the game area 3. As a result, the game area 3 flows down along the game board 2 while changing the movement direction.

A ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the end of the rail member 4, and the ball return prevention piece 6 prevents the game ball once entering the game area 3 from returning to the launcher side. Further, a stop button is provided at a position close to the launch handle 32, and the player can temporarily launch the game ball by operating this stop button without returning the launch handle 32 to the initial posture. It is possible to stop it.

When the player performs "left-handed" by rotating the firing handle 32 by a small rotation angle, the game ball is fired with a relatively weak firing intensity, and the game ball flows down the left game area 3L. On the other hand, when the player performs "right-handed" by rotating the firing handle 32 by a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong firing intensity, and this game ball is located on the upper right side of the center decoration body 10. After moving along the rail member 4, it flows down the right game area 3R.

The passage path of the game ball in the left game area 3L is provided with a first starting port 21, a second starting port 22, an opening / closing member 23, and three general winning openings 24 as accessories for winning and determining. See Figure 2). Further, in the passage path of the game ball in the right game area 3R, the second start opening 22, the opening / closing member 23, one general winning opening 24, the gate 25, and the first large winning opening are used as accessories related to winning and determination. 26, an opening / closing member 27, a second large winning opening 28, and an opening / closing member 29 are provided (see FIG. 2).

In the process of flowing down the game area 3 along the game board 2, the game ball launched from the launching device has the first starting port 21, the second starting port 22, the general winning opening 24, the first large winning opening 26, and the game board 2. You may win a prize in any of the second major winning openings 28. In this case, a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning place are paid out to the upper plate 33 or the lower plate 34. For example, every time one game ball wins in the first starting port 21, three prize balls are paid out, and every time one game ball wins in the second starting port 22, three prize balls are paid out. It is paid out, and every time one game ball wins in the general winning opening 24, five prize balls are paid out. In addition, 10 prize balls are paid out every time one game ball wins in the first prize opening 26, and 10 prizes are paid out every time one game ball wins in the second big prize opening 28. The ball is paid out. The game balls that do not win any prize are discharged from the game area 3 through the discharge port formed at the lower end of the game board 2.

A center decorative body 10 is provided in the opening formed in the center of the game board 2. The center decoration body 10 includes a stage portion 11 having a game ball rolling surface on which the game ball can roll, and a warp portion 12 having a warp inlet and a warp outlet at both ends. The game ball flowing down the left game area 3L may enter the warp section 12 from the warp entrance, and the game ball is discharged from the warp exit and guided to the stage section 11. A guide groove is formed at the center of the left and right sides of the stage portion 11 to drop the game ball rolling on the stage portion 11 toward the first starting port 21. Therefore, the game ball guided to the stage portion 11 via the warp portion 12 wins a prize at the first starting port 21 as compared with the game ball that flows down the left game area 3L without passing through the warp portion 12. easy.

The first starting port 21 (starting area, an example of the first winning area) is a starting area that is always open and through which a game ball can easily pass. The second starting port 22 is a starting region that is normally closed when the opening / closing member 23 as an electric accessory is not operating, and is opened by operating the opening / closing member 23. In the gaming machine 1, when the gaming ball wins a prize in the first starting opening 21 (or the second starting opening 22), it is determined whether or not to execute a special game (big hit game) advantageous to the player. Then, on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), which will be described later, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and the symbols (big hit symbols or lost symbols) indicating the result of the above determination are stopped and displayed. Here, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the big hit game for opening the first big winning opening 26 or the second big winning opening 28 is executed, and when the lost symbol is stopped and displayed, the big hit game is not executed.

In the following description, the determination executed in response to the winning of the game ball for the first starting opening 21 is referred to as "first special symbol determination", and is executed in response to the winning of the game ball for the second starting opening 22. The determination is referred to as "second special symbol determination", and these are collectively referred to as "special symbol determination".

The first large winning opening 26 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. An opening / closing member 27, which is a plate for opening / closing the first special winning opening 26, is provided at the opening of the first special winning opening 26. The first large winning opening 26 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 27. On the other hand, when the predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the opening / closing member 27 is operated to open the first prize opening 26. A jackpot game is executed. During this jackpot game, there are a plurality of long open round games in which the opening / closing member 27 maintains an open posture (see FIG. 2) that opens the first prize opening 26 and then returns to a closed posture that closes the first prize opening 26. It is done once. In each long open round game in which the first large winning opening 26 is opened, in the present embodiment, 10 game balls are won in the first large winning opening 26, or the first large winning opening 26 is opened. It continues until 25 seconds have passed since it was done.

The second large winning opening 28 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. An opening / closing member 29, which is a blade member for opening / closing the second special winning opening 28, is provided at the opening of the second special winning opening 28. The second large winning opening 28 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 29. On the other hand, when the predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the opening / closing member 29 is operated to open the second winning opening 28. A jackpot game is executed. During this jackpot game, there are a plurality of long open round games in which the opening / closing member 29 maintains an open posture (see FIG. 2) that opens the second prize opening 28 and then returns to a closed posture that closes the second prize opening 28. It is done once. In each long open round game in which the second special winning opening 28 is opened, in this embodiment, 10 game balls are won in the second large winning opening 28, or the second large winning opening 28 is opened. It continues until 25 seconds have passed since it was done.

In this way, during the jackpot game, a plurality of long-opening round games in which the first prize opening 26 (or the second winning opening 28) is opened for a long time are performed, so that the player hits right during the jackpot game. By doing so, more prize balls can be obtained than when the jackpot game is not performed.

For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2 shows an open posture in which the opening / closing members 27, 29 open the large winning openings 26, 28 when the effect symbol is variablely displayed on the display screen 70 of the image display device 7. Although the state is shown in the figure, in reality, the opening / closing members 27 and 29 are not in the open posture during the variation display of the effect symbol. Further, in the long opening round game, since either one of the first big winning opening 26 and the second big winning opening 28 is used, in reality, these big winning openings are opened at the same time as shown in FIG. There is no such thing. Further, which of the first big prize opening 26 and the second big winning opening 28 is used for the big hit game is preset according to the type of the big hit (FIGS. 5B and 5). See C).

An opening / closing member 23 (see FIG. 2) is arranged close to the second starting port 22. The opening / closing member 23 can change its posture between a closed posture in which the opening / closing member 23 closes the second starting port 22 and an open posture in which the second starting port 22 is opened (see FIG. 2).

The second starting port 22 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 23. On the other hand, when the game ball hit right by the player passes through the gate 25, although the prize ball is not paid out, it is determined whether or not to open the second starting port 22. Here, when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is opened, the opening / closing member 23 maintains the open posture for a predetermined time and then returns to the closed posture a predetermined number of times. As described above, the second starting port 22 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the opening / closing member 23 is not operating, whereas the second starting port 22 is in a state in which the game ball is easily passed by operating the opening / closing member 23. Become.

In the following description, the determination executed on the condition that the game ball passes through the gate 25 is referred to as "ordinary symbol determination".

The general winning opening 24 (an example of the second winning area) is always open like the first starting opening 21, and a predetermined number (for example, 5) of winning balls are paid out depending on the winning (passing) of the game balls. The mouth. However, unlike the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, and the gate 25, even if a game ball wins in the general winning opening 24, a determination such as a special symbol determination or a normal symbol determination is not performed.

[Configuration example of main display 40]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the main display 40 in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol hold display 44, and a second special diagram. It includes a hold indicator 45, a normal figure hold indicator 46, a round indicator 47, a game status indicator 48, a launch direction indicator 49, and the like.

The first special symbol display 41 is configured to have eight LEDs indicated by "i to p", and when the first special symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variablely displayed and then the first special symbol is displayed. The determination result of the first special symbol determination is notified by stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the determination. Specifically, for example, the above eight LEDs are turned on in order to display the variation of the symbol, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5) in a combination according to the determination result of the first special symbol determination. The symbol is stopped and displayed by turning it on (for a second).

The second special symbol display 42 is configured to have eight LEDs indicated by "a to h", and when the second special symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variablely displayed and then the second special symbol is displayed. The determination result of the second special symbol determination is notified by stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the determination. Specifically, for example, the above eight LEDs are turned on in order to display the variation of the symbol, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5) in a combination according to the determination result of the second special symbol determination. The symbol is stopped and displayed by turning it on (for a second).

The first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42) is notified that it is a big hit as a symbol showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination). "Symbol" or "Loss symbol" notifying that it is a loss is stopped and displayed. In the gaming machine 1, a plurality of jackpot symbols that differ from each other depending on the type of jackpot are prepared, and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the first jackpot 26 or the first jackpot 26 or the opening pattern according to the type of the jackpot symbol is used. A jackpot game is performed in which the second major winning opening 28 is opened.

The ordinary symbol display 43 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "s to t", and when the ordinary symbol determination is performed, the symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then the determination result of the ordinary symbol determination is shown. By stopping and displaying the symbol, the determination result of the normal symbol determination is notified. Specifically, for example, the above two LEDs are alternately turned on to display the variation of the symbol, and each LED is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a lighting mode according to the judgment result of the normal symbol determination. The symbol is stopped and displayed by turning it on. Here, when the hit symbol is stopped and displayed, an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 22 is opened by operating the opening / closing member 23 in an opening pattern according to the current gaming state.

In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 42 is referred to as a "special symbol", and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 43 is referred to as a "normal symbol". It shall be called. Further, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 is called a "first special symbol", and the special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 42 is called a "second special symbol". It may be distinguished.

The first special figure hold indicator 44 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "u to v", and displays the number of holds for the first special symbol determination depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs. The second special figure hold indicator 45 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "w to x", and displays the number of holds for the second special symbol determination depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of these reservations is set to "4". The normal figure hold indicator 46 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "q to r", and displays the number of hold for normal symbol determination depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs.

The round display 47 is used in a jackpot game executed in response to a jackpot corresponding to the jackpot symbol as the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. Long open round Displays the number of rounds in the game. The round display 47 includes an LED for 4R, an LED for 6R, an LED for 8R, and an LED for 10R, and when any of these LEDs is turned on, a long opening round is performed. The number of rounds of the game is notified.

The gaming status display 48 is configured to have three LEDs indicated by "a1 to a3", and displays the gaming status of the gaming machine 1 depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs. The launch direction indicator 49 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "y to z", and displays the launch direction of the game ball according to the lighting mode of these LEDs. That is, it displays whether the state should be left-handed or right-handed.

[Structure example of the effect means provided in the gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game board 2 and the front frame 31 have various effects, such as a decorative member 13, a movable decorative member 14, a frame lamp 37, a speaker 38, and an effect display 125. An effect first special figure hold indicator 126, an effect second special figure hold indicator 127, and the like are provided. Further, an image display device 7 is provided behind the game board 2.

The decorative member 13 has a built-in board lamp 5 (see FIG. 4) having a plurality of LEDs, and changes the lighting and blinking patterns of each LED and changes the emission color of each LED. By doing so, various effects by light are performed.

The movable decorative member 14 is arranged in front of the image display device 7 and behind the decorative member 13. A plurality of LEDs are built in the movable decorative member 14, and the movable decorative member 14 performs a predetermined effect by the movement and / or light of the movable decorative member 14 itself. In the present embodiment, a predetermined space in which the movable decorative member 14 can operate is provided between the game board 2 and the display screen 70 of the image display device 7, and the movable decorative member 14 is along the display screen 70. It is configured to be able to move up and down. The movable decorative member 14 is usually arranged at an initial position (see FIG. 2) in which most of the movable decorative member 14 is hidden behind the decorative member 13 and only the lower end portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible. On the other hand, the movable decorative member 14 emits light in a predetermined light emitting pattern and emits light on the display screen 70 when a notice effect having a relatively high jackpot reliability is executed by using the image display device 7 or the speaker 38. It falls to the operating position that covers most of it.

The frame lamp 37 is configured to have a plurality of LEDs built in various parts of the front frame 31, and changes the lighting and blinking patterns of each LED and changes the emission color of each LED. Various effects by light are performed.

The image display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device that displays an effect image on the display screen 70, and the player can visually recognize the display screen 70 through an opening formed in the central portion of the game board 2. On the display screen 70, the same number of hold images (hold) as the number of effect symbols, characters and items for notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, and the number of hold of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) are displayed. An effect image including various display objects such as an icon) and a variation suggestion image (the icon) suggesting that a variation display of a special symbol is being performed is displayed. The image display device 7 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device as long as it can display the effect image, and may be another image display device such as an EL display device.

The speaker 38 outputs effect sounds such as music, voice, and sound effects so as to synchronize with or asynchronously with the display effect performed on the display screen 70, and perform the effect by sound.

The effect display 125 is configured to have two LEDs, and the symbol is variablely displayed according to the variable display of the special symbol and the effect symbol, and the special symbol is determined according to the stop display of the special symbol and the effect symbol. The symbol that notifies the judgment result of is stopped and displayed. The effect display 125 notifies the determination result of the special symbol determination according to the combination of lighting / extinguishing of each LED and the lighting color.

The first special figure holding indicator 126 is configured to have two LEDs, and is the same as the one displayed on the first special drawing holding indicator 44 depending on the combination of lighting and extinguishing of each LED. 1 Display the number of pending special symbol judgments. The second special figure hold indicator 127 is configured to have two LEDs, and is the same as that displayed on the second special figure hold indicator 45 depending on the combination of lighting and extinguishing of each LED. 2 Display the number of pending special symbol judgments.

[Configuration example of the input means provided in the gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 is provided with a first effect button 35 and a second effect button 36 as input means that can be input by a player. The first effect button 35 is a push button for inputting operation information by being pressed by the player. The second effect button 36 is a push button for the player to input operation information by grasping the grip portion of the second effect button 36 and pressing the second effect button 36. In the gaming machine 1, the effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 and the second effect button 36 may be performed.

The configuration of the input means is not limited to the one illustrated in this embodiment, and may be another one. That is, for example, in the present embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 1 includes two input means will be described, but the number of input means may be one or three or more. Further, the input means is not limited to the push button, but a touch panel capable of detecting the player's touch operation, for example, an optical sensor capable of detecting the player's hand held over the display screen 70, and moving the position back and forth and left and right. It may be another input means such as a joystick for designating a direction or an operating means that the player can grasp and change the posture.

[Configuration of control device included in gaming machine 1]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device included in the gaming machine 1.
A control device for controlling the operation of the gaming machine 1 is provided on the back side of the gaming board 2. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device of the game machine 1 is a main control board 80 that controls the progress of a game using a game ball, and a sub that comprehensively controls the production based on information from the main control board 80. It is composed of a control board 90, an image / acoustic control board 100 that controls an effect by images and sounds, a lamp control board 120 that controls an effect by various lamps and movable members, and the like. In the present embodiment, the main control board 80 functions as a game control unit that controls the progress of the game, and the sub control board 90, the image / acoustic control board 100, and the lamp control board 120 function as the effect control unit that controls the effect. .. The configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the sub control board 90, the image / acoustic control board 100, and the lamp control board 120 may be composed of one board.

<Configuration example of main control board 80>
The main control board 80 includes a main CPU 81, a main ROM 82, and a main RAM 83. The main CPU 81 performs various arithmetic processes related to the determination and the number of payout prize balls based on the program or the like stored in the main ROM 82. The main RAM 83 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 81 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing.

The main control board 80 has a first start port sensor 211, a second start port sensor 221 and a gate sensor 251. The mouth solenoid 222, the first prize-winning door solenoid 262, and the second prize-winning door solenoid 282 are connected. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes four general winning opening sensors 241 corresponding to the four general winning opening 24s, but in FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, only one general winning opening sensor 241 is provided. It is written.

The first start port sensor 211 detects that the game ball has won a prize in the first start port 21 (passage of the game ball through the first start port 21), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The second start port sensor 221 detects that the game ball has won a prize in the second start port 22 (passage of the game ball through the second start port 22), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The gate sensor 251 detects the passage of the game ball with respect to the gate 25 and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The first large winning opening sensor 261 detects that a game ball has won a prize in the first large winning opening 26 (passage of the game ball through the first large winning opening 26), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. do. The second major winning opening sensor 281 detects that a game ball has won a prize in the second major winning opening 28 (passage of the game ball through the second major winning opening 28), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. do. The general winning opening sensor 241 detects that a game ball has won a prize in the general winning opening 24 (passing the game ball through the general winning opening 24), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80.

The second starting port solenoid 222 is an electric solenoid connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the opening / closing member 23, and operates the opening / closing member 23 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to perform a second start. Open and close the mouth 22. The first large winning opening solenoid 262 is an electric solenoid connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the opening / closing member 27, and operates the opening / closing member 27 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to operate the first opening / closing member 27. The large winning opening 26 is opened and closed. The second large winning opening solenoid 282 is an electric solenoid connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the opening / closing member 29, and operates the opening / closing member 29 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to operate the second opening / closing member 29. The large winning opening 28 is opened and closed.

Although not shown in the figure, the gaming machine 1 controls a drive motor for sending out gaming balls from a ball tank provided on the back surface side of the gaming board 2 to supply the gaming balls to the upper plate 33 or the lower plate 34. It is equipped with a payout control board. When the main CPU 81 receives a detection signal from the first start port sensor 211, the second start port sensor 221, the first big prize opening sensor 261, the second big prize opening sensor 281 or the general winning opening sensor 241 is input. The payout control board is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won a prize, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is managed based on the information from the payout control board.

Further, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start port sensor 211 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Further, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start port sensor 221 is input, and executes the second special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Here, the various random numbers are specifically a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number.

The jackpot random number is a random number for determining a jackpot or a loss. The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (the number of rounds of the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game, etc.) when it is determined to be a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach when it is determined that there is a loss. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

The main CPU 81 acquires these random numbers at the timing when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 (or the second starting port 22), and first, the acquired jackpot random numbers are stored in the main ROM 82 as a predetermined random number. It is determined whether or not to execute the jackpot game based on whether or not it matches the numerical value (winning value). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot game is executed based on the fact that the jackpot random number matches the winning value, the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is stored in the main ROM 82 (compared with the symbol random number). ) Determine the type of jackpot based on which random number value of the predetermined random number matches.

Here, as the type of jackpot, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 (B) and 5 (C), the game is controlled in the probabilistic game state after the jackpot game including four long open round games is executed. "4R Probability Big Hit", "6R Probability Big Hit" where the game is controlled in the probable game state after executing the big hit game including 6 long open round games, after executing the big hit game including 8 long open round games Examples include "8R probability variation jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state, and "10R probability variation jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after executing a jackpot game including 10 long open round games.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not executed based on the fact that the acquired jackpot random number does not match the winning value, the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is stored in the main ROM 82. Based on whether or not it matches a predetermined random number value (compared with the reach random number) (random number value corresponding to with reach: see FIG. 5 (D)), the effect with reach or the effect without reach is performed. Decide whether to do. Further, the main CPU 81 determines the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is variablely displayed, based on the fluctuation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number, regardless of the result of the determination based on the jackpot random number. As a result, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is determined.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is to be executed and determines the type of jackpot, the first jackpot 26 (or the first prize slot 26 (or the second) via the first jackpot solenoid 262 (or the second jackpot solenoid 282)). By controlling the opening and closing of the two big winning openings 28), a big hit game according to the type of big hit is executed.

Further, the main CPU 81 acquires a random number (ordinary symbol random number) at the timing when the detection signal from the gate sensor 251 is input, and executes the ordinary symbol determination using the acquired ordinary symbol random number. Then, when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is to be opened as a result of this normal symbol determination, the second starting port 22 is opened by controlling the opening and closing of the second starting port 22 via the second starting port solenoid 222. Perform an auxiliary game.

Further, on the main control board 80, a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol hold indicator 44, a second special symbol hold indicator 45, and a general one are used. Figure Hold indicator 46, round indicator 47, game status indicator 48, launch direction indicator 49 are connected.

The main CPU 81 controls these indicators 41 to 49 constituting the main indicator 40 to execute the above-mentioned display process based on FIG.

<Configuration example of sub-control board 90>
The sub control board 90 includes a sub CPU 91, a sub ROM 92, a sub RAM 93, and an RTC (real time clock) 94. The sub CPU 91 performs arithmetic processing for controlling the effect based on the program stored in the sub ROM 92. The sub RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub CPU 91 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The RTC94 measures the current date and time (date or time).

The first effect button detection sensor 96 and the second effect button detection sensor 97 are connected to the sub control board 90. When the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 1) is operated, the first effect button detection sensor 96 outputs operation information (operation signal) indicating to that effect to the sub control board 90. When the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 1) is operated, the second effect button detection sensor 97 outputs operation information (operation signal) indicating to that effect to the sub control board 90.

The sub CPU 91 sets the effect content based on the game information related to the special symbol determination, the normal symbol determination, the jackpot game, etc. transmitted from the main control board 80. At that time, the input of the operation information from the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 may be accepted, and the effect content corresponding to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 91 transmits a command instructing the execution of the effect of the set effect content to the image / sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120.

<Structure example of image / acoustic control board 100>
The image acoustic control board 100 controls the image display by the image display device 7 and controls the output of the effect sound by the speaker 38. In the present embodiment, the image / acoustic control board 100 includes an image / acoustic control CPU 101, a control ROM 102, a control RAM 103, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 104, a CGROM 105, a VRAM 106, an acoustic DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 107, an acoustic ROM 108, and a SDRAM 109. And an amplifier 110.

The control ROM 102 is composed of a mask ROM, and various tables such as a control program of the image / acoustic control CPU 101, a display list generation program for generating a display list, and a display list creation table used for a process of creating a display list. Is remembered. Here, the display list is composed of a group of commands for instructing the execution of drawing in frame units, and the type of the image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) to draw the image, the display priority, the display magnification, and the rotation. It includes various parameters such as angle and transmittance. The control RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the image / sound control CPU 101 executes the control program, and as a work area for data processing and the like.

The image / sound control CPU 101 displays image data stored in the CGROM 105 for the VDP 104 based on the control program, various tables such as the display list creation table, commands received from the sub control board 90, and the like. Instruct to display on. This instruction is mainly given by the output of the display list. Further, the image / acoustic control CPU 101 instructs the acoustic DSP 107 to output the acoustic data stored in the acoustic ROM 108 from the speaker 38.

The CGROM 105 stores the effect data necessary for executing the variation effect associated with the variation display of the special symbol, the effect associated with the jackpot game, and the like. The CGROM 105 is composed of a flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, a mask ROM, and the like, and is composed of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels), sprite data (one image data), and a plurality of image data. Movie data, etc. consisting of a collection of images is compressed and stored. The pixel information is composed of color number information that specifies a color number for each pixel and an α value that indicates the transparency of the image. Further, the CGROM 105 stores the palette data or the like in which the color number information for designating the color number and the display color information for actually displaying the color are associated with each other without compression.

It should be noted that only a part of the image data stored in the CGROM 105 may be compressed. Further, as a compression method of movie data, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

The VRAM 106 is composed of an SRAM capable of writing and reading image data at high speed, and is not shown in the figure, but is configured to have a display list storage area, an expanded storage area, a frame buffer, and the like. ing.

The display list storage area temporarily stores the display list output from the image / sound control CPU 101. The expanded storage area stores the image data expanded after being read from the CGROM 105. The frame buffer is a frame buffer that is also used for drawing and displaying the image data displayed on the display screen 70.

The VDP 104 decompresses the image data stored in the compressed state in the CGROM 105, and stores the decompressed image data in the expanded storage area. Further, the VDP 104 performs drawing processing on the frame buffer using the image data stored in the expanded storage area based on the display list stored in the display list storage area. Further, the VDP 104 generates an RGB signal as a video signal indicating the color of the image from the image data stored in the frame buffer, and outputs the generated RGB signal to the image display device 7.

An acoustic ROM 108, an SDRAM 109, and an amplifier 110 are connected to the acoustic DSP 107. The acoustic ROM 108 stores various acoustic data related to music, voice, sound effects, warning sounds, and the like. The SDRAM 109 is used as a work area for data processing and the like by the acoustic DSP 107. The acoustic DSP 107 reads acoustic data corresponding to the instruction from the image acoustic control CPU 101 from the acoustic ROM 108 to the SDRAM 109, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 38 (via the amplifier 110). The amplifier 110 adjusts the volume according to the instruction regarding the volume obtained from the image / acoustic control CPU 101 via the acoustic DSP 107, and outputs the acoustic data to the speaker 38.

In this embodiment, the case where the VDP is responsible for drawing management and the acoustic DSP is responsible for sound management will be described, but in other embodiments, a configuration is adopted in which the VDP is responsible for both drawing management and sound management. You may. In this case, it is not necessary to separately provide an acoustic DSP.

<Configuration example of lamp control board 120>
The lamp control board 120 includes a lamp CPU 121, a lamp ROM 122, and a lamp RAM 123, and includes a frame lamp 37, a board lamp 5, a movable decorative member 14, an effect display 125, an effect first special figure hold indicator 126, and an effect second. The special figure hold indicator 127 is connected. The lamp ROM 122 stores a program executed by the lamp CPU 121, light emission pattern data, operation pattern data, and the like. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating each light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the LED built in the movable decorative member 14, and the like. The motion pattern data is data showing an motion pattern of the movable decorative member 14 and the like.

Based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 122, the lamp CPU 121 includes a frame lamp 37, a board lamp 5, a movable decorative member 14, an effect display 125, an effect first special figure hold indicator 126, and an effect second special figure hold. Performs arithmetic processing when controlling the operation of the display 127 and the like.

The lamp CPU 121 reads out the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub control board 90 from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and reads the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, and the movable decorative member. It controls the light emission of the LED built in 14. Further, the lamp CPU 121 reads the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 90 from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 into the lamp RAM 123, and operates the movable decorative member 14. Control the drive.

Further, the lamp CPU 121 controls the variation display and the stop display of the symbol on the effect display 125 based on the command from the sub control board 90. Further, the lamp CPU 121 displays the number of holds related to the first special symbol determination by the effect first special figure hold indicator 126, and the effect second special figure hold indicator 127 based on the command from the sub control board 90. 2 Controls the display of the number of pending numbers related to the special symbol determination.

[About the game status]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is controlled in a gaming state which is one of two gaming states, a “normal gaming state” and a “probability changing gaming state”.

The "normal game state" is a support function (so-called) that supports a winning of a game ball for the second starting port 22 while performing a special symbol determination in a low probability state in which the probability of being determined to execute a jackpot game is relatively low. It is a gaming state in which a function called "electric support" or the like) is not given. In the normal game 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, 1/200) (see FIG. 5A). Further, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to a relatively long time (for example, 20 seconds). And when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is to be opened, the opening time of the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively short time (for example, 0.1 second × 1 time).

The "probability variation game state" is a game state in which the special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state in which the probability of being determined to execute the jackpot game is relatively high, and the support function is added. That is, in the probabilistic game 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, 1/80) (see FIG. 5A). Further, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 11/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to a relatively short time (for example, 1.5). The opening time of the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.5 seconds × 3 times) when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is opened.

Comparing these gaming states with respect to the variation time of the special symbol, the variation time of the special symbol in the "probability variation game state" is set to a relatively shorter time than the variation time of the special symbol in the "normal gaming state". Easy to do. In addition, the probability that it is determined to execute the special game (big hit probability), the probability that it is determined to open the second starting port 22 (the winning probability of the normal symbol determination), and the variation of the normal symbol shown in the explanation of each game state. Needless to say, the time and the opening time of the second starting port 22 are merely examples, and may be other probabilities or times. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the game is controlled in the "probability-changing game state" after the jackpot game ends will be described as an example, but after the jackpot game ends, the special symbol determination is made in the "probability-changing game state" or the low-probability state. The game may be controlled in the "time saving game state" in which the above support function is added.

In the following description, a state in which the game ball can easily win a prize in the second starting port 22 due to the above support function is referred to as a "high base state", and the support function is not provided. A state in which it is difficult for a game ball to win a prize in the second starting port 22 is referred to as a "low base state".

[Flow of the game]
A game ball hit by the player to the right does not win a prize in the first starting opening 21, but may win a prize in the second starting opening 22. However, in the low base state, it is difficult to open the second starting port 22, and even if it is opened, the opening time is short. Therefore, when the game is controlled in a low base state (corresponding to the "normal game state" in the present embodiment), the player decides to play the game by left-handed aiming at the first starting port 21. Become.

When a game ball hit to the left in a normal game state wins a prize in the first starting port 21, the first special symbol determination is executed, and after the first special symbol is variablely displayed, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is displayed. As the first special symbol to be shown, the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol is stopped and displayed.

Here, when the lost symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is not performed and the game state does not change. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, a jackpot game in which a predetermined number of long open round games are performed according to the jackpot symbol is executed, and after the jackpot game is completed, the game is controlled in a probabilistic game state. Will be done. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a type 1 type pachinko gaming machine called a so-called ST machine, and after the jackpot game is completed, the probabilistic gaming state continues until 80 special symbol determinations are made. Can be.

In addition, when the game state shifts to the probabilistic game state when the jackpot game ends, that is, when the game state shifts from the low base state to the high base state, the above-mentioned above facilitating the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22. The support function makes it easier for the game ball to win in the second starting port 22 than in the first starting opening 21. Therefore, when the game is controlled in a high base state (in this embodiment, the "probability changing game state" corresponds to this), the player decides to play the game by right-handed aiming at the second starting port 22. Become. Therefore, when the game is controlled in the probabilistic game state, the second special symbol determination is basically performed.

When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the second special symbol in the probabilistic game state, the game is controlled again in the probabilistic game state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if the determination results of the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) 80 times are all lost, the gaming state is returned from the probabilistic gaming state to the normal gaming state.

In another embodiment, for example, a jackpot in which the game is controlled in a time-saving gaming state (a gaming state in which a special symbol is determined in a low probability state and a support function is provided) after the jackpot game is completed. A new configuration may be adopted in which the game can be controlled in the probabilistic game state or the time-saving game state after the jackpot game is completed.

[About special symbol judgment using random numbers]
Next, the determination process using the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, and the reach random number will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, and a reach random number. In the explanatory diagrams relating to each random number exemplified in FIGS. 5 and 5 and thereafter, the range in which the random numbers can be taken is set to a range smaller than the actual range in order to facilitate the explanation.

<Processing based on jackpot random numbers>
The jackpot random number exemplified in FIG. 5A is a random number used in the jackpot determination process (step S308 in FIG. 21) for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and the probability of being determined to execute the jackpot game is high. Each of the relatively low low probability state and the high probability state in which the probability of being determined to execute the jackpot game is relatively high is set individually.

In the present embodiment, two winning values are stored in the main ROM 82 with respect to the low probability state, and the main CPU 81 controls the game in the low probability state (“normal game state” corresponds to this in the present embodiment). If the acquired jackpot random number matches any of these two winning values, it is determined that the jackpot game is executed. Further, regarding the high probability state (in this embodiment, the "probability variation game state" corresponds to this), five winning values are stored in the main ROM 82, and are acquired when the game is controlled in the high probability state. When the big hit random number matches any of these five winning values, it is determined that the big hit game is executed.

The range in which the jackpot random number can be taken is "0" to "399" in the present embodiment in both the low-probability state and the high-probability state. Therefore, the jackpot probability in the low probability state is 1/200 (= 2/400), and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is 1/80 (= 5/400).

<Processing based on symbol random numbers>
When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is to be executed, which of the random number values preset for each type of jackpot matches the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used for the determination. Determine the type of jackpot based on. In other words, the first special symbol (second special symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42) is selected as the jackpot symbol.

(Type of jackpot related to the first special symbol judgment)
As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in the present embodiment, the types of jackpots due to the first start opening winning are "4R probability variation jackpot", "6R probability variation jackpot", "8R probability variation jackpot", and "10R probability variation jackpot". There are four types of jackpots, "big hits". Here, the "4R probability variation jackpot" (4R probability variation) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game in which four long open round games in which the first large winning opening 26 is opened is executed. The "6R probability variation jackpot" (6R probability variation) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game in which the first major winning opening 26 is opened and six long open round games are executed. Is. In addition, "8R probability variation jackpot" (8R probability variation) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game in which eight long open round games in which the first large winning opening 26 is opened is executed. Yes, "10R probability variation jackpot" (10R probability variation) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game in which 10 long open round games that open the second prize opening 28 are executed. be.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in the present embodiment, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a big hit, a random number value for determining the type of the big hit is stored in the main ROM 82. ing. Specifically, 20 random values are stored for the 4R probability variation, 50 random values are stored for the 6R probability variation, 20 random value values are stored for the 8R probability variation, and the 10R probability variation is performed. On the other hand, 10 random values are stored.

In the present embodiment, the range in which the symbol random number can be taken is set to "0" to "99", and the jackpot is based on the jackpot random number acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21. If it is determined, 4R probability variation is selected at a rate of 20% (= 20/100 × 100) and 6R probability variation is 50% (= 50/100 × 100) as the type of jackpot related to the first special symbol determination. 8R probabilities are selected at a rate of 20% (= 20/100 × 100), 10R probabilities are selected at a rate of 10% (= 10/100 × 100) (see FIG. 5B). ).

Therefore, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol X1 indicating the 4R probability variation is selected as the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 at a rate of 20%. The jackpot symbol X2 indicating the 6R probability variation is selected at a rate of 50%, the jackpot symbol X3 indicating the 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 20%, and the jackpot symbol X4 indicating the 10R probability variation is selected at a rate of 10%.

(Type of jackpot related to the second special symbol judgment)
As illustrated in FIG. 5C, in the present embodiment, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is a big hit, a random number value for determining the type of the big hit is stored in the main ROM 82. ing. Specifically, 10 random values are stored for the 4R probability variation, 15 random values are stored for the 6R probability variation, 25 random values are stored for the 8R probability variation, and the 10R probability variation is performed. On the other hand, 50 random values are stored.

In the present embodiment, the range in which the symbol random number related to the second special symbol determination can be obtained is the same as the range in which the symbol random number related to the first special symbol determination can be obtained, and the game ball has won a prize in the second starting port 22. When it is determined as a jackpot based on the jackpot random number acquired according to the above, 4R probability variation is selected at a rate of 10% (= 10/100 × 100) as the type of jackpot related to the second special symbol determination, and 6R. Probability is selected at a rate of 15% (= 15/100 × 100), 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 25% (= 25/100 × 100), and 10R probability variation is 50% (= 50/100 × 100). It is selected by the ratio of.

Therefore, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol Y1 indicating the 4R probability variation is selected as the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 42 at a rate of 10%. The jackpot symbol Y2 indicating the 6R probability variation is selected at a rate of 15%, the jackpot symbol Y3 indicating the 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 25%, and the jackpot symbol Y4 indicating the 10R probability variation is selected at a rate of 50%.

<Processing based on reach random numbers>
When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not executed, the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used for the determination is either a random number value corresponding to the effect with reach or a random number value corresponding to the effect without reach. Based on whether it matches the random number value of, it is determined whether to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, the main ROM 82 stores 10 random number values for the effect with reach, and the main CPU 81 has 10 acquired reach random numbers. If it matches any of the random numbers in, it is determined that the effect with reach is performed. Further, 90 random numbers are stored for the no-reach effect, and when the acquired reach random number matches any of these 90 random numbers, the main CPU 81 performs the no-reach effect. decide. In the present embodiment, the range in which the reach random number can be taken is set to "0" to "99", and when it is determined that the jackpot game is not executed, the ratio at which the reach effect is performed is 10% (= 10 /). 100 × 100), and the ratio of no reach effect (ratio of non-reach effect) is 90% (= 90/100 × 100).

When the main CPU 81 decides to perform the effect with reach, the main CPU 81 selects a variation pattern in which the variation effect pattern of the effect symbol accompanied by the reach effect is selected by the sub-control board 90 as the variation pattern of the special symbol. On the contrary, when it is decided to perform the non-reach effect, as the variation pattern of the special symbol, the variation pattern in which the variation effect pattern of the effect symbol without the reach effect is selected by the sub-control board 90 is selected.

[About variable production]
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, various effects are performed on the display screen 70 as the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) is variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed. A variation effect performed on the display screen 70 with the variation display of the first special symbol will be described.

In the game machine 1, when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 and the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display 41 and then the first special symbol. The first special symbol indicating the determination result of the symbol determination is stopped and displayed. The display screen 70 is provided with an effect symbol display area 73 (see FIG. 2) for displaying an effect symbol for notifying the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination), and the display screen 70 is provided. Then, along with the variable display of the first special symbol, a variable effect including the variable display of the effect symbol is performed (see FIG. 2). Then, when the first special symbol is variablely displayed for the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected when the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed. The effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination.

A so-called reach effect may be performed during such a variable display of the effect symbol. Specifically, in the effect symbol display area 73 of the display screen 70, for example, a part of the effect symbol string in which the numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top is in the horizontal direction. Three columns are displayed, and when the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the variable display (scroll display) is performed so that these symbol columns scroll from top to bottom. On the other hand, when the reach effect is performed, for example, the left column effect symbol (left symbol) and the right column effect symbol (right symbol) are displayed before all the effect symbols are stopped and displayed. Pseudo-stop so that they do not stop completely in order or at the same time. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which three symbols are pseudo-stopped as the left symbol, the same three symbols are pseudo-stopped as the right symbol, and the symbol row in the middle row continues to scroll. In addition, the pseudo stop is an effect of swinging the effect symbol on the spot without moving it, and in the following description, the main stop (sometimes referred to simply as "stop display") in which the effect symbol is completely stopped. ), It may be called a pseudo stop.

When the same effect symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol is pseudo-stopped on the effective line, the reach is established, and the reach effect is performed to expect the player to have three identical effect symbols. In this reach effect, the effect symbols (middle symbols) constituting the middle row symbol row are scrolled at a low speed so that the player can identify them in a state where the reach symbols (left symbol and right symbol) are pseudo-stopped, and finally. , A medium symbol common to the reach symbol, or a medium symbol different from the reach symbol is stopped on the effective line to notify the winner.

Although detailed description is omitted, other display objects such as characters and items are used for such a reach effect in addition to the effect symbol. Further, in the following description, in the variable effect in which the reach effect is performed, the effect performed until the reach is established may be referred to as "pre-reach effect".

The types of reach effects will be described in detail later, but when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "loss", three effect symbols indicating reach loss eyes (for example, "323") are pseudo-stopped in order to notify the loss. Then, as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, these three effect symbols are stopped. On the other hand, when the reach effect is not performed, the three effect symbols indicating the disjointed eyes (for example, "629") are pseudo-stopped in order to notify the loss, and the loss symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. Along with this, these three production symbols are finally stopped. In this way, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not executed, the three effect symbols are pseudo-stopped at the reach loss stitch or the loose stitch indicating the loss, and then the main stop is performed to notify the loss (the jackpot game is not executed). Loss notification effect is executed.

When this loss notification effect is executed, the jackpot game is not executed, and if the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, the first special symbol and the effect symbol are reserved for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds). Is stopped and displayed, the first special symbol determination is performed, and the next variable display of the first special symbol is started.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", the reach effect is usually executed during the variable display of the first special symbol, and doublets (for example, "333") are shown to notify the jackpot. As the three effect symbols are pseudo-stopped and the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, these three effect symbols are finally stopped. In this way, when it is determined that the jackpot game is to be executed, the hit notification effect of notifying the jackpot (the jackpot game is executed) is performed by pseudo-stopping the three effect symbols in a manner indicating the jackpot and then stopping the game. Will be executed. When this hit notification effect is executed, the jackpot game is executed.

[Screen configuration of display screen 70]
FIG. 2 illustrates the screen configuration of the display screen 70 in the normal gaming state. When the game is controlled in the normal game state, the hold icon display area 71, the icon display area 72, and the effect symbol display area 73 are formed on the display screen 70, as illustrated in FIG. As described above, the effect symbol display area 73 displays the left symbol constituting the symbol row in the left column, the middle symbol constituting the symbol row in the middle row, and the right symbol constituting the symbol row in the right column. Display area.

<Hold icon display area 71>
The hold icon display area 71 is a display area in which a hold icon indicating that the first special symbol determination is held is displayed. In the game machine 1, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 in a situation where the special symbol determination and the special symbol variation display cannot be started immediately, such as during the special symbol variation display or the jackpot game, the first special The right to determine the symbol is reserved up to a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment).

In this way, when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved, the same number of pending icons as the number of reserved icons for the first special symbol determination indicated by the first special symbol reserved indicator 44 are displayed in the reserved icon display area 71. Will be done. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which two hold icons are displayed in the hold icon display area 71 in order to suggest that the number of holds for the first special symbol determination is “2”.

If the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 when a highly reliable reach effect such as SPSP reach, which will be described later, is being performed, not only the display area used for the reach effect is limited, but also the hold icon is held. The display of the icon may reduce the interest of the reach production. Therefore, in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the display object (the pedestal of the hold icon) and the hold icon constituting the hold icon display area 71 are displayed during the normal reach and the SP reach, while the normal reach and the SP are displayed. As the reach effect develops from reach to SPSP reach, the display objects and hold icons that make up the hold icon display area 71 are deleted from the display screen 70, and after the SPSP reach is completed, the hold icon display area 71 is configured. A configuration is adopted in which the display object to be displayed and the hold icon are displayed again.

Further, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, basically, the game ball does not win a prize in the second starting port 22. Therefore, in the normal gaming state, basically, the right of the second special symbol determination is not reserved, and the hold icon related to the second special symbol determination is displayed on the display screen 70, or this hold icon is displayed. No display area is formed for display.

<The icon display area 72>
The icon display area 72 is a display area for displaying the icon as a variation suggestion image suggesting that the first special symbol is variablely displayed. The icon is displayed in the icon display area 72 with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, and is erased from the icon display area 72 at the timing when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, for example. However, the erasure timing of the icon is not limited to this, and the icon may be erased during the variable display of the first special symbol. You may try to erase the icon.

By the way, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 in a state where the variable display of the special symbol is not performed and the right of the special symbol determination is not reserved, the variable display of the first special symbol is started. Accordingly, the icon is displayed in the icon display area 72. On the other hand, when the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 and the variation display of the symbol corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is completed, the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest hold icon (hold icon displayed at the position closest to the icon display area 72) is executed. Then, as the variable display of the first special symbol is started in response to the execution of the first special symbol determination, the earliest hold icon shifts from the hold icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72. It will be displayed as a new icon. In this way, the hold icon (here, the icon) shifted to the icon display area 72 is displayed larger than when it is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay more attention to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 than to the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71.

When another hold icon different from the earliest hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, the hold icon display area 71 accompanies the shift of the earliest hold icon to the icon display area 72. In, the other hold icon shifts toward the icon display area 72. As is clear from the above description, in the gaming machine 1, the icon corresponding to the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 may be displayed in the icon display area 72, and thus the following description will be given. Then, when the hold icon and the icon are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to simply as "icon".

(About icon change production)
By the way, the hold icon is usually displayed as a white hold icon (default hold icon). On the other hand, when the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, an icon change effect in which the color of the hold icon changes may be performed. When this icon change effect is performed, the white hold icon changes to a hold icon in a color suggesting jackpot reliability such as blue, green, and red. The colors suggesting the jackpot reliability exemplified here are arranged in order from the one with the lowest jackpot reliability to the one with the highest jackpot reliability. Red is when the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment corresponding to the red hold icon is "big hit", or when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time although it is "missing". Easy to be selected. Green is easy to select when it is a "big hit" or when it is a "miss" but the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a medium time. The blue color is easily selected when it becomes "missing" or when it is "missing" and the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively short time. In this embodiment, the jackpot reliability of the white hold icon is set to about 1%, the jackpot reliability of the blue hold icon is set to about 3%, and the jackpot reliability of the green hold icon is set to about 15%. It is set and the jackpot reliability of the red hold icon is set to about 45%.

Although the case where the icon change effect in which the display color changes only once is performed when the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 has been described here as an example, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has been described. Then, other icon change effects may be performed. That is, for example, when the white hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, the hold icon changes to a blue hold icon and then to a green hold icon. In some cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of the hold icon changes multiple times. Further, when the white hold icon shifted from the hold icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72 is displayed as the icon, an icon change effect in which the display color changes may be performed.

Further, the display color of the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 changes, and then the display color changes when the hold icon shifts to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as the icon. In some cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of the icon changes in both the hold icon display area 71 and the icon display area 72. In addition, there may be an icon change effect in which the hold icon is displayed in a display color other than white (for example, blue) from the beginning, or an icon change effect in which the display color of the hold icon whose initial color is other than white is changed. ..

As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can display the hold information indicating that the right of the special symbol determination is held on the display screen 70, and change the display mode of the hold information. .. In the following description, the hold icon or the icon whose display color is white is referred to as a "normal icon", while the hold icon or the icon whose display color is a color other than white is referred to as a "special icon". There are cases where the two are distinguished.

[Modification example of display control of pending information]
The display control of the reserved information is not limited to the one illustrated in this embodiment, and may be as follows. That is, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the case where the display colors of the icons (holding icon and the icon) are four colors of white, blue, green, and red will be described as an example, but in other embodiments, the case where the display colors are four colors will be described. Other colors may be available, such as gold, which suggests that the jackpot reliability is even higher than red, and rainbow, which is selected only when the jackpot is "big hit".

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the icon change effect for changing the display color of the icon (holding icon or the icon) is performed will be described as an example, but the icon change effect is an effect for changing the display mode of the icon. The effect is not limited to the effect exemplified in the present embodiment, and may be an icon change effect that changes the shape and size of the icon, an icon change effect that changes the display color in addition to the shape and size of the icon, and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the icon change effect targeting the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71, it is possible to execute the icon change effect targeting the icon displayed in the icon display area 72. However, in another embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which only the former icon change effect can be executed without providing the icon display area 72 (without displaying the icon).

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where a hold icon as hold information is displayed on the display screen 70 and the display color of the hold icon is changed will be described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, four color LEDs whose emission colors can be changed are provided, and the same number of LEDs as the number of reserved numbers for the first special symbol determination are turned on, and the emission color of any of the LEDs is set. By changing it, the display mode of the reserved information may be changed.

[Flow of production accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of reach production. When the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination. On the other hand, on the display screen 70, as the variation display of the first special symbol is started, the scroll display of the three symbol rows in the effect symbol display area 73 is started (see FIG. 6A). ..

Here, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing", for example, different effect symbols as the left symbol and the right symbol are pseudo-stopped on the effective line, and the symbol row in the middle row is in this non-reach mode. There may be a non-reach effect (see FIG. 6B) in which only scrolls are displayed. When this non-reach effect is performed, the three effect symbols showing the disparity are pseudo-stopped at the end of the variable display of the first special symbol, and these are stopped and displayed as the first special symbol is lost. A loss notification effect (see FIG. 6C) for stopping the three effect symbols will be performed.

On the other hand, when the judgment result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", or when it is decided to perform the effect with reach although it is "missing", for example, during the variable display of the first special symbol, for example. Pre-reach effect in which a predetermined left symbol is pseudo-stopped on the effective line of the effect symbol display area 73, and then the right symbol, which is the same effect symbol as the left symbol, is moved onto the effective line (see FIG. 6 (D)). Is done. Then, when the same left symbol and right symbol are pseudo-stopped on the effective line, reach is established (see FIG. 6E). Then, when the reach is established in this way, the predetermined reach that makes the player expect that the middle symbol, which is the same effect symbol as the reach symbol (left symbol and right symbol), stops on the effective line and becomes the same symbol. The production is done.

In the present embodiment, three types of reach effects, normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach, are prepared as reach effects that can be executed along with the variable display of the first special symbol (see FIG. 6).

The normal reach (see FIG. 6F) is a reach effect in which the jackpot reliability is relatively low (for example, the jackpot reliability: about 2%). When the reach is established, the normal reach is performed first, and during the normal reach, the scroll speed of the middle row symbol row that was scrolled at high speed between the two reach symbols (left symbol and right symbol) gradually decreases. go.

Here, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing", and for example, the variation pattern E (see FIG. 7B) in which the variation time is 30 seconds at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is selected. If it is, the effect symbols of the reach loss eyes (for example, "434") are displayed by pseudo-stopping the middle symbols different from the reach symbols on the effective line, and the loss notification effect (figure) to stop these effect symbols. 6 (G)) is performed.

On the other hand, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", and for example, the variation pattern A (see FIG. 7 (A)) in which the variation time is 30 seconds at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is selected. If so, the same medium symbol as the reach symbol is pseudo-stopped on the effective line to display doublet (for example, "444") effect symbols, and the hit notification effect (FIG. 6 (FIG. 6) G)) is performed.

Further, when a fluctuation pattern having a relatively long fluctuation time of the first special symbol is selected, the medium symbol, which is the same effect symbol as the reach symbol, is effective without performing the hit notification effect or the loss notification effect in the normal reach. After passing on the line, the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row increases to develop into SP reach (see FIG. 6 (H)) or SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (I)). Here, SP reach is a reach effect with higher jackpot reliability than normal reach (for example, jackpot reliability: 10%), and SPSP reach is a reach effect with higher jackpot reliability than SP reach (for example, jackpot reliability). Degree: 30%).

When developing into a highly reliable reach effect such as SP reach or SPSP reach, the left symbol that has been pseudo-stopped moves to the upper left position on the display screen 70 while shrinking, and the right symbol that has been pseudo-stopped. Moves to the upper right position on the display screen 70 while shrinking, these left and right symbols stop pseudo-stop at the position after the movement, and the middle row of symbols is until the end of the high reliability reach effect. It is hidden (see, for example, FIGS. 9A to 9H). Then, the display object and the hold icon forming the hold icon display area 71 are also hidden. As a result, it is possible to perform a highly reliable reach effect in a display area wider than the effect symbol display area 73, and it is possible to improve the interest of the highly reliable reach effect.

SP reach and SPSP reach are configured as, for example, a battle production in which your character fights against an enemy character, SP reach is positioned as the first half of the battle, SPSP reach is positioned as the second half of the battle, and the first half of the battle and the second half of the battle. Then, the enemy characters that fight are common. That is, for example, if a battle production that fights against the enemy character A is performed in the SP reach in the first half of the battle and then develops into the SPSP reach in the latter half of the battle, a battle production that fights against the enemy character A is also performed in the SPSP reach. ..

When comparing these SP reach and SPSP reach, SPSP reach has higher jackpot reliability than SP reach, and it is better to develop to SPSP reach than to develop only to SP reach. There is a feature that the notification effect is easy to be executed.

In the game machine 1, the normal reach (see FIG. 6 (F)) evolves into the SP reach in the first half of the battle (see FIG. 6 (H)), and this SP reach is used to produce or lose the hit notification in FIG. 6 (G). Notification effects may be performed. In addition, there are cases where the normal reach develops into the SPSP reach via the SP reach (see FIG. 6 (I)), and there are cases where the normal reach develops directly into the SPSP reach without going through the SP reach. In this case, the hit notification effect or the loss notification effect shown in FIG. 6 (G) will be performed in this SPSP reach.

The type of reach effect and the method of developing the reach effect illustrated in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and the type of reach effect and the method of development may be other.

[Variable pattern selection table used in normal gaming state]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a process of selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol in a normal gaming state will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a variation pattern selection table used in a process of selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol in a normal gaming state.

The main ROM 82 has a jackpot variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A) as a variation pattern selection table to be referred to when selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (here, the first special symbol) in a normal gaming state. ), The variation pattern selection table for reach loss (see FIG. 7B), and the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach (see FIG. 7C) are stored. The jackpot variation pattern selection table is a table referred to for selecting a variation pattern of the first special symbol when the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal gaming state is "big hit". The variation pattern selection table for reach loss is the first special symbol when the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal gaming state is "miss" and it is determined to perform the effect with reach (based on the reach random number). It is a table referred to for selecting the fluctuation pattern of. The variation pattern selection table for loss without reach is the first when the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal gaming state is "loss" and it is determined to perform the effect without reach (based on the reach random number). It is a table referred to for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol.

(Variable pattern selection table for big hits)
In the jackpot variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A), the variation pattern of the first special symbol is associated with the random number value to be compared with the variation pattern random number. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, in addition to the fluctuation pattern and the number of random numbers associated with each fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time of the first special symbol and each fluctuation pattern are selected by the sub CPU 91. The type of the variation effect pattern, the specific effect content of the variation effect pattern, the range in which the variation pattern random number can be taken, and the ratio at which each variation pattern is selected are also described.

When the main CPU 81 determines to execute the jackpot game based on the jackpot random number acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21 in the normal gaming state, the variation acquired together with the jackpot random number. The variation pattern of the first special symbol is selected by reading the variation pattern to which the same random number value as the pattern random number is associated from the jackpot variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A).

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the range in which the variation pattern random number for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol can be taken is set to "0" to "99" in the present embodiment. It is set. In the jackpot variation pattern selection table, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, two random numbers are associated with the variation pattern A, and 18 random values are associated with the variation pattern B. 35 random values are associated with the variation pattern C, and 45 random values are associated with the variation pattern D.

Therefore, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", the variation pattern A is selected at a rate of 2% (= 2/100 × 100), and 18% (= 18/100 × 100). The variation pattern B is selected at a rate, the variation pattern C is selected at a rate of 35% (= 35/100 × 100), and the variation pattern D is selected at a rate of 45% (= 45/100 × 100). Then, for example, when the variation pattern A is selected, the variation effect pattern A is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation effect for performing the hit notification effect in the normal reach is performed. Further, for example, when the variation pattern D is selected, the variation effect pattern D is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation effect in which the hit notification effect is performed by the SPSP reach developed from the normal reach via the SP reach is performed. become.

(Variation pattern selection table for reach loss)
When the main CPU 81 determines in the first special symbol determination that the jackpot game is not executed, whether or not to perform the reach-presence effect based on the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number. To determine. Specifically, which variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern group in which the reach effect is performed (see FIG. 7B), or the variation in which the reach effect is not performed (the reachless effect is performed). It is determined whether to select one of the fluctuation patterns from the pattern group (see FIG. 7C). Here, when it is decided to perform the effect with reach, the variation pattern of the first special symbol is selected with reference to the variation pattern selection table for reach loss.

In the variation pattern selection table for reach loss (see FIG. 7B), the variation pattern of the first special symbol is associated with the random number value to be compared with the variation pattern random number. The main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not executed based on the jackpot random number acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21 in the normal gaming state, and the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number. When it is decided to perform the effect with reach based on the above, the variation pattern to which the same random number value as the variation pattern random number acquired together with these random numbers is associated is the variation pattern selection table for reach loss (see FIG. 7B). ) To select the variation pattern of the first special symbol.

In the variation pattern selection table for reach loss, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, 40 random values are associated with the variation pattern E, and 30 random values are associated with the variation pattern F. 20 random values are associated with the variation pattern G, and 10 random values are associated with the variation pattern H.

Therefore, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing" and it is determined to perform the effect with reach, the variation pattern E is selected at a rate of 40% (= 40/100 × 100), and 30 The variation pattern F is selected at a rate of% (= 30/100 × 100), the variation pattern G is selected at a rate of 20% (= 20/100 × 100), and 10% (= 10/100 × 100). The fluctuation pattern H is selected by the ratio. Then, for example, when the variation pattern F is selected, the variation effect pattern F is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation effect in which the loss notification effect is performed by the SP reach developed from the normal reach is performed. Further, for example, when the variation pattern H is selected, the variation effect pattern H is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation effect of performing the loss notification effect is performed by the SPSP reach developed from the normal reach via the SP reach. become.

(Variation pattern selection table for loss without reach)
When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not executed based on the jackpot random number and decides to perform the reachless effect based on the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number, the variation pattern selection table for the loss without reach is displayed. Refer to it and select the variation pattern of the first special symbol.

In the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach (see FIG. 7 (C)), the variation pattern of the special symbol and the number of pending first special symbol determinations when the variation display of the first special symbol is started this time are displayed. It is associated.

When the number of pending first special symbol determinations becomes "0" or "1" with the start of the variation display of the first special symbol, the main CPU 81 has a variation time of the first special symbol of 13 seconds. A certain variation pattern J is selected, and when the number of pending first special symbol determinations is "2", the variation pattern K in which the variation time of the first special symbol is 8 seconds is selected. In addition, the main CPU 81 has an upper limit of "4" for the number of pending first special symbol determinations during the variation display of the first special symbol, and the first special symbol determination is performed with the start of the variation display of the first special symbol this time. When the number of holdings is "3", the fluctuation pattern L in which the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is 4 seconds is selected.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it is determined not to execute the jackpot game and it is determined to perform the effect without reach, it is the number of reserved rights for the first special symbol determination. If the number of holdings is relatively large, the holding time of the first special symbol having a relatively short fluctuation time can be newly accumulated according to the new winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21. A variation pattern is selected. On the other hand, if the number of reserved cards is relatively small, the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol having a relatively long fluctuation time is suppressed in order to prevent the progress of the game from stopping because the first special symbol and the effect symbol do not change. Is selected.

From the description of the two variation pattern selection tables exemplified in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the following can be said. That is, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", it tends to be easy to select a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time, and conversely, it is difficult to select a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time (FIG. 7). See (A)). Further, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing" and the reach effect is performed, it is difficult to select the fluctuation pattern having a long fluctuation time, and conversely, it is easy to select the fluctuation pattern having a short fluctuation time. There is a tendency (see FIG. 7 (B)).

From these facts, it can be said that the longer the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is, the easier it is to execute the hit notification effect, and conversely, the shorter the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is, the easier it is to execute the loss notification effect. In other words, when the reach effect is performed over a relatively long time, such as developing from the normal reach to the SPSP reach via the SP reach, the hit notification effect is likely to be executed, and the reach is such that only the normal reach is performed. When the time required for the production is relatively short, it can be said that the loss notification effect is likely to be executed. That is, the winning is not notified by the normal reach production, but it develops from the normal reach to the SP reach or the SPSP reach, or from the normal reach via the SP reach (or directly without going through the SP reach) SPSP reach. It can be said that the jackpot reliability is higher when it develops into.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved, whether or not to execute the jackpot game before the first special symbol determination is performed for the right. Judgment Pre-judgment processing may be performed. Specifically, the main CPU 81 acquires a jackpot random number according to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21, and is performed at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol based on the acquired jackpot random number. 1 Whether or not a jackpot determination process in the special symbol determination is performed prior to the jackpot determination process (see step S308 in FIG. 21), and if the first special symbol determination is executed, it is determined as a “big hit”. Is determined in advance. Further, based on the variation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number, the same processing as the above-mentioned variation pattern selection process (see step S309 in FIG. 21) is performed based on FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B). 1 It is determined in advance which variation pattern will be selected when the special symbol determination is executed.

As described above, when the main CPU 81 performs the pre-determination process in response to the reservation of the right of the first special symbol determination, the main CPU 81 issues a hold command including the pre-determination information indicating the pre-determination result to the sub-control board 90. Send. On the other hand, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the above-mentioned icon change effect based on the prior determination information included in the hold command. Then, when it is decided to execute the icon change effect, it is determined in what change pattern the display mode (the color of the icon in the present embodiment) of the icon (holding icon or the icon) is changed, and the decision result is obtained. The image / acoustic control board 100 is made to execute the icon change effect based on.

[Specific example of the effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a specific example of the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are screen views illustrating the effect associated with the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. Here, the SPSP reach developed from the normal reach as the variation pattern of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. The effect executed when the variation pattern C (see FIG. 7 (A)) at which the hit notification effect is to be performed is selected will be described.

FIG. 8A shows the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 in a state where one hold icon (for example, a red hold icon) is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 on the display screen 70. In order to notify that the judgment result of the corresponding first special symbol determination is "missing", the production symbol showing the "526" disparity is displayed as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. The state in which the stop is displayed is illustrated. In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the lost symbol was stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, the earliest hold displayed in the hold icon display area 71 is reached. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon (here, the red hold icon) is executed. Then, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit" and the variation pattern C is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the following effect is performed.

That is, as the variable display of the first special symbol is started according to the execution of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest hold icon, the earliest displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The hold icon of is shifted to the icon display area 72, and the scroll display of the three symbol columns is started (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the scroll display of these three symbol columns, the above-mentioned first notice (see FIG. 12 (A)) may be executed (see FIG. 8 (C)). For example, as the first notice, the display mode of the effect image (first notice effect image) related to the step-up notice displayed in the central area of the display screen 70 is changed stepwise, and the effect sound related to the step-up notice is played. The step-up notice output from the speaker 38 is executed.

Following the first notice above, a pseudo-continuous production may be executed. Here, the pseudo-continuous effect means that the effect symbol displayed in the effect symbol display area 73 is varied and displayed a plurality of times during the variation display of one special symbol (here, the first special symbol). It is a pretending production. Regarding this pseudo-continuous production, the following production display is performed.

That is, the scroll speed of the symbol row in the left column decreases and the left symbol (for example, 6 symbols) pseudo-stops, and then the scroll speed of the symbol row in the right column decreases (with the left symbol that pseudo-stops first). The right symbol (for example, 4 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, and then the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row is reduced, and 7 symbols are pseudo-stopped as the middle symbols that notify the execution of the pseudo-continuous effect (FIG. 8). See (D)).

In this way, when seven symbols are pseudo-stopped in the middle row after the effect symbols that are different from each other as the left symbol and the right symbol are pseudo-stopped, the pseudo-second variation effect following the pseudo-first variation effect is started. .. Specifically, after the character "x2" suggesting the start of the pseudo-second variation effect is displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, the character "x2" is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 70. It is displayed smaller in one area, and the scroll display of the three symbol columns is resumed in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIGS. 8D and 8E).

When this pseudo-second variation effect is being performed, for example, a dialogue notice is executed as the above-mentioned second notice based on FIG. 12A and the like. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8 (F), an effect image (second notice effect image) showing how a predetermined character emits a line is displayed in the central area of the display screen 70, and the line is displayed. The effect sound (for example, the voice of the character) related to the advance notice is output from the speaker 38.

As described above, when the dialogue notice is executed as the second notice during the pseudo-second change effect, the second pseudo-continuous effect is executed during the change display of the first special symbol this time (FIG. 8). (G)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8 (G), the scroll speed of the symbol row in the left column decreases, the left symbol (for example, two symbols) pseudo-stops, and then the symbol row in the right column. The scroll speed is reduced and the right symbol (for example, 5 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, and then the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row is reduced and 7 symbols are pseudo-stopped as the middle symbol.

When the second pseudo-continuous effect is executed during the variation display of the first special symbol, the pseudo-third consecutive variation effect following the pseudo-second variation effect is started. Specifically, after the character "x3" suggesting the start of the pseudo-third consecutive variation effect is displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, the character "x3" is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 70. It is displayed smaller in one area, and the scroll display of the three symbol columns is resumed in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIGS. 8 (G) and 8 (H)).

Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the pseudo-third consecutive variation effect in this way, the scroll speed of the symbol column in the left column decreases, the left symbol (for example, three symbols) pseudo-stops, and then. , The scroll speed of the symbol column in the right column decreases (same as the symbol on the left), the right symbol (here, 3 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, and reach is established (see FIG. 8 (I)).

Here, the case where the "pre-reach pseudo-ream" that restarts the scroll display of each symbol string is executed before the reach is established has been described as an example, but the "reach" that restarts the scroll display of each symbol row after the reach is established has been described. In some cases, "post-pseudo-ream" is executed.

As described above, when the same effect symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol is pseudo-stopped and the reach is established, the normal reach is executed (see FIG. 9A). Specifically, after the reach is established, the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row gradually decreases, and the same middle symbol (here, the middle 3 symbols) as the reach symbol (here, the left 3 symbols and the right 3 symbols) reaches. An effect display is performed to show how the effective line is approached by the symbol.

Here, when developing from normal reach to SPSP reach, the following effect display is performed. That is, when the scroll display of the symbol row in the middle row is performed, the same middle symbol (here, 3 symbols) as the reach symbol passes on the effective line, and the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row is accompanied by this. Will rise, making it difficult to identify the middle symbol, and a development effect will be performed that suggests that it will develop into SPSP reach (see FIG. 9 (B)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, one rotation clockwise with the scroll direction as the axial direction in the process of moving to the area toward the upper left of the display screen 70 while the three symbols on the left are reduced. After that, it moves to the upper left area, and at the same time, in the process of moving to the upper right area of the display screen 70 while the three symbols on the right are reduced, it makes one clockwise rotation with the scroll direction as the axial direction and then the upper right. Move to one area. After that, until the end of the variation display of the first special symbol this time, the left three symbols are pseudo-stop displayed in the upper left area, and the right three symbols are pseudo-stop displayed in the upper right area (FIGS. 9 (C) to 9). (H)).

Next, when the development effect (see FIG. 9 (B)) suggesting the development to SPSP reach is performed as described above, the player announces that the above-mentioned third notice (see FIG. 12 (A)) occurs. (See FIG. 9 (C)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, a reach pattern (here) for a black background image until a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after the development effect is performed. Then, the left 3 symbols and the right symbol) and only the icon are superimposed and displayed, and the effect display is performed so that the other effect symbols are hidden.

Following this blackout effect, for example, a group notice may be given as a third notice (see FIG. 9D). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, an effect display showing how a large number of characters move from right to left on the display screen 70 is performed.

It should be noted that such a third notice is not always executed when the blackout effect is performed, and the SPSP reach is started after the third notice is executed following the blackout effect, and the blackout effect is followed. The SPSP reach may be started without executing the third notice.

As described above, when the SPSP reach is started, the SPSP reach effect image, which is the effect image related to the SPSP reach, is displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 9E). As a result, for example, an effect display showing how the own character and the enemy character develop an offense and defense is performed. Then, when the end of the SPSP reach is approached, the first effect button operation promotion effect for urging the player to operate the first effect button 35 is performed (see FIG. 9F). Specifically, a first effect button image imitating the first effect button 35 and an effective period gauge indicating the remaining time of the effective period in which the operation of the first effect button 35 is effective are displayed.

In this first effect button operation promotion effect, the fourth notice is given at the timing when the first effect button 35 is operated during the valid period or at the timing when the valid period ends without operating the first effect button 35. For example, a cut-in is performed in which a predetermined cut-in image is superimposed and displayed on the effect image (other than the reach symbol) displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 9 (G)). This cut-in is an effect that suggests how high the jackpot reliability is, and there are cases where a green cut-in that superimposes a green cut-in image is performed and a red that superimposes a red cut-in image. There are cases where a cut-in is performed and a case where a gold cut-in is performed in which a golden cut-in image is superimposed and displayed. The order is red cut-in and gold cut-in.

When the cut-in is generated in this way and the end of the SPSP reach is reached, the second effect button operation promotion effect for urging the player to operate the second effect button 36 is performed (see FIG. 9H). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9 (H), during the valid period of the second effect button operation promotion effect, the second effect button image imitating the second effect button 36 and "press!" A character indicating the operation content of the second effect button 36 and a valid period gauge indicating the remaining time of the valid period are displayed.

When the second effect button 36 is operated during the valid period of the second effect button operation promotion effect, the three effect symbols showing doublets are pseudo-stopped and then the main stop as an operation corresponding effect according to the operation. A hit notification effect is performed (see FIG. 9 (I)).

Here, since the variation pattern C (see FIG. 7A) is selected at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol, the hit notification effect is performed as the operation corresponding effect. For example, this time. When the variation pattern G or the variation pattern H exemplified in FIG. 7B is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the three effect symbols showing the reach loss eyes are pseudo-stopped as the operation corresponding effect. After making it stop, a loss notification effect is performed.

[Composite production]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, a composite effect that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the composite effect. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effect mode and the jackpot reliability of each composite effect. FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating the flow of the composite effect. FIG. 13 is a screen view showing a specific example of the composite effect.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when the gaming ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, this winning is used as an opportunity. A compound effect that is performed in a form that is compounded with the variable effect being executed may be executed. This combined effect is performed based on the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol performed when the game ball wins in the first start port 21. In that respect, it is common with the variable production during execution. On the other hand, in the variable effect, the start timing is fixed at almost the same timing as the timing in which the variable display of the first special symbol is started, whereas in the composite effect, the variable effect is being executed. The two are different in that the start timing is variable because the effect is that the game ball is newly won at the first start opening 21.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of such effect patterns of the combined effect are prepared, and there is a possibility that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the variable effect executed when the combined effect is started. There may be a complex effect that suggests that there is. Since the execution timing of such a composite effect is variable, it is possible to dramatically improve the variation of the effect by the variable effect and the compound effect.

It should be noted that this composite effect is not always executed if the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect, the execution condition of the compound effect is satisfied, and the compound effect is executed. Since it is executed when the effect lottery for deciding whether or not to perform is won, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect, the combined effect is executed and executed. It may not be done. In addition, the game ball is placed in the first starting port 21 in a state where the number of reserved first special symbol determinations has reached the upper limit "4" (that is, the right of the first special symbol determination cannot be further reserved). If a prize is won, the prize ball will be paid out according to the prize of the game ball to the first starting port 21, but even if the compound effect can be executed, the compound effect will be triggered by this prize. It will never be executed.

The flow of such a composite production is as follows. First, as the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state is started, the variation effect including the variation display of the effect symbol is started (see FIG. 10A). Then, when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 under the situation that the number of pending first special symbol determinations is "3" or less while the variable effect is being executed in this way (FIG. 10 (B). ), The payout control board pays out three prize balls to the upper plate 33 (or the lower plate 34) based on the instruction from the main CPU 81 (see FIG. 10C).

In addition, if the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 in a situation where the number of pending first special symbol determinations is "3" or less during the execution of the variation effect, the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved. , The hold icon (related to the first special symbol determination) is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, but the normal icon (white hold icon) is displayed as the hold icon based on the result of the preliminary judgment for the hold right. (See FIG. 10 (D)) and a special icon (hold icon with a display color other than white) is displayed as a hold icon (see FIG. 10 (E)).

By the way, when the compound effect and the display of the special icon as the hold icon are simultaneously performed according to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect, the player is accompanied by the compound effect. I am confused as to whether I should pay attention to the variable effect that is currently being performed, or whether I should pay attention to the variable effect corresponding to the reserved special icon, and execute the compound effect. So, on the contrary, there is a possibility that the effect of the production will be reduced.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the game ball wins the first starting port 21 in the situation where the number of pending first special symbol determinations is "3" or less during the execution of the variation effect, the winning is corresponding to the winning. When a special icon is displayed as a hold icon according to the winning, the compound effect is not executed (that is, the compound effect is not executed). Execution is restricted) (see FIGS. 10 (D) to (F)).

When the compound effect is executed while the normal icon as the hold icon is displayed, the ball appearance effect is first executed as the effect constituting the compound effect (see FIG. 10F). As described above, the compound effect is an effect executed when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect. In order to generate the compound effect, it is necessary for the player to continue left-handed while the variable effect is being executed. Therefore, the compound effect is for the first start port 21 during the execution of the variable effect related to the first special symbol determination. It is preferable to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner that the effect is executed with the winning of the game ball (additional winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21). Therefore, in order to suggest that the compound effect was started when the game ball passed through the first start opening 21, an additional prize suggesting that an additional prize for the game ball was generated for the first start port 21. As a suggestion effect, a ball appearance effect is to be executed.

In this ball appearance effect, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, a ball imitating a game ball is generated from a normal icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71, and this ball is a hold icon. It is configured as an effect display that moves upward from the display area 71 to the center of the display screen 70, and along with this effect display, characters such as "an additional prize has occurred!" Are displayed together with the display screen 70. In this way, in the ball appearance effect, the player can display the effect using the hold icon displayed when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect. It is possible to easily recognize that the compound effect has occurred based on the fact that the game ball has won a prize in the first starting opening 21 due to the left-handed hit.

The composite effect may be another effect as long as it can be suggested that the compound effect is started when the game ball passes through the first start port 21, and the ball appearance effect is, for example. , "A ball has entered the belly button!" Is output from the speaker 38, and an animation showing how the game ball wins the first starting port 21 in a part of the display area on the display screen 70 is reproduced. And so on.

Returning to the description of FIG. 10, a ball appearance effect (FIG. 10 (F)) may be followed by an unexploded effect (see FIG. 10 (G)) as a ghost effect.

By the way, when there is a high possibility that the hit notification effect is executed as a result of the variable effect in which the compound effect is compounded, that is, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable effect is "big hit". Or, even if it is "missing", if a fluctuation pattern with a relatively long fluctuation time is selected as the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol, it is a so-called chance-up effect that suggests that there is a possibility of a big hit. By executing the compound effect, it is possible to effectively improve the player's expectation for the jackpot.

However, if a configuration such as executing the composite effect only when there is a high possibility that the hit notification effect is executed as a result of the variable effect as described above is easily applied, the appearance rate of the compound effect is low. There is a concern that the appearance rate of the compound effect will be significantly reduced because the player who thinks that the compound effect will not occur even if the left-handed attack is continued stops the left-handed effect.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to suppress such a problem, when it is unlikely that the hit notification effect is executed as a result of the variation effect, that is, at the start of the variation effect. When the judgment result of the first special symbol determination is "missing" and the fluctuation pattern having a relatively short fluctuation time is selected as the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol, the ball appearance effect is followed by the misfire. It is decided to execute a compound production in which the production (gase production) is performed.

This unexploded ordnance is originally a place where a big hit is expected following the bursting effect display (single-shot bursting effect or continuous bursting effect described later) showing how a ball imitating a game ball bursts. It is configured as an effect display showing how a ball imitating a game ball shrinks and disappears without bursting.

By configuring the composite effect including such an unexploded effect, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the appearance rate of the compound effect. In addition, since the player can easily recognize that a compound effect may occur if the left-handed effect is continued even during the variable effect based on the ball appearance effect prior to the unexploded effect, the left-handed player can perform the left-handed effect during the variable effect. It is possible to effectively encourage the player to continue.

Up to this point, the composite effect in which the unexploded effect is performed following the ball appearance effect has been described, but there are cases where the compound effect in which the single burst effect is performed following the ball appearance effect is executed (FIGS. 10 (F) and (F)). See H)). Although this one-shot burst effect is not shown in the figure, it is configured as an effect display showing how a ball imitating a game ball bursts only once.

In this way, when the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)) is followed by the single-shot burst effect (see FIG. 10 (H)), the character display effect (see FIG. 10 (I)) or The SU effect (see FIG. 10 (J)) is executed.

Here, in the character display effect (see FIG. 10 (I)), after a ball imitating a game ball pops and disappears from the display screen 70 due to a single-shot burst effect, characters that make the player expect a big hit are displayed on the display screen 70. It is composed of effect displays to be displayed, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, when white characters are displayed (first effect pattern) and when red characters are displayed (second effect pattern). , There are cases where red characters are displayed large (third effect pattern), the jackpot reliability of the first effect pattern is set to about 2%, and the jackpot reliability of the second effect pattern is set to about 9%. The jackpot reliability of the third effect pattern is set to about 18%.

On the other hand, the SU effect (see FIG. 10 (J)) changes stepwise with the second stage (step 2) as the upper limit after the ball imitating the game ball bursts due to the one-shot burst effect and disappears from the display screen 70. It is configured as a stage production to get. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, four types of effect patterns, a first effect pattern to a fourth effect pattern, are prepared as the effect pattern of the SU effect, as illustrated in FIG. Here, the first effect pattern is an effect pattern in which the effect display of step 1 (first stage) showing the appearance of one bird taking off is performed, and the effect is completed in step 1. The second effect pattern is an effect pattern in which the effect display of step 1 showing the appearance of three birds taking off is performed, and the effect is completed in step 1. The third effect pattern is an effect pattern in which the effect display of step 1 showing the appearance of five birds taking off is performed, and the effect is completed in step 1. The fourth effect pattern is the effect display of step 1 indicating that any number of birds (1 bird or 3 birds or 5 birds) is taking off, followed by the effect display of step 2 showing the appearance of a large group of birds taking off. This is an effect pattern in which the effect display is performed and the effect is completed in this step 2.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the jackpot reliability of the SU effect of the first effect pattern is set to about 1%, and the jackpot reliability of the SU effect of the second effect pattern is set to about 3%. The jackpot reliability of the SU effect of the third effect pattern is set to about 5%, and the jackpot reliability of the SU effect of the fourth effect pattern is set to about 45%.

Comparing the character display effect and the SU effect described so far, the jackpot reliability of the SU effect of the 4th effect pattern is set to about 45%, so the effect progressed from the one-shot burst effect to the SU effect. In this case, the possibility that the SU effect develops into step 2 (the possibility that the SU effect of the fourth effect pattern is executed) is low. The SU effect of the first effect pattern to the third effect pattern, which ends in step 1, has a lower jackpot reliability than the character display effect of the third effect pattern (or the second effect pattern). Therefore, when the player progresses from the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)) to the single-shot burst effect (see FIG. 10 (H)), the player then performs the SU effect (see FIG. 10 (J)). You can enjoy the game while expecting that the effect progresses to the character display effect (see FIG. 10 (I)) instead of (see).

However, even if the production progresses to the SU production, if the production develops to step 2, on the contrary, the jackpot reliability will be higher than the character display production (red characters / large) of the third production pattern. Therefore, the player can enjoy the SU production without lowering the expectation for the big hit even if the production progresses to the SU production.

Needless to say, such a character display effect and a SU effect pattern are merely examples, and the content and number of the effect patterns may be different from those illustrated in the present embodiment.

Up to this point, the character display effect (see FIG. 10 (I)) or the SU effect (see FIG. 10 (J)) from the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)) to the single-shot burst effect (see FIG. 10 (H)). ), But the production progresses to the continuous bursting effect (see Fig. 10 (K)) following the ball appearance effect (see Fig. 10 (F)), and then the big character. In some cases, a composite effect in which the effect progresses to the appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (L)) is executed.

The continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10 (K)) is configured as an effect display showing how a ball imitating a game ball bursts a plurality of times in succession (see FIG. 13 (D)). In the single-shot plosive effect (see FIG. 10 (H)), an effect display showing how a ball imitating a game ball bursts only once is performed, whereas in a continuous burst effect, a ball imitating a game ball is displayed. It differs from the single-shot burst effect in that it bursts more often than the single-shot burst effect and takes a longer time than the single-shot burst effect. Then, as is clear from the notation in FIG. 10, when a single burst effect occurs, the effect proceeds to a character display effect or a SU effect, and when a continuous burst effect occurs, a large character appears after that. The production progresses to the production. For this reason, the player determines whether the production progresses to the character display production (or SU production) or the production to the large character appearance production, depending on the number of bursts of the ball imitating the game ball in the burst production. Based on this, it is possible to easily recognize (discriminate).

In the present embodiment, the large character appearance effect following the continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10 (L)) is an effect of displaying an effect image showing how a large character receives a lightning strike and stores energy on the display screen 70 in full screen. It is configured (see FIG. 13E). For this large character appearance effect, four effect patterns of the first effect pattern to the fourth effect pattern exemplified in FIG. 11 are prepared. Here, the first effect pattern is an effect pattern in which a background image expressed using white as the background of the large character is displayed, and the second effect pattern is expressed using green as the background of the large character. This is an effect pattern in which a background image is displayed. Further, the third effect pattern is an effect pattern in which a background image expressed using red as the background of the large character is displayed, and the fourth effect pattern is expressed using rainbow colors as the background of the large character. This is an effect pattern in which a background image is displayed.

Then, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the jackpot reliability of the big character appearance effect of the first effect pattern is set to about 10%, and the jackpot reliability of the big character appearance effect of the second effect pattern. Is set to about 20%, the jackpot reliability of the big character appearance production of the 3rd production pattern is set to about 35%, and the jackpot reliability of the big character appearance production of the 4th production pattern is 100% (at the time of appearance). It is set to (big hit rich).

Here, when comparing the effect after progressing to the continuous burst effect (large character appearance effect) and the effect after progressing to the single-shot burst effect (character display effect or SU effect), the former effect is generally better. However, the jackpot reliability tends to be higher than the latter production. For this reason, the player expects that when a ball rupture effect imitating a game ball occurs, the rupture is performed multiple times, that is, a continuous rupture effect is executed instead of a single-shot rupture effect. , You can enjoy the combined production.

<Regarding the presence or absence of compound production>
FIG. 12A illustrates a case where the common effect is executed when the compound effect does not occur during the execution of the variable effect. The common production is a production in which at least a part of the production content is common to the compound production, and an example is a production in which the above-mentioned large character appearance production and the production content are common. By the way, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, which will be described later based on FIG. 29, at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, the variation display of the effect symbol is performed by the variation effect pattern setting process of step S163. The variation effect pattern of the variation effect including the above is set by the sub CPU 91, and the effect pattern of the advance notice effect executed during the variation effect is set by the sub CPU 91 by the advance notice effect pattern setting process of step S164. Then, according to the process of step S165, the variable effect and the advance notice effect are executed based on these effect patterns. In the advance notice effect pattern setting process of step S164, the execution of the common effect which is one of the advance notice effects. A notice effect pattern for instructing is set, and as illustrated in FIG. 12A, a common effect may be executed during execution of the variable effect.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the ball appearance effect and the continuous burst effect are greatly triggered by the winning (additional winning) of the game ball to the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect. A compound effect composed of a character appearance effect may be executed in a form of being combined with a variable effect, but the common effect is an effect based on the advance notice effect pattern set at the start of the variable effect as described above. There is, and since it is not a production triggered by a game ball winning a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the fluctuation production, the common production is a large character appearance production that does not include the ball appearance production and the continuous burst production. The same production as is executed.

A plurality of effect execution timings are prepared in advance for the common effect common to the large character appearance effect, and the common effect is executed at any one of the plurality of effect execution timings. Therefore, although the execution timing of the common effect is not fixed, it can be said that there are many restrictions on the effect execution timing because it is limited to the timing prepared in advance.

On the other hand, the large character appearance effect is an effect executed (after the ball appearance effect and the continuous burst effect) triggered by the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect. It can be said that there are extremely many production execution timings, and there are few restrictions on the production execution timing compared to the common production.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in relation to the common effect executed based on the advance notice effect pattern set at the start of the variable effect, the large character appearance effect in which the common effect and the effect content are common. However, it is executed with the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variation effect. Therefore, as a result, it is possible to obtain an effect almost equivalent to significantly increasing the execution timing of the common effect. In the present embodiment, the common effect is the same as the large character appearance effect as the compound effect, but if a combined effect and at least a part of the effect content are common to the combined effect, it is possible to further prepare the effect. It is possible to increase the above effect.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12B, the advance notice effect pattern instructing the execution of the common effect (common to the large character appearance effect) is set at the start of the variable effect, and the variable effect is being executed. In the above, a case where a large character appearance effect triggered by a prize of a game ball to the first starting port 21 is executed before the execution of the common effect will be described.

As described above based on FIGS. 10 and 11, the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the fluctuation effect accompanying the fluctuation display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, and this prize is used as an opportunity. A ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)), a continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10 (K)), and a large character appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (L)) may be executed. As for the common production, four production patterns of the first production pattern to the fourth production pattern are prepared as in the large character appearance production exemplified in FIG. 11, and the common production and the large character appearance production are production patterns. If they are the same, the jackpot reliability is almost the same.

As described above, when the large character appearance effect that constitutes the compound effect is executed during the execution of the variable effect, the large character performs the common effect based on the notice effect pattern set at the start of the variable effect within the same variation. If it is executed after the appearance production, two productions with the same meaning will be executed within the same fluctuation, and the accumulation of improving the entertainment will rather reduce the entertainment by executing the common production. Can be considered. In addition, there is a concern that these effects may reduce the visibility of each other because the common effects are started during the execution of the large character appearance effects.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to suppress such a problem, if the compound effect (large character appearance effect) is not executed during the execution of the variable effect, the variable effect is performed. While allowing the common effect to be executed during execution (see FIG. 12A), when the compound effect (large character appearance effect) is executed first during the execution of the variable effect, that is, the large character appears. When the start timing of the effect is earlier than the start timing of the common effect, the execution of the common effect is restricted during the execution of the variable effect (see FIG. 12B). In FIG. 12B, it is shown that the common effect is not executed after the compound effect consisting of the ball appearance effect, the continuous burst effect, and the large character appearance effect. It is represented with a mark.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the sub CPU 91 issues a composite effect start command to the image / sound control board 100, which includes information instructing not to execute the common effect (which was instructed at the start of the variable effect). By transmitting, both the large character appearance effect and the common effect are restricted (prevented from being executed) within the same variation, but in other embodiments, the large character appears within the same variation. When both the appearance effect and the common effect are to be executed, a production lottery for whether or not to execute the common effect is executed, and based on the result of this effect lottery, the large character appearance effect and the large character appearance effect within the same fluctuation. In some cases where both of the common effects are to be executed, a configuration may be adopted such that the common effects are not executed. In addition, when the loss notification effect is executed as a result of the variable effect in which the compound effect is compounded, it is prohibited to execute both the large character appearance effect and the common effect within the same variation, while the compound effect is compounded. A configuration may be adopted in which both the large character appearance effect and the common effect are allowed to be executed within the same variation for a part of the case where the hit notification effect is executed as a result of the variation effect. If such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to make a production in which a large character appearance effect and a common effect are combined within the same fluctuation function as a definite notification effect for deterministically notifying a big hit.

<Specific example of compound production>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, it is composed of a ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)), a continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10 (K)), and a large character appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (L)). A specific example of the combined effect will be described. FIG. 13A corresponds to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 with one hold icon (here, a normal icon) displayed in the hold icon display area 71 on the display screen 70. In order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing", the production symbol showing the disparity of "634" is stopped as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. The displayed state is illustrated.

In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the lost symbol was stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, the earliest hold displayed in the hold icon display area 71 is reached. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon (here, the normal icon) is executed. Then, the earliest hold icon is shifted to the icon display area 72 and displayed as the icon, and the scroll display of the three symbol columns is started (see FIGS. 13A and 13B).

In this way, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 while the variation effect is being executed on the display screen 70, a new hold icon (here, a normal icon) is displayed in the hold icon display area 71. At the same time, the above-mentioned ball appearance effect is executed based on FIG. 10 (F) and the like (see FIG. 13 (C)). Specifically, a ball imitating a game ball pops out from the normal icon newly displayed in the hold icon display area 71, and this ball moves from the hold icon display area 71 to the center of the display screen 70. An effect display is performed to show how the icon is moving upward. At that time, in addition to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21, which triggered the fluctuation effect during execution, it is more effective that a new winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 has occurred. To suggest, the characters "Additional prizes have occurred!" Are displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 13 (C)).

Following such a ball appearance effect, the above-mentioned continuous burst effect may be executed based on FIG. 10 (K) and the like (see FIG. 13 (D)). As described above, this continuous burst effect is configured as an effect display showing how a ball imitating a game ball bursts a plurality of times in succession. When this continuous burst effect is executed, the character display effect and the SU effect are not executed following the continuous burst effect, and the large character appearance effect is executed. Therefore, the player can perform this continuous burst effect. Based on the production, it is possible to recognize in advance that the large character appearance production will be executed.

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the continuous burst effect, the continuous burst effect ends and the large character appearance effect is executed (see FIG. 13 (E)). As described above, this large character appearance effect is configured to display an effect image showing how a large character receives a lightning strike and accumulates energy on the display screen 70 in full screen, and is described above based on FIG. 11 and the like. As you can see, the jackpot reliability changes depending on the display color of the background of the big character. For example, when a large character appearance effect of the third effect pattern in which a background image expressed using red as the background of the large character is executed, the jackpot reliability is about 35% (FIG. 11). (See), after which the reach is always established and some kind of reach effect is executed. FIG. 13 (F) illustrates how the reach was established with 7 symbols after the large character appearance production was completed.

In addition, the big character appearance production has a jackpot reliability of about 10% even if it is the first production pattern with the lowest jackpot reliability, and the big character appearance production of any of the production patterns from the first production pattern to the fourth production pattern. Is executed, some kind of reach effect is always executed, no reach effect (see FIG. 6B) is executed, and the loss notification effect (see FIG. 6C) is not executed as it is. Further, regarding the character display effect of the second effect pattern to the third effect pattern and the SU effect of the third effect pattern to the fourth effect pattern, which are exemplified in FIG. 11, the presence or absence of the reach effect is the same as that of the large character appearance effect. On the other hand, the character display effect of the first effect pattern (big hit reliability: about 2%) and the SU effect of the first effect pattern to the second effect pattern (big hit reliability: about 1%, about 3%). ), The jackpot reliability is extremely low, and there are cases where the effect with reach is executed and cases where the effect without reach is executed.

Up to this point, a specific example of the composite effect including the large character appearance effect has been described with reference to FIG. 13, but the large character appearance effect is not limited to the one in which the entire character is displayed on the display screen 70 in a large size, and the upper body of the character is not limited to the one in which the entire character is displayed in a large size. Only the character may be displayed large on the display screen 70, or only the character's face and right hand may be displayed large on the display screen 70.

(Action effect by compound production)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variation effect, the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the execution variation effect is obtained. The based composite effect may be performed together with the variable effect. Since this composite effect is an effect in which the effect execution timing changes depending on the timing at which the game ball passes through the first start port 21, the compound effect is improved by the synergistic effect of the variable effect and the compound effect. It is possible to easily and effectively suppress the problem that the effect becomes monotonous due to the fixed execution timing of the above and the effect is lowered as a result.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is suggested by the composite effect (ball appearance effect: see FIG. 10 (F)) that the compound effect is started when the game ball passes through the first starting port 21. Will be done. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the compound effect may be executed if the game ball is passed through the first starting port 21, and the player who wants to generate the compound effect Therefore, it is possible to give motivation for continuing the handle operation for launching the game ball to the game area 3 even after the variable effect is started, and it is possible to improve the possibility that the compound effect is executed. ..

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the compound effect is not executed during the execution of the variable effect, it is permitted to execute the common effect during the execution of the variable effect (see FIG. 12A). ), On the contrary, when the composite effect is executed first during the execution of the variable effect, it is restricted that the common effect is executed during the execution of the variable effect (see FIG. 12B). For this reason, it is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the effect is rather lowered due to the execution of both the compound effect and the common effect in which at least a part of the effect content is common to each other within the same variation. Is.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the compound effect includes the character display effect, the SU effect, or the large character appearance effect, the hit notification effect may be executed in the variable effect. It is a suggestive production. Therefore, it is possible to effectively improve the expectation that the compound effect is executed for the player who expects the hit notification effect to be executed, and the game ball is launched during the execution of the variable effect. It is possible to effectively promote the continuation of (left-handed), and to obtain a high effect when the compound effect is executed.

(Transformation example related to compound production)
The following configuration may be adopted for the composite effect.
That is, in the present embodiment, when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 while the number of pending first special symbol determinations has reached the upper limit of "4" during the execution of the variable effect, the combined effect is achieved. Will be described as an example of the case where A configuration may be adopted in which a compound effect can be executed even when a game ball wins a prize. By adopting such a configuration, the appearance rate of the composite effect can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 in a situation where the number of holdings for the first special symbol determination is "3" or less during the execution of the variation effect, the holding icon is given according to the winning. When the special icon is displayed, the case where the compound effect is not executed will be described as an example, but in another embodiment, it is special according to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect. With respect to the case where the icon is displayed, the composite effect may be executed with a relatively low probability (for example, 5%).

Further, in another embodiment, when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 in a situation where the number of holdings of the first special symbol determination is "3" or less during the execution of the variation effect, it is held according to the winning. Regardless of whether or not the special icon is displayed as an icon (whether the displayed hold icon is a normal icon or a special icon), the execution condition of the compound effect is satisfied and the compound effect is executed. If you win the lottery, you may adopt a configuration that executes a compound effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the common effect is an effect in which at least a part of the effect content is common to the compound effect because the effect content is common to the large character appearance effect constituting the compound effect. However, in other embodiments, the common effect may be the same effect as the compound effect. For example, as a common effect, a ball appearance effect, a continuous burst effect, or a large character appearance effect may be executed. When such a configuration is adopted, almost the same effect as the compound effect is executed as a common effect. Therefore, even if the game ball does not easily win in the general winning opening 24, the game is played in the general winning opening 24. It is possible to give the player the impression that the ball has won a prize, and it is possible to contribute to the promotion of launching the game ball during the execution of the variable effect.

Further, in another embodiment, the composite effect is unique to the compound effect in which the effect having the same (or similar) content as the compound effect is not executed as the advance notice effect based on the advance notice effect pattern set at the start of the variable effect. It may be used as a production of. That is, a configuration in which a common effect common to the large character appearance effect does not appear as in the present embodiment may be adopted. If such a configuration is adopted, the player does not perform a compound effect (for example, a large character appearance effect) unless the player continues to hit the left side and wins the game ball in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect. Since it cannot be generated, it is possible to give a strong motivation to the player who wants to generate the compound effect with respect to continuing the left-handed strike during the execution of the variable effect.

[General prize production]
Hereinafter, the general winning effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. Here, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the general winning effect, and FIGS. 15 and 16 are screen views showing a specific example of the combined effect.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, the right of the first special symbol determination performed in response to this winning is given. It is suspended, and as described above, a pre-determination process for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is performed before the first special symbol determination is performed for this right. Then, based on the result of this preliminary determination, an expected effect that causes the player to expect that the big hit game is executed (the hit notification effect is executed) may be executed.

The expected effects include an icon change effect that displays the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 as a special icon from the beginning, an icon change effect that changes the display color of the hold icon with the start of the change effect, and a hold. An icon change effect that changes the display color as the icon shifts to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as the icon, and an icon that changes the display color of the icon displayed in the icon display area 72. An example is a change effect.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game is controlled in the normal gaming state, as an expected effect based on the preliminary determination result relating to the reserved right of the first special symbol determination, the "general prize" is given. Expected production called "production" may be executed. As described above based on FIG. 2, three general winning openings 24 are provided in the left game area 3L where the game ball flows down, and the game is controlled in the normal gaming state in the “general winning effect”. Occasionally, it is executed when the player hits the left-handed game ball and wins a prize in any of these three general winning openings 24.

It should be noted that this general winning effect is not always executed if the game ball wins a prize in any of the above three general winning openings 24 in a situation where the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved in the normal game state. , The general winning effect may or may not be executed. The flow of this general prize production is as follows.

First, when the player hits the left in the normal gaming state and the game ball wins in any of the three general winning openings 24 (see FIG. 14 (A)), the upper plate 33 (or the lower plate 34) is reached. Five prize balls are paid out (see FIG. 14 (B)). Here, when the general winning effect is executed, first, the warp section light emitting effect is executed (see FIG. 14 (C)). In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the warp portion 12 (see FIG. 2) is formed of a translucent resin member, and the warp portion 12 among a large number of LEDs constituting the board lamp 5 (see FIG. 4). By emitting light in a predetermined light emission pattern by the LED provided behind the warp part 12, the warp part light emission effect for causing the warp part 12 to emit light is realized.

In this warp portion light emitting effect, when the general winning effect is executed, the game ball wins in any one of the three general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L. It starts almost at the same time and continues until the general prize production is finished.

Next, regarding the general winning effect based on the result of the pre-judgment process, when the variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) corresponding to the right for which the pre-determination process is performed is regarded as "look-ahead target variation". In addition, when the "pre-target variation" which is the variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) performed before this "pre-reading target variation" is executed, the following "pre-target variation" is performed. The production is performed like this. That is, it indicates that the variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) that was performed at the timing when the warp portion light emission effect was started is completed, and the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing". When the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in the present embodiment), the variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) as the pre-target variation is started (FIG.). 14 (D)). Along with the start of this pre-target fluctuation, the door opening fanning effect is executed (see FIG. 14 (E)).

In this door opening fanning effect, a door image, which is an effect image representing the door, is displayed in the display area on the left side of the icon display area 72 on the display screen 70, and the player is expected to open the door represented by this door image. Therefore, using the door image, an effect display showing how the door rattles is performed (see, for example, FIG. 15 (D)). FIG. 15D exemplifies a state in which an animation showing a state in which the door rattling and swaying shown in the door image is reproduced, and the character "rattling" is displayed. It should be noted that the door image may be started to be displayed with the start of the door opening fanning effect, or may be started to be displayed with the start of the warp portion light emitting effect. In addition, although not shown in the figure, in the door opening fanning effect, when such an effect display is performed, the sound generated when the actual door rattles is the effect related to the door opening fanning effect. It is output from the speaker 38 as sound. In this way, the door opening fanning effect is performed at the start of the pre-target fluctuation, and the first special symbol (notifying the loss) is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time after the pre-target fluctuation is completed. A door stationary effect is performed to show that the rattling door is stationary (see FIGS. 14 (F) and 15 (E)).

If the pre-target variation is performed a plurality of times before the pre-reading target variation, the above-mentioned door opening fanning effect (and door stationary effect) is executed for each pre-target variation. Further, it is not preferable to execute the door opening fanning effect by using the variable display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) in which the effect with reach is performed, because it may hinder the reach effect. Therefore, the door opening fanning effect is executed by using the variable display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) in which the effect with reach is not performed and the effect without reach is performed. For this reason, when the pre-target variation is a variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) in which the effect with reach is executed, it is composed of the pre-target variation effect and the look-ahead target variation effect. General prize-winning effects will not be executed.

By the way, when the game ball wins in any of the general winning openings 24 (among the three general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L) during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. It is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the warp portion light emitting effect and the door opening fanning effect are executed during the variable display of the first special symbol. However, when the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved and the number of reservations is relatively large, the variation pattern in which the variation time of the first special symbol is relatively short (for example, FIG. 7C) is exemplified. Fluctuation patterns K to L) are selected, and for example, a game ball may win in the general winning opening 24 at the end of the variation display of the first special symbol. Therefore, if the above configuration is easily adopted, the general winning opening The door opening fanning effect is not completed by the end of the variable display of the first special symbol executed at the timing when the game ball wins in 24, and the start timing of the door stationary effect is delayed due to this. (The door stationary effect cannot be started at the timing when the stop display of the first special symbol is started) may occur.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball wins a prize in any of the general winning openings 24 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, the variable display of the first special symbol is performed. Although the warp part light emission effect is started, the door opening fanning effect is not executed, and the door opening fanning effect is started with the start of the next variable display of the variable display of the first special symbol. For this reason, there is a problem that the door opening fanning effect is executed when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time, and the door stationary effect is performed even after the variable display of the next first special symbol is started. It is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of problems such as incompleteness.

Up to this point, we have explained the warp part light emission effect, door open fan effect, and door stationary effect that are executed before the look-ahead target change starts, but the same number of door open fan effect and door stationary effect as the number of pre-target changes After that, the following effects are performed in the look-ahead target change. That is, when the variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) as the look-ahead target variation is started (see FIG. 14 (G)), the door opening effect is performed (see FIG. 14 (H)). This door opening effect is an effect display showing how the door is opened as shown by the door image using the door image displayed even in the pre-target variation (see, for example, FIGS. 15 (G) to 15 (H)).

When this door opening effect is performed, the character A appearance effect (see FIG. 14 (I)) showing the appearance of the character A (character A) appearing from the other side of the door, and the character B (see FIG. 14 (I)) are subsequently performed. Character B appearance production (see Fig. 14 (K)) showing the appearance of character B), and character C appearance production (see Fig. 14 (M)) showing the appearance of character C (character C) from the other side of the door. ), And one of the swan appearance effects (see FIG. 14 (O)) showing the appearance of the swan from the other side of the door is executed.

<Game explanation production>
When the character A appearance effect (see FIG. 14 (I)) is executed following the door opening effect (see FIG. 14 (H)), the game explanation effect by the character A is performed (see FIG. 14 (J)). .. This game explanation production is a production in which character A who appeared from the back of the door explains the game about the production performed on the game machine 1, and the appearance of character A issuing a line such as "7 design tempai is a big chance!" The effect display to be represented is given as an example of the game explanation effect. The game explanation effect in the present embodiment is not an effect that suggests that the hit notification effect may be executed in the look-ahead target change, but the possibility that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target change is relative. The game explanation effect of the effect pattern suggesting that the value is high may be executed, or the game explanation effect of the effect pattern that deterministically notifies that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the pre-reading target change may be executed.

<Tweet production>
When the character B appearance effect (see FIG. 14 (K)) is executed following the door opening effect (see FIG. 14 (H)), the tweet effect by the character B is performed (see FIG. 14 (L)). This tweet effect is an effect display showing the character B appearing from the back of the door muttering a soliloquy, and an example is an effect display showing the character B muttering a soliloquy saying "I want to go play".

Although not shown in the figure, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a set value related to the jackpot probability is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83, and the set value is set by a hall clerk performing a predetermined operation. Can be changed. To explain the jackpot probability in the low probability state as an example, when the set value is "1" (minimum setting), the jackpot probability is set to 1/200 (see FIG. 5 (A)), and the set value is "2". , The jackpot probability is set to 1/190, the jackpot probability is set to 1/180 when the set value is "3", and the jackpot probability is set to 1/180 when the set value is "4". Is set to 1/170, the jackpot probability is set to 1/160 when the set value is "5", and the jackpot probability is 1/150 when the set value is "6" (highest setting). Is set to.

A large number of effect patterns are prepared for the tweet effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, and most of them are irrelevant to the set value of the jackpot probability. On the other hand, some of the effect patterns of the tweet effect imply the set value of the jackpot probability. For example, if the jackpot probability setting value is set to any of "4", "5", and "6", a tweet effect showing how character B mutters a soliloquy such as "Today is a bit different!" May be executed. Such a tweet effect that implies the setting value of the jackpot probability does not directly suggest that the hit notification effect may be finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation, but the jackpot probability setting is set high. By implying that there is a possibility, it is possible to effectively improve the player's expectation that the jackpot game will be performed.

It should be noted that the tweet effect that suggests the set value of the jackpot probability can be realized by the following processing. That is, specifically, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 acquires the set value of the jackpot probability stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 83 of the main control board 80 at the timing when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on. Then, the information indicating the acquired set value is held in the predetermined area of the sub RAM 93. Then, when the sub CPU 91 decides to execute the general winning effect including the character B appearance effect and the tweet effect, and further, based on the effect lottery, if it decides to imply the set value of the jackpot probability, the sub CPU 91 determines. From the table (stored in the sub ROM 92) for specifying the jackpot probability setting value based on the information held in the sub RAM 93 and selecting the effect pattern of the tweet effect, to the current jackpot probability setting value. By reading out the corresponding 1 effect pattern, the effect pattern of the tweet effect for suggesting the set value of the jackpot probability is set. Then, by transmitting a command instructing the execution of the tweet effect in the set effect pattern to the image / sound control board 100, the tweet effect that implies the set value of the jackpot probability is realized.

<Setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect>
When the character C appearance effect (see FIG. 14 (M)) is executed following the door opening effect (see FIG. 14 (H)), the setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect by the character C is performed (FIG. 14 (N)). )reference). This setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect is an effect that implies the current setting value of the jackpot probability and deterministically notifies that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target variation. Therefore, the setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect is executed only when the result of the preliminary determination corresponding to the pre-reading target variation indicates that the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a “big hit”. It can be said that it is a production. In addition, regarding a part of the case where the set value of the jackpot probability is "2" or more and the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation, for example, the character C appearing from the back of the open door is silver. A setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect that shows how to draw a picture of the premier character of is executed. Further, regarding a part of the case where the set value of the jackpot probability is any of "4" to "6" and the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation, for example, from the back of the open door. A setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect showing how the appearing character C draws a picture of a golden premier character is executed. Then, for a part of the case where the set value of the jackpot probability is "6" and the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation, for example, the character C appearing from the back of the open door is a rainbow. A setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect that shows how to draw a picture of a color premier character is executed.

<Icon change effect>
When the door opening effect (see FIG. 14 (H)) is followed by the swan appearance effect (see FIG. 14 (O)), the swan that jumps out from the back of the opened door is displayed in the icon display area 72. An attack is applied to the icon to change the display color of the icon, and then the icon change effect is performed to show how the icon takes off (see FIG. 14 (P)).

As described above, in the general winning effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, different effects are executed according to the type of the character appearing by the appearance effect following the door opening effect.

(Specific example of general prize production)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a specific example of the general prize-winning effect will be described by taking as an example the case where the tweet effect is executed following the character B appearance effect. In FIG. 15A, four hold icons are displayed in the hold icon display area 71, and the first special symbol corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is changed and displayed. An example shows how a variable display of an effect symbol is performed. Here, it is assumed that a special icon (for example, a green hold icon) is displayed as the third hold icon corresponding to the change in the look-ahead target.

FIG. 15A exemplifies a state in which the left 6 symbols are pseudo-stopped, but the right 1 symbol may be pseudo-stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the left 6 symbols are pseudo-stopped (FIG. FIG. 15 (B)). In FIG. 15B, the general winning opening 24 (one of the three general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L) at the timing when the left 6 symbols and the right 1 symbol are pseudo-stopped. It is exemplified that the above-mentioned warp portion light emitting effect (see FIG. 14C) is executed when the game ball wins a prize. The warp part light emitting effect continues until the general winning effect is completed, whereas in FIGS. 15 and 16, in order to avoid unnecessarily complicated drawings, only in FIG. 15B. The warp portion 12 is shown, and the warp portion 12 is omitted for each of the other screen views.

FIG. 15B exemplifies a state immediately after the display of the door image in the display area on the left side of the icon display area 72 on the display screen 70 is started with the start of the warp portion light emission effect. As is clear from the notation of FIG. 15B and the notation of FIG. 2, the warp portion 12 is located close to the three general winning openings 24 in the left game area 3L and also close to the display area of the door image. It is provided. Therefore, by causing the warp unit 12 to emit light at the timing when the game ball wins in the general winning opening 24, the line of sight of the player who was watching the game ball winning in the general winning opening 24 is guided to the warp unit 12. As a result, it is possible to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner that the display of the door image has started, that is, that the general winning effect has started.

In the present embodiment, the light emission of the warp unit 12 is started at substantially the same timing as the display start of the door image, but if the display start of the door image can be notified in an easy-to-understand manner, what is the warp unit light emission effect? Different effects may be performed, and for example, one or a plurality of LEDs close to the three general winning openings 24 among the large number of LEDs constituting the board lamp 5 may be emitted. .. Further, the light emitting effect is not limited to the one using the board lamp 5, and the display screen 70 is used, for example, by performing a display effect for reproducing an animation showing how the door image displayed on the display screen 70 emits light. It is also conceivable to use a light emitting effect. Further, an effect sound for notifying that the general winning effect has started is output from the speaker 38, or the output of this effect sound is a light emission effect using the board lamp 5 (or a light emission effect using the display screen 70). ) May be combined.

In FIG. 15C, in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon is “missing”, “missing” is notified by the stop display of the first special symbol. It is exemplified that the three effect symbols showing the disparity of "651" are stopped, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is erased. In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the stop display of the first special symbol for notifying "loss", it is displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest hold icon (see FIG. 15C) is executed. Then, when the first special symbol determination is executed, the shift processing for each hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 is executed along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol. Moreover, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 15C to 15D).

As described above, the variation display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) started after the warp portion light emission effect is started is the above-mentioned pre-target variation (see FIG. 14 (D)), and the pre-target variation. Along with the start, the above-mentioned door opening fanning effect is executed based on FIG. 14 (E) and the like (see FIG. 15 (D)). The door opening fanning effect is as described above. In FIGS. 15 (C) and 15 (D), the hold icon corresponding to the look-ahead target change displayed as the third hold icon is shifted, and this hold icon is the second hold. The appearance of being displayed as an icon is illustrated.

In this way, when the pre-target fluctuation started with the execution of the door opening fanning effect is completed, the stop display of the first special symbol (and the main stop of the effect symbol) for notifying the "loss" is accompanied by FIG. The above-mentioned door stationary effect is executed based on (F) and the like (see FIG. 15 (E)). In FIG. 15 (E), in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon is "missing", the stop display of the first special symbol for notifying "missing" is accompanied. It is exemplified that the three effect symbols indicating the disparity of "382" are stopped, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is erased. In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the stop display of the first special symbol for notifying "loss", it is displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest hold icon (see FIG. 15E) is executed. Then, when the first special symbol determination is executed, the shift processing for each hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 is executed along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol. Moreover, the scroll display of the three symbol columns is started (see FIGS. 15 (E) to 15 (F)). That is, the second pre-target fluctuation is started.

FIG. 15F exemplifies a state in which the door opening fanning effect is executed with the start of the second pre-target fluctuation. The door opening fanning effect executed at the start of the second pre-target variation is the same as the door opening fanning effect (see FIG. 15D) executed at the start of the first pre-target variation. In FIGS. 15 (E) and 15 (F), the hold icon corresponding to the look-ahead target change displayed as the second hold icon is shifted, and this hold icon is the earliest hold icon. It is illustrated how it is displayed as.

In this way, when the second pre-target fluctuation started with the execution of the door opening fanning effect is completed, the stop display of the first special symbol (and the main stop of the effect symbol) that notifies "missing" is accompanied. , The door stationary effect is executed (see FIG. 15 (G)). In FIG. 15 (G), in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon is “missing”, the stop display of the first special symbol that notifies “loss” is accompanied. It is exemplified that the three effect symbols indicating the disparity of "463" are stopped, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is erased. In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the stop display of the first special symbol for notifying "loss" was started, the icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The earliest hold icon (see FIG. 15 (G)), that is, the first special symbol determination corresponding to the hold icon corresponding to the look-ahead target variation is executed. Then, when the first special symbol determination is executed, the shift processing for each hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 is executed along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol. Moreover, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 15 (G) to (H)). That is, the look-ahead target variation is started.

When the look-ahead target variation is started, the door opening effect is executed as described above based on FIG. 14 (H) and the like (see FIG. 15 (H)). Here, the character B appearance effect is executed following the door opening effect, but the character B appearance effect and the tweet effect (following the character B appearance effect) are executed using the central display area on the display screen 70. Therefore, with the start of the character B appearance effect, the small symbol variation display of the effect symbol is started in the display area on the upper right side of the display screen 70 (FIGS. 15 (H) to (H). I) See). This also applies when other appearance effects such as character A appearance effect and character C appearance effect are performed.

In FIG. 16 (A), the character B, who appeared from the back of the door, pushed up the sword with the item with the letter "V" that definitely informs the jackpot, and pushed up the sword. An example is the execution of a tweeting effect that expresses the muttering of a soliloquy saying "I picked up!". In the above description based on FIG. 14 (L), a tweeting effect of the effect content irrelevant to the set value of the jackpot probability and a tweeting effect of the effect content implying the set value of the jackpot probability have been described as examples. However, as illustrated in FIG. 16A, there is a case where a tweet effect of the effect content for deterministically notifying that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target variation is executed.

As described above, when the tweet effect functioning as the definite notification effect is executed at the start of the look-ahead target change, for example, the following effect display is executed thereafter. That is, when the tweet effect is completed, the above-mentioned warp portion light emission effect is also terminated, and accordingly, the small symbol variation display of the effect symbol is terminated, and the variation display of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display area 73 is resumed ( 16 (A)-(B)). Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the look-ahead target variation, the left symbol is pseudo-stopped (same as the left symbol), and then the right symbol is pseudo-stopped to establish reach (see FIGS. 16A to 16C). .. Although FIG. 16 (C) illustrates how the reach is established with 7 symbols, the reach may be established with other effect symbols (for example, 2 symbols). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the jackpot reliability differs depending on the type of the effect symbol displayed as the reach symbol, and the jackpot reliability is the highest when the reach is established with the 7 symbols (for example, the jackpot reliability). Degree: 70%), the jackpot reliability is the next highest when reach is established with 3 symbols (for example, jackpot reliability: 25%), and the jackpot reliability is low when reach is established with other production symbols. It is set to a value.

In the example shown in FIG. 16C, since the reach is established with 7 symbols, the jackpot reliability is extremely high, and the hit notification effect may be executed in the normal reach started after the reach is established (FIG. 16). (D)-(F)). Here, the case where the hit notification effect is executed in the normal reach (see FIG. 6 (F)) has been described as an example, but the hit notification effect is executed in the SP reach (see FIG. 6 (H)) developed from the normal reach. In some cases, the hit notification effect is executed in the SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (I)) which is directly developed from the normal reach (or developed via the SP reach).

Further, here, since the tweet effect that functions as the definite notification effect is executed at the start of the look-ahead target change, the hit notification effect is always executed in any of the reach effects, but it does not function as the definite notification effect. When the tweet effect is executed, the hit notification effect (or the loss notification effect) is executed in any of the reach effects, and the reach effect is not executed (in FIGS. 6B and 6C). Based on the above-mentioned), there are times when the non-reach effect and the loss notification effect are executed.

Up to this point, specific examples of the general prize-winning production including the character B appearance production and the tweet production have been described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, but the character A appearance is different except that the production performed after the door opening production is different. When the effect and game explanation effect are executed, when the character C appearance effect and the setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect are executed, and when the swan appearance effect and the icon change effect are executed, the general flow is almost the same. The winning production is executed.

The case where two pre-target fluctuations are executed has been described as an example with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, but there are cases where the number of pre-target fluctuations is one and the number of pre-target fluctuations is three. be. On the other hand, if the warp part light emission effect is executed while the hold icon corresponding to the look-ahead target change is displayed as the earliest hold icon, the symbol change that is executed first after the start of the warp part light emission effect is The look-ahead target changes. In such a case, the pre-target variation exemplified in FIGS. 14 (D) and the door opening fanning effect and the door stationary effect exemplified in FIGS. 14 (E) to 14 (F) are not executed, and the look-ahead is performed. With the start of the target change, the effects after the door opening effect shown in FIG. 14 (H) are executed.

(Effects of general prize production)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the jackpot game to be executed based on the result of the pre-determination process by the main CPU 81, and this expected effect is general. As a winning effect, it may be executed when the game ball passes through any of the general winning openings 24 (to be exact, the general winning opening sensor 241) provided in the left game area 3L. Therefore, the player can feel the unexpectedness, and a high effect can be obtained.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball wins in the general winning opening 24 (when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24), the prize ball is paid out, while the special symbol determination or the normal symbol is performed. Although a judgment such as a judgment is not made, a general prize-winning effect may be executed. Therefore, the general winning opening 24 can have a meaning other than the payout of the game ball, and it is possible to execute a highly entertaining production using the general winning opening 24.

Further, since the start timing of the warp section light emitting effect that is first executed as the general winning effect changes depending on the timing at which the game ball wins the general winning opening 24, for example, the start timing is expected to be fixed at the start of the fluctuation. Compared to the case where the production is executed, the production start timing is abundant, and it is possible to obtain a higher production effect.

(Modification example of general prize production)
The following configuration may be adopted for the general prize-winning effect.
That is, in the present embodiment, in the pre-target variation, the door opening fanning effect is performed in order to improve the expectation of the player, and the effect after the door opening effect is performed with the start of the look-ahead target variation (FIGS. 14 (H) to 14 (H). P) The case of executing) has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, the door opening effect (see FIG. 14 (H)) is performed in the first pre-target variation, and the four types exemplified in FIG. 14 in the second pre-target variation are performed. Part of the effect performed by the look-ahead target change is performed before the start of the look-ahead target change, such as performing one of the appearance effects and performing only the effect after the appearance effect in the look-ahead target change. You may. In addition, all the effects that are to be performed by the look-ahead target change in the present embodiment may be performed before the start of the look-ahead target change.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the game ball wins in any of the three general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L, the general winning effect may be executed. The case where the general winning effect is not executed when the game ball wins in the general winning opening 24 provided in the right game area 3R has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the general winning effect can be executed even if the game ball wins in any of the four general winning openings 24. However, when the game is controlled in the normal gaming state, it is necessary for the player to strike left, so it is not preferable to adopt the configuration of such another embodiment. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt the configuration exemplified in this embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, as an expected effect based on the preliminary determination result, a case where a general winning effect using a door image and a character is executed has been described as an example, but in the general winning effect, a jackpot game is executed. As long as it can be expected by the player, it is not limited to the general winning effect exemplified in this embodiment, and in other embodiments, the general winning effect exemplified in FIG. 14 is the production content. A general prize-winning effect in which some or all of them are different may be executed as an expected effect.

Hereinafter, the RAM configuration of each control board and the processing performed on each control board will be described in order to realize the effects described with reference to the drawings up to FIG.

[Configuration example of main RAM 83]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the storage area of the main RAM 83 and the information stored in each storage area. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the main RAM 83 has a determination storage area 830 as a storage area for storing acquired information or the like acquired when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21. 1st and 1st reserved storage areas 831, 1st and 2nd reserved storage areas 832, 1st and 3rd reserved storage areas 833, and 1st and 4th reserved storage areas 834 are provided. Further, in the main RAM 83, as a storage area for storing the acquired information or the like acquired when the game ball wins in the second starting port 22, the determination storage area 830 and the special figure 2 / first reserved storage area 835 are stored. , Special Figure 2 / 2nd Hold Storage Area 836, Special Figure 2 / 3rd Hold Storage Area 837, and Special Figure 2 / 4th Hold Storage Area 838 are provided.

The determination storage area 830 is a storage area in which various information used for the special symbol determination is stored when the special symbol determination is actually executed. The special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1 and the fourth reserved storage area 834 are storage areas for storing various information related to the first special symbol determination, and the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area. 835 to the special figure 2 and the fourth reserved storage area 838 are storage areas for storing various information related to the second special symbol determination. When both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are suspended, the second special symbol determination is preferentially digested over the first special symbol determination. Therefore, in the determination storage area 830, when the second special symbol determination is suspended when the reserved special symbol determination is executed, it is stored in the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area 835. When various information is shifted and only the first special symbol determination is reserved, the various information stored in the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 is shifted.

As illustrated in FIG. 17B, the reserved storage areas 831 to 838 are areas for storing information for holding the right of special symbol determination, and each is a jackpot random number acquired by the main CPU 81. It includes an area for storing a symbol random number, an area for storing a reach random number, an area for storing a variation pattern random number, an area for storing prior determination information which is information indicating a preliminary determination result, and the like.

Here, the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number are as described above based on FIGS. 5 and 7. The pre-determination information is information obtained by a pre-determination process (see FIG. 20) described later based on a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number. The pre-judgment information is, specifically, winning start information, information indicating whether or not the judgment result of the special symbol judgment is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, information indicating what kind of jackpot is. It includes information indicating a variation pattern of a special symbol, information indicating a gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Here, the winning start opening information is acquired when the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the same reserved storage area are won by the game ball in the first starting opening 21. This is information indicating whether or not the game ball was acquired when the game ball won a prize in the second starting port 22. The pre-determination information including such information is stored in the same reserved storage area as the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number used in the pre-determination process.

In the game machine 1, each time a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21, the five pieces of information explained based on FIG. 17B are displayed in order from the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831. -It is stored in any of the first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1 and the fourth reserved storage area 834. Further, each time the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 22, the above five pieces of information are displayed in the order of the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area 835 from the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2. It is stored in any of the fourth reserved storage areas 838.

For example, in a state where the information is stored in the determination storage area 830 and the information is not stored in any of the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1/4 reserved storage area 834, the first When the game ball wins a prize in the starting port 21, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired in response to the winning are stored in the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831. Further, for example, the first start port 21 has five pieces of information stored in each of the determination storage area 830, the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831, and the special figure 1/2 reserved storage area 832. When the game ball wins a prize, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired according to the prize are stored in the special figure 1 and 3 reserved storage areas 833.

Further, when the information stored in the special figure 1 / 1st reserved storage area 831 is shifted to the determination storage area 830 when the first special symbol determination is executed, the special figure 1 / 2nd reserved storage area 832 or later is used. The information stored in the reserved storage area related to the first special symbol determination is shifted to the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 side. For example, the information stored in the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831 while the information is stored in each of the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1 and the third reserved storage area 833. When the determination storage area 830 is shifted, the information stored in the special figure 1 and 2 reserved storage areas 832 is shifted to the special figure 1 and 1 reserved storage area 831, and the special figure 1 and 3 reserved storage areas are stored. The information stored in the area 833 is shifted to the special figure 1 and the second reserved storage area 832.

Such information shift processing is also performed in the special figure 2 / first reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2/4 reserved storage area 838 in which the information related to the second special symbol determination is stored. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are reserved, that is, the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 and the special figure 2 / first reserved When information is stored in both of the storage areas 835, the special figures 2 and 2 are prior to the shift processing for the special figure 1 and 1st reserved storage areas 831 to the special figure 1 and 4 reserved storage areas 834. 1 The shift process for the reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2 and the fourth reserved storage area 838 is prioritized.

By the way, even if a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22 and various random numbers are acquired during the variable display of the special symbol or during the big hit game, the special symbol determination or the variable display of the special symbol is displayed. It cannot be done immediately. Therefore, when various random numbers are acquired under such a situation, the main CPU 81 uses the acquired various random numbers and the like as information for retaining the right of special symbol determination as the reserved storage area 831. It is supposed to be stored in any of the areas of ~ 838. On the other hand, when the special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner, the special symbol determination is not suspended, and the jackpot game is not in progress, the main CPU 81 receives various random numbers and the like acquired as a trigger for the start opening prize. It is directly stored in the determination storage area 830.

[Interrupt processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the interrupt processing executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the main control board 80. The main control board 80 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 18 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. .. The processing of the main control board 80 described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 18 is performed according to an instruction issued by the main CPU 81 based on the program stored in the main ROM 82.

First, the main CPU 81 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, a variable pattern random number, and a normal symbol random number (step S1). The jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, the fluctuation pattern random number, and the normal symbol random number are added by "1" each time the process of this step S1 is performed. A loop counter is used as the counter that performs the process of step S1, and each random number is returned to "0" and updated after reaching the preset maximum value.

Following the process of step S1, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers according to the input of the detection signals from the sensors of the first start port sensor 211, the second start port sensor 221 and the gate sensor 251. The sensor detection process including the process is executed (step S2). This sensor detection process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S2, the main CPU 81 executes a special symbol determination to cause the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 to display the special symbol in a variable manner, and then the determination result of the special symbol determination. A special symbol process including a process of stopping and displaying the special symbol indicating the above is executed (step S3). This special symbol processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 21.

Following the process of step S3, the main CPU 81 executes a normal symbol determination, causes the normal symbol display 43 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and then stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Ordinary symbol processing is executed (step S4).

Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 81 controls the second start port solenoid 222 to operate the opening / closing member 23 when it is determined that the second start port 22 is to be opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. 2 The second starting port opening / closing control process for opening / closing the starting port 22 is executed (step S5).

Following the process of step S5, when the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot determination process executed in the special symbol process of step S3 is a "big hit", the first big prize opening solenoid 262 (or the second big prize) The large winning opening opening / closing control process for opening / closing the first special winning opening 26 (or the second special winning opening 28) is executed by controlling the mouth solenoid 282) (step S6).

Following the process of step S6, the main CPU 81 executes a prize ball process for controlling the payout of the prize ball according to the winning of the game ball (step S7).

Following the processing in step S7, the main CPU 81 transmits to the sub-control board 90 information necessary for determining various commands set (stored) in the main RAM 83 and the effect contents in the processing step before step S7. The process is executed (step S8).

[Sensor detection processing by the main control board 80]
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of the sensor detection process in step S2 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 19, in the main CPU 81, following the random number update process in step S1, the gate sensor 251 passes the game ball to the gate 25 based on the presence / absence of the input of the detection signal from the gate sensor 251. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (step S201). Here, when it is determined that the gate sensor 251 has detected the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 (step S201: YES), the hold number F for the normal symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is set in advance. It is determined whether or not it is less than the maximum number of pending symbols Fmax (“4” in this embodiment) for symbol determination (step S202).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number F is less than "4" (step S202: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the hold number F to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S203), and the random number update process in step S1 is performed. With respect to the normal symbol random number updated every time the random number is performed, the value of the timing at which the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 is detected is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83 (step S204).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S204 and determines that the gate sensor 251 has not detected the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 (step S201: NO), the hold number F is less than "4". If it is determined that this is not the case (step S202: NO), the second start port sensor 221 detects that the game ball has won a prize for the second start port 22 based on the presence or absence of the input of the detection signal from the second start port sensor 221. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S206). Here, when it is determined that the second starting port sensor 221 has detected the winning of the game ball for the second starting port 22 (step S206: YES), the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83. Is less than the preset maximum hold number T2max (“4” in this embodiment) for the second special symbol determination (step S207).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number T2 is less than "4" (step S207: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the hold number T2 to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S208), and the random number update process in step S1 is performed. With respect to the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, which are updated every time the game is performed, the value of the timing at which the winning of the game ball for the second starting port 22 is detected is acquired (step S209).

In this way, various random numbers related to the second special symbol determination are generated according to the establishment of the acquisition condition that the winning of the game ball for the second starting port 22 is detected when the holding number T2 is less than the maximum holding number T2max. To be acquired. When various random numbers are acquired in a situation where the second special symbol determination and the variation display of the second special symbol can be immediately executed, these random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830 and cannot be executed immediately. When various random numbers are acquired in the situation, these random numbers are stored in any of the special figure 2 / first reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2/4 reserved storage area 838.

When the process of step S209 is executed, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state (step S210). The time saving game flag is stored in the main RAM 83. At this time, the time-saving game flag is set to "OFF" when controlling the operation of the opening / closing member 23 so that the game ball is in a low base state in which it is difficult for the game ball to win in the second start port 22, and the game ball is set in the second start port 22. Is a flag set to "ON" when the operation of the opening / closing member 23 is controlled so as to be in a high base state in which a prize is easily won. In step S210, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state based on whether or not the time saving game flag is set to “ON”.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the current state is the high base state (step S210: YES), that is, when the time saving game flag is set to "ON", the pre-determination relating to the hold of the second special symbol determination The process is executed (step S211). Specifically, the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 22) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 23), which will be described later, are executed based on various random numbers acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 22. Based on the various random numbers acquired in the process of step S209, it is determined in advance whether or not it will be a big hit, and the change of the second special symbol when the second special symbol determination is executed. A pre-determination process for predetermining which variation pattern is selected as a pattern is executed. The pre-determination information that is the result of this pre-determination process is stored in the same reserved storage area in which the jackpot random numbers and the like used in the pre-determination process are stored.

If the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 22 while the number of pending numbers T2 for the second special symbol determination is "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol, the winning is received. The various acquired random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830, and the second special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, since the second special symbol determination is not suspended, the preliminary determination process related to the second special symbol determination is not performed. Such a preliminary determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S211 or determines that it is not in the high base state (step S210: NO), the main CPU 81 sets the hold command related to the second special symbol determination in the main RAM 83 (step S212). This hold command is a command for notifying that the second special symbol determination has been held, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S8. If the process of step S212 is performed without the pre-determination process of step S211 being performed, a hold command that does not include the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. On the other hand, when the process of step S212 is performed after the pre-determination process of step S211 is performed, a hold command including the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the second start port sensor 221 has not detected the winning of the game ball for the second start port 22 when the process of step S212 is executed (step S206: NO), the second When it is determined that the hold number T2 of the special symbol determination is not less than "4" (step S207: NO), the first start port sensor 211 is based on the presence / absence of the input of the detection signal from the first start port sensor 211. It is determined whether or not the winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is detected (step S214). Here, when it is determined that the first start port sensor 211 has detected the winning of the game ball for the first start port 21 (step S214: YES), the number of hold numbers T1 for the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83. Is less than the preset maximum hold number T1max (“4” in the present embodiment) for the first special symbol determination (step S215).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number T1 is less than "4" (step S215: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the hold number T1 to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S216), and the random number update process in step S1 is performed. With respect to the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, which are updated every time the game is performed, the value of the timing at which the winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is detected is acquired (step S217).

In this way, various random numbers related to the first special symbol determination are generated according to the establishment of the acquisition condition that the winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is detected when the holding number T1 is less than the maximum holding number T1max. To be acquired. When various random numbers are acquired in a situation where the first special symbol determination and the variation display of the first special symbol can be immediately executed, these random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830 and cannot be executed immediately. When various random numbers are acquired in the situation, these random numbers are stored in any of the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1/4 reserved storage area 834.

When the process of step S217 is executed, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state, as in the process of step S210 (step S218). Here, when it is determined that the current state is not the high base state (step S218: NO), that is, when the time saving game flag is set to "OFF", the pre-determination process relating to the suspension of the first special symbol determination is made. Is executed (step S219). Specifically, the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 22) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 23), which will be described later, are executed based on various random numbers acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21. Based on the various random numbers acquired in the process of step S217, it is determined in advance whether or not it will be a big hit, and the change of the first special symbol when the first special symbol determination is executed. A pre-determination process for predetermining which variation pattern is selected as a pattern is executed. The pre-determination information that is the result of this pre-determination process is stored in the same reserved storage area in which the jackpot random numbers and the like used in the pre-determination process are stored.

If the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 while the number of pending numbers T1 for the first special symbol determination is "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol, the winning is received. The various acquired random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830, and the first special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, since the first special symbol determination is not suspended, the preliminary determination process related to the first special symbol determination is not performed. Such a preliminary determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S219 or determines that it is in the high base state (step S218: YES), the main CPU 81 sets the hold command related to the first special symbol determination in the main RAM 83 (step S220). This hold command is a command for notifying that the first special symbol determination has been held, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S8. If the process of step S220 is performed without performing the pre-determination process of step S219, a hold command that does not include the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. On the other hand, when the process of step S220 is performed after the pre-determination process of step S219 is performed, a hold command including the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

Further, when the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S220, when it is determined that the first start port sensor 211 has not detected the winning of the game ball for the first start port 21 (step S214: NO), or When it is determined that the hold number T1 is not less than "4" (step S215: NO), the general winning opening sensor 241 is playing against the general winning opening 24 based on the presence or absence of the detection signal input from the general winning opening sensor 241. It is determined whether or not the winning (passing) of the ball is detected (step S221).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the general winning opening sensor 241 has detected the winning of the game ball with respect to the general winning opening 24 (step S221: YES), the main CPU 81 sets the general winning opening command in the main RAM 83 (step S222). This general winning command is a command for notifying the general winning 24 that the game ball has won, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process of step S8, and based on this general winning command, the above-mentioned general winning effect is produced. Execution is controlled.

When a game ball wins in the general winning opening 24 provided in the right game area 3R, the above-mentioned general winning effect based on FIGS. 14 to 16 is not executed as a trigger for this winning. It is necessary to control the production. Therefore, the main CPU 81 is on the left side based on which of the general winning opening sensors 241 individually provided for each of the four general winning opening 24s has the detection signal input. Identification that identifies whether the game ball has won a prize in the general winning opening 24 provided in the game area 3L or whether the game ball has won a prize in the general winning opening 24 provided in the right game area 3R, and indicates the identification result. A general winning command containing information is set in the main RAM 83.

[Preliminary determination processing by the main control board 80]
Hereinafter, the pre-determination process executed by the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 20. Here, FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart of the pre-determination process in steps S211 and 219 of FIG. Here, the pre-judgment process performed when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved will be described as an example, but the right of the second special symbol determination is described except that the random numbers and tables used are different. Is suspended, the same pre-determination process is performed.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the high base state is determined in the process of step S210 of FIG. 19 (step S210: YES), or when it is determined in the process of step S218 of FIG. 19 that the main CPU 81 is not in the high base state (step S218: NO), the jackpot determination process is executed (step S2191). Specifically, when the probability is low (in this embodiment, the "normal game state" corresponds to this), the jackpot random number table for low probability (see FIG. 5A) is read from the main ROM 82. Set in the main RAM 83. On the other hand, in the case of a high probability state (in this embodiment, the "probability variation game state" corresponds to this), the jackpot random number table for high probability (see FIG. 5A) is read from the main ROM 82 and stored in the main RAM 83. set. Then, whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S209 of FIG. 19 (or the process of step S217 of FIG. 19) matches any of the winning values stored in the jackpot random number table set in the main RAM 83. Based on this, it is determined whether or not a jackpot will be determined at the start of the fluctuation.

Next, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not it is determined to be a big hit at the start of the fluctuation based on the determination result in step S2191 (step S2192). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192: YES), the jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83. (Step S2193).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192: NO), it determines whether or not the reach effect is performed during the fluctuation (step S2194). Specifically, the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S2191 is the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82 (for the effect with reach in FIG. 5 (D)). Based on whether or not it matches with the corresponding random number value), it is determined whether or not the reach effect is performed during the fluctuation.

When it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed (step S2194: YES), the main CPU 81 reads out the reach loss variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7B) from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S2195).

By the way, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing" and the reach effect is not performed during the change, the first special symbol is based on the number of pending first special symbol determination at the start of the change. Fluctuation pattern is determined. This is as described above based on FIG. 7 (C). Then, the number of reserved first special symbol determinations may be different before and after the reserved first special symbol determination is digested. Therefore, 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. be. That is, for the right of the first special symbol determination in which the reach effect is not performed during the variation, it may not be possible to acquire an accurate variation pattern of the first special symbol prior to the first special symbol determination.

Therefore, when it is determined by the main CPU 81 that the reach effect is not performed (step S2194: NO), the variation pattern random number determination process of step S2196 described later and the process of storing the preliminary determination information of step S2197 are performed. The process proceeds to step S212 (or step S220) of FIG. Therefore, when the determination result of the special symbol determination becomes "missing" and the effect without reach is performed, the hold command that does not include the advance determination information is set.

When the main CPU 81 sets the variation pattern selection table for big hits or the variation pattern selection table for reach loss, the main CPU 81 executes the variation pattern random number determination process (step S2196). Specifically, the variation pattern random number acquired at the start opening winning along with the jackpot random number used in the process of step S2191 is among the random number values defined in the variation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83. Based on which random number value of the throat matches, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol to be selected in the special symbol determination performed at the start of the fluctuation is specified.

When the process of step S2196 is executed, the main CPU 81 generates pre-determination information and stores it in the main RAM 83 (step S2197). The area in which the prior determination information is stored is as described above based on FIG.

In this way, the main CPU 81 is based on the acquisition information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins the first start opening 21 (or the second start opening 22), and the jackpot based on this acquisition information. Prior to the determination process and the variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern (that is, the variation time) of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) is acquired.

[Special symbol processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the details of the special symbol processing executed by the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 21. Here, FIG. 21 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 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 "OFF" at the end of the jackpot game. Here, if it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol processing in step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not in progress (step S301: NO), the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). Here, when it is determined that the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or more. (Step S303). Here, when it is determined that the hold number T2 is "1" or more (step S303: YES), the hold number T2 is updated to a value subtracted by "1" (step S304).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number T2 is not "1" or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the hold number T1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or more. (Step S305). Here, when it is determined that the hold number T1 is "1" or more (step S305: YES), the hold number T1 is updated to a value subtracted by "1" (step S306).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 81 executes a shift process for the reserved storage area of the main RAM 83 (step S307). Specifically, when the process of step S307 is executed following the process of step S304, the shift process of shifting the information stored in the first reserved storage area 835 to the determination storage area 830 is executed. do. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved storage area after the special figure 2 second reserved storage area 836, the shift process for shifting the information to the special figure 2 first reserved storage area 835 side. Also execute. On the other hand, when the shift process is executed following the process of step S306, the shift process for shifting the information stored in the first reserved storage area 831 of FIG. 1 to the determination storage area 830 is executed. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved storage areas after the special figure 1 and 2 reserved storage areas 832, the shift process for shifting the information to the special figure 1 and 1 reserved storage area 831 side. Also execute.

When the main CPU 81 stores the information necessary for the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) such as the jackpot random number and the symbol random number by the shift process in step S307 in the determination storage area 830, the main CPU 81 is based on these information. , The jackpot determination process in step S308 and the variation pattern selection process in step S309 are executed.

It should be noted that the first start of the game ball is in a state where both the hold number T1 for the first special symbol determination and the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination are "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol. When a prize is won in the mouth 21 (or the second starting mouth 22), information such as a jackpot random number and a symbol random number acquired in response to the prize is directly stored in the determination storage area 830. In such a case, the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process are executed without executing the shift process in step S307.

The main CPU 81 executes the jackpot determination process based on the random numbers stored in the determination storage area 830 (step S308). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is determined to be a jackpot, the type of jackpot (big hit symbol) is determined. Then, the setting information of the special symbol indicating the result of these processes is set in the main RAM 83. This jackpot determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 22.

Following the jackpot determination process in step S308, the main CPU 81 executes a variation pattern selection process for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (step S309). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 23.

Following the process of step S309, the main CPU 81 determines whether the special symbol setting information set in the process of step S308, the setting information of this special symbol is related to the first special symbol determination, or the second special symbol determination. A fluctuation start command including information indicating whether the information is related, setting information of the fluctuation pattern selected in the process of step S309, information on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like is set in the main RAM 83 (step S310). This variation start command is a command instructing the start of the effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S8. As a result, the variable effect including the variable display of the effect symbol on the display screen 70 is started.

Following the process of step S310, the main CPU 81 starts the variation display of the special symbol based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command set in the process of step S310 (step S311). At that time, when the processes of steps S308 to S310 are performed with the information related to the first special symbol determination stored in the determination storage area 830, the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 41 Starts the variable display of. On the other hand, when the processes of steps S308 to S310 are performed with the information related to the second special symbol determination stored in the determination storage area 830, the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 42 Start variable display.

Next, the main CPU 81 starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the variation display of the special symbol in step S311 (step S312). When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S312 or determines that the special symbol variation is being displayed (step S302: YES), the elapsed time when the measurement is started in the process of step S312 is the variation of step S309. It is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in the pattern selection process has been reached (step S313). Here, if it is determined that the elapsed time has not reached the fluctuation time (step S313: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol processing in step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the elapsed time has reached the variation time (step S313: YES), the main CPU 81 sets a variation end command in the main RAM 83 to notify that the variation display of the special symbol ends (step S314). This variable end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S8. As a result, a process of stopping and displaying the effect symbols that have been variablely displayed on the display screen 70 in a manner showing the determination result of the special symbol determination is performed.

Following the process of step S314, the main CPU 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol started in the process of step S311 (step S315). Specifically, the special symbol (big hit symbol or lost symbol) set in the process of step S308 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display that has been variablely displaying the special symbol. The stop display of this special symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (for example, 0.5 second) has elapsed.

In this way, the main CPU 81 displays the special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 in a variable manner, and then displays the special symbol (big hit symbol or lost symbol) indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process. The first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is stopped and displayed.

Following the process of step S315, the main CPU 81 resets the elapsed time at which the measurement was started in the process of step S312 (step S316), and when the special figure is stopped including the process of starting the jackpot game when the jackpot is a big hit. The process is executed (step S317). This special figure stop processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 24.

[Big hit determination process by the main control board 80]
FIG. 22 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. First, the main CPU 81 executes a jackpot determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the determination storage area 830 (step S3081). Specifically, whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is a jackpot based on whether or not it matches a preset winning value (see FIG. 5A). judge. The winning value here is a jackpot winning value specified 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 (in this embodiment, the "probability variation game state" corresponds to this), the winning value stored in the jackpot random number table for high probability is used. On the other hand, when the jackpot determination is executed in the low probability state (in this embodiment, the "normal game state" corresponds to this), the winning value stored in the jackpot random number table for low probability is used. To.

In this way, the main CPU 81 starts by storing the acquisition information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins in the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 in the determination storage area 830. When the condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not to execute the jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

Following the process of step S3081, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is "big hit" (step S3082). Here, when it is determined that the determination result of the jackpot determination is not "big hit" (step S3082: NO), that is, when the determination result of the jackpot determination is "missing", the setting information of the losing symbol is set in the main RAM 83. (Step S3083). As a result, during the process of step S315, the lost symbol set here 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.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the determination result of the jackpot determination is "big hit" (step S3082: YES), the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. The jackpot symbol selection process for selecting is executed (step S3084). Specifically, when the symbol random number stored in the determination storage area 830 together with the jackpot random number used for the jackpot determination in step S3081 is related to the first special symbol determination, the symbol random number is , One of the jackpot symbols is selected based on which jackpot symbol matches the random number value specified in the symbol determination table for winning the first start opening (see FIG. 5 (B)). If the symbol random number is related to the second special symbol determination, which jackpot symbol is defined in the symbol determination table for winning the second starting opening (see FIG. 5C). Select one of the jackpot symbols based on whether it matches the random number value of.

Then, the main CPU 81 sets the setting information of the selected jackpot symbol in the main RAM 83 (step S3085). As a result, during the process of step S315, the jackpot symbol set here is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and then the jackpot game according to the jackpot symbol. Will be done.

[Variation pattern selection process by main control board 80]
FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart of the fluctuation pattern selection process in step S309 of FIG. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. 21, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3081 is a jackpot (step S3091). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit (step S3091: YES), the jackpot variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3092).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3091: NO), the reach random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82 (for the effect with reach). Based on whether or not it matches with the corresponding random number value), it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect that causes the player to expect a big hit (step S3093). Here, when it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed (step S3093: YES), the reach loss variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7B) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3094). On the contrary, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3093: NO), the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach (see FIG. 7C) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3095). ..

The main CPU 81 executes the variation pattern random number determination process with reference to the variation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83 by the process of step S3092, the process of step S3094, or the process of step S3095 (step S3096). Specifically, when the variation pattern selection table for jackpot or the variation pattern selection table for reach loss is set in the main RAM 83, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is set. One variation pattern is selected by reading from the variation pattern selection table. Further, when the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach is set in the main RAM 83, the hold number T1 for the first special symbol determination (or the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination) stored in the main RAM 83 is used. One variation pattern is selected by specifying the number of holds and reading the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of holds from the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach. By selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in this way, the variation time of the special symbol is inevitably determined.

When the fluctuation pattern is selected, the main CPU 81 sets the setting information of the selected fluctuation pattern in the main RAM 83 (step S3097). The fluctuation pattern setting information is included in the fluctuation start command and transmitted to the sub control board 90 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 83 by the jackpot determination process in step S308 described above.

[Processing when the special figure is stopped by the main control board 80]
FIG. 24 is a detailed flowchart of the special figure stop processing in step S317 of FIG. After resetting the elapsed time by the process of step S316, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not it is a big hit, as in the process of step S3082 (see FIG. 22), as illustrated in FIG. 24 (step). S3171). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step S3171: YES), the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" (step S3172).

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the probabilistic game flag stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3173), and sets the time saving game flag also stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3174). ). Here, the probability variation game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the special symbol determination is a relatively high probability state.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state is controlled by setting the probabilistic gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag. That is, when the gaming state is controlled to the "probability-changing gaming state", both the probabilistic gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag are set to "ON". Further, when the gaming state is controlled to the "normal gaming state", both the probabilistic gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag are set to "OFF". In another embodiment, the probability variation game flag may be set to "OFF" and the time saving game flag may be set to "ON" so that the game is controlled in the "time saving game state".

Following the process of step S3174, the main CPU 81 sets an opening command in the main RAM 83 for notifying that the jackpot game is started (step S3175). This opening command includes information such as the type of big hit, the opening pattern of the first big winning opening 26 (or the second big winning opening 28) during the big hit game, and the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process of step S8. Will be sent to.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3171: NO), it determines whether or not the probabilistic game flag is set to "ON" (step S3176). Here, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S3176: YES), that is, when the special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state, the high probability stored in the main RAM 83 is high. The game remaining number K is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S3177). The high-probability game remaining number K indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in the high-probability state.

Following the process of step S3177, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the high-probability game remaining number K is “0” (step S3178). Here, when it is determined that the high-probability game remaining number K is "0" (step S3178: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "OFF" (step S3179). As a result, the special symbol determination is performed in a low probability state.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S3179, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is not set to "ON" (step S3176: NO), or the high probability game remaining number K is not "0". If it is determined (step S3178: NO), it is determined whether or not the time saving game flag is set to "ON" (step S3180). Here, when it is determined that the time saving game flag is set to "ON" (step S3180: YES), the time saving game remaining number J stored in the main RAM 83 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step). S3181). The time-saving game remaining number J indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in the time-saving state (high base state).

Following the process of step S3181, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the time-saving game remaining number J is "0" (step S3182). Here, when it is determined that the time-saving game remaining number J is "0" (step S3182: YES), the time-saving game flag is set to "OFF" (step S3183). As a result, the support function for facilitating the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 is not provided.

[Game state setting process by the main control board 80]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a game state setting process executed at the end of the big hit game on the main control board 80. In the gaming machine 1, the jackpot game is executed by the big winning opening opening / closing control process in step S6, but when the ending period in this jackpot game ends, the gaming state setting for setting the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game ends. The process is executed.

The main CPU 81 determines whether or not the ending period in the jackpot game has ended during the jackpot game (step S631). Here, when it is determined that the ending period has ended (step S631: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S632), and the high probability game remaining number K is set to, for example, "80" (step). S633). By performing the processing of step S632 and the processing of step S633, the high probability state continues until the special symbol determination is executed 80 times.

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the time saving game flag to "ON" (step S634), and sets the time saving game remaining number J to, for example, "80" (step S635). By performing the processing of step S634 and the processing of step S635, the high base state will continue until 80 special symbol determinations are executed. Then, by performing a series of processes from step S632 to step S635, the game is controlled in the probabilistic game state from the end of the jackpot game until the special symbol determination is executed 80 times.

[Interrupt processing by sub-control board 90]
When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 sets an interrupt cycle, which is a cycle for performing interrupt processing described later. Then, the sub CPU 91 repeats a random number update process for updating the effect random number or the like used for determining the effect content in a predetermined cycle shorter than the interrupt cycle. That is, while the gaming machine 1 is running, the sub CPU 91 repeats the random number update process at a predetermined cycle and repeats the interrupt process at the interrupt cycle.

Hereinafter, the interrupt processing executed on the sub-control board 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 26. Here, FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the sub-control board 90. The sub CPU 91 repeatedly executes a series of processes exemplified in FIG. 26 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in the same manner as the interrupt process (see FIG. 18) performed on the main control board 80. The processing performed by the sub control board 90 described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 26 and 26 is performed according to an instruction issued by the sub CPU 91 based on the program stored in the sub ROM 92.

First, when the sub CPU 91 receives a command from the main control board 80, the sub CPU 91 executes a command reception process that performs a process according to the command (step S10). This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 27.

Following the process of step S10, the sub CPU 91 is the first shown in FIG. 1 based on the presence / absence of input of operation information from the first effect button sensor 96 or the second effect button detection sensor 97 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 has been operated (step S30). Here, when it is determined that the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 has been operated (step S30: YES), an operation command for notifying that fact is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S31). By transmitting this operation command to the image / sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120, processing for realizing the effect on the effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 is performed. ..

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S31, or when it is determined that neither the first effect button 35 nor the second effect button 36 is operated (step S30: NO), the sub CPU 91 executes the command transmission process. (Step S32). Specifically, the command set in the sub RAM 93 by the command reception process in step S10 or the process in step S31 is transmitted to the image / sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120). By executing this command transmission process, the image / acoustic control board 100 is instructed to execute an effect by displaying an image, outputting an effect sound, or the like, and lighting various lamps or executing an effect by a movable accessory or the like is a lamp. Instructed to control board 120.

Following the process in step S32, the sub CPU 91 executes the data transfer process (step S33). Specifically, since the data related to the image / sound control is transmitted from the image / sound control board 100, the data is transferred to the lamp control board 120. As a result, the effect by the effect means such as the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, and the movable decorative member 14 is controlled by the lamp control board 120 so as to be synchronized with the effect performed by the image display device 7 and the speaker 38.

[Command reception processing by the sub control board 90]
FIG. 27 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. 26. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the sub CPU 91 first determines whether or not a command from the main control board 80 has been received (step S11). Here, if it is determined that the command has not been received (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S30 described above.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command from the main control board 80 has been received (step S11: YES), the command is transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S212 or the process of step S220 of FIG. It is determined whether or not the command is on hold (step S12). Here, if it is determined that the command is not a hold command (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S15, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes the hold command reception process (step S13). This hold command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 28.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a hold command (step S12: NO), is the command a variable start command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S310 of FIG. 21? It is determined whether or not (step S15). Here, if it is determined that the received command is not the fluctuation start command (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S17, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is the variation start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes the variation start command reception process (step S16). The variable start command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 29.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the variation start command (step S15: NO), the command is the variation end command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S314 of FIG. Whether or not it is determined (step S17). When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command is a variation end command (step S17: YES), the sub CPU 91 stops the effect symbol in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination executed at the start of the symbol variation after ending the variation display of the effect symbol. A variable effect end command instructing the execution of the process to be displayed is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S18).

By transmitting this variation effect end command to the image / sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the process of step S32, the special symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is the first. 1 Along with the stop display on the special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), an effect symbol showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is displayed on the display screen 70. It will be displayed as stopped.

If the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a variable end command (step S17: NO), is the command an opening command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S3175 in FIG. 24? It is determined whether or not (step S19). Here, when it is determined that the received command is an opening command (step S19: YES), an image shows the start of an opening effect such as notifying the type of jackpot or urging the player to hit right during the opening period of the jackpot game. An opening effect start command for instructing the acoustic control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120) is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S20).

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the opening command (step S19: NO), is the command a general winning command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S222 of FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S21). Here, when it is determined that the received command is a general winning command (step S21: YES), the general winning command reception process is executed (step S24). This general winning command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 31. If it is determined that the received command is not a general winning command (step S21: NO), other processing is executed (step S22).

[Holding command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the hold command reception process in step S13 of FIG. 27. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), the sub CPU 91 adds "1" to the hold number of the special symbol determination stored in the sub RAM 93, as illustrated in FIG. 28. It is updated to the value (step S131). Specifically, when the hold command related to the first special symbol determination is received, the hold number related to the first special symbol determination is updated to the value obtained by adding "1", and the hold command related to the second special symbol determination is executed. When it is received, the pending number of the second special symbol determination is updated to the value obtained by adding "1".

Following the process of step S131, the sub CPU 91 performs the following process in order to control the execution of the above-mentioned composite effect based on FIGS. 10 to 13. That is, for example, when the game is controlled in the normal gaming state, the sub CPU 91 receives the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination from the main control board 80, and then the variation end corresponding to the variation start command. Based on whether or not the state is before receiving the command, it is determined whether or not the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state is being executed (step S132). Here, if it is determined that the variation effect associated with the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state is not being executed (step S132: NO), the process proceeds to step S139 described later.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation effect associated with the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state is being executed (step S132: YES), whether or not the remaining variation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Is determined (step S133). Specifically, when the fluctuation start command related to the first special symbol determination is received, the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is specified based on this fluctuation start command. Then, the elapsed time after receiving this fluctuation start command is measured, and the remaining fluctuation time is calculated by subtracting the elapsed time from the fluctuation time of the specified first special symbol. The sub ROM 92 stores a predetermined time to be compared with the remaining fluctuation time calculated in this way, and the sub CPU 91 stores the magnitude of the calculated remaining fluctuation time and the predetermined time stored in advance. By comparing the relationships, the process of step S133 is executed.

By the way, the composite effects that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment are continuous, for example, as is clear from the notation of FIG. 12B, a ball appearance effect, a continuous burst effect, and a large character appearance effect. It consists of multiple productions. Then, such a composite effect suggests how likely it is that the hit notification effect will be finally executed in the variable effect that is executed in association with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. It has a function as a production. Therefore, when executing the composite effect in a form of being combined with the variable effect, it is necessary to complete the compound effect before the execution of the variable effect is completed. This is to prevent a situation in which the composite effect has not been completed even though the stop display of the first special symbol (and the main stop of the effect symbol) is performed according to the end of the variable effect. It is also important.

Therefore, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the remaining fluctuation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S133: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes the processes of steps S134 to S138 for executing the composite effect, while the remaining ones. When it is determined that the fluctuation time is not longer than the predetermined time (step S133: NO), the processes of steps S134 to S138 are not executed, and the processes of steps S139 and subsequent steps are executed in order to limit the execution of the composite effect. It is supposed to be.

Next, when it is determined that the remaining fluctuation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S133: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes the sub CPU 91 based on the fluctuation start command related to the first special symbol determination received from the main control board 80. It is determined whether or not the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation effect in the inside is a specific variation pattern in which the variation time is equal to or longer than the specific time (step S134).

As is clear from the notation of FIG. 11, the composite effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured as an effect suggesting the reliability of the jackpot regarding the variable effect performed at the start of the compound effect. .. Further, since the composite effect is composed of a plurality of effects such as a ball appearance effect, a continuous burst effect, and a large character appearance effect, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, a series of these plurality of effects is used. In order to execute the configured composite effect, the variation pattern of the first special symbol needs to be at least a variation pattern having a variation time longer than the time required for the composite effect.

Therefore, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation effect during execution is a specific variation pattern in which the variation time is equal to or longer than the specific time (step S134: YES), the sub CPU 91 is compounded. While the processes of steps S135 to S138 necessary for executing the effect are executed, if it is determined that the variation time is not a specific variation pattern of a specific time or longer (step S134: NO), the compound effect is executed. It is decided to execute the processes after step S139 without executing the processes of steps S135 to S138 necessary for the execution.

The specific time that defines a specific fluctuation pattern is not particularly limited as long as the above requirements are satisfied, but may be, for example, 30 seconds. In this way, if the specific time is set to 30 seconds in advance, as is clear from the notation in FIG. 7, when the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol is the fluctuation pattern for jackpot or the fluctuation pattern for reach loss (variation). The compound effect can be generated only when the time is 30 seconds or more), and since the jackpot reliability is extremely low, the compound effect should not be combined. When is displayed in a variable manner, the configuration can be such that the compound effect does not occur.

Returning to the description of FIG. 28, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation effect during execution is a specific variation pattern in which the variation time is equal to or longer than the specific time (step S134: YES), execute the compound effect lottery for deciding whether or not to execute the compound effect (step S135). Specifically, the sub CPU 91 acquires, for example, the value at the time when the fluctuation start command is received from the main control board 80 with respect to the composite effect random number that is appropriately updated every time the random number update process is performed on the sub control board 90. And store it in the sub RAM 93. Then, in the process of step S135, it is determined whether or not the composite effect random number acquired in this way matches any of the random number values (winning values) to be compared with the compound effect random number stored in the sub ROM 92. judge.

The sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the composite effect based on the lottery result in step S135 (step S136). Here, when it is determined not to execute the compound effect (step S136: NO), that is, when the acquired compound effect random numbers do not match any of the winning values, the processes of steps S137 and S138 are not executed. , The process proceeds to step S139.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the compound effect is to be executed (step S136: YES), that is, when the acquired compound effect random number matches any of the winning values, the sub CPU 91 selects the effect pattern of the compound effect. (Step S138). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a "big hit" based on the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination corresponding to the variation effect being executed. Here, if it is determined to be a "big hit", the jackpot composite effect pattern selection table is read from the sub ROM 92 and set in the sub RAM 93, and if it is determined not to be a "big hit", the reach loss composite effect pattern selection is selected. The table is read from the sub ROM 92 and set in the sub RAM 93.

Then, the sub CPU 91 selects the effect pattern of the composite effect by referring to the composite effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93. Although not shown in the figure, in the composite effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92, the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the effect pattern type of the composite effect (FIG.). 11) and a random number value to be compared with the compound effect random number are associated with each other. In the process of step S137, the sub CPU 91 is based on the determination result of the first special symbol determination specified based on the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination corresponding to the variation effect during execution, and also based on the variation start command. The compound effect pattern type corresponding to the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified in the above and the above compound effect random number used when deciding whether or not to execute the compound effect is set in the sub RAM 93. By reading from the effect pattern selection table, one effect pattern of the composite effect is selected.

When comparing the compound effect pattern selection table for jackpots and the composite effect pattern selection table for reach loss, the former table is more reliable than the latter table. The feature is that the production pattern of the production is easy to select.

Here, when selecting the effect pattern of the compound effect, the case where the compound effect random number used for the compound effect lottery in step S135 is used to select the compound effect random number has been described as an example. It is also possible to select the effect pattern of the compound effect by using another effect random number.

Further, here, the case where the compound effect lottery and the compound effect pattern selection process are executed as separate processes has been described, but for example, regarding both the jackpot compound effect pattern selection table and the reach loss compound effect pattern selection table. By including "no compound effect" as the effect pattern type of the compound effect, the process of determining whether or not to execute the compound effect and the process of selecting one effect pattern of the compound effect are performed. It can also be realized by one process.

When the sub CPU 91 selects one effect pattern of the compound effect in the process of step 137, the sub CPU 91 sets the compound effect start command including the setting information of the compound effect indicating the effect pattern in the sub RAM 93 (step S138). This composite effect start command is transmitted to the image / sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120) by the command transmission process in step S32 of FIG. 26, and the image / sound control CPU 101 (and the lamp CPU 121) is used for this composite effect start command. By executing the processing based on the variable effect, the compound effect is compounded during the execution of the variable effect.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above based on FIG. 12B, a common effect as a notice effect is provided at the start of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. In the case where it is set to be executed, if the composite effect is executed before the common effect is executed, the common effect is not executed. Therefore, in order to realize such an effect control, the sub CPU 91 holds in the sub RAM 93 information indicating the advance notice effect pattern set in the advance notice effect pattern setting process of step S164 in FIG. 29, and this information. Based on, it is specified whether or not the common effect is executed during the execution of the variable effect. When it is specified that the common effect is executed during the execution of the variable effect, the information indicating the advance notice effect pattern and the effect pattern of the composite effect selected by the compound effect pattern selection process in step S137 are used. , Specify which of the compound effect and the common effect will be started first. Here, when it is specified that the composite effect is started first, the compound effect start command including the information instructing not to execute the common effect instructed at the start of the variable effect being executed is set in the sub RAM 93.

By executing such a series of processes, when a compound effect occurs during the execution of the variable effect, a common effect that has the same effect content as this compound effect (in this embodiment, a large character appearance effect) is performed on the same day. It is intended to prevent execution within fluctuations.

(Regarding restrictions on compound production)
Although not shown in FIG. 28, there are the following restrictions regarding the execution of the composite effect. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when developing from normal reach to SP reach, when developing from normal reach to SPSP reach, and when developing from SP reach to SPSP reach. , A similar loss effect and a development effect (see FIG. 9B) may be executed, respectively. Here, the similar loss effect is an effect in which three effect symbols indicating reach loss eyes, such as "767", are displayed in a pseudo-stop manner over a predetermined time in order to make it appear that the loss notification effect is being executed. In addition, the development effect resumes the scroll display of the middle row symbol row including the middle symbol among the three effect symbols that are pseudo-stopped and displayed by this similar loss effect, and reaches to a higher reach effect. It is a production display showing how the production develops.

Among the reach effects, these similar loss effects and development effects are important effects for players who expect a big hit, so the combined effect is executed in a form that overlaps with at least one of these similar loss effects and development effects. It is not desirable to be done.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, and the compound effect is triggered by this prize. If the compound effect is executed in a form that overlaps with both or one of the similar loss effect and the development effect when the above is started, the compound effect is not executed.

Further, at the end of the variable effect, for example, three effect symbols indicating reach loss or doublet are displayed as pseudo-stops for a predetermined time, and then the main stop is performed. In this way, the variable effect is performed at the start of the variable effect. The winning notification effect of displaying the three effect symbols in a pseudo-stop display and then the main stop display in the mode of showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination is also one of the extremely important effects for the player who expects a big hit. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, and the compound effect is triggered by this prize. Even if the combined effect is not completed by the time the winning notification effect (pseudo-stop display of the three effect symbols) is started, the combined effect is not executed.

In addition, the compound effect is in parallel with the variation effect as an effect that suggests the jackpot reliability of the variation effect when the variation effect is executed along with the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. It is a production to be executed. For this reason, in the so-called customer waiting state where the jackpot game is not in progress, the special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner, and the right to determine the special symbol is not reserved, the game ball is placed at the first starting port 21. Even if a prize is won, the composition is adopted such that the compound production is not executed with this prize as an opportunity. What is executed with this prize as an opportunity is not a compound production but a variable production.

(About processing related to icon change production)
Next, returning to the description of FIG. 28, a process for realizing the icon change effect will be described.
When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S138 and determines that the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state is not being executed (step S132: NO), the remaining variation time is predetermined. When it is determined that the time is not longer (step S133: NO), when it is determined that the fluctuation pattern is not specific (step S134: NO), or when it is determined that the compound effect is not executed (step S136: NO). It is determined whether or not the received hold command includes the pre-determination information (step S139). Here, when it is determined that the received hold command does not include the prior determination information (step S139: NO), the hold icon display command is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S140). This hold icon display command is a command for instructing the display of the hold icon, which does not include the setting information of the icon change effect (icon change effect pattern information described later), and is the image / sound control board 100 by the command transmission process of step S32. And is transmitted to the lamp control board 120.

When the image / sound control CPU 101 of the image / sound control board 100 receives, for example, a hold icon display command related to the first special symbol determination that does not include the setting information of the icon change effect, the image / sound control CPU 101 controls the drawing process by the VDP 104 to hold the hold icon. A white hold icon is displayed in the display area 71. As for this white hold icon, the above-mentioned icon change effect is not performed because the setting for the icon change effect is not made.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the received hold command includes the pre-determination information (step S139: YES), the sub CPU 91 stores the pre-determination information in the sub RAM 93 (step S141). Next, the sub CPU 91 executes the icon change effect lottery (step S142). Specifically, first, the icon change effect random number is acquired and stored in the sub RAM 93. This icon change effect random number is added by "1" each time the above-mentioned random number update process is performed, and the sub CPU 91 acquires the count value at the time of receiving the hold command as the icon change effect random number, and the change effect random number is obtained. It is determined whether or not to execute the icon change effect based on whether or not it matches any of the random numbers related to the icon change effect random number stored in the sub ROM 92 in advance.

Although not shown in the figure, the sub ROM 92 is associated with the pre-judgment result related to the first special symbol determination, the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol, and the random number value related to the icon change effect random number. The table is remembered. The sub CPU 91 refers to this table, and the acquired icon change effect random number is the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the determination result of the first special symbol specified from the prior determination information stored in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S141. It is determined whether or not to execute the icon change effect based on whether or not it matches any of the random numbers associated with the fluctuation pattern. In this table, with respect to the preliminary determination result related to the first special symbol determination, more random values are associated with the "big hit" than with the "loss". Further, the longer the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is, the more random values are associated with it. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the higher the jackpot reliability is, the easier it is to execute the icon change effect, and conversely, the lower the jackpot reliability is, the more difficult it is to execute the icon change effect.

The sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the icon change effect based on the lottery result of step S142 (step S143), and when it is determined to execute the icon change effect (step S143: YES), for example, a random number is used. The effect lottery is performed, one of the effect patterns of the plurality of icon change effects is selected, and the information indicating the selected icon change effect pattern is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S144).

Here, the case where the lottery for deciding whether or not to execute the icon change effect and the lottery for selecting the effect pattern for the icon change effect are separate lottery has been described as an example, but the icon change effect is executed. Whether or not it is executed, and if it is executed, what kind of effect pattern the icon change effect is executed may be determined by one lottery.

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S144 or determines that the icon change effect is not executed (step S143: NO), the sub CPU 91 sets the hold icon display command in the sub RAM 93 (step S145). Specifically, when the process of step S145 is executed following the process of step S144, the hold icon display command including the icon change effect pattern information set in the process of step S144 is set in the sub RAM 93. On the other hand, when the process of step S145 is executed without executing the process of step S144, the hold icon display command that does not include the icon change effect pattern information is set in the sub RAM 93 as in the process of step S140.

If the set hold icon display command is a hold icon display command that includes icon change effect pattern information as setting information for the icon change effect, this hold icon display command is controlled by the command transmission process in step S32. By transmitting to the board 100 (and the lamp control board 120), the display color of the icon (the hold icon or the icon corresponding to the hold icon) changes according to the change pattern selected in the process of step S144. Will be done.

[Variation start command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of the fluctuation start command reception process in step S16 of FIG. 27. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command received from the main control board 80 is the variation start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes a series of variation start command reception processes exemplified in FIG. 29.

That is, the sub CPU 91 acquires the value at the time when the fluctuation start command is received from the main control board 80 with respect to the effect random number appropriately updated by the random number update process in the sub control board 90, and stores it in the sub RAM 93 (step S161). .. Then, the received fluctuation start command is analyzed (step S162).

As described above, this fluctuation start command includes the setting information of the symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process, whether the setting information of this symbol is related to the first special symbol determination, or is related to the second special symbol determination. It includes information on a winning start port indicating whether or not the game is a game, information on setting a variation pattern of a special symbol, information indicating the game state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Therefore, by analyzing the fluctuation start command, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be specified. That is, it is possible to specify whether it is a big hit or a loss, and if it is a big hit, what kind of big hit it is. Further, by specifying whether or not the fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern for loss based on the fluctuation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach. .. Further, it is also possible to specify the fluctuation time of the special symbol based on the setting information of the fluctuation pattern. Further, the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the gaming state.

When the sub CPU 91 analyzes the variation start command, the sub CPU 91 executes a variation effect pattern setting process for setting a 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 variable effect pattern setting process, the variation mode of the effect symbol, the presence / absence of the reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-continuous effect, the type of the effect symbol constituting the reach pattern, the type and content of the reach effect, and the pseudo-continuous effect. The content of, the type of effect symbol to be stopped and displayed, etc. are determined. This variation effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 30.

Following the process of step S163, the sub CPU 91 executes various advance notice effects (for example, step-up effect, dialogue advance notice, group advance notice) when the effect symbol is variablely displayed in the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S163. , Cut-in, etc.) is executed (step S164).

Next, the sub CPU 91 sub-commands the start of the variation effect in the variation effect pattern set in the process of step S163 and the execution of the advance notice effect in the advance notice effect pattern set in the process of step S164. It is set in the RAM 93 (step S165).

This variation effect start command includes information indicating the variation effect pattern set by the process of step S163 and information indicating the advance notice effect pattern set by the process of step S164, and includes the command transmission process of step S32. Is transmitted to the image / acoustic control board 100 and the lamp control board 120. As a result, the variation effect and the advance notice effect in which the effect pattern is determined on the sub control board 90 are realized by the image / sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120.

Following the process of step S165, the sub CPU 91 updates the reserved number stored in the sub RAM 93 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S166). Specifically, when the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 80 notifies the start of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol, the value obtained by subtracting "1" from the number of pending first special symbol determinations. Update to. On the other hand, when the received variation start command notifies the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, the pending number of the second special symbol determination is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1".

[Variation effect pattern setting process by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. 29, and here, the variation effect pattern setting executed when the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination in the normal gaming state is received. The processing will be described. Following the process of step S162, the sub CPU 91 sets an effect symbol to be finally confirmed (mainly stopped) on the display screen 70 along with the stop display of the first special symbol (step S1631). Specifically, based on the symbol setting information included in the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 80, is the special symbol (big hit symbol) indicating the jackpot stopped and displayed at the end of the symbol variation? It is specified whether the special symbol (missing symbol) indicating the loss is stopped and displayed. When it is specified that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, an effect symbol for notifying the jackpot (for example, an effect symbol indicating doublet) is set as the effect symbol to be stopped, and the lost symbol is stopped and displayed. When it is specified that the case is specified, an effect symbol for notifying the loss is set. In addition, when setting the effect symbol for notifying the loss, if the loss is notified after the reach effect is performed, the reach loss eye is set as the effect symbol for notifying the loss, and the reach effect is performed. In the case of notifying the loss, a random eye is set as an effect symbol for notifying the loss.

Next, whether or not the sub CPU 91 needs to perform a reach effect with the variation display of the special symbol based on the setting information of the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the received variation start command. Is determined (step S1632). Here, when it is determined that it is not necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1632: NO), the variable effect pattern of the effect without reach is set (step S1633). For example, from the reachless variation effect pattern selection table to which a plurality of types of reachless effect variation effect patterns are associated with each special symbol variation pattern, any one corresponding to the effect random number acquired in the process of step S161. The variation effect pattern is read out, and the information indicating the variation effect pattern is set in the sub RAM 93.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that it is necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1632: YES), the sub CPU 91 sets a variable effect pattern of the effect with reach (step S1634). For example, from the variation effect pattern selection table for reach, in which a plurality of types of variation effect patterns of reach effect are associated with each combination of the determination result of the special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the special symbol, step S161 is performed. Any one of the variation effect patterns corresponding to the effect random numbers acquired in the process is read out, and the information indicating the variation effect pattern is set in the sub RAM 93.

When the process of step S1633 or the process of step S1634 is performed to display the effect symbol in a variable pattern, which reach effect is to be performed when the reach effect is performed, and when the reach effect is to be developed. Will decide how to develop the reach production.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a variation effect start command instructing the start of the variation effect pattern set in the process of step S1633 (or the process of step S1634) is issued from the sub control board 90 to the image / sound control board 100 (and the lamp). By transmitting to the control board 120), a variable effect including a variable display of the effect symbol is realized.

[General prize command reception processing by the sub control board 90]
FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart of the general winning command reception process in step S24 of FIG. 27. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command received from the main control board 80 is a general winning command (step S21: YES), FIG. A series of general winning command receiving processes exemplified in 31 is executed.

First, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the normal gaming state based on the analysis result of the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 80 (step S2401). Here, if it is determined that the current gaming state is not the normal gaming state (step S2401: NO), the process proceeds to step S30 in FIG. 26.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the current gaming state is the normal gaming state (step S2401: YES), the sub CPU 91 is the first based on the information indicating the number of reserved first special symbol determinations held in the sub RAM 93. 1 It is determined whether or not the number of pending special symbol determinations is "1" or more (step S2402). The general winning effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is executed based on the result of the pre-determination process for the reserved first special symbol determination right, as described above based on FIG. 14 and the like. It is not preferable to execute the general prize-winning effect, which is an effect and causes the player to expect the jackpot game to be executed, in a situation where the right of the first special symbol determination is not reserved.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the number of reserved first special symbol determinations is not "1" or more (step S2402: NO), that is, the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved. If not, in order to limit the execution of the general winning effect triggered by the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 24, the general winning command receiving process is terminated without executing the processing after step S2403.

That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming ball has passed through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (here, the period during which the number of reserved first special symbol determinations in the normal gaming state is "1" or more). In this case, the processing after step S2403 is executed to enable the general winning effect, while the processing after step S2403 is not executed when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within a specific period. Therefore, the execution of general prize-winning production is restricted. It should be noted that, within the specific period here, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner when the number of reserved first special symbol determinations is "0" in the normal game state, or the first in the normal game state. During the period in which the number of reserved special symbol determinations is "0" and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment), the first special symbol determination (and the first) (2) An example is a so-called customer waiting state in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed while the number of pending special symbols) is "0" and the jackpot game is not in progress.

Returning to the description of FIG. 31, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the number of pending first special symbol determinations is “1” or more (step S2402: YES), the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the general winning effect is being executed. (Step S2403). The process of this step S2403 is a process for preventing another general winning effect from being started during the execution of the general winning effect, and when it is determined that the general winning effect is being executed (step S2403: YES), the general winning command reception process is terminated without executing the processes after step S2404. When the general winning effect is executed, the setting information of the general winning effect is set in the sub RAM 93 by the process of step S2411 described later, and this setting information is held in the sub RAM 93 until the general winning effect is completed. To. In other words, the setting information of the general winning effect is discarded from the sub RAM 93 at the end of the general winning effect. Therefore, the sub CPU 91 can determine whether or not the general winning effect is being executed based on whether or not it is held in the setting information sub RAM 93 of the general winning effect.

As described above, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (here, when the general winning effect is not executed), the sub CPU 91 executes the processes of step S2404 and subsequent steps to perform the general winning process. While the winning effect can be executed, if the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within a specific period (here, the general winning effect is being executed), the execution of the general winning effect is restricted. ..

Next, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the general winning effect is not being executed (step S2403: NO), the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the general winning effect can be executed (step S2404). Although not shown in the figure, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-judgment process is executed for the right of the first special symbol determination held during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. , A hold icon (capsule icon) imitating a capsule is displayed based on the result of this pre-judgment process, and when this capsule icon shifts to the icon display area 72 with the start of the look-ahead target change, the capsule moves. An icon change effect may be executed to show how the character appears from the inside. As described above, the general prize-winning effect in this embodiment includes the appearance effect of any character (which may be a swan), and the effect content is similar to the icon change effect related to the capsule icon. It is a production that has been done.

For this reason, the sub CPU 91 is generally in a state where the capsule icon as the hold icon is not displayed in order to limit the execution of the general winning effect in a form compounded with the series of icon change effects related to the capsule icon. When the game ball passes through the winning opening 24, the processing after step S2405 is executed to enable the execution of the general winning effect, while the general winning opening 24 is displayed with the capsule icon as the hold icon displayed. When the game ball passes through, it is determined that the general winning effect cannot be executed (step S2404: NO), and a series of general winning command receiving processing is terminated without executing the processing after step S2405. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, not only when the icon change effect related to the capsule icon is executed, but also when the icon change effect is executed, it is set in the sub RAM 93 by the process of step S144 of FIG. 28. The icon change effect pattern information is held in the sub RAM 93 until the corresponding icon change effect is completed. Therefore, in the process of step S2404, whether or not the sub CPU 91 can execute the general winning effect based on whether or not the icon change effect pattern information of the icon change effect related to the capsule icon is held in the sub RAM 93. It is possible to determine whether or not.

In this way, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (here, when the capsule icon is not displayed), the sub CPU 91 executes the processing after step S2405 to perform the general winning. While the effect can be executed, if the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within a specific period (here, when the capsule icon is displayed), the process after step S2405 is not executed, so that it is general. The execution of the winning production is restricted.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-judgment process is executed for the right of the first special symbol determination that is reserved in the normal gaming state, and the pre-reading target is set as the hold icon based on the result of the pre-determination process. The first special icon suggesting that a predetermined reach effect (for example, SPSP reach) is executed due to the fluctuation, and the second suggesting that a predetermined advance notice effect (for example, group notice) is executed due to the look-ahead target variation. Special icons, special icons such as the third special icon that suggests that the effect is executed in a predetermined effect mode (for example, a highly reliable effect mode called a zone) in which the jackpot reliability is relatively high in the change of the look-ahead target. May be displayed. Each of these special icons suggests an effect to be executed in the look-ahead target change, and the display is continued until the corresponding effect is started in the look-ahead target change. Therefore, if the above-mentioned icon change effect is executed for the special icon shifted to the icon display area 72 based on FIG. 14 (P), the function of the special icon may be impaired.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (when the special icon is not displayed), the general winning effect can be executed, while the specific period can be executed. When the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 (when the special icon is displayed), the execution of the general winning effect is restricted.

Returning to the description of FIG. 31, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the general winning effect can be executed (step S2404: YES), the general winning effect is appropriately updated every time the random number update process is performed on the sub control board 90. Regarding the random number, the value at the time when the general winning command is received from the main control board 80 is acquired and stored in the sub RAM 93 (step S2405). Then, based on whether or not the general winning effect random number acquired in this way matches any of the random number values (winning values) to be compared with the general winning effect random number stored in the sub ROM 92, the general prize is generated. A general prize-winning effect lottery for determining whether or not to execute the prize-winning effect is executed (step S2406).

Although not shown in the figure, the sub ROM 92 contains the pre-judgment result (whether or not it is a "big hit") related to the first special symbol determination, the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol, and the above-mentioned general winning effect. A table associated with a random number value (winning value) to be compared with a random number is stored. The sub CPU 91 refers to this table, and the acquired general winning effect random number is associated with the pre-determination information held in the sub RAM 93 and the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified from the pre-determination information. It is determined whether or not to execute the general winning effect based on whether or not it matches any of the random number values. In this table, with respect to the preliminary determination result related to the first special symbol determination, more random values are associated with the "big hit" than with the "loss". Further, the longer the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is, the more random values are associated with it. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the higher the jackpot reliability is, the easier it is to execute the general winning effect, and conversely, the lower the jackpot reliability is, the more difficult it is to execute the general winning effect.

Subsequently, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the general winning effect based on the lottery result in step S2406 (step S2407). Here, if it is determined by the sub CPU 91 that the general winning effect is not executed (step S2407: NO), the processing after step S2408 is not executed, and the series of general winning command receiving processing ends.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the general winning effect is to be executed (step S2407: YES), the determination result of the first special symbol determination indicated by the prior determination information regarding the pre-reading target variation stored in the sub RAM 93 is "big hit". (Step S2408). Here, when it is determined that it is a "big hit" (step S2408: YES), the general winning effect pattern selection table for big hits is read from the sub ROM 92 and set in the sub RAM 93 (step S2409), and it is determined that it is not a "big hit". (Step S2408: NO), the general winning effect pattern selection table for loss is read from the sub ROM 92 and set in the sub RAM 93 (step S2410).

Then, the sub CPU 91 refers to the general winning effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93 by the process of step S2409 or the process of step S2410, selects the effect pattern of the general prize effect, and selects the effect pattern of the general prize effect. The information indicating the above is set in the sub RAM 93 as the setting information of the general winning effect (step S2411).

Although not shown in the figure, in the general winning effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92, the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the general winning effect are started. The number of pending first special symbol determinations, the effect pattern of the general winning effect, and the random value are associated with each other. In the process of step S2411, the sub CPU 91 uses the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by the pre-determination information related to the look-ahead target variation stored in the sub RAM 93, and the sub RAM 93. By reading the effect pattern corresponding to the stored number of pending first special symbol determinations and the general prize effect random number acquired in the process of step S2405 from the general prize effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93. , Select one effect pattern of the general prize effect.

In addition, it is said that the case where the general prize effect pattern selection table for big hits is referred to is easier to execute the general prize effect with higher reliability of the big hit than the case where the general prize effect pattern selection table for loss is referred to. There is a feature. Further, when the former table is referred to, the general winning effect of the effect pattern implying the set value of the jackpot probability is more likely to be executed than when the latter table is referred to. Further, the setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect (see FIG. 14C) is an effect that implies a setting value related to the jackpot probability and deterministically notifies that the hit notification effect is executed in the look-ahead target change. Therefore, when the former table is referred to, the effect pattern of the general prize-winning effect including this setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect may be selected, while when the latter table is referred to, this setting is made. These tables are configured so that the production pattern of the general winning effect including the suggestion / confirmation notification effect is not selected.

Here, the case where the same general winning effect random number used for the general winning effect lottery in step S2406 is used when selecting the effect pattern of the general winning effect has been described as an example, but it is different from the general winning effect random number. You may use the random number of to select the production pattern of the general prize production.

Further, here, the case where the lottery for determining whether or not to execute the general prize-winning effect and the lottery for selecting the effect pattern for the general prize-winning effect are separate lottery has been described as an example, but the general prize-winning effect is executed. It may be decided by one lottery whether or not and what kind of effect pattern is executed when the general prize-winning effect is executed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 31, the sub CPU 91 sets the general winning effect start command including the setting information of the general winning effect set in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S2411 in the sub RAM 93 (step S2412). This general winning effect start command is issued to the image / sound control board 100 (and) almost at the same time as the game ball wins a prize in any of the general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L by the process of step S32 in FIG. It is transmitted to the lamp control board 120). On the other hand, the image / sound control CPU 101 (and the lamp CPU 121) executes the effect control based on the general prize effect start command from the sub control board 90, thereby performing the above-mentioned general prize effect based on FIGS. 14 to 16. Will be realized.

In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within each of the above specific periods, the general winning effect is not executed by not performing the general winning effect lottery in step S2406 as an example. explained. On the other hand, the execution restriction of the general winning effect when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within each of the above specific periods is not limited to this, and for example, the general winning effect lottery itself is executed. However, by lowering the winning probability, the execution probability of the general winning effect may be lowered, thereby limiting the execution of the general winning effect (making it difficult to execute the general winning effect). That is, if the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within a specific period, the general winning effect is not completely prohibited, but the general winning effect is usually not executed, but the general winning effect is executed. You may adopt the configuration that there is also.

[Interrupt processing by the image / sound control board 100]
Next, the interrupt processing executed on the image / acoustic control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 32. Here, FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the interrupt processing executed on the image / sound control board 100. The image / sound control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 32 at regular time intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. ..

First, the image / sound control CPU 101 executes an image display control process for controlling the image display on the display screen 70 based on the command received from the sub control board 90 (step S71). This image display control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 33.

Following the process of step S71, the image / sound control CPU 101 executes an effect sound output control process for outputting various effect sounds from the speaker 38 so as to synchronize with or asynchronously with the screen display performed on the display screen 70. (Step S72).

Following the process in step S72, the audiovisual control CPU 101 executes the data transmission control process (step S73). Specifically, data related to image acoustic control performed on the image acoustic control board 100 is transmitted to the sub control board 90. On the other hand, the sub control board 90 transfers the data received from the image / sound control board 100 to the lamp control board 120. As a result, the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, and the like are controlled so as to be synchronized with the effect performed by the display screen 70 and the speaker 38.

[Image display control processing by the image / sound control board 100]
FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of FIG. 32. The image / sound control CPU 101 first determines whether or not a command transmitted from the sub control board 90 has been received (step S711). Here, if it is determined that the command has not been received (step S7111: NO), the process proceeds to step S72.

On the other hand, when the image / sound control CPU 101 determines that the command from the sub control board 90 has been received (step S711: YES), the setting information included in the command is set in the control RAM 103 (step S712). Then, based on the setting information set in the control RAM 103, it is determined how the effect image should be displayed on the display screen 70, a display list for controlling the drawing process of the VDP 104 is created, and a predetermined area of the control RAM 103 is created. (Step S713), and the display list is set in the display list storage area of the VRAM 106 (step S714). When the VDP 104 executes the drawing process based on the display list set in the display list storage area, the effect display instructed by the sub-control board 90 is realized.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 36. Here, FIG. 34 is a partial front view of the gaming machine 1 for explaining the peripheral lamp 39. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the effect regarding the lamp / speaker effect. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the features of the lamp / speaker effect. The gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment is configured and processed with the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the lamp / speaker effect using the peripheral lamp 39 described later can be further executed. Are common. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the configuration and processing common to the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the configuration and processing different from those of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. Give an explanation.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment includes two peripheral lamps 39. Each of the peripheral lamps 39 is configured to have a plurality of color LEDs arranged so as to surround the speakers 38 provided on the left and right sides of the gaming machine 1. These color LEDs are covered with a translucent resin member having a predetermined decoration, and the player can visually recognize how each color LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 emits light through the resin member. be. The peripheral lamp 39 performs various effects by light by changing the light emission pattern and the light emission color of each color LED.

In the lamp ROM 122, in addition to the light emission pattern data of the LEDs built in the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, and the movable decorative member 14, the light emission pattern data indicating the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 is stored. The lamp CPU 121 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 90 from the light emission pattern data of the peripheral lamp 39 stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and constitutes each of the peripheral lamp 39. Controls the light emission of the LED.

In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when a gaming ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, the first special symbol determination performed in response to this winning is performed. Before the right is reserved and the first special symbol determination is performed for this right, a pre-determination process for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is performed. Then, based on the result of this preliminary determination, an expected effect that causes the player to expect that the big hit game is executed (the hit notification effect is executed) may be executed.

Examples of this expected effect include the icon change effect and the general winning effect (see FIGS. 14 to 16) described in the first embodiment, and the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment has these expected effects. In addition, it is configured to be able to execute an expected effect called "lamp / speaker effect".

[Lamp / speaker production]
The lamp / speaker effect is common to the general winning effect in that it is an effect executed based on the result of the pre-determination process performed in response to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 in the normal gaming state. On the other hand, it differs from the general prize-winning production in the following points.

That is, as described above, the general winning effect is provided in the left gaming area 3L in the situation where the gaming ball wins in the first starting port 21 and the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved in the normal gaming state. This is an expected effect that can be executed at the timing when the game ball wins a prize in any of the three general winning openings 24. On the other hand, the lamp / speaker effect is executed at the timing (winning timing) when the game ball wins the first starting port 21 (an example of a predetermined winning area) in the normal gaming state, and at this winning timing. Later, it may be executed at the timing when another game ball wins a prize at the first starting port 21 (additional winning timing), and the execution trigger and the execution timing are different from the general winning effect.

In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the pre-determination process is performed according to the passage of one game ball through the first starting port 21 in the normal gaming state, it is based on the result of this pre-determination process. When the lamp / speaker effect is executed when one game ball passes through the first start port 21, and after the one game ball passes through the first start port 21, the first start port 21 is added to the other. There are times when it is executed when the game ball of is passed. The flow of the effect when such a lamp / speaker effect is executed is as follows.

That is, when the player makes a left-handed strike in the normal gaming state and one game ball wins in the first starting port 21 (see FIG. 35 (A)), three pieces are placed in the upper plate 33 (or the lower plate 34). Prize balls will be paid out (see FIG. 35 (B)). At that time, although not shown in FIG. 35, when one game ball wins a prize in a state where the hold number T1 of the first special symbol determination does not reach the maximum hold number T1max (“4” in this embodiment). The right of the first special symbol determination is reserved, and the above-mentioned pre-determination process is performed based on the acquisition information (big hit random number, etc.) acquired when one game ball wins a prize. This is as described above based on FIG. 19 and the like.

Next, when the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, a hold icon indicating that effect is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 (see FIG. 35 (C)). As the hold icon, a normal icon is displayed and a special icon is displayed based on the result of the preliminary determination processing, as described above based on FIGS. 10 (D) and 10 (E). In some cases.

Then, in this way, the lamp / speaker effect may be executed almost at the same time as the normal icon (or special icon) is displayed as the hold icon (see FIG. 35 (D)). That is, the hold icon may be displayed and the lamp / speaker effect may be executed almost at the same time as the game ball passes through the first starting port 21.

This lamp / speaker effect is an effect in which the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern and a predetermined effect sound is output from the speaker 38 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). The light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 and the output pattern of the effect sound output from the speaker 38 in the lamp / speaker effect will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 36.

It should be noted that the light emission of the peripheral lamp 39 due to the lamp / speaker effect is performed after the variation display (that is, the look-ahead target variation) of the first special symbol corresponding to the first special symbol determination that is the target of the pre-determination process is started. It will continue until the reach is established in this look-ahead target change. Therefore, the player can recognize that the reach effect is executed due to the change in the look-ahead target when the lamp / speaker effect occurs. Further, since the light emission of the peripheral lamp 39 due to the lamp / speaker effect continues until the middle of the look-ahead target change, the player can easily recognize the correspondence between the lamp / speaker effect and the look-ahead target change.

However, the end timing of the lamp / speaker effect (the light emission end timing of the peripheral lamp 39 due to the lamp / speaker effect) is not limited to the time when the reach is established in the look-ahead target change, for example, the start timing of the look-ahead target change or the look-ahead. It may be the end timing of the pre-target fluctuation immediately before the target fluctuation.

Up to this point, the case where the hold icon display and the lamp / speaker effect are started at the winning timing when the game ball passes through the first start port 21 has been described as an example. The speaker effect may not be executed (see FIG. 35). In addition, in some cases where the lamp / speaker effect is not started at the winning timing, the following effect may be performed.

That is, when the hold icon is displayed at the winning timing, a character appearance effect indicating that a predetermined character appears on the display screen 70 and walks to a predetermined position after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed is displayed. It may be executed (see FIG. 35 (E)). Here, the case where the predetermined time is set to 3 seconds will be described as an example, but the predetermined time may be another time such as a time less than 3 seconds or a time longer than 3 seconds. Further, the case where the character appearance effect is started at the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the winning timing will be described. For example, the character appearance effect is started with the start of the pre-target variation performed first after the winning timing. You may do so.

When a character appearance effect (see FIG. 35 (E)) is performed and a predetermined character moves to a predetermined position, a navel winning promotion effect is performed (see FIG. 35 (F)). This navel winning promotion effect is an effect that encourages the player to hit the left side aiming at the first start port 21, and in the present embodiment, the character who has moved to a predetermined position points to the first start port 21 and "has a navel". It is configured to display the effect of emitting a line saying "Please put a ball in the belly button!" And to output the voice with the same content as this line from the speaker 38.

The navel winning promotion effect is not limited to the effect exemplified in this embodiment as long as the player can be encouraged to launch the game ball aiming at the first starting port 21 (operation of the launch handle 32). Needless to say, for example, other effects such as an effect using only the display screen 70, an effect using only the speaker 38, and an effect of emitting the board lamp 5 near the first starting port 21 may be used. ..

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 35, when the game ball left-handed by the player in response to the above-mentioned navel winning promotion effect wins the first starting port 21, the above-mentioned lamp and the above-mentioned lamp at the winning timing (the above-mentioned additional winning timing). A speaker effect may be performed (see FIGS. 35 (F) and 35 (D)). In addition, the lamp / speaker effect triggered by the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 according to the navel winning promotion effect is a lamp performed at the winning timing when one game ball wins the first starting port 21.・ It is a production common to the speaker production.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, not only the winning timing in which one gaming ball wins in the first starting opening 21 but also the additional winning timing in which another gaming ball wins in the first starting opening 21 thereafter. Lamp / speaker production may be performed even at the winning timing. Therefore, even if the lamp / speaker effect is not executed at the winning timing, the player can be expected to execute the lamp / speaker effect, and the lamp / speaker effect is not executed at the winning timing. Therefore, it is possible to easily suppress a decrease in the player's expectation for a big hit.

The lamp / speaker effect executed after the navel prize promotion effect is an effect executed on condition that an additional prize of the game ball is given to the first starting port 21. Therefore, even if the execution condition of the lamp / speaker effect is satisfied, if the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 does not occur, the lamp / speaker effect is executed after the navel winning promotion effect. Not done (see Figure 35).

By the way, when the lamp / speaker effect is not executed at the winning timing when one game ball wins at the first starting port 21, and then the character appearance effect and the navel winning promotion effect are executed, that is, FIG. 35 (C). When the production progresses in the order of (E) and (F), it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the lamp / speaker production is always executed if another game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21.

However, if such a configuration is easily adopted, the player can tell that the lamp / speaker effect is executed in response to the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 when the character appearance effect is started. It is possible that the player can recognize it, and as a result, the player's expectation that the lamp / speaker effect is executed disappears.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the first starting port 21 after the navel winning promotion effect, there are cases where the lamp speaker effect is executed and cases where the lamp speaker effect is not executed. (See FIG. 35). If such a configuration is adopted, it is not known whether or not the lamp / speaker effect is executed until the game ball additionally wins a prize in the first starting port 21, so that the game against the execution of the lamp / speaker effect. Regarding the launching of a game ball aimed at the first starting port 21, for a player who wants to know whether or not the lamp / speaker effect is executed, which can maintain the expectation of the person for a long period of time. It is possible to give the player an appropriate motivation.

The lamp / speaker effect is a look-ahead effect based on the pre-judgment result, which suggests a jackpot expectation in the look-ahead target change. It is possible that it will interfere with the variable production and the advance notice production that are performed. Therefore, in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the character appearance effect and the navel winning promotion effect are executed, the game ball does not win a prize (additional prize) in the first starting port 21 until the look-ahead target change starts. In that case, even if the execution condition of the lamp / speaker effect is satisfied (even if it is preset to execute the lamp / speaker effect according to the additional prize), the lamp / speaker effect is not executed. It is supposed to be.

(Specific examples of lamp / speaker production and jackpot reliability)
Next, with reference to FIG. 36, a specific example of the lamp / speaker effect and the jackpot reliability will be described. The lamp / speaker effect is an expected effect that suggests the jackpot reliability in the pre-reading target variation by the final light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39. As illustrated in FIG. 36, in the present embodiment, the lamp / speaker effect is produced. As the effect pattern of, six effect patterns of the first effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern are prepared.

The lamp / speaker effect of the first effect pattern is a lamp / speaker effect in which the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in a blue light emitting pattern and the blue corresponding effect sound is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp / speaker effect. The blue light emission pattern here is a light emission pattern in which each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats blue light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start to the end of the lamp / speaker effect.

In the lamp / speaker effect of the second effect pattern, the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in a yellow emission pattern, and with the start of the lamp / speaker effect, a yellow-compatible effect sound (different from the blue-compatible effect sound) is output from the speaker 38. It is a lamp / speaker production. The yellow light emission pattern here is a light emission pattern in which each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats yellow light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start to the end of the lamp / speaker effect.

The lamp / speaker effect of the third effect pattern is a lamp / speaker effect in which the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in the first promotion light emission pattern and the blue corresponding effect sound is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp / speaker effect. .. In the first promotion light emission pattern here, each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats blue light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start of the lamp / speaker effect until a predetermined time elapses. After that, until the lamp / speaker effect is completed, the light emission pattern is such that yellow light emission and white light emission are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle. As described above, the lamp / speaker effect of the third effect pattern is a lamp / speaker effect in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern on the way.

When the lamp / speaker effect of the third effect pattern is executed, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern, a predetermined yellow promotion sound is emitted to the speaker 38. Is output from. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 has been promoted from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern even if the peripheral lamp 39 is not watched.

In the lamp / speaker effect of the fourth effect pattern, the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in a red light emission pattern, and with the start of the lamp / speaker effect, a red color effect sound (different from the blue color effect sound and the yellow color effect sound) is generated. This is a lamp / speaker effect output from the speaker 38. The red light emission pattern here is a light emission pattern in which each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats red light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start to the end of the lamp / speaker effect.

The lamp / speaker effect of the fifth effect pattern is a lamp / speaker effect in which the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in the second promotion light emission pattern, and the yellow corresponding effect sound is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp / speaker effect. .. In the second promotion light emission pattern here, each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats yellow light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start of the lamp / speaker effect until a predetermined time elapses. After that, until the lamp / speaker effect is completed, the light emission pattern is such that red light emission and white light emission are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle. As described above, the lamp / speaker effect of the fifth effect pattern is a lamp / speaker effect in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern on the way.

When the lamp / speaker effect of the fifth effect pattern is executed, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern, a predetermined red promotion sound is emitted to the speaker 38. Is output from. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 has been promoted from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern even if the peripheral lamp 39 is not gazed at.

The lamp / speaker effect of the sixth effect pattern is a lamp / speaker effect in which the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in the third promotion light emission pattern, and the blue corresponding effect sound is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp / speaker effect. .. In the third promotion light emission pattern here, each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats blue light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start of the lamp / speaker effect until the first time elapses. From the start of the lamp / speaker effect to the second time (longer than the first hour), the yellow light emission and the white light emission are alternately repeated in a predetermined cycle, and then the lamp / speaker effect ends. Up to, the light emission pattern is such that red light emission and white light emission are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle. In this way, the lamp / speaker effect of the sixth effect pattern is the lamp / speaker effect in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) in the order of the blue light emission pattern, the yellow light emission pattern, and the red light emission pattern. It has become.

When the lamp / speaker effect of the sixth effect pattern is executed, the yellow promotion sound is output from the speaker 38 when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern. Will be done. Further, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern, the red promotion sound is output from the speaker 38. Therefore, even if the player does not pay attention to the peripheral lamp 39, the player can easily recognize that the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 has been promoted from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern based on the yellow promotion sound. It is possible to easily recognize that the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 has been promoted from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern based on the red promotion sound.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 36, in the lamp / speaker effect of the first effect pattern in which the final emission color of the peripheral lamp 39 is blue, the jackpot reliability in the look-ahead target variation is set to about 5%. There is. Further, in the lamp / speaker effect of the second effect pattern and the third effect pattern in which the final emission color of the peripheral lamp 39 is yellow, the jackpot reliability in the pre-reading target variation is set to about 23%. Further, in the lamp / speaker effect of the fourth effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern in which the final emission color of the peripheral lamp 39 is red, the jackpot reliability in the pre-reading target variation is set to about 66%.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the effect pattern in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 is promoted is prepared during the execution of the lamp / speaker effect, there is a relative possibility that the hit notification effect is executed due to the change in the look-ahead target. It is possible to effectively improve the player's expectation for a big hit, which was considered to be low, and it is possible to obtain a high effect.

(About the processing to realize the lamp / speaker effect)
Next, the process executed by the sub CPU 91 in order to realize the lamp / speaker effect will be described. For example, if a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, and the pre-determination process for that right is executed by the main CPU 81. Will be done. When the pre-determination process is executed, a hold command including the pre-determination information indicating the pre-determination result is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90.

On the other hand, the sub CPU 91 is a lamp speaker based on the pre-determination information included in the hold command received from the main control board 80 and the lamp speaker effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92. Select the production pattern of the production.

In the lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table, the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the effect pattern of the lamp / speaker effect (1st effect pattern to 6th effect pattern, Gase effect pattern, No lamp / speaker effect) and a random number value (compared to the lamp / speaker effect random number) are associated with each other.

The sub CPU 91 acquires the value at the time of receiving the hold command related to the first special symbol determination for the lamp / speaker effect random number that is appropriately updated every time the random number update process is performed on the sub control board 90, and obtains the value of the sub RAM 93. Store in a predetermined area. Then, the sub CPU 91 identifies the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the first special symbol related to the look-ahead target variation based on the prior determination information included in the hold command, and determines the first special symbol. By reading from the lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table the effect pattern corresponding to the determination result of, the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol, and the acquired / stored lamp / speaker effect random number, one effect of the lamp / speaker effect. Select a pattern.

As the effect pattern of the lamp / speaker effect, the first effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern, the Gase effect pattern, and no lamp / speaker effect are prepared. Here, the first effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern are as described above based on FIG. 36. Further, in the case of no lamp / speaker effect, the lamp / speaker effect of FIG. 35 (D) is not executed after the hold icon is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 35 (C), and FIG. 35 (E). It means that the character appearance production of is not executed either. Further, in the Gase effect pattern, after the hold icon is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 35 (C), the character appearance effect and the navel prize promotion effect of FIGS. 35 (E) and (F) are executed. Even if a game ball additionally wins a prize at the first starting port 21, the lamp / speaker effect is not executed, which is a so-called navel effect effect pattern.

Although not shown in the figure, the sub ROM 92 stores a lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table for jackpots and a lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table for reach loss. Here, when the jackpot lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table receives a hold command including pre-judgment information indicating that the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the look-ahead target variation is "big hit". In addition, it is a table referred to by the sub CPU 91. On the other hand, in the reach loss lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table, the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the look-ahead target variation is "loss", and the reach loss variation pattern (reach loss variation pattern) is used as the variation pattern of the first special symbol. FIG. 7B) is a table referenced by the sub CPU 91 when a hold command including pre-determination information indicating that it is selected is received.

These jackpot lamp / speaker effect pattern selection tables and reach loss lamp / speaker effect pattern selection tables have the following features. That is, it is easier to execute the lamp / speaker effect when the jackpot lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to than when the reach loss lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to (lamp / speaker). It is difficult to select no production). In addition, when the reach loss lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, the Gase effect pattern may be selected, while when the jackpot lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, the Gase effect is selected. There is a feature that the pattern is not selected (the random value is not associated with the speaker effect pattern).

Further, when the jackpot lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, the fourth effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern in FIG. 36 are most easily selected, and the second effect pattern and the third effect pattern are most likely to be selected next. It is a pattern, and it is difficult to select the first effect pattern. On the other hand, when the reach loss lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, conversely, the first effect pattern of FIG. 36 is most likely to be selected, and the second effect pattern and the third effect pattern are most likely to be selected next. Yes, it is difficult to select the 4th effect pattern to the 6th effect pattern.

There is no lamp / speaker effect pattern selection table for no-reach loss, and the judgment result of the first special symbol determination related to the look-ahead target variation is "loss", and there is no reach as the variation pattern of the first special symbol. When a hold command including pre-judgment information indicating that a loss pattern (see FIG. 7C) is selected is received, the lamp / speaker effect pattern selection process itself is not performed. ..

(Effects of lamps and speakers)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, it is expected that the player expects the jackpot game to be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination processing related to the first special symbol determination held in the normal gaming state. As an effect, a lamp / speaker effect can be executed. Then, this lamp / speaker effect is not only at almost the same timing (winning timing) when one game ball that triggered the pre-judgment process passes through the first starting port 21, but also another game ball is the first. It may be executed at the timing of additional winning after passing through the starting port 21. For this reason, it is possible to provide the player with an opportunity to judge the first special symbol, and it is surprising to the player who thought that the lamp / speaker effect was not executed because the lamp / speaker effect did not occur at the winning timing. You can feel the sex.

In addition, the execution timing of the lamp / speaker effect includes a winning timing and an additional winning timing, and since both of these winning timings are variable, there are abundant variations related to the execution timing of the lamp / speaker effect. As a result, it is possible to obtain a high effect.

(Modified example of lamp / speaker production)
The following configurations may be adopted for the lamp / speaker effect.
That is, in the second embodiment, when the lamp / speaker effect is not started with the display of the hold icon, the character appearance effect and the belly button prize promotion effect exemplified in FIGS. 35 (E) and 35 (F) are executed. Although the case has been described as an example, in other embodiments, only the character appearance effect of the character appearance effect and the navel prize promotion effect is executed in order to imply that the lamp / speaker effect may be executed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which neither the character appearance effect nor the navel prize promotion effect is executed.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the lamp / speaker effect is an effect using the speaker 38 and the peripheral lamp 39 has been described as an example, but the lamp / speaker effect is added to the speaker 38 and the peripheral lamp 39. The effect may be an effect of further using another effect means (for example, the display screen 70), or an effect of using either the speaker 38 or the peripheral lamp 39. That is, the type and number of the effect means used for the expected effect (here, the lamp / speaker effect) are not particularly limited, and may be different from those exemplified in the second embodiment. Further, the effect content of the expected effect triggered by the additional winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 may be partially or completely different from the effect content of the lamp / speaker effect.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the lamp / speaker effect is executed at the winning timing and the case where the lamp / speaker effect is executed at the additional winning timing is described as an example, but in other embodiments, the lamp is executed. -The speaker effect may not be executed at the winning timing, but may be performed only at the additional winning timing.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the expected effect that can be executed in response to the additional winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is the lamp / speaker effect has been described as an example, but the hit notification effect in the pre-reading target change has been described. The expected effect is not limited to the lamp / speaker effect, but may be another effect as long as the player can expect the player to perform the above. For example, an effect common to the advance notice effect in which the effect pattern is set in the advance notice effect pattern setting process (see FIG. 29) performed at the start of the look-ahead target change is executed according to the additional winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21. Is given as an example.

<About special production mode production>
In the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, the effect may be controlled in the special effect mode with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. Specifically, in the effect of this special effect mode, the background image dedicated to the special effect mode is displayed on the display screen 70 (instead of the background image of the normal effect mode), and the effect sound dedicated to the special effect mode is output from the speaker 38. It is an effect that outputs and changes (promotes) the display color of the icon each time the pseudo-continuous effect is executed.

When entering the special effect mode, for example, the display color of the icon changes from blue to green as the first pseudo-continuous effect is executed, and as the second pseudo-continuous effect is executed. Since the display color of the icon changes from green to red, it is possible to effectively improve the player's expectation for a big hit.

It should be noted that whether or not to execute the effect in the special effect mode, and what kind of effect pattern (the number of times the pseudo-continuous effect is executed and the change pattern of the icon) is used when executing the effect in the special effect mode. For example, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the variation display of the first special symbol is started, but the effect in the special effect mode is executed when a specific variation pattern is selected by the main CPU 81, and other variations. It is not executed when a pattern is selected. Therefore, when the sub CPU 91 receives the hold command including the pre-determination information related to the first special symbol determination, the sub CPU 91 is special in the look-ahead target variation based on the variation pattern of the first special symbol indicated by the pre-determination information. It is possible to specify in advance whether or not the effect in the effect mode is executed.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when the special effect mode is entered due to the change in the look-ahead target, the effect may be executed in the following flow. That is, for example, when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state (see FIG. 37 (A)), the first special symbol determination is performed in response to this winning. The right is reserved, and before the first special symbol determination is made for this right, a pre-determination process is performed to determine whether or not to execute the jackpot game and to specify the variation pattern of the first special symbol. .. At that time, the sub CPU 91 may specify, based on the result of this pre-determination process, that the variation pattern in which the effect in the special effect mode is executed is selected by the main CPU 81 at the start of the look-ahead target variation. In this case, as described above based on FIGS. 35 (B) and 35 (C), the prize ball is paid out and the hold icon for the right of the first special symbol determination is displayed (FIG. 37 (B)). And (C)). Then, as the look-ahead target variation is started, the special effect mode is entered (see FIGS. 37 (D) and 37 (E)).

As described above, when the special effect mode is entered with the start of the look-ahead target change, the following effect may be performed before the look-ahead target change is started. That is, for example, when a predetermined time (for example, 1.5 seconds) has elapsed from the display of the hold icon corresponding to the right of the first special symbol determination, the navel winning promotion effect is performed (FIGS. 37 (C) and (FIG. 37) and See F)). This navel winning promotion effect is an effect that encourages the player to launch a game ball aimed at the first starting port 21, and is an effect that encourages the navel winning. The effect is similar to the navel prize promotion effect, but as the navel prize promotion effect here, a message such as "Generate a special effect mode !!" is displayed together with a predetermined effect image showing the vicinity of the first starting port 21. The production is an example.

When the player strikes left in response to such a navel winning promotion effect and causes the first starting port 21 to win a game ball, the rush notice effect is executed (see FIGS. 37 (F) and 37 (G)). .. This rush notice effect is an effect that announces the rush to the special effect mode prior to the start of the look-ahead target change. As the rush notice effect, a character such as "Special effect mode rush!" Is displayed in a large size in the center of the display screen 70, and a predetermined sound effect is output from the speaker 38 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), and this character display is displayed. An example is an effect that is continued until the special effect mode is entered in the change of the look-ahead target.

Regarding the lamp / speaker effect (see FIG. 35), the case where the lamp / speaker effect may not occur even if the game ball is additionally won at the first starting port 21 has been described as an example. With respect to the above, if a game ball is additionally won in the first starting port 21, a rush notice effect is always generated. For this reason, the rush notice effect can function as a definite notice effect that definitively announces the entry into the special effect mode, and has a strong motivation for the player regarding the additional winning of the first starting port 21. It is possible to give.

Further, since it is confirmed that the effect in the special effect mode is executed here, the look-ahead target changes both when the game ball additionally wins the first start port 21 and when the additional prize is not won. With the start of, the special effect mode is entered (see FIGS. 37 (F), (G), and (D)).

(Effect of rush notice production)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the pre-determining process is performed according to the passage of one gaming ball through the first starting port 21 in the normal gaming state, the result of the pre-determining process. The rush notice effect (an example of the expected effect) based on the above may be executed when one game ball passes through the first start port 21 and then another game ball passes through the first start port 21. Therefore, it is possible to effectively improve the expectation of the player who expects a big hit, and it is possible to obtain a high effect.

(Variation example of rush notice production)
The following configuration may be adopted for the rush notice effect.
That is, in the second embodiment, if the game ball is won (additional winning) in the first starting port 21 according to the navel winning promotion effect (see FIG. 37 (F)), the entry notice effect (FIG. 37 (G)). ) Is always executed as an example, but in another embodiment, when the game ball is won in the first starting port 21 in response to the navel winning promotion effect, the rush notice effect is executed. It may be possible to adopt a configuration in which there are times when it is executed and times when it is not executed. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the special effect mode is not entered when the rush notice effect is not executed, or the special effect mode may be entered even if the rush notice effect is not executed. ..

Further, in the second embodiment, as an expected effect executed when the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 is triggered, an example is a case where a rush notice effect for notifying the entry into the special effect mode is executed. As explained in the above, the expected effect is not limited to this, for example, a reach / notice effect that announces that a highly reliable reach effect (for example, SPSP reach) will be executed due to a change in the look-ahead target, or a group of changes in the look-ahead target. A group / notice effect that announces that a notice will occur, a pseudo-ream / notice effect that announces that a pseudo-ream effect will be executed due to a change in the look-ahead target, and an icon change effect that targets the icon due to a change in the look-ahead target are executed. A notice effect different from the rush notice effect, such as an icon change / notice effect that announces that, may be executed as an expected effect.

Further, in the second embodiment, a case where a rush notice effect (an example of an expected effect) is executed in response to an additional winning of a game ball to the first starting port 21 will be described as an example, but in other embodiments, the case of executing the rush notice effect (an example of the expected effect) will be described. Similar to the general winning effect (see FIG. 14), the expected effect may be executed with the winning of the game ball in the general winning opening 24 as an opportunity. Examples of the expected effects here include reach / notice effects, group / notice effects, pseudo-ream / notice effects, icon changes / notice effects, and the like, in addition to rush notice effects.

[Other variants]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be, for example, the following embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, the expected effect is that the game ball wins a prize in the general winning opening 24 provided in the left game area 3L. The case of executing a general prize-winning effect has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, a gate having the same function as the gate 25 is newly provided in the left game area 3L, and when the game ball passes through this gate, the same as the general winning effect. You may try to execute the expected production of.

Further, in the first embodiment, after displaying the hold icon as shown in FIGS. 10 (D) and 10 (E), the effect of prompting the player to launch the game ball aiming at the first starting port 21 is not executed. However, in another embodiment, after displaying the hold icon (after executing the effect of FIG. 10 (D) or (E)), the above is described based on FIG. 35 (F). A similar navel winning promotion effect may be executed.

Further, in the first embodiment, prior to the above-mentioned general winning effect based on FIG. 14, a general winning is urged to launch a game ball aimed at the general winning opening 24 provided in the left game area 3L. Although the case where the promotion effect is not executed has been described as an example, in another embodiment, for example, the general prize promotion effect is executed in a part of the case where the general prize effect is executed and the case where the general prize effect is not executed. Such a configuration may be adopted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a so-called ST machine, which is a type 1 pachinko gaming machine, has been described. It may be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, which are so-called one-kind and two-kind mixed types.

Further, it is needless to say that the configuration of the gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other configurations and operation modes. Further, the processing order, set value, random value, threshold value used for determination, etc. in the above-mentioned flowchart are merely examples, and the present invention may have other orders or values as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, it can be realized. The drawings and the like exemplified in the above embodiment are merely examples, and may be other embodiments.

[Reference invention]
Hereinafter, the inventions related to the embodiments (Examples) disclosed in the present specification will be disclosed as reference inventions.

(Reference Invention 1)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is
A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
A starting area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the start area, and
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination is made, a symbol display control means for causing a predetermined symbol display means to display the symbol in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the result of the determination.
When the symbol indicating that the special game is determined to be executed by the determination means is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means for executing the special game.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Along with the variation display of the symbol in response to the determination, a predetermined variation effect based on the result of the determination is executed.
It is characterized in that it is possible to execute a composite effect based on the result of the determination corresponding to the variable effect being executed, triggered by the passage of the game medium through the start area during the execution of the variable effect. ..

According to this configuration, when the game medium passes through the start area during the execution of the variation effect, the composite effect based on the result of the determination corresponding to the execution variation effect is executed together with the variation effect. There is. Since this composite effect is an effect in which the effect execution timing changes depending on the timing when the game medium passes through the start area, the execution timing of the compound effect is improved by the synergistic effect of the variable effect and the compound effect. It is possible to easily and effectively suppress the problem that the effect becomes monotonous due to the fact that the effect is fixed, and as a result, the effect of the effect is lowered.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1.
A launching means for launching a game medium into the game area in response to an operation by the player is provided.
The effect control means is
It is characterized in that the composite effect is executed in a manner suggesting that the composite effect is started when the game medium passes through the start area.

According to this configuration, it is suggested by the composite effect that the composite effect is started when the game medium passes through the start area. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the compound effect may be executed if the game medium is passed through the starting area, and the player who wants to generate the compound effect varies. It is possible to motivate the player to continue the operation (for launching the game medium into the game area) even after the effect is started, and to improve the possibility that the compound effect is executed.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 or Reference Invention 1-2.
The effect control means is
It is possible to execute a common effect in which at least a part of the effect content is common to the compound effect.
When the composite effect is not executed during the execution of the variation effect, the common effect is allowed to be executed during the execution of the variation effect, while the composite effect is executed during the execution of the variation effect. When it is executed first, it is characterized in that the execution of the common effect is restricted during the execution of the variable effect.

According to this configuration, if the compound effect is not executed during the execution of the variable effect, the common effect is allowed to be executed during the execution of the variable effect, and conversely, the combined effect is executed during the execution of the variable effect. If is executed first, it is restricted that the common effect is executed during the execution of the variable effect. For this reason, it is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the effect is rather lowered due to the execution of both the compound effect and the common effect in which at least a part of the effect content is common to each other within the same variation. Is.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is any of the gaming machines of Reference Invention 1-1 to Reference Invention 1-3.
The compound effect is characterized in that it is an effect suggesting that the hit notification effect for notifying that the special game is executed may be executed in the variable effect.

According to this configuration, since the compound effect is an effect that suggests that the hit notification effect may be executed in the variable effect, the player who expects the hit notification effect to be executed is asked. It is possible to effectively improve the expectation that the composite effect is executed, and it is possible to obtain a high effect when the compound effect is executed.

(Reference Invention 2)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is
A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
The first winning area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
A second winning area provided in the game area, through which the game medium can pass, and different from the first winning area.
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the first winning area, and
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means.
A holding means that can hold the right of the judgment up to a predetermined number,
A pre-determination means for preliminarily determining whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right held by the holding means.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed.
It is characterized in that the expected effect may be executed when the game medium passes through the second winning area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and this expected effect is different from the first winning area in the second winning area. It may be executed when the game medium passes through the area. Therefore, the player can feel the unexpectedness, and a high effect can be obtained.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1.
The effect control means is
When the game medium passes through the second winning area outside the specific period, the expected effect can be executed, while when the game medium passes through the second winning area within the specific period, the expected effect is achieved. It is characterized by limiting the execution of.

According to this configuration, by setting a specific period to an appropriate period, the expected production is executed, which reduces the interest of other productions, or the timing at which the expected production should not be executed. It is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the expected effect is executed.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or Reference Invention 2-2.
When the game medium passes through the first winning area, the game medium is paid out and the determination is made, while when the game medium passes through the second winning area, the game medium is paid out but the determination is not made. It is characterized by that.

According to this configuration, when the game medium passes through the second winning area, the game medium is paid out, but the determination is not made, but the expected effect may be executed. Therefore, the second winning area can have a meaning other than the payout of the game medium, and it is possible to execute a highly entertaining production utilizing the second winning area.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4 is
A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
A predetermined winning area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the winning area,
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means.
A holding means that can hold the right of the judgment up to a predetermined number,
A pre-determination means for preliminarily determining whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right held by the holding means.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed.
When the pre-determination is performed in response to the passage of one game medium through the winning area, the one gaming medium has passed the winning area with the expected effect based on the result of the pre-determination. It is characterized in that it may be executed later when another game medium passes through the winning area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and this expected effect is one of the games that triggered the preliminary determination. It may be executed not by the passage of the medium but by the passage of another game medium. For this reason, it is possible to make the player feel unexpected while providing an opportunity for judgment, and there are abundant variations related to the execution timing of the expected effect, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a high effect. ..

The inventions of Reference Inventions 1 and 2 may be combined.

1 game machine (pachinko game machine), 2 game board, 3 game area, 3L left game area, 3R right game area, 7 image display device, 12 warp part, 21 1st start port, 22 2nd start port, 23 open / close Materials, 24 General winning openings, 25 gates, 26 1st major winning openings, 28 2nd major winning openings, 38 speakers, 39 peripheral lamps, 41 1st special symbol display, 42 2nd special symbol display, 44 1st Special figure hold indicator, 45 2nd special figure hold indicator, 70 display screen, 71 hold icon display area, 72 relevant icon display area, 80 main control board, 81 main CPU, 90 sub control board, 91 sub CPU, 100 Image-acoustic control board, 101 image-acoustic control CPU, 211 first start port sensor, 221 second start port sensor, 241 general winning port sensor.

Claims (4)

A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
The first winning area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
A second winning area provided in the game area, through which the game medium can pass, and different from the first winning area.
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the first winning area, and
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means.
A holding means that can hold the right of the judgment up to a predetermined number,
A pre-determination means for preliminarily determining whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right held by the holding means.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed.
A gaming machine characterized in that the expected effect may be executed when the gaming medium passes through the second winning area. The effect control means is
When the gaming medium passes through the second winning area outside the specific period, the expected effect can be executed, while when the gaming medium passes through the second winning area within the specific period, the expected effect is achieved. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the execution of the above-mentioned game machine is restricted. When the gaming medium passes through the first winning area, the gaming medium is paid out and the determination is made, while when the gaming medium passes through the second winning area, the gaming medium is not determined to be paid out. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by the above. A game board that forms a game area where the game medium flows down,
A predetermined winning area provided in the game area and through which the game medium can pass,
An acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when the game medium passes through the winning area,
Based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a determination means.
When the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, the special game execution means for executing the special game and the special game execution means.
A holding means that can hold the right of the judgment up to a predetermined number,
A pre-determination means for preliminarily determining whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right held by the holding means.
Equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production,
The effect control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect the special game to be executed.
When the pre-determination is performed in response to the passage of one gaming medium through the winning area, the one gaming medium has passed the winning area with the expected effect based on the result of the pre-determination. A gaming machine characterized in that it may be executed later when another gaming medium passes through the winning area.

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